bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Repeated switches from cooperative to selfish worker oviposition during stingless bee evolution
Authors: Grüter Christoph
Published: September 2018

Reproductive division of labour is a defining feature of insect societies. Stingless bees (Meliponini) are an interesting exception among the highly eusocial insects in that workers of many species contribute significantly to the production of males. Since workers remain sterile in other species of this large tropical tribe, it has been hypothesized that, in the latter species, ancestral queens have won the conflict over who produces the males. The fact that sterile workers of some species lay trophic eggs to feed the queen and display ritualized behaviours towards her during oviposition has been interpreted as an evolutionary relic of this ancient conflict. Here, I used ancestral state estimation to test whether worker reproduction is indeed the ancestral condition and worker sterility a derived state in stingless bees. Contrary to this hypothesis, data suggest that trophic egg laying was the ancestral condition, whereas selfish worker reproduction in queenright colonies evolved subsequently during stingless bee diversification. The appearance of worker reproduction in queenright conditions was tightly linked to the laying of trophic eggs, which suggests that having activated ovaries in queen presence facilitates the evolution of worker reproduction. Worker reproduction is also linked to brood cell architecture, but surprisingly not to colony size or queen–worker dimorphism. The reason for this association between brood cell architecture and worker oviposition is currently unknown. These results suggest that trophic eggs are not a relic of an ancient conflict, but a sign of overlapping interests between the queen and workers about who produces the males.
Metabolic rates and the energetic cost of external tag attachment in juvenile blacktip sharks Carcharhinus limbatus
Authors: Lear Karissa O. , Gleiss Adrian C. , Whitney Nicholas M.
Published: September 2018

This study reports on the metabolic rate of the blacktip shark Carcharhinus limbatus and the energetic costs of external tag attachment. Metabolic rates, swimming speed and tail‐beat (BT) frequency were measured in a static respirometer with untagged animals and animals equipped with a small data logger. Tagged sharks showed significantly higher routine oxygen consumption and lower swimming speeds than untagged animals, indicating that tagging significantly affected the swimming efficiency and energetic requirements in these small sharks, and that these effects must be accounted for when interpreting telemetry data from free‐ranging individuals.
Microbiological risk assessment and simple cost‐effective ways to reduce the risk in bulk food bags manufacturing company
Authors: Zaman Sharmin , Ahmed Sunzid , Kabir Md.Raihan , Bari Md.Latiful
Published: September 2018

This study was conducted to evaluate the microbial risk associated in bulk food bags manufacturing facilities and its cost‐effective way to minimize the risk. Swab samples from each step of manufacturing process was collected and microbiological analysis was done. Results showed that the bulk food bags manufacturing process was grossly contaminated with multiple types of bacteria. Moderate number of total aerobic bacteria (≤3.68 log cfu/unit), coliform (≤3.63 log cfu/unit), fecal coliform (1.0–1.25 log cfu/unit), Staphylococcus spp. count (≤3.6 log cfu/unit) was recorded in worker's hand gloves and different sections of the whole production facility. Although no Escherichia coli or Salmonella spp. was detected, enrichment culture study detected Streptococcus spp., and fecal Streptococcus spp. in some swabs and hand gloves samples. Other than UV treatment alone, washing the hand gloves with calcinated calcium (CCa; 0.02%) followed by drying under UV light, and UV light in finished product storage room, and sanitizing the floor surfaces with 0.02% CCa, was able to significantly reduce (1.0–3.68 log cfu/unit) or eliminate the bacterial contaminants from hand gloves, finished products, and floor surfaces. This simple treatment was seen to minimize the risks of microbial contamination in the bulk food bags manufacturing facilities.

Practical applications

Flexible intermediate bulk containers (FIBCs) are used by various industrial sectors like agriculture, chemicals, and pharmaceutical, but one of the largest users of FIBC bags is the food industry. Transporting and storing food is tougher to do than any other product. The food companies are constantly in search of ways to maximize profits while cutting costs and conserving space. FIBC bags have helped thousands of businesses around the world to achieve this goal. On the other hand, reducing risks from microbial contamination is an essential part of every food manufacturer's responsibility to protect both its customers and its business. The cost‐effective and simple methods described in this study will be applicable in the bulk food bags manufacturing facilities worldwide to ensure the quality and safety of the food.
Frailty and Delirium in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis of the Literature
Authors: Persico Ilaria , Cesari Matteo , Morandi Alessandro , Haas Justin , Mazzola Paolo , Zambon Antonella , Annoni Giorgio , Bellelli Giuseppe
Published: September 2018

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the relationship between frailty and delirium.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

SETTING

MEDLINE, EMBASE, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases were searched for articles on frailty and delirium published on or before October 31, 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

Individuals aged 65 and older.

MEASUREMENTS

Two authors independently reviewed all English‐language citations, extracted relevant data, and assessed studies for potential bias. Articles involving pediatric or neurosurgical populations, alcohol or substance abuse, psychiatric illness, head trauma, or stroke, as well as review articles, letters, and case reports were excluded. Studies underwent qualitative or quantitative analysis according to specified criteria. Using a random‐effects or fixed‐effects model, relative risk (RR) was calculated for the effect of frailty as a predictor of subsequent delirium. Heterogeneity was tested using Q and I2 statistics.

RESULTS

We identified 1,626 articles from our initial search, of which 20 fulfilled the selection criteria (N=5,541 participants, mean age 77.8). Eight studies were eligible for meta‐analysis, showing a significant association between Q2 frailty and subsequent delirium (RR = 2.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.65–2.91). There was low variability among studies in the measures of association between frailty and delirium (I2 2.24, p‐value Q‐statistic = .41) but high heterogeneity in the methods used to assess the two conditions.

CONCLUSION

This systematic review and meta‐analysis supports the existence of an independent relationship between frailty and delirium, although there is notable methodological heterogeneity between the methods used to assess the 2 conditions. Future studies are needed to better delineate the dynamics between these syndromes.
The Demand for Assets and Optimal Monetary Aggregation
Authors: JADIDZADEH ALI , SERLETIS APOSTOLOS
Published: September 2018

This paper uses a highly disaggregated demand system to estimate the degree of substitutability among monetary assets and to address the issue of optimal monetary aggregation in the United States. We address the problems of dimensionality and nonlinearity, estimating a very detailed monetary asset demand system encompassing the full range of assets based on the locally flexible normalized quadratic expenditure function. We treat the concavity property as a maintained hypothesis and provide evidence consistent with neoclassical microeconomic theory. Statistical tests reject the appropriateness of the aggregation assumptions for all the money measures published by the Federal Reserve as well as for a large number of groupings suggested by earlier studies. This supports and reinforces Barnett's (2016) assertion that we should employ the broadest M4 monetary aggregate published by the Center for Financial Stability.
Financial Frictions, Financial Shocks, and Aggregate Volatility
Authors: FUENTES‐ALBERO CRISTINA
Published: September 2018

The Great Moderation was accompanied by an increase in financial volatility. We explore the sources of these divergent patterns in volatilities by estimating a model with time‐varying financial rigidities subject to structural breaks in the size of shocks, the monetary policy rule coefficients, and the average size of the financial rigidity. Institutional changes are key in accounting for the Great Moderation and in shaping the transmission mechanism of financial shocks. The increase in financial volatilities is accounted for by larger financial shocks, but the vulnerability of the economy to these shocks is significantly alleviated by the estimated changes in institutions.
Taste, discourse and middle‐class identity: An ethnography of Chinese Saabists
Authors: Dong Jie
Published: September 2018

This study adopts Bourdieu's conceptualization of taste and distinction to examine the discursive construction of Chinese middle‐class identities. Drawing on an ethnographic fieldwork of young urban professionals who display a shared passion for Saab cars, this article presents three examples to instantiate the ways that the participants employ linguistic and discursive resources to construct an urban middle‐class identity revolving around consumption and commodification: the first example is an interview about their taste for their Saab cars; the second is a participant observation of the Saab fans’ linguistic exchanges in which they demonstrate their ‘taste for each other’ – recognition of each other's in‐group membership and social identity; the third example is an online observation of their multimodal display of other lifestyle commodities. All three examples highlight the importance of language in creating a sense of distinction and in negotiating middle‐class identities among Chinese young urban professionals.
Pharmacokinetics of florfenicol and thiamphenicol in ducks
Authors: Tikhomirov Marta , Poźniak Błażej , Smutkiewicz Andrzej , Świtała Marcin
Published: September 2018

The pharmacokinetics of florfenicol (FF) and thiamphenicol (TP) after single intravenous (IV) and oral (PO) administration was investigated in Mulard ducks. Both antibiotics were administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight, and their concentrations in plasma samples were assayed using high‐performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a noncompartmental method. AfterIVadministration, significant differences were found for the mean residence time (2.25 ± 0.21 hr vs. 2.83 ± 0.50 hr forFFandTP, respectively) and the general half‐life (1.56 ± 0.15 hr vs. 1.96 ± 0.35 hr forFFandTP, respectively) indicating slightly slower elimination ofTPas compared toFF. The clearance, however, was comparable (0.30 ± 0.07 L/hr/kg forFFand 0.26 ± 0.04 L/hr/kg forTP). The mean volume of distribution was below 0.7 L/kg for both drugs. Pharmacokinetics afterPOadministration was very similar forFFandTPsuggesting minor clinical importance of the differences found in theIVstudy. Both antimicrobials showed rapid absorption and bioavailability of more than 70% indicating thatPOroute should be an efficient method ofFFandTPadministration to ducks under field conditions.
Heating experiments of the Tagish Lake meteorite: Investigation of the effects of short‐term heating on chondritic organics
Authors: Chan Queenie H. S. , Nakato Aiko , Kebukawa Yoko , Zolensky Michael E. , Nakamura Tomoki , Maisano Jessica A. , Colbert Matthew W. , Martinez James E. , Kilcoyne A. L. David , Suga Hiroki , Takahashi Yoshio , Takeichi Yasuo , Mase Kazuhiko , Wright Ian P.
Published: September 2018

We present in this study the effects of short‐term heating on organics in the Tagish Lake meteorite and how the difference in the heating conditions can modify the organic matter (OM) in a way that complicates the interpretation of a parent body's heating extent with common cosmothermometers. The kinetics of short‐term heating and its influence on the organic structure are not well understood, and any study of OM is further complicated by the complex alteration processes of the thermally metamorphosed carbonaceous chondrites—potential analogues of the target asteroid Ryugu of the Hayabusa2 mission—which had experienced posthydration, short‐duration local heating. In an attempt to understand the effects of short‐term heating on chondritic OM, we investigated the change in the OM contents of the experimentally heated Tagish Lake meteorite samples using Raman spectroscopy, scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy utilizing X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy, and ultraperformance liquid chromatography fluorescence detection and quadrupole time of flight hybrid mass spectrometry. Our experiment suggests that graphitization of OM did not take place despite the samples being heated to 900 °C for 96 h, as the OM maturity trend was influenced by the heating conditions, kinetics, and the nature of the OM precursor, such as the presence of abundant oxygenated moieties. Although both the intensity of the 1s−σ* exciton cannot be used to accurately interpret the peak metamorphic temperature of the experimentally heated Tagish Lake sample, the Raman graphite band widths of the heated products significantly differ from that of chondritic OM modified by long‐term internal heating.
Maternal aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes in Uganda
Authors: Lauer Jacqueline M. , Duggan Christopher P. , Ausman Lynne M. , Griffiths Jeffrey K. , Webb Patrick , Wang Jia‐Sheng , Xue Kathy S. , Agaba Edgar , Nshakira Nathan , Ghosh Shibani
Published: September 2018

Aflatoxins are toxic metabolites of Aspergillus moulds and are widespread in the food supply, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Both in utero and infant exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) have been linked to poor child growth and development. The objective of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the association between maternal aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, primarily lower birth weight, in a sample of 220 mother–infant pairs in Mukono district, Uganda. Maternal aflatoxin exposure was assessed by measuring the serum concentration of AFB1‐lysine (AFB‐Lys) adduct at 17.8 ± 3.5 (mean ± SD)‐week gestation using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Anthropometry and birth outcome characteristics were obtained within 48 hr of delivery. Associations between maternal aflatoxin exposure and birth outcomes were assessed using multivariable linear regression models adjusted for confounding factors. Median maternal AFB‐Lys level was 5.83 pg/mg albumin (range: 0.71–95.60 pg/mg albumin, interquartile range: 3.53–9.62 pg/mg albumin). In adjusted linear regression models, elevations in maternal AFB‐Lys levels were significantly associated with lower weight (adj‐β: 0.07; 95% CI: −0.13, −0.003; p = 0.040), lower weight‐for‐age z‐score (adj‐β: −0.16; 95% CI: −0.30, −0.01; p = 0.037), smaller head circumference (adj‐β: −0.26; 95% CI: −0.49, −0.02; p = 0.035), and lower head circumference‐for‐age z‐score (adj‐β: −0.23; 95% CI: −0.43, −0.03; p = 0.023) in infants at birth. Overall, our data suggest an association between maternal aflatoxin exposure during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, particularly lower birth weight and smaller head circumference, but further research is warranted.
Going under down under? Lineage ages argue for extensive survival of the Oligocene marine transgression on Zealandia
Authors: Wallis Graham P. , Jorge Fátima
Published: September 2018

Twenty‐five years ago, it was suggested that current‐day New Zealand, part of the largely sunken continent of Zealandia, could have been completely inundated during the Oligocene marine transgression (OMT) some 25–23 million years ago. Such an event would, of necessity, imply that all terrestrial, freshwater, and maybe coastal marine species must have dispersed there since. This idea has generated heated debate, on which geological, palaeontological and molecular data are being brought to bear. Here, we review the phylogeographic literature in the form of molecular estimates of divergence times between New Zealand lineages and their closest overseas sister groups. Using an event‐based approach, we show that these divergence times follow approximately a smooth exponential over the last 50 Ma or more. Approximately 74 of these 248 lineages appear to have survived the OMT in situ; some of these major lineages comprise multiple additional lineages as a result of autochthonous speciation prior to the OMT. Non‐volant terrestrial animals, freshwater animals and trees are particularly well represented in surviving lineages, whereas marine animals, herbs and shrubs tend to show more recent arrival times. There is no evidence for a deficit of pre‐Oligocene lineages, nor an excess of ones arriving just afterwards. The pattern is one of geometric increase in new lineages with more recent time, reflecting a balance between immigration and extinction. Consequently, this large body of molecular data provides no evidence for complete inundation of New Zealand during the Oligocene. In conjunction with new geological and palaeontological findings, these data suggest that it is time to put the idea to rest.
Structural and functional insights into the modulation of the activity of a flax cytokinin oxidase by flax rust effector AvrL567‐A
Authors: Wan Li , Koeck Markus , Williams Simon J. , Ashton Anthony R. , Lawrence Gregory J. , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Kojima Mikiko , Böttcher Christine , Ericsson Daniel J. , Hardham Adrienne R. , Jones David A. , Ellis Jeffrey G. , Kobe Bostjan , Dodds Peter N.
Published: September 2018

During infection, plant pathogens secrete effector proteins to facilitate colonization. In comparison with our knowledge of bacterial effectors, the current understanding of how fungal effectors function is limited. In this study, we show that the effector AvrL567‐A from the flax rust fungus Melampsora lini interacts with a flax cytosolic cytokinin oxidase, LuCKX1.1, using both yeast two‐hybrid and in planta bimolecular fluorescence assays. Purified LuCKX1.1 protein shows catalytic activity against both N6‐(Δ2‐isopentenyl)‐adenine (2iP) and trans‐zeatin (tZ) substrates. Incubation of LuCKX1.1 with AvrL567‐A results in increased catalytic activity against both substrates. The crystal structure of LuCKX1.1 and docking studies with AvrL567‐A indicate that the AvrL567 binding site involves a flexible surface‐exposed region that surrounds the cytokinin substrate access site, which may explain its effect in modulating LuCKX1.1 activity. Expression of AvrL567‐A in transgenic flax plants gave rise to an epinastic leaf phenotype consistent with hormonal effects, although no difference in overall cytokinin levels was observed. We propose that, during infection, plant pathogens may differentially modify the levels of extracellular and intracellular cytokinins.
The first Japanese case of biopsy‐confirmed small‐fiber neuropathy related to celiac disease
Authors: Mitsutake Akihiko , Sato Tatsuya , Katsumata Junko , Seki Tomonari , Maekawa Risa , Hideyama Takuto , Kishida Yukiko , Masuda Teruaki , Ando Yukio , Shiio Yasushi
Published: September 2018

A 26‐year‐old lady presented with a rapidly progressive burning pain in both feet. She had been bothered by bloating after wheat‐containing foods since the age of 21. Her gastrointestinal symptoms alleviated after introducing gluten‐free diet. On admission, neurological examination was unremarkable without dysesthesia with normal nerve conduction studies. Skin biopsy specimen showed decreased intraepidermal nerve fiber density, indicating small‐fiber neuropathy. Besides, clinical symptoms, duodenal biopsy, and positive HLA‐DQ2 and ‐DQ8 suggested celiac disease, which might be associated with small‐fiber neuropathy. Intravenous immunoglobulin was not efficacious. Celiac disease should be considered in the evaluation of peripheral neuropathy.
Strengthening workplace well‐being: perceptions of intensive care nurses
Authors: Jarden Rebecca J , Sandham Margaret , Siegert Richard J , Koziol‐McLain Jane
Published: September 2018

Background

Intensive care nursing is a professionally challenging role, elucidated in the body of research focusing on nurses' ill‐being, including burnout, stress, moral distress and compassion fatigue. Although scant, research is growing in relation to the elements contributing to critical care nurses' workplace well‐being. Little is currently known about how intensive care nurse well‐being is strengthened in the workplace, particularly from the intensive care nurse perspective.

Aims and objectives

Identify intensive care nurses' perspectives of strategies that strengthen their workplace well‐being.

Design

An inductive descriptive qualitative approach was used to explore intensive care nurses' perspectives of strengthening work well‐being.

Method

New Zealand intensive care nurses were asked to report strategies strengthening their workplace well‐being in two free‐text response items within a larger online survey of well‐being.

Findings

Sixty‐five intensive care nurses identified 69 unique strengtheners of workplace well‐being. Strengtheners included nurses drawing from personal resources, such as mindfulness and yoga. Both relational and organizational systems' strengtheners were also evident, including peer supervision, formal debriefing and working as a team to support each other.

Conclusions

Strengtheners of intensive care nurses' workplace well‐being extended across individual, relational and organizational resources. Actions such as simplifying their lives, giving and receiving team support and accessing employee assistance programmes were just a few of the intensive care nurses' identified strengtheners. These findings inform future strategic workplace well‐being programmes, creating opportunities for positive change.

Relevance to clinical practice

Intensive care nurses have a highly developed understanding of workplace well‐being strengtheners. These strengtheners extend from the personal to inter‐professional to organizational. The extensive range of strengtheners the nurses have identified provides a rich source for the development of future workplace well‐being programmes for critical care.
Serum cholinesterase activity is elevated in female diarrhea‐predominant irritable bowel syndrome patients compared to matched controls
Authors: Hod Keren , Sperber Ami D , Maharshak Nitsan , Ron Yishay , Shapira Izthak , David Zeltser , Rogowski Ori , Berliner Shlomo , Shenhar‐Tsarfaty Shani , Dekel Roy
Published: September 2018

Background

Micro‐inflammation is involved in the pathogenesis of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The parasympathetic nervous system, via acetylcholine (ACh), and its hydrolytic enzymes, plays a role in regulating inflammation. Increased serum cholinesterase activity, named cholinergic Status (CS), is associated with decreased inflammatory inhibition (ie, pro‐inflammation). We assessed the association between IBS diarrhea‐predominant (IBS‐D) symptoms, CS, and inflammatory biomarkers.

Methods

Women with IBS‐D were prospectively recruited. Serum acetylcholinesterase (AChE), CS, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hs‐CRP) levels were analyzed and fecal calprotectin (FC) in a subgroup of patients. The control group included women attending routine health checkups (matched by age and BMI).

Key Results

Ninety‐four women with IBS‐D were compared to matched controls (1:1). Serum CS, AChE, and the AChE/butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) ratios were significantly increased in the IBS‐D group compared to matched controls (P = 0.018, P = 0.001, and P = 0.004, respectively). Using a multiple logistic regression model, IBS‐D was almost twice as likely in women with high CS compared to women with low CS (adjusted OR=1.84 (95% CI: 1.01‐3.33), P = 0.045). Furthermore, IBS‐D patients with higher hs‐CRP levels demonstrated lower CS and BChE activity and elevated AChE and AChE/BChE ratios compared to patients with lower hs‐CRP levels (P = 0.026, P = 0.036, P = 0.002; and P = 0.0007, respectively). CS was not correlated with the IBS symptoms score.

Conclusions and Inferences

This is the first study to explore the potential role of serum CS in IBS‐D. The findings emphasize the possible role of the autonomic nervous system and its anti‐inflammatory properties in IBS.
Novel therapies and preventative strategies for primary and recurrent Clostridium difficile infections
Authors: Dieterle Michael G. , Rao Krishna , Young Vincent B.
Published: September 2018

Clostridium difficile is the leading infectious cause of antibiotic‐associated diarrhea and colitis. C. difficile infection (CDI) places a heavy burden on the healthcare system, with nearly half a million infections yearly and an approximate 20% recurrence risk after successful initial therapy. The high incidence has driven new research on improved prevention such as the emerging use of probiotics, intestinal microbiome manipulation during antibiotic therapies, vaccinations, and newer antibiotics that reduce the disruption of the intestinal microbiome. While the treatment of acute C. difficile is effective in most patients, it can be further optimized by adjuvant therapies that improve the initial treatment success and decrease the risk of subsequent recurrence. Finally, the high risk of recurrence has led to multiple emerging therapies that target toxin activity, recovery of the intestinal microbial community, and elimination of latent C. difficile in the intestine. In summary, CDIs illustrate the complex interaction among host physiology, microbial community, and pathogen that requires specific therapies to address each of the factors leading to primary infection and recurrence.
Global folate status in women of reproductive age: a systematic review with emphasis on methodological issues
Authors: Rogers Lisa M. , Cordero Amy M. , Pfeiffer Christine M. , Hausman Dorothy B. , Tsang Becky L. , De‐Regil Luz María , Rosenthal Jorge , Razzaghi Hilda , Wong Eugene C. , Weakland Aliki P. , Bailey Lynn B.
Published: September 2018

Inadequate folate status in women of reproductive age (WRA) can lead to adverse health consequences of public health significance, such as megaloblastic anemia (folate deficiency) and an increased risk of neural tube defect (NTD)‐affected pregnancies (folate insufficiency). Our review aims to evaluate current data on folate status of WRA. We queried eight databases and the World Health Organization Micronutrients Database, identifying 45 relevant surveys conducted between 2000 and 2014 in 39 countries. Several types of folate assays were used in the analysis of blood folate, and many surveys used folate cutoffs not matched to the assay. To allow better comparisons across surveys, we attempted to account for these differences. The prevalence of folate deficiency was >20% in many countries with lower income economies but was typically <5% in countries with higher income economies. Only 11 surveys reported the prevalence of folate insufficiency, which was >40% in most countries. Overall, folate status data for WRA globally are limited and must be carefully interpreted due to methodological issues. Future surveys would benefit from using the microbiologic assay to assess folate status, along with assay‐matched cutoffs to improve monitoring and evaluation of folic acid interventions, thus informing global efforts to prevent NTDs.
Responses to K deficiency and waterlogging interact via respiratory and nitrogen metabolism
Authors: Cui Jing , Abadie Cyril , Carroll Adam , Lamade Emmanuelle , Tcherkez Guillaume
Published: September 2018

K deficiency and waterlogging are common stresses that can occur simultaneously and impact on crop development and yield. They are both known to affect catabolism, with rather opposite effects: inhibition of glycolysis and higher glycolytic fermentative flux, respectively. But surprisingly, the effect of their combination on plant metabolism has never been examined precisely. Here, we applied a combined treatment (K availability and waterlogging) to sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) plants under controlled greenhouse conditions and performed elemental quantitation, metabolomics, and isotope analyses at different sampling times. Whereas separate K deficiency and waterlogging caused well‐known effects such as polyamines production and sugar accumulation, respectively, waterlogging altered K‐induced respiration enhancement (via the C5‐branched acid pathway) and polyamine production, and K deficiency tended to suppress waterlogging‐induced accumulation of Krebs cycle intermediates in leaves. Furthermore, the natural 15N/14N isotope composition (δ15N) in leaf compounds shows that there was a change in nitrate circulation, with less nitrate influx to leaves under low K availablity combined with waterlogging and more isotopic dilution of lamina nitrates under high K. Our results show that K deficiency and waterlogging effects are not simply additive, reshape respiration as well as nitrogen metabolism and partitioning, and are associated with metabolomic and isotopic biomarkers of potential interest for crop monitoring.
p53‐Dependent and p53‐Independent Responses of Cells Challenged by Photosensitization
Authors: Abrantes Aline B. de P. , Dias Gustavo C. , Souza‐Pinto Nadja C. , Baptista Mauricio S.
Published: September 2018

The p53 protein exerts fundamental roles in cell responses to a variety of stress stimuli. It has clear roles in controlling cell cycle, triggering apoptosis, activating autophagy and modulating DNA damage response. Little is known about the role of p53 in autophagy‐associated cell death, which can be induced by photoactivation of photosensitizers within cells. The photosensitizer 1,9‐dimethyl methylene blue (DMMB) within nanomolar concentration regimes has specific intracellular targets (mitochondria and lysosomes), photoinducing a typical scenario of cell death with autophagy. Importantly, in consequence of its subcellular localization, photoactive DMMB induces selective damage to mitochondrial DNA, saving nuclear DNA. By challenging cells having different p53 protein levels, we investigated whether p53 modulates DMMB/light‐induced phototoxicity and cell cycle dynamics. Cells lacking p53 activity were slightly more resistant to photoactivated DMMB, which was correlated with a smaller sub‐G1 population, indicative of a lower level of apoptosis. DMMB photosensitization seems to induce mostly autophagy‐associated cell death and S‐phase cell cycle arrest with replication stress. Remarkably, these responses were independent on the p53 status, indicating that p53 is not involved in either process. Despite describing some p53‐related responses in cells challenged by photosensitization, our results also provide novel information on the consequences of DMMB phototoxicity.
NanoDCFH‐DA: A Silica‐based Nanostructured Fluorogenic Probe for the Detection of Reactive Oxygen Species
Authors: Bresolí‐Obach Roger , Busto‐Moner Luis , Muller Claudia , Reina Manuel , Nonell Santi
Published: September 2018

A biocompatible fluorescent nanoprobe for the detection of reactive oxygen species in biological systems has been designed, synthesized and characterized, circumventing some of the limitations of the molecular probe diacetyl 2′,7′‐dichlorodihydrofluorescein (DCFH‐DA). It has been synthetized the nanoparticulate form of DCFH‐DA by covalently attaching the widely used fluorescent probe DCFH‐DA to a mesoporous silica nanoparticle through a linker. The reactivity of nanoDCFH‐DA has been tested toward several reactive oxygen species. In addition, it has been proved to slow down DCFH‐DA reaction with molecular oxygen and it hampers from interactions with proteins. As a final piece of evidence, in vitro studies showed that the nanoprobe is internalized by HeLa cancer cells, thus being capable of detecting intracellularly generated reactive oxygen species. To sum up, it can be stated that nanoDCFH‐DA overcomes two major problems of free DCFH‐DA, namely oxidation of the probe by air and interaction with proteins in biological systems. This “nano” approach has thus proven useful to extend the utility of an existing and valuable fluorescent probe to complex biological systems.
High‐pressure non‐invasive ventilation during exercise in COPD patients with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure: A randomized, controlled, cross‐over trial
Authors: Gloeckl Rainer , Andrianopoulos Vasileios , Stegemann Antje , Oversohl Julian , Schneeberger Tessa , Schoenheit‐Kenn Ursula , Hitzl Wolfgang , Dreher Michael , Koczulla A. Rembert , Kenn Klaus
Published: September 2018

Background and objective

Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure (CHRF) characteristically have exercise intolerance and limitations in performing conventional training. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of non‐invasive ventilation (NIV) as a supportive tool during exercise in CHRF.

Methods

Two cycle endurance tests (CET) at 60% of the peak work rate were performed. Patients were randomly assigned to cycle in two conditions: (i) high‐pressure NIV (mean inspiratory positive airway pressure: 27 ± 3 cm H2O) along with oxygen supplementation or (ii) control: oxygen‐use only. Transcutaneously measured partial pressure of carbon dioxide (TcPCO2), oxygen saturation and heart rate were continuously recorded. Muscle oxygen availability of intercostal and vastus lateralis muscle was measured during exercise by near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS).

Results

A total of 20 patients with CHRF (forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1): 19 ± 4% predicted, partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2): 55 ± 9 mm Hg, partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO2): 51 ± 7 mm Hg) were recruited in a randomized cross‐over trial. On NIV, COPD patients increased cycle endurance time by 39% compared to oxygen‐use only (663 ± 360 vs 477 ± 249 s, P = 0.013). On NIV, TcPCO2 was significantly lower at rest (44.9 ± 6.2 vs 50.7 ± 6.6 mm Hg, P < 0.001) and at isotime (50.0 ± 5.5 vs 56.1 ± 6.2 mm Hg, P < 0.001). Oxygen availability in the intercostal muscles remained relatively constant with NIV compared to oxygen‐use only. Although patients cycled longer using NIV, a lower increase in exertional dyspnoea at the end of CET (median increase in Borg‐dyspnoea: 2 vs 4, P = 0.003) was reported.

Conclusion

NIV with high pressures as add‐on to oxygen supplementation increases cycle endurance time, mitigates exertional dyspnoea and limits exercise‐induced hypercapnia in COPD patients with CHRF.
Evaluation of Proactive and Reactive Strategies for Polio Eradication Activities in Pakistan and Afghanistan
Authors: Duintjer Tebbens Radboud J. , Thompson Kimberly M.
Published: September 2018

Only Pakistan and Afghanistan reported any polio cases caused by serotype 1 wild polioviruses (WPV1s) in 2017. With the dwindling cases in both countries and pressure to finish eradication with the least possible resources, a danger exists of inappropriate prioritization of efforts between the two countries and insufficient investment in the two countries to finish the job. We used an existing differential‐equation‐based poliovirus transmission and oral poliovirus (OPV) evolution model to simulate a proactive strategy to stop transmission, and different hypothetical reactive strategies that adapt the quality of supplemental immunization activities (SIAs) in response to observed polio cases in Pakistan and Afghanistan. To account for the delay in perception and adaptation, we related the coverage of the SIAs in high‐risk, undervaccinated subpopulations to the perceived (i.e., smoothed) polio incidence. Continuation of the current frequency and quality of SIAs remains insufficient to eradicate WPV1 in Pakistan and Afghanistan. Proactive strategies that significantly improve and sustain SIA quality lead to WPV1 eradication and the prevention of circulating vaccine‐derived poliovirus (cVDPV) outbreaks. Reactive vaccination efforts that adapt moderately quickly and independently to changes in polio incidence in each country may succeed in WPV1 interruption after several cycles of outbreaks, or may interrupt WPV1 transmission in one country but subsequently import WPV1 from the other country or enable the emergence of cVDPV outbreaks. Reactive vaccination efforts that adapt independently and either more rapidly or more slowly to changes in polio incidence in each country may similarly fail to interrupt WPV1 transmission and result in oscillations of the incidence. Reactive strategies that divert resources to the country of highest priority may lead to alternating large outbreaks. Achieving WPV1 eradication and subsequent successful OPV cessation in Pakistan and Afghanistan requires proactive and sustained efforts to improve vaccination intensity in under‐vaccinated subpopulations while maintaining high population immunity elsewhere.
Trade liberalization, absorptive capacity and the protection of intellectual property rights
Authors: Ghosh Arghya , Ishikawa Jota
Published: September 2018

We examine how trade liberalization affects South's incentive to protect intellectual property rights (IPR) in a North–South duopoly model where a low‐cost North firm competes with a high‐cost South firm in the South market. The North firm serves the South market through either exports or foreign direct investment (FDI). The extent of effective cost difference between North and South depends on South's imitation, which in turn depends on South's IPR protection and absorptive capacity and North firm's location choice, all of which are endogenously determined in our model. For a given level of IPR protection, South's absorptive capacity under exports may be greater than under FDI. Even though innovation is exogenous to the model (and hence unaffected by South's IPR policy), strengthening IPR protection in South can improve its welfare. The relationship between trade costs and the degree of IPR protection that maximizes South welfare is non‐monotone. In particular, South has an incentive to protect IPR only when trade costs are moderate. When masking technology or licensing is incorporated into the model, however, some protection of IPR may be optimal for South even if the trade costs are not moderate.
From Start to Finish: A Framework for the Production of Small Area Official Statistics
Authors: Tzavidis Nikos , Zhang Li-Chun , Luna Angela , Schmid Timo , Rojas-Perilla Natalia
Published: September 2018

Small area estimation is a research area in official and survey statistics of great practical relevance for national statistical institutes and related organizations. Despite rapid developments in methodology and software, researchers and users would benefit from having practical guidelines for the process of small area estimation. We propose a general framework for the production of small area statistics that is governed by the principle of parsimony and is based on three broadly defined stages, namely specification, analysis and adaptation, and evaluation. Emphasis is given to the interaction between a user of small area statistics and the statistician in specifying the target geography and parameters in the light of the available data. Model-free and model-dependent methods are described with a focus on model selection and testing, model diagnostics and adaptations such as use of data transformations. Uncertainty measures and the use of model and design-based simulations for method evaluation are also at the centre of the paper. We illustrate the application of the proposed framework by using real data for the estimation of non-linear deprivation indicators. Linear statistics, e.g. averages, are included as special cases of the general framework.
Bayesian Regression Tree Ensembles that Adapt to Smoothness and Sparsity
Authors: Linero Antonio R. , Yang Yun
Published: September 2018

Ensembles of decision trees are a useful tool for obtaining flexible estimates of regression functions. Examples of these methods include gradient-boosted decision trees, random forests and Bayesian classification and regression trees. Two potential shortcomings of tree ensembles are their lack of smoothness and their vulnerability to the curse of dimensionality. We show that these issues can be overcome by instead considering sparsity inducing soft decision trees in which the decisions are treated as probabilistic. We implement this in the context of the Bayesian additive regression trees framework and illustrate its promising performance through testing on benchmark data sets. We provide strong theoretical support for our methodology by showing that the posterior distribution concentrates at the minimax rate (up to a logarithmic factor) for sparse functions and functions with additive structures in the high dimensional regime where the dimensionality of the covariate space is allowed to grow nearly exponentially in the sample size. Our method also adapts to the unknown smoothness and sparsity levels, and can be implemented by making minimal modifications to existing Bayesian additive regression tree algorithms.
Did Growing Rural Poverty and a Disruptive Climate Spur an Expansion in Rural Sociology? A Comparative Historical Analysis
Authors: Rudel Thomas K.
Published: September 2018

Rural sociology first gained wide recognition during the 1930s when the intersection of economic depression and environmental crisis underlined the suffering of rural peoples. The historical conjuncture of growing rural poverty and environmental crisis has reappeared in the twenty‐first century. What does this recurring combination of circumstances portend for rural sociology? Does it imply a revival of the policy‐oriented sociological analyses of the 1930s? A comparative historical analysis of rural sociology during the New Deal, the post−World War II period, and the contemporary era suggests a qualified answer to this question. The contemporary era resembles the 1930s in providing compelling rationales for engaged scholarship, but the cross‐class coalitions between government social scientists and the rural poor that characterized the 1930s have not materialized in the twenty‐first century. Despite this difference, some common themes, such as a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary research, a primary concern with rural poverty, and an increased interest in the distinguishing features of resilient communities, have characterized scholarship during both periods. These similarities suggest that the practice of applied and engaged scholarship, so prevalent in the rural sociology of the 1930s, has found new traction in dealing with the social and ecological problems of twenty‐first‐century rural communities.
Conventional dialysis in the elderly: How lenient should our guidelines be?
Authors: Corbett Richard W. , Brown Edwina A.
Published: September 2018

There has been a dramatic, worldwide expansion in life expectancy across the last century. This has resulted in a progressively more elderly and comorbid population. It is increasingly recognized that healthcare in this group needs to move to the concept of “adding life to years”. Recognition and assessment of frailty is vital in changing our approach in elderly patients. Current guidelines in dialysis have a limited evidence base across all age groups, but particularly the elderly and serve them poorly. Moreover, the burden of guidelines for each comorbidity of the multimorbid patient is increasing and can be conflicting. Finally, there is increasing evidence relating to the harm associated with the delivery of conventional dialysis. In dialysis patients, frailty is the overwhelming determinant in relation to patient‐specific outcomes rather than modality of treatment; therefore, the focus should be on promoting quality of life. We need to focus on new priorities of care when we design guidelines “for people not diseases”. Patient‐centered goal‐directed therapy, arising from shared decision making between physician and patient, should allow adaption of the dialysis regime to maximize opportunities while minimizing treatment‐related morbidity and concentrating on alleviating symptoms.
IFN‐λ4 inhibits HIV infection of macrophages through signalling of IFN‐λR1/IL‐10R2 receptor complex
Authors: Su Qi‐Jian , Wang Xu , Zhou Run‐Hong , Guo Le , Liu Hang , Li Jie‐Liang , Ho Wen‐Zhe
Published: September 2018

The recently discovered IFN‐λ4 has been found to have antiviral activity against several viruses. However, it's unknown whether IFN‐λ4 can inhibit HIV infection. Here, we show that IFN‐λ4 could suppress HIV infection of macrophages. This IFN‐λ4‐mediated HIV inhibition was compromised by the antibodies against IFN‐λ receptor complex, IFN‐λR1/IL‐10R2. IFN‐λ4 enhanced the phosphorylation of STAT1, and induced antiviral interferon‐stimulated genes. These findings indicated that IFN‐λ4 can inhibit HIV via JAK/STAT signalling pathway.
In pursuit of job satisfaction and happiness: Testing the interactive contribution of emotion‐regulation ability and workplace social support
Authors: Mérida‐López Sergio , Extremera Natalio , Quintana‐Orts Cirenia , Rey Lourdes
Published: September 2018

The present study focuses on the interplay of emotion‐regulation ability and perceived workplace social support as predictors of job satisfaction and happiness in a Spanish multi‐occupational sample. A total of 494 working adults (39.4% females) took part in this study. Emotion‐regulation ability and perceived support from colleagues and supervisors were positively associated. In addition, emotion‐regulation ability and perceived support from colleagues and supervisors showed positive associations with job satisfaction and happiness. Furthermore, considering results from moderation analyses, when low levels of perceived workplace social support were reported, the relationship between emotion regulation and both job satisfaction and happiness was stronger than in cases of higher perceived workplace support. In line with previous studies, these findings suggest that training in emotion regulation abilities may take into consideration the potential moderating role of job characteristics such as support from colleagues and supervisors. Finally, theoretical and practical implications of the joint study of these factors in line with the Job Demands‐Resources model and the Emotional Intelligence framework are discussed.