bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Conceptual Foundations of Macroprudential Policy: A Roadmap
Authors: de la Torre Augusto , Ize Alain
Published: October 2016

The global financial crisis unleashed a flurry of academic literature and regulations addressing macroprudential issues. However, reflecting weak links between research and policy as well as varying risk environments (across countries and over time), policy remains exposed to pitfalls, including overreacting, underreacting and applying the wrong or untimely medicine. To help policy makers navigate through the maze, this paper proposes a broad typology of financial frictions that classifies the root causes of socially pernicious financial dynamics under four ‘paradigms’, with distinct grounds, implications and aims for macroprudential policy: (i) offsetting the moral hazard implications of bailouts; (ii) protecting unsophisticated market participants from abusive practices; (iii) inducing market players to internalize the systemic consequences of their individual actions; and (iv) tempering destructive mood swings. As policies to curb one source of systemic risk can exacerbate others, the macroprudential policy challenge is to strike a sensible balance among complicated trade‐offs.
Threshold effect in the Mg‐doping dependence of the photocatalytic ability of LiNbO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Xun , Yan Wenbo , Zhang Yuwei , Zhang Lixia , Shi Lihong , Huang Yingying , Wu Meng , Wang Xuliang , Chen Hongjian
Published: October 2016

In this study, Mg‐doped LiNbO3 nanoparticles are prepared and their photocatalytic ability is studied for bioorganic degradation application. It is found that their photocatalytic ability shows a pronounced dependence on the Mg‐doping levels, and in particular an unusual threshold effect exists at the 2‐mol%‐doping level. Moreover, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) analyses show that the similar threshold effect also exists in the Mg‐doping dependences of the crystalline anisotropy, morphology, and endothermic behavior of these LiNbO3 nanoparticles. The relevance between the basic properties and the photocatalytic activity of the LiNbO3 nanoparticles is discussed, and their Mg‐doping dependences are finally connected with the (NbLi)4+ and (MgNb)3− defects in the lattice. It is suggested that both the morphology and the lattice defects of LiNbO3 nanoparticles contribute to the photocatalytic activity and that trapping holes is the essential way through which the (MgNb)3− defects make the contribution.
Porosity‐dependent properties of Nb‐doped Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics
Authors: Gheorghiu Felicia , Padurariu Leontin , Airimioaei Mirela , Curecheriu Lavinia , Ciomaga Cristina , Padurariu Cipriana , Galassi Carmen , Mitoseriu Liliana
Published: October 2016

In the present work, it is shown how the controlled porosity can be exploited to obtain a compromise between a reduced permittivity down to a few hundreds and maintaining a high tunability level as in the dense material, to fulfill requirements for tunable applications. Nb‐doped Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 ceramics with porosity in the range 5%‐30% have been prepared by direct sintering method. X‐ray diffraction analysis and Rietveld refinement indicated a co‐existence of tetragonal and monoclinic phases in the porous ceramics. Dielectric properties revealed a gradual reduction in permittivity when increasing the porosity level, while maintaining low dielectric losses below 3%. The ferroelectric switching behavior is also influenced by the porosity level: a continuous reduction in the saturation and remnant polarization is observed with increasing porosity. The nonlinear dielectric properties of all the investigated ceramics preserve a high level of tunability in comparison with one of the dense material, irrespective of the porosity level, while zero field permittivity was decreased below 1000. An optimum behavior is found for the ceramic sample with 25% porosity, which shows a high tunability, smaller losses, and moderate dielectric constant (ε ~600).
Drop‐and‐catch (DnC) calorimetry using aerodynamic levitation and laser heating
Authors: Ushakov Sergey V. , Shvarev Alexey , Alexeev Timur , Kapush Denys , Navrotsky Alexandra
Published: October 2016

Design, calibration, and operation of a system for drop‐and‐catch (DnC) calorimetry on oxides from temperature above 1500°C are described. This system allows the measurement of heat contents and heats of fusion by drop calorimetry of small (100 mg or less) samples held by containerless levitation at high temperature and dropped in a calorimeter at room temperature. The spheroids, 2‐3 mm in diameter, prepared by laser melting of powders, are aerodynamically levitated in a splittable nozzle levitator and laser heated to the desired temperature monitored by radiation thermometry. The sample is dropped by splitting the nozzle and caught by splittable water‐cooled calorimetric plates at 25°C, which provide complete enclosure of the sample to avoid heat loss by radiation. The drop time is ~0.1 seconds, calorimeter equilibration time after the drop is ~15 minute. DnC experiments are automated with software‐controlled laser power and programmable delay between splitting the nozzle and catching the sample. The fusion enthalpy of Al2O3 measured by DnC calorimeter, 120 ± 10 kJ/mol, agrees well with previously reported values. The system can be used for measurements of fusion enthalpies of refractory oxides amenable to laser heating as well as for splat quenching of oxide melts.
A novel field method to distinguish between cryptic carcharhinid sharks,Australian blacktip sharkCarcharhinus tilstoniand common blacktip sharkC. limbatus, despite the presence of hybrids
Authors: Johnson G. J. , Buckworth R. C. , Lee H. , Morgan J. A. T. , Ovenden J. R. , McMahon C. R.
Published: October 2016

Multivariate and machine‐learning methods were used to develop field identification techniques for two species of cryptic blacktip shark. From 112 specimens, precaudal vertebrae (PCV) counts and molecular analysis identified 95 Australian blacktip sharksCarcharhinus tilstoniand 17 common blacktip sharksCarcharhinus limbatus. Molecular analysis also revealed 27 of the 112 wereC. tilstoni × C. limbatushybrids, of which 23 hadC. tilstoniPCVcounts and four hadC. limbatusPCVcounts. In the absence of further information about hybrid phenotypes, hybrids were assigned as eitherC. limbatusorC. tilstonibased onPCVcounts. Discriminant analysis achieved 80% successful identification, but machine‐learning models were better, achieving 100% successful identification, using six key measurements (fork length, caudal‐fin peduncle height, interdorsal space, second dorsal‐fin height, pelvic‐fin length and pelvic‐fin midpoint to first dorsal‐fin insertion). Furthermore, pelvic‐fin markings could be used for identification:C. limbatushas a distinct black mark >3% of the total pelvic‐fin area, whileC. tilstonihas markings with diffuse edges, or has smaller or no markings. Machine learning and pelvic‐fin marking identification methods were field tested achieving 87 and 90% successful identification, respectively. With further refinement, the techniques developed here will form an important part of a multi‐faceted approach to identification ofC. tilstoniandC. limbatusand have a clear management and conservation application to these commercially important sharks. The methods developed here are broadly applicable and can be used to resolve species identities in many fisheries where cryptic species exist.
Montefiore‐Einstein Center for the Aging Brain: Preliminary Data
Authors: Verghese Joe , Malik Rubina , Zwerling Jessica
Published: October 2016

Given the multifaceted nature of dementia care management, an interdisciplinary comprehensive clinical approach is necessary. We describe our one‐year experience with outpatient based dementia care at the Montefiore‐Einstein Center for the Aging Brain (CAB) involving an multispecialty team of geriatricians, neurologists, and neuropsychologists, supported by geriatric psychiatrists, physiatrists, and social services. The goals of the CAB is to maximize dementia outcomes, including regular monitoring of patient's health and cognition, education and support to patients, their families and caregivers; initiation of pharmacological and non‐pharmacological treatments as appropriate, and the facilitation of access to clinical trials. The CAB follows a consultative model where patients referred to the center receive a comprehensive three step evaluation and management plan from Geriatric, Neuropsychology and Neurology specialists that is shared with patient, caregivers and primary care physicians. Of the 366 patients seen for cognitive complaints in our first year, 71% were women with a mean age of 74 years. Self‐identified ethnicity of patients included Caucasian (26%), African‐American (25%), Hispanic (18%) and multiracial (5%). Common final diagnoses assigned at the CAB included mild cognitive impairment syndromes (31%), Alzheimer's disease (20%), mixed dementia (11%), vascular dementia (9%), Frontotemporal dementia (4%) and dementia with Lewy bodies (4%). Our one‐year progress report indicates that an interdisciplinary clinical dementia care model is feasible in the outpatient setting as well as highly accepted by patients, caregivers and referring physicians.
Rifampicin attenuates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inhibiting pathogenic Th17 cells responses
Authors: Ma Ke , Chen Xi , Chen Jia‐Cheng , Wang Ying , Zhang Xi‐meng , Huang Fan , Zheng Jun‐Jiong , Chen Xiong , Yu Wei , Cheng Ke‐Ling , Feng Yan‐Qing , Gu Huai‐yu
Published: October 2016

Rifampicin, a broad‐spectrum antibiotic, has neuroprotective, immunosuppressive, and anti‐inflammatory properties. However, the effect of rifampicin on autoimmune disorders of the nervous system is not clear. In this study, we investigated whether rifampicin was beneficial to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG33–35)‐induced female C57BL/6 experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice, the well‐established animal model of multiple sclerosis. Rifampicin treatment (daily from the first day after EAE immunization) remarkably attenuated clinical signs and loss of body weight, which are associated with suppression of inflammatory infiltration and demyelination in spinal cords of EAE mice. Furthermore, rifampicin dramatically reduced the disruption of blood–brain barrier integrity, down‐regulated serum concentration of IL‐6 and IL‐17A, inhibited pathological Th17 cell differentiation, and modulated the expression of p‐STAT3 and p‐p65. These results suggest that rifampicin is effective for attenuating the clinical severity of EAE mice, which may be related to its inhibitive ability in differentiation of Th17 cell and secretion of its key effector molecule IL‐17A via regulation of excessive activation of the key signaling molecules of JAK/STAT pathway. Our findings may be helpful for developing therapeutic and preventive strategies for multiple sclerosis.

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United States–Cuba Agricultural Relations and Agrarian Questions
Authors: Graddy‐Lovelace Garrett
Published: October 2016

In the wake of Cuba's far‐reaching, halting economic reforms, geopolitical rapprochement and trade openings with the United States (US) offer opportunities and risks for Cuban small‐scale farmers and agrarian cooperatives: pressures, paradoxes and potential abound. Meanwhile, on the margins, agro‐ecologically oriented tours bring admiring US students, farmers and agrarian advocates. Cubans concur that the country must solve key problems in its agricultural sector to overcome the contradictions of its agri‐food model, and that this entails more exchange with the US – but in what capacity and on what terms? The current crossroads begs the classic agrarian question, even as it updates it. Having experienced and survived the promises and disasters of both capitalist and communist agricultural economies, Cuban farmers expand the original ‘peasant’ protagonist. As they navigate new non‐state markets and recent re‐entrenchment of state control of prices, Cuban farmers and cooperatives struggle to avoid monopolizing tendencies of unfettered capitalist as well as communist agricultural economies – both of which have historically been ecologically damaging. US agribusiness courts Cuba, but not as mere unidirectional capture: Cubans are inviting and leveraging trade to end the embargo, which is increasingly being modified altogether. Key Cuban agrarian principles of resilience and cooperativismo have persisted through capitalist and communist crises: could they influence prospects for agro‐industrial hegemony from the North?
TESTING FOR SPATIAL EQUILIBRIUM USING HAPPINESS DATA
Authors: Goetzke Frank , Islam Samia
Published: October 2016

Happiness data are rarely used in regional and urban analysis, but it is a prime data set for testing the assumption of spatial equilibrium, the key assumption in the field of urban economics. In this paper, we explore the relationship between regional happiness and one‐year lagged change in population growth rates for the nine census regions in the United States using data on reported well‐being from National Opinion Research Center's annual General Social Survey. We observe that, while there is evidence of spatial disequilibrium during recessions and in the long run, happier regions generally experience higher population growth rates indicating a movement (or tendency) toward spatial equilibrium.
Chronic restraint stress increases angiotensin II potency in the rat carotid: role of cyclooxygenases and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Côco Hariane , Pernomian Larissa , Pereira Priscila C , Gomes Mayara S , Marchi Katia C , Lopes Alexandre H , Cunha Thiago M , Tirapelli Carlos R , de Oliveira Ana M
Published: October 2016

Objectives

To investigate the mechanisms underlying the effects of chronic restraint stress on the vascular contractile response induced by angiotensin (Ang) II in rat carotid.

Methods

Concentration–response curves for AngII were obtained in endothelium-intact or endothelium-denuded carotid rings, in the absence or presence of SC-560 (COX-1 inhibitor), SC-236 (COX-2 inhibitor), wortmannin (PI3K-Akt inhibitor), ML171 (NOX-1 inhibitor), VAS2870 (NOX-4 inhibitor), tiron (O2− scavenger) or PEG-catalase (H2O2 scavenger). 6-ketoPGF1α, TXB2, O2− or H2O2 levels and superoxide dismutase and catalase activity or expression were also measured in rat carotid.

Key findings

Stress increased AngII potency in rat carotid. Muscular COX-1 or COX-2-derived metabolites negatively modulated AngII-induced contraction in control rat carotid. Endothelial COX-1 or COX-2-derived metabolites positively modulated AngII-induced contraction in stressed rat carotid. PI3K-Akt, NOX-1, NOX-4, O2− and H2O2 positively modulated AngII-induced contraction in stressed rat carotid. Stress increased 6-ketoPGF1α or H2O2 generation and reduced catalase activity in rat carotid. Protein expression of COX-1, NOX-4 or p-Akt was increased in stressed rat carotid.

Conclusions

Stress increases AngII potency in rat carotid by a mechanism that involves the increased generation of PGI2 and H2O2 and the activation of Akt pathway. Such mechanism could play a pathophysiological role in cardiovascular diseases correlated with stress.
Phenolic compounds alone or in combination may be involved in propolis effects on human monocytes
Authors: Cardoso Eliza de Oliveira , Conti Bruno José , Santiago Karina Basso , Conte Fernanda Lopes , Oliveira Lucas Pires Garcia , Hernandes Rodrigo Tavanelli , Golim Marjorie de Assis , Sforcin José Maurício
Published: October 2016

Objectives

Propolis is a natural product with a complex chemical composition. Its isolated compounds exert biological activities; however, its synergistic effects are unknown. The involvement of phenolic acids (caffeic – Caf, dihydrocinnamic – Cin and p-coumaric – Cou) alone or in combination was investigated in the action of propolis in human monocytes.

Methods

Cell viability was analysed by MTT assay; TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-10 production by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA); cell markers expression by flow cytometry; colony-forming units were counted to assess the microbicidal activity; and H2O2 production was analysed by colorimetric assay.

Key findings

Treatments did not affect monocytes viability. Propolis and combinations containing Caf enhanced TNF-α production by resting cells. Propolis, Cin, Cou and Caf + Cin stimulated IL-6 production. All treatments upregulated IL-10. In LPS-stimulated cells, treatments downregulated IL-6 and maintained TNF-α and IL-10 production. A lower TLR-2 expression was seen than propolis. Caf + Cin enhanced TLR-4 expression. Propolis, Caf and Caf + Cin stimulated H2O2 production, whereas propolis, Cin, Cou, and Caf + Cin + Cou induced a higher fungicidal activity. Cin and Cin + Cou increased the bactericidal activity of human monocytes.

Conclusion

Propolis activated human monocytes, and acids were involved differently in propolis activity.
Phytoconstituents as pharmacotherapeutics in rheumatoid arthritis: challenges and scope of nano/submicromedicine in its effective delivery
Authors: Rahman Mahfoozur , Beg Sarwar , Verma Amita , Al Abbasi Fahad A , Anwar Firoz , Saini Sumant , Akhter Sohail , Kumar Vikas
Published: October 2016

Objectives

The present review explores the therapeutic application of herbals in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy, and how nano/submicromedicine can be fit in the scope of its therapeutic delivery in RA has been addressed.

Key findings

Incorporation of bioactive such as polyphenols, thymoquinone, resveratrol, hesperidin, curcumin, celastrol and gambogic acid in a dose-dependent manner showed quite high efficacy for the treatment of RA. It can be attributed to their targeting ability against various inflammatory mediators including nitric oxide (NO), cytokines, chemokines, adhesion molecules, NF-kβ, lipoxygenase (LOXs) and arachidonic acid (AA). Despite the presence of significant merits, the use of these bioactives has several demerits such as poor bioavailability as a function of low aqueous solubility and higher first-pass metabolism upon oral administration. The impact of nano/submicromedicine in the delivery of these bioactives against RA has gained wider attention owing to bioavailability enhancement, higher stability and better efficacy.

Conclusion

Phytoconstituents possess immense potential in RA pharmacotherapy, but the obstacles for their effective delivery can be overcome using nano/submicrocarrier-based drug delivery technologies, which maximize the efficacy of these herbal antirheumatic drugs without any systemic adverse effects.
The role of drug efflux pumps in Malassezia pachydermatis and Malassezia furfur defence against azoles
Authors: Iatta Roberta , Puttilli Maria Rita , Immediato Davide , Otranto Domenico , Cafarchia Claudia
Published: October 2016

This study aims to evaluate the effect of efflux pump modulators (EPMs) on the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of fluconazole (FLZ) and voriconazole (VOR) in Malassezia furfur and Malassezia pachydermatis. The in vitro efficacy of azoles, in combination with EPMs (ie haloperidol‐HAL, promethazine‐PTZ and cyclosporine A‐CYS), against 21 M. furfur from bloodstream infection patients and 14 M. pachydermatis from the skin of dogs with dermatitis, was assessed using a broth microdilution chequerboard analysis. Data were analysed using the model‐fractional inhibitory concentration index (FICI) method. The MIC of FLZ and VOR of Malassezia spp. decreased in the presence of sub‐inhibitory concentrations of HAL and/or PTZ. The synergic effect was observed only in strains with FLZ MIC≥128 μg/mL for M. furfur, FLZ MIC≥64 μg/mL for M. pachydermatis and VOR MIC≥4 μg/mL in both Malassezia spp. These results suggest that the drug efflux pumps are involved as defence mechanisms to azole drugs in Malassezia yeast. The synergism might be related to an increased expression of efflux pump genes, eventually resulting in azole resistance phenomena. Finally, the above FLZ and VOR MIC values might be considered the cut‐off to discriminate susceptible and resistant strains.
Epistemic Normativity and Cognitive Agency
Authors: Chrisman Matthew
Published: October 2016

On the assumption that genuinely normative demands concern things connected in some way to our agency, i.e. what we exercise in doing things with or for reasons, epistemologists face an important question: are there genuine epistemic norms governing belief, and if so where in the vicinity of belief are we to find the requisite cognitive agency? Extant accounts of cognitive agency tend to focus on belief itself or the event of belief‐formation to answer this question, to the exclusion of the activity of maintaining a system of beliefs. This paper argues that a full account of epistemic normativity will need to make sense of this activity as a core locus of cognitive agency. This idea is used to motivate the conclusion that one important and often overlooked kind of epistemic norms is the kind of norms governing the various cognitive activities by which we check, sustain, and adjust our belief systems.
Ethylene and nitric oxide interact to regulate the magnesium deficiency‐induced root hair development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Miao , Liu Xing Xing , He Xiao Lin , Liu Li Juan , Wu Hao , Tang Cai Xian , Zhang Yong Song , Jin Chong Wei
Published: October 2016

Nitric oxide (NO) and ethylene respond to biotic and abiotic stresses through either similar or independent processes. This study examines the mechanism underlying the effects of NO and ethylene on promoting root hair development in Arabidopsis under magnesium (Mg) deficiency.

The interaction between NO and ethylene in the regulation of Mg deficiency‐induced root hair development was investigated using NO‐ and ethylene‐related mutants and pharmacological methods.

Mg deficiency triggered a burst of NO and ethylene, accompanied by a stimulated development of root hairs. Interestingly, ethylene facilitated NO generation by activation of both nitrate reductase and nitric oxide synthase‐like (NOS‐L) in the roots of Mg‐deficient plants. In turn, NO enhanced ethylene synthesis through stimulating the activities of 1‐aminocyclopropane‐1‐carboxylate (ACC) oxidase and ACC synthase (ACS). These two processes constituted an NO‐ethylene feedback loop. Blocking either of these two processes inhibited the stimulation of root hair development under Mg deficiency.

In conclusion, we suggest that Mg deficiency increases the production of NO and ethylene in roots, each influencing the accumulation and role of the other, and thus these two signals interactively regulate Mg deficiency‐induced root hair morphogenesis.
Obesogens and male fertility
Authors: Cardoso A. M. , Alves M. G. , Mathur P. P. , Oliveira P. F. , Cavaco J. E. , Rato L.
Published: October 2016

In the last decades, several studies evidenced a decrease in male fertility in developed countries. Although the aetiology of this trend in male reproductive health remains a matter of debate, environmental compounds that predispose to weight gain, namely obesogens, are appointed as contributors because of their action as endocrine disruptors. Obesogens favour adipogenesis by an imbalance of metabolic processes and can be found virtually everywhere. These compounds easily accumulate in tissues with high lipid content. Obesogens change the functioning of male reproductive axis, and, consequently, the testicular physiology and metabolism that are pivotal for spermatogenesis. The disruption of these tightly regulated metabolic pathways leads to adverse reproductive outcomes. Notably, adverse effects of obesogens may also promote disturbances in the metabolic performance of the following generations, through epigenetic modifications passed by male gametes. Thus, unveiling the molecular pathways by which obesogens induce toxicity that may end up in epigenetic modifications is imperative. Otherwise, a transgenerational susceptibility to metabolic diseases may be favoured. We present an up‐to‐date overview of the impact of obesogens on testicular physiology, with a particular focus on testicular metabolism. We also address the effects of obesogens on male reproductive parameters and the subsequent consequences for male fertility.
Does the Badal optometer stimulate accommodation accurately?
Authors: Aldaba Mikel , Otero Carles , Pujol Jaume , Atchison David A.
Published: October 2016

Purpose

To study whether the accommodation response to Badal optometer is equivalent to the response for real space targets.

Methods

Accommodative responses were measured for 28 young eyes with the WAM‐5500 autorefractometer in eight configurations for 0.17 D, 2.0 D and 5.0 D accommodation stimuli. Parameters that might contribute to differences in response were systematically isolated: stimulation method (real space vs Badal targets), field of view, instrument's cover proximity, the looming effect, and the peripheral interposition of objects in depth.

Results

Mean accommodative response differences between a natural view configuration and a configuration with a Badal Optometer were 0.50 ± 0.43 D and 0.58 ± 0.53 D for 2.0 D and 5.0 D stimulation, respectively (p < 0.001), with accommodation lags for the latter condition. Of the isolated parameters that might contribute to these differences, varying the interposition of objects in depth affected accommodation response more markedly.

Conclusions

It is likely that Badal optometers affect accommodation through a combination of some or all of the studied parameters. We conclude that accommodation response to closed‐view Badal optometers is not equivalent to real space target response.
Overexpression of the 16‐kDa α‐amylase/trypsin inhibitor RAG2 improves grain yield and quality of rice
Authors: Zhou Wei , Wang Xin , Zhou Dan , Ouyang Yidan , Yao Jialing
Published: October 2016

Increasing grain yield and improving grain quality are two important goals for rice breeding. A better understanding of the factors that contribute to the overall grain quantity and nutritional quality of rice will lay the foundation for developing new breeding strategies. RAG2 is a member of 14‐to‐16‐kDa α‐amylase/trypsin inhibitors in rice, which belong to the albumin of seed storage proteins. We found that RAG2 was specifically expressed in ripening seed and its transcription peak was between 14 and 21 days after flowering. Grain size and 1000‐grain weight were obviously increased in RAG2‐overexpressed lines compared with wild type, and grain size was reduced in RAG2‐suppressed lines. In addition, the major storage substances of the seeds differed significantly in RAG2‐overexpressed and RAG2‐suppressed lines compared to wild type. The protein content and amount of total lipids were increased and decreased, respectively, in the seeds of RAG2‐overexpressed and RAG2‐suppressed lines. Overexpression of RAG2 significantly increased grain size and improved grain quality and yield simultaneously. These results imply that RAG2 might play an important role in regulating grain weight and seed quality of rice. The functional characterization of rice RAG2 facilitates a further understanding of the mechanisms involved in grain size and seed quality and may be helpful in improving grain yield and quantity in cereal crops.
Oculocutaneous albinism type 1: link between mutations, tyrosinase conformational stability, and enzymatic activity
Authors: Dolinska Monika B. , Kus Nicole J. , Farney S. Katie , Wingfield Paul T. , Brooks Brian P. , Sergeev Yuri V.
Published: October 2016

Oculocutaneous albinism type 1 (OCA1) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the tyrosinase gene. Two subtypes ofOCA1 have been described: severeOCA1A with complete absence of tyrosinase activity and less severeOCA1B with residual tyrosinase activity. Here, we characterize the recombinant human tyrosinase intramelanosomal domain and mutant variants, which mimic genetic changes in both subtypes ofOCA1 patients. Proteins were prepared using site‐directed mutagenesis, expressed in insect larvae, purified by chromatography, and characterized by enzymatic activities, tryptophan fluorescence, and Gibbs free energy changes. TheOCA1A mutants showed very low protein expression and protein yield and are enzymatically inactive. Mutants mimickingOCA1B were biochemically similar to the wild type, but exhibited lower specific activities and protein stabilities. The results are consistent with clinical data, which indicates thatOCA1A mutations inactivate tyrosinase and result in severe phenotype, whileOCA1B mutations partially inactivate tyrosinase and result inOCA1B albinism.
The histological quantification of alpha‐smooth muscle actin predicts future graft fibrosis in pediatric liver transplant recipients
Authors: Varma Sharat , Stéphenne Xavier , Komuta Mina , Bouzin Caroline , Ambroise Jerome , Smets Françoise , Reding Raymond , Sokal Etienne M.
Published: October 2016

Activated hepatic stellate cells express cytoplasmic ASMA prior to secreting collagen and consequent liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that quantifying ASMA could predict severity of future fibrosis after LT. For this, 32 pairs of protocol biopsies, that is, “baseline” and “follow‐up” biopsies taken at 1‐ to 2‐year intervals from 18 stable pediatric LT recipients, transplanted between 2006 and 2012 were selected. Morphometric quantification of “ASMA‐positive area percentage” was performed on the baseline biopsy. Histological and fibrosis assessment using Metavir and LAFSc was performed on all biopsies. The difference of fibrosis severity between the “baseline” and “follow‐up” was termed “prospective change in fibrosis.” Significant association was seen between extent of ASMA positivity on baseline biopsy and “prospective change in fibrosis” using Metavir (P=.02), cumulative LAFSc (P=.02), and portal LAFSc (P=.01) values. ASMA‐positive area percentage >1.05 predicted increased fibrosis on next biopsy with 90.0% specificity. Additionally, an association was observed between extent of ASMA positivity and concomitant ductular reaction (P=.06), but not with histological inflammation in the portal tract or lobular area. Hence, ASMA quantification can predict the future course of fibrosis.
Characterising genes associated with flowering time in carrot (Daucus carota L.) using transcriptome analysis
Authors: Ou C.‐G. , Mao J.‐H. , Liu L.‐J. , Li C.‐J. , Ren H.‐F. , Zhao Z.‐W. , Zhuang F.‐Y.
Published: October 2016

Carrot is generally regarded as a biennial plant with an obligatory vernalization requirement. Early spring cultivation makes plants vulnerable to premature bolting, which results in a loss of commercial value. However, our knowledge of flowering time genes and flowering mechanisms in carrot remain limited.

Bolting behavior of D. carota ssp. carota ‘Songzi’, a wild species sensitive to flower induction by vernalization and photoperiod, and orange cultivar ‘Amsterdam forcing’, and their offspring were investigated in different growing conditions. We performed RNA‐seq to identify the flowering time genes, and digital gene expression (DGE) analysis to examine their expression levels. The circadian patterns of related genes were identified by qPCR.

The results showed bolting behavior of carrot was influenced by low temperature, illumination intensity and photoperiod. A total of 45 flowering time‐related unigenes were identified, which were classified into five categories including photoperiod, vernalization, autonomous and gibberellin pathway, and floral integrators. Homologs of LATE ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL (LHY) and CONSTANS‐LIKE 2 (COL2) were more highly expressed under short day condition than under long day condition. Homologs of COL2, CONSTANS‐LIKE 5 (COL5), SUPPRESSION OF OVEREXPRESSION OF CONSTANS 1 (SOC1), FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) and GIBBERELLIC ACID INSENSITIVE (GAI) were differentially expressed between ‘Songzi’ and ‘Amsterdam forcing’. The homolog of COL2 (Dct43207) was repressed by light, but that of COL5 (Dct20940) was induced. A preliminary model of genetic network controlling flowering time was constructed by associating the results of DGE analysis with correlation coefficients between genes.

This study provides useful information for further investigating the genetic mechanism of flowering in carrot.
Morbidity and Health Care Costs After Early Term Birth
Authors: Helle Emmi , Andersson Sture , Häkkinen Unto , Järvelin Jutta , Eskelinen Janne , Kajantie Eero
Published: October 2016

Background

Early term birth is associated with increased need for hospital care during the early postnatal period. The objective of this study was to assess the morbidity and health care‐related costs during the first 3 years of life in children born early term.

Methods

Data come from a population‐based birth cohort study in the municipalities of Helsinki, Espoo, and Vantaa, Finland using data from the national medical birth register and outpatient, inpatient, and primary care registers. All surviving infants born in 2006–08 (n = 29 970) were included. The main outcome measures were morbidities, based on ICD‐10 codes recorded during inpatient and outpatient hospital visits, and health care costs, based on all care received, including well child visits (specialised care, primary care, private care, and medications).

Results

7.0% of children born full term had at least one of the studied morbidities by 3 years of age. This percentage was significantly higher in children born early term: 8.6% (adjusted odds ratio 1.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.1, 1.4). The increased morbidity of children born early term was attributed to obstructive airway diseases and ophthalmological and motor problems. Health care‐related costs during the first 3 years of life were 4813€ (95% CI 4385, 5241) per child in the early term group, higher than for full term children 4047€ (95% CI 3884, 4210).

Conclusions

Infants born early term have increased morbidity and higher health care‐related costs during early childhood than full term infants. Early term birth seems to be associated with a health disadvantage.
U.S. Environmental Policy Implementation on Tribal Lands: Trust, Neglect, and Justice
Authors: Teodoro Manuel P. , Haider Mellie , Switzer David
Published: October 2016

This study investigates the implementation of U.S. environmental protection laws under American Indian tribal governance. The landmark laws of the 1970s that form the core of America's environmental policy regime made no mention of American Indian tribal lands, and the subsequent research literature on environmental policy has given them little attention. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has primary implementation responsibility for environmental protection laws on tribal lands, which offers a unique opportunity to study direct federal implementation apart from typical joint state–federal implementation. Further, because Indian reservations are homes to a disproportionately poor, historically subjugated racial group, analysis of environmental programs on tribal lands offers a unique perspective on environmental justice. We analyze enforcement of and compliance with the Clean Water Act (CWA) and Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) to compare the implementation of environmental policy on tribal lands with nontribal facilities. Analysis reveals that, compared with nontribal facilities, tribal facilities experience less rigorous CWA and SDWA enforcement and are more likely to violate these laws.
Characterization of teratogenic potential and gene expression in canine and feline amniotic membrane‐derived stem cells
Authors: Cardoso MT , Pinheiro AO , Vidane AS , Casals JB , de Oliveira VC , Gonçalves NJN , Martins DS , Ambrósio CE
Published: October 2016

Contents

The biosafety of innovative procedures that utilize stem cells in regenerative medicine has been addressed in several studies. Previous work has showed no tumour formation following the use of feline and human amniotic membrane‐derived stem cells (AMSCs). In contrast, tumour formation was observed when canine AMSCs were utilized. These findings suggested that feline and human, but not canine, AMSCs are suitable for cell transplantation trials. This study aimed to further evaluate the feasibility of utilizing canine AMSCs for transplantation purposes as well as for felines. We tested teratoma formation following cell injection into BALB/c nude mice and then assessed expression of haematopoietic, mesenchymal, tumorigenic, pluripotency and cellular regulation markers using flow cytometry and qPCR. The use of canine AMSCs did not result in macroscopic tumour formation as determined 60 days after transplantation. The immunophenotypic characterization by flow cytometry revealed expression of mesenchymal markers (CD73 and CD90) and expression of the pluripotent marker OCT4 and SOX2. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that there were no differences in the patterns of gene expression (CD34, CD73, OCT4, CD30 and P53) between canine and feline AMSCs, with the exception of the expression of SOX2 and CD90.
Unified Inference for Sparse and Dense Longitudinal Data in Time‐varying Coefficient Models
Authors: Chen Yixin , Yao Weixin
Published: October 2016

Time‐varying coefficient models are widely used in longitudinal data analysis. These models allow the effects of predictors on response to vary over time. In this article, we consider a mixed‐effects time‐varying coefficient model to account for the within subject correlation for longitudinal data. We show that when kernel smoothing is used to estimate the smooth functions in time‐varying coefficient models for sparse or dense longitudinal data, the asymptotic results of these two situations are essentially different. Therefore, a subjective choice between the sparse and dense cases might lead to erroneous conclusions for statistical inference. In order to solve this problem, we establish a unified self‐normalized central limit theorem, based on which a unified inference is proposed without deciding whether the data are sparse or dense. The effectiveness of the proposed unified inference is demonstrated through a simulation study and an analysis of Baltimore MACS data.
Self‐control, peer preference, and loneliness in Chinese children: A three‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Liu Junsheng , Xiao Bowen , Hipson Will E. , Coplan Robert J. , Li Dan , Chen Xinyin
Published: October 2016

The purpose of this study was to explore the longitudinal links among Chinese children's self‐control, social experiences, and loneliness, largely from a developmental cascades perspective (which postulates mechanisms about how effects within a particular domain of functioning can impact across additional domains over time). Participants were N = 1,066 primary school students in Shanghai, P. R. China, who were followed over three years from Grade 3 to Grade 5. Measures of children's behavioral self‐control, peer preference, and loneliness were obtained each year from peer nominations and child self‐reports. Results indicated that as compared with the unidirectional and bidirectional models, the developmental cascade model represented the best fit for the data. Within this model, a number of significant direct and indirect pathways were identified among variables and over time. For example, self‐control was found to indirectly contribute to later decreases in loneliness via a pathway through peer preference. As well, peer preference both directly and indirectly contributed to later increases in self‐control. Finally, loneliness directly led to decreases in self‐control from Grade 3 to Grade 4, but not from Grade 4 to Grade 5. Results are discussed in terms of the implications of self‐control for Chinese children's social and emotional functioning over time.
A Capability Approach to Unemployed Young People's Voice and Agency in the Development and Implementation of Employment Activation Policies
Authors: Egdell Valerie , Graham Helen
Published: October 2016

In the UK, current approaches to employment activation are primarily concerned with rapid labour market entry, with jobseekers compelled to engage in activities or be sanctioned. The Capability Approach (CA) has been proposed as an alternative framework to measure successful employment activation. It is concerned with what people can do rather than what they actually do, together with their substantive freedom of choice. In applying the CA, attention is drawn to the need for jobseekers to have a voice in the design and implementation of employment activation programmes. Drawing on in‐depth qualitative research, this article uses the CA to explore the voice and agency of unemployed young people (aged 16–24) in the development and implementation of employment activation policies. It analyses how far, and in what ways, young people's ideas, experiences and voices are included in policy development and implementation. Reflections and conclusions are made about how the policy discourse which has stressed the importance of centring services on the needs of users is reflected in employment activation policy.
Workfare under Ontario Works: Making Sense of Jobless Work
Authors: Pennisi Sarah , Baker Collins Stephanie
Published: October 2016

Ontario Works is a provincial income assistance programme of last resort, operating under a workfare policy structure. Based on interviews with clients and staff (case managers, supervisors, managers and administrators), as well as an examination of policy directives, this article explores the work of workfare including claims making, training and resocialization, and employment internships. This article asks particularly how the work of workfare and the complex and costly workfare infrastructure is justified in the face of its failure to lead to employment. Findings include a contrast between the official story of an employment‐focused programme and workers' reports of spending far more time on eligibility than employment readiness. In addition, applying Gramsci's notion of ‘common sense’, an argument is developed that the normative justification for workfare is based not on the effectiveness of workfare programmes, but on the belief that clients need to exchange their work for welfare and self‐improvement so that they appear ‘employment ready’ even if not employed.
Cryptic diversity in the long‐horn moth Nemophora degeerella (Lepidoptera: Adelidae) revealed by morphology, DNA barcodes and genome‐wide ddRAD‐seq data
Authors: KOZLOV MIKHAIL V. , MUTANEN MARKO , LEE KYUNG MIN , HUEMER PETER
Published: October 2016

The growth of DNA barcode libraries has now revealed many cases of potentially cryptic diversity in various groups of generally well‐studied European Lepidoptera. In this paper, we revise a complex of cryptic species, which were formerly all classified as one species, Nemophora degeerella (Linnaeus, 1758). We found that this complex consists of three taxa: N. degeerella (Linnaeus, 1758), which is widely distributed across temperate Europe north of the Alps, from Portugal to Finland, Central Russia and Ukraine; N. scopolii sp.n., which inhabits central and southern Europe (Slovakia, southern Germany, Austria, Slovenia and Italy); and N. deceptoriella sp.n. from the Caucasus (Russia and Georgia). These species are separated by subtle but stable external morphological characters (forewing size and pattern, relative size of the labial palpus, scapus and compound eyes) and divergent cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) lineages, with at least one geographical region (Austria to southern Germany and Slovakia) where two of these species (N. degeerella and N. scopolii) co‐occur. The characters of the male genitalia and four nuclear markers (CAD, EF‐1a, MDH and MDH; available for two of the three taxa) did not support the separation of the taxa, but data derived from 1363 and 390 restriction‐site associated DNA sequencing (RAD) loci (altogether consisting of 259 311 and 71 778 bp) of four specimens of each N. degeerella and N. scopolii, which were collected mostly from the contact zone strongly supported their distinctiveness as independent lineages. Our study is one of the still quite few cases where morphological and COI analyses are supplemented with nuclear data, and one of the very first cases where next‐generation sequencing based on double‐digest RAD sequencing (ddRAD‐seq) methods have been applied to address taxonomic questions in insects.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank: http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FBA1953A‐412E‐4395‐BB36‐B650621DD0D0.
Draft genome assembly and annotation of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, a medicinal legume
Authors: Mochida Keiichi , Sakurai Tetsuya , Seki Hikaru , Yoshida Takuhiro , Takahagi Kotaro , Sawai Satoru , Uchiyama Hiroshi , Muranaka Toshiya , Saito Kazuki
Published: October 2016

Chinese liquorice/licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis) is a leguminous plant species whose roots and rhizomes have been widely used as a herbal medicine and natural sweetener. Whole‐genome sequencing is essential for gene discovery studies and molecular breeding in liquorice. Here, we report a draft assembly of the approximately 379‐Mb whole‐genome sequence of strain 308‐19 of G. uralensis; this assembly contains 34 445 predicted protein‐coding genes. Comparative analyses suggested well‐conserved genomic components and collinearity of gene loci (synteny) between the genome of liquorice and those of other legumes such as Medicago and chickpea. We observed that three genes involved in isoflavonoid biosynthesis, namely, 2‐hydroxyisoflavanone synthase (CYP93C), 2,7,4′‐trihydroxyisoflavanone 4′‐O‐methyltransferase/isoflavone 4′‐O‐methyltransferase (HI4OMT) and isoflavone‐7‐O‐methyltransferase (7‐IOMT) formed a cluster on the scaffold of the liquorice genome and showed conserved microsynteny with Medicago and chickpea. Based on the liquorice genome annotation, we predicted genes in the P450 and UDP‐dependent glycosyltransferase (UGT) superfamilies, some of which are involved in triterpenoid saponin biosynthesis, and characterised their gene expression with the reference genome sequence. The genome sequencing and its annotations provide an essential resource for liquorice improvement through molecular breeding and the discovery of useful genes for engineering bioactive components through synthetic biology approaches.
Genome resources for climate‐resilient cowpea, an essential crop for food security
Authors: Muñoz‐Amatriaín María , Mirebrahim Hamid , Xu Pei , Wanamaker Steve I. , Luo MingCheng , Alhakami Hind , Alpert Matthew , Atokple Ibrahim , Batieno Benoit J. , Boukar Ousmane , Bozdag Serdar , Cisse Ndiaga , Drabo Issa , Ehlers Jeffrey D. , Farmer Andrew , Fatokun Christian , Gu Yong Q. , Guo Yi‐Ning , Huynh Bao‐Lam , Jackson Scott A. , Kusi Francis , Lawley Cynthia T. , Lucas Mitchell R. , Ma Yaqin , Timko Michael P. , Wu Jiajie , You Frank , Barkley Noelle A. , Roberts Philip A. , Lonardi Stefano , Close Timothy J.
Published: October 2016

Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) is a legume crop that is resilient to hot and drought‐prone climates, and a primary source of protein in sub‐Saharan Africa and other parts of the developing world. However, genome resources for cowpea have lagged behind most other major crops. Here we describe foundational genome resources and their application to the analysis of germplasm currently in use in West African breeding programs. Resources developed from the African cultivar IT97K‐499‐35 include a whole‐genome shotgun (WGS) assembly, a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) physical map, and assembled sequences from 4355 BACs. These resources and WGS sequences of an additional 36 diverse cowpea accessions supported the development of a genotyping assay for 51 128 SNPs, which was then applied to five bi‐parental RIL populations to produce a consensus genetic map containing 37 372 SNPs. This genetic map enabled the anchoring of 100 Mb of WGS and 420 Mb of BAC sequences, an exploration of genetic diversity along each linkage group, and clarification of macrosynteny between cowpea and common bean. The SNP assay enabled a diversity analysis of materials from West African breeding programs. Two major subpopulations exist within those materials, one of which has significant parentage from South and East Africa and more diversity. There are genomic regions of high differentiation between subpopulations, one of which coincides with a cluster of nodulin genes. The new resources and knowledge help to define goals and accelerate the breeding of improved varieties to address food security issues related to limited‐input small‐holder farming and climate stress.