bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen sulphide increases pulmonary veins and atrial arrhythmogenesis with activation of protein kinase C
Authors: Chan Chao‐Shun , Lin Yung‐Kuo , Kao Yu‐Hsun , Chen Yao‐Chang , Chen Shih‐Ann , Chen Yi‐Jen
Published: April 2018

Hydrogen sulphide (H2S), one of the most common toxic air pollutants, is an important aetiology of atrial fibrillation (AF). Pulmonary veins (PVs) and left atrium (LA) are the most important AF trigger and substrate. We investigated whether H2S may modulate the arrhythmogenesis of PVs and atria. Conventional microelectrodes and whole‐cell patch clamp were performed in rabbit PV, sinoatrial node (SAN) or atrial cardiomyocytes before and after the perfusion of NaHS with or without chelerythrine (a selective PKC inhibitor), rottlerin (a specific PKC δ inhibitor) or KB‐R7943 (a NCX inhibitor). NaHS reduced spontaneous beating rates, but increased the occurrences of delayed afterdepolarizations and burst firing in PVs and SANs. NaHS (100 μmol/L) increased IKATP and INCX in PV and LA cardiomyocytes, which were attenuated by chelerythrine (3 μmol/L). Chelerythrine, rottlerin (10 μmol/L) or KB‐R7943 (10 μmol/L) attenuated the arrhythmogenic effects of NaHS on PVs or SANs. NaHS shortened the action potential duration in LA, but not in right atrium or in the presence of chelerythrine. NaHS increased PKC activity, but did not translocate PKC isoforms α, ε to membrane in LA. In conclusion, through protein kinase C signalling, H2S increases PV and atrial arrhythmogenesis, which may contribute to air pollution‐induced AF.
The influence of developmental environment on courtship song in cactophilic Drosophila
Authors: Iglesias Patricia P. , Soto Eduardo M. , Soto Ignacio M. , Colines Betina , Hasson Esteban
Published: April 2018

Closely related species often differ in the signals involved in sexual communication and mate recognition. Determining the factors influencing signal quality (i.e. signal's content and conspicuousness) provides an important insight into the potential pathways by which these interspecific differences evolve. Host specificity could bias the direction of the evolution of sexual communication and the mate recognition system, favouring sensory channels that work best in the different host conditions. In this study, we focus on the cactophilic sibling species Drosophila buzzatii and D. koepferae that have diverged not only in the sensory channel used for sexual communication and mate recognition but also in the cactus species that use as primary hosts. We evaluate the role of the developmental environment in generating courtship song variation using an isofemale line design. Our results show that host environment during development induces changes in the courtship song of D. koepferae males, but not in D. buzzatii males. Moreover, we report for the first time that host rearing environment affects the conspicuousness of courtship song (i.e. song volume). Our results are mainly discussed in the context of the sensory drive hypothesis.
Parallel evolutionary forces influence the evolution of male and female songs in a tropical songbird
Authors: Graham Brendan A. , Heath Daniel D. , Walter Ryan P. , Mark Melissa M. , Mennill Daniel J.
Published: April 2018

Given the important role that animal vocalizations play in mate attraction and resource defence, acoustic signals are expected to play a significant role in speciation. Most studies, however, have focused on the acoustic traits of male animals living in the temperate zone. In contrast to temperate environments, in the tropics, it is commonplace for both sexes to produce complex acoustic signals. Therefore, tropical birds offer the opportunity to compare the sexes and provide a more comprehensive understanding of the evolution of animal signals. In this study, we quantified patterns of acoustic variation in Rufous‐and‐white Wrens (Thryophilus rufalbus) from five populations in Central America. We quantified similarities and differences between male and female songs by comparing the role that acoustic adaptation, cultural isolation and neutral genetic divergence have played in shaping acoustic divergence. We found that males and females showed considerable acoustic variation across populations, although females exhibited greater population divergence than males. Redundancy analysis and partial‐redundancy analysis revealed significant relationships between acoustic variation and ecological variables, genetic distance, and geographic distance. Both ambient background noise and geographic distance explained a high proportion of variance for both males and females, suggesting that both acoustic adaptation and cultural isolation influence song. Overall, our results indicate that parallel evolutionary forces act on male and female acoustic signals and highlight the important role that cultural drift and selection play in the evolution of both male and female songs.
Using group‐based trajectory modelling to enhance causal inference in interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Linden Ariel
Published: April 2018

Rationale, aims, and objectives

Several enhancements have been proposed for interrupted time series analysis (ITSA) to improve causal inference. Presently, group‐based trajectory modelling (GBTM) is introduced as a complement to ITSA. GBTM assumes a certain number of discrete groups in the sample have unique trajectories of the outcome. GBTM is used herein for 2 purposes: (1) to compare outcomes across all trajectory groups via a stand‐alone GBTM and (2) to identify comparable non‐treated units to serve as controls in the ITSA outcome model. Examples of each are offered.

Method

The effect of California's Proposition 99 (passed in 1988) for reducing cigarette sales is evaluated by comparing California to other states not exposed to smoking reduction initiatives. In the stand‐alone GBTM, distinct trajectory groups are identified based on cigarette sales for the entire observation period (1970‐2000). In the second approach, a GBTM is generated using only baseline period observations (1970‐1988), and treatment effects (difference in post‐intervention trends) are then estimated for the treatment unit versus non‐treated units in the treated unit's trajectory group.

Results

In the stand‐alone GBTM, 3 distinct trajectory groups were identified: low‐decreasing, medium‐decreasing, and high‐decreasing (California and 26 other states were in the low‐decreasing group). When using baseline data for matching, California and 19 non‐treated states comprised the low group. California had a significantly larger decrease in post‐intervention cigarette sales than these controls (P < 0.01).

Conclusions

GBTM enhances ITSA by providing perspective for the outcome trajectory in the treated unit's group versus all others and can identify non‐treated units to be used for estimating treatment effects.
Evaluation of symptomatic esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction
Authors: Ong Andrew Ming Liang , Namasivayam Vikneswaran , Wang Yu Tien
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim

Esophagogastric junction outflow obstruction (EGJOO) may be due to anatomical abnormalities, but it is unclear how to evaluate them after high‐resolution manometry. We aimed to determine (i) clinical and high‐resolution manometry parameters differentiating anatomical EGJOO from functional EGJOO, (ii) investigations chosen and yield for anatomical EGJOO, and (iii) clinical outcomes of functional EGJOO.

Methods

Medical records of consecutive patients with symptomatic EGJOO from February 2012 to December 2015 were reviewed. EGJOO was defined as anatomical if investigations identified a macroscopic or microscopic pathology accounting for EGJOO.

Results

Forty of 292 (13.7%) had EGJOO, of which 6/40 (15%) had anatomical EGJOO (two PPI‐responsive esophageal eosinophilia, two infiltrating cancers, and two external compressions). Anatomical EGJOO was more likely to present with dysphagia (100% vs 29.4%, P = 0.001) and less likely with regurgitation (0% vs 41.2%, P = 0.05). Anatomical EGJOO had higher frequencies of premature contraction (50% vs 5.9%, P = 0.003) and lower mean values of distal latency (5.6 +/− 1.3 vs 6.7 +/− 1.2, P = 0.004). Computed tomography scans revealed 50% (3/6) of etiologies of anatomical EGJOO. Approximately, 73.5% (25/34) of patients with functional EGJOO had spontaneous resolution of their symptoms. One underwent pneumatic dilatation with symptom resolution while remaining eight with persistent symptoms were attributed to gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Conclusion

Anatomical causes are present in 15% of EGJOO. Evaluation is warranted especially in patients presenting with dysphagia. Esophageal biopsies, barium swallows, computed tomography scans, and endoscopic ultrasound are complementary in EGJOO evaluation. In patients with non‐obstructive symptoms and no anatomical etiologies, monitoring for spontaneous resolution is an option.
State of Science: Bridging the Science‐Practice Gap in Aging, Dementia and Mental Health
Authors: Callahan Christopher M. , Bateman Daniel R. , Wang Sophia , Boustani Malaz A.
Published: April 2018

The workforce available to care for older adults has not kept pace with the need. In response to workforce limitations and the growing complexity of healthcare, scientists have tested new models of care that redesign clinical practice. This article describes why new models of care in aging, dementia, and mental health diffuse inadequately into the healthcare systems and communities where they might benefit older adults. We review a general framework for the diffusion of innovations and highlight the importance of other features of innovations that deter or facilitate diffusion. Although scientists often focus on generating evidence‐based innovations, end‐users apply their own criteria to determine an innovation's value. In 1962, Rogers suggested six features of an innovation that facilitate or deter diffusion suggested: relative advantage, compatibility with the existing environment, ease or difficulty of implementation, trial‐ability or ability to “test drive”, adaptability, and observed effectiveness. We describe examples of models of care in aging, dementia and mental health that enjoy a modicum of diffusion into practice and place the features of these models in the context of deterrents and facilitators for diffusion. Developers of models of care in aging, dementia, and mental health typically fail to incorporate the complexities of health systems, the barriers to diffusion, and the role of emotion into design considerations of new models. We describe agile implementation as a strategy to facilitate the speed and scale of diffusion in the setting of complex adaptive systems, social networks, and dynamic macroenvironments.
Beliefs and advice‐seeking behaviours for fertility and pregnancy: a cross‐sectional study of a global sample
Authors: Walker R. , Blumfield M. , Truby H.
Published: April 2018

Background

Pregnancy can motivate individuals to adopt lifestyle behaviours that protect the health of their offspring. The aims of the present study were to explore men's and women's beliefs about lifestyle, fertility and pregnancy, as well as where they seek advice.

Methods

Participants (2185 women and 221 men, six unspecified) from 104 countries completed a questionnaire that explored their beliefs about what was important for a healthy pregnancy and their advice‐seeking behaviours. Recruitment was via a Massive Open Online Course entitled ‘Food as Medicine’, with food, nutrient and health content. Comparisons of categorical data were performed using a chi‐squared test (P= 0.05).

Results

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables and not smoking (both 93.7%) were the most frequently and equally ranked in the top‐five factors for a healthy pregnancy. Taking prenatal supplements (26.8%) was considered to be less important. Participants in Westernised countries ranked not smoking or drinking alcohol as being significantly more important than those in other countries. Overall, doctors (47.7%) were the most common source of fertility and pregnancy advice. Larger proportions of those aged <40 years used the Internet (<40 years 44.1%, >40 years 18.2% χ2= 152.7,P< 0.01) and social media (<40 years 16.1%, >40 years 3.6%; χ2= 110.18,P< 0.01) for health information.

Conclusions

There is disconnection between beliefs and actions regarding the lifestyle behaviours considered to be important for a healthy pregnancy, particularly nutrition. Pregnancy advice‐seeking has evolved, with younger men and women utilising the Internet and social media. Health professionals must consider new communication strategies to deliver evidence‐based lifestyle advice, particularly for younger men and women and where access to healthcare is limited.
Energy, Nitrogen, and Farm Surplus Transitions in Agriculture from Historical Data Modeling. France, 1882–2013.
Authors: Harchaoui Souhil , Chatzimpiros Petros
Published: April 2018

This article addresses agricultural metabolism and transitions for energy, nitrogen, farm production, self‐sufficiency, and surplus from historical data since the nineteenth century. It builds on an empirical data set on agricultural production and production means in France covering 130 consecutive years (1882–2013). Agricultural transitions have increased the net production and surplus of farms by a factor of 4 and have zeroed self‐sufficiency. The energy consumption remained quasi‐stable since 1882, but the energy and nitrogen structure of agriculture fully changed. With an EROI (energy return to energy invested) of 2 until 1950, preindustrial agriculture consumed as much energy to function as it provided in exportable surplus to sustain the nonagricultural population. The EROI doubled to 4 over the last 60 years, driven, on the one hand, by efficiency improvements in traction through the replacement of draft animals by motors and, on the other hand, by the joint increase in crop yields and efficiency in nitrogen use. Agricultural energy and nitrogen transitions shifted France from a self‐sufficiency agri‐food‐energy regime to a fossil‐dependent food export regime. Knowledge of resource conversion mechanisms over the long duration highlights the effects of changing agricultural metabolism on the system's feeding capacity. Farm self‐sufficiency is an asset against fossil fuel constraints, price volatility, and greenhouse gas emissions, but it equates to lower farm surplus in support of urbanization.
Reactive oxygen species signaling and stomatal movement in plant responses to drought stress and pathogen attack
Authors: Qi Junsheng , Song Chun‐Peng , Wang Baoshan , Zhou Jianmin , Kangasjärvi Jaakko , Zhu Jian‐Kang , Gong Zhizhong
Published: April 2018

Stomata, the pores formed by a pair of guard cells, are the main gateways for water transpiration and photosynthetic CO2 exchange, as well as pathogen invasion in land plants. Guard cell movement is regulated by a combination of environmental factors, including water status, light, CO2 levels and pathogen attack, as well as endogenous signals, such as abscisic acid and apoplastic reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under abiotic and biotic stress conditions, extracellular ROS are mainly produced by plasma membrane‐localized NADPH oxidases, whereas intracellular ROS are produced in multiple organelles. These ROS form a sophisticated cellular signaling network, with the accumulation of apoplastic ROS an early hallmark of stomatal movement. Here, we review recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the ROS signaling network, primarily during drought stress and pathogen attack. We summarize the roles of apoplastic ROS in regulating stomatal movement, ABA and CO2 signaling, and immunity responses. Finally, we discuss ROS accumulation and communication between organelles and cells. This information provides a conceptual framework for understanding how ROS signaling is integrated with various signaling pathways during plant responses to abiotic and biotic stress stimuli.
(En)Gendering Equality? Conditional Cash Transfers as National Development in Post‐Neoliberal Ecuador
Authors: Falconer Chantelle Alena
Published: April 2018

En el Ecuador postneoliberal, el Bono de Desarrollo Humano (BDH) es una transferencia monetaria condicionada que promueve el proyecto gubernamental buen vivir que promete extender la inclusión socioeconómica a algunos de los ciudadanos más pobres. En este artículo enfoco en las prácticas de subsistencia que se cruzan con las suposiciones acerca de los hogares y la maternidad que subyacen el BHD. Basado en 15 meses de investigación etnográfica, aquí exploro los casos de tres mujeres que se encuentran no aptas para BDH debido a los modos informales y frecuentemente precarios en que se las ingenian para proveer para sus familias. Concluyo con el argumento de que el mismo proceso mediante el cual las mujeres se la ingenian para proveer las excluye del programa de transferencia monetaria y al mismo tiempo las excluye de las promesas del de igualdad y redistribución del gobierno. [buen vivir, post‐neoliberal, reducción de la pobreza, desarrollo, bono de desarrollo humano, madres, género, Ecuador, Intag]
Networks in Production: Asset Pricing Implications
Authors: HERSKOVIC BERNARD
Published: April 2018

In this paper, I examine asset pricing in a multisector model with sectors connected through an input‐output network. Changes in the network are sources of systematic risk reflected in equilibrium asset prices. Two characteristics of the network matter for asset prices: network concentration and network sparsity. These two production‐based asset pricing factors are determined by the structure of the network and are computed from input‐output data. Consistent with the model predictions, I find return spreads of 4.6% and −3.2% per year on sparsity and concentration beta‐sorted portfolios, respectively.
Surgical management of chronic otitis secondary to craniomandibular osteopathy in three West Highland white terriers
Authors: Beever L. , Swinbourne F. , Priestnall S. L. , Ter Haar G. , Brockman D. J.
Published: April 2018

Three West Highland white terriers were presented for investigation of left‐sided para‐aural abscessation. CT revealed chronic otitis media with extensive osseous proliferation surrounding the horizontal and vertical ear canals contiguous with the expanded temporal bone, consistent with a unilateral variant of craniomandibular osteopathy. A left total ear canal ablation with lateral bulla osteotomy was performed in all dogs. An ultrasonic bone curette (Sonopet; Stryker) proved useful when removing the osseous proliferation in two dogs. Histopathological examination of the ear canals was consistent with craniomandibular osteopathy and the treatment led to resolution of the presenting clinical signs in all dogs. To our knowledge, this is the first report of craniomandibular osteopathy engulfing the external ear canal, presumably leading to chronic otitis media and para‐aural abscess formation. This is also the first reported use of an ultrasonic bone curette in canine otic surgery.
The Effects of Supply Chain Integration on the Cost Efficiency of Contract Manufacturing
Authors: Kim Yoon Hee , Schoenherr Tobias
Published: April 2018

While the literature on supply chain integration (SCI) is proliferating, the link between SCI and a firm's contract manufacturing performance has not been investigated yet. To fill this gap in the literature, we investigate the effects of supply chain integration on contract manufacturing efficiency using the objective measure of return on contract manufacturing. Unlike prior studies, this research uses finer‐grained dimensions of SCI by not only differentiating between customer and supplier integration but also by separating integration activities depending on their purpose for either product development or process improvement, thus enhancing our understanding of the underlying theoretical dynamics by disentangling each dimension's respective contribution to a firm's contract manufacturing efficiency. Using archival survey data from 322 manufacturing firms collected by the Korea Productivity Center, we demonstrate that integration activities with customers and suppliers, depending on whether they focus on products or processes, generate contradicting outcomes in terms of return on contract manufacturing, thereby challenging the implicit assumption about the equivocal benefits of SCI across manufacturing systems. Furthermore, our findings substantiate the positive moderating effects of cross‐functional integration on the external integration–performance links by demonstrating the amplified effects, either positive or negative, of integration on return on contract manufacturing.
Try Tri again? Resolving species boundaries in theLomatium triternatum(Apiaceae) complex
Authors: Smith James F. , Mansfield Donald H. , Stevens McKayla , Sosa Edgar , Feist Mary Ann E. , Downie Stephen R. , Plunkett Gregory M. , Darrach Mark
Published: April 2018

Species boundaries have traditionally been delimited by applying phenotypic characters to a morphological species concept. With an increased understanding of the complexities of speciation as a process, species concepts have proliferated while at the same time, the ability to gather greater numbers and types of molecular characters has expanded the means by which species can be delimited. Phylogenetic studies of molecular data provide an opportunity to identify reciprocally monophyletic groupsand have led to the identification of cryptic or nearly cryptic species in which subtle differences in phenotypes or ecological niches can be uncovered only after monophyletic groups have been identified. Here, we investigate evolutionary relationships among a group of species in theLomatium triternatumcomplex using molecular phylogenetic analyses for all samples, and ecological parameters for two of the 38 species included in this study. The results indicate that there are more reciprocally monophyletic groups in this complex than had been estimated using phenotypic data alone. The ecological data show a clear differentiation for the one pair of sister species where ecological sampling was available, implying that divergence within this group may have resulted from environmental selection for soil preferences that have been strong enough to result in speciation.
Forum introduction
Authors: Wight Colin
Published: April 2018

This piece is an abstract to a commentary section on Alexander Wendt's (2015) book, Quantum mind and social science : unifying physical and social ontology. In this book, Wendt, one of the core theorists of constructivism in international relations, undertakes a bold new initiative in grand theorizing. The commentators, followed by Wendt's own response to them, analyze this new direction from a number of angles.
Diagnostic utility of cardiac troponin I in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Hori Yasutomo , Iguchi Masayuki , Heishima Yasuhiro , Yamashita Yohei , Nakamura Kensuke , Hirakawa Atsushi , Kitade Akihito , Ibaragi Toshiki , Katagi Michio , Sawada Tamotsu , Yuki Masashi , Kanno Nobuyuki , Inaba Haruki , Isayama Noriko , Onodera Hideyuki , Iwasa Naoki , Kino Mikio , Narukawa Mikihiro , Uchida Syuhei
Published: April 2018

Background

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is useful for assessing hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) in cats.

Objective

To measure plasma cTnI concentrations in healthy cats and evaluate the clinical utility of cTnI in determining the severity of HCM.

Animals

Clinically healthy cats (n = 88) and cats with HCM (n = 93).

Methods

Multicenter prospective study. Cats with HCM, including hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy at various stages, were diagnosed using echocardiography. Plasma cTnI concentrations were analyzed by a commercial laboratory. Receiver‐operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the accuracy of plasma cTnI concentrations to detect HCM.

Results

The median cTnI concentration was 0.027 ng/mL (interquartile range, 0.012‐0.048 ng/mL) in healthy cats. Concentrations were significantly higher in diseased cats than in healthy controls, and concentrations were significantly higher in cats with heart failure than in asymptomatic cats. A plasma cTnI concentration of 0.163 ng/mL had a sensitivity of 62.0% and specificity of 100% when used to distinguish normal cats from asymptomatic HCM cats without left atrial dilatation. A cutoff of 0.234 ng/mL had high sensitivity (95.0%) and specificity (77.8%) for assessing heart failure. The areas under the receiver‐operating characteristic curves were 0.85 and 0.93, respectively.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Increased cTnI concentrations reflect the severity of HCM. If other causes of cardiac injury are ruled out, plasma cTnI concentration may be useful for predicting the severity of HCM in cats.
Production Methods and Resource Use at Litopenaeus vannamei and Penaeus monodon Farms in India Compared with Previous Findings from Thailand and Vietnam
Authors: Boyd Claude E. , McNevin Aaron A. , Davis Robert P. , Godumala Ravibabu , Mohan Avanigadda B. Ch.
Published: April 2018

Shrimp farms in India had average yields (pond surface basis) of 7.86 ± 1.04 (SE) m.t./ha/yr for Litopenaeus vannamei (n = 89) and 3.88 m.t./ha/yr for Penaeus monodon (n = 11). Average feed conversion ratio was 1.48 ± 0.04 for L. vannamei and 1.24 ± 0.12 for P. monodon. Land use for production ponds, supporting area, and feed ingredients averaged 0.634 ± 0.053 ha/m.t. for L. vannamei and 0.716 ± 0.087 ha/m.t. for P. monodon. Saline water volume used at farms without water exchange was 18,522 ± 4065 m3/m.t. for L. vannamei and 9528 m3/m.t. for P. monodon. Farms exchanging water used 149,188 m3/m.t. for L. vannamei and 191,500 m3/m.t. for P. monodon. Freshwater embodied in feed was 1678 ± 508 m3/m.t. for L. vannamei and 1401 ± 137 m3/m.t. for P. monodon. Average energy use for farm construction and repair, farm operations, and embodied in feed and liming materials was 82.14 ± 9.08 GJ/m.t. for L. vannamei and 59.03 ± 24.92 GJ/m.t. for P. monodon. Wildfish used to make fishmeal included in feed was 1209 kg/m.t. for L. vannamei and 1611 kg/m.t. for P. monodon. Farm infrastructure, pond management methods, yields, and resource use in India were similar to those previously reported for shrimp farms in Thailand and Vietnam.
Effect of Two Novel Experimental Microdiet Types on Growth, Survival, and Pigmentation during the Weaning Period of the Fine Flounder, Paralichthys adspersus, Larvae
Authors: Orihuela Lucas , Montes Melissa , Linares Joel , Castro Angélica , Carrera Lili , Lazo Juan P.
Published: April 2018

The aim of this study was to evaluate two new types of experimental weaning microdiets for fish larvae, using the same formulation, but with different manufacturing processes, microextrusion marumerization (MEM) and particle‐assisted rotational agglomeration (PARA). Both microdiets were compared to a commercial microdiet, Otohime™ (OTO), during the weaning of the fine flounder, Paralichthys adspersus. Weaning was achieved by cofeeding with live food from 40 to 50 d after hatch (d.a.h.). Thereafter, only the microdiets were fed to the end of the study (60 d.a.h.), where the total length, dry weight, and survival rates were 15.9 ± 3.20, 14.3 ± 1.72, and 14.4 ± 2.28 mm; 8.83 ± 3.40, 5.53 ± 2.85, and 7.10 ± 3.56 mg; 18.1, 16.3, and 15.2%, for OTO, MEM, and PARA, respectively. The dry weight and total length were significantly higher (P < 0.05) for larvae fed OTO compared with those fed MEM. There were no differences between the other comparisons. Based on these results, any of the two experimental microdiets can be used for future investigations. However, we recommend the PARA microdiets because the manufacturing process produces less‐dense and smaller particle size diets, reducing sinking rates and increasing the probability of the larvae in detecting and ingesting the diet.
Rights or ability: Access to plant genetic resources in India
Authors: Patnaik Archana , Jongerden Joost , Ruivenkamp Guido
Published: April 2018

The difficulties that stakeholders face in accessing plant genetic resources have been a concern of many scholars since the introduction of intellectual property rights. One of these issues is that of access, which is mostly approached from a rights perspective. Here it is argued that such a rights perspective limits a critical reflection on the possibilities for enhancing accessibility to the Plant Genetic Resources (PGRs) on three grounds and to go beyond this limitation, we introduce an ability perspective. The ability perspective brings into focus how farmers organise their access to PGRs and is researched in four PGRs conservation banks in India; one ex situ and three in situ. An informal system of conservation (in situ) and sharing through informal networks is found to provide better access mechanisms for the small and marginal farmers in India, while access to conserved resources stored at the three in situ banks created biosocial relations and biosocial commons. However, each case studied had certain disadvantages in respect of granting access to the farmers, so additional mechanisms to facilitate better access to the conserved resources are suggested.
Studies in English protestant dissent and literature after 1662
Authors: Pritchard Penny
Published: April 2018

The recognition of a defining literary culture aligned with Protestant dissent after 1662 acknowledges not only the significance of religious identity in writers whose primary experience is (after 17 August 1662) varying degrees of civil and religious persecution but also how that experience is articulated through the literary sensibilities of well‐educated scholars of Biblical narrative and rhetoric. At the forefront of this canon are figures primarily associated with England's recent revolutionary past—such as Milton, Bunyan, Baxter, and Fox—many of whom remained active after 1660—as well as later authors who, like Defoe, were themselves often trained for the ministry, and who engaged firsthand with the emerging prominence of new forms of fiction, such as the novel, which in turn developed in the wake of popular didactic writing including spiritual biographies and conduct works.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is associated with decreased lung function
Authors: Lee Chang‐Hoon , Choi Seung Ho , Chung Goh Eun , Park Boram , Kwak Min‐Sun
Published: April 2018

Background & Aims

The association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and lung function has not been fully examined. The aim of this study was to clarify the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and lung function in general population by performing cross‐sectional and longitudinal analysis.

Methods

Participants without hepatic and respiratory disease who underwent regular health exams including hepatic sonography and spirometry with at least 3 years' follow‐up were included. In cross‐sectional analysis, the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and lung function at baseline was examined with multiple regression models. The longitudinal analysis was performed by mixed linear regression models with propensity score matching.

Results

Of 11 892 eligible participants (mean age, 47.7 years; male, 47.2%), 3815(32.1%) had nonalcoholic fatty liver disease based on sonography. In cross‐sectional analysis, the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease group had lower adjusted forced expiratory volume in 1‐second (men, 3.52 vs 3.44 L, P < .001; women, 2.62 vs 2.45 L, P < .001) and forced vital capacity (men, 4.33 vs 4.24 L, P < .001; women, 3.11 vs 2.97 L, P < .001) than the control group. In longitudinal analysis, during the mean follow‐up period of 6.6 years, there were no significant differences in forced expiratory volume in 1‐second or forced vital capacity decline rates between two groups in the propensity score‐matched cohorts (n = 4558). However, those with high nonalcoholic fatty liver disease fibrosis score and fibrosis‐4 (men, −21.7 vs −27.4 mL/y, P = .001; women, −22.4 vs −27.9 mL/y, P = .016) showed significantly faster decline in forced vital capacity compared to those with low scores.

Conclusions

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease was associated with decreased lung function at baseline but was not associated with accelerated lung function decline in the propensity score‐matched cohort. However, hepatic fibrosis was significantly associated with rapid forced vital capacity decline.
Peer counselling improves breastfeeding practices: A cluster randomized controlled trial in urban Bangladesh
Authors: Ara Gulshan , Khanam Mansura , Papri Nowshin , Nahar Baitun , Haque Md Ahshanul , Kabir Iqbal , Dibley Michael J.
Published: April 2018

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of peer counselling on early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rates for mother–infant pairs living in urban slums, Dhaka, Bangladesh. This randomized controlled trial enrolled 350 mother–infant pairs from selected slums between September 2014 and July 2016. The women assigned to intervention group received peer counselling from locally recruited, trained community female volunteers starting in third trimester of pregnancy until 6 months after delivery; control group received no intervention. EIBF, any liquids given after birth, and EBF were compared between groups. Follow‐up was scheduled at enrolment, following childbirth, and every 2 months up to 6 months after delivery. Multiple logistic regressions were used to assess the effect peer counselling and other associated factors on EIBF and EBF practices. EIBF rate was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (89.1% vs. 77.4%, p = .005). More mothers in intervention group were exclusively breastfeeding at 5 months than mothers in the control group (73% vs. 27%, p < .005). Control mothers were twice as likely to not practice EIBF compared with intervention mothers (adjusted odds risk [aOR]: 2.53, CI [1.29, 4.97], p = .007). Overall, caesarean section was associated with an 8.9‐fold higher risk of not achieving EIBF (aOR: 8.90, CI [4.05, 19.55], p < .001). Intervention mothers were 5.10‐fold more likely to practice EBF compared with control mothers (aOR: 5.10, CI [2.89, 9.01], p < .001) at 5 months. This study demonstrates peer counselling can positively influence both EIBF and EBF among mothers living in urban area.
Integrating a Human Behavior Model within an Agent‐Based Approach for Blasting Evacuation
Authors: Cimellaro Gian Paolo , Mahin Stephen , Domaneschi Marco
Published: April 2018

Several studies on Emergency Management are available in the literature, but most of them do not consider how the human behavior during an emergency can affect the evacuation process. Therefore, the novel contribution of this article is the implementation of an agent‐based model to describe the evacuation, due to a blast in a public area, integrated with a human behavior analytical model. Each agent has its own behavior that is described in a layered framework. The first layer simulates the “agent's features” function. Then, an “individual module” describes dynamically the emotional aspects using (i) the Decision Field Theory, (ii) a stationary stochastic model, and (iii) the results coming from a questionnaire. An agent‐based model with integrated human behavior is proposed to test critical infrastructures in emergency conditions without performing full scale evacuation tests. Analyses could be performed both in real time with a hazard scenario and at the design level to predict the system response to identify the optimal configuration. Therefore, the development of the proposed methodology could support both designers and policy makers in the decision‐making process.
The population genetic test Tajima's D identifies genes encoding pathogen‐associated molecular patterns and other virulence‐related genes in Ralstonia solanacearum
Authors: Eckshtain‐Levi Noam , Weisberg Alexandra J. , Vinatzer Boris A.
Published: April 2018

The detection of pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) is an essential part of plant immunity. Until recently, elf18, an epitope of elongation factor‐Tu (EF‐Tu), was the sole confirmed PAMP of Ralstonia solanacearum, the causal agent of bacterial wilt disease, limiting our understanding of R. solanacearum–plant interactions. Therefore, we set out to identify additional R. solanacearum PAMPs based on the hypothesis that genes encoding PAMPs are under selection to avoid recognition by plant PRRs. We calculated Tajima's D, a population genetic test statistic which identifies genes that do not evolve neutrally, for 3003 genes conserved in 37 R. solanacearum genomes. The screen flagged 49 non‐neutrally evolving genes, including not only EF‐Tu but also the gene for Cold Shock Protein C, which encodes the PAMP csp22. Importantly, an R. solanacearum allele of this PAMP was recently identified in a parallel independent study. Genes coding for efflux pumps, some with known roles in virulence, were also flagged by Tajima's D. We conclude that Tajima's D is a straightforward test to identify genes encoding PAMPs and other virulence‐related genes in plant pathogen genomes.
Oxylipins from both pathogen and host antagonize jasmonic acid‐mediated defence via the 9‐lipoxygenase pathway in Fusarium verticillioides infection of maize
Authors: Battilani Paola , Lanubile Alessandra , Scala Valeria , Reverberi Massimo , Gregori Rossella , Falavigna Claudia , Dall'asta Chiara , Park Yong‐Soon , Bennett John , Borrego Eli J. , Kolomiets Michael V.
Published: April 2018

Oxylipins are a newly emerging group of signals that serve defence roles or promote virulence. To identify specific host and fungal genes and oxylipins governing the interactions between maize and Fusarium verticillioides, maize wild‐type and lipoxygenase3 (lox3) mutant were inoculated with either F. verticillioides wild‐type or linoleate‐diol‐synthase 1‐deleted mutant (ΔFvlds1D). The results showed that lox3 mutants were more resistant to F. verticillioides. The reduced colonization on lox3 was associated with reduced fumonisin production and with a stronger and earlier induction of ZmLOX4, ZmLOX5 and ZmLOX12. In addition to the reported defence function of ZmLOX12, we showed that lox4 and lox5 mutants were more susceptible to F. verticillioides and possessed decreased jasmonate levels during infection, suggesting that these genes are essential for jasmonic acid (JA)‐mediated defence. Oxylipin profiling revealed a dramatic reduction in fungal linoleate diol synthase 1 (LDS1)‐derived oxylipins, especially 8‐HpODE (8‐hydroperoxyoctadecenoic acid), in infected lox3 kernels, indicating the importance of this molecule in virulence. Collectively, we make the following conclusions: (1) LOX3 is a major susceptibility factor induced by fungal LDS1‐derived oxylipins to suppress JA‐stimulating 9‐LOXs; (2) LOX3‐mediated signalling promotes the biosynthesis of virulence‐promoting oxylipins in the fungus; and (3) both fungal LDS1‐ and host LOX3‐produced oxylipins are essential for the normal infection and colonization processes of maize seed by F. verticillioides.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis: Active disease and latent infection in a renal transplant cohort
Authors: Rafiei Nastaran , Williams Jackie , Mulley William R , Trauer James M , Jenkin Grant A , Rogers Benjamin A
Published: April 2018

Aim

Our aim was threefold: first, to determine the incidence of active TB in our cohort, second to investigate the risk factors for active TB and third, to understand current screening practices. The ultimate goal was to use our findings to inform development of local and national guidelines.

Methods

The records of all adult patients who underwent renal transplantation at our centre from 2005 to 2014 were retrospectively reviewed to assess current screening practices, the risks for and burden of active TB.

Results

A total of 660 individuals underwent renal transplantation during this period, totalling 3647 person years of follow up. Two patients were diagnosed with active TB after renal transplant, resulting in an incidence of 55 per 100 000 person‐years. Of 656 transplant recipients, 102 (15.5%) were born in high TB incidence countries and 89 (13.5%) had an interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) at any point. Individuals born in high TB risk countries had a much higher incidence of active TB (353 per 100 000 person‐years). Ten individuals had positive IGRA tests, of whom two were treated for active TB, two received chemoprophylaxis and six were not treated.

Conclusions

In the absence of formal guidelines, IGRA‐based screening for LTBI was infrequently performed. Our data suggest that screening and treatment of renal transplant recipients born in high incidence countries is an important preventive measure.
Oral intake evaluation in patients following critical illness: an ICU cohort study
Authors: Jarden Rebecca J , Sutton‐Smith Lynsey , Boulton Catherine
Published: April 2018

Timely and adequate nutrition improves health outcomes for the critically ill patient. Despite clinical guidelines recommending early oral nutrition, survivors of critical illness experience significant nutritional deficits. This cohort study evaluates the oral nutrition intake in intensive care unit (ICU) patients who have experienced recent critical illness. The oral nutrition intake of a convenience sample of ICU patients post‐critical illness was observed during a 1‐month period. Data pertaining to both the amount of oral nutrition intake and factors impacting optimal oral nutrition intake were collected and analysed. Inadequate oral intake was identified in 62% of the 79 patients assessed (n = 49). This was noted early in the ICU stay, around day 1–2, for most of the patients. A significant proportion (25%) of patients remained in the hospital with poor oral intake that persisted beyond ICU day 5. Unsurprisingly, these were the patients who had longer ICU stays. Critical illness weakness was a factor in the assessment of poor oral intake. To conclude, patients who have experienced critical illness also experience suboptimal oral nutrition. The three key factors that were identified as impacting optimal oral nutrition were early removal of nasogastric tubes, critical illness weakness and poor appetite post‐critical illness. Seven key recommendations are made based on this cohort study. These recommendations are related to patient assessment, monitoring, documentation and future guidelines. Future research opportunities are highlighted, including the investigation of strategies to improve the transition of patients' post‐critical illness to oral nutrition.
Excess iron stress reduces root tip zone growth through nitric oxide‐mediated repression of potassium homeostasis in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Lin , Li Guangjie , Wang Meng , Di Dongwei , Sun Li , Kronzucker Herbert J. , Shi Weiming
Published: April 2018

The root tip zone is regarded as the principal action site for iron (Fe) toxicity and is more sensitive than other root zones, but the mechanism underpinning this remains largely unknown.

We explored the mechanism underpinning the higher sensitivity at the Arabidopsis root tip and elucidated the role of nitric oxide (NO) using NO‐related mutants and pharmacological methods.

Higher Fe sensitivity of the root tip is associated with reduced potassium (K+) retention. NO in root tips is increased significantly above levels elsewhere in the root and is involved in the arrest of primary root tip zone growth under excess Fe, at least in part related to NO‐induced K+ loss via SNO1 (sensitive to nitric oxide 1)/SOS4 (salt overly sensitive 4) and reduced root tip zone cell viability. Moreover, ethylene can antagonize excess Fe‐inhibited root growth and K+ efflux, in part by the control of root tip NO levels.

We conclude that excess Fe attenuates root growth by effecting an increase in root tip zone NO, and that this attenuation is related to NO‐mediated alterations in K+ homeostasis, partly via SNO1/SOS4.
Cell size, photosynthesis and the package effect: an artificial selection approach
Authors: Malerba Martino E. , Palacios Maria M. , Palacios Delgado Yussi M. , Beardall John , Marshall Dustin J.
Published: April 2018

Cell size correlates with most traits among phytoplankton species. Theory predicts that larger cells should show poorer photosynthetic performance, perhaps due to reduced intracellular self‐shading (i.e. package effect). Yet current theory relies heavily on interspecific correlational approaches and causal relationships between size and photosynthetic machinery have remained untested.

As a more direct test, we applied 250 generations of artificial selection (c. 20 months) to evolve the green microalga Dunaliella teriolecta (Chlorophyta) toward different mean cell sizes, while monitoring all major photosynthetic parameters.

Evolving larger sizes (> 1500% difference in volume) resulted in reduced oxygen production per chlorophyll molecule – as predicted by the package effect. However, large‐evolved cells showed substantially higher rates of oxygen production – a finding unanticipated by current theory. In addition, volume‐specific photosynthetic pigments increased with size (Chla+b), while photo‐protectant pigments decreased (β‐carotene). Finally, larger cells displayed higher growth performances and Fv/Fm, steeper slopes of rapid light curves (α) and smaller light‐harvesting antennae (σPSII) with higher connectivity (ρ).

Overall, evolving a common ancestor into different sizes showed that the photosynthetic characteristics of a species coevolves with cell volume. Moreover, our experiment revealed a trade‐off between chlorophyll‐specific (decreasing with size) and volume‐specific (increasing with size) oxygen production in a cell.
Does Official Development Assistance Promote Foreign Policy Cooperation from its Recipients? The Case of South Korea
Authors: Jung Changkuk , Cho Wonbin , Hwang Wonjae
Published: April 2018

This paper examines whether South Korea's official development assistance (ODA) has promoted foreign policy cooperation from its recipients. To this end, vote congruence between South Korea and its ODA recipients over important issues in the UN General Assembly is analyzed. The results show that, as the size of South Korea's ODA increases, its recipients are likely to vote alongside South Korea on issues important to South Korea, such as nuclear issues, human rights, and resolutions on human rights abuses in North Korea, in the UN General Assembly.
Firearm Storage Practices and Risk Perceptions Among a Nationally Representative Sample of U.S. Veterans With and Without Self‐Harm Risk Factors
Authors: Simonetti Joseph A. , Azrael Deborah , Miller Matthew
Published: April 2018

Despite the disproportionate use of firearms in Veteran suicides and the well‐established link between firearm access and suicide, little is known about how Veterans store their firearms or what they think about the relationship between firearm access and suicide risk. Using data from 2015 nationally representative online survey (response rate 60.9%), we compare characteristics of Veteran firearm owners with and without self‐harm risk factors with respect to how they store their firearms and their beliefs about suicide risk related to firearms. Overall, one in three U.S. Veteran firearm owners store household firearms loaded and unlocked, one in twenty believe that a firearm increases household suicide risk, and one in four consider their loaded and unlocked firearm to be inaccessible to suicidal household members. Storage practices and risk perceptions are similar among those with and without self‐reported suicide risk factors. Affecting risk perceptions may be a critical aspect of interventions addressing lethal means safety among U.S. Veterans.