bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Idea of Economic Development
Authors: Fofack Hippolyte
Published: December 2014

Although development generally refers to a broad concept, the quest for development in sub-Saharan Africa has been biased by ideological considerations which made abstraction of local conditions and people’s aspirations. The prevalent development models have used increased national income as a sufficient statistics for broad-based development. This chapter argues for an alternative and a more comprehensive and reflexive development framework that harnesses local and global knowledge and advocates generalized balanced growth and structural transformation to move sub-Saharan African countries towards self-reliance—their collectively defined aspirational goal. Analytically, it shows that the potential development outcomes of the region under such an endogenous framework would be superior to the results achieved under the prevailing development models.
Volatility and Vulnerability
Authors: Luo Xubei
Published: December 2014

Volatility and vulnerability has long been key challenges for the economies in sub-Saharan Africa. The unique challenges, besides being low-income, the continent faces - harsh and changing climate, heavy dependence on natural resources, and fragmented market and social fabrics - translate into high volatility and high vulnerability through various channels, from volatile government expenditure, to short planning horizon and distortive tax policy, to small production scale and lack of indigenous development, and to deprived human capital. National governments and the international community have crucial roles to play in reducing volatility and vulnerability and set economies onto a path to a higher equilibrium. This requires the governments to shift from ad hoc response to shocks to systematic risk management to provide a stable and enabling environment; and to support the economy to move towards the latent comparative advantages. It also requires the international community to use aid smartly.
Determinant Theory, Symmetric Functions, and Dyadic
Authors: Knobloch Eberhard
Published: December 2014

This chapter examines Leibniz’s determinant theory and analyzes the contribution of ars characteristica, ars combinatoria, and ars inveniendi to this theory. It explains that the art of inventing suitable characters led to numerical double indices while the combinatorial art helped to represent a determinant as a sum. Moreover, the chapter discusses inhomogeneous systems of linear equations and the elimination of a common variable in the determinant theory. It also explores Leibniz’s work related to symmetric functions, dyadic, and duodecimal number system.
How Gender Shapes Emerging Adulthood
Authors: Norona Jerika C. , Preddy Teresa M. , Welsh Deborah P.
Published: December 2014

This chapter examines how gender shapes experiences in emerging adulthood, from identity development and relationships to involvement in risky behaviors and mental health outcomes. It first considers the developmental tasks commonly faced by emerging adults before proceeding to a discussion of gender differences between young men and women in terms of development of one’s identity and relationships with family members (parents and siblings), friendships, and romantic relationships and sexual experiences, as well as mental health outcomes and the propensity to engage in risk-taking behaviors. It also describes various domains of identity, including political affiliation, religiosity/spirituality, and career/occupational development. The chapter concludes by assessing gaps in the literature and outlining directions for future research.
Transparency of Financial Regulation
Authors: Barth James R. , Prabha Apanard (Penny) , Wihlborg Clas
Published: December 2014

This chapter explores the concept of transparency in financial regulation from the perspective of the public. It looks at the role of risk assessment in transparency and the regulatory environment as well as the importance of pluralism in competition in the financial sector. The chapter first considers the meaning of “transparency of financial regulation” and its relation to simplicity. It then traces the progression of the Basel capital adequacy framework from Basel I to Basel III, along with the sources of lack of transparency in the framework. It also presents data showing the lack of transparency in the Basel Capital Accord and countries’ regulatory responses to the global financial crisis. Differences in the implementation of regulation regarding systemically important financial institutions are outlined. Finally, it discusses recent proposals for the separation or separability of financial activities with the goal of enhancing the transparency of banks’ activities for both market participants and resolution authorities.
Multinational Corporations’ Relationship with Political Actors
Authors: Ghauri Pervez N. , Hadjikhani Amjad , Pahlberg Cecilia
Published: December 2014

As a result of globalization and the rapid advancements in information availability, international firms are increasingly facing issues of transparency and avoidance of illegitimate opaque behavior. Whereas earlier studies concern either transparency or opacity independently, this chapter extends the analytical scope and conceives of them as related issues. The aim is to propose a theoretical view on transparency in the relationship between multinational companies (MNCs) and political organizations. Underpinning a continuum for transparency/opacity, the theoretical view resorts to behavioral theory and puts forward the elements of trust/distrust and legitimacy/illegitimacy for further understanding the management of transparency in this relationship. The interplay between the three concepts of transparency/opacity, legitimacy/illegitimacy, and trust/distrust are discussed and the reasoning is further demonstrated by using cases from two Swedish firms, Ericsson and Teliasonera, which are presented in the appendix.
Stress Testing, Transparency, and Uncertainty in European Banking
Authors: Ayadi Rym , De Groen Willem Pieter
Published: December 2014

In the aftermath of the 2007–2009 global financial crisis EU regulators and supervisors attempted to restore the confidence of still fragile financial system. To allow early detection of ailing banks, enhance transparency, and decrease uncertainty of information asymmetry between market players, supervisors disclosed the results of stress tests to breach the information gap in the market. Between 2009 and 2013 the Committee of European Banking Supervisors (CEBS) and the European Banking Authority (EBA) performed and disclosed results on stress tests, capital, and transparency exercises. Using 572 observations of listed banks subject to six cross-border stress tests exercises in Europe, this event study finds that the announcements of the test itself, methodology, and results were informative at aggregated level and led to significant positive market returns. In turn, the exercises were noninformative for the identification of viable and nonviable banks and not sensitive to the business models of the participating banks.
Reflexives
Authors: Reuland Eric
Published: December 2014

This article analyzes the factors determining the use of dedicated reflexives in natural language. It addresses the very diverse ways in which reflexivity is expressed and shows how to find the unity in this diversity. It takes as a starting point the fact that natural languages avoid expressions of the type Subject Verb Pronominal where the subject binds the object (and cases of co-argument binding in general) and then addresses the question of why this would be so. One factor concerns properties of predicates. A second factor concerns the syntactic representation of dependences between arguments. The article puts these factors into a general perspective and surveys a number of puzzling cases, such as languages with apparently locally bound pronominals. It then shows how superficially similar expressions may actually have rather different structures, putting them outside the scope of the factors discussed. Thus the observed diversity in fact reflects uniform principles.
Nones by Many Other Names
Authors: Drescher Elizabeth
Published: December 2014

This essay deals with news media coverage of the religiously unaffiliated—people who have no preferences when it comes to institutional religion. Also known by many other names such as “unbelievers,” “unchurched,” “churchless,” “unsaved,” “heathens,” “pagans,” “atheists,” “agnostics,” “spiritual but not religious,” and, most recently, “nones,” the religiously unaffiliated are a reflection of America’s religiosity and spirituality. Drawing primarily on resources available from the print media age, especially newspapers and general audience news magazines, this essay examines news media interest in the religiously unaffiliated from the late 1800s to the 1970s until the present day. Finally, it also outlines recurring and emerging themes in news media coverage of the religiously unaffiliated.
Single-stage Transpedicular Vertebrectomy and Expandable Cage Placement for Treatment of Unstable Mid and Lower Lumbar Burst Fractures
Authors: Choi Jong-Il , Kim Bum-Joon , Ha Sung-Kon , Kim Sang-Dae , Lim Dong-Jun , Kim Se-Hoon
Published: December 2014

Study Design:

Retrospective clinical and radiographic study.

Objective:

To examine the efficacy and safety of vertebrectomy and expandable cage placement by a single-stage posterior approach for unstable mid and lower lumbar burst fractures (below the L3).

Summary of Background Data:

Patients with unstable mid and lower lumbar burst fractures require surgical treatment to relieve pain, address paralysis, and stabilize the spine to prevent further segmental deformity. However, controversy remains regarding the optimal surgical treatment.

Materials and Methods:

Eleven patients underwent single-stage posterior-only vertebral column resection and vertebral body reconstruction using an expandable cage. Neurological status was classified using the American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale, whereas functional outcome was analyzed using a visual analog scale for back pain. Segmental Cobb angles were measured above and below the fractured vertebral body preoperatively, immediate postoperatively, and at the last follow-up.

Results:

The preoperative neurological status was ASIA grade E in 2 patients, grade D in 5 patients, grade C in 2 patients, and grade B in 2 patients. Postoperatively, neurological stability was demonstrated in 3 patients (27%), and 8 (73%) showed improvement in the ASIA grade. The mean preoperative visual analog scale score was 8.3, which decreased to 4.5 postoperatively, and to 1.8 at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative segmental lordotic angle was 9.2 degrees, which increased to 16.9 degrees postoperatively, and decreased to 15.1 degrees at the last follow-up. The mean operating time was 208.8 minutes, and the mean blood loss was 1006.3 mL. Regarding surgical complications, 1 patient experienced a dural tear and 1 patient demonstrated cage subsidence.

Conclusions:

The results of this small series suggest the feasibility, efficacy, and safety of this surgical option for unstable mid and lower lumbar burst fractures. This technique from a single posterior approach offers several advantages over traditional anterior or combined approaches using strut graft or nonexpandable implants.
Perspectives on Li and transition metal fluoride phosphates as cathode materials for a new generation of Li-ion batteries
Authors: Antipov Evgeny V. , Khasanova Nellie R. , Fedotov Stanislav S.
Published: December 2014

To satisfy the needs of rapidly growing applications, Li-ion batteries require further significant improvements of their key properties: specific energy and power, cyclability, safety and costs. The first generation of cathode materials for Li-ion batteries based on mixed oxides with either spinel or rock-salt derivatives has already been widely commercialized, but the potential to improve the performance of these materials further is almost exhausted. Li and transition metal inorganic compounds containing different polyanions are now considered as the most promising cathode materials for the next generation of Li-ion batteries. Further advances in cathode materials are considered to lie in combining different anions [such as (XO4)n−and F−] in the anion sublattice, which is expected to enhance the specific energy and power of these materials. This review focuses on recent advances related to the new class of cathode materials for Li-ion batteries containing phosphate and fluoride anions. Special attention is given to their crystal structures and the relationships between structure and properties, which are important for their possible practical applications.
Switching from rivaroxaban to warfarin: an open label pharmacodynamic study in healthy subjects
Authors: Moore Kenneth Todd , Byra William , Vaidyanathan Seema , Natarajan Jaya , Ariyawansa Jay , Salih Hiba , Turner Kenneth C.
Published: December 2014

Aims

The primary objective was to explore the pharmacodynamic changes during transition from rivaroxaban to warfarin in healthy subjects. Safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics were assessed as secondary objectives.

Methods

An open label, non‐randomized, sequential two period study. In treatment period 1 (TP1), subjects received rivaroxaban 20 mg once daily (5 days), followed by co‐administration with a warfarin loading dose regimen of 5 or 10 mg (for the 10 mg regimen, the dose could be uptitrated to attain target international normalized ratio [INR] ≥2.0) once daily (2–4 days). When trough INR values ≥2.0 were attained, rivaroxaban was discontinued and warfarin treatment continued as monotherapy (INR 2.0–3.0). During treatment period 2, subjects received the same warfarin regimen as in TP1, but without rivaroxaban.

Results

During co‐administration, maximum INR and prothrombin time (PT) values were higher than with rivaroxaban or warfarin monotherapy. The mean maximum effect (Emax) for INR after co‐administration was 2.79–4.15 (mean PT Emax 41.0–62.7 s), compared with 1.41–1.74 (mean PT Emax 20.1–25.2 s) for warfarin alone. However, rivaroxaban had the smallest effect on INR at trough rivaroxaban concentrations. Neither rivaroxaban nor warfarin significantly affected maximum plasma concentrations of the other drug.

Conclusions

The combined pharmacodynamic effects during co‐administration of rivaroxaban and warfarin were greater than additive, but the pharmacokinetics of both drugs were unaffected. Co‐administration was well tolerated. When transitioning from rivaroxaban to warfarin, INR monitoring during co‐administration should be performed at the trough rivaroxaban concentration to minimize the effect of rivaroxaban on INR.
Determinants of foreign direct investment
Authors: Blonigen Bruce A. , Piger Jeremy
Published: December 2014

Empirical studies of bilateral foreign direct investment (FDI) activity show substantial differences in specifications with little agreement on the set of included covariates. We use Bayesian statistical techniques that allow one to select from a large set of candidates those variables most likely to be determinants of FDI activity. The variables with consistently high inclusion probabilities include traditional gravity variables, cultural distance factors, relative labour endowments and trade agreements. There is little support for multilateral trade openness, most host‐country business costs, host‐country infrastructure and host‐country institutions. Our results suggest that many covariates found significant by previous studies are not robust.
The impact of product market competition on training provision: Evidence from Canada
Authors: Lai Tat‐kei , Ng Travis
Published: December 2014

While standard models of training focus on how input market affects firms' training decisions, this paper investigates the impact of product market competition on training provision. Using the longitudinal data from Statistics Canada's Workplace and Employee Survey, we find that increased competition is strongly associated with more training provision. This association is unlikely to be driven by unobserved heterogeneity, specific measures used and other relevant factors. To the extent that training is a significant source of human capital and industry competitiveness, our results suggest that increasing training is an important channel through which competition raises productivity.
Anti‐tissue Plasminogen Activator (tPA) as an Effective Therapy of Neonatal Hypoxia–Ischemia with and without Inflammation
Authors: Yang Dianer , Kuan Chia‐Yi
Published: December 2014

Hypoxic–ischemic brain injury is an important cause of neurodevelopmental deficits in neonates. Intrauterine infection and the ensuing fetal inflammatory responses augment hypoxic–ischemic brain injury and attenuate the efficacy of therapeutic hypothermia. Here, we review evidences from preclinical studies suggesting that the induction of brain parenchymal tissue‐type plasminogen activator (tPA) plays an important pathogenic role in these conditions. Moreover, administration of a stable‐mutant form of plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 called CPAI confers potent protection against hypoxic–ischemic injury with and without inflammation via different mechanisms. Besides intracerebroventricular injection, CPAI can also be administered into the brain using a noninvasive intranasal delivery strategy, adding to its applicability in clinical use. In sum, the therapeutic potential of CPAI in neonatal care merits further investigation with large‐animal models of hypoxia–ischemia and cerebral palsy.
Optimal Magnetic Resonance Perfusion Thresholds Identifying Ischemic Penumbra and Infarct Core: A Chinese Population‐based Study
Authors: Zhang Sheng , Tang Huan , Yu Yan‐Nan , Yan Shen‐Qiang , Parsons Mark W. , Lou Min
Published: December 2014

Aims

To validate whether the optimal magnetic resonance perfusion (MRP) thresholds for ischemic penumbra and infarct core, between voxel and volume‐based analysis, are varied greatly among Chinese acute ischemic stroke patients.

Materials and methods

Acute ischemic stroke patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis within 6 h of onset that obtained acute and 24‐h MRP were reviewed. Patients with either no reperfusion (<30% reperfusion at 24 h) or successful reperfusion (>70% reperfusion at 24 h) were enrolled to investigate the ischemic penumbra and infarct core, respectively. The final infarct was assessed on 24‐h diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI), which was retrospectively matched to the baseline perfusion‐weighted imaging (PWI) images by volume or voxel‐based analysis. The optimal thresholds that determined by each approach were compared.

Results

From June 2009 to Jan 2014, of 50 patients enrolled, 19 patients achieved no reperfusion, and 20 patients reperfused at 24 h. In patients with no reperfusion, Tmax > 6 seconds was proved of the best agreement with the final infarct in both volumetric analysis (ratio: 1.05, 95% limits of agreement:−0.23 to 2.33, P < 0.001) and voxel‐by‐voxel analysis (sensitivity: 72.3%, specificity: 74.3%). In patients with reperfusion, rMTT>225% (ratio:2.4, 95% limits of agreement: −6.5 to 11.4, P < 0.001) was found of the best volumetric agreement with the final infarct, while Tmax > 5.6 seconds (sensitivity: 76.8%, specificity: 70.3%) performed most accurately in voxel‐based analysis.

Conclusion

Among Chinese acute stroke patients, volume of Tmax >6 seconds may precisely target ischemic penumbra tissue as good as voxel‐based analysis performed, albeit no concordant MRP parameter is found to accurately predict infarct core because reperfusion occurred within 24 h after thrombolysis fails to restrain the infarct growth.
Increased FOXM1 expression can stimulate DNA repair in normal hepatocytes in vivo but also increases nuclear foci associated with senescence
Authors: Baranski O. A. , Kalinichenko V. V. , Adami G. R.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

FOXM1 is a transcription factor that has been shown to promote cell proliferation in many tissues during early development and high cell turnover tissues in adults. In a number of tumour cell lines, enrichment of FOXM1 has been shown to reduce the DNA damage response (DDR) and induction of senescence by a range of DNA‐damaging agents, suggesting a role for the protein in DNA repair. Endogenous FOXM1 is expressed at detectable levels in hepatocytes of mice up to 2 weeks of age, but not in older mice. The aim of this investigation has been to better understand the role of the protein in DDR in normal cells in vivo.

Materials and methods

Mice with artificially prolonged elevated FOXM1 expression in hepatocytes, were exposed to alkylating diethylnitrosamine.

Results

FOXM1‐enriched mice had dampened DDR after treatment with this alkylating agent, which was consistent with observed increase in expression of genes involved in DNA repair. Paradoxically, mice with FOXM1 expression, within weeks after exposure to the DNA‐damaging agent, had increased levels of potentially senescent hepatocytes with large nuclear foci, containing 53BP1. Similarly, spontaneous accumulation of these cells seen with normal ageing in mice was increased with FOXM1 enrichment.

Conclusion

Despite its known abilities to promote proliferation and DNA repair, and to reduce ROS, enrichment of FOXM1, as with other oncoproteins, may cause increased persistent DNA lesions and/or senescence in normal murine hepatocytes.
Plasticity in functional traits in the context of climate change: a case study of the subalpine forb Boechera stricta (Brassicaceae)
Authors: Anderson Jill T. , Gezon Zachariah J.
Published: December 2014

Environmental variation often induces shifts in functional traits, yet we know little about whether plasticity will reduce extinction risks under climate change. As climate change proceeds, phenotypic plasticity could enable species with limited dispersal capacity to persist in situ, and migrating populations of other species to establish in new sites at higher elevations or latitudes. Alternatively, climate change could induce maladaptive plasticity, reducing fitness, and potentially stalling adaptation and migration. Here, we quantified plasticity in life history, foliar morphology, and ecophysiology in Boechera stricta (Brassicaceae), a perennial forb native to the Rocky Mountains. In this region, warming winters are reducing snowpack and warming springs are advancing the timing of snow melt. We hypothesized that traits that were historically advantageous in hot and dry, low‐elevation locations will be favored at higher elevation sites due to climate change. To test this hypothesis, we quantified trait variation in natural populations across an elevational gradient. We then estimated plasticity and genetic variation in common gardens at two elevations. Finally, we tested whether climatic manipulations induce plasticity, with the prediction that plants exposed to early snow removal would resemble individuals from lower elevation populations. In natural populations, foliar morphology and ecophysiology varied with elevation in the predicted directions. In the common gardens, trait plasticity was generally concordant with phenotypic clines from the natural populations. Experimental snow removal advanced flowering phenology by 7 days, which is similar in magnitude to flowering time shifts over 2–3 decades of climate change. Therefore, snow manipulations in this system can be used to predict eco‐evolutionary responses to global change. Snow removal also altered foliar morphology, but in unexpected ways. Extensive plasticity could buffer against immediate fitness declines due to changing climates.
Consensus guidelines for the treatment of yeast infections in the haematology, oncology and intensive care setting, 2014
Authors: Chen S. C. , Sorrell T. C. , Chang C. C. , Paige E. K. , Bryant P. A. , Slavin M. A.
Published: December 2014

Pathogenic yeast forms are commonly associated with invasive fungal disease in the immunocompromised host, including patients with haematological malignancies and patients of haemopoietic stem cell transplants. Yeasts include the Candida spp., Cryptococcus spp., Pneumocystis jirovecii and some lesser‐known pathogens. Candida species remain the most common cause of invasive yeast infections (and the most common human pathogenic fungi). These guidelines present evidence‐based recommendations for the antifungal management of established, invasive yeast infections in adult and paediatric patients in the haematology/oncology setting. Consideration is also given to the critically ill patient in intensive care units, including the neonatal intensive care unit. Evidence for ‘pre‐emptive’ or ‘diagnostic‐driven antifungal therapy’ is also discussed. For the purposes of this paper, invasive yeast diseases are categorised under the headings of invasive candidiasis, cryptococcosis and uncommon yeast infections. Specific recommendations for the management of Pneumocystis jirovecii are presented in an accompanying article (see consensus guidelines by Cooley et al. appearing elsewhere in this supplement).
Understanding the outcomes of a home nursing programme for patients with epidermolysis bullosa: an Australian perspective
Authors: Stevens Louise J , McKenna Sue , Marty Jennifer , Cowin Allison J , Kopecki Zlatko
Published: December 2014

Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) consists of a spectrum of genodermatoses characterised by skin fragility and various degrees of skin and mucous membrane blistering. Minimal trauma and friction can cause extensive blistering in patients with EB, resulting in a number of complications. However, wound management is the main challenge for these patients because of a high risk of infection, fluid loss and potential development of aggressive squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Indeed, patients with EB have an increased risk for developing skin cancers compared to the general population. In 2012, a home nursing programme was established in Australia to provide assistance to families or patients with severe forms of EB. Nursing care was provided to patients with severe EB during dressing changes in their homes over a period of 2 years. Both families of patients and nurses were surveyed periodically using a developed questionnaire to assess the benefits of this home nursing and its impact on the patients, their families and the nurses. Key findings included a perceived improvement in quality of life, a better provision of support and improved family life management. These findings are the first to highlight the benefits of this national home nursing programme for EB patients within Australia and demonstrate the continued need and benefit of home nursing for patients with severe skin blistering disorders.
Lmax and imiquimod 3.75% in daily clinical practice
Authors: Gupta G.
Published: December 2014

Background

Lmax, the maximum lesion count during treatment, is a new concept for evaluating the efficacy of field‐directed treatments for actinic keratosis (AK) against clinical and subclinical lesions. Imiquimod 3.75% is a field‐directed AK treatment, which can detect and clear clinical and subclinical lesions across an entire sun‐exposed field such as the full face or balding scalp.

Objectives

To evaluate the importance of integrating Lmax into daily clinical practice by describing the clinical features and outcomes obtained in the first 10 patients who were treated with imiquimod 3.75% in a UK dermatology department.

Methods

Ten AK patients were treated with imiquimod 3.75% in two 2‐week treatment cycles separated by a 2‐week treatment‐free interval. Lesions were counted before, during and 2 months after treatment was completed. Patients compared the imiquimod 3.75% regimen with their previous AK therapies in terms of treatment duration and side‐effect profile.

Results

All 10 patients in this cohort had used two or more prior AK treatments including 5‐flurouracil, diclofenac, imiquimod 5% and photodynamic therapy. The patients had a median of 10 AK lesions on clinical presentation and a median Lmax of 14. The median lesion count was zero 2 months after treatment was completed. All patients thought that imiquimod 3.75% was easy‐to‐use and that the duration of treatment was better than that of previous AK therapies. Seven of the patients considered the side‐effect profile of imiquimod 3.75% to be better than that of their prior AK treatments.

Conclusions

Imiquimod 3.75% in daily clinical practice enables dermatologists to detect and clear clinical and subclinical AK lesions across a large sun‐exposed area. Patients generally find imiquimod 3.75% easy‐to‐use with a better side‐effect profile than other AK treatments.
Pro‐inflammatory caspase‐1 activation during the immune response in cells from rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss (Walbaum 1792) challenged with pathogen‐associated molecular patterns
Authors: Rojas V , Camus‐Guerra H , Guzmán F , Mercado L
Published: December 2014

In response to pathogens, the higher vertebrate innate immune system activates pro‐inflammatory caspase‐1 which is responsible for the processing and secretion of several important cytokines involved in the host's defence against infection. To date, caspase‐1 has been described in few teleost fish, and its activity has been demonstrated through substrate cleavage and inhibition by pharmacological agents. In this study, the detection of the active form of caspase‐1 during the immune response in salmonid fish is described, where two antibodies were produced. These antibodies differentially recognize the structural epitopes of the inactive pro‐caspase‐1 and the processed active form of the caspase. Firstly, caspase‐1 activation was demonstrated in vitro by ELISA, Western blotting and immunocytochemistry in rainbow trout macrophages exposed to different pathogen‐associated molecular patterns plus the pathogen Aeromonas hydrophila. This activity was clearly abrogated by a caspase inhibitor and seems to be unrelated to IL‐1β secretion. Caspase‐1 activation was then validated in vivo in gill cells from fish challenged with Aeromonas salmonicida. These results represent the first demonstration of caspase‐1 activation in salmonids, and the first evidence of the putative regulatory role which this protease plays in inflammatory response in this fish group, as described for some other teleosts and mammals.
Emerging leadership lecture: Inflammatory bowel disease in Asia: Emergence of a “Western” disease
Authors: Ng Siew C
Published: December 2014

More than a decade ago, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is rare in Asia. Today, the importance of IBD in Asia is exemplified by its rapidly increasing incidence, complicated disease behavior, and substantial morbidity. In the first large‐scale population‐based epidemiologic study in Asia, the incidence of IBD varied from 0.60 to 3.44 per 100 000. There has been a twofold to threefold increase in the incidence of IBD in several countries in Asia. Ulcerative colitis (UC) is more prevalent than Crohn's disease (CD), although CD incidence is rapidly increasing. A positive family history is much less common than in the West, as are extra‐intestinal disease manifestations. Complicated and penetrating CD are common in Asia. These epidemiologic changes may relate to increased contact with the West, westernization of diet, improved hygiene, increasing antibiotics use, or changes in the gut microbiota. Asian patients with CD have altered gut microbiota compared with their healthy counterparts and Caucasian CD subjects. Mucosa‐associated microbiota in IBD may differ geographically. In a population‐based case–control study, breast‐feeding, having pets, and better sanitary conditions were protective of IBD, suggesting that childhood environment plays an important role in modulating disease development. Genetic factors also differ between Asians and Caucasians. Nucleotide oligomerization domain‐2 (NOD2) and autophagy variants were not associated with CD, but tumor necrosis factor superfamily gene‐15 polymorphisms were strongly associated with CD in East Asians. Research in Asia, an area of rapidly changing IBD epidemiology, may lead to the discovery of critical etiologic factors that lead to the development of IBD.
Identification of NADPH oxidase as a key mediator in the post‐ischemia‐induced sequestration and degradation of the GluA2 AMPA receptor subunit
Authors: Beske Phillip H. , Byrnes Nicole M. , Astruc‐Diaz Fanny , Jackson Darrell A.
Published: December 2014

A hallmark of ischemic/reperfusion injury is a change in subunit composition of synaptic 2‐amino‐3‐(3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoazol‐4‐yl)propionic acid receptors (AMPARs). This change in AMPAR subunit composition leads to an increase in surface expression of GluA2‐lacking Ca2+/Zn2+ permeable AMPARs. These GluA2‐lacking AMPARs play a key role in promoting delayed neuronal death following ischemic injury. At present, the mechanism(s) responsible for the ischemia/reperfusion‐induced subunit composition switch and degradation of the GluA2 subunit remain unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of NADPH oxidase, and its importance in mediating endocytosis and subsequent degradation of the GluA2 AMPAR subunit in adult rat hippocampal slices subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) injury. In hippocampal slices pre‐treated with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin attenuated OGD/R‐mediated sequestration of GluA2 and GluA1 as well as prevent the degradation of GluA2. We provide compelling evidence that NADPH oxidase mediated sequestration of GluA1‐ and GluA2‐ involved activation of p38 MAPK. Furthermore, we demonstrate that inhibition of NADPH oxidase blunts the OGD/R‐induced association of GluA2 with protein interacting with C kinase‐1. In summary, this study identifies a novel mechanism that may underlie the ischemia/reperfusion‐induced AMPAR subunit composition switch and a potential therapeutic target.

image

A hallmark of post‐ischemic reperfusion (I/R) injury is a change in subunit composition of synaptic AMPARs. This change in AMPAR subunit composition leads to an increase in surface expression of Ca2+/Zn2+‐permeable AMPARs. We propose a novel mechanistic concept in which increased NADPH oxidase activity during reperfusion is the trigger that underlies the change in subunit composition of synaptic AMPARs; changing from Ca2+/Zn2+‐impermeable to Ca2+/Zn2+‐permeable. We think that these findings should provide valuable strategy for treatment of ischemic/reperfusion brain injury. AMPAR, α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid receptor; GDI, guanyl nucleotide dissociation inhibitor; GDP, guanosine diphosphate; 3/6, MKK 3/6, MAPKK; GRIP, glutamate receptor interacting protein; GTP, guanosine‐5′‐triphosphate; NADPH, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate; p38 MAPK, p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases; PICK1, PRKCA‐binding protein; PKCα, protein kinase C alpha; PSD, post‐synaptic density.
Sacrifice and Stigma: Managing Religious Risk
Authors: Raynold Prosper
Published: December 2014

This article develops a theoretical explanation for the incidence of sacrifice and stigma or “strictness” that—unlike the extant literature—explicitly incorporates a supernatural motive for religiosity. This innovation permits a precise delineation of religious risks and leads to the critical insight that “strictness” is an instrument of mutually beneficial risk mitigation. The theory yields alternative explanations for all empirical regularities on the incidence of strictness that the club model explains, including the seemingly anomalous labor market behavior of Ultra‐Orthodox Jews in Israel, the high lethality of extremist religious sects, and the positive correlation between strictness and social service provision. Among the attributes that distinguish the risk mitigation approach from the club model are: its explanation of observed income dispersion within strictness categories that is substantially greater than that implied by the club model; its prediction that the positive correlation between strictness and exclusivity is a causal relationship in which exclusivity is causally prior to strictness; and its demonstration that variation in the risk mitigation benefits members derive from strictness is at least as important as variation in the opportunity costs of strictness in explaining variation in the levels of strictness employed across denominations and sects.
Australia Loves Language Puzzles: The Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad (OzCLO)
Authors: Estival Dominique , Bow Cathy , Henderson John , Kelly Barbara , Laughren Mary , Mayer Elisabeth , Mollá Diego , Mrowa‐Hopkins Colette , Nordlinger Rachel , Rieschild Verna , Schalley Andrea C. , Stanley Alexander W. , Vaughan Jill
Published: December 2014

The Australian Computational and Linguistics Olympiad (OzCLO) started in 2008 in only two locations and has since grown to a nationwide competition with almost 1500 high school students participating in 2013. An Australian team has participated in the International Linguistics Olympiad (IOL) every year since 2009. This paper describes how the competition is run (with a regional first round and a final national round) and the organisation of the competition (a National Steering Committee and Local Organising Committees for each region) and discusses the particular challenges faced by Australia (timing of the competition and distance between the major population centres). One major factor in the growth and success of OzCLO has been the introduction of the online competition, allowing participation of students from rural and remote country areas. The organisation relies on the goodwill and volunteer work of university and school staff but the strong interest amongst students and teachers shows that OzCLO is responding to a demand for linguistic challenges.
Putting the Listening Brain in Context
Authors: Obleser Jonas
Published: December 2014

Speech provides a fleeting signal to the human brain. However, we rarely encounter speech without being provided some form of context. This article is conceived as a primer on forms and levels of context that can benefit the listener in comprehending speech. In an attempt to integrate psychological, audiological, and neuroscientific knowledge with more linguistic views, the neural functional organisation of facilitated speech comprehension particularly from semantic context is reviewed. The limits of contextual benefit as well as its (mal‐)adaptive implications for ageing or hearing‐impaired listeners are discussed.
Identifying a reliable blubber measurement site to assess body condition in a marine mammal with topographically variable blubber, the Pacific walrus
Authors: Noren Shawn R. , Udevitz Mark S. , Triggs Lisa , Paschke Jessa , Oland Lisa , Jay Chadwick V.
Published: December 2014

Pacific walruses may be unable to meet caloric requirements in the changing Arctic ecosystem, which could affect body condition and have population‐level consequences. Body condition has historically been monitored by measuring blubber thickness over the xiphoid process (sternum). This may be an unreliable condition index because blubber at other sites along the body may be preferentially targeted to balance energetic demands. Animals in aquaria provided an opportunity for controlled study of how blubber topography is altered by caloric intake. Morphology, body mass, blubber thickness (21 sites), and caloric intake of five mature, nonpregnant, nonlactating female walruses were measured monthly (12 month minimum). Body condition (mass × standard length−1) was described by a model that included caloric intake and a seasonal effect, and scaled positively with estimates of total blubber mass. Blubber thicknesses (1.91–10.69 cm) varied topographically and were similar to values reported for free‐ranging female walruses. Body condition was most closely related to blubber thickness measured dorsomedially in the region of the anterior insertion of the pectoral flippers (shoulders); sternum blubber thickness was a relatively poor indicator of condition. This study demonstrates the importance of validating condition metrics before using them to monitor free‐ranging populations.
Iris yellow spot virus (Tospovirus: Bunyaviridae): from obscurity to research priority
Authors: Bag Sudeep , Schwartz Howard F. , Cramer Christopher S. , Havey Michael J. , Pappu Hanu R.
Published: December 2014

Taxonomy

Iris yellow spot virus (IYSV) is in the genus Tospovirus, family Bunyaviridae, with a single‐stranded, tri‐segmented RNA genome with an ambisense genome organization. Members of the other genera in the family infect predominantly vertebrates and insects.

Geographical distribution

IYSV is present in most Allium‐growing regions of the world.

Physical properties

Virions are pleomorphic particles of 80–120 nm in size. The particle consists of RNA, protein, glycoprotein and lipids.

Genome

IYSV shares the genomic features of other tospoviruses: a segmented RNA genome of three RNAs, referred to as large (L), medium (M) and small (S). The L RNA codes for the RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) in negative sense. The M RNA uses an ambisense coding strategy and codes for the precursor for the GN/GC glycoprotein in the viral complementary (vc) sense and a non‐structural protein (NSm) in the viral (v) sense. The S RNA also uses an ambisense coding strategy with the coat protein (N) in vc sense and a non‐structural protein (NSs) in the v sense.

Transmission

The virus is transmitted by Thrips tabaci Lindeman (Order: Thysanoptera; Family: Thripidae; onion thrips) and with less efficiency by Frankliniella fusca Hinds (tobacco thrips).

Host

IYSV has a relatively broad host range, including cultivated and wild onions, garlic, chives, leeks and several ornamentals. Some weeds are naturally infected by IYSV and may serve as alternative hosts for the virus.

Symptoms

IYSV symptoms in Allium spp. are yellow‐ to straw‐coloured, diamond‐shaped lesions on leaves and flowering scapes. Diamond‐shaped lesions are particularly pronounced on scapes. As the disease progresses, the lesions coalesce, leading to lodging of the scapes. In seed crops, this could lead to a reduction in yield and quality. Early to mid‐season infection in bulb crops results in reduced vigour and bulb size.

Control

Resistant varieties are not available, but a limited number of accessions with field tolerance have been identified. Integrated disease management tactics, including sanitation, crop rotation, thrips management, maintenance of optimal plant vigour, soil fertility, irrigation and physical separation of bulb and seed crops, can mitigate the effect of the disease.

Virus code: 00.011.0.85.009

Useful link: http://www.alliumnet.com/
Aortic dissection in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease: A series of two cases and a review of the Literature
Authors: Silverio Angelo , Prota Costantina , Di Maio Marco , Polito Maria Vincenza , Cogliani Francesco Maria , Citro Rodolfo , Gigantino Alberto , Iesu Severino , Piscione Federico
Published: December 2014

Aortic dissection (AD) is the most common life‐threatening disease involving the aorta. It is rarely associated with systemic disorders such as Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD), a genetic syndrome characterized by cystic degeneration of kidneys, possible presence of cysts in other organs and extra‐renal manifestations, including cardiovascular disorders. We performed a systematic literature search focused on the occurrence of AD associated with ADPKD (25 cases identified), and reported two cases from our experience. We selected data on sex, age, family history of ADPKD and/or AD, habitus, hypertension, renal function, presence of hepatic/pancreatic/splenic cysts, clinical presentation of AD, AD type according to the Stanford classification, treatment and outcome. Furthermore we compared this dataset with the data of the overall population with AD from the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection (IRAD). Stanford A type AD was documented in 62% of patients. As expected, the initial manifestation of AD was most commonly chest and back pain (80%). The mean age of AD occurrence appears significantly reduced in ADPKD patients compared to the general population with AD (49 ± 12 vs 62 ± 14, P < 0.001). Of note, our analysis shows a remarkably higher frequency of hypertension (90%) compared to the overall AD population (75%), although not significantly (P = 0.133). AD should be always ruled out in ADPKD subjects with chest and back pain symptoms, despite them being young and at lower risk. A careful preventive monitoring as well as an optimal blood pressure control may reduce the risk of AD and improve the outcome of these patients.
The Chicago Classification of esophageal motility disorders, v3.0
Authors: Kahrilas P. J. , Bredenoord A. J. , Fox M. , Gyawali C. P. , Roman S. , Smout A. J. P. M. , Pandolfino J. E. ,   International High Resolution Manometry Working Group
Published: December 2014

Background

The Chicago Classification (CC) of esophageal motility disorders, utilizing an algorithmic scheme to analyze clinical high‐resolution manometry (HRM) studies, has gained acceptance worldwide.

Methods

This 2014 update, CC v3.0, developed by the International HRM Working Group, incorporated the extensive clinical experience and interval publications since the prior (2011) version.

Key Results

Chicago Classification v3.0 utilizes a hierarchical approach, sequentially prioritizing: (i) disorders of esophagogastric junction (EGJ) outflow (achalasia subtypes I‐III and EGJ outflow obstruction), (ii) major disorders of peristalsis (absent contractility, distal esophageal spasm, hypercontractile esophagus), and (iii) minor disorders of peristalsis characterized by impaired bolus transit. EGJ morphology, characterized by the degree of overlap between the lower esophageal sphincter and the crural diaphragm and baseline EGJ contractility are also part of CC v3.0. Compared to the previous CC version, the key metrics of interpretation, the integrated relaxation pressure (IRP), the distal contractile integral (DCI), and the distal latency (DL) remain unchanged, albeit with much more emphasis on DCI for defining both hypo‐ and hypercontractility. New in CC v3.0 are: (i) the evaluation of the EGJ at rest defined in terms of morphology and contractility, (ii) ‘fragmented’ contractions (large breaks in the 20‐mmHg isobaric contour), (iii) ineffective esophageal motility (IEM), and (iv) several minor adjustments in nomenclature and defining criteria. Absent in CC v3.0 are contractile front velocity and small breaks in the 20‐mmHg isobaric contour as defining characteristics.

Conclusions & Inferences

Chicago Classification v3.0 is an updated analysis scheme for clinical esophageal HRM recordings developed by the International HRM Working Group.