bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Responses of interspecific associations in mixed‐species bird flocks to selective logging
Authors: Borah Binod , Quader Suhel , Srinivasan Umesh
Published: January 2018

Non‐trophic interactions (or, inter‐species associations) play a prominent role in determining community structure and function. Mixed‐species bird flocks are networks of non‐trophic associations that confer foraging and anti‐predator benefits to participant species. Yet, the responses of these interspecific associations to anthropogenic environmental changes are poorly understood.

Selective logging is pervasive in the tropics, and can affect associations in mixed‐species bird flocks by altering resource availability and/or predation risk, or through the altered abundances of species participating in mixed flocks. Across a gradient of logging intensity, we examined how the number and strength of associations in two different mixed‐species flock types responded to logging intensity, while simultaneously controlling statistically for changes in the abundances of species in response to logging.

Across the logging gradient, we used network analyses to: (1) quantify the proportion of potentially realizable associations, and (2) measure the strengths of these realized associations. For both these analyses, we used null models to investigate whether changes in the network properties of mixed flocks were simply abundance‐driven, or congruent with expectations of how flock properties might be modified by selective logging.

In understorey flocks, after controlling statistically for changing abundances of participant species, the proportion of realized associations decreased with increasing logging intensity, whereas mean association strength did not show any relation with logging intensity. In midstorey flocks, both the proportion and mean strength of realized associations increased with increasing logging intensity.

Synthesis and applications. By statistically separating abundance and behaviour‐mediated effects, we show that interspecific associations in mixed‐species bird flocks respond to potential resource and/or predation changes from logging, but that their functional roles persist in logged forest. We show that logged forests can conserve not only community richness, but also function. Thus, these logged forests must be prevented from ongoing conversion into non‐forest habitats such as agriculture and plantation.
Modes of UK Executive–Legislative Relations Revisited
Authors: Russell Meg , Cowley Philip
Published: January 2018

Anthony King's 1976 article ‘Modes of executive–legislative relations: Great Britain, France and West Germany’ is a classic in legislative studies. It argued that it is simplistic to analyse relations between ‘the executive’ and ‘the legislature’ in parliamentary systems, because parliaments are complex organisations comprised of competing actors. Instead, we must consider the various ‘modes’ through which these actors can interact to challenge the executive. As King pointed out, the classic view of the British Parliament was of a dominant ‘opposition mode’ and yet, in fact, the most important relationship was the ‘intraparty mode’: between the government and its own backbenchers. Other options, such as the ‘non‐party mode’ or ‘cross‐party mode’ were considered weak in Britain. This article revisits King's modes in the light of changes at Westminster during the intervening forty years. Developments such as the establishment of the select committee system and a more confident and party‐balanced House of Lords require significant changes to his conclusions. But his central insights, encouraging readers to focus on the multiple relationships inside legislatures, including those within political parties, remain fundamentally important.
The use of visual schedules and work systems to increase the on‐task behaviour of students on the autism spectrum in mainstream classrooms
Authors: Macdonald Libby , Trembath David , Ashburner Jill , Costley Debra , Keen Deb
Published: January 2018

Apparent differences in executive function can lead to challenges for students on the autism spectrum in mainstream settings. Difficulties with staying on‐task and transitioning between tasks and task elements can interfere with students’ participation in educational activities and lead to stress and anxiety. While the use of visual supports, such as visual schedules and work systems, has been shown to be effective in supporting students to stay on‐task in special education and autism‐specific settings, there is little research to support the use of these strategies by teachers in mainstream classrooms. This study evaluated the use of visual schedules and work systems in supporting four students on the autism spectrum to stay on‐task and work independently in a mainstream setting. These strategies were implemented by teachers as inclusive practices, and evaluated using observations within the natural classroom environment to examine their feasibility in mainstream settings. All participants demonstrated improvements in on‐task behaviours. Results for other, secondary, dependent variables were mixed, with some students showing reduced off‐task behaviours and increased productivity. The implications for clinical practice and future research directions are discussed.
Investigating causal associations between use of nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and cannabis: a two‐sample bidirectional Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Verweij Karin J. H. , Treur Jorien L. , Vink Jacqueline M.
Published: January 2018

Background and Aims

Epidemiological studies consistently show co‐occurrence of use of different addictive substances. Whether these associations are causal or due to overlapping underlying influences remains an important question in addiction research. Methodological advances have made it possible to use published genetic associations to infer causal relationships between phenotypes. In this exploratory study, we used Mendelian randomization (MR) to examine the causality of well‐established associations between nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and cannabis use.

Methods

Two‐sample MR was employed to estimate bidirectional causal effects between four addictive substances: nicotine (smoking initiation and cigarettes smoked per day), caffeine (cups of coffee per day), alcohol (units per week) and cannabis (initiation). Based on existing genome‐wide association results we selected genetic variants associated with the exposure measure as an instrument to estimate causal effects. Where possible we applied sensitivity analyses (MR‐Egger and weighted median) more robust to horizontal pleiotropy.

Results

Most MR tests did not reveal causal associations. There was some weak evidence for a causal positive effect of genetically instrumented alcohol use on smoking initiation and of cigarettes per day on caffeine use, but these were not supported by the sensitivity analyses. There was also some suggestive evidence for a positive effect of alcohol use on caffeine use (only with MR‐Egger) and smoking initiation on cannabis initiation (only with weighted median). None of the suggestive causal associations survived corrections for multiple testing.

Conclusions

Two‐sample Mendelian randomization analyses found little evidence for causal relationships between nicotine, alcohol, caffeine and cannabis use.
Education is the strongest socio‐economic predictor of smoking in pregnancy
Authors: Härkönen Juho , Lindberg Matti , Karlsson Linnea , Karlsson Hasse , Scheinin Noora M.
Published: January 2018

Aims

To investigate socio‐economic disparities in smoking in pregnancy (SIP) by the mother's education, occupational class and current economic conditions.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis with linked survey and register data.

Setting

South‐western Finland.

Participants

A total of 2667 pregnant women [70% of the original sample (n = 3808)] from FinnBrain, a prospective pregnancy cohort study.

Measurements

The outcome was smoking during the first pregnancy trimester, measured from the Finnish Medical Birth Register. Education and occupational class were linked from population registers. Income support recipiency and subjective economic wellbeing were questionnaire‐based measures of current economic conditions. These were adjusted for age, partnership status, residential area type, parental separation, parity, childhood socio‐economic background, childhood adversities (the Trauma and Distressing Events During Childhood scale) and antenatal stress (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale). Logistic regressions and attributable fractions (AF) were estimated.

Findings

Mother's education was the strongest socio‐economic predictor of SIP. Compared with university education, adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of SIP were: 2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.2–3.9; P = 0.011] for tertiary vocational education, 4.4 (95% CI = 2.1–9.0; P < 0.001) for combined general and vocational secondary education, 2.9 (95% CI = 1.4–6.1; P = 0.006) for general secondary education, 9.5 (95% CI 5.0–18.2; P < 0.001) for vocational secondary education and 14.4 (95% CI = 6.3–33.0; P < 0.001) for compulsory schooling. The total AF of education was 0.5. Adjusted for the other variables, occupational class and subjective economic wellbeing did not predict SIP. Income support recipiency was associated positively with SIP (aOR = 1.8; 95% CI = 1.1–3.1; P = 0.022). Antenatal stress predicted SIP (aOR = 2.0; 95% CI = 1.4–2.8; P < 0.001), but did not attenuate its socio‐economic disparities.

Conclusions

In Finland, socio‐economic disparities in smoking in pregnancy are attributable primarily to differences in the mother's educational level (low versus high) and orientation (vocational versus general).
Increased non‐fatal overdose risk associated with involuntary drug treatment in a longitudinal study with people who inject drugs
Authors: Rafful Claudia , Orozco Ricardo , Rangel Gudelia , Davidson Peter , Werb Dan , Beletsky Leo , Strathdee Steffanie A.
Published: January 2018

Aim

To assess the effect of involuntary drug treatment (IDT) on non‐fatal overdose among people who inject drugs (PWID).

Design

Longitudinal study.

Setting

Tijuana, Mexico.

Participants

Baseline sample of 671 PWID included 258 (38.4%) women and 413 (61.6%) men.

Measurements

Primary independent variables were reported recent (i.e. past 6 months) non‐fatal overdose event (dependent variable) and IDT. Substance use the day of the non‐fatal overdose was also examined.

Findings

From 2011 to 2017, 213 participants (31.7%) reported a recent non‐fatal overdose and 103 (15.4%) reported recent IDT. Heroin, in combination with methamphetamine and tranquilizers, were the drugs most reported at the day of the event. IDT significantly increased the odds of reporting a non‐fatal overdose event [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 1.76; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.04–2.96]. Odds of non‐fatal overdose also increased independently for each additional injection per day (aOR = 1.05; 95% CI = 1.02–1.08), recent tranquilizer use (aOR = 1.92; 95% CI = 1.41–2.61) and using hit doctors (aOR = 1.68; 95% CI = 1.29–2.18) and decreased with age (aOR = 0.97 per year, 95% CI = 0.95–0.99).

Conclusions

Recent involuntary drug treatment in Mexico is a risk factor for non‐fatal drug overdose.
Higher Education and Urban Migration for Community Resilience: Indigenous Amazonian Youth Promoting Place‐Based Livelihoods and Identities in Peru
Authors: Steele Diana
Published: January 2018

This paper offers an ethnographic analysis of indigenous Peruvian Amazonian youth pursuing higher education through urban migration to contribute to the resilience of their communities, place‐based livelihoods, and indigenous Amazonian identities. Youth and their communities promoted education and migration as powerful tools in the context of educational inequality, racial discrimination, and threats to their communities' ways of life from colonization and natural resource extraction.
Asian horses deepen the MSY phylogeny
Authors: Felkel S. , Vogl C. , Rigler D. , Jagannathan V. , Leeb T. , Fries R. , Neuditschko M. , Rieder S. , Velie B. , Lindgren G. , Rubin C.‐J. , Schlötterer C. , Rattei T. , Brem G. , Wallner B.
Published: January 2018

Humans have shaped the population history of the horse ever since domestication about 5500 years ago. Comparative analyses of the Y chromosome can illuminate the paternal origin of modern horse breeds. This may also reveal different breeding strategies that led to the formation of extant breeds. Recently, a horse Y‐chromosomal phylogeny of modern horses based on 1.46 Mb of the male‐specific Y (MSY) was generated. We extended this dataset with 52 samples from five European, two American and seven Asian breeds. As in the previous study, almost all modern European horses fall into a crown group, connected via a few autochthonous Northern European lineages to the outgroup, the Przewalski's Horse. In total, we now distinguish 42 MSY haplotypes determined by 158 variants within domestic horses. Asian horses show much higher diversity than previously found in European breeds. The Asian breeds also introduce a deep split to the phylogeny, preliminarily dated to 5527 ± 872 years. We conclude that the deep splitting Asian Y haplotypes are remnants of a far more diverse ancient horse population, whose haplotypes were lost in other lineages.
First case of Stevens–Johnson syndrome after rabies vaccination
Authors: Ma Li , Du Xusheng , Dong Yu , Peng Lirong , Han Xiaonian , Lyu Jianhua , Bai Hehe
Published: January 2018

We describe the first case of Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) occurring 8 days after the first dose of a three‐dose rabies vaccination series. She had no history of vaccine‐related rash or other adverse drug reactions, nor had she received any other drug therapy. The temporal relationship between the development of SJS and the vaccination suggests that the rabies vaccination probably was the causal agent. This case serves as a warning of a distinct cutaneous reaction of rabies vaccination.
Silica Nanoparticle‐induced Cytokine Responses in BEAS‐2B and HBEC3‐KT Cells: Significance of Particle Size and Signalling Pathways in Different Lung Cell Cultures
Authors: Låg Marit , Skuland Tonje , Godymchuk Anna , Nguyen Thu H. T. , Pham Hang L. T. , Refsnes Magne
Published: January 2018

We have previously reported that silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) of nominal size 50 nm (Si50) induce the pro‐inflammatory cytokines CXCL8 and IL‐6 in BEAS‐2B cells, via mechanisms involving MAPK p38, TACE‐mediated TGF‐α release and the NF‐κB pathway. In this study, we examined whether these findings are cell specific or might be extended to another epithelial lung cell model, HBEC3‐KT, and also to SiNPs of a smaller size (nominal size of 10 nm; Si10). The TEM average size of Si10 and Si50 was 10.9 and 34.7 nm, respectively. The surface area (BET) of Si10 was three times higher than for Si50 per mass unit. With respect to hydrodynamic size (DLS), Si10 in exposure medium showed a higher z‐average for the main peak than Si50, indicating more excessive agglomeration. Si10 strongly induced CXCL8 and IL‐6, as assessed by ELISA and RT‐PCR, and was markedly more potent than Si50, even when adjusted to equal surface area. Furthermore, Si10 was far more cytotoxic, measured as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, than Si50 in both epithelial cell cultures. With respect to signalling pathways, Western analysis and experiments with and without inhibition of MAPK, TACE and NF‐κB (synthetic inhibitors) revealed that p38‐phosphorylation, TACE‐mediated TGF‐α release and NF‐κB activation seem to be important triggering mechanisms for both Si50 and Si10 in the two different lung epithelial cell cultures. In conclusion, the identified signalling pathways are suggested to be important in inducing cytokine responses in different epithelial cell types and also for various sizes of silica nanoparticles.
Adiponectin inhibits inflammatory cytokines production by Beclin‐1 phosphorylation and B‐cell lymphoma 2 mRNA destabilization: role for autophagy induction
Authors: Tilija Pun Nirmala , Park Pil‐Hoon
Published: January 2018

Background and Purpose

Adiponectin potently suppresses inflammatory mediator production. Autophagy is known to play a critical role in the modulation of inflammatory responses by adiponectin. However, the underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood. Interaction between Beclin‐1 and B‐cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‐2) is a critical event in autophagy induction. We examined the effects of globular adiponectin (gAcrp) on the Beclin‐1/Bcl‐2 association and its underlying mechanisms.

Experimental Approach

The effect of gAcrp on the interaction between Beclin‐1 and Bcl‐2 was examined by immunoprecipitation followed by Western blotting. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we determined the effects of gAcrp on Beclin‐1 phosphorylation and Bcl‐2 mRNA stability, and investigated their role in the suppression of inflammatory mediators using pharmacological inhibitors and transient target gene knockdown.

Key Results

Globular adiponectin disrupted the association between Beclin‐1 and Bcl‐2 and increased Beclin‐1 phosphorylation at Thr119, critical residue for binding with Bcl‐2, via a death‐associated protein kinase‐1 (DAPK1)‐dependent mechanism. Moreover, gAcrp reduced Bcl‐2 expression via Bcl‐2 mRNA destabilization, without significantly affecting Bcl‐2 promoter activity and protein degradation, which was mediated by tristetraprolin (TTP) induction. Finally, DAPK1 and TTP were shown to play key roles in gAcrp‐induced autophagosome formation and suppression of LPS‐stimulated TNF‐α and IL‐1β expression.

Conclusion and Implications

Beclin‐1 phosphorylation and Bcl‐2 mRNA destabilization mediated by DAPK1 and TTP are crucial events leading to autophagy and the suppression of inflammatory cytokine production by gAcrp. These results provide novel mechanisms underlying adiponectin's modulation of inflammatory responses. DAPK and TTP are potential therapeutic targets for the management of inflammation.
Increased sensitivity and high specificity of indirect immunofluorescence in detecting IgG subclasses for diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid
Authors: Jankásková J. , Horváth O. N. , Varga R. , Arenberger P. , Schmidt E. , Ruzicka T. , Sárdy M.
Published: January 2018

Background

Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) microscopy on monkey oesophagus is an important assay for the diagnosis of bullous pemphigoid (BP). Its relatively low sensitivity (60–80%) may be partly due to insufficient detection of minor IgG subclasses.

Aim

To determine the operating characteristics of an IgG subclass in IIF.

Methods

We designed a retrospective, dual-centre, controlled cohort study on sera from 64 BP sera that had been rated as false negatives by traditional IIF microscopy, and assessed circulating IgG1, IgG3 and IgG4 autoantibodies.

Results

The sensitivities of IIF in detecting IgG1, IgG3, IgG4 and all three in combination were 45.3%, 18.8%, 32.8% and 48.4%, respectively. Specificities were > 97%.

Conclusion

Detection of IgG subclass (especially IgG1 and IgG4) autoantibodies by IIF on monkey oesophagus can significantly improve diagnostic performance of IIF microscopy for diagnosis of BP.
Estimating the footprint of pollution on coral reefs with models of species turnover
Authors: Brown Christopher J. , Hamilton Richard J.
Published: January 2018

Ecological communities typically change along gradients of human impact, although it is difficult to estimate the footprint of impacts for diffuse threats such as pollution. We developed a joint model (i.e., one that includes multiple species and their interactions with each other and environmental covariates) of benthic habitats on lagoonal coral reefs and used it to infer change in benthic composition along a gradient of distance from logging operations. The model estimated both changes in abundances of benthic groups and their compositional turnover, a type of beta diversity. We used the model to predict the footprint of turbidity impacts from past and recent logging. Benthic communities far from logging were dominated by branching corals, whereas communities close to logging had higher cover of dead coral, massive corals, and soft sediment. Recent impacts were predicted to be small relative to the extensive impacts of past logging because recent logging has occurred far from lagoonal reefs. Our model can be used more generally to estimate the footprint of human impacts on ecosystems and evaluate the benefits of conservation actions for ecosystems.
Bayesian network meta‐analysis: Efficacy of air insufflation, CO2 insufflation, water exchange, and water immersion in colonoscopy
Authors: Zhang Zhen , Wu Yifeng , Sun Guangge , Zhang Jing , Li Jiaxin , Qiu Chongyang , Zheng Xin , Wang Botao , Yang Lei , Wang Ximo
Published: January 2018

Background and Aim

Colonoscopy is an excellent screening tool for colorectal cancer. There are four colonoscopy techniques: air insufflation, CO2 insufflation, water exchange, and water immersion. Some studies reported that the latter three methods are better than the criterion standard (air insufflation), whereas some studies did not. In order to evaluate the efficacy of the four colonoscopy techniques, a network meta‐analysis was carried out.

Methods

We searched randomized controlled trials (RCT) published up to September 2017 from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Web of Science. Studies referencing the comparison between at least two of air insufflation, CO2 insufflation, water exchange, and water immersion were selected. Primary outcomes included pain score during insertion, polyp detection rate, and adenoma detection rate, and secondary outcomes included cecal intubation time and cecal intubation rate. Mean differences or odds ratios and their corresponding 95% credible intervals were pooled with Bayesian modeling.

Results

Forty RCT with 13 734 patients were included in this network meta‐analysis. Our analysis showed that air insufflation had the highest pain score (surface under the cumulative ranking curve [SUCRA]: 98.8%) and the lowest detection rate of adenoma (SUCRA: 21.3%) and polyp (SUCRA: 16.8%). Water exchange had the lowest pain score (SUCRA: 1.1%) and highest detection rate of adenoma (SUCRA: 96.0%) and polyp (SUCRA: 98.9%), although it led to the longest cecal intubation time (SUCRA: 86.9%).

Conclusions

Air insufflation might be the most unsatisfactory colonoscopy. Meanwhile, water exchange might be the most efficient colonoscopy.
Moving knife tip on the thoracic aorta: High‐risk submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection procedure for a puzzling submucosal mass in the esophagus
Authors: Zhang Wengang , Chai Ningli , Linghu Enqiang
Published: January 2018

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Radiofrequency ablation combined with multiple biliary metal stent placement using short‐type single‐balloon endoscope in patients with surgically altered anatomy
Authors: Inoue Tadahisa , Ito Kiyoaki , Yoneda Masashi
Published: January 2018

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Calcium phosphate precipitation in experimental gaps between fluoride‐containing fast‐setting calcium silicate cement and dentin
Authors: Ranjkesh Bahram , Ding Ming , Dalstra Michel , Nyengaard Jens R. , Chevallier Jacques , Isidor Flemming , Løvschall Henrik
Published: January 2018

A novel fast‐setting calcium silicate cement containing fluoride (novel‐CSC) has been developed for applications in tooth crowns. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the novel‐CSC to close the experimental gaps at the dentin–cement interface. The novel‐CSC was tested against Vitrebond and GC Fuji II LC. Experimental gaps of 50 or 300 μm width were created between the materials and dentin. Specimens with the 300‐μm‐wide gap were immersed in phosphate‐buffered saline and the closed gap area was measured during 96 h. All specimens with 50 or 300 μm gap width were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy equipped with energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) to assess the morphology and chemical composition of the precipitates after 96 h immersion in phosphate‐buffered saline. High‐resolution micro‐computed tomography (μCT) was used to evaluate the integrity and continuity of the precipitiates after 96 h and 180 d. In all novel‐CSC samples, precipitates closed the gap area completely after 96 h. The SEM/EDX revealed that the globular precipitates closing the gap area were mainly composed of calcium and phosphorus. After 180 d, μCT indicated thicker precipitates compared with initial precipitates only in the novel‐CSC group, whereas no precipitates were observed in resin‐modified glass ionomers. Novel‐CSC promoted continuous precipitation of calcium phosphate, including apatite, and closed the experimental gaps.
An experimental investigation of the interaction effect of management training ground and reporting lines on internal auditors’ objectivity
Authors: Hoos Florian , Messier William F. , Smith Jason L. , Tandy Paulette R.
Published: January 2018

Seventy‐nine experienced internal auditors participated in an experiment investigating two factors that may affect internal auditors’ objectivity: (1) whether the internal audit function is used as a management training ground, and (2) whether the internal auditors’ reporting line is to management or the audit committee. Participants completed a case wherein management and the audit committee hold conflicting preferences regarding a major corporate investment opportunity. Participants evaluated relevant business risks and made an overall recommendation concerning the investment. The results include three important findings. First, we observe an interaction effect between management training ground and reporting line. When the internal audit function is not used as a management training ground, internal auditors’ risks assessments do not significantly differ by reporting line. However, when the internal audit function is used as a management training ground, internal auditors’ risk assessments align with management's preferences when auditors report to senior management versus the audit committee. Second, when the internal audit function is a management training ground, internal auditors provide more favorable investment recommendations (i.e., consistent with management's preferences). Third, internal auditors unexpectedly provided more favorable recommendations to the audit committee than to management.
Current work environments: What problems are being faced by Japanese urologists?
Authors: Nemoto Kaoru , Suzuki Yasutomo , Kondo Yukihiro
Published: January 2018

Computer technology has contributed to innovative progress in industrial infrastructures and has had a major influence on various work environments. Evaluations of work environments are routinely carried out in Western countries, but historically there has been resistance to such evaluations in Japan. In this mini‐review, we discuss the current work environments of urologists in Japan. The number of urologists has increased each year, and the population density of urologists was 5.4 (per 100 000 people) in 2014. The average age of urologists in Japan was 48.9 years, and the percentage of female urologists was just 5.3%. Additionally, the geographic distribution of urologists was uneven in Japan. From projections based on population dynamics, the need for more urologists in the near future will probably increase. Because medical environments vary depending on the country, it is necessary to understand current work environments in greater detail initially. Furthermore, we should determine original measures for the establishment of satisfactory urological work environments in Japan.
Responding to Irregular Migration: High Potential of Local Governments in Turkey
Authors: Genç H. Deniz
Published: January 2018

This study examines local governments' growing presence in irregular migration management, and discusses how autonomous local responses challenge centralist approaches to the management of this migration. By building on the relevant legal framework, secondary literature and interview notes, the study focuses its attention on irregular migration in Turkey, and uncovers the potential of two local government units – district municipalities and muhtarlıks – in the response to irregular migration. The study discusses the enablers and the main constraints on these local government units in responding to, and therefore involving themselves in, the management of the phenomenon. As discussed in the study, the main impediment appears to be the country's highly centralized state structure, while there also exist several enablers, such as Turkish Townsmen Law (Hemşehri Hukuku), the trust relationship with their inhabitants, and their experience of liminality in handling irregular matters and providing social aid to vulnerable, fragile and low‐income residents.
Loan supply and demand in Germany's three‐pillar banking system during the financial crisis
Authors: Schmidt Torsten , Zwick Lina
Published: January 2018

Internationally operating German banks had to depreciate huge amounts of assets during the financial crisis while the loan volume to the private sector declined simultaneously. In this paper, we empirically analyse, for the whole banking sector as well as for selected categories of banks, whether the reduction in loan volume was supply‐side‐driven. The results suggest that a credit crunch did not occur in Germany during the recent economic crisis. Apart from substantial policy interventions, our results offer two explanations: First, excess demand for loans dropped, as firms reverted to other external financing instruments, particularly industrial bonds. Second, those banks operating at the regional level only were not affected by the crisis. In this regard, the three‐pillar structure of the German banking system contributed to stable credit financing, as banks differ in their operating behaviours and in their customers.
Assessing evidence on the agronomic and environmental impacts of turfgrass irrigation management
Authors: Gómez‐Armayones C. , Kvalbein A. , Aamlid T. S. , Knox J. W.
Published: January 2018

In recent years, rising competition for water coupled with new environmental regulations has exerted pressure on water allocations for turfgrass irrigation. In this article, we reviewed published scientific and industry evidence on the agronomic and environmental impacts of turfgrass irrigation using a robust systematic review methodology. Our focus was on the links between (i) irrigation management (amount and frequency), (ii) agronomic responses to irrigation (turf quality, growth rates and rooting) and (iii) environmental impacts (nitrogen leaching). Based on an initial screening of 653 studies and data extracted from 83 papers, our results show that in most cases, under moderate levels of deficit irrigation (50%–60% of actual evapotranspiration), turf quality can be maintained at an acceptable level but with lower water consumption compared to irrigating back to field capacity. Irrigation beyond field capacity was found to increase the risk of nutrient leaching. However, evidence also showed that the concentration and total loss of in leachate were influenced more by nitrogen (N) rates, soil characteristics, turfgrass species and turfgrass growth rates than by irrigation practices. Our analyses suggest that turfgrass irrigation should be scheduled to apply water at moderate levels of deficit irrigation, sufficient to maintain turfgrass quality but limited to promote a deep and extensive rooting system. The findings provide new insights and valuable evidence for both scientists and practitioners involved in turfgrass research and management.
Interaction of slip‐ and flame‐spray coated carbon‐bonded alumina filters with steel melts
Authors: Gehre Patrick , Schmidt Anne , Dudczig Steffen , Hubálková Jana , Aneziris Christos G. , Child Nick , Delaney Ian , Rancoule Gilbert , DeBastiani Duane
Published: January 2018

Ceramic foam filters play an essential role in the quest for cleanliness of cast steel parts as they facilitate turbulence reduction during mold filling as well as removal of nonmetallic inclusions. A coating on these filters is able to increase their strength and filtration efficiency by improving the adhesion of inclusions to the filter strands. In this study, Al2O3‐C filters were coated with an alumina slip via slip and flame spraying. The phase composition and the microstructure of the coatings were investigated before and after immersion into molten steel contained in a metal casting simulator. After contact with molten steel, Al2O3‐C reference filter shows intense decarburization which often influence the quality of cast steel parts due to formation of gas bubbles. Slip‐sprayed alumina coatings on such a filter promote the deposition of inclusions due to formation of a vitreous alumina layer but will also cause gas bubble formation as they exhibit a high porosity. Flame‐spray coatings have low porosity and hence, prevent formation of gas bubbles. Furthermore, they showed the highest reactivity toward the steel melt and hence, are recommended for filtration of cast products with a high demand on cleanliness.
Increased free Zn2+ correlates induction of sarco(endo)plasmic reticulum stress via altered expression levels of Zn2+‐transporters in heart failure
Authors: Olgar Yusuf , Durak Aysegul , Tuncay Erkan , Bitirim Ceylan Verda , Ozcinar Evren , Inan Mustafa Bahadir , Tokcaer‐Keskin Zeynep , Akcali Kamil Can , Akar Ahmet Ruchan , Turan Belma
Published: January 2018

Zn2+‐homoeostasis including free Zn2+ ([Zn2+]i) is regulated through Zn2+‐transporters and their comprehensive understanding may be important due to their contributions to cardiac dysfunction. Herein, we aimed to examine a possible role of Zn2+‐transporters in the development of heart failure (HF) via induction of ER stress. We first showed localizations of ZIP8, ZIP14 and ZnT8 to both sarcolemma and S(E)R in ventricular cardiomyocytes (H9c2 cells) using confocal together with calculated Pearson's coefficients. The expressions of ZIP14 and ZnT8 were significantly increased with decreased ZIP8 level in HF. Moreover, [Zn2+]i was significantly high in doxorubicin‐treated H9c2 cells compared to their controls. We found elevated levels of ER stress markers, GRP78 and CHOP/Gadd153, confirming the existence of ER stress. Furthermore, we measured markedly increased total PKC and PKCα expression and PKCα‐phosphorylation in HF. A PKC inhibition induced significant decrease in expressions of these ER stress markers compared to controls. Interestingly, direct increase in [Zn2+]i using zinc‐ionophore induced significant increase in these markers. On the other hand, when we induced ER stress directly with tunicamycin, we could not observe any effect on expression levels of these Zn2+ transporters. Additionally, increased [Zn2+]i could induce marked activation of PKCα. Moreover, we observed marked decrease in [Zn2+]i under PKC inhibition in H9c2 cells. Overall, our present data suggest possible role of Zn2+ transporters on an intersection pathway with increased [Zn2+]i and PKCα activation and induction of HF, most probably via development of ER stress. Therefore, our present data provide novel information how a well‐controlled [Zn2+]i via Zn2+ transporters and PKCα can be important therapeutic approach in prevention/treatment of HF.
Soft tissue volume gain around dental implants using autogenous subepithelial connective tissue grafts harvested from the lateral palate or tuberosity area. A randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Rojo Ernest , Stroppa Giorgio , Sanz‐Martin Ignacio , Gonzalez‐Martín Oscar , Alemany Antonio Santos , Nart José
Published: January 2018

Aim

To compare the soft tissue volume gain (VG) around single tooth implants with subepithelial connective tissue graft (SCTG) from either the lateral palate (LP) or from the tuberosity area (TA).

Methods

Thirty‐two patients with 36 implants with buccal volume deficiencies were randomly assigned to receive SCTG from LP (control group/CG) or TA (test group/TG). Clinical parameters were recorded. VG was evaluated by stereolithography (STL) image superimposition of two intraoral scans (baseline/BL and 3 months after surgery/FU‐3). Descriptive analysis was performed for both groups, and for comparisons, Mann–Whitney U test was used.

Results

In terms of VG values, no statistically significant differences were observed except for values at 6 and 7 mm apically to the healing abutment which favoured the TG. Mean values were 0.69 ± 0.23 mm for CG while TG obtained 0.79 ± 0.10 mm (p = .64). Regarding Keratinized tissue (KT) width statistical significant differences were found favouring TG, which obtained a gain of 0.83 ± 0.61 mm compared with 0.22 ± 0.48 mm for CG (p = .009). Pink esthetic scores resulted in mean values of 10.07 ± 2.19 for the CG, while TG obtained 9.15 ± 2.34.

Conclusions

Both procedures were effective in increasing soft tissue volume with no statistically significant differences. A longer follow‐up is needed to confirm or refute these results.
Establishment and characterization of a brain‐cell line from kelp grouper Epinephelus moara
Authors: Liu X. F. , Wu Y. H. , Wei S. N. , Wang N. , Li Y. Z. , Zhang N. W. , Li P. F. , Qin Q. W. , Chen S. L.
Published: January 2018

A new brain‐cell line, EMB, was developed from kelp grouper Epinephelus moara, a cultured marine fish. The EMB cells were subcultured for more than 60 passages. The cells were cultured in Leibovitz's L‐15 medium (L15) supplemented with antibiotics, foetal bovine serum (FBS), 2‐mercaptoethanol (2‐ME) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF). The cells could grow at 18–30° C, with the maximum growth between 24 and 30° C. The optimum FBS concentration for the cells growth ranged between 15 and 20%. Chromosome analysis indicated that the modal chromosome number was 48 in the cells at passage 45. After being transfected with pEGFP‐N3 plasmid, the cells could successfully express green fluorescence protein (GFP), implying that this cell line can be used for transgenic studies. A significant cytopathic effect (CPE) was observed in the cells after infection with Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) or red spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) and the viral replication was confirmed by quantitative real‐time PCR (qrt‐PCR) assay, which suggested EMB's application potential for studies of SGIV and RGNNV.
The impact of broadband and other infrastructure on the location of new business establishments
Authors: McCoy Daire , Lyons Sean , Morgenroth Edgar , Palcic Donal , Allen Leonie
Published: January 2018

This paper analyzes the impact of broadband infrastructure, along with a range of other local characteristics such as motorways and other infrastructure, availability of human capital, and access to third‐level educational facilities, on the location of new business establishments. The sample period spans the introduction and recent history of broadband in Ireland. The results indicate that the availability of broadband infrastructure is a significant determinant, but its effects may be mediated by the presence of sufficiently high human capital in an area.
Deliberate Trust and Intuitive Faith: A Dual‐Process Model of Reliance
Authors: Stoltz Dustin S. , Lizardo Omar
Published: January 2018

Drawing on the dual process framework from social and cognitive psychology, this paper reconciles two distinct conceptualizations of trust prevalent in the literature: “rational” calculative and irrational “affective” or normative. After critically reviewing previous attempts at reconciliation between these distinctions, we argue that the notion of trust as “reliance” is the higher order category of which “deliberate trust” and “intuitive faith” are subtypes. Our revised approach problematizes the conflation of epistemic uncertainty with phenomenological uncertainty while providing sound footing for a key sociological insight: that reliance on the routine social order is both the cognitive default and based on substantial practical evidence. We develop two broad suggestions for future research from these implications: (1) sociological research should examine the role of intuitive faith—as opposed to deliberate trust—in late modern societies, and (2) analysts should challenge the role of deliberate trust as the “modal” form of reliance in contemporary research.
Fosfomycin residues in colostrum: Impact on morpho‐physiology and microbiology of suckling piglets
Authors: Fernández Paggi M. B. , Martínez G. , Diéguez S. N. , Pérez Gaudio D. S. , Decundo J. M. , Riccio M. B. , Amanto F. A. , Tapia M. O. , Soraci A. L.
Published: January 2018

Fosfomycin is a broad‐spectrum bactericidal antibiotic widely used in pig farms for the treatment of a wide variety of bacterial infections. In this study, the elimination of disodium fosfomycin in colostrum/milk of the sow and the impact of this antibiotic on the microbiota and intestinal morpho‐physiology of suckling piglets were analyzed. The average amount of fosfomycin eliminated in colostrum (after administration of 15 mg/kg IM) during the first 10 hr postpartum was 0.85 μg/ml, and the mean residual amount ingested by the piglets was 0.26 mg/kg. The elimination profile of fosfomycin concentrations in colostrum occurs at a time of profound changes in the morpho‐physiology of the gastrointestinal tract of the piglet. However, the studied concentrations did not produce imbalances on the microbiota or on the morpho‐physiology of the gastrointestinal tract of the piglet. Concentrations of fosfomycin were maintained in the mammary gland above the MIC for more than 8 hr for pathogenic bacteria of productive importance. This would indicate that fosfomycin may be considered safe for the specific treatment of bacterial infectious processes in sows during the peri‐ and postpartum period. This first study with disodium fosfomycin stimulates awareness in the proper use of antimicrobials at farrowing.
Genetic Improvement and Breeding Practices for Chinese Mitten Crab, Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Wang Jun , Xu Pao , Zhou Gang , Li Xiaodong , Lu Quanping , Liu Xu , Zhou Jun , Wang Chenghui
Published: January 2018

Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis, is an important freshwater cultured crab in China with an annual production of approximately 800,000 m.t. and a value of 5 billion US dollars in 2014. The germplasm admixture and degeneration of E. sinensis are the most critical factors that restrict its aquaculture industry. Thus, genetic improvement programs of E. sinensis were initiated in 2000. The Ministry of Agriculture of China approved five selected varieties of E. sinensis, which are currently cultured throughout China and cover nearly 10% of the total yield of E. sinensis. The aquaculture status, genetic improvement practices, and achievement in E. sinensis aquaculture in China during the past 15 yr are summarized in this review.
Shock history of the fossil ungrouped achondrite Österplana 065: Raman spectroscopy and TEM of relict chrome‐spinel grains
Authors: Rout Surya S. , Heck Philipp R. , Schmitz Birger
Published: January 2018

Chrome‐spinel grains from the fossil ungrouped achondrite Österplana 065 (Öst 065) recovered from Middle Ordovician limestone in Sweden were studied using Raman spectroscopy and TEM. All the studied chrome‐spinel grains have a high density of planar fractures and planar features, not seen in chromites from the other L chondritic Ordovician fossil meteorites. Raman spectra of the host chrome‐spinel grain and its planar features are similar and no signatures of high‐pressure phases of chromite were found. The planar features occur along planar fractures, are enriched in ZnO, and are most probably produced due to enhanced leaching during terrestrial weathering in the marine sediment. Dislocation densities within two FIB sections prepared from two chrome‐spinel grains from Öst 065 are similar to the dislocation densities found within chromite grains from the matrix of Tenham L6 chondrite. Using this observation and taking into account the presence of significant fracturing in all the grains, we conclude that the Öst 065 chrome‐spinel grains were subjected to moderate to very strong shock corresponding to shock stages of S4–S6. This makes Öst 065 fossil achondrite the highest shocked fossil meteorite studied so far. This is consistent with the hypothesis that Öst 065 is a piece of the impactor that led to the L chondrite parent body breakup.
Cryptic species as a window into the paradigm shift of the species concept
Authors: Fišer Cene , Robinson Christopher T. , Malard Florian
Published: January 2018

The species concept is the cornerstone of biodiversity science, and any paradigm shift in the delimitation of species affects many research fields. Many biologists now are embracing a new “species” paradigm as separately evolving populations using different delimitation criteria. Individual criteria can emerge during different periods of speciation; some may never evolve. As such, a paradigm shift in the species concept relates to this inherent heterogeneity in the speciation process and species category—which is fundamentally overlooked in biodiversity research. Cryptic species fall within this paradigm shift: they are continuously being reported from diverse animal phyla but are poorly considered in current tests of ecological and evolutionary theory. The aim of this review is to integrate cryptic species in biodiversity science. In the first section, we address that the absence of morphological diversification is an evolutionary phenomenon, a “process” counterpart to the long‐studied mechanisms of morphological diversification. In the next section regarding taxonomy, we show that molecular delimitation of cryptic species is heavily biased towards distance‐based methods. We also stress the importance of formally naming of cryptic species for better integration into research fields that use species as units of analysis. Finally, we show that incorporating cryptic species leads to novel insights regarding biodiversity patterns and processes, including large‐scale biodiversity assessments, geographic variation in species distribution and species coexistence. It is time for incorporating multicriteria species approaches aiming to understand speciation across space and taxa, thus allowing integration into biodiversity conservation while accommodating for species uncertainty.
Stallion semen quality depends on major histocompatibility complex matching to teaser mare
Authors: Jeannerat E. , Marti E. , Berney C. , Janett F. , Bollwein H. , Sieme H. , Burger D. , Wedekind C.
Published: January 2018

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has repeatedly been found to influence mate choice of vertebrates, with MHC‐dissimilar mates typically being preferred over MHC‐similar mates. We used horses (Equus caballus) to test whether MHC matching also affects male investment into ejaculates after short exposure to a female. Semen characteristics varied much among stallions. Controlling for this variance with a full‐factorial within‐subject experimental design, we found that a short exposure to an MHC‐dissimilar mare enhanced male plasma testosterone and led to ejaculates with elevated sperm numbers as compared to exposure to an MHC‐similar mare. Sperm velocity seemed not affected by the treatment. Overall genetic similarity between stallions and mares (determined from polymorphic microsatellites on 20 different chromosomes) played no significant role here. The MHC type of the teaser mare also affected characteristics of cold‐stored sperm after 24 and 48 hr. As expected from ejaculate economics, sperm viability was elevated after exposure to an MHC‐dissimilar mare. However, oxidative stress and the percentage of sperm with a high DNA fragmentation were mostly increased after exposure to an MHC‐dissimilar mare, depending also on whether the teaser mare was in oestrous or not. We conclude that males can quickly adjust ejaculate quality relative to a female's MHC, and that this male reaction to the social environment can also affect important characteristics of cold‐stored semen.