bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved Forecasts of Tax Revenue via the Permanent Income Hypothesis
Authors: Fisher Lance A. , Kingston Geoffrey
Published: March 2017

During the Costello era, Australian Budgets under‐estimated tax receipts for the upcoming fiscal year on 11 out of 12 occasions. The Swan–Hockey era saw over‐estimates of tax receipts for eight fiscal years in a row. In this way, the last two decades have seen substantial serial correlation in the errors of Budget revenue forecasts, revealing an inefficient forecasting process. We improve the efficiency and accuracy of Budget forecasts of tax revenue by incorporating National Accounts data on household saving behaviour. In particular, the adjustedR2‐statistic is substantially higher. Household saving behaviour also helps to predict nominal gross domestic product growth.
Measurement of Peer Effects
Authors: Ryan Chris
Published: March 2017

Papers that aim to measure peer effects on the educational outcomes of an individual face at least two problems in estimating them convincingly. The first is a sorting problem: in education, individuals who are already alike tend to sort together into similar schools or institutions. The second is the reflection problem: if my peers affect me, do I not also affect them? Solutions to these problems are not straightforward and the methods often used in the literature are contentious, as this review aims to make clear. External manipulation of peer groups, via quasi‐ or full randomisation, provides a necessary starting point.
Computational Approach to Identify Different Injuries by Firearms
Authors: Costa Sarah Teixeira , Freire Alexandre Rodrigues , Matoso Rodrigo Ivo , Daruge Júnior Eduardo , Rossi Ana Cláudia , Prado Felippe Bevilacqua
Published: March 2017

Complications arise in the analysis of gunshot wounds to the maxillofacial region, when neither the projectile nor the gun is found at the crime scene. We simulated 5‐ and 15‐cm firing distances at a human mandible to investigate the external morphology of entrance wounds based on fire range. The ammunition models, .40‐caliber S&W, .380‐caliber, and 9 × 19‐mm Luger, were constructed with free‐form NURBS surfaces. In a dynamic simulation, projectiles were fired against mandibular body 3D model at 5 and 15 cm. All entrance wounds presented oval aspect. Maximum diameter and von Mises stress values were 16.5 mm and 50.8 MPa, both for .40‐caliber S&W fired at 5 cm. The maximum energy loss was 138.4 J for .40 S&W fired at 15 cm. In conclusion, the mandible was most affected by .40‐caliber S&W and morphological differences were observable in holes caused by different incoming projectile calibers fired at different distances.
What one thinks determines one's actions: the importance of employees’ perception in implementing HR systems
Authors: Choi Jang‐Ho
Published: March 2017

Although a number of studies have focused on the mediating relationship between HR systems and performance at both a firm‐level analysis and a cross‐level analysis, only a few have examined the importance of employees’ perception in implementing HR systems. Using a massive database that included 6709 employees in 245 manufacturing firms in South Korea, this study examines the relationship between HR systems and two types of firm performance – financial performance and employee job satisfaction – through regression analyses and hierarchical linear modeling. In addition, the study investigates the mediating effect of the employees’ positive perception of HR systems. The results indicate that HR systems had an influence on the performance of firms and that the employees’ positive perception of HR systems had a mediating effect on the HR–performance relationship in both a firm‐level and a cross‐level analysis.
Malaysia–Korea Commodity Trade: Are there Asymmetric Responses to Exchange Rate Changes?
Authors: Bahmani‐Oskooee Mohsen , Aftab Muhammad
Published: March 2017

We consider the trade balance of each of the fifty‐five industries that trade between Malaysia and Korea and engage in asymmetry analysis. We find that the short‐run effects of exchange rate changes are asymmetric in all industries. However, significant short‐run cumulative or impact asymmetric effects are established only in thirteen industries and significant adjustment asymmetry in twenty‐one industries. Finally, significant long‐run asymmetric effects were evidenced in eighteen industries which included the two largest industries that engage in more than 20 per cent of trade between Malaysia and Korea. Clearly, the results are industry specific and should be extended to other countries.
Inter‐ and intra‐laboratory standardization of TUNEL assay for assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation
Authors: Ribeiro S. , Sharma R. , Gupta S. , Cakar Z. , De Geyter C. , Agarwal A.
Published: March 2017

One of the challenges with the sperm DNA fragmentation results is the inconsistency and the large variability in the results obtained by different techniques. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay quantifies the incorporation of fluoresceinated dUTP into single‐ and double‐strand DNA breaks by labeling the 3′‐OH terminal with TdT. The goal of this study was optimize the TUNEL protocol for assessment of sperm DNA fragmentation by standardization of the method and comparison of the data across two reference laboratories (i) at Basel, Switzerland and (ii) Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA. Semen samples from 31 subjects grouped into three cohorts. Sperm DNA fragmentation was data measured by two experienced operators at two different laboratories using identical semen samples, assay kit, protocol and acquisition settings using identical flow cytometers (BD Accuri C6). No significant differences were observed between the duplicates in any of the experiments performed. By including an additional washing step after fixation in paraformaldehyde, a high correlation was seen between the two laboratories (r = 0.94). A strong positive correlation was observed between the average sperm DNA fragmentation rates (r = 0.719). The mean sperm DNA fragmentation measured in each laboratory was similar. Both flow cytometers were identical in their settings and performance. This inter‐ and intra‐laboratory study establishes that TUNEL is a reproducible assay when utilizing a standardized staining protocol and flow cytometer acquisition settings. Standardization and consensual guidelines for TUNEL validate the assay and establishes TUNEL as a robust test for measuring sperm DNA fragmentation especially in a multicenter setting.
Effects of exercise training intensity on cardiac autonomic regulation in habitual smokers
Authors: Kim Choun‐Sub , Kim Maeng‐Kyu , Jung Hye‐Young , Kim Mi‐Ji
Published: March 2017

Background

The sympathoexcitatory effects of cigarette smoking cause an autonomic imbalance that may lead to cardiovascular disease. Aerobic training improves autonomic function by developing cardiorespiratory fitness; however, it is still uncertain whether aerobic training ameliorates the compromised autonomic modulation in smokers. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 8 weeks' aerobic training at different exercise intensities on autonomic regulation in habitual smokers.

Methods

Healthy males (n = 34) were randomly assigned to a moderate‐intensity aerobic training (MAT, 60% of heart rate reserve [HRR]), a high‐intensity training group (HAT, 75% HRR), or a control group (CG). Training groups performed 8 weeks' aerobic training on a treadmill (3 times/week), but all subjects continued to smoke cigarettes as usual. Heart rate variability was monitored to evaluate the effect of aerobic training on autonomic regulation.

Results

Aerobic training improved autonomic balance despite the continued smoking. In the time domain, rMSSD and pNN50 were significantly increased in HAT than in CG. On spectral analysis, the absolute and normalized units of high frequency (HF) were significantly increased in HAT, whereas the LF/HF ratio and the normalized unit of LF were significantly decreased compared to that in CG. SD1 and the SD1/SD2 ratio of the Poincaré plot analysis were significantly increased compared to CG. Although MAT showed a similar tendency to HAT in nonlinear indexes, there were no significant differences compared to CG.

Conclusion

Aerobic training, particularly high‐intensity training, increases the parasympathetic contribution to the sympathovagal system, leading to an improvement in autonomic balance despite continued cigarette smoking.
Formalising artisanal and small‐scale mining: insights, contestations and clarifications
Authors: Hilson Gavin , Maconachie Roy
Published: March 2017

In recent years, a number of academic analyses have emerged which draw attention to how most artisanal and small‐scale mining (ASM) activities – low‐tech, labour‐intensive, mineral extraction and processing – occur in informal ‘spaces’. This body of scholarship, however, is heavily disconnected from work being carried out by policy‐makers and donors who, recognising the growing economic importance of ASM in numerous rural sections of the developing world, are now working to identify ways in which to facilitate the formalisation of its activities. It has rather drawn mostly on theories of informality that have been developed around radically different, and in many cases, incomparable, experiences, as well as largely redundant ideas, to contextualise phenomena in the sector. This paper reflects critically on the implications of this widening gulf, with the aim of facilitating a better alignment of scholarly debates on ASM's informality with overarching policy/donor objectives. The divide must be bridged if the case for formalising ASM is to be strengthened, and policy is to be reformulated to reflect more accurately the many dimensions of the sector's operations.
Vps15p regulates the distribution of cup‐shaped organelles containing the major eisosome protein Pil1p to the extracellular fraction required for endocytosis of extracellular vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes
Authors: Stein Kathryn , Winters Chelsea , Chiang Hui‐Ling
Published: March 2017

Background Information

Exosomes are small vesicles secreted from virtually every cell from bacteria to humans. Saccharomyces cerevisiae is a model system to study trafficking of small vesicles in response to changes in the environment. When yeast cells are grown in low glucose, vesicles carrying gluconeogenic enzymes are present as free vesicles and aggregated clusters in the cytoplasm. These vesicles are also secreted into the periplasm and account for more than 90% of total extracellular organelles, while less than 10% are larger 100–300 nm structures with unknown functions. When glucose is added to glucose‐starved cells, secreted vesicles are endocytosed and then targeted to the vacuole. Recent secretomic studies indicated that more than 300 proteins involved in diverse biological functions are secreted during glucose starvation and endocytosed during glucose re‐feeding. We hypothesised that extracellular vesicles are internalised using novel mechanisms independent of clathrin‐mediated endocytosis.

Results

Our results showed that vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes were endocytosed at a fast rate, whereas vesicles carrying the heat shock protein Ssa1p were endocytosed at a slow rate. The PI3K regulator Vps15p is critical for the fast internalisation of extracellular vesicles. VPS15 regulates the distribution of the 100–300 nm organelles that contain the major eisosome protein Pil1p to the extracellular fraction. These Pil1p‐containing structures were purified and showed unique cup‐shape with their centres deeper than the peripheries. In the absence of VPS15, PIL1 or when PIL1 was mutated, the 100–300 nm structures were not observed in the extracellular fraction and the rapid internalisation of vesicles was impaired.

Conclusions

We conclude that VPS15 regulates the distribution of the 100–300 nm Pil1p‐containing organelles to the extracellular fraction required for fast endocytosis of vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes. This work provides the first evidence showing that Pil1p displayed unique distribution patterns in the intracellular and extracellular fractions. This work also demonstrates that endocytosis of vesicles is divided into a fast and a slow pathway. The fast pathway is the predominant pathway and is used by vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes. Cup‐shaped Pil1p‐containing structures are critical for the rapid endocytosis of vesicles into the cytoplasm.

Significance

This work provides the first evidence showing that Pil1p displayed unique distribution patterns in the intracellular and extracellular fractions. This work also demonstrates that endocytosis of vesicles is divided into a fast and a slow pathway. The fast pathway is the predominant pathway and is used by vesicles carrying metabolic enzymes. Cup‐shaped Pil1p‐containing structures are critical for the rapid endocytosis of vesicles into the cytoplasm.
Genetic Syndromes and Developmental Risk for Autism Spectrum and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders: Insights From Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Doherty Brianna R. , Scerif Gaia
Published: March 2017

Many genetic markers are associated with atypical developmental outcomes. In this article, we review evidence from studies on the most common inherited cause of intellectual disability, fragile X syndrome (FXS). We aim to highlight general developmental consequences as well as specific implications for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), including the complexity of characterizing ASD and ADHD symptoms in FXS. We address three issues: First, links among genes, brain, and cognition need to be situated in a developmental context, even in a monogenic disorder like FXS. Second, the comparatively early age of diagnosis of FXS offers the opportunity to study developmental trajectories of risk and resilience for a complex, behaviorally defined disorder highly associated with FXS but diagnosed later: ASD. Third, the high occurrence of both ASD and ADHD in FXS allows for a novel investigation of their comorbidity, with important caveats.
Minimizing species extinctions through strategic planning for conservation fencing
Authors: Ringma Jeremy L. , Wintle Brendan , Fuller Richard A. , Fisher Diana , Bode Michael
Published: March 2017

Conservation fences are an increasingly common management action, particularly for species threatened by invasive predators. However, unlike many conservation actions, fence networks are expanding in an unsystematic manner, generally as a reaction to local funding opportunities or threats. We conducted a gap analysis of Australia's large predator‐exclusion fence network by examining translocation of Australian mammals relative to their extinction risk. To address gaps identified in species representation, we devised a systematic prioritization method for expanding the conservation fence network that explicitly incorporated population viability analysis and minimized expected species’ extinctions. The approach was applied to New South Wales, Australia, where the state government intends to expand the existing conservation fence network. Existing protection of species in fenced areas was highly uneven; 67% of predator‐sensitive species were unrepresented in the fence network. Our systematic prioritization yielded substantial efficiencies in that it reduced expected number of species extinctions up to 17 times more effectively than ad hoc approaches. The outcome illustrates the importance of governance in coordinating management action when multiple projects have similar objectives and rely on systematic methods rather than expanding networks opportunistically.
DOES CORRUPTION ATTENUATE THE EFFECT OF RED TAPE ON EXPORTS?
Authors: Ahsan Reshad N.
Published: March 2017

I use firm ‐level data to examine whether corruption attenuates the adverse effects of red tape on exports. I find that, conditional on there being customs‐related red tape, a firm is better off if it can use bribes to lower the delay that it faces. However, I also find that corruption has a negative overall effect on a firm's decision to export. That is, corruption prevents some firms from entering the export market. These results suggest that to gauge the overall effect of corruption, we must compare its red‐tape attenuating effect with its adverse effect on a firm's decision to export. (JEL F10, F14, K42)
In vitro efficacy of a novel potassium oxalate hydrogel for dentin hypersensitivity
Authors: Varoni Elena M. , Zuccheri Tommaso , Carletta Andrea , Palazzo Barbara , Cochis Andrea , Colonna Martino , Rimondini Lia
Published: March 2017

A novel potassium oxalate‐based hydrogel is proposed for treating dentin hypersensitivity and this study evaluates its in vitro performance as a remineralizing, desensitizing agent. Etched disks of human dentin were treated for 10 or 20 min using the test hydrogel, to mimic a professional application with dental mouth guards. Dentin disks were evaluated in terms of permeability indexes in a fluid‐filled system, the surface morphology was assessed by scanning electron microscopy, and the structural properties were studied using X‐ray diffraction analysis. The potassium oxalate hydrogel significantly reduced dentin permeability, in a time‐dependent manner, and occluded most of the patent dentinal tubules via crystal precipitation, forming a remineralized layer. After hydrogel treatments, an acid solution (pH 4.2) was applied to the disks for 30 s, or 1, 2, or 5 min, in order to reproduce a plaque‐like oral acidity, and further analysis showed a good resistance of the remineralized layer to the acid challenge. The potassium oxalate‐based hydrogel showed a better performance over commercially available products and artificial saliva, appearing a promising candidate for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.
Regulatory T‐cell cytokines in patients with nonsegmental vitiligo
Authors: Kidir Mehtap , Karabulut Ayse A. , Ercin Mustafa E. , Atasoy Pınar
Published: March 2017

In the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo, the role of suppressor cytokines, such as transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), associated with regulatory T‐cells (Treg) is not completely known. In this study, the role of Treg‐cell functions in the skin of patients with nonsegmental vitiligo was investigated. Lesional and nonlesional skin samples from 30 adult volunteers ranging in age from 18 to 36 years with nonsegmental vitiligo were compared with normal skin area excision specimens of 30 benign melanocytic nevus cases as controls. All samples were evaluated staining for forkhead box P3 (Foxp3), TGF‐β, and IL‐10 using the standardized streptavidin–biotin immunoperoxidase immunohistochemistry method. Foxp3 expression was lower in lesional vitiligo skin specimens compared to controls; it was also lower in lesional vitiligo specimens than nonlesional vitiligo specimens. IL‐10 levels were lower in lesional vitiligo specimens compared to the controls, whereas IL‐10 expression was significantly lower in lesional specimens compared with nonlesional specimens. TGF‐β expression was higher in both lesional and nonlesional skin specimens of patients with vitiligo compared to controls. TGF‐β expression was lower in lesional skin specimens than nonlesional skin specimens. In addition, there was no significant correlation between Foxp3 expression with TGF‐β and IL‐10 expressions in lesional skin specimens in the vitiligo group. In this study, results supporting the contribution of Treg cells and IL‐10 deficiency to the autoimmune process were obtained. Therefore, future studies are necessary to demonstrate the definitive role of Treg‐cell functions in the etiopathogenesis of vitiligo.
L'Allergie Croisee Tuberculinique, Microbienne et Trichophytinique
Authors: Laborie F. , Laborie R. , Vignal N. , Mourgues G.
Published: March 2017

Conclusions et résumé

Nos recherches nous ont permis régulièrement de constater au cours de séries de tests, que des sujets atteints d'affections allergiques microbiennes, dues par exemple au staphylocoque doré, comme les eczémas diathésiques, les eczématides de l'enfant et de l'adulte, et que des animaux atteints d'affections analogues, ne présentaient, malgré des tests positifs à la tuberculine ni dans le passé ni pendant des dizaines d'années que se sont poursuivies ces observations sur certains de ces sujets, aucune affection inte rcur rente par le bacille de Koch.

Il a pu être de même constaté que des bovins tuberculeux ou des humains a tteints de lupus présentaient eux aussi des tests positifs non seulement à la tuberculine, antigène spécifique de leur allergie primaire, mais aussi au staphylocoque doré pathogène et à la trichophytine, sans pour cela offrir aucun fondement pathogénique à cette allergie microbienne croisée. Mais toujours dans tous ces cas on notait une forte augmentation des bêta‐globulines. Il apparaît donc que l'allergie microbienne quand elle est primaire semble bien exercer un pouvoir immunologique dominant et même prémunir contre le bacille de Koch. A l'appui de la prédominance du staphylocoque doré pathogène sur le bacille de Koch nous signalerons également le fait bactériologique suivant. Lors d'un ensemencement simultané sur milieu de Löwenstein du B.K. et du staphylocoque doré, en donnant une avance de 15 jours à l'ensemencement avec le B.K., seul le staphylocoque doré pathogène forme des colonies marquées et donne une couleur verte intense au milieu primitivement couleur coquille d'oeuf.

L'ensemble de ces constatations nous a conduit à mettre en application pratique les résultats de ces recherches qui pourraient avoir une portée aussi imprévue qu'importante basée sur cette allergie croisée tuberculinique‐microbienne‐mycosique ou la primauté de l'allergie microbienne confère en même temps qu'une allergie tuberculinique une immunité contre la tuberculose.

C'est ainsi que se poursuivent depuis plusieurs années des expérimentations sur des animaux, chez lesquels par une allergisation microbienne active, nous essayons d'obtenir dans des conditions bien établies une prémunition et peutêtre un traitement contre le Tubercule.
Skin Response to Solenamine, a Hemolytic Component of Fire‐ant Venom
Authors: Jung R. C. , Derbes V. J. , Burch A. D.
Published: March 2017

Summary and Conclusions

Solenamine, the hemolytic component of fire‐ant venom, when injected into the skin of rabbits provokes a tissue response identical in type and course to that induced by the fire‐ant sting. Because of the mechanical difficulty of simulating the stinging apparatus, the component must be injected dissolved in a vehicle. The increased volume results in a more extensive lesion. A concentration of 0.2 mg. of hemolytic component in 0.1 ml. of sesame oil is enough to provoke tissue response but insufficient to produce necrosis. Injection of 2 mg. in 0.1 ml. of sesame oil is followed by necrosis.
Physical Geography
Authors: Cañizares Orlando
Published: March 2017

Summary and Conclusions

Physical geography plays an important role in the occurrence and distribution of cutaneous diseases in tropical America. The four main types of climate of dermatologic interest in this region are the tropical rain forest, the tropical savanna, the desert and the mountain climate. They have definite and different effects on the development and distribution of skin diseases, with each region presenting its own characteristic pattern.

The role of trace elements in the soil deserves more concentrated study, coordinated with allied sciences,to elucidate its possible relationship to causation of disease.
The Science of Salt: A regularly updated systematic review of the implementation of salt reduction interventions (March–August 2016)
Authors: Santos Joseph Alvin , Trieu Kathy , Raj Thout Sudhir , Arcand JoAnne , Johnson Claire , Webster Jacqui , McLean Rachael
Published: March 2017

This review aims to identify, summarize, and appraise studies reporting on the implementation of salt reduction interventions that were published between March and August 2016. Overall, 40 studies were included: four studies evaluated the impact of salt reduction interventions, while 36 studies were identified as relevant to the design, assessment, and implementation of salt reduction strategies. Detailed appraisal and commentary were undertaken on the four studies that measured the impact of the interventions. Among them, different evaluation approaches were adopted; however, all demonstrated positive health outcomes relating to dietary salt reduction. Three of the four studies measured sodium in breads and provided consistent evidence that sodium reduction in breads is feasible and different intervention options are available. None of the studies were conducted in low‐ or lower middle–income countries, which stresses the need for more resources and research support for the implementation of salt reduction interventions in these countries.
Cognitive Ability in Late Life and Onset of Physical Frailty: The Lothian Birth Cohort 1936
Authors: Gale Catharine R. , Ritchie Stuart J. , Cooper Cyrus , Starr John M. , Deary Ian J.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

To investigate whether poorer cognitive ability is a risk factor for development of physical frailty and whether this risk varies according to cognitive domain.

Design

Prospective longitudinal study with 6‐year follow‐up.

Setting

Edinburgh, Scotland.

Participants

Members of the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (N = 594).

Measurements

Frailty was assessed at ages 70 and 76 using the Fried criteria. Cognitive function was assessed at age 70, 73, and 76. Factor score estimates were derived for baseline level of and change in four cognitive domains: visuospatial ability, memory, processing speed, and crystallized cognitive ability.

Results

Higher baseline levels of processing speed, memory, visuospatial ability and crystallized ability at age 70, and less decline in speed, memory, and crystallized ability were associated with less risk of becoming physically frail by age 76. When all cognitive domains were modelled together, processing speed was the only domain associated with frailty risk, for a standard deviation (SD) increment in initial level of processing speed, the risk of frailty was 47% less (0.53 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.33–0.85) after adjustment for age, sex, baseline frailty status, social class, depressive symptoms, number of chronic physical diseases, levels of inflammatory biomarkers, and other cognitive factor score estimates; for a SD increment in processing speed change (less decline) risk of frailty was 74% less (RRR = 0.26, 95% CI = 0.16–0.42). When additional analyses were conducted using a single test of processing speed that did not require fast motor responses (inspection time), results were similar.

Conclusions

The speed with which older adults process information and the rate at which this declines over time may be an important indicator of the risk of physical frailty.
Improving diabetes care for people with intellectual disabilities: a qualitative study exploring the perceptions and experiences of professionals in diabetes and intellectual disability services
Authors: Brown M. , Taggart L. , Karatzias T. , Truesdale M. , Walley R. , Northway R. , Macrae S. , Carey M. , Davies M.
Published: March 2017

Background

Globally, diabetes is increasing with concerns about the impact on outcomes, including premature death and the costs associated with managing the condition. Research indicates that adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are two to three times more likely to develop diabetes; however, there has been limited focus on diabetes service utilisation in this population. The aim of this study is to explore the perceptions and experiences of diabetes and ID practitioners.

Methods

A series of 1:1 semi‐structured interviews were undertaken in one Scottish health service area. In total, 29 qualitative interviews were conducted: 10 with diabetes practitioners from primary and secondary care, 14 from ID services and 5 from community care services regarding diabetes service provision for this population. Thematic content analysis was undertaken to identify the themes and subthemes.

Results

Three main themes were identified: (1) enabling access to services to meet diabetes‐related care needs of people with ID; (2) communication and service improvements between staff, patients and across services; and (3) providing person‐centred diabetes care and developing adapted resources to increase patient self‐care.

Conclusions

The findings of this study have important international implications in how diabetes practitioners plan and deliver services for people with ID and other vulnerable groups with limited cognitive ability and communication skills and difficulties in self‐management. The findings highlight that access to diabetes education and adapted resources is needed, and if ‘reasonable adjustments’ are made to service provision and practice, people with ID can benefit from improved healthcare. Developing joint clinics to share knowledge and resources between diabetes and ID practitioners may improve service delivery and continuity of care, and thereby diminish the costs of not providing quality care.
Assessment of the effect of grape seed cake inclusion in the diet of healthy fattening‐finishing pigs
Authors: Taranu I. , Habeanu M. , Gras M. A. , Pistol G. C. , Lefter N. , Palade M , Ropota M. , Sanda Chedea V. , Marin D. E.
Published: March 2017

Modulatory capacity of bioactive compounds from different wastes has been scarcely investigated in pigs. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of grape seed cakes (GS diet) on performance and plasma biochemistry parameters as health indicators, as well as on several markers related to inflammation and antioxidant defence in the liver of fattening‐finishing pigs. Twelve cross‐bred pigs (TOPIG) were randomly assigned to one of two experimental diets: control and 5% grape seed cake diet during finishing period (24 days). No effect of GS diet on pig performance and blood biochemistry was observed. However, GS diet decreased significantly (−9.05%, p < .05) the cholesterol concentration (85.71 ± 0.94 mg/dl vs 94.24 ± 2.16 mg/dl) and increased IgA level (+49.90%, p < .05) in plasma (5.04 ± 0.5 mg/ml vs 3.36 ± 0.7 mg/ml). GS cakes decreased the inflammatory response in the liver of pigs fed with GS diet by lowering the Gene expression and protein concentration of pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐8, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ) as well as the mRNA abundances of NF‐κB signalling molecules. The antioxidant status was not increased by GS diet. The gene expression and activity of catalase decreased significantly. The gene expression of Nrf2, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and heat‐shock protein decreased, and no effect on their activity was observed with the exception of catalase activity which decreased. However, TBARS was reduced significantly. GS diet showed a modulatory effect on antioxidative status as well as anti‐inflammatory and hypocholesterolic properties without effect on pig performance.
Serial measurement of pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentration in dogs with immune‐mediated disease treated with prednisolone
Authors: Ohta H. , Morita T. , Yokoyama N. , Osuga T. , Sasaki N. , Morishita K. , Nakamura K. , Takiguchi M.
Published: March 2017

Objectives

In this pilot study, serum canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity was measured repeatedly in dogs with various immune‐mediated diseases that were treated with immunosuppressive doses of prednisolone.

Methods

Ten client‐owned dogs with newly diagnosed immune‐mediated disease that had normal canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations (≤200 µg/l) were treated with 2 to 2.2 mg/kg prednisolone orally once daily as the initial treatment. Serum samples were obtained from each of the dogs prior to treatment and at 1‐ to 4‐week intervals during immunosuppressive treatment. The highest canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentration detected during immunosuppressive treatment was defined as the peak canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity.

Results

Peak canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations were classified as normal in two dogs, questionable (201 to 399 µg/l) in three dogs, and abnormal (≥400 µg/l) in five dogs. Peak canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations were significantly higher than baseline canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity concentrations but there was no evidence of clinical pancreatitis.

Clinical Significance

It remains unclear whether the five of 10 dogs with elevated canine pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity during prednisone treatment had subclinical pancreatitis or whether the abnormal results were a consequence of prednisolone administration.
Long‐term outcome of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in a real‐world setting: The German LOTOS study
Authors: Wedemeyer Heiner , Reimer Jens , Sandow Petra , Hueppe Dietrich , Lutz Thomas , Gruengreiff Kurt , Goelz Joerg , Christensen Stefan , Pfeiffer‐Vornkahl Heike , Alshuth Ulrich , Manns Michael P.
Published: March 2017

Background & Aims

There are few large‐scale, prospective studies comparing liver‐associated events in treated and untreated patients with CHC managed in routine clinical practice.

Methods

Patients with CHC were prospectively enrolled in a non‐interventional study. Data from patients with available documentation who had either achieved a sustained virological response, or were non‐responders, relapsers, or had virological breakthrough following treatment with peginterferon alfa‐2a±ribavirin, or who had been diagnosed but never treated at least 3 years previously, and who remained under medical observation were analyzed. Primary endpoint was liver‐associated events (composite of decompensation/liver failure, ascites, hepatocellular carcinoma, or liver transplant/placement on a transplant list).

Results

In all, 1444 eligible patients were identified. Mean follow‐up was 4.7 (standard deviation; SD 1.1) years. Patients with sustained virological response had a lower incidence of liver‐associated events vs non‐responders, relapsers, or virological breakthrough and never treated patients (1.7% vs 4.7% and 4.7% respectively). The proportion of patients with cirrhosis increased from baseline in the non‐responders, relapsers, or virological breakthrough (6.8%‐10.5%) and never treated group (3.7%‐8.4%), with an associated increase in severity, but was unchanged in the sustained virological response group (2.1%). Event‐free survival was significantly higher in sustained virological response patients (P=.0082).

Conclusions

In this “real‐world” cohort, the achievement of sustained virological response almost eliminated liver‐related morbidity and mortality compared with patients who failed to achieve sustained virological response and those who were untreated. Overall, the LOTOS cohort highlights the importance of timely and effective treatment for patients with CHC.
River network architecture, genetic effective size and distributional patterns predict differences in genetic structure across species in a dryland stream fish community
Authors: Pilger Tyler J. , Gido Keith B. , Propst David L. , Whitney James E. , Turner Thomas F.
Published: March 2017

Dendritic ecological network (DEN) architecture can be a strong predictor of spatial genetic patterns in theoretical and simulation studies. Yet, interspecific differences in dispersal capabilities and distribution within the network may equally affect species’ genetic structuring. We characterized patterns of genetic variation from up to ten microsatellite loci for nine numerically dominant members of the upper Gila River fish community, New Mexico, USA. Using comparative landscape genetics, we evaluated the role of network architecture for structuring populations within species (pairwise FST) while explicitly accounting for intraspecific demographic influences on effective population size (Ne). Five species exhibited patterns of connectivity and/or genetic diversity gradients that were predicted by network structure. These species were generally considered to be small‐bodied or habitat specialists. Spatial variation of Ne was a strong predictor of pairwise FST for two species, suggesting patterns of connectivity may also be influenced by genetic drift independent of network properties. Finally, two study species exhibited genetic patterns that were unexplained by network properties and appeared to be related to nonequilibrium processes. Properties of DENs shape community‐wide genetic structure but effects are modified by intrinsic traits and nonequilibrium processes. Further theoretical development of the DEN framework should account for such cases.
Income Inequality and the Financial Industry
Authors: Panico Carlo , Pinto Antonio
Published: March 2017

The paper examines how the size of the banking industry can affect inequality arguing that the wage share is influenced by the workers’ ability to capture the increases in value added per worker, by the input composition of the productive structure and by the size of the banking industry. Piketty and other literature overlook the latter two elements. After examining Piketty's interpretation, the paper underlines the relevance of considering the financial sector as an industry and ascertains the conditions for a negative influence on the wage share of the input and output composition of the productive structure.
ZapA and ZapB form an FtsZ‐independent structure at midcell
Authors: Buss Jackson A. , Peters Nick T. , Xiao Jie , Bernhardt Thomas G.
Published: March 2017

Cell division in Escherichia coli begins with the polymerization of FtsZ into a ring‐like structure, the Z‐ring, at midcell. All other division proteins are thought to require the Z‐ring for recruitment to the future division site. Here, it is reported that the Z‐ring associated proteins ZapA and ZapB form FtsZ‐independent structures at midcell. Upon Z‐ring disruption by the FtsZ polymerization antagonist SulA, ZapA remained at midcell as a cloud‐like accumulation. Using ZapA(N60Y), a variant defective for interaction with FtsZ, it was established that these ZapA structures form without a connection to the Z‐ring. Furthermore, midcell accumulations of GFP‐ZapA(N60Y) often preceded Z‐rings at midcell and required ZapB to assemble, suggesting that ZapB polymers form the foundation of these structures. In the absence of MatP, a DNA‐binding protein that links ZapB to the chromosomal terminus region, cloud‐like ZapA structures still formed but failed to track with the chromosome terminus and did not consistently precede FtsZ at midcell. Taken together, the results suggest that FtsZ‐independent structures of ZapA–ZapB provide additional positional cues for Z‐ring formation and may help coordinate its assembly with chromosome replication and segregation.
Three cases of posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome with chronic kidney disease triggered by infection
Authors: Nasu Kahori , Fujisawa Madoka , Kato Hideki , Nangaku Masaomi
Published: March 2017

Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a clinical and radiological condition with diverse neurological manifestations. Many clinical factors are known causes of PRES, but only a few cases of PRES have been reported in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and infectious disease. We describe three cases of PRES in patients with CKD triggered by various infectious diseases. Characteristic hyperintense signals on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) indicating reversible vasogenic brain oedema in various parts of the brain were observed. To explain the pathophysiology of PRES, the hypertension/hyperperfusion and hypoperfusion/vasoconstriction theories have been proposed. Patients with CKD have many complications including uraemia, hypertension, and immunosuppression. Therefore, physicians should recognize that patients with CKD are at high risk of PRES triggered by infectious diseases and promptly diagnose PRES because immediate treatment of the triggers often leads to complete resolution.
The O‐methyltransferase PMT2 mediates methylation of pinosylvin in Scots pine
Authors: Paasela Tanja , Lim Kean‐Jin , Pietiäinen Milla , Teeri Teemu H.
Published: March 2017

Heartwood extractives are important determinants of the natural durability of pine heartwood. The most important phenolic compounds affecting durability are the stilbenes pinosylvin and its monomethylether, which in addition have important functions as phytoalexins in active defense. A substantial portion of the synthesized pinosylvin is 3‐methoxylated but the O‐methyltransferase responsible for this modification has not been correctly identified.

We studied the expression of the stilbene pathway during heartwood development as well as in response to wounding of xylem and UV‐C treatment of needles. We isolated and enzymatically characterized a novel O‐methyltransferase, PMT2. The methylated product was verified as pinosylvin monomethylether using ultra performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry and high performance liquid chromatography analyses.

The PMT2 enzyme was highly specific for stilbenes as substrate, in contrast to caffeoyl‐CoA O‐methyltransferase (CCoAOMT) and PMT1 that were multifunctional. Expression profile and multifunctional activity of CCoAOMT suggest that it might have additional roles outside lignin biosynthesis. PMT1 is not involved in the stilbene pathway and its biological function remains an open question.

We isolated a new specific O‐methyltransferase responsible for 3‐methoxylation of pinosylvin. Expression of PMT2 closely follows stilbene biosynthesis during developmental and stress induction. We propose that PMT2 is responsible for pinosylvin methylation in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris), instead of the previously characterized methyltransferase, PMT1.
Elucidation of Binding Mechanism of Photodynamic Therapeutic Agent Toluidine Blue O with Chicken Egg White Lysozyme by Spectroscopic and Molecular Dynamics Studies
Authors: Shanmugaraj Krishnamoorthy , Umadevi Palanivel , Senthilkumar Lakshmipathi , Ilanchelian Malaichamy
Published: March 2017

The nature of binding mechanism of toluidine blue O (TBO) with chicken egg white lysozyme was studied comprehensively by various spectroscopic and computational methods. Both steady state and time‐resolved fluorescence studies unambiguously point to the prevalence of static quenching mechanism in lysozyme–TBO system. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the association of TBO with lysozyme was a spontaneous process in which hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions played a pivotal role in the binding process. The secondary and tertiary conformational changes of lysozyme in the presence of TBO were unraveled using absorption, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and circular dichroism (CD) techniques. Molecular docking studies of lysozyme–TBO system substantiated the findings of site marker experiment and revealed TBO adjacent to Trp‐63 and Trp‐108 residues of lysozyme. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation studies of lysozyme–TBO system indicate a stable and effective complexation of TBO with lysozyme. It is hoped that the results presented here will enable further understanding of TBO toxicity.
Dimensions of the South Oaks Gambling Screen in Finland: A cross‐sectional population study
Authors: Salonen Anne H. , Rosenström Tom , Edgren Robert , Volberg Rachel , Alho Hannu , Castrén Sari
Published: March 2017

The underlying structure of problematic gambling behaviors, such as those assessed by the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS), remain unknown: Can problem gambling be assessed unidimensionally or should multiple qualitatively different dimensions be taken into account, and if so, what do these qualitative dimensions indicate? How significant are the deviations from unidimensionality in practice? A cross‐sectional random sample of Finns aged 15–74 (n = 4,484) was drawn from the Population Information Registry and surveyed in 2011–2012. Analyses were conducted using descriptive statistics, Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) models. Altogether, 14.9% of the population endorsed at least one of the 20 SOGS items, but nine items had low endorsement rates (≤ 0.2%). CFA and MIRT techniques suggested that individuals differed from each other in two positively correlated (r = 0.70) underlying dimensions: “impact on self primarily” and “impact on others also”. This two‐factor correlated‐factors model can be reinterpreted as a bifactor model with one general gambling‐problem factor and two specific factors with similar interpretation as in the correlated‐factors model but with non‐overlapping items. The two specific factors may provide clinically useful information without extra costs of assessment.
Conceptualizing and understanding the Gülen movement
Authors: Fitzgerald Scott T.
Published: March 2017

The Gülen movement (GM) is a controversial international Islamic movement originating in Turkey. Interestingly, the movement seems to be “in between” the standard conceptual categories used by social movement scholars: The GMs' focus on individual transformation and religious practices suggests that it is a religious movement; its extensive outreach into various institutions (i.e., education, health care, and media) suggests a social movement seeking legitimacy and broad social change; its purported infiltration of key government and military offices suggests a political movement. In this article, I demonstrate the utility of conceptualizing the GM as an everyday‐life‐based movement and of using a multi‐institutional politics model to examine this type of movement. By doing so, it becomes clear that sometimes, movements focusing on individual change may also be seeking to transform social, economic, and political institutions.
HLA class II alleles in Norwegian patients with coexisting type 1 diabetes and celiac disease
Authors: Viken M. K. , Flåm S. T. , Skrivarhaug T. , Amundsen S. S. , Sollid L. M. , Drivvoll A. K. , Joner G. , Dahl‐Jørgensen K. , Lie B. A.
Published: March 2017

Background

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) and celiac disease (CeD) are 2 distinct diseases, but there is an increased risk of developing CeD for T1D patients. Both diseases are associated with HLA‐class II alleles, such as
DQB1

*02:01 and
DQB1

*03:02; however, their risk contribution vary between the diseases.

Materials and Methods

We genotyped
HLA‐DRB1
and –
DQB1
in 215 patients with coexisting T1D and CeD identified from a T1D cohort, and compared them to patients with T1D (N = 487) and CeD (N = 327), as well as healthy controls (N = 368).

Results

The patients with coexisting T1D and CeD had an intermediate carrier frequency (72.8%) of the
DRB1

*03:01‐

DQB1

*02:01‐

DQA1

*05:01 haplotype compared to T1D (64.1%) and CeD (88.7%) patients. The
DRB1

*03:01‐

DQB1

*02:01‐

DQA1

*05:01/

DRB1

*04‐

DQB1

*03:02‐

DQA1

*03 haplotype combination, encoding DQ2.5 and DQ8 molecules, was equally frequent among patients with both T1D and CeD (52.6%) and T1D patients (46.8%) but significantly lower in CeD patients (9.5%).

Conclusion

Overall, the patients with coexisting T1D and CeD had an HLA profile more similar to T1D patients than CeD patients.