bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of self‐administration of romiplostim by patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia compared with administration by a healthcare provider
Authors: Selleslag Dominik , Bird Robert , Altomare Ivy , Giagounidis Aristoteles , Janssens Ann , Pabinger Ingrid , Pullarkat Vinod , Wei Helen , Kreuzbauer Georg
Published: July 2014

Objective

This post hoc analysis evaluated romiplostim self‐administration (SA group) vs. romiplostim administration by a healthcare provider in a clinical setting (HCP group) in patients with chronic immune thrombocytopenia (ITP).

Methods

Outcomes from 3 ITP trials allowing self‐administration in patients achieving a stable romiplostim dose for ≥3 consecutive weeks were compared. Evaluations were conducted for 12‐wk treatment intervals. Efficacy endpoints included percentage of patients and weeks with platelets within the target range of 50–200 × 109/L and safety.

Results

Baseline characteristics suggested less severe disease in the SA groups (n = 563) than in the HCP groups (n = 241). The SA groups had greater proportions of patients achieving the target platelet range (55–58% vs. 40–52%) and greater proportions of weeks with a platelet response (75–88% vs. 47–76%) than the HCP groups. The rate of romiplostim discontinuation was twofold to fivefold lower in the SA groups than in the HCP groups. Rates of duration‐adjusted adverse events (AEs), serious AEs and treatment‐related AEs were also lower in the SA groups.

Conclusions

In conclusion, in adults with ITP receiving romiplostim, self‐administration was comparable to healthcare provider administration in terms of efficacy and safety profiles, suggesting that self‐administration of romiplostim is a feasible option for certain patients with ITP.
Rubisco Accumulation Factor 1 from Thermosynechococcus elongatus participates in the final stages of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase assembly in Escherichia coli cells and in vitro
Authors: Kolesinski Piotr , Belusiak Iwona , Czarnocki‐Cieciura Mariusz , Szczepaniak Andrzej
Published: July 2014

Ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) biosynthesis is a multi‐step process in which specific chaperones are involved. Recently, a novel polypeptide, Rubisco Accumulation Factor 1 (RAF1), has been identified as a protein that is necessary for proper assembly of this enzyme in maize cells (Zea mays). However, neither its specific function nor its mode of action have as yet been determined. The results presented here show that the prokaryotic homolog of RAF1 from Thermosynechococcus elongatus is expressed in cyanobacterial cells and interacts with a large Rubisco subunit (RbcL). Using a heterologous expression system, it was demonstrated that this protein promotes Rubisco assembly in Escherichia coli cells. Moreover, when co‐expressed with RbcL alone, a stable RbcL–RAF1 complex is formed. Molecular mass determination for this Rubisco assembly intermediate by size‐exclusion chromatography coupled with multi‐angle light scattering indicates that it consists of an RbcL dimer and two RAF1 molecules. A purified RbcL–RAF1 complex dissociated upon addition of a small Rubisco subunit (RbcS), leading to formation of the active holoenzyme. Moreover, titration of the octameric (RbcL8) core of Rubisco with RAF1 results in disassembly of such a stucture and creation of an RbcL–RAF1 intermediate. The results presented here are the first attempt to elucidate the role of cyanobacterial Rubisco Accumulation Factor 1 in the Rubisco biosynthesis process.

Structured digital abstract

 RAF1 physically interacts with RbcL by pull down (View interaction)

 RAF1 and RbcL bind by molecular sieving (View interaction)
Land‐use legacies regulate decomposition dynamics following bioenergy crop conversion
Authors: Kallenbach Cynthia M. , Stuart Grandy A.
Published: July 2014

Land‐use conversion into bioenergy crop production can alter litter decomposition processes tightly coupled to soil carbon and nutrient dynamics. Yet, litter decomposition has been poorly described in bioenergy production systems, especially following land‐use conversion. Predicting decomposition dynamics in postconversion bioenergy production systems is challenging because of the combined influence of land‐use legacies with current management and litter quality. To evaluate how land‐use legacies interact with current bioenergy crop management to influence litter decomposition in different litter types, we conducted a landscape‐scale litterbag decomposition experiment. We proposed land‐use legacies regulate decomposition, but their effects are weakened under higher quality litter and when current land use intensifies ecosystem disturbance relative to prior land use. We compared sites left in historical land uses of either agriculture (AG) or Conservation Reserve Program grassland (CRP) to those that were converted to corn or switchgrass bioenergy crop production. Enzyme activities, mass loss, microbial biomass, and changes in litter chemistry were monitored in corn stover and switchgrass litter over 485 days, accompanied by similar soil measurements. Across all measured variables, legacy had the strongest effect (P < 0.05) relative to litter type and current management, where CRP sites maintained higher soil and litter enzyme activities and microbial biomass relative to AG sites. Decomposition responses to conversion depended on legacy but also current management and litter type. Within the CRP sites, conversion into corn increased litter enzymes, microbial biomass, and litter protein and lipid abundances, especially on decomposing corn litter, relative to nonconverted CRP. However, conversion into switchgrass from CRP, a moderate disturbance, often had no effect on switchgrass litter decomposition parameters. Thus, legacies shape the direction and magnitude of decomposition responses to bioenergy crop conversion and therefore should be considered a key influence on litter and soil C cycling under bioenergy crop management.
Recalibrating Policy Orthodoxy: The IMF Since the Great Recession
Authors: Ban Cornel , Gallagher Kevin
Published: July 2014

This special issue reviews patterns of policy stability and change at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) since the Great Recession and attempts to explain their causes. The contributors show that the crisis ignited a reassessment regarding how the IMF would position itself as a pivotal player in global economic governance. Some new ideas and evidence definitely found their way into IMF decision making, but this process was often tempered by the nature of the institution and the powerful interests that control its governing structure. Where change did occur, its causal generators could be found in some combination between IMF staff politics, a string of innovations coming from academic and IMF economists, and the emerging economic powers' creative leveraging of institutional fora both within and inside the Fund.
Review of Quantitative Surveys of the Length and Stability of MTBE, TBA, and Benzene Plumes in Groundwater at UST Sites
Authors: Connor John A. , Kamath Roopa , Walker Kenneth L. , McHugh Thomas E.
Published: July 2014

Quantitative information regarding the length and stability condition of groundwater plumes of benzene, methyl tert‐butyl ether (MTBE), and tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA) has been compiled from thousands of underground storage tank (UST) sites in the United States where gasoline fuel releases have occurred. This paper presents a review and summary of 13 published scientific surveys, of which 10 address benzene and/or MTBE plumes only, and 3 address benzene, MTBE, and TBA plumes. These data show the observed lengths of benzene and MTBE plumes to be relatively consistent among various regions and hydrogeologic settings, with median lengths at a delineation limit of 10 µg/L falling into relatively narrow ranges from 101 to 185 feet for benzene and 110 to 178 feet for MTBE. The observed statistical distributions of MTBE and benzene plumes show the two plume types to be of comparable lengths, with 90th percentile MTBE plume lengths moderately exceeding benzene plume lengths by 16% at a 10‐µg/L delineation limit (400 feet vs. 345 feet) and 25% at a 5‐µg/L delineation limit (530 feet vs. 425 feet). Stability analyses for benzene and MTBE plumes found 94 and 93% of these plumes, respectively, to be in a nonexpanding condition, and over 91% of individual monitoring wells to exhibit nonincreasing concentration trends. Three published studies addressing TBA found TBA plumes to be of comparable length to MTBE and benzene plumes, with 86% of wells in one study showing nonincreasing concentration trends.
A Simple Analytical Formula for the Leakage Flux Through a Perforated Aquitard
Authors: Bonte Matthijs , Zaadnoordijk Willem Jan , Maas Kees
Published: July 2014

In this methods note, we present a simple analytical formula to quantify the steady‐state leakage flux (Q) over a perforated aquitard. The flux depends on the aquitard thickness (D), the radius of the perforation (R), the hydraulic conductivity of the material inside the perforation (kfill), the conductivities of the overlying and underlying aquifers (k1 and k2, respectively), and the head difference between the two aquifers (ΔH):
urn:x-wiley:0017467X:media:gwat12239:gwat12239-math-0001
This equation assumes an aquitard separating two homogeneous and infinite aquifers (R ≪ aquifer thickness) in which radial flow to and from the perforation occurs, with no other recharge or discharge boundaries near the perforation. The flux through a perforation in a hypothetical case study with D = 10 m, k1 = 10 m/d, k2 = 20 m/d, R = 0.072 m, and ΔH = 1 m ranges between less than 1 mL/d if the hole is backfilled with bentonite (kfill = 10−4 m/d), to several liters per day if the perforation is backfilled with sand from the overlying aquifer (kfill = 10 m/d), to several m3/d if the perforation forms an open conduit (kfill = 105 m/d). The leakage fluxes calculated with this model agree well with those calculated using a numerical model (MODFLOW).
Rosai‐Dorfman disease of the genito‐urinary tract: analysis of six cases from the testis and kidney
Authors: Wang Chung‐Chieh , Al‐Hussain Turki O , Serrano‐Olmo Juan , Epstein Jonathan I
Published: July 2014

Aims

Rosai‐Dorfman disease (RDD) commonly occurs in lymph nodes, but it can also affect the genitourinary (GU) system. In a search of GU RDD, we identified three cases involving the testis and three the kidney.

Methods and results

The mean age was 52.4 (35–76) years. Tumour sizes were 3.6 cm on average (1.5–4.3) for testicular cases and 15.5 cm for the renal case treated by nephrectomy. All renal cases showed typical morphology similar to nodal RDD with scattered foci of lymphocytic aggregation. In contrast, all three testicular cases had an evenly distributed lymphocyte and plasma cell infiltration with entrapment of Sertoli‐only seminiferous tubules. In all six cases, immunohistochemistry (IHC) for S100 showed strong reactivity in the lesional histiocytes and highlighted the hallmark emperipolesis. One testicular case had pleural and pericardial effusions but resolved after removal of the RDD lesion. Another renal case subsequently involved bone and then lung over a 3‐year period.

Conclusions

RDD involving the GU system is rare with it most commonly involving the kidney followed by testis. Our three renal cases were similar in morphology to typical nodal RDD. The testicular cases had a somewhat different histological picture and needed IHC for S100 to verify the diagnosis.
Induction of epithelial–mesenchymal transition and loss of podoplanin expression are associated with progression of lymph node metastases in human papillomavirus‐related oropharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Wakisaka Naohiro , Yoshida Shinya , Kondo Satoru , Kita Makiko , Sawada‐Kitamura Seiko , Endo Kazuhira , Tsuji Akira , Nakanish Yosuke , Murono Shigeyuki , Yoshizaki Tomokazu
Published: July 2014

Aims

To examine human papillomavirus (HPV) status, the expression of podoplanin and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and lymphatic vessel counts (LVC) in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) tissues, and to evaluate whether these factors were associated with survival and nodal status.

Methods and results

A total of 53 OPSCC specimens were evaluated for HPV status and expression of proteins such as podoplanin and EMT markers by immunohistochemistry. E‐cadherin‐negative and vimentin‐positive specimens were defined as EMT‐positive. Twenty‐two OPSCCs were HPV‐positive. There was significant progression of nodal status in patients with HPV‐positive tumours (P = 0.0475). HPV‐positive cases had significantly lower expression of podoplanin (P = 0.0016) and were more frequently EMT‐positive (P = 0.0172). Podoplanin‐negative cases and EMT‐positive cases showed significantly more advanced nodal status than their respective counterparts (P = 0.0082 and P = 0.0186, respectively). LVC correlated with neither HPV nor nodal status. Multivariate analyses revealed that HPV infection was an independent marker of longer disease‐specific survival (P = 0.014).

Conclusions

HPV‐positivity in OPSCC was associated with loss of podoplanin expression and with EMT induction, which resulted in progression of nodal status. The mechanisms leading to an improved prognosis in HPV‐positive OPSCC patients requires elucidation, as this is inconsistent with the aggressive phenotype with lymph node metastases.
Long‐term efficacy of a 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride mouth rinse in relation to plaque and gingivitis: a 6‐month randomized, vehicle‐controlled clinical trial
Authors: Van Leeuwen MPC , Rosema NAM , Versteeg PA , Slot DE , Van Winkelhoff AJ , Van der Weijden GA
Published: July 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of 0.07% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) mouth rinse for reduction of gingival inflammation and inhibition of plaque compared to a vehicle control (VC) mouth rinse over a 6‐month period.

Materials & Methods

Participants (n = 62) used their randomly assigned product as adjunct to toothbrushing. Bleeding, plaque and staining scores were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months. Plaque and saliva samples were taken at each assessment monitoring possible shifts in the composition of the microbiota.

Results

A significant difference (P = 0.002) in favour of the CPC mouth rinse, with respect to plaque scores, was found. Bleeding scores at 6 months were not significantly different (P = 0.089). However, when correcting for baseline values, a tendency towards a significant difference in bleeding scores at end trail was observed in favour of the CPC mouth rinse (P = 0.061). Regarding staining at 3 and 6 months, a small but significant difference (8.6% and 10.4%, respectively) (P < 0.0001) was observed with lower scores for the VC group. There was a significant reduction in total anaerobic count in the CPC group at 6 months (P < 0.05). The ratio of aerobes/anaerobes was markedly increased at 3 months, especially in the CPC group. No further differences were observed between groups at 6 months.

Conclusions

The use of 0.07% CPC mouth rinse was significantly more effective in reducing plaque scores than the vehicle control. Bleeding scores were not different at 6 months. The test product was well accepted and did not cause any serious clinical side effects or negatively affected the microbiota.
A theoretical investigation of slow fashion: sustainable future of the apparel industry
Authors: Jung Sojin , Jin Byoungho
Published: July 2014

Environmental sustainability issues become important in the apparel industry. Primary practices involve replacing harmful chemicals with environmentally friendly materials, and reducing amounts of waste and resource consumption through apparel recycling. A more recent sustainable movement in the industry is slow fashion. It is a socially conscious movement that shifts consumers' mindsets from quantity to quality, encouraging people to buy high‐quality items less often (Fletcher). Slow fashion encompasses slow production and consumption. Slow production does not exploit natural and human resources to expedite manufacturing speed (Fletcher), and slow consumption entails a longer product lifespan from manufacturing to discarding. Although the slow fashion concept may not be limited only to environmental sustainability, the conceptual distinction between slow fashion and environmentally sustainable fashion remains vague. This may be because academic understanding towards slow fashion is very limited despite the growing interests in slow fashion in practice. The purpose of this study is to explore the dimensions of slow fashion following Churchill's paradigm for measurement development. Through the scale item development measuring consumer orientations to slow fashion, this study attempts to define slow fashion theoretically with underlying dimensions. The initial scale items were generated based on a literature review and an open‐ended survey. Then, via two surveys (i.e. with student and non‐student samples) in the Southeastern region of the US, the items were purified and validated. As a result, 15 items of five dimensions accounted for slow fashion: equity, authenticity, functionality, localism and exclusivity. The identified five dimensions clearly show that slow fashion is a broader concept than environmental sustainability alone, encompassing (1) caring for producers and local communities for sustainable life (equity and localism); (2) connoting history for sustainable perceived value of the product (authenticity); (3) seeking diversity for the sustainable fashions world (exclusivity); and (4) maximizing product lifespan and efficiency for a sustainable environment (functionality). This study is one of the first attempts to seek underlying dimensions of slow fashion through scale development. This procedure may provide a basis for a theoretical definition of the slow fashion concept. Regarding practical contributions, slow fashion may be useful to foster US domestic apparel manufacturing and local economies. Furthermore, slow fashion may broaden the range of consumers' choices. When combining a young and independent designer's innovative spirit with local resources, slow fashion is likely to lead fashion diversity, beyond being driven by identical fashion trends.
Tomato peel drying and carotenoids stability of the extracts
Authors: Albanese Donatella , Adiletta Giuseppina , D′Acunto Mariantonietta , Cinquanta Luciano , Di Matteo Marisa
Published: July 2014

Tomato peels were firstly dried by different methods (hot air, freeze‐drying, and fluidized bed drying) to evaluate the recovery of lycopene, β‐carotene and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Comparison of the results showed that hot air drying at 50 °C was a suitable method and alternative to freeze‐drying to preserve carotenoids compounds and antioxidant activity in tomato peels. Then, ethanol/ethyl acetate (1:1) extracts from tomato peel, previously dried at 50 °C by hot air, were submitted to heat (100 °C) and light treatment (1000 lumen) to evaluate their stability as natural food dyes. Heating of the extracts caused a progressive reduction of total carotenoids, up to about 30% after 250 min of treatment, whereas the colour at the end of heat treatment showed small changes, with an overall colour difference (∆E) equal to 7. Fluorescent lighting treatment showed an almost total degradation of carotenoids in the extracts after 48 h combined with a fading colour.
Chemical residues, food additives and natural toxicants in food – the cocktail effect
Authors: Shaw Ian C.
Published: July 2014

Food might contain residues of agricultural chemicals (e.g. pesticides), additives (e.g. colourants) and/or natural toxins (e.g. solanine in potatoes) which present health risks to consumers. The risks of such residues, additives and natural toxins are generally low (i.e. acceptable) when considered in isolation. However, an average meal is likely to contain a cocktail of residues, additives and/or natural toxins that might have additive or synergistic effects. This review explores potential cocktail effects with reference to two case examples, organophosphorus pesticides (OPs) and xenoestrogens, and concludes that we should extend our thinking to encompass interactions between residues, additives and natural toxins when assessing food risk.
Analysis of patient and technical factors associated with midurethral sling mesh exposure and perforation
Authors: Osborn David J , Dmochowski Roger R , Harris Catherine J , Danford Jill J , Kaufman Melissa R , Mock Stephen , Kit Laura Chang , McCormick Benjamin , Reynolds W Stuart
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the technical and patient characteristics associated with the development of mesh perforation and exposure in patients after midurethral sling surgeries.

Methods

After a retrospective review of referred patients, the risk of mesh perforation of the urinary tract over exposure in the vagina was analyzed with multivariate logistic regression, adjusting for the possible predictors of age, body mass index, smoking status at the time of mesh placement, presence of diabetes, type of sling placed, type of surgeon and trocar injury at the time of mesh placement.

Results

A total of 77 women were identified, 27 with mesh perforation and 50 with mesh exposure. The patients' average body mass index was 29.2, and 13% were diabetic. Nine (33%) patients in the perforation group and two (4%) patients in the exposure group had evidence of trocar injury to the bladder or urethra at the time of mesh placement (P < 0.001). After multivariate logistic regression analysis, trocar injury (odds ratio 25.90, 95% confidence interval 2.84–236.58, P = 0.004) and diabetes (odds ratio 9.90, 95% confidence interval 1.1.25–78.64, P = 0.03) were associated with an increased risk of mesh perforation. Increased body mass index (odds ratio 0.88, 95% confidence interval 0.77–0.99, P = 0.05) was associated with a decreased risk of mesh perforation. Finally, postoperative hematomas and blood transfusions occurred more commonly in the mesh perforation group (15% vs 0%, P = 0.01).

Conclusions

Trocar injury, diabetes and bleeding complications at the time of surgery are associated with higher risk of mesh perforation in patients undergoing midurethral sling placement.
Thulium laser (RevoLix) vaporesection versus vapoenucleation with morcellator (Piranha) for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction: A propensity‐matched multicenter analysis
Authors: Chung Jae Seung , Kang Pil Moon , Seo Won Ik , Oh Cheol Kyu , Kim Seong Cheol , Park Sang Hyun , Choi Jun Ho , Yoon Jang Ho , Kang Dong Il , Chung Jae Il
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To compare the efficacy and safety of vaporesection without a morcellator, and vapoenucleation with a morcellator in thulium laser prostatectomy for the treatment of benign prostatic obstruction.

Methods

Between March 2010 and January 2013, 405 patients underwent thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy. Among these patients, 150 patients who underwent thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy without a morcellator (n = 75) or with a morcellator (n = 75) were analyzed in a propensity matching study. Outcome measures included International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life score, maximum flow rate, postvoid residual, total operating time, laser time and resected tissue weight.

Results

No significant differences were noted between the thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy without a morcellator and thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy with a morcellator groups, including the prostate volume (50.3 vs 51.9 mL) and postoperative prostate volume (22.4 vs 18.7 mL). However, there were differences between the groups in total operating time (72.8 vs 61.0 min, P = 0.023) and laser activating time (24.5 vs 19.9 min, P = 0.037). Thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy with a morcellator showed greater resected tissue volume than thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy without a morcellator (9.0 vs 18.2 g, P = 0.029). There were also significant differences in total retrieval efficiency (1.14 vs 1.67 g/min, P = 0.031). There were no significant differences in improvement of International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life scores and urodynamic findings between the two groups, except for the International Prostate Symptom Score (11.2 vs 7.3, P = 0.028) at 6 weeks after surgery.

Conclusion

Thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy with a morcellator provides superior reduction of prostate volume and better short‐term clinical outcomes than thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy without a morcellator in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic obstruction. Furthermore, thulium:yttrium‐aluminium‐garnet laser prostatectomy with a morcellator can offer a shorter operative time.
Does the multidisciplinary approach improve oncological outcomes in men undergoing surgical treatment for prostate cancer?
Authors: Stewart Suzanne B , Moul Judd W , Polascik Thomas J , Koontz Bridget F , Robertson Cary N , Freedland Stephen J , George Daniel J , Lee W Robert , Armstrong Andrew J , Bañez Lionel L
Published: July 2014

Objectives

To determine whether oncological outcomes are improved in prostate cancer patients by using a multidisciplinary strategy as compared with a standard clinic paradigm, and whether time to treatment is delayed when using a multidisciplinary approach.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who were evaluated and pursued radical prostatectomy as primary treatment, by the same surgeons, in the prostate cancer multidisciplinary clinic (n = 194) and standard urology clinic (n = 741) at Duke University Medical Center from 2005 to 2009. Comparisons of baseline characteristics were examined using rank sum and χ2‐tests. Differences in time to radical prostatectomy and oncological outcomes were evaluated using multivariate linear and Cox regression, respectively.

Results

A greater proportion of high‐risk patients (D'Amico criteria) were evaluated at the multidisciplinary clinic compared with the urology clinic (23.2% vs 15.6%, P = 0.014). Mean‐adjusted time from biopsy to radical prostatectomy was shorter for multidisciplinary clinic patients (85.6 vs 96.8 days, P = 0.006). After a median follow up of 21 months, no significant difference was found between the multidisciplinary clinic and urology clinic in the risk of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy, whether controlling for clinical (hazard ratio 0.71, P = 0.249) or pathological variables (hazard ratio 0.75, P = 0.349).

Conclusions

Despite higher‐risk disease, men evaluated using the multidisciplinary approach have similar oncological outcomes compared with men undergoing standard evaluation. Furthermore, time to radical prostatectomy is not delayed by the multidisciplinary management of these patients.
Transcriptome comparison between inactivated and activated ovaries of the honey bee Apis mellifera L
Authors: Niu D. , Zheng H. , Corona M. , Lu Y. , Chen X. , Cao L. , Sohr A. , Hu F.
Published: July 2014

Ovarian activity not only influences fertility, but is also involved with the regulation of division of labour between reproductive and behavioural castes of female honey bees. In order to identify candidate genes associated with ovarian activity, we compared the gene expression patterns between inactivated and activated ovaries of queens and workers by means of high‐throughput RNA‐sequencing technology. A total of 1615 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was detected between ovaries of virgin and mated queens, and more than 5300 DEGs were detected between inactivated and activated worker ovaries. Intersection analysis of DEGs amongst five libraries revealed that a similar set of genes (824) participated in the ovary activation of both queens and workers. A large number of these DEGs were predominantly related to cellular, cell and cell part, binding, biological regulation and metabolic processes. In addition, over 1000 DEGs were linked to more than 230 components of Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways, including 25 signalling pathways. The reliability of the RNA‐sequencing results was confirmed by means of quantitative real‐time PCR. Our results provide new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in ovary activation and reproductive division of labour.
Cloning and characterization of microbial activated Aedes aegypti MEK4 (AaMEK4): influences of noncatalytic domains on enzymatic activity
Authors: Wu R. C‐C. , Cho W‐L.
Published: July 2014

Protein kinases are known to be involved in a number of signal transduction cascades. Both the stress‐activated Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) p38 pathways have been shown to correlate with the insect immune response to microbial infection. MAP kinase kinase 4 (MEK4) is an upstream kinase of JNK and p38 kinase. The cDNA of AaMEK4 was cloned and characterized. AaMEK4 was activated by microbial lysates of Gram‐positive, Gram‐negative bacteria and yeast. The conserved lysine (K112) and the putative phosphorylation sites (S238 and T242) were shown to be important for kinase activity by site‐directed mutagenesis. A common MAPK docking site (MAPK_dsA) was found and in addition, a new nearby docking site, MAPK_dsB, was identified in the N‐terminal noncatalytic domain of AaMEK4. MAPK_dsB was shown to be a unique element in the MEK4 family. In this study, both MAPK_dsA and _dsB were demonstrated to be important to AaMEK4 enzymatic activity for the downstream protein kinase, Aap38.
Does Property Rights Reform Improve the Efficiency of China's State‐owned Banks?
Authors: Wang Qian , Feng Xiaochu
Published: July 2014

China's state‐owned banks have undergone radical changes over the past two decades, including partial privatization and listing in both the Hong Kong Stock Exchange and the Shanghai Stock Exchange. This paper evaluates the effects of these changes by analyzing the efficiency of Chinese banks over the period 1998–2012 using two frontier techniques and comparative analysis. The findings suggest that the performance and technical efficiency of the Big Four banks improved considerably after property rights reform, but this improvement is not sufficient to keep the banks at the production frontier. Tobit regressions confirm that static ownership effects are negative but that the property rights reform has had significant and positive effects on the technical efficiency of state‐owned commercial banks. GDP growth and the financial crisis have had positive effects on the efficiency of Chinese banks, which is more significant for joint stock commercial banks than state‐owned commercial banks. The results indicate the value of ownership reforms of state‐owned asset management companies and insurance companies and the establishment of a countercyclical capital buffer.
Interest Rate Pass‐through in a Dual‐track System: Evidence from China
Authors: Jin Xuejun , Song Frank M. , Wang Yizhong , Zhong Yi
Published: July 2014

Using the Phillips–Loretan approach, this paper verifies the degree and speed of pass‐through and rigidity of different interest rates in China, as well as the response of private loan interest rates to other interest rates during 2002–2012. The results indicate that the long‐term pass‐through from the interbank offered rates and deposit and loan interest rates to the treasury bond rate is incomplete, but that the long‐term pass‐through to private loan interest rates is overshooting. The long‐term pass‐through from the deposit and loan interest rates to the overnight interbank offered rate is incomplete, while that to the interbank offered rates of other maturities is complete. The short‐term pass‐through and adjustment speed of interest rates exhibit asymmetry. Therefore, before considering a full liberalization of interest rates, it is important to further enhance the competition of the financial system and the function of different interest rate systems, such as the interbank market and bond market.
Microwave Dielectric Properties and Thermally Stimulated Depolarization Currents Study of (1−x)Ba0.6Sr0.4La4Ti4O15–xTiO2 Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Xiaohua , Zhang Yao , Zhang Jie , Peng Bin , Xie Zhenkun , Yuan Lixin , Yue Zhenxing , Li Longtu
Published: July 2014

Microwave dielectric properties and thermally stimulated depolarization currents (TSDC) of (1−x)Ba0.6Sr0.4La4Ti4O15–xTiO2 (x = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, and 0.1) ceramics were studied. X‐ray diffraction analysis indicates that the specimens show a hexagonal perovskite structure; however, with an increase of x to 0.1, TiO2−δ as a secondary phase can be detected in the ceramics. The variation of TiO2 content has a significant effect on the dielectric properties of (1−x)Ba0.6Sr0.4La4Ti4O15–xTiO2 at microwave frequency. The dielectric permittivity of ceramics increases from 44 to 49 with the increase of TiO2 content. The Qf value is in the range of 39 300–53 400 GHz. However, the temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) changes from −7.5 to–9.4 ppm/°C, and then turns to +3.9 ppm/°C. A near zero τf value can be obtained by tuning the content of TiO2 addition. TSDC was also employed to analysis the extrinsic loss mechanism. Utilizing a fixed polarization condition, the TSDC relaxation peaks are present, which are generated by oxygen vacancies. And the concentration of oxygen vacancies increases with the increase of TiO2 content. It can be concluded that the extrinsic dielectric loss is dominated by microstructure and oxygen vacancy defects.
Differences between genomic‐based and pedigree‐based relationships in a chicken population, as a function of quality control and pedigree links among individuals
Authors: Wang H. , Misztal I. , Legarra A.
Published: July 2014

This work studied differences between expected (calculated from pedigree) and realized (genomic, from markers) relationships in a real population, the influence of quality control on these differences, and their fit to current theory. Data included 4940 pure line chickens across five generations genotyped for 57 636 SNP. Pedigrees (5762 animals) were available for the five generations, pedigree starting on the first one. Three levels of quality control were used. With no quality control, mean difference between realized and expected relationships for different type of relationships was ≤ 0.04 with standard deviation ≤ 0.10. With strong quality control (call rate ≥ 0.9, parent‐progeny conflicts, minor allele frequency and use of only autosomal chromosomes), these numbers reduced to ≤ 0.02 and ≤ 0.04, respectively. While the maximum difference was 1.02 with the complete data, it was only 0.18 with the latest three generations of genotypes (but including all pedigrees). Variation of expected minus realized relationships agreed with theoretical developments and suggests an effective number of loci of 70 for this population. When the pedigree is complete and as deep as the genotypes, the standard deviation of difference between the expected and realized relationships is around 0.04, all categories confounded. Standard deviation of differences larger than 0.10 suggests bad quality control, mistakes in pedigree recording or genotype labelling, or insufficient depth of pedigree.
The Gravity of Foreign News Coverage in the EU: Does the Euro Matter?
Authors: Fracasso Andrea , Grassano Nicola , Vittucci Marzetti Giuseppe
Published: July 2014

This article investigates the systemic factors behind cross‐country variability in transnational media coverage of foreign news in the EU in 2010. Using a large data set on the transnational coverage of news by 148 EU national media, the article maps the network of EU transnational citations and performs a quantitative assessment of their systemic determinants via the estimation of a gravity model of news. Nine empirical hypotheses are tested. Size and economic development of the target (source) country are positively (negatively) associated with the probability of coverage. Historical, linguistic and economic ties increase this probability. The evidence on the effect of the countries' participation in the currency union is weak: once the historical levels of trade integration and the effects of the sovereign debt crisis are accounted for, there is no robust evidence of a higher integration of the media spheres within the eurozone.
Diabetic cardiomyopathy and its mechanisms: Role of oxidative stress and damage
Authors: Liu Quan , Wang Shudong , Cai Lu
Published: July 2014

Diabetic cardiomyopathy as an important threat to health occurs with or without coexistence of vascular diseases. The exact mechanisms underlying the disease remain incompletely clear. Although several pathological mechanisms responsible for diabetic cardiomyopathy have been proposed, oxidative stress is widely considered as one of the major causes for the pathogenesis of the disease. Hyperglycemia‐, hyperlipidemia‐, hypertension‐ and inflammation‐induced oxidative stress are major risk factors for the development of microvascular pathogenesis in the diabetic myocardium, which results in abnormal gene expression, altered signal transduction and the activation of pathways leading to programmed myocardial cell deaths. In the present article, we aim to provide an extensive review of the role of oxidative stress and anti‐oxidants in diabetic cardiomyopathy based on our own works and literature information available.
Experimental evolution for generalists and specialists reveals multivariate genetic constraints on thermal reaction norms
Authors: Berger D. , Walters R. J. , Blanckenhorn W. U.
Published: July 2014

Theory predicts the emergence of generalists in variable environments and antagonistic pleiotropy to favour specialists in constant environments, but empirical data seldom support such generalist–specialist trade‐offs. We selected for generalists and specialists in the dung flySepsis punctum(Diptera: Sepsidae) under conditions that we predicted would reveal antagonistic pleiotropy and multivariate trade‐offs underlying thermal reaction norms for juvenile development. We performed replicated laboratory evolution using four treatments: adaptation at a hot (31 °C) or a cold (15 °C) temperature, or under regimes fluctuating between these temperatures, either within or between generations. After 20 generations, we assessed parental effects and genetic responses of thermal reaction norms for three correlated life‐history traits: size at maturity, juvenile growth rate and juvenile survival. We find evidence for antagonistic pleiotropy for performance at hot and cold temperatures, and a temperature‐mediated trade‐off between juvenile survival and size at maturity, suggesting that trade‐offs associated with environmental tolerance can arise via intensified evolutionary compromises between genetically correlated traits. However, despite this antagonistic pleiotropy, we found no support for the evolution of increased thermal tolerance breadth at the expense of reduced maximal performance, suggesting low genetic variance in the generalist–specialist dimension.
Description of a new cryptic, shallow‐water tonguefish (Pleuronectiformes: Cynoglossidae:Symphurus) from the western North Pacific Ocean
Authors: Lee M.‐Y. , Munroe T. A. , Shao K.‐T.
Published: July 2014

Combined results based on morphological characters and analyses of partial sequences of the16srRNAandcoIgenes confirm the validity of a new, cryptic, symphurine tonguefish from the western North Pacific Ocean.Symphurus leucochilusn. sp., a diminutive species reaching sizes toc. 67 mm standard length, is described from nine specimens that were collected from fish‐landing ports and from trawls made atc. 150 m off Taiwan and Japan.Symphurus leucochilusshares many similar features with those ofSymphurus microrhynchusand that of several undescribed species that are morphologically similar toS. microrhynchus.Symphurus leucochilushas also been misidentified asSymphurus orientalisin fish collections because of shared similarities in some aspects of their morphology. The new species differs from all congeners by the following combination of meristic, morphological and pigmentation features: a predominant 1–2–2–2–2 pattern of interdigitation of proximal dorsal‐fin pterygiophores and neural spines; 12 caudal‐fin rays; 89–92 dorsal‐fin rays; 76–80 anal‐fin rays; 49–51 total vertebrae; four hypurals; 75–83 longitudinal scale rows; 32–35 transverse scales; 15–17 scale rows on the head posterior to the lower orbit; absence of a fleshy ridge on the ocular‐side lower jaw and a membranous connection between the anterior nostril and lower part of the eye; a narrow interorbital space and dorsal‐fin origin anterior to the vertical through the anterior margin of the upper eye; absence of both dermal spots at bases of anterior dorsal‐fin rays and melanophores on the isthmus; uniformly yellow to light‐brown ocular‐side colouration without bands; dorsal and anal fins with alternating series of dark rectangular blotches and unpigmented areas; a uniform white blind side and a bluish‐black peritoneum. Despite overall similarities in morphology betweenS. leucochilusandS. orientalis, as well as between two of the nominal species morphologically similar toS. microrhynchus, analyses of partial16srRNAandcoIgene sequences show thatS. leucochilus,S. orientalisand the two other nominal species represent three distinct lineages within the genusSymphurus.
Migration and reproductive biology of Mugil liza (Teleostei: Mugilidae) in south Brazil
Authors: Lemos V. M. , Varela A. S. , Schwingel P. R. , Muelbert J. H. , Vieira J. P.
Published: July 2014

The mullet Mugil liza occurs along the Atlantic coast of South America from Venezuela to Argentina, but 95% of the commercial catch is collected from south Brazil between São Paulo and Argentina. Mugil liza is a single spawner with oocyte development occurring synchronously in two groups. Spawning happens in marine areas and occurs after migration. The reproductive migration occurs from Argentina (38° S) to the southern Brazilian states (24–26° S) from April to July, with peak spawning in June between northern Santa Catarina and Paraná. The presence of hyaline oocytes was associated with high salinity and sea surface temperatures of 19–21° C, and followed the seasonal northward displacement of these oceanographic conditions. The average size at first maturity (Lm) for both sexes was 408·3 mm total length, LT. Males (Lm = 400·1) matured earlier than females (Lm = 421·9 mm). Fecundity ranged from 818 992 to 2 869 767 oocytes (mean = 1 624 551) in fish that were between 426 and 660 mm LT.
Critical swimming speeds of wild‐caught sand‐smelt Atherina presbyter larvae
Authors: Faria A. M. , Borges R. , Gonçalves E. J.
Published: July 2014

Swimming abilities of wild‐caught sand‐smelt Atherina presbyter larvae were assessed as critical swimming speed (Ucrit) throughout ontogeny. The mean Ucrit increased with size, ranging from 3·6 to 18·7 cm s−1, over the size range of 6·6–21·0 mm LT. This indicates that at hatching A. presbyter larvae, far from being passive floaters, are already capable of active behaviours, which may influence their dispersal patterns.
Mechanical Behavior of Enset (Ensete ventricosum) Pulp under Compression Loading – A Multipurpose Product in Ethiopia
Authors: Herák D. , Hrabě P. , Kabutey A. , Jaweso D.E. , Diriba H.D.
Published: July 2014

The mechanical behavior of Enset pulp commonly known as “kocho” in Ethiopia was examined under compression loading test involving a compressive device and a pressing vessel. The pulp was pressed at initial pressing height 70 mm at deformation values ranging between 5 mm and 30 mm and pressing speed 10 mm/min. Applying the tangent curve equation, the mathematical description of the dependency between compressive force and appropriate deformation of Enset pulp was described. The maximal yield of liquid contained in the pulp and the liquid emerged during the pressing process were determined. The dependency between liquid emerged and deformation was mathematically described, which showed a linear function. It was further observed that the liquid contained in the pulp surfaced throughout the pressing process. Deformation energy, volume energy and gradient volume energy in relation to deformation were respectively calculated. It was seen that deformation of Enset pulp at 20 mm was energy efficient compared with deformations lower or greater than 20 mm.

Practical Application

The theoretical linear model determined in this present study for the description of mechanical behavior of Enset pulp under compression loading provides useful information for application in nonlinear pressing involving screw presses for the design and development of simple technology for optimization of energy requirement in Enset pulp processing and other important products. This new technology when developed would contribute substantially to the improvement of Ethiopian's and other African countries' food security.
Hot‐Air Drying Characteristics of Soybeans and Influence of Temperature and Velocity on Kinetic Parameters
Authors: Mariani Viviana Cocco , Perussello Camila Augusto , Cancelier Adriano , Lopes Toni Jefferson , da Silva Adriano
Published: July 2014

The kinetics of the hot‐air drying of soybeans was modeled in order to evaluate the influence of temperature and velocity on the kinetic parameters. A convective dryer with air temperature from 30 to 195C and air flows of 0.75, 1.35, 2.0 and 2.5 m/s was used. Three different mathematical models were applied to simulate the drying process (two empirical equations, exponential and Page's, and Fick's diffusion model) and the diffusivity coefficient increased from 2.5 × 10−11 to 6.69 × 10−10 m2/s for a range of air temperature between 30 and 195C. Both temperature and velocity influenced drying rate. The differential evolution optimization method was used toward parameter estimation. The goodness of fit of the proposed models, evaluated using linear regression coefficient (R2), chi‐squared parameter (χ2) and root mean square error, indicated a satisfactory validation, mainly regarding to the exponential and Page's models.

Practical Applications

Although biological materials are dried to improve shelf life, reduce packaging costs and enhance sensorial aspects, they are highly susceptible to quality deterioration during dehydration if the processing parameters are not well adjusted. The mathematical modeling of food drying provides results about the influence of process parameters on energy efficiency and final product quality in order to help the optimization and upscale application. Given that up to 40% of the agro‐industrial production is lost in developing countries due to the lack of processing and that an energy efficiency improvement of 1% may result in 10% increase in profit, it is important to explore the potential of mathematical tools to properly study drying processes under an energy and qualitative approach.