bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Deceased Brain Dead Donor Liver Transplantation and Utilization in the United States: Nighttime and Weekend Effects
Authors: Carpenter Dustin J. , Chiles Mariana C. , Verna Elizabeth C. , Halazun Karim J. , Emond Jean C. , Ratner Lloyd E. , Mohan Sumit
Published: November 2018

Background.

Understanding factors that contribute to liver discards and nonusage is urgently needed to improve organ utilization.

Methods.

Using Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipient data, we studied a national cohort of all US adult, deceased brain dead donor, isolated livers available for transplantation from 2003 to 2016, including organ-specific and system-wide factors that may affect organ procurement and discard rates.

Results.

Of 73 686 available livers, 65 316 (88.64%) were recovered for transplant, of which 6454 (9.88%) were ultimately discarded. Livers that were not procured or, on recovery, discarded were more frequently from older, heavier, hepatitis B virus (HCV)+, and more comorbid donors (P < 0.001). However, even after adjustment for organ quality, the odds of liver nonusage were 11% higher on the weekend (defined as donor procurements with cross-clamping occurring from 5:00 pm Friday until 11:59 am Sunday) compared with weekdays (P < 0.001). Nonuse rates were also higher at night (P < 0.001), defined as donor procurements with cross-clamping occurring from 5:00 pm to 5:00 am; however, weekend nights had significantly higher nonuse rates compared with weekday nights (P = 0.005). After Share 35, weekend nonusage rates decreased from 21.77% to 19.51% but were still higher than weekday nonusage rates (P = 0.065). Weekend liver nonusage was higher in all 11 United Network of Organ Sharing regions, with an absolute average of 2.00% fewer available livers being used on the weekend compared with weekdays.

Conclusions.

Although unused livers frequently have unfavorable donor characteristics, there are also systemic and operational factors, including time of day and day of the week a liver becomes available, that impact the chance of liver nonprocurement and discard.
Utilizing comprehensive and mini-kinome panels to optimize the selectivity of quinoline inhibitors for cyclin G associated kinase (GAK)
Authors: Asquith Christopher R. M. , Hopkins Caleb , Treiber Daniel K. , Zuercher William J.
Published: November 2018

We demonstrate an innovative approach utilising both fit-for-purpose kinase mini-panels and kinome-wide panels to progress discovery programs in the optimization of inhibitor potency and selectivity. We present a focused case study on development of a selective inhibitor of cyclin G associated kinase (GAK) using the quin(az)oline inhibitor chemotype. These results exemplify a versatile, efficient approach to drive kinome selectivity during inhibitor development programs.
Altered cortical brain structure and increased risk for disease seen decades after perinatal exposure to maternal smoking: A study of 9,000 adults in the UK Biobank
Authors: Salminen Lauren E. , Wilcox Rand R. , Zhu Alyssa H. , Riedel Brandalyn C. , Ching Christopher R. K. , Rashid Faisal , Thomopoulos Sophia I. , Saremi Arvin , Harrison Marc B. , Ragothaman Anjanibhargavi , Knight Victoria , Boyle Christina P. , Medland Sarah E. , Thompson Paul M. , Jahanshad Neda
Published: November 2018

Secondhand smoke exposure is a major public health risk that is especially harmful to the developing brain, but it is unclear if early exposure affects brain structure during middle age and older adulthood. Here we analyzed brain MRI data from the UK Biobank in a population-based sample of individuals (ages 44-80) who were exposed (n=2,510) or unexposed (n=6,079) to smoking around birth. We used robust statistical models, including quantile regressions, to test the effect of perinatal smoke exposure (PSE) on cortical surface area (SA), thickness, and subcortical volume. We hypothesized that PSE would be associated with cortical disruption in primary sensory areas compared to unexposed (PSE-) adults. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, SA was significantly lower in the pericalcarine (PCAL), inferior parietal (IPL), and regions of the temporal and frontal cortex of PSE+adults; these abnormalities were associated with increased risk for several diseases, including circulatory and endocrine conditions. Sensitivity analyses conducted in a hold-out group of healthy participants (exposed, n=109, unexposed, n=315) replicated the effect of PSE on SA in the PCAL and IPL. Collectively our results show a negative, long term effect of PSE on sensory cortices that may increase risk for disease later in life.
Plant Extracellular Vesicles Contain Diverse Small RNA Species and Are Enriched in 10 to 17 Nucleotide “Tiny” RNAs
Authors: Baldrich Patricia , Rutter Brian D. , Zandkarimi Hana , Podicheti Ram , Meyers Blake C. , Innes Roger W.
Published: November 2018

Small RNAs (sRNAs) that are 21 to 24 nucleotides (nt) in length are found in most eukaryotic organisms and regulate numerous biological functions, including transposon silencing, development, reproduction, and stress responses, typically via control of the stability and/or translation of target mRNAs. Major classes of sRNAs in plants include microRNAs (miRNAs) and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs); sRNAs are known to travel as a silencing signal from cell to cell, root to shoot, and even between host and pathogen. In mammals, sRNAs are transported inside extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are mobile lipid compartments that participate in intercellular communication. In addition to sRNAs, EVs carry proteins, lipids, metabolites, and potentially other types of nucleic acids. Here we report that plant EVs also contain diverse species of sRNA. We found that specific miRNAs and siRNAs are preferentially loaded into plant EVs. We also report a previously overlooked class of “tiny RNAs” (10 to 17 nt) that are highly enriched in EVs. This new RNA category of unknown function has a broad and very diverse genome origin and might correspond to degradation products.
Plant functional groups mediate drought resistance and recovery in a multisite grassland experiment
Authors: Mackie Kathleen A. , Zeiter Michaela , Bloor Juliette M. G. , Stampfli Andreas
Published: November 2018

Climate change predictions suggest that summer droughts will become more intense and recurrent in Europe. While drought‐induced reductions in grassland primary productivity are well documented, the drivers behind drought resistance (the capacity to withstand change) and recovery (the capacity for recovery of function) of above‐ and below‐ground biomass remain poorly understood.

Across eight grasslands differing in plant community productivity (CP), we investigated the effects of summer drought on plant and soil microbial variables, plant nutrient content, and soil nitrogen (N) availability. We examined the linkages between CP, soil N, drought responses of plant and microbial communities, and relative drought responses of plant and microbial biomass. Plant and microbial variables were recorded at the end of a 3‐month rainfall exclusion period. Plant variables were also assessed during a 10‐month drought recovery period.

Experimental drought decreased plant biomass and increased plant C:N ratios, but had no effect on total microbial biomass across sites. Instead, drought caused shifts in plant and microbial community structures as well as an increase in arbuscular mycorrhiza fungi biomass. Overall, plant biomass drought resistance was unrelated to CP or microbial community structure but was positively related to drought resistance of forbs.

In the month after rewetting, soil N availability increased in droughted plots across sites. Two months post‐rewetting, droughted plots had higher plant N concentration, but lower plant N use efficiency. The short‐term drought recovery of plant biomass was unrelated to CP or soil N availability, but positively related to the response of grass biomass, reflecting incomplete recovery at high CP. Ten months after rewetting, drought effects on plant biomass and plant N content were no longer apparent.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that drought resistance and recovery are more sensitive to plant community composition than to community productivity. Short‐term recovery of plant biomass may also benefit from increased soil N availability after drought and from a high abundance of soil fungi in low productivity sites. Our findings underline the importance of plant functional groups for the stability of permanent grasslands in a changing climate with more frequent drought.
Grazer movements exacerbate grass declines during drought in an African savanna
Authors: Staver A. Carla , Wigley‐Coetsee Corli , Botha Judith
Published: November 2018

Rainfall variability, including drought, consistently translates into variation in grass productivity in savanna ecosystems. These variations in grass availability can impact grazer populations, which can in turn shape grass responses to drought.

However, despite clear evidence that grazers move freely in response to forage and water availability, drought ecologists have mostly failed to consider how these landscape‐scale processes influence vegetation responses to drought.

Here, we ask how rainfall variability and drought, in interaction with population dynamics and movement of large grazers, shape grass layer responses in extant savanna landscapes in Kruger National Park in South Africa.

We found that grass biomass was highly responsive to rainfall variability; notably, grass declines during drought were especially severe—even more severe than previously documented elsewhere.

Grazing probably contributed, exacerbating drought effects in droughted regions and spatially extending them into non‐droughted refugia, where grass biomass also declined. Moreover, the existence of these refugia potentially prevented a grazer population crash.

Synthesis. Our current focus on the physiological effects of drought is probably insufficient for understanding vegetation responses to drought. A renewed focus on landscape processes, including animal movement, will be critical to predicting savanna responses to increasingly frequent extreme events.
Omission of Final ‐S In Latin Inscriptions: Time and Space
Authors: Marotta Giovanna , Tamponi Lucia
Published: November 2018

The paper focuses on the omission of final‐sin Latin inscriptions found in the corpus CLaSSES (Corpus for Latin Sociolinguistic Studies on Epigraphic textS,http://classes-latin-linguistics.fileli.unipi.it) from 350bctill 50ad.

The distribution of final‐shas been examined in the endings of the second declension with respect to several variables, such as the dating and the place of provenance of the inscription.

The results show that the restoration of the grapheme spread from Rome starting from the mid‐third centurybc, when the city was the political and economic centre of the conquered territories. Therefore, the Latin of Rome was perceived as prestigious by Roman citizens. The process of‐srestoration was completed by the mid‐first centurybcand appears to be strictly related with the raising o > u in final syllable.

Therefore, the omissions of final‐sfound in inscriptions outside Rome in the second and first centurybccan be considered to be residuals of the ancient pronunciation in areas not yet completely reached by the innovation, whereas in Rome they can be considered as forms of a low sociolinguistic level.
Which Type of Temporary Hemodialysis Catheter Should Be Used for the Right Internal Jugular Vein? Prospective Observational Study of Straight vs. Precurved Catheters
Authors: Sahutoglu Tuncay , Erinc Osman , Avsar Fevzi Necati , Beyaz Meral , Batu Aziz , Atay Kadri , Ozdemir Erman , Erinc Aysegul , Sahutoglu Elif
Published: November 2018

Weak evidence is present for choosing amongst different temporary hemodialysis catheter (THC) designs with regards to the risk of venous thrombosis, therefore two THC designs for the right internal jugular vein (RIJV) were compared. Patients aged ≥18 years who needed THC insertion into the RIJV for acute hemodialysis due to either acute or chronic renal failure were included. The type of THC (precurved/straight) was dependent on the date of hospital admission. Clinical and ultrasonographic surveillance was conducted prospectively. Thrombosis of the RIJV was the primary objective. Precurved and straight catheters were inserted into 32 and 23 patients (mean age 63 ± 15 years, females 28), respectively. The baseline characteristics and catheter dwell‐times were similar in both groups. Partial and total thrombosis of the RIJV during catheter dwell‐time developed at a higher rate in the straight group (52% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.000; 47.8% vs. 9.3%, P = 0.001, respectively). At least 2 weeks after catheter removal, total thrombosis was found in 43.4% vs. 9.6% (P = 0.004) of patients with straight and precurved THCs, respectively. The hazard ratios for total thrombosis was 0.161 (P = 0.006) during catheter dwell‐time and 0.190 (P = 0.012) after catheter removal. Catheter dysfunction did not occur and only one catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CRBI) was seen. Thrombosis rates of the RIJV were higher with straight vs. precurved THCs, both during catheter dwell‐time and after catheter removal. Catheter dysfunction was not noted in any group and the rate of CRBI was extremely low.
Serotonin and aggressive behaviour in children and adolescents: a systematic review
Authors: Runions K. C. , Morandini H. A. E. , Rao P. , Wong J. W. Y. , Kolla N. J. , Pace G. , Mahfouda S. , Hildebrandt C. S. , Stewart R. , Zepf F. D.
Published: November 2018

Objective

The role of serotonin (5‐HT) in human aggression has been the subject of a large number of studies, mostly with adults. Meta‐analyses indicate a small but significant inverse relationship between central nervous 5‐HT availability and aggression, but genetically informed studies suggest two pathways: one to reactive aggression and the other to proactive aggression.

Method

We conducted a systemic review on central nervous 5‐HT function in children and adolescents, with attention to the function of aggression.

Results

In total, 675 articles were screened for relevance, with 45 reviewed. These included blood assays (e.g. plasma, 5‐HIAA; platelet 5‐HTR2A), epigenetic studies, retrospective PET studies and 5‐HT challenge paradigms (e.g. tryptophan depletion). Overall, findings were mixed, with support both for negative and for positive associations of central nervous 5‐HT function with aggression in children and adolescents.

Conclusion

We propose factors that may be blurring the picture, including problems in the conceptualization and measurement of aggression in young people, the lack of prospective designs and the bias towards clinical samples of boys. Research needs to account for variance in the both motivation for and implementation of aggression, and look to the behavioural economics literature to consider the roles of reward, vengeance and self‐control more clearly.
Examining determinants of health service utilisation among Filipino older people: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Cotingting Crystle T , Apal Zenas Harvey L , Franco Mark Benjamin M , Lozano Patrick Nicolo Mari G , Quion Ellen Mae C , Tang Clinton S , Cabigon Jhason John J
Published: November 2018

Objective

This study was done to study, using Andersen's Behavioral Model, factors affecting health service utilisation among older Filipinos.

Methods

A total of 237 older people from Marikina City, Philippines, were randomly selected and surveyed face‐to‐face on factors affecting health service utilisation, specifically age, civil status, educational level, employment status, sex, health insurance coverage, household income, chronic disease status and perceived health status.

Results

Seventy‐nine per cent had used health services in the past year (mean: 5.7 visits per year). Female sex and having a chronic disease were significantly associated with health service utilisation. The odds of using health services was 3.1 times higher for those who had a chronic disease and 2.2 times higher for female sex, assuming all other variables are held constant.

Conclusion

Findings of this study support targeting men in health promotion campaigns and implementing population‐based, chronic disease screening programs to improve the reach of health services among Filipino older people.
Disentangling the heterogeneity of allergic respiratory diseases by latent class analysis reveals novel phenotypes
Authors: Amaral Rita , Bousquet Jean , Pereira Ana M. , Araújo Luís M. , Sá‐Sousa Ana , Jacinto Tiago , Almeida Rute , Delgado Luís , Fonseca Joao A.
Published: November 2018

Background

Refined phenotyping of allergic diseases may unravel novel phenotypes. Conjunctivitis as an independent disorder has never been approached.

Aim

To identify distinct classes of allergic respiratory diseases using latent class analysis (LCA) and distinguish each class using classification and regression tree (CART) analysis.

Methods

Seven hundred and twenty‐eight adults from the Portuguese general population study ICAR had a structured medical interview combined with blood collection, skin prick tests, spirometry with bronchodilation, and exhaled nitric oxide. LCA was applied to 19 variables. The CART algorithm selected the most likely variables distinguishing LCA‐classes.

Results

A six‐class model was obtained. Class 1 (25%): nonallergic participants without bronchial or ocular symptoms. Classes 2 (22%) and 3 (11%): nasal and ocular (low levels) symptoms without nasal impairment, monosensitized (Class 2) or polysensitized (Class 3). Class 4 (13%): polysensitized participants with high levels of nasal and ocular symptoms, and nasal impairment. Classes 5 (16%) and 6 (14%): high level of nasal, bronchial and ocular symptoms with nasal impairment (non‐allergic or polysensitized, respectively). Participants in classes 5 and 6 had more bronchial exacerbations and unscheduled medical visits (P < 0.001). Ocular symptoms were significantly higher in classes with nasal impairment, compared to those without impairment (P < 0.001) or no nasal symptom (P < 0.001). CART highlighted ocular symptoms as the most relevant variable in distinguishing LCA‐classes.

Conclusion

Novel severe phenotypes of participants with co‐occurrence of ocular, nasal and bronchial symptoms, and exacerbation‐prone were identified. The tree algorithm showed the importance of the ocular symptoms in the expression of allergic diseases phenotypes.
Regulation of heterologously expressed 5‐HT1B receptors coupling to potassium channels in AtT‐20 cells
Authors: Heblinski Marika , Bladen Christopher , Connor Mark
Published: November 2018

Background and Purpose

5‐HT1B receptors are widely expressed GPCRs and a target of triptans, the most commonly prescribed anti‐migraine drugs. There is very limited information about the acute, agonist‐induced regulation of 5‐HT1B receptor signalling and so we sought to characterize this in a neuron‐like system.

Experimental Approach

Epitope‐tagged human 5‐HT1B receptors were expressed in mouse AtT20 cells. 5‐HT1B receptor signalling was assessed using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of endogenous G protein‐gated inwardly rectified potassium (GIRK) channels, and receptor localization measured using immunofluorescence.

Key Results

5‐HT (EC50 65 nM) and sumatriptan (EC50 165 nM) activated GIRK channels in AtT20 cells expressing 5‐HT1B receptors. Continuous application of both 5‐HT (EC50 120 nM) and sumatriptan (EC50 280 nM) produced profound desensitization of 5‐HT1B receptor signalling within a few minutes. Complete recovery from desensitization was observed after 10 min. Both 5‐HT and sumatriptan induced significant heterologous desensitization of SRIF (somatostatin)‐activated GIRK currents, with the 5‐HT‐induced heterologous desensitization being blocked by the protein kinase inhibitor staurosporine. Both agonists induced modest 5‐HT1B receptor internalization, with a time course much slower than receptor desensitization.

Conclusions and Implications

In AtT‐20 cells, 5‐HT1B receptors undergo rapid and reversible desensitization at concentrations of agonist similar to those required to activate the receptor. Desensitization is incomplete, and the continued signalling of the receptor in the presence of the agonist may lead to cellular adaptations. Finally, 5‐HT1B receptor activation causes significant heterologous desensitization, which may lead to a reduced effectiveness of unrelated drugs in vivo.
Immunomodulatory activity of lenvatinib contributes to antitumor activity in the Hepa1‐6 hepatocellular carcinoma model
Authors: Kimura Takayuki , Kato Yu , Ozawa Yoichi , Kodama Kotaro , Ito Junichi , Ichikawa Kenji , Yamada Kazuhiko , Hori Yusaku , Tabata Kimiyo , Takase Kazuma , Matsui Junji , Funahashi Yasuhiro , Nomoto Kenichi
Published: November 2018

Angiogenesis inhibitors such as lenvatinib and sorafenib, and an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI), nivolumab, are used for anticancer therapies against advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Combination treatments comprising angiogenesis inhibitors plus ICIs are promising options for improving clinical benefits in HCC patients, and clinical trials are ongoing. Here, we investigated the antitumor and immunomodulatory activities of lenvatinib (a multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 1‐3, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1‐4, platelet‐derived growth factor receptor α, KIT and RET) and the combined antitumor activity of lenvatinib plus anti‐programmed cell death 1 (PD‐1) antibody in the Hepa1‐6 mouse HCC syngeneic model. We found that the antitumor activities of lenvatinib and sorafenib were not different in immunodeficient mice, but lenvatinib showed more potent antitumor activity than sorafenib in immunocompetent mice. The antitumor activity of lenvatinib was greater in immunocompetent mice than in immunodeficient mice and was attenuated by CD8+ T cell depletion. Treatment with lenvatinib plus anti‐PD‐1 antibody resulted in more tumor regression and a higher response rate compared with either treatment alone in immunocompetent mice. Single‐cell RNA sequencing analysis demonstrated that treatment with lenvatinib with or without anti‐PD‐1 antibody decreased the proportion of monocytes and macrophages population and increased that of CD8+ T cell populations. These data suggest that lenvatinib has immunomodulatory activity that contributes to the antitumor activity of lenvatinib and enhances the antitumor activity in combination treatment with anti‐PD‐1 antibody. Combination treatment of lenvatinib plus anti‐PD‐1 antibody therefore warrants further investigation against advanced HCC.
Identification of genes involved in the regulation of TERT in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Amisaki Masataka , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki , Sakabe Tomohiko , Fujiwara Yoshiyuki , Shiota Goshi
Published: November 2018

Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promotes immortalization by protecting telomeres in cancer cells. Mutation of the TERT promoter is one of the most common genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), indicating that TERT upregulation is a critical event in hepatocarcinogenesis. Regulators of TERT transcription are, therefore, predicted to be plausible targets for HCC treatment. We undertook a genome‐wide shRNA library screen and identified C15orf55 and C7orf43 as regulators of TERT expression in HepG2 cells. Promoter assays showed that C15orf55‐ and C7orf43‐responsive sites exist between base pairs −58 and +36 and −169 and −59 in the TERT promoter, respectively. C15orf55 upregulates TERT expression by binding to two GC motifs in the SP1 binding site of the TERT promoter. C7orf43 upregulates TERT expression through Yes‐associated protein 1. The expression levels of C15orf55 and C7orf43 also correlated with that of TERT, and were significantly increased in both HCC tissues and their adjacent non‐tumor tissues, compared to normal liver tissues from non‐HCC patients. Analysis of 377 HCC patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset showed that overall survival of patients with low levels of C15orf55 and C7orf43 expression in tumor tissues was better compared with patients with high levels of C15orf55 and/or high C7orf43 expression. These results indicate that C15orf55 and C7orf43 are involved in the incidence and progression of HCC by upregulating TERT. In conclusion, we identified C15orf55 and C7orf43 as positive regulators of TERT expression in HCC tissues. These genes are promising targets for HCC treatment.
Individual risk assessment tool for school‐age asthma prediction in UK birth cohort
Authors: Wang Ran , Simpson Angela , Custovic Adnan , Foden Phil , Belgrave Danielle , Murray Clare S.
Published: November 2018

Background

Current published asthma predictive tools have moderate positive likelihood ratios (+LR) but high negative likelihood ratios (−LR) based on their recommended cut‐offs, which limit their clinical usefulness.

Objective

To develop a simple clinically applicable asthma prediction tool within a population‐based birth cohort.

Method

Children from the Manchester Asthma and Allergy Study (MAAS) attended follow‐up at ages 3, 8 and 11 years. Data on preschool wheeze were extracted from primary‐care records. Parents completed validated respiratory questionnaires. Children were skin prick tested (SPT). Asthma at 8/11 years (school‐age) was defined as parentally reported (a) physician‐diagnosed asthma and wheeze in the previous 12 months or (b) ≥3 wheeze attacks in the previous 12 months. An asthma prediction tool (MAAS APT) was developed using logistic regression of characteristics at age 3 years to predict school‐age asthma.

Results

Of 336 children with physician‐confirmed wheeze by age 3 years, 117(35%) had school‐age asthma. Logistic regression selected 5 significant risk factors which formed the basis of the MAAS APT: wheeze after exercise; wheeze causing breathlessness; cough on exertion; current eczema and SPT sensitisation(maximum score 5). A total of 281(84%) children had complete data at age 3 years and were used to test the MAAS APT. Children scoring ≥3 were at high risk of having asthma at school‐age (PPV > 75%; +LR 6.3, −LR 0.6), whereas children who had a score of 0 had very low risk(PPV 9.3%; LR 0.2).

Conclusion

MAAS APT is a simple asthma prediction tool which could easily be applied in clinical and research settings.
Understanding Moment‐to‐Moment Processing of Visual Narratives
Authors: Hutson John P. , Magliano Joseph P. , Loschky Lester C.
Published: November 2018

What role do moment‐to‐moment comprehension processes play in visual attentional selection in picture stories? The current work uniquely tested the role of bridging inference generation processes on eye movements while participants viewed picture stories. Specific components of the Scene Perception and Event Comprehension Theory (SPECT) were tested. Bridging inference generation was induced by manipulating the presence of highly inferable actions embedded in picture stories. When inferable actions are missing, participants have increased viewing times for the immediately following critical image (Magliano, Larson, Higgs, & Loschky, ). This study used eye‐tracking to test competing hypotheses about the increased viewing time: (a) Computational Load: inference generation processes increase overall computational load, producing longer fixation durations; (b) Visual Search: inference generation processes guide eye‐movements to pick up inference‐relevant information, producing more fixations. Participants had similar fixation durations, but they made more fixations while generating inferences, with that process starting from the fifth fixation. A follow‐up hypothesis predicted that when generating inferences, participants fixate scene regions important for generating the inference. A separate group of participants rated the inferential‐relevance of regions in the critical images, and results showed that these inferentially relevant regions predicted differences in other viewers’ eye movements. Thus, viewers’ event models in working memory affect visual attentional selection while viewing visual narratives.
The microfinance promise—can it be kept? A macro perspective
Authors: Alimukhamedova Nargiza
Published: November 2018

After five decades of rapid expansion of microfinance worldwide, little is known about its aggregate effects and whether the “microfinance promise” of poverty reduction holds at the macro level. Challenging questions have arisen. Here we explore the dynamic response of microfinance on economic growth, financial deepening and income inequality. Countries are grouped into three broad clusters (stable, moderate and poor) based on macro‐institutional variables. Our results show that microfinance has a significant long‐term ability to affect the broader economy. However, the impact and dynamics of microfinance differ substantially across macro‐institutional environments. It grows in weaker environments, reaches its peak in developing economies, and then gradually “dies out” in more stable economies. While there is evidence of a positive impact of microfinance at the aggregate level, the response is different depending on whether countries are poor, moderately developed or economically stable. Once countries climb up the macro‐institutional “ladder,” microfinance can take a different shape and its relationship with other macroeconomic fundamentals can change. Our results indicate that microfinance has the strongest effect when the external environment is supportive and proactive; in weak environments, microfinance cannot grow sufficiently. Therefore, more attention should be given to supporting the socioeconomic dimensions of economies.
Log‐ratio transformation is the key to determining soil organic carbon fractions with near‐infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Jaconi A. , Poeplau C. , Ramirez‐Lopez L. , Van Wesemael B. , Don A.
Published: November 2018

Information about soil organic carbon fractions is important in understanding the vulnerability of soil carbon to climate change and land management. Soil organic carbon can be divided into fractions that are labile and others that are more stable. All existing methods to fractionate soil organic carbon are time consuming and complex. Near‐infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) is a rapid analytical technique. In this study we evaluated and optimized the use of NIRS to predict soil organic carbon fractions with the constraint that the carbon fractions (labile and stabilized) should add up to 100% (total organic carbon content). We used samples from two datasets from agricultural and forest sites in Germany (dataset A) and Europe (dataset B). Samples were fractionated by two different methods (density and physical‐chemical fractionation) as reference methods. Soil samples were scanned in the NIR range and calibration models were developed using partial least squares regression. The key to improving model performance was the log‐ratio transformation proposed by Aitchison for compositional data that enabled us to model the fractions as dependent variables. Traditional methods for the optimization of NIRS models, such as selection of wavelength range and pretreatment of spectra, showed no effective reduction in error. With the constraint that both fractions add to 100% (log‐ratio transformation), the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) increased from 1.6 to 2.8 for the labile C fraction and from 1.5 to 3.2 for the stabilized C fraction. Root mean square error of cross‐validation of the labile fraction was 4.3 g C kg−1for dataset A and 2.7 g C kg−1for dataset B, which corresponds to anR2of 0.88–0.80 and RPD of 2.9–2.2, respectively. The models performed equally well for different soil textures and land‐use types. With log‐ratio transformation, more precise calibrations of NIRS for C fractions could be obtained.

Highlights

Near‐infrared spectroscopy can predict soil carbon fractions at different spatial extents

Log‐ratio transformation satisfies the constraint that fractions should add up to 100%

Log‐ratio transformation is the key to improving calibrations for soil C fractions.

The NIR models were tested with two fractionation schemes comprising different land uses and soil texture
Deficient or excessive CuO‐TiO2 phase influence on dielectric properties of CaCu3Ti4O12 ceramics
Authors: Gelfuso Maria Virginia , Uribe Juan Oswaldo Montoya , Thomazini Daniel
Published: November 2018

The influence of the CuO–TiO2 phase (CT) on dielectric properties of the CCTO ceramic was investigated. CaCuXTiYO12 (CCXTYO) powders were prepared based on the coprecipitated method, where 2.70 ≤ x ≤ 3.30 and 3.25 ≤ y ≤ 4.75. XRD patterns confirmed the presence of CCTO and also the secondary phases as CuO, TiO2, and CaTiO3 for each sample and aided in its quantification. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) shows secondary phases evolution in the grain boundaries, and its influence on size and morphology of the grains. Impedance spectroscopy measurements showed that the ceramics with lower amount of CuO and TiO2 phases (CT/deficient ceramics) exhibited the highest ε′ values (2.1 × 104 at 1 kHz for CC2.9T3.75O ceramic). Also, CT/deficient ceramics showed lower tanδ values (0.090 at 1 kHz for CC2.9T3.75O ceramic) than ceramics prepared with excessive CuO–TiO2 phase (0.241 at 1 kHz for CC3.1T4.25O ceramics). The deficiency of CuO and TiO2 phases associated with high percentage of CCTO and CaTiO3 phases resulted in ceramics with the higher ε′ values.
Food cooking methods contribute to the reduced vitamin C content of foods prepared in hospitals and care facilities: a systematic review
Authors: Armstrong Emma , Jamieson Rachel , Porter Judi
Published: November 2018

Recent cases of scurvy within health care have been reported internationally. One potential reason is vitamin C losses associated with food cooking methods. This review systematically synthesised the published literature to determine the extent that vitamin C in food is lost secondary to food cooking methods used in hospitals or care facilities. The review followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guidelines, and was prospectively registered in the Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews. Searches were run in three databases with no date restrictions, complemented by an internet search and reference checking. Search terms focused on the intervention and outcome. The final review included seven publications including longitudinal studies and comparison to reference standards. All studies identified vitamin C losses between preparation and service resulting from food cooking methods. Quality was rated as positive for four papers and neutral for the remainder of the included library.
Rapid immunofluorescence assay for staphylococcal enterotoxin A using magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Becheva Zlatina , Ivanov Yavor , Gabrovska Katya , Godjevargova Tzonka
Published: November 2018

A competitive immunoassay for staphylococcal enterotoxin A (SEA) detection in milk was developed, using immobilised antibody onto magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs). MNPs were prepared and then modified to introduce amino groups on them. The morphology and size of the obtained both unmodified and modified MNPs were characterized using TEM analyses. Monoclonal anti‐SEA antibody was immobilised onto the modified MNPs (MNP‐Ab). Staphylococcal enterotoxin A was conjugated with fluorescent dye ATTO620NHS. The characteristics of fluorescence conjugate were examined. The amount of MNP‐Ab and concentration of the fluorescent conjugate used for competitive immunoassay were optimized: 0.25 mg and 53 μg mL−1, respectively. The detection limit of developed immunoassay was determined – 0.23 ng mL−1 SEA in spiked milk samples. The immunoassay takes only 30 min, the magnetic separation is fast (<10 s) and the volume of the sample for analysis is very small (200 μL).
Distribution of ABO and RHD blood group antigens in blood donors in Burkina Faso
Authors: Sawadogo Salam , Nebie Koumpingnin , Millogo Tieba , Kafando Eléonore , Sawadogo Abdoul‐Guyani , Dahourou Honorine , Traore Fauceny , Ouattara Siaka , Ouedraogo Oumarou , Kienou Kisito , Dieudonné Yonli Yentema , Deneys Véronique
Published: November 2018

Geographical distribution of ABO and RHD antigens is important for blood transfusion services and population genetics studies. There are few data on this topic in Burkina Faso, a multi‐ethnic country. Our study aims at reporting phenotypic and allelic frequencies of ABO and RHD blood groups among voluntary blood donors from various ethnical regions of Burkina Faso. We conducted a cross‐sectional study including 81,486 blood donors. ABO allelic frequencies were determined using the Bernstein method. Differences in phenotypic distribution of blood groups were assessed using the chi‐square test; a p value <0.05 being considered as statistically significant. We noticed that O+>B+>A+>AB+>O‐>B‐>A‐>AB‐ in our population. Phenotypic frequencies of blood groups A, B, O and AB were respectively 22.54%, 28.56%, 43.30% and 5.60%. RHD+was 92.24%. The allelic frequencies of A, B, O and D were respectively 0.1524; 0.1887; 0.6590 and 0.7214. We noticed statistical differences (p < 0.05) between these administrative regions which corresponded roughly to some natural ethnic areas. Indeed, the phenotype O was more frequent in the Central‐west, Central and East regions corresponding to “Mossi,” “Gourounsi,” “Gourmantché” areas while the phenotype A and AB were more reported in “Boucle du mouhoun” and “Hauts‐Bassins” regions where we have “Bwaba” and “Bobo.” The phenotype O negative was less frequent in “Bwaba.” Our study provides interesting information to blood services that will allow them to better refine their donor recruitment strategies.
How families prepare their children for tooth extraction under general anaesthesia: Family and clinical predictors of non‐compliance with a ‘serious game’
Authors: Reynolds Patricia A. , Donaldson Ana N. , Liossi Christina , Newton Jonathon T. , Donaldson Nicholas K. , Arias Ramiro , Haria Preemal , Huntington Corinne , Alharatani Reham , Hosey Marie Therese
Published: November 2018

Objective

To explore family and clinical factors for usage of an online serious game designed to prepare children withECCfor dental treatment under general anaesthesia.

Design

Observational study. Secondary data of 60 children, aged 5‐to‐7, randomised to the intervention group in a phase‐IIIrandomised controlled trial [NIHRPortfolio 10006,ISRCTN: 18265148] testing the efficacy of the serious gamehttp://www.scottga.org(available online). Usage was captured automatically, with each click, in real time. The total number of replays and total number of missing slides per game‐run performed by the child, were recorded and used to monitor usage. Compliance outcomes were: total time running the game and number of completely missed slides.

Results

57/60 played the game. Median age of parent/carer was 32. For 74% of the families, fathers resided at home and for 65% the parent/carer had A‐levels‐to‐university education. At recruitment, 70% of the children were reported as anxious/highly‐fearful and 37% as “significantly psychologically disturbed”.

Conclusions

Factors for non‐compliance were absence of a father at home (P = 0.01) and higher child‐anxiety (P = 0.01) and, to a lesser extent, a low parent/carer education level (P = 0.09). Interactive cartoons featuring dental assessment, oral health messages and modelling featured in the more popular slides.
Course of disinhibited social engagement behavior in clinically referred home‐reared preschool children
Authors: Scheper Frederike Y. , Groot Ceciel R.M. , de Vries Annelou L.C. , Doreleijers Theodorus A.H. , Jansen Lucres M.C. , Schuengel Carlo.
Published: November 2018

Background

Evidence supporting clinical relevance and persistence of disinhibited social engagement behavior (DSEB) pertains mostly to children reared in institutions and foster care. This study examined the course of DSEB in clinically referred home‐reared children from early into middle childhood, and associations with neglect/emotional maltreatment, effortful control, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Methods

Disinhibited social engagement behavior was examined in 124 children (82% boys, M = 4.06 years, SD = 0.89), referred for treatment of emotional and behavioral problems, by use of the Disturbances of Attachment Interview (DAI) with biological parents. Neglect and emotional maltreatment were assessed from case records and effortful control by use of the Child Behavior Questionnaire. At follow‐up, on average 4 years later, DSEB was examined by use of DAI as well as two observational ratings: the Stranger at the Door procedure (SatD) and a structured home observation of stranger approach. Psychiatric disorders were assessed by means of the Kiddie‐Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia.

Results

Persistence of parent‐reported DSEB was found in 57% (n = 27) of the children with DSEB at baseline (n = 47). Parent‐reported DSEB at follow‐up was significantly related to DSEB observed in the SatD (rpb = .31, p = .001) and to observed stranger approach (rs = .41, p < .001), but only stranger approach was associated with baseline DSEB. The course of DSEB was not related to neglect/emotional maltreatment, nor to the level of effortful control. There was no association between DSEB and Autism Spectrum Disorder, but course of DSEB was associated with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder/Oppositional Defiant Disorder at follow‐up (χ2 = 13.08, p = .004).

Conclusions

Although explanations for the onset and course of DSEB in home‐reared children remain elusive, findings suggest that DSEB is part of a complex of clinically significant problem behaviors in referred home‐reared preschool children.
Change in the dominance structure of two marine‐fish assemblages over three decades
Authors: Moyes Faye , Magurran Anne E.
Published: November 2018

Marine fish are an irreplaceable resource, but are currently under threat through overfishing and climate change. To date, most of the emphasis has been on single stocks or populations of economic importance. However, commercially valuable species are embedded in assemblages of many species and there is only limited understanding of the extent to which the structure of whole communities has altered in recent years. Most assemblages are dominated by one or a few species, with these highly abundant species underpinning ecosystem services and harvesting decisions.

This paper shows that there have been marked temporal changes in the dominance structure of Scottish marine‐fish assemblages over the past three decades, where dominance is measured as the proportional numerical abundance of the most dominant species. We report contrasting patterns in both the identity of the dominant species and shifts in the relative abundance of the dominant in assemblages to the east and west of Scotland, UK. This result highlights the importance of multi‐species analyses of harvested stocks and has implications not only for fisheries management but also for consumer choices.
LncRNA LINC00974 activates TGF‐β/Smad signaling to promote oral fibrogenesis
Authors: Fang Chih‐Yuan , Yu Cheng‐Chia , Liao Yi‐Wen , Hsieh Pei‐Ling , Lu Ming‐Yi , Lin Kuan‐Chou , Wu Ching‐Zong , Tsai Lo‐Lin
Published: November 2018

Background

Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is a progressive scarring disease and has been considered as a premalignant condition of the oral cavity. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of OSF are still unclear.

Method

Here, we examined the expression of a novel long non‐coding RNA LINC00974 in OSF and investigated its function role in myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Phenotypic analyses, including collagen gel contraction, migration, invasion and wound healing assays, were used to assess the myofibroblast activities following overexpression or inhibition of LINC00974.

Results

We found that the expression of LINC00974 in OSF tissues or myofibroblasts was aberrantly upregulated, and there was a positive correlation between LINC00974 and myofibroblast markers. Our results showed that inhibition of LINC00974 suppressed the myofibroblast activities, while overexpression of LINC00974 increased the activation. We demonstrated that the expression levels of α‐SMA, α‐1 type I collagen, fibronectin were downregulated in the LINC00974‐inhibited myofibroblasts. Additionally, the TGF‐β secretion and phosphorylated Smad2 expression were also repressed in the LINC00974‐inhibited myofibroblasts. We further demonstrated that silence of LINC00974 prevented the arecoline‐induced myofibroblast activation, and LINC00974‐increased myofibroblast activities were via TGF‐β pathway.

Conclusion

Altogether, these findings suggested that arecoline‐increased myofibroblast transdifferentiation was via LINC00974‐mediated activation of TGF‐β signaling.
Self‐criticism, interpersonal conditions, and biosystemic inflammation in suicidal thoughts and behaviors within mood disorders: A bio‐cognitive‐interpersonal hypothesis
Authors: Shahar Golan , Rogers Megan L. , Shalev Hadar , Joiner Thomas E.
Published: November 2018

We review the theoretical and empirical literature on the role of self‐concept in suicidal behavior in the context of mood disorders (i.e., unipolar depression and bipolar spectrum disorders). The main themes emanating from this review are then juxtaposed against (a) the Interpersonal‐Psychological Theory of Suicide and (b) biological research on the role of inflammatory processes in suicidality. Such a juxtaposition paves the way for a bio‐cognitive‐interpersonal hypothesis. Pathologies of the self‐concept—primarily self‐criticism—propel mood disorder sufferers to generate interpersonal stress that culminates in two proximal causes of suicidality: thwarted belongingness and perceived burdensomeness. In turn, these two interpersonal conditions set in motion systemic biosystemic inflammation, serving as a proximal cause for suicidality in mood disorders. We conclude by describing a research project aimed at testing this hypothesis, and by outlining pertinent implications for assessment, treatment, and prevention.
The Impact of Supplier Sustainability Risk on Shareholder Value
Authors: Kim Seongtae , Wagner Stephan M. , Colicchia Claudia
Published: November 2018

Business scandals like sweatshop labor have received growing attention in the field of supply management. Yet little is known about how detrimental such scandals are to buying firms. This study aims to fill this gap by examining the magnitude of the consequences of what are termed as supplier sustainability risks (SSRs). To this end, we conduct an event study analysis followed by regression modeling based on a sample of 196 U.S. publicly traded firms’ SSRs. The results reveal that SSRs are associated with a 1.00 percent reduction in shareholder wealth. The market reacts negatively but not differently to the two types of SSR: process‐related risks and product‐related risks. Finally, a firm's moral capital does play a mitigating role for SSRs and process‐related risks; however, it does not provide insurance‐like protection for product‐related risks.