bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolic scaling in modular animals
Authors: Burgess Scott C. , Ryan Will H. , Blackstone Neil W. , Edmunds Peter J. , Hoogenboom Mia O. , Levitan Don R. , Wulff Janie L.
Published: November 2017

Metabolic scaling is the relationship between organismal metabolic rate and body mass. Understanding the patterns and causes of metabolic scaling provides a powerful foundation for predicting biological processes at the level of individuals, populations, communities, and ecosystems. Despite intense interest in, and debate on, the mechanistic basis of metabolic scaling, relatively little attention has been paid to metabolic scaling in clonal animals with modular construction, such as colonial cnidarians, bryozoans, and colonial ascidians. Unlike unitary animals, modular animals are structural individuals subdivided into repeated morphological units, or modules, each able to acquire, process, and share resources. A modular design allows flexibility in organism size and shape with consequences for metabolic scaling. Furthermore, with careful consideration of the biology of modular animals, the size and shape of individual colonies can be experimentally manipulated to test competing theories pertaining to metabolic scaling. Here, we review metabolic scaling in modular animals and find that a wide range of scaling exponents, rather than a single value, has been reported for a variety of modular animals. We identify factors influencing variation in intraspecific scaling in this group that relate to the general observation that not all modules within a colony are identical. We highlight current gaps in our understanding of metabolic scaling in modular animals, and suggest future research directions, such as manipulating metabolic states and comparisons among species that differ in extent of module integration.
Music for reducing the anxiety and pain of patients undergoing a biopsy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Mingzhi , Li Nanyang , Zhang Xianbin , Shang Yuru , Yan Litao , Chu Jin , Sun Ran , Xu Yun
Published: November 2017

Aim

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of music therapy for reducing the anxiety and pain of patients who underwent a biopsy.

Background

Music can affect human anxiety and pain by triggering a neuroendocrine effect. Clinical study results indicated that music can influence the anxiety and pain caused by invasive procedures. There is no effective solution for anxiety and pain arising from a biopsy. Although researchers in this field have different views, music still holds promise in reducing the anxiety and pain in patients undergoing the biopsy.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Data Sources

Systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase, Medline and Cochrane databases for studies reported in the English language. The review period covered 2000 ‐ December 2016. The outcome measure of interest was anxiety and pain.

Methods

This review followed Cochrane methods. Studies were selected according to the PICOS framework. The methodological quality of studies was assessed with the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A systematic review of effectiveness was conducted by using GRADE approach.

Results

Nine randomized controlled trials with a total of 326 participants in the music intervention group and 323 controls met the inclusion criteria. Music had a tendency towards decreasing systolic blood pressure before the biopsy, State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory scores after the biopsy, diastolic blood pressure after the biopsy and heart rate after the biopsy. Similarly, music also tended to be more effective for controlling pain after the biopsy. There was moderate quality evidence for the outcome: State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory scores after the biopsy; and low‐ or very low‐quality evidence for other outcomes.

Conclusion

Music can be used for patients before and during the biopsy procedure. This approach may be performed by nurses to promote the recovery of patients after the biopsy.
The effects of computer simulation and animation (CSA) on students' cognitive processes: A comparative case study in an undergraduate engineering course
Authors: Fang N. , Tajvidi M.
Published: November 2017

This study focuses on the investigation of the effects of computer simulation and animation (CSA) on students' cognitive processes in an undergraduate engineering course. The revised Bloom's taxonomy, which consists of six categories in the cognitive process domain, was employed in this study. Five of the six categories were investigated, including remember, understand, apply, analyze, and evaluate. Data were collected via a think‐aloud protocol involving two groups of student participants: One group learned a worked example problem with a CSA module, and the other group learned the same problem with traditional textbook‐style instruction. A new concept called frequency index was proposed for use in qualitative research that involves the quantitative comparison of the overall popularity of a particular mental activity performed by two groups of students. The results show that as compared to traditional textbook‐style instruction, CSA significantly increases students' activities in the understand category of the revised Bloom's taxonomy during learning and significantly increases students' activities in the understand, apply, analyse, and evaluate categories during subsequent problem‐solving. That learning via CSA has a profound impact on subsequent problem‐solving is attributed to intensive human–computer interactions built in the CSA learning module.
Stronger selective constraint on downstream genes in the oxidative phosphorylation pathway of cetaceans
Authors: Tian R. , Xu S. , Chai S. , Yin D. , Zakon H. , Yang G.
Published: November 2017

The oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway is an efficient way to produce energy via adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is critical for sustaining an energy supply for cetaceans in a hypoxic environment. Several studies have shown that natural selection may shape the evolution of the genes involved inOXPHOS. However, how network architecture drivesOXPHOSprotein sequence evolution remains poorly explored. Here, we investigated the evolutionary patterns of genes in theOXPHOSpathway across six cetacean genomes within the framework of a functional network. Our results show a negative correlation between the strength of purifying selection and pathway position. This result indicates that downstream genes were subjected to stronger evolutionary constraints than upstream genes, which may be due to the dual function ofATPsynthase in theOXPHOSpathway. Additionally, there was a positive correlation between codon usage bias and omega (ω = dN/dS) and a negative correlation with synonymous substitution rate (dS), indicating that the stronger selective constraint on genes (with less biased codon usage) along theOXPHOSpathway is attributable to an increase in the rate of synonymous substitution. Surprisingly, there was no significant correlation between protein–protein interactions and the evolutionary estimates, implying that highly connected enzymes may not always show greater evolutionary constraints. Compared with that observed for terrestrial mammals, we found that the signature of positive selection detected in five genes (ATP5J,LHPP,PPA1,UQCRC1 andUQCRQ) was cetacean‐specific, reflecting the importance ofOXPHOSfor survival in hypoxic, aquatic environments.
Surface changes of various bulk‐fill resin‐based composites after exposure to different food‐simulating liquid and beverages
Authors: Tanthanuch Saijai , Kukiattrakoon Boonlert , Eiam‐O‐Pas Kasidit , Pokawattana Kan , Pamanee Nicha , Thongkamkaew Wichachon , Kochatung Asok
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate surface roughness, hardness, and morphology changes of various bulk‐fill resin composites eroded by different food‐simulating liquids and beverages.

Materials and Methods

One hundred and thirteen specimens were fabricated in polytetrafluoroethylene cylindrical mold (10 mm in diameter and 4 mm in thickness). Before immersion, baseline data of roughness, Vicker's microhardness were recorded and surface characteristics were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Each product of specimens (SDR, Dentsply; SonicFill, Kerr; Tetric N‐Ceram Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent AG; and Filtek Bulk Fill, 3M ESPE) were divided into 5 groups for spicy and sour soup, spicy soup (Tom Yum), pineapple juice, passionfruit juice, and deionized water (served as a control). Specimens were then alternately immersed in storage agents for 5 seconds and artificial saliva for 5 seconds over 10 cycles. Specimens were stored in artificial saliva for 22 hours. This process was repeated for 28 days. After immersion, surface hardness and roughness of specimens were evaluated at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days and data were analyzed by two‐way repeated ANOVA and Tukey's HSD (α = 0.05). Surface morphology of specimens was also examined on day 28.

Results

The SDR group had the most statistically significant decrement in hardness (25.65 ± 1.74 kg/mm2 in mean difference) and increment in roughness (0.26 ± 0.10 μm in mean difference; P < .05). Passionfruit juice caused the most surface changes in bulk‐fill resin composites. SEM photomicrographs showed surface changes of all resin composites in varying degrees.

Conclusion

Acidic food‐simulating liquids and beverages significantly increased the surface roughness and decreased surface microhardness of bulk‐fill resin composites after evaluation at the end of the 28‐day immersion period.

Clinical significance

For restoration of the affected teeth in patients who consume acidic food and beverages, roughness and erosion of resin composites should be considered. All of bulk‐fill resin‐based composites except SDR may be suitable for restorations in these patients.
Interleukin‐6 regulates expression of Fos and Jun genes to affect the development of mouse preimplantation embryos
Authors: Yu Chunhua , Zhang Xinyan , Wang Li , Liu Yinan , Li Na , Li Min , Chen Li , Liu Yingyu , Yao Yuanqing
Published: November 2017

Aim

We investigated whether recombinant mouse interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) affects the development of preimplantation embryos and induces the ‐signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK–STAT) signaling pathway by binding IL‐6 signal transducer (IL‐6st) and regulating Fos and Jun gene expression, thereby accounting for the negative effect of superovulation on embryo development.

Methods

We compared rates of blastocyst formation from embryos cultured with different concentrations of IL‐6 or/and anti‐interleukin 6 receptor antibody (anti‐IL‐6RAb) in superovulated experimental and normal control groups. IL‐6 expression in preimplantation embryos was determined by immunofluorescence identification. Fos, Jun and IL‐6st messenger RNA expression was detected by PCR and microarray experiments.

Results

Rates of blastocyst formation significantly decreased in superovulated embryos, whether or not they were incubated in 0.1, 1, 25 or 50 pg/mL IL‐6, (P < 0.01) compared to embryos from naturally ovulated controls, whereas incubation in 5 and 10 pg/mL IL‐6 reversed the negative effects of superovulation. The addition of anti‐IL‐6RAb to naturally ovulated embryos reduced blastocyst rates to those of superovulated embryos. Gene chip analysis indicated that the JAK–STAT signaling pathway contained differentially expressed IL‐6, IL‐6st, Jun and Fos genes. Both anti‐IL‐6RAb or ovarian stimulation downregulated IL‐6st, Jun, and Fos messenger RNA expression, but expression of the same three genes increased in 5 pg/mL IL‐6.

Conclusion

Ovarian stimulation negatively impacts the development of preimplantation embryos by reducing IL‐6 release. IL‐6 affects the rate of development of zygotes to blastocyst by regulating IL‐6st, Fos and Jun expression in the JAK–STAT signaling pathway.
Predictive factors for emergent surgical intervention in patients with ovarian endometrioma hospitalized for pelvic inflammatory disease: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Matsuyama Reiko , Tsuchiya Akira , Nishii Osamu
Published: November 2017

Aim

The aim of this study was to identify predictive factors for emergent surgical interventions in patients with ovarian endometriomas hospitalized for pelvic inflammatory disease (PID).

Methods

We retrospectively identified 22 patients with ovarian endometriomas who were hospitalized to manage PID. Patients were divided into two groups: those who required emergent surgery after failed antibiotic therapy (emergent surgery group, n = 6) and those who were discharged with successful antibiotic therapy (conservative group, n = 16). Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the factors associated with emergent surgery.

Results

Patients in the emergent surgery group were significantly more likely to have intrauterine or intrapelvic procedures before the onset of PID compared to those in the conservative group (83% vs 38%, odds ratio 8.33, 95% confidence interval 1.02–181.3; P = 0.048). The mean interval between the onset of PID symptoms and the commencement of parenteral antibiotic therapy was significantly longer in the emergent surgery compared to the conservative group (6.5 vs 1 day, odds ratio 1.28, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.75; P = 0.041).

Conclusion

A history of an intrauterine or intrapelvic procedure before the onset of PID was more likely to result in emergent surgery. A longer interval between the onset of PID symptoms and the commencement of parenteral antibiotics was also associated with emergent surgery. These findings could help to identify patients with ovarian endometriomas hospitalized with PID at higher risk of emergent surgical intervention.
A randomized study of prourokinase during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Geng Wei , Zhang Qi , Liu Jingmin , Tian Xiang , Zhen Libo , Song Da , Yang Ying , Meng Haiyun , Wang Yafang , Chen Jianjun
Published: November 2017

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracoronary administration of prourokinase via balloon catheter during primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in patients with acute ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).

Methods

Acute STEMI patients underwent primary PCI were randomly divided into two groups: intracoronary prourokinase (IP) group (n = 118) and control group (n = 112). During primary PCI, prourokinase or saline were injected to the distal end of the culprit lesion via balloon catheter after balloon catheter dilatation. Demographic and clinical characteristics, infarct size, myocardial reperfusion, and cardiac functions were evaluated and compared between two groups. Hemorrhagic complications and MACE occurred in the 6‐months follow up were recorded.

Results

No significant differences were observed between two groups with respect to baseline demographic, clinical, and angiographic characteristics (P > 0.05). In IP group, more patients had complete ST segment resolution (>70%) compared with control group (P < 0.05). Patients in IP group showed lower levels of serum CK, CK‐MB and TnI, and a much higher myocardial blood flow (MBF) than those in control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences of TIMI major or minor bleeding complications were observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 6‐months follow‐up, there was a trend that patients in the IP group had a less chance to have MACE, though it was not statistically different (8.5% vs 12.5%, P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Intracoronary administration of prourokinase via balloon catheter during primary PCI effectively improved myocardial perfusion in STEMI patients.
Risk of inferior alveolar nerve injury with coronectomy vs surgical extraction of mandibular third molars—A comparison of two techniques and review of the literature
Authors: Ali A. S. , Benton J. A. , Yates J. M.
Published: November 2017

The removal of mandibular third molar teeth is one of the most common oral surgical procedures. In a significant number of patients, it carries a degree of associated morbidity, including damage to the inferior alveolar nerve (IAN). For this reason, practitioners desire the most up‐to‐date guidance on the most appropriate technique, informed by the best available evidence that will produce the lowest incidence of iatrogenic complications. The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review comparing the effect of coronectomy vs complete surgical extraction of mandibular third molar teeth on the risk of IAN injury and other complications in adults. Studies were identified through Embase (1980‐2016) and Ovid MEDLINE (1946‐2016) database searches. Search terms included coronectomy, partial root removal, deliberate vital root retention, odontectomy, surgical removal, surgical extraction, complete tooth extraction and extract. Limits of the study included humans, English language and randomised controlled trials (RCTs). Only RCTs comparing IAN damage associated with surgical extraction of mandibular third molars vs coronectomy were included. From our database searches, we identified two unique RCTs matching the inclusion criteria. Both evaluated patients who had specific radiographic signs of intimate relationships with the IAN. Upon detailed analysis, the studies were noted to exhibit a high risk of bias in many categories, thereby rendering their results inconclusive. Although evidence from two RCTs suggests that coronectomy can reduce the risk of IAN injury compared to surgical removal of high‐risk mandibular third molars, the quality of evidence is insufficient to provide definitive conclusions regarding the preferred technique.
Upregulation of angiogenesis in oral lichen planus
Authors: Al‐Hassiny A. , Friedlander L. T. , Parachuru V. P. B. , Seo B. , Hussaini H. M. , Rich A. M.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

As angiogenesis is fundamental to the pathogenesis of many chronic inflammatory disorders, this study investigated the expression of various vascular markers in oral lichen planus and non‐specific oral mucosal inflammatory tissues.

Methods

Archival specimens of oral lichen planus (n = 15) and inflamed tissues (n = 13) were stained using immunohistochemistry with antibodies to CD34, vascular endothelial growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor and vasohibin. Nine representative sites at the epithelial‐connective tissue junction and through the fibrous connective tissue were selected, and automated analysis techniques were used to determine the extent of positivity expressed as the percentage of positive cells. Significance was denoted when P < .05.

Results

The expression of pro‐angiogenic factors was higher in lichen planus samples compared with inflamed controls. A higher level of CD34 was observed in the deeper parts of the connective tissue of Oral lichen planus (OLP) (P = .04), whereas VEGF and VEGFR2 expressions were higher all through the tissues (respectively, P < .02 and P < .01). The expression of the anti‐angiogenic VASH1 was higher in inflamed tissue compared with lichen planus in all sites evaluated (P < .01).

Conclusions

The findings indicate that angiogenic factors are differentially expressed in oral lichen planus compared with inflamed controls, with increased expression of pro‐angiogenic factors and decreased anti‐angiogenic expression.
Post‐temporary ligation intraoperative mesenteric portovenography: comparison with CT angiography for investigation of portosystemic shunts
Authors: Parry A. T. , White R. N.
Published: November 2017

Objectives

Comparison of pre‐operative CT angiography and post‐temporary, full‐ligation, intraoperative, mesenteric portovenography for the characterisation of intrahepatic portal vasculature in patients with single extrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

Methods

Descriptive analysis of previously collected images from 14 dogs and five cats.

Results

With the exception of shunts involving the right gastric vein, intrahepatic arborisation appeared similar on both modalities. Portovenography improved contrast enhancement and slightly enlarged the intrahepatic portal vasculature.

Clinical Significance

CT angiography cannot replace intraoperative mesenteric portovenography after temporary full ligation, which provides information on intrahepatic portal vascularity. It is a practical and dynamic procedure, providing results that are instantaneously available at the time of surgery. In addition, intraoperative post‐temporary, full‐ligation, mesenteric portography confirmed that the single shunting vessel had both been recognised and ligated.
The prevalence of narcolepsy in Catalunya (Spain)
Authors: Tió Ester , Gaig Carles , Giner‐Soriano Maria , Romero Odile , Jurado Maria‐José , Sansa Gemma , Pujol Montse , Sans Oscar , Álvarez‐Guerrico Ion , Caballol Nuria , Jimenez Marta , Becerra Juan‐Luis , Escartin Antonio , Monasterio Carmen , Molins Albert , Bove Antoni , Viña Jaume , Iranzo Alex , Cambrodi Roser , Calvo Gonzalo , Morros Rosa , Santamaria Joan
Published: November 2017

Previous studies have estimated an overall prevalence for narcolepsy between 15 and 70 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of narcolepsy in Catalunya (Catalonia), a north‐east region of Spain (7 424 754 inhabitants), on 31 December 2014 by identifying all living subjects diagnosed with narcolepsy. First, we identified patients diagnosed by one of the 13 sleep, paediatric or neurological departments that perform tests regularly to diagnose narcolepsy. In a second phase, we searched for additional patients with narcolepsy in a clinical database of the primary health‐care system. Clinical files were reviewed and narcolepsy diagnosis validated according to the Brighton Collaboration case definitions. Three hundred and twenty‐five patients had a validated diagnosis of narcolepsy in the specialized centres (mean age: 44.6 years, range: 6–89; male: 60.3%; 85% with narcolepsy type 1), including 17.8% cases in Brighton, definition level 1, 62.5% in level 2, 15.4% in level 3 and 4.3% in level 4a. The overall prevalence for narcolepsy was 4.4; 3.7 for narcolepsy type 1 and 0.7 cases per 100 000 inhabitants for narcolepsy type 2. Fifty‐six additional narcoleptic patients were identified in the primary health‐care system, increasing the overall prevalence to 5.2 cases per 100 000 inhabitants. Prevalence rates for narcolepsy type 1 increased from childhood to adulthood, but in subjects aged more than 50 years there was a substantial drop in prevalence rates, suggesting the presence of a significant pool of undiagnosed cases in this population. Narcolepsy can be considered a rare neurological disorder in Catalunya.
The Gastrointestinal Microbiome: A Review
Authors: Barko P.C. , McMichael M.A. , Swanson K.S. , Williams D.A.
Published: November 2017

The gastrointestinal microbiome is a diverse consortium of bacteria, archaea, fungi, protozoa, and viruses that inhabit the gut of all mammals. Studies in humans and other mammals have implicated the microbiome in a range of physiologic processes that are vital to host health including energy homeostasis, metabolism, gut epithelial health, immunologic activity, and neurobehavioral development. The microbial genome confers metabolic capabilities exceeding those of the host organism alone, making the gut microbiome an active participant in host physiology. Recent advances inDNAsequencing technology and computational biology have revolutionized the field of microbiomics, permitting mechanistic evaluation of the relationships between an animal and its microbial symbionts. Changes in the gastrointestinal microbiome are associated with diseases in humans and animals including inflammatory bowel disease, asthma, obesity, metabolic syndrome, cardiovascular disease, immune‐mediated conditions, and neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism spectrum disorder. While there remains a paucity of data regarding the intestinal microbiome in small animals, recent studies have helped to characterize its role in host animal health and associated disease states. This review is intended to familiarize small animal veterinarians with recent advances in the field of microbiomics and to prime them for a future in which diagnostic tests and therapies will incorporate these developments into clinical practice.
Maternal prepregnancy BMI or weight and offspring's blood pressure: Systematic review
Authors: Ludwig‐Walz Helena , Schmidt Milan , Günther Anke L. B. , Kroke Anja
Published: November 2017

Emerging evidence suggests that maternal prepregnancy body mass index or weight (MPBW) may be associated with offspring's blood pressure (BP). Therefore, we conducted a systematic review—following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses statement—to assess and judge the evidence for an association between MPBW with offspring's later BP. Five data bases were searched without limits. Risk of bias was assessed using the “Tool to Assess Risk of Bias in Cohort Studies,” and an evidence grade was allocated following the World Cancer Research Fund criteria. Of 2,011 publications retrieved, 16 studies (all cohort studies) were included in the systematic review; thereof, 5 studies (31%) were rated as good‐quality studies. Overall, data from 63,959 participants were enclosed. Systolic BP was analysed in 15 (5 good quality), diastolic BP in 12 (3 good quality), and mean arterial pressure in 3 (no good quality) studies. Five good‐quality studies of MPBW with offspring's systolic BP as the outcome and 1 good‐quality study with offspring's diastolic BP as the outcome observed a significant association. However, after adding offspring's anthropometry variables to the statistical model, the effect attenuated in 4 studies with systolic BP to nonsignificance, the study with diastolic BP remained significant. No good‐quality studies were found with respect to offspring's later mean arterial pressure. In conclusion, this systematic review found suggestive, but still limited, evidence for an association between MPBW with offspring's later BP. The available data suggest that the effect might be mainly mediated via offspring's anthropometry.
The Influence of Self‐Efficacy, Fear‐Avoidance Belief, and Coping Styles on Quality of Life for Chinese Patients with Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: A Multisite Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Du Shizheng , Hu Lingli , Bai Yamei , Dong Jianshu , Jin Shengji , Zhang Heng , Zhu Ying
Published: November 2017

Background

As a bio‐psycho‐social issue, chronic low back pain (CLBP) has been a significant topic in health management, and patients' quality of life (QOL) is gaining extensive attention. Self‐efficacy, pain fear‐avoidance belief (FAB), and coping styles play important roles in the QOL of CLBP patients. However, it remains unclear how self‐efficacy and FAB influence QOL through specific coping styles. This study aimed to explore the influencing paths of self‐efficacy, FAB, and coping styles on the QOL of patients with CLBP.

Methods

This study relies on a multisite, cross‐sectional design involving 221 CLBP patients. Stepwise multiple regression and structural equation modeling were employed.

Results

CLBP patients lived with a poor global QOL. Self‐efficacy played a direct, positive role in predicting QOL for patients with CLBP (β = 0.35), and it also played an indirect, positive role in predicting QOL (β = 0.19) through active coping styles (β = 0.31). FAB played a direct, negative role in predicting QOL (β = −0.33), and it also played an indirect, negative role in predicting QOL (β = −0.32) through passive coping styles (β = 0.32).

Conclusions

Self‐efficacy and FAB are both directly and indirectly related to global QOL, and coping styles are important mediating variables. Self‐efficacy and active coping are protective factors for the QOL of CLBP patients, while FAB and passive coping are risk factors. Health education strategies are recommended by medical personnel to enhance CLBP patients' pain self‐efficacy, decrease pain FAB, and modify pain coping styles, so that their global QOL can be improved.
CPAP by helmet for treatment of acute respiratory failure after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Chiusolo F. , Fanelli V. , Ciofi degli Atti M. L. , Conti G. , Tortora F. , Pariante R. , Ravà L. , Grimaldi C. , de Ville de Goyet J. , Picardo S.
Published: November 2017

ARF after pediatric liver transplantation accounts for high rate of morbidity and mortality associated with this procedure. The role of CPAP in postoperative period is still unknown. The aim of the study was to describe current practice and risk factors associated with the application of helmet CPAP. In this retrospective observational cohort study, 119 recipients were divided into two groups based on indication to CPAP after extubation. Perioperative variables were studied, and determinants of CPAP application were analyzed in a multivariate logistic model. Sixty patients (60/114) developed ARF and were included in the CPAP group. No differences were found between the two groups for primary disease, graft type, and blood product transfused. At multivariate analysis, weight <11 kg (OR = 2.9; 95% CI = 1.1‐7.3; P = .026), PaO2/FiO2 <380 before extubation (OR = 5.4; 95% CI = 2.1‐13.6; P < .001), need of vasopressors (OR = 2.6; 95% CI = 1.1‐6.4; P = .038), and positive fluid balance >148 mL/kg (OR = 4.0; 95% CI = 1.6‐10.1; P = .004) were the main determinants of CPAP application. In the CPAP group, five patients (8.4%) needed reintubation. Pediatric liver recipients with lower weight, higher need of inotropes/vasopressors, higher positive fluid balance after surgery, and lower PaO2/FiO2 before extubation were at higher odds of developing ARF needing CPAP application.
Location decisions of non‐bank financial foreign direct investment: Firm‐level evidence from Europe
Authors: Davies Ronald B. , Killeen Neill
Published: November 2017

The non‐bank financial sector in Europe has more than doubled in size between 2005 and 2015 reflecting the substantial growth in shadow banking activities. However, a large proportion of the non‐bank financial sector that remains unmapped as granular balance sheet information is not available for over half of the sector. Motivated by these data gaps and employing firm‐level data, this paper examines the location decisions of newly incorporated foreign affiliates in the non‐bank financial sector across 27 European countries over the period 2004 to 2012. The probability of a country being chosen as the location for a new foreign affiliate is found to be negatively associated with higher corporate tax rates and geographic distance but increases with the size and financial development of the host country. The financial regulatory regime in the host country and gravity related controls such as the home and host country sharing a common legal system, language, border, and currency are also found to impact the likelihood of non‐bank financial FDI.
Policy and performance in customs: Evaluating the trade facilitation agreement
Authors: Hillberry Russell , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: November 2017

This paper links cross‐country variation in trade facilitation policies to prominent indicators of national customs and logistics performance. We test the hypotheses that the policy data explain variation in the performance indicators, independent of other country characteristics that are plausibly exogenous to changes in trade facilitation policies. We use a LASSO procedure to choose among the many potential explanatory variables in the model. In general we find that country characteristics related to geography, income, and the general quality of governance better explain cross‐country variation in customs and logistics performance than do the measures of trade facilitation policy.
HLAs: Key regulators of T‐cell‐mediated drug hypersensitivity
Authors: Redwood A. J. , Pavlos R. K. , White K. D. , Phillips E. J.
Published: November 2017

Adverse drug reactions (ADR) can be broadly categorised as either on‐target or off‐target. On‐target ADRs arise as a direct consequence of the pharmacological properties of the drug and are therefore predictable and dose‐dependent. On‐target ADRs comprise the majority (>80%) of ADRs, relate to the drug's interaction with its known pharmacological target and are a result of a complex interplay of genetic and ecologic factors. In contrast, off‐target ADRs, including immune‐mediated ADRs (IM‐ADRs), are due to unintended pharmacological interactions such as inadvertent ligation of host cell receptors or non‐pharmacological interactions mediated through an adaptive immune response. IM‐ADRs can be classified according to the primary immune cell involved and include B‐cell‐mediated (Gell‐Coombs type I‐III reactions) and T‐cell‐mediated (Gell‐Coombs type IV or delayed hypersensitivity) reactions. IM‐ADRs mediated by T cells are associated with phenotypically distinct clinical diagnoses and can vary from a mild delayed rash to a life‐threatening cutaneous, systemic or organ disease, such as Stephen Johnson syndrome/toxic epidermal necrolysis, drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms and drug‐induced liver disease. T‐cell‐mediated ADRs are strongly linked to the carriage of particular HLA risk alleles which are in the case of abacavir hypersensitivity and HLA‐B*57:01 has led to translation into the clinic as a routine screening test. In this review, we will discuss the immunogenetics and pathogenesis of IM‐ADRs and how HLA associations inform both pre‐drug screening strategies and mechanistic understanding.
Beyond Polycentricity: Does Stronger Integration Between Cities in Polycentric Urban Regions Improve Performance?
Authors: Meijers Evert , Hoogerbrugge Marloes , Cardoso Rodrigo
Published: November 2017

A quarter of the European population lives in ‘polycentric urban regions’ (PURs): clusters of historically and administratively distinct but proximate and well‐connected cities of relatively similar size. This paper explores whether tighter integration can increase agglomeration benefits at the PUR‐level. We provide the first comprehensive list of European PURs (117 in total), establish their level of functional, institutional and cultural integration and measure whether this affects their performance. ‘Performance’ is defined as the extent to which urbanisation economies have developed, proxied by the presence of metropolitan functions. In this first‐ever cross‐sectional analysis of PURs we find that while there is evidence for all dimensions of integration having a positive effect, particularly functional integration has great significance. Regarding institutional integration, it appears that having some form of metropolitan co‐operation is more important than its exact shape. Theoretically, our results substantiate the assumption that networks may substitute for proximity.
The Limits of Guanxi for Chinese Nationals Doing Business Abroad: Empirical Investigation into Chinese Companies in Germany
Authors: Lin Lan , Wang Dai , Si Yue‐Fang
Published: November 2017

In the last ten years, Chinese outward direct investment (CODI) has undergone dramatic development. It has become increasingly important on the global stage. This paper attempts to integrate the guanxi concept into the Uppsala internationalisation process model to explain CODI motivation, location choice and knowledge acquisition channels. It reveals that Chinese investment in Germany is mainly driven by the desire to explore markets and to search for strategic resources. It favours location rich in network resources. Guanxi acts as an important channel of knowledge acquisition, but it is not as important as contractual linkage because of the limited professional and industry‐related knowledge in the local Chinese community. Chinese capitalism has been shaped into a hybrid form that incorporates both modern corporate management and traditional guanxi utilisation. Research which ignores or overemphasises the role of guanxi could lead to an incorrect understanding.
A protocol for combining fluorescent proteins with histological stains for diverse cell wall components
Authors: Ursache Robertas , Andersen Tonni Grube , Marhavý Peter , Geldner Niko
Published: November 2017

Higher plant function is contingent upon the complex three‐dimensional (3D) architecture of plant tissues, yet severe light scattering renders deep, 3D tissue imaging very problematic. Although efforts to ‘clear’ tissues have been ongoing for over a century, many innovations have been made in recent years. Among them, a protocol called ClearSee efficiently clears tissues and diminishes chlorophyll autofluorescence while maintaining fluorescent proteins – thereby allowing analysis of gene expression and protein localisation in cleared samples. To further increase the usefulness of this protocol, we have developed a ClearSee‐based toolbox in which a number of classical histological stains for lignin, suberin and other cell wall components can be used in conjunction with fluorescent reporter lines. We found that a number of classical dyes are highly soluble in ClearSee solution, allowing the old staining protocols to be enormously simplified; these additionally have been unsuitable for co‐visualisation with fluorescent markers due to harsh fixation and clearing. Consecutive staining with several dyes allows 3D co‐visualisation of distinct cell wall modifications with fluorescent proteins – used as transcriptional reporters or protein localisation tools – deep within tissues. Moreover, the protocol is easily applied on hand sections of different organs. In combination with confocal microscopy, this improves image quality while decreasing the time and cost of embedding/sectioning. It thus provides a low‐cost, efficient method for studying thick plant tissues which are usually cumbersome to visualise. Our ClearSee‐adapted protocols significantly improve and speed up anatomical and developmental investigations in numerous plant species, and we hope they will contribute to new discoveries in many areas of plant research.
LYS12 LysM receptor decelerates Phytophthora palmivora disease progression in Lotus japonicus
Authors: Fuechtbauer Winnie , Yunusov Temur , Bozsóki Zoltán , Gavrin Aleksandr , James Euan K. , Stougaard Jens , Schornack Sebastian , Radutoiu Simona
Published: November 2017

Phytophthora palmivora is a devastating oomycete plant pathogen. We found that P. palmivora induces disease in Lotus japonicus and used this interaction to identify cellular and molecular events in response to this oomycete, which has a broad host range. Transcript quantification revealed that Lys12 was highly and rapidly induced during P. palmivora infection. Mutants of Lys12 displayed accelerated disease progression, earlier plant death and a lower level of defence gene expression than the wild type, while the defence program after chitin, laminarin, oligogalacturonide or flg22 treatment and the root symbioses with nitrogen‐fixing rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhiza were similar to the wild type. On the microbial side, we found that P. palmivora encodes an active chitin synthase‐like protein, and mycelial growth is impaired after treatment with a chitin‐synthase inhibitor. However, wheat germ agglutinin‐detectable N‐acetyl‐glucosamine (GlcNAc) epitopes were not identified when the oomycete was grown in vitro or while infecting the roots. This indicates that conventional GlcNAc‐mers are unlikely to be produced and/or accumulate in P. palmivora cell walls and that LYS12 might perceive an unknown carbohydrate. The impact of Lys12 on progression of root rot disease, together with the finding that similar genes are present in other P. palmivora hosts, suggests that LYS12 might mediate a common early response to this pathogen.
The target of rapamycin kinase affects biomass accumulation and cell cycle progression by altering carbon/nitrogen balance in synchronized Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells
Authors: Jüppner Jessica , Mubeen Umarah , Leisse Andrea , Caldana Camila , Wiszniewski Andrew , Steinhauser Dirk , Giavalisco Patrick
Published: November 2017

Several metabolic processes tightly regulate growth and biomass accumulation. A highly conserved protein complex containing the target of rapamycin (TOR) kinase is known to integrate intra‐ and extracellular stimuli controlling nutrient allocation and hence cellular growth. Although several functions of TOR have been described in various heterotrophic eukaryotes, our understanding lags far behind in photosynthetic organisms. In the present investigation, we used the model alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii to conduct a time‐resolved analysis of molecular and physiological features throughout the diurnal cycle after TOR inhibition. Detailed examination of the cell cycle phases revealed that growth is not only repressed by 50%, but also that significant, non‐linear delays in the progression can be observed. By using metabolomics analysis, we elucidated that the growth repression was mainly driven by differential carbon partitioning between anabolic and catabolic processes. Accordingly, the time‐resolved analysis illustrated that metabolic processes including amino acid‐, starch‐ and triacylglycerol synthesis, as well RNA degradation, were redirected within minutes of TOR inhibition. Here especially the high accumulation of nitrogen‐containing compounds indicated that an active TOR kinase controls the carbon to nitrogen balance of the cell, which is responsible for biomass accumulation, growth and cell cycle progression.
Risky spaces: Creating, contesting and communicating lines on environmental hazard maps
Authors: Haughton Graham , White Iain
Published: November 2017

This paper examines the tensions involved in the production, presentation and revision of hazard maps, focusing on the controversies that have become increasingly common when they are used to change government policy. Our scope includes all the major environmental hazards currently being mapped in New Zealand, one of the world's most exposed and hazard‐aware countries. Selecting one country also allowed a multi‐hazard approach to be taken that helps provide messages for other countries. Drawing on interviews with 24 key informants, the paper identifies a range of reasons for explaining the recent growth in hazard mapping and why hazard maps sometimes resulted in high‐profile controversies. Two themes emerged out of this analysis: an inconsistency in modelling and mapping hazards that created opportunity for challenge and the selective mobilisation of scientific uncertainty to dispute the legitimacy of official maps, particularly on developed land. The findings highlight the multiple roles of mapping, positioning maps as potentially instruments of both depoliticisation and repoliticisation. We emphasise how conflicts are most likely when maps are used as technocratic instruments of depoliticisation, and that creating maps in a more open way can generate valuable opportunities to engage with communities in more creative policy‐making regarding the threats they face and how they can respond. Mapping processes that open up the space for critical debate can act as important debate‐support tools as well as decision‐support tools, particularly when used to give voice to those not normally heard or treated as equal.
Do Swedish multinationals pay less in taxes than domestic firms?
Authors: Hansson Åsa , Olofsdotter Karin , Thede Susanna
Published: November 2017

In recent years, there has been growing concern that multinational enterprises (MNEs) engage in strategic tax planning in order to shift profits to low‐tax jurisdictions. This common perception is generally confirmed by empirical evidence, which is foremost provided for countries with high corporate taxes and relatively complex tax systems. We investigate whether multinational firms in a country with a comparatively more competitive tax system undertake profit shifting. We do this using detailed census data from corporate income statements and balance sheets filed by Swedish manufacturing firms between 1997 and 2007. We detect profit shifting by comparing MNEs with (purely) domestic firms. In particular, we identify systematic differences in tax payments, earnings (before interest and taxes) and equity ratios between multinational and comparable domestic firms based on propensity score matching. In addition, we examine the tax behavioural impact of acquiring multinational status using difference‐in‐differences estimations and/or propensity score matching. Our results reveal that the extent to which multinational firms have lower tax payments than their domestic counterparts depends on their production characteristics and foreign market outreach. In particular, we find evidence indicating that firms operating in few foreign markets and firms that become multinational engage in profit shifting from Sweden.
Lattice Boltzmann Simulation of Mass Transfer Coefficients for Chemically Reactive Flows in Porous Media
Authors: Xu A. , Zhao T. S. , Shi L. , Xu J. B.
Published: November 2017

We present lattice Boltzmann (LB) simulations for the mass transfer coefficient from bulk flows to pore surfaces in chemically reactive flows for both ordered and disordered porous structures. The ordered porous structure under consideration consists of cylinders in a staggered arrangement and in a line arrangement, while the disordered one is composed of randomly placed cylinders. Results show that the ordered porous structure of staggered cylinders exhibits a larger mass transfer coefficient than ordered porous structure of inline cylinders does. It is also found that in the disordered porous structures, the Sherwood number (Sh) increases linearly with Reynolds number (Re) at the creeping flow regime; the Sh and Re exhibit a one-half power law dependence at the inertial flow regime. Meanwhile, for Schmidt number (Sc) between 1 and 10, the Sh is proportional to Sc0.8; for Sc between 10 and 100, the Sh is proportional to Sc0.3.
Improving the Supercooling Degree of TiO2 Suspensions by Coupling With Zirconium Phosphate Nanoplatelets
Authors: Yuan Xiao , Mo Songping , Chen Ying , Jia Lisi , Yin Tao , Yang Zhi , Cheng Zhengdong
Published: November 2017

Phase-change materials (PCM) with low supercooling degree (SD) are important in cold thermal energy storage (CTES) applications. The SD of nanosuspension PCM usually decreases with increasing nanoparticle concentration. However, the performance variation of nanosuspension PCM at high concentrations has been rarely studied, though it is important because nanoparticles tend to aggregate. In this paper, the SD and dispersion stability of nanosuspensions of TiO2, zirconium phosphate (ZrP), and TiO2 coupled with zirconium phosphate (TiO2-ZrP) were investigated at nanoparticle concentrations up to 5.0 wt %. Results show that the SD of TiO2 suspension did not remarkably varied with mass concentrations above 2.0 wt %. In contrast, the SD of TiO2-ZrP and ZrP were low and continuously decreased with increasing mass concentration of nanoparticles. The dispersion stability of TiO2-ZrP suspension improved compared with that of TiO2 suspension. Hence, TiO2-ZrP suspension provided more nucleation sites than TiO2 suspension to induce heterogeneous in water.
Study of the Heat Transfer of a Large-Scale Tunnel Furnace Based on Numerical Modeling
Authors: Ercetin Umran , Doner Nimeti
Published: November 2017

The aim of this work is to perform a thermal analysis of the operational conditions of a large-scale roller conveyor furnace in a ceramic factory. The entire furnace was divided into three subzones according to the combustion conditions, and the temperature and gas (CO2, H2O vapor, and O2) distributions of each subzone were evaluated. The computational fluid dynamics (CFD) approach was employed to simulate the flow, temperature profile, and heat transfer. The realizable k–ε model was applied for turbulence simulation of the fluid flow coming from the burners. The discrete ordinates method (DOM) and weighted sum of gray gases (WSGG) model were used for simulation of the radiative heat transfer of the furnace. The high accuracy of the simulation methods was validated with the temperature data of the furnace measured by an infrared thermal camera. From the comparisons between the furnace's operating conditions and the numerical simulations, it was concluded that the simulation methods yielded successful results, and relative deviations of up to 22% were observed in the side wall.