bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneously disrupting AtPrx2, AtPrx25 and AtPrx71 alters lignin content and structure in Arabidopsis stem
Authors: Shigeto Jun , Itoh Yoshitaka , Hirao Sakie , Ohira Kaori , Fujita Koki , Tsutsumi Yuji
Published: January 2015

Plant class III heme peroxidases catalyze lignin polymerization. Previous reports have shown that at least three Arabidopsis thaliana peroxidases, AtPrx2, AtPrx25 and AtPrx71, are involved in stem lignification using T‐DNA insertion mutants, atprx2, atprx25, and atprx71. Here, we generated three double mutants, atprx2/atprx25, atprx2/atprx71, and atprx25/atprx71, and investigated the impact of the simultaneous deficiency of these peroxidases on lignins and plant growth. Stem tissue analysis using the acetyl bromide method and derivatization followed by reductive cleavage revealed improved lignin characteristics, such as lowered lignin content and increased arylglycerol‐β‐aryl (β‐O‐4) linkage type, especially β‐O‐4 linked syringyl units, in lignin, supporting the roles of these genes in lignin polymerization. In addition, none of the double mutants exhibited severe growth defects, such as shorter plant stature, dwarfing, or sterility, and their stems had improved cell wall degradability. This study will contribute to progress in lignin bioengineering to improve lignocellulosic biomass.
The emerging role of peptidyl‐prolyl isomerase chaperones in tau oligomerization, amyloid processing, and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Blair Laura J. , Baker Jeremy D. , Sabbagh Jonathan J. , Dickey Chad A.
Published: January 2015

Peptidyl‐prolylcis/transisomerases (PPIases), a unique family of molecular chaperones, regulate protein folding at proline residues. These residues are abundant within intrinsically disordered proteins, like the microtubule‐associated protein tau. Tau has been shown to become hyperphosphorylated and accumulate as one of the two main pathological hallmarks in Alzheimer's disease, the other being amyloid beta (Aβ).PPIases, including Pin1,FK506‐binding protein (FKBP) 52,FKBP51, andFKBP12, have been shown to interact with and regulate tau biology. This interaction is particularly important given the numerous proline‐directed phosphorylation sites found on tau and the role phosphorylation has been found to play in pathogenesis. This regulation then affects downstream aggregation and oligomerization of tau. However, manyPPIases have yet to be explored for their effects on tau biology, despite the high likelihood of interaction based on proline content. Moreover, Pin1,FKBP12,FKBP52, cyclophilin (Cyp) A, CypB, and CypD have been shown to also regulate Aβ production or the toxicity associated with Aβ pathology. Therefore,PPIases directly and indirectly regulate pathogenic protein multimerization in Alzheimer's disease and represent a family rich in targets for modulating the accumulation and toxicity.

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Here, we summarize what is known about peptidyl‐prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases) in Alzheimer's disease and discuss their potential utility for therapeutic development and gaining mechanistic insights. The tau protein contains more than 40 proline residues while the amyloid precursor protein contains critical proline residues that lead to amyloid formation. Prolines help control protein phosphorylation, but they also play a very important role in protein structure. We discuss this latter function and the potential role of the ~ 36 PPIases in Alzheimer's pathobiology.
Exosome‐mediated inflammasome signaling after central nervous system injury
Authors: de Rivero Vaccari Juan Pablo , Brand Frank , Adamczak Stephanie , Lee Stephanie W. , Perez‐Barcena Jon , Wang Michael Y. , Bullock M. Ross , Dietrich W. Dalton , Keane Robert W.
Published: January 2015

Neuroinflammation is a response against harmful effects of diverse stimuli and participates in the pathogenesis of brain and spinal cord injury (SCI). The innate immune response plays a role in neuroinflammation following CNS injury via activation of multiprotein complexes termed inflammasomes that regulate the activation of caspase 1 and the processing of the pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β and IL‐18. We report here that the expression of components of the nucleotide‐binding and oligomerization domain (NOD)‐like receptor protein‐1 (NLRP‐1) inflammasome, apoptosis speck‐like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain (ASC), and caspase 1 are significantly elevated in spinal cord motor neurons and cortical neurons after CNS trauma. Moreover, NLRP1 inflammasome proteins are present in exosomes derived from CSF of SCI and traumatic brain‐injured patients following trauma. To investigate whether exosomes could be used to therapeutically block inflammasome activation in the CNS, exosomes were isolated from embryonic cortical neuronal cultures and loaded with short‐interfering RNA (siRNA) against ASC and administered to spinal cord‐injured animals. Neuronal‐derived exosomes crossed the injured blood–spinal cord barrier, and delivered their cargo in vivo, resulting in knockdown of ASC protein levels by approximately 76% when compared to SCI rats treated with scrambled siRNA. Surprisingly, siRNA silencing of ASC also led to a significant decrease in caspase 1 activation and processing of IL‐1β after SCI. These findings indicate that exosome‐mediated siRNA delivery may be a strong candidate to block inflammasome activation following CNS injury.

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We propose the following signaling cascade for inflammasome activation in peripheral tissues after CNS injury: CNS trauma induces inflammasome activation in the nervous system and secretion of exosomes containing inflammasome protein cargo into cerebral spinal fluid. The inflammasome containing exosomes then fuse with target cells to activate the innate immune response in peripheral tissues. We suggest that these findings may be used to develop new therapeutics to treat the devastating inflammation and cell destruction evoked by CNS injuries. IL‐1β and IL‐18 = pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
Opposite control of frontocortical 2‐arachidonoylglycerol turnover rate by cannabinoid type‐1 receptors located on glutamatergic neurons and on astrocytes
Authors: Belluomo Ilaria , Matias Isabelle , Pernègre Camille , Marsicano Giovanni , Chaouloff Francis
Published: January 2015

This study examined the respective influences of cannabinoid type‐1 (CB1) receptors expressed either in forebrain GABAergic neurons, in cortical glutamatergic neurons, or in astrocytes on the turnover rates of the endocannabinoids N‐arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA) and 2‐arachidonoylglycerol (2‐AG), and the non‐cannabinoid N‐acylethanolamides, palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), and oleoylethanolamide (OEA), in mouse forebrain regions. To this end, conditional mutant mice lacking CB1 receptors from either of these cell types were pre‐treated systemically with JZL195, a dual inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase, the enzyme degrading AEA, PEA, and OEA, and of monoacylglycerol lipase, the main 2‐AG‐degrading enzyme. The analyses of frontocortical, hippocampal, and striatal AEA, 2‐AG, PEA, and OEA concentrations revealed that their respective baseline concentrations were not influenced by the mouse genotype. On the other hand, the accumulation of frontocortical and/or hippocampal 2‐AG levels in JZL195‐pre‐treated mice was dependent on the mouse genotype. Thus, JZL195‐induced 2‐AG accumulation rates were diminished in the frontal cortex of mice lacking CB1 receptors in glutamatergic neurons while their respective values were increased in the frontal cortex and hippocampus of mice lacking these receptors in astrocytes. These genotypic differences occurred with parallel and proportionate changes in the fractional rate constants for degradation of 2‐AG, thus providing a mechanism whereby the baseline levels of 2‐AG remained constant between genotypes. Besides suggesting a cell‐type‐specific control of frontocortical and/or hippocampal 2‐AG synthesis and degradation rates by CB1 receptors, this study highlights the interest of assessing endocannabinoid turnover rates when questioning the status of the endocannabinoid system.

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In mice lacking CB1 receptors from glutamatergic neurons (Glu‐CB1−/−) or from astrocytes (GFAP‐CB1−/−), frontocortical and hippocampal 2‐AG levels are not altered. Turnover studies indicate, however, that decreased 2‐AG synthesis occurs with decreased degradation in Glu‐CB1−/− mice, whereas the opposite is observed in GFAP‐CB1−/− mice. 2‐AG, 2‐arachidonoylglycerol; CB1, cannabinoid type‐1; Glu, glutamate.
Innovation, Growth, and Asset Prices
Authors: KUNG HOWARD , SCHMID LUKAS
Published: January 2015

We examine the asset pricing implications of a production economy whose long‐term growth prospects are endogenously determined by innovation and R&D. In equilibrium, R&D endogenously drives a small, persistent component in productivity that generates long‐run uncertainty about economic growth. With recursive preferences, households fear that persistent downturns in economic growth are accompanied by low asset valuations and command high‐risk premia in asset markets. Empirically, we find substantial evidence for innovation‐driven low‐frequency movements in aggregate growth rates and asset market valuations. In short, equilibrium growth is risky.
Dividend Dynamics and the Term Structure of Dividend Strips
Authors: BELO FREDERICO , COLLIN‐DUFRESNE PIERRE , GOLDSTEIN ROBERT S.
Published: January 2015

Many leading asset pricing models are specified so that the term structure of dividend volatility is either flat or upward sloping. These models predict that the term structures of expected returns and volatilities on dividend strips (i.e., claims to dividends paid over a prespecified interval) are also upward sloping. However, the empirical evidence suggests otherwise. This discrepancy can be reconciled if these models replace their proposed dividend dynamics with processes that generate stationary leverage ratios. Under such policies, shareholders are forced to divest (invest) when leverage is low (high), which shifts risk from long‐ to short‐horizon dividend strips.
CEO Connectedness and Corporate Fraud
Authors: KHANNA VIKRAMADITYA , KIM E. HAN , LU YAO
Published: January 2015

We find that connections CEOs develop with top executives and directors through their appointment decisions increase the risk of corporate fraud. Appointment‐based CEO connectedness in executive suites and boardrooms increases the likelihood of committing fraud and decreases the likelihood of detection. Additionally, it decreases the expected costs of fraud by helping conceal fraudulent activity, making CEO dismissal less likely upon discovery, and lowering the coordination costs of carrying out illegal activity. Connections based on network ties through past employment, education, or social organization memberships have insignificant effects on fraud. Appointment‐based CEO connectedness warrants attention from regulators, investors, and corporate governance specialists.
Identifying autism early: The Toddlers at Risk of Autism Clinic model
Authors: Davis Tessa , Clifton Deirdre , Papadopoulos Con
Published: January 2015

Aim

This paper describes the Toddlers at Risk of Autism Clinic (TRAC), which utilises the Social Attention and Communication Study (SACS) and/or Autism Detection in Early Childhood (ADEC) play‐based assessments to facilitate the early diagnosis of autism.

Methods

A retrospective audit was conducted of all 42 children assessed over a 3‐year period in the TRAC. A semi‐structured interview and play‐based assessment (SACS and ADEC) were used to aid experienced clinicians in diagnosing autism. Intervention was recommended, and families were routinely followed up. Analysis was conducted on the tools used, the outcomes of assessment, diagnosis and stability of diagnosis on follow‐up.

Results

During this period, 35 boys and 7 girls were assessed, with a mean age of 25 months. The average waiting time for clinic was 11.6 weeks. Twenty‐five patients were diagnosed with autism; 90.5% of toddlers given an initial diagnosis retained that diagnosis at follow‐up. Out of the 17 children who were not diagnosed with autism in the TRAC, one child was later diagnosed with autism.

Conclusion

Experienced clinicians can use the SACS and/or ADEC to assist with a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual diagnosis of autism in toddlers.
Circulating concentrations of a marker of type I collagen metabolism are associated with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation status in ragdoll cats
Authors: Borgeat K. , Dudhia J. , Luis Fuentes V. , Connolly D. J.
Published: January 2015

OBJECTIVES

Human carriers of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy associated sarcomeric mutations have abnormal collagen metabolism before overt left ventricular hypertrophy is detectable. This study investigated whether differences in collagen biomarkers were present in blood samples of ragdoll cats positive for the MYBPC3:R820W mutation compared with negative controls.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cats were recruited for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy screening using echocardiography and genotyping. Circulating markers of collagen turnover (C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen [CITP; type I collagen degradation] and N‐terminal propeptide of type III procollagen [type III collagen synthesis]) and cardiac biomarkers (N‐terminal B‐type natriuretic peptide and cardiac troponin I) were measured. Correlation between concentrations of collagen biomarkers and echocardiographic variables was analysed, and collagen biomarker concentrations were compared between MYBPC3 mutation positive and negative cats, without left ventricular hypertrophy.

RESULTS

Linear regression analyses showed that genotype was independently associated with CITP concentration. CITP was higher in mutation carriers (25 · 4 µg/L, interquartile range 16 · 0–29 · 2 µg/L) than non‐carriers (14 · 6 µg/L, interquartile range 9 · 38–19 · 2 µg/L; P = 0 · 024).

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Circulating CITP was higher in MYBPC3‐positive ragdoll cats than negative controls and may indicate altered collagen metabolism. Further studies are necessary to determine whether alterations in circulating collagen biomarker concentration relate to an early stage of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
Self‐reported sleep duration is associated with reduced glomerular filtration rate among adults with hypertension: a population‐based study from rural northeast China
Authors: Guo Xiaofan , Yu Shasha , Li Zhao , Guo Liang , Zheng Liqiang , Yang Hongmei , Zou Lu , Hu Wenyu , Zhou Ying , Zhu Luoning , Zhang Yonghong , Sun Yingxian
Published: January 2015

Short sleep duration has been found recently to be a predictor of proteinuria. However, population‐based investigations addressing the association between self‐reported sleep duration and glomerular filtration rate (GFR) among hypertensive patients are lacking. We therefore sought to investigate the extent to which self‐reported sleep duration might be associated with reduced GFR in a large hypertensive population in rural northeast China. A total of 5555 hypertensive participants, aged ≥35 years, in rural areas of Liaoning Province, China, were screened between January 2012 and August 2013, using a stratified, cluster multi‐stage sampling scheme. Anthropometric measurements, self‐reported sleep duration, blood biochemical indexes and other health‐related variables were collected by medically trained personnel. Reduced GFR was defined as the estimated GFR (eGFR) < 60 mL min−1 1.73 m2. On average, participants slept for 6.9 ± 1.6 h per night. Mean self‐reported sleep duration decreased with eGFR (P < 0.001). For both genders, a lower prevalence of reduced GFR was observed among participants who slept ≤6 h per night in total. In the multivariable regression model, after adjustments for age, gender, ethnicity, lifestyle factors, clinical correlates, depressive symptoms and general quality of life, participants who slept for 6 h or less per night were associated with a higher risk of reduced GFR [odds ratio (OR: 1.70, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.05–2.73] compared with the reference group (self‐reported sleep duration >7 and ≤8 h day−1). We concluded that short self‐reported sleep duration (≤6 h per night) was related significantly to an increased risk of reduced GFR in a hypertensive population. This novel risk factor should be taken into consideration during daily management of hypertension to prevent chronic kidney disease.
Pharmacokinetics of enrofloxacin following oral and subcutaneous administration in the common ringtail possum (Pseudocheirus peregrinus)
Authors: Scheelings T. F. , Devi J. L. , Woodward A. P. , Whittem T.
Published: January 2015

[Correction added on 23 March 2015, after first online publication: Terminal half‐life values of enrofloxacin is corrected in the fourth sentence of the abstract] Clinically healthy common ringtail possums (n = 5) received single doses of 10 mg/kg enrofloxacin orally and then 2 weeks later subcutaneously. Serial plasma samples were collected over 24 h for each treatment phase, and enrofloxacin concentrations were determined using a validatedHPLCassay. Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined by noncompartmental analysis. Following oral administration, plasma concentrations were of therapeutic relevance (Cmaxmedian 5.45 μg/mL, range 2.98–6.9 μg/mL), with terminal‐phase half‐life (t½) shorter than in other species (median 3.09 h, range 1.79–5.30 h). In contrast, subcutaneous administration of enrofloxacin did not achieve effective plasma concentrations, with plasma concentrations too erratic to fit the noncompartmental model except in one animal. On the basis of theAUC:MIC, enrofloxacin administered at 10 mg/kg orally, but not subcutaneously, is likely to be effective against a range of bacterial species that have been reported in common ringtail possums.
The safety of high‐dose buprenorphine administered subcutaneously in cats
Authors: Sramek M. K. , Haas M. C. , Coleman G. D. , Atterson P. R. , Hamlin R. L.
Published: January 2015

The safety of a proprietary formulation of buprenorphine hydrochloride administered subcutaneously (SC) to young cats was investigated in a blinded, randomized study. Four cohorts of eight cats aged approximately 4 months were administered saline, 0.24, 0.72 or 1.20 mg/kg/day buprenorphine SC for nine consecutive days, representing 0×, 1×, 3× and 5× of the intended dose. Cats were monitored daily for evidence of clinical reactions, food and water intake and adverse events (AEs). Physical examinations, clinical pathology, vital signs and electrocardiograms (ECGs) were evaluated at protocol‐specified time points. Complete necropsy and histopathologic examinations were performed following humane euthanasia. Four buprenorphine‐treated cats experienced AEs during the study, two unrelated and two related to study drug administration. The two cats with AEs considered related to drug administration had clinical signs of hyperactivity, difficulty in handling, disorientation, agitation and dilated pupils in one 0.24 mg/kg/day cat and one 0.72 mg/kg/day cat. All of these clinical signs were observed simultaneously. There were no drug‐related effects on survival, injection response, injection site inspections, body weight, food or water consumption, bleeding time, urinalysis, respiration rate, heart rate, ECGs, blood pressures, body temperatures, macroscopic examinations or organ weights. Once daily buprenorphine s.c. injections at doses of 0.24, 0.72 and 1.20 mg/kg/day for 9 consecutive days were well tolerated in young domestic cats.
In vitroassessment of chloramphenicol and florfenicol as second‐line antimicrobial agents in dogs
Authors: Maaland M. G. , Mo S. S. , Schwarz S. , Guardabassi L.
Published: January 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential of chloramphenicol and florfenicol as second‐line antimicrobial agents for treatment of infections caused by methicillin‐resistantStaphyococcus pseudintermedius(MRSP) and extended‐spectrum β‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producingEscherichia coliin dogs, through a systematicin vitroassessment of the pharmacodynamic properties of the two drugs. Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) and phenicol resistance genes were determined for 169S. pseudintermediusand 167E. coliisolates. Minimum bactericidal concentrations (MBC), time‐killing kinetics, and postantibiotic effect (PAE) of both agents against wild‐type isolates of each species were assessed. ForS. pseudintermedius,the chloramphenicol MIC90was 32 μg/mL. No florfenicol resistance was detected in this species (MIC90 = 4 μg/mL). The MIC90of both agents againstE. coliwas 8 μg/mL. Resistance genes found werecatpC221inS. pseudintermediusandcatA1and/orfloRinE. coli. The phenicols displayed a time‐dependent, mainly, bacteriostatic effect on both species. Prolonged PAEs were observed forS. pseudintermedius, and no PAEs were detected forE. coli. More research into determination of PK/PD targets of efficacy is needed to further assess the clinical use of chloramphenicol and florfenicol as second‐line agents in dogs, optimize dosage regimens, and set up species‐specific clinical break points.
Thermoluminescence dating of the Kamil impact crater (Egypt)
Authors: Sighinolfi Gian Paolo , Sibilia Emanuela , Contini Gabriele , Martini Marco
Published: January 2015

Thermoluminescence (TL) dating has been used to determine the age of the meteorite impact crater at Gebel Kamil (Egyptian Sahara). Previous studies suggested that the 45 m diameter structure was produced by a fall in recent times (less than 5000 years ago) of an iron meteorite impactor into quartz‐arenites and siltstones belonging to the Lower Cretaceous Gilf Kebir Formation. The impact caused the complete fragmentation of the impactor, and the formation of a variety of impactites (e.g., partially vitrified dark and light materials) present as ejecta within the crater and in the surrounding area. After a series of tests to evaluate the TL properties of different materials including shocked intra‐crater target rocks and different types of ejecta, we selected a suite of light‐colored ejecta that showed evidence of strong thermal shock effects (e.g., partial vitrification and the presence of high‐temperature and ‐pressure silica phases). The abundance of quartz in the target rocks, including the vitrified impactites, allowed TL dating to be undertaken. The variability of radioactivity of the intracrateric target rocks and the lack of direct in situ dosimetric evaluations prevented precise dating; it was, however, possible to constrain the impact in the 2000 BC–500 AD range. If, as we believe, the radioactivity measured in the fallback deposits is a reliable estimate of the mean radioactivity of the site, the narrower range 1600–400 BC (at the 2σ confidence level) can be realistically proposed.
Incertitude, Hepatitis B, and Infant Vaccination in West and Central Africa
Authors: Giles‐Vernick Tamara , Traoré Abdoulaye , Bainilago Louis
Published: January 2015

This comparative study explores incertitude about hepatitis B (HBV) and its implications for childhood vaccination in Bangui, Central African Republic, and the Cascades region, Burkina Faso. Anthropological approaches to vaccination, which counter stereotypes of “ignorant” publics needing education to accept vaccination, excavate alternative ways of knowing about illness and vaccination. We build on these approaches, evaluating different kinds of incertitude (ambiguity, uncertainty, ignorance) about infancy, HBV, health protection, and vaccination. Using interviews and participant observation, we find that Bangui and Cascades publics framed their incertitude differently through stories of infancy, illness, and protection. We locate different forms of incertitude within their historical contexts to illuminate why vaccination practices differ in the Cascades region and Bangui. A more nuanced approach to incomplete knowledge, situated in political, economic, and social histories of the state and vaccination, can contribute to more appropriate global health strategies to improve HBV prevention.
Contemporary human‐altered landscapes and oceanic barriers reduce bumble bee gene flow
Authors: Jha S.
Published: January 2015

Much of the world's terrestrial landscapes are being altered by humans in the form of agriculture, urbanization and pastoral systems, with major implications for biodiversity. Bumble bees are one of the most effective pollinators in both natural and cultivated landscapes, but are often the first to be extirpated in human‐altered habitats. Yet, little is known about the role of natural and human‐altered habitats in promoting or limiting bumble bee gene flow. In this study, I closely examine the genetic structure of the yellow‐faced bumble bee,Bombus vosnesenskii, across the southwestern US coast and find strong evidence that natural oceanic barriers, as well as contemporary human‐altered habitats, limit bee gene flow. Heterozygosity and allelic richness were lower in island populations, while private allelic richness was higher in island populations compared to mainland populations. Genetic differentiation, measured for three indices across the 1000 km study region, was significantly greater than the null expectation (FST = 0.041,F’ST = 0.044 andDest = 0.155) and correlated with geographic distance. Furthermore, genetic differentiation patterns were most strongly correlated with contemporary (2011) not past (2006, 2001) resistance maps calibrated for high dispersal limitation over oceans, impervious habitat and croplands. Despite the incorporation of dramatic elevation gradients, the analyses reveal that oceans and contemporary human land use, not mountains, are the primary dispersal barriers forB. vosnesenskiigene flow. These findings reinforce the importance of maintaining corridors of suitable habitat across the distribution range of native pollinators to promote their persistence and safeguard their ability to provide essential pollination services.
Heterozygosity–fitness correlations in a declining seabird population
Authors: Velando Alberto , Barros Álvaro , Moran Paloma
Published: January 2015

Loss of genetic diversity is thought to lead to increased risk of extinction in endangered populations due to decreasing fitness of homozygous individuals. Here, we evaluated the presence of inbreeding depression in a long‐lived seabird, the European shag (Phalacrocorax aristotelis), after a severe decline in population size by nearly 70%. During three reproductive seasons, 85 breeders were captured and genotyped at seven microsatellite loci. Nest sites were monitored during the breeding season to estimate reproductive success as the number of chicks surviving to full‐size‐grown per nest. Captured birds were tagged with a ring with an individual code, and resighting data were collected during 7‐year period. We found a strong effect of multilocus heterozygosity on female reproductive performance, and a significant, although weaker, effect on breeder survival. However, our matrix population model suggests that this relatively small effect of genetic diversity on breeder survival may have a profound effect on fitness. This highlights the importance of integrating life history consequences in HFC studies. Importantly, heterozygosity was correlated across loci, suggesting that genomewide effects, rather than single loci, are responsible for the observed HFCs. Overall, the HFCs are a worrying symptom of genetic erosion in this declining population. Many long‐lived species are prone to extinction, and future studies should evaluate the magnitude of fitness impact of genetic deterioration on key population parameters, such as survival of breeders.
Images, Reality And Truth: Some Philosophical Considerations
Authors: Sia Santiago
Published: January 2015

Developments in technology and communications have enhanced the status
and role of imaging. They have resulted not just in the excellent quality of
images but also in the speed and ease of distributing or communicating them.
But with the welcome advances have also come undesirable and even
threatening consequences for both individuals and society generally. These
have presented challenges and issues which need to be addressed urgently.
The essay considers these from a philosophical perspective. Focusing first
on the tension between image and reality, it provides a philosophical
background to the debate. It then discusses the question of truth and the
related issues of the right to know, freedom of speech and privacy. It
provides the foundation for these fundamental rights but also examines the
tensions or conflicts in their exercise. The essay then offers and discusses
some guidelines to deal with these challenges and issues; namely, the
criteria of appropriateness and acceptability and the importance of
accountability. It suggests that in addition, given the frailty of human
nature and the lessons of history, society also needs the support of laws
and policies.
How to Change the Past in One‐Dimensional Time
Authors: Loss Roberto
Published: January 2015

The possibility of changing the past by means of time‐travel appears to depend on the possibility of distinguishing the past as it is ‘before’ and ‘after’ the time‐travel. So far, all the metaphysical models that have been proposed to account for the possibility of past‐changing time‐travels operate this distinction by conceiving of time as multi‐dimensional, and thus by significantly inflating our metaphysics of time. The aim of this article is to argue that there is an intuitive sense in which past‐changing time‐travels are metaphysically possible also in one‐dimensional time.
Rotavirus and adenovirus gastroenteritis: time series analysis
Authors: Celik Cem , Gozel Mustafa Gokhan , Turkay Hakan , Bakici Mustafa Zahir , Güven Ahmet Sami , Elaldi Nazif
Published: January 2015

Background

This study investigated the effects of changes in weather conditions (monthly average temperature, monthly minimum temperature, monthly average humidity) on rotavirus and adenovirus gastroenteritis frequency and whether there was a seasonal correlation.

Methods

Between 2006 and 2012, 4702 fecal samples were taken from patients ≤5 years of age with acute gastroenteritis; these samples were analyzed in terms of rotavirus group A and adenovirus serotype 40–41 antigens using time‐series and negative binomial regression analysis.

Results

Rotavirus antigens were found in 797 samples (17.0%), adenovirus antigens in 113 samples (2.4%), and rotavirus and adenovirus antigens together in 16 samples (0.3%). There was a seasonal change in rotavirus gastroenteritis (P < 0.001), and a 1°C decrease in average temperature increased the ratio of rotavirus cases in those with diarrhea by 0.523%. In addition, compared with data from other years, the number of patients was lower in the first month of 2008 and in the second month of 2012, when the temperature was below −20°C (monthly minimum temperature). There was no statistically significant relationship between adenovirus infection and change in weather conditions.

Conclusion

Various factors such as change in weather conditions, as well as the population's sensitivity and associated changes in activity, play a role in the spread of rotavirus infection.
The MORPH‐R web server and software tool for predicting missing genes in biological pathways
Authors: Amar David , Frades Itziar , Diels Tim , Zaltzman David , Ghatan Netanel , Hedley Pete E. , Alexandersson Erik , Tzfadia Oren , Shamir Ron
Published: January 2015

A biological pathway is the set of molecular entities involved in a given biological process and the interrelations among them. Even though biological pathways have been studied extensively, discovering missing genes in pathways remains a fundamental challenge. Here, we present an easy‐to‐use tool that allows users to run MORPH (MOdule‐guided Ranking of candidate PatHway genes), an algorithm for revealing missing genes in biological pathways, and demonstrate its capabilities. MORPH supports the analysis in tomato, Arabidopsis and the two new species: rice and the newly sequenced potato genome. The new tool, called MORPH‐R, is available both as a web server (at
http://bioinformatics.psb.ugent.be/webtools/morph/) and as standalone software that can be used locally. In the standalone version, the user can apply the tool to new organisms using any proprietary and public data sources.
Effects of Bovine Serum Albumin on Boar Sperm Quality During Liquid Storage at 17°C
Authors: Zhang X‐G , Yan G‐J , Hong J‐Y , Su Z‐Z , Yang G‐S , Li Q‐W , Hu J‐H
Published: January 2015

Contents

This study aimed to investigate the effects of bovine serum albumin (BSA) on boar sperm quality during liquid storage at 17°C. Boar semen samples were collected and diluted with Modena containing different concentrations (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 g/l) of BSA, and sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, total antioxidative capacity (T‐AOC) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) content were measured and analysed. The results showed that Modena supplemented with 3, 4 and 5 g/l BSA could improve boar sperm motility, effective survival time and plasma membrane integrity (p < 0.05), decrease MDA content (p < 0.05), while no statistical difference was observed for sperm acrosome integrity and T‐AOC activity among these three groups (p > 0.05). The semen sample diluted with Modena containing 4 g/l BSA could achieve optimum effect, and sperm survival time was 7.5 days. After 7 days preservation, sperm motility, plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity were 54%, 49% and 78%, respectively. T‐AOC activity and MDA content were 1.03 U/ml and 17.5 nmol/ml, respectively. In conclusion, Modena supplemented with BSA reduced the oxidative stress and improved the sperm quality of boar semen during liquid storage at 17°C, and 4 g/l BSA was the optimum concentration. Further studies are required to obtain more concrete results on the determination of antioxidant capacities of BSA in liquid preserved boar semen.
Season Does Not Influence Embryo Recovery Rate and Conceptus Size Until Day 14 After Ovulation in the Horse
Authors: Aurich C , Budik S
Published: January 2015

Contents

Although the horse is a seasonal breeding species, a considerable number of mares continue to cycle throughout autumn and winter. Slower equine embryo growth during the non‐breeding season has been hypothesized, and because smaller embryo size is beneficial for cryopreservation, embryo collection outside the breeding season could be an interesting approach for the production of frozen horse embryos. In the present retrospective study, we have therefore analysed embryo recovery rates and conceptus size in mares (n = 30) throughout the year. Conceptus diameter was either size determined after collection with a microscopic scale (day 7–10 after ovulation) or determined by transrectal ultrasound immediately before collection (day 11–14 after ovulation). In 19 of the 30 mares (63%), ovulatory cycles were detected throughout the year. A total of 352 embryo collections with a mean recovery rate of 64.2% were performed and not affected by season. The size was analysed in a total of 165 conceptuses. Conceptus diameter significantly increased (p < 0.001) with day of pregnancy (e.g. day 7: 0.3 ± 0.04, day 10: 4.1 ± 0.2, day 12: 10.1 ± 0.5, day 14: 17.4 ± 0.9 mm), but was not influenced by season. In conclusion, successful embryo collection is possible throughout the year in spontaneously cyclic mares. Under these conditions, neither collection rates nor embryo growth appeared to be affected by season.
Farmers, Middlemen and Exporters: A Model of Market Power, Pricing and Welfare in a Vertical Supply Chain
Authors: Bjorvatn Kjetil , Milford Anna B. , Sørgard Lars
Published: January 2015

Markets for cash‐crops in developing countries are typically characterized by a concentration of buyer power at different levels of the supply chain. For instance, small‐scale coffee farmers sell their produce to a middleman, who in turn sells the coffee onward to an exporter, often a foreign multinational, with monopsony power in the hands of the purchasers at both levels. We analyze pricing behavior and welfare with different assumptions regarding market power. In particular, we show that a more powerful exporter is likely to benefit the producers and may even lead to higher welfare for the producer country as a whole.
Decomposition of Productivity Considering Multi‐environmental Pollutants in Chinese Industrial Sector
Authors: Fujii Hidemichi , Cao Jing , Managi Shunsuke
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study is to calculate and decompose productivity incorporating multi‐environmental pollutants in Chinese industrial sectors from 1992 to 2008. We apply a weighted Russell directional distance model to calculate productivity from both the economic and environmental performance. The main findings are: (1) Chinese industrial sectors increased productivity, with the main contributing factors being labor saving prior to 2000; (2) The main contributing factors for productivity growth in coastal areas include both economic and environmental performance improvement. While central and western regions improved productivity owing to economic development, they have a trade‐off relationship between economic and environmental performance.
Evidence for Financial Contagion in Endogenous Volatile Periods
Authors: Kilic Erdem , Ulusoy Veysel
Published: January 2015

The objective of this study is to analyze cross‐border contagious dynamics in both foreign exchange markets and stock exchange markets. Propagation is analyzed with respect to the transmission of excessive volatility that is endogenously determined. The contagion process is discussed in the context of financial systems, foreign direct investments and trade. Implementing a vector autoregressive‐multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity (VAR‐MGARCH) model, we show that country‐specific turbulence in financial markets is able to create unanticipated financial contagion across countries. Diversified trade and financial relations decrease the risk of exposure to contagion from external markets. The world's largest economies, however, play a price‐setter role, and diversification is of secondary importance. Asymmetric transmission of the empirically predicted contagion prevails in the latter case.
PRC Outward Investment in the USA and Europe: A Model of R&D Acquisition
Authors: Pelzman Joseph
Published: January 2015

In this paper, I present a theoretical framework designed to explain People's Republic of China (PRC) outward foeign direct investment in the USA and Europe, in search of research and development (R&D) acquisition modeled as positive “spillover effects” in a two‐country model with firms distinguished by their ability to innovate. The motivation for this paper is the growing PRC merger and acquisition activity in Europe and the USA. The fact that the PRC, despite its many successful internal reforms, cannot induce innovation activity designed to alter its external sector from one that is based on cheap labor to one that is based on innovation‐rich products, has forced it to use its extensive reserve holdings to acquire the necessary R&D via merger and acquisition. These acquisitions will allow the PRC to alter their domestic and export product mix and thus avoid the middle‐income trap.
FDI, Foreign Aid, Remittance and Economic Growth in Developing Countries
Authors: Nwaogu Uwaoma G. , Ryan Michael J.
Published: January 2015

Using a dynamic spatial framework, this paper investigates how foreign direct investment (FDI), foreign aid and remittances impact the economic growth of 53 African and 34 Latin American and Caribbean countries. Previous growth studies examine how one factor or two of these factors impacts economic growth, which results in biased estimation because of the omitted variable(s). Separate estimation shows foreign aid and FDI affects economic growth in Africa, but when we control for all three factors, only FDI affects African economic growth. For Latin America and the Caribbean, foreign aid and remittances affect growth when estimated separately, while remittances affect growth when they are estimated simultaneously. Finally, both regions' results confirm spatial interdependence is important in explaining economic growth, as growth in one country depends on the growth of its neighboring countries.
Adjusting for Selection Bias in Assessing the Relationship Between Sibship Size and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Ghilagaber Gebrenegus , Wänström Linda
Published: January 2015

Consistent negative correlations between sibship size and cognitive performance (as measured by intelligence quotient and other mental aptitude tests) have been observed in past empirical studies. However, parental decisions on family size may correlate with variables affecting child cognitive performance. The aim of this study is to demonstrate how selection bias in studies of sibship size effects can be adjusted for. We extend existing knowledge in two aspects: as factors affecting decisions to increase family size may vary across the number and composition of current family size, we propose a sequential probit model (as opposed to binary or ordered models) for the propensity to increase family size; to disentangle selection and causality we propose multilevel multiprocess modelling where a continuous model for performance is estimated jointly with a sequential probit model for family size decisions. This allows us to estimate and adjust for the correlation between unmeasured heterogeneity affecting both family size decisions and child cognitive performance. The issues are illustrated through analyses of scores on Peabody individual achievement tests among children of the US National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1979. We find substantial between-family heterogeneity in the propensity to increase family size. Ignoring such selection led to overestimation of the negative effects of sibship size on cognitive performance for families with 1–3 children, when known sources of selection were accounted for. However, the multiprocess modelling proposed could efficiently identify and control for such bias due to adverse selection.
Urine incontinence in women aged sixty to sixty‐five: negotiating meaning and responsibility
Authors: Róin Ása , Nord Catharina
Published: January 2015

Background

Urine incontinence (UI) has been the focus of a considerable number of research projects; yet, there is no evidence that the research has had an impact on the prevalence of UI. Despite great impact on daily living, women seem to be reluctant to seek help from professionals or talk about the problem. Apart from this, scholars have noted that healthcare practitioners rarely ask older women about this health aspect and seem to minimise the problem when confronted with it.

Aim

The purpose of the study was to explore how meaning of UI was discursively constructed and negotiated by women bothered with long‐term UI in the context of research interviews.

Method

Seven women aged 60–65 living in the Faroe Islands were interviewed to elaborate on daily living with long‐term UI. The interview texts were analysed by means of discourse analysis.

Results

Three main themes emerged from the interviews. All the women related the disorder to their age and positioned themselves within the category ‘old women’ for whom UI was considered a normal condition. At the same time, they opposed to the idea that the condition was inevitable and accused their general practitioners of negligence by failing to take their complaints seriously. They felt ashamed of being incontinent and seemed to subject themselves to moral and aesthetic views about people who were not able to control their bladder function.

Conclusion

All the women used different cultural discourses to make meaning of UI and continuously negotiated these meanings. Avoiding public exposure of their leaking problem restricted their daily living, and the embarrassment of not being able to control their bladder function seemed to overrule any wish of actively dealing with their present condition.
‘Troubled conscience related to deficiencies in providing individualised meal schedule in residential care for older people – a participatory action research study’
Authors: Ericson‐Lidman Eva , Strandberg Gunilla
Published: January 2015

Food and mealtimes should be adapted to the older person's individual needs and desires, a fact that is often ignored in favour of a functional mealtime organisation. This study was grounded in participatory action research (PAR), and the aim of the study was to illuminate a PAR process to assist care providers in constructively dealing with their troubled conscience generated from perceived shortcomings in providing an individualised meal schedule in residential care for older people. Care providers and their manager participated in twelve PAR sessions. The participants' troubled conscience was eased by reflecting on and sharing their thoughts about their perception of a lack of individualised meal schedule and a lack of opportunities for meaningful interventions. The researchers in PAR became the bridge between the care providers and the management that was needed to improve individualised mealtime schedule. This study pinpoints how difficult it can be to make small changes in a rigid organisation that is run by a management that does not have the hands‐on knowledge about the daily care provided by the organisation. This study points to the need of creating communication arenas wherein all personnel involved in care for older people, at all organisational levels, together meet to create a good care for older people. However, the care providers have been provided with tools, uncomplicated to use, to continue to let their voices being heard.
Estimating Particle Shape and Orientation Using Volume Tensors
Authors: Ziegel Johanna F. , Nyengaard Jens R. , Vedel Jensen Eva B.
Published: January 2015

We develop statistical procedures for estimating shape and orientation of arbitrary three‐dimensional particles. We focus on the case where particles cannot be observed directly, but only via sections. Volume tensors are used for describing particle shape and orientation, and we derive stereological estimators of the tensors. These estimators are combined to provide consistent estimators of the moments of the so‐called particle cover density. The covariance structure associated with the particle cover density depends on the orientation and shape of the particles. For instance, if the distribution of the typical particle is invariant under rotations, then the covariance matrix is proportional to the identity matrix. We develop a non‐parametric test for such isotropy. A flexible Lévy‐based particle model is proposed, which may be analysed using a generalized method of moments in which the volume tensors enter. The developed methods are used to study the cell organization in the human brain cortex.
The Grammars of Conjunction Agreement in Slovenian
Authors: Marušič Franc , Nevins Andrew Ira , Badecker William
Published: January 2015

In this paper we report on the results of five experiments documenting the existence of three distinct grammars of conjunct agreement in Slovenian, found both within and across individuals: agreement with the highest conjunct, agreement with the closest conjunct, or agreement with the Boolean Phrase itself. We show that this variation is constrained and that some of these mechanisms can be blocked and/or forced depending on the properties of the conjuncts. Finally, we offer the suggestion that the presence of intraindividual variation arises because of ambiguous properties of the primary linguistic data.