bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
International firms in Africa’s food retail business-emerging issues and research agenda
Authors: Nandonde Felix Adamu , Kuada John
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to describe the state of the retail sector in Sub-Saharan Africa, to point out the lack of information on some critical issues and to raise some questions about relevant topics for researchers and practitioners in the retail area for the African market.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper is comprised of a comprehensive review of the literature and integrates the fragmented body of knowledge on the area of retail internationalisation and food marketing. The gaps in the literature identified here may help to understand the sector better and develop academic research agendas on both the growth of the modern food retail sector and the agribusiness sector in Africa.

Findings

– Four major topics were identified in the urban agri-food retail business in the African continent: large global retailers in Africa’s food sector; the internationalisation of African food retailers; the procurement practices of international retailers; and, the food-buying behaviour of Africa’s middle class.

Originality/value

– This research paper relied heavily on grey literature such as newspapers and unpublished masters’ dissertations and PhD theses. With this material as a context, this paper provides guidance as to how scholars can advance the study of retail internationalisation in Africa, not only through further empirical and conceptual research but also by developing usable prescriptions for agribusiness value-chain actors on the continent.
Impact of core product quality on sport fans’ emotions and behavioral intentions
Authors: Foroughi Behzad , Nikbin Davoud , Hyun Sunghyup Sean , Iranmanesh Mohamad
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationships among the core product quality (team characteristics and player performance), emotion (anxiety, anger, dejection, happiness, and excitement), and the fans behavioral intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were gathered on the team characteristics and player performance, emotions of anxiety, anger, dejection, happiness, and excitement using a survey from subjects comprised of 233 spectators attending Iranian Premier League soccer matches.

Findings

– The results showed that both the core product quality dimensions of the team characteristics and player performance are related significantly to the negative emotion of anxiety and both positive emotions of excitement and happiness. Moreover, the positive emotions of excitement and happiness were positively related to the fan attendance, while the negative emotions of anxiety and dejection were negatively and significantly related to the fans behavioral intentions. The practical implications of the findings are discussed briefly.

Originality/value

– The paper provides useful information for sports marketing executives, suggesting that they strive for unique organizational advantages and employ them in their marketing messages when their teams are unsuccessful. Such a strategy can allow organizations to maximize the positive emotions of spectators in the face of poor core product quality.
An Insight into the Economics that Underpin the Dynamic Allocation of Road Space Using Traffic Signals in New South Wales
Authors: Chong‐White Christian
Published: April 2016

This paper provides insight into the economics that underpin the dynamic, real‐time allocation of scarce road space using traffic control in New South Wales (NSW). We explain the history and status of the underlying system, SCATS, that was first created and is continually developed in NSW, and which has also been adopted across the other Australian states, and internationally. Using the results of traffic microsimulation modelling and analysis we provide evidence of the social benefit delivered to NSW by traffic control operation. This paper's contribution is the novel presentation of these facts and perspectives to the Australian economic community.
Data reliability in citizen science: learning curve and the effects of training method, volunteer background and experience on identification accuracy of insects visiting ivy flowers
Authors: Ratnieks Francis L. W. , Schrell Felix , Sheppard Rebecca C. , Brown Emmeline , Bristow Oliver E. , Garbuzov Mihail
Published: April 2016

Citizen science, the involvement of volunteers in collecting of scientific data, can be a useful research tool. However, data collected by volunteers are often of lower quality than those collected by professional scientists.

We studied the accuracy with which the volunteers identified insects visiting ivy (Hedera) flowers in Sussex, England. In the first experiment, we examined the effects of training method, volunteer background and prior experience. Fifty‐three participants were trained for the same duration using one of three different methods (pamphlet, pamphlet + slide show or pamphlet + direct training). Almost immediately following training, we tested the ability of the participants to identify live insects on ivy flowers to one of 10 taxonomic categories and recorded whether their identifications were correct or incorrect, without providing feedback.

The results showed that the type of training method had a significant effect on identification accuracy (P = 0·008). Participants identified 79·1% of insects correctly after using a one‐page colour pamphlet, 85·6% correctly after using the pamphlet and viewing a slide show and 94·3% correctly after using the pamphlet in combination with direct training in the field.

As direct training cannot be delivered remotely, in the following year we conducted a second experiment, in which a different sample of 26 volunteers received the pamphlet plus slide show training repeatedly three times. Moreover, in this experiment, participants received c. 2 min of additional training material, either videos of insects or stills taken from the videos. Testing showed that identification accuracy increased from 88·6% to 91·3% to 97·5% across the three successive tests. We also found a borderline significant interaction between the type of additional material and the test number (P = 0·053), such that the video gave fewer errors than stills in the first two tests only.

The most common errors made by volunteers were misidentifications of honeybees and social wasps with their hover fly mimics. We also tested six experts who achieved nearly perfect accuracy (99·8%), which shows what is possible in practice.

Overall, our study shows that two or three sessions of remote training can be as good as one of direct training, even for relatively challenging taxonomic discriminations that include distinguishing models and mimics.
Review of Recent Research on Improving Earnings Forecasts and Evaluating Accounting‐based Estimates of the Expected Rate of Return on Equity Capital
Authors: Easton Peter D. , Monahan Steven J.
Published: April 2016

We extend Easton's (2007) review of the literature on accounting‐based estimates of the expected rate of return on equity capital, which we refer to as the ERR. We begin by reiterating the reasons why accounting‐based estimates are used. Next, we briefly review the recent literature that focuses on improving forecasts of expected earnings by either (i) removing predictable errors from analysts’ forecasts of earnings or (ii) developing cross‐sectional regression‐based estimates of earnings using prior‐period financial data. In the remainder of our review we discuss a recent debate on methods for evaluating estimates of the ERR. We highlight the key points in the debate so that the reader will find it easier to form an independent view of the relative merits of the proposed methods.
Asymmetric Persistence and the Market Pricing of Accruals and Cash Flows
Authors: Konstantinidi Theodosia , Kraft Arthur , Pope Peter F.
Published: April 2016

We investigate whether stock prices reflect the asymmetric persistence of accruals and cash flows resulting from conditional conservatism. Using the Mishkin () test (MT), we provide further evidence on the earnings fixation explanation for the accrual anomaly. We also apply panel estimation techniques that significantly affect market efficiency inferences. Our results suggest that over our sample period (i) investors seem to partially anticipate asymmetric persistence in accruals and cash flows, (ii) the accrual anomaly originates in the mispricing of accruals in years of economic gains, even though the differential persistence between accruals and cash flows is greatest in years of economic losses, (iii) investors respond differently to accrual and cash flow surprises and, therefore, they do not naively fixate on earnings surprises, and (iv) after clustering standard errors in the MT by firm and year dimensions, there is no longer evidence of cash flow mispricing, while the statistical significance of accrual mispricing falls. All our findings contradict the earnings fixation explanation for the accrual anomaly. Our study has implications for understanding the accrual anomaly in relation to accrual dynamics, as well as for researchers interested in using the MT framework to test the rationality of investor expectations more generally.
History and development of an isolated outbreak ofAsian longhorn beetleAnoplophora glabripennis(Coleoptera:Cerambycidae) in southernEngland
Authors: Straw Nigel A. , Fielding Nick J. , Tilbury Christine , Williams David T. , Cull Thomas
Published: April 2016

Asian longhorn beetleAnoplophora glabripennisis a major international quarantine pest that is capable of killing a wide range of broadleaved trees. In 2012, an outbreak ofA. glabripenniswas discovered atPaddockWood in southernEngland, which prompted an eradication programme and research to determine when the population had established, as well as how quickly it was spreading.

Tree ring analysis of infested stems and branches showed that the firstA. glabripennisadult emerged in 2003 and that the beetle had been present for approximately 10 years before it was discovered. However, the population had increased relatively slowly and, even though it could be shown that some beetles travelled 96–203 m to lay eggs in new trees, the population as a whole had not spread further than 234 m.

Survival rates of larvae were similar to rates observed in otherA. glabripennispopulations, although failure at the egg‐laying stage and adult mortality at or before emergence were higher than recorded elsewhere.

A combination of factors appears to have allowedA. glabripennisto establish atPaddockWood: the presence of a highly susceptible host (sycamore), multiple introductions of adult beetles over several years, and a run of warmer than average summers at the time of the initial colonization.
Prospective evaluation of the utility of routine neuromonitoring for an established thyroid surgical practice
Authors: Lee Jane , Fraser Sheila , Glover Anthony , Sidhu Stan
Published: April 2016

Background

The use of routine intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) is controversial in thyroid surgery. Guidelines have been published to standardize IONM. This study examines the impact of routine IONM on a high‐volume thyroid surgeon.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted using IONM between May 2013 and December 2014. Demographics, type of operation, pathology, recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) and external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) visualization and sub‐type classification, cricothyroid or cricopharyngeal twitch/electrode depolarization were obtained, and complications were recorded. Outcomes were compared with 500 thyroidectomies performed by the same surgeon without neuromonitoring.

Results

Two hundred and ninety‐nine total thyroidectomies and 191 hemithyroidectomies were performed with IONM resulting in 789 RLN and 789 EBSLN at risk of injury. Demographics, indication, pathology and complications were similar between the two groups. IONM provided additional information for 58 RLN dissections (7.4%) stratifying surgical decision‐making. Loss of signal was detected in 1.8% of nerves at risk. IONM assisted in identification of 109 (13.8%, P < 0.0001) EBSLN, including a 15.8% improvement in identifying type 2b EBSLN. Utility of IONM was not predicted by surgery indication; however, multinodular goitre was a significant predictor of IONM assisted identification of type 2b EBSLN (OR = 2.24, P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Routine IONM provides intraoperative information to a high‐volume thyroid surgeon regarding the recurrent and external nerves over and above direct visualization alone, and its utility could not be predicted by operative indication.
Incidence, clinical presentation and mortality of liver cirrhosis in Southern Sweden: a 10‐year population‐based study
Authors: Nilsson E. , Anderson H. , Sargenti K. , Lindgren S. , Prytz H.
Published: April 2016

Background

In Sweden, the most common causes of liver cirrhosis are alcohol overconsumption and hepatitis C. However, recent data on the clinical characteristics of Swedish patients with cirrhosis are scarce.

Aims

To determine the incidence, clinical presentation, aetiological spectrum and survival rates of liver cirrhosis in Southern Sweden from 2001 to 2011.

Methods

We used population‐based medical registries to conduct a cohort study of all patients with liver cirrhosis in the southernmost region of Sweden with a population of 1.17 million. Medical records and histopathology data were reviewed. Patients were classified according to aetiology, and clinical parameters were registered. Patients were followed until death or December 2014.

Results

A total of 1317 patients with cirrhosis were identified. The crude annual incidence of cirrhosis was estimated at 14.1/100 000. The most common aetiology was alcohol overconsumption with or without additional causes of cirrhosis (58%) followed by HCV alone (13%) and cryptogenic cirrhosis (12%). At diagnosis, ascites occurred in 43%, variceal bleeding in 6% and overt encephalopathy in 4%. The median follow‐up was 4.3 years. The total 1‐, 5‐ and 10‐year survival rates were 79%, 47% and 27% respectively. Survival rates were better for women than for men. A 10‐year cumulative incidence of transplantation was 7.3%. Mortality was worst for alcoholic cirrhosis with concomitant HCV when adjusted for age and gender.

Conclusions

Sweden continues to have a low incidence of cirrhosis compared with other European countries. Mortality varies with gender, aetiology and severity at diagnosis. Patients with alcoholic cirrhosis with concomitant HCV infection fare worst.
Cultural Diversity Climate and Psychological Adjustment at School—Equality and Inclusion Versus Cultural Pluralism
Authors: Schachner Maja K. , Noack Peter , Van de Vijver Fons J. R. , Eckstein Katharina
Published: April 2016

The present study is concerned with cultural diversity climate at school and how it relates to acculturation orientations and psychological school adjustment of early adolescent immigrants. Specifically, the distinct role of two types of diversity policy is investigated, namely (a) fostering equality and inclusion and (b) acknowledging cultural pluralism. Longitudinal multilevel analyses based on 386 early adolescent immigrant students (Mage = 10.49 years) in 44 ethnically heterogeneous classrooms in Germany revealed that the manifestations of both types of policies promote psychological school adjustment (i.e., better well‐being and fewer psychological and behavioral problems) at the individual level. However, they differ in their effects on acculturation orientations. At the classroom level, equality and inclusion promote assimilation. Implications for research and educational practice are discussed.
A historical biogeography of megadiverse Sericini—another story “out of Africa”?
Authors: Eberle Jonas , Fabrizi Silvia , Lago Paul , Ahrens Dirk
Published: April 2016

Megadiverse insect groups present special difficulties for biogeographers because poor classification, incomplete knowledge of taxonomy, and many undescribed species can introduce a priori sampling bias to any analysis. The historical biogeography of Sericini, a tribe of melolonthine scarabs comprising about 4000 species, was investigated using the most comprehensive and time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny available today. Problems arising through nomenclatural confusion were overcome by extensive sampling (665 species) from all major lineages of the tribe. A West Gondwanan origin of Sericini (c. 112 Ma) was reconstructed using maximum parsimony, maximum‐likelihood and model‐based ancestral area estimation. Vicariance in the tribe's earliest history separated Neotropical and Old World Sericini, whereas subsequent lower Cretaceous biogeography of the tribe was characterized by repeated migrations out of Africa, resulting in the colonization of Eurasia and Madagascar. North America was colonized from Asia during the Cenozoic and a lineage of “Modern Sericini” reinvaded Africa. Diversification dynamics revealed three independent shifts to increased speciation rates: in African ant‐adapted Trochalus, Oriental Tetraserica, and Asian and African Sericina. Southern Africa is proposed as both cradle and refuge of Sericini. This area has retained many old lineages that portray the evolution of the African Sericini fauna as a series of taxon pulses.
Postoperative antimicrobials after lung transplantation and the development of multidrug‐resistant bacterial and Clostridium difficile infections: an analysis of 500 non‐cystic fibrosis lung transplant patients
Authors: Whiddon Alexandra R. , Dawson Kyle L. , Fuentes Amaris , Perez Katherine K. , Peterson Leif E. , Kaleekal Thomas
Published: April 2016

Background

Broad‐spectrum antimicrobials are given prophylactically post‐transplant, although these agents are a risk factor for multidrug‐resistant (MDR) infections and Clostridium difficile infection (CDI). This study aimed to determine whether an association exists between the duration of antimicrobials given early post‐transplant and the development of MDR infections or CDI.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective analysis was performed on lung transplants from September 2009 to August 2014. Patients were excluded for cystic fibrosis (CF) or postoperative survival less than 30 d. Qualifying infections were defined as any new positive MDR bacterial culture or C. difficile assay from postoperative day 7–90 d after a broad‐spectrum antimicrobial.

Results

A total of 500 patients, 61% male, were identified, median age of 62 yr. MDR infections occurred in 169 (34%) and CDI in 31 (6%). Non‐ICU days were associated with a decreased risk of MDR/CDI (OR 0.891, p = 0.0002), and duration of Gram‐positive antimicrobials (OR 1.073, p = 0.0219) was associated with an increased risk.

Conclusions

One‐third (34%) of non‐CF lung transplants develop MDR infections and 6% develop CDI within 90 d of postoperative antimicrobials. The duration of Gram‐positive antimicrobials may increase the risk of MDR/CDI, while early transfer from the ICU may have a protective effect.
Cellular recruitment in myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion injury
Authors: Bonaventura Aldo , Montecucco Fabrizio , Dallegri Franco
Published: April 2016

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is strictly linked to atherosclerosis. Beyond the mechanical narrowing of coronary vessels lumen, during MI a great burden of inflammation is carried out. One of the crucial events is represented by the ischaemia/reperfusion injury, a complex event involving inflammatory cells (such as neutrophils, platelets, monocytes/macrophages, lymphocytes and mast cells) and key activating signals (such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors). Cardiac repair following myocardial infarction is dependent on a finely regulated response involving a sequential recruitment and the clearance of different subsets of inflammatory cells.

Materials and methods

This narrative review was based on the works detected on PubMed and MEDLINE up to November 2015.

Results

Infarct healing classically follows three overlapping phases: the inflammatory phase, in which the innate immune pathways are activated and inflammatory leucocytes are recruited in order to clear the wound from dead cells; the proliferative phase, characterized by the suppression of pro‐inflammatory signalling and infiltration of ‘repairing’ cells secreting matrix proteins in the injured area; and the maturation phase, which is associated with the quiescence and the elimination of the reparative cells together with cross‐linking of the matrix. All these phases are timely regulated by the production of soluble mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines and growth factors.

Conclusion

Targeting inflammatory cell recruitment early during reperfusion and healing might be promising to selectively inhibit injury and favour repair. This approach might substantially improve adverse postischaemic left ventricle remodelling, characterized by dilation, hypertrophy of viable segments and progressive dysfunction.
EFFECTIVE EUROPEAN ANTITRUST: DOES EC MERGER POLICY GENERATE DETERRENCE?
Authors: Clougherty Joseph A. , Duso Tomaso , Lee Miyu , Seldeslachts Jo
Published: April 2016

We estimate the deterrence effects of European Commission (EC) merger policy instruments over the 1990–2009 period. Our empirical results suggest phase‐1 remedies uniquely generate robust deterrence as—unlike phase‐1 withdrawals, phase‐2 remedies, and preventions—phase‐1 remedies lead to fewer merger notifications in subsequent years. Furthermore, the deterrence effects of phase‐1 remedies work best in high‐concentration industries, that is, industries where the Herfindahl Hirschman Index is above the 0.2 cut‐off level employed by the EC. Additionally, we find phase‐1 remedies do not deter clearly pro‐competitive mergers, but do deter potentially anti‐competitive mergers in high‐concentration industries. (JEL K21, K40, L40)
Hanging in the treetops: an in situ experiment in ancient hemlock assessing outbreak defoliator performance among crown levels
Authors: HERVIEUX MEGGY , MAGUIRE DOROTHY Y. , JOHNS ROB C. , BAUCE ÉRIC , BUDDLE CHRIS M. , QUIRING DAN T.
Published: April 2016

1. Past studies have shown that both egg lay and larval feeding of a generalist defoliator, pale‐winged gray (Iridopsis ephyraria Walker) (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), are concentrated in the mid‐lower crown of eastern hemlock [Tsuga canadensis (L.) Carr.].

2. Using tree‐climbing techniques, we carried out in situ bioassays in large hemlock trees (∼25 m) to determine whether the observed foraging preferences are adaptive and how they reflect associated intra‐tree variations in microhabitat quality associated with temperature and foliage nutritional quality.

3. In 1 of 2 years, larval survival was significantly higher in the shaded lower versus sunlit upper crown; however, in both years, groups that fed in the sunlit upper crown branches had larger male and female moths and more female‐biased sex ratios.

4. Differences in pale‐winged gray performance among crown levels were somewhat supported by trends in foliage nutritional chemistry but not well‐correlated with variation in temperature.

5. The present study is one of only a few to carry out bioassays on large mature trees and results reinforce the idea that foraging patterns of herbivores are likely to reflect trade‐offs among several factors that vary between sunlit and shaded branches within forest canopies.
Structural reverse genetics study of the PI5P4Kβ–nucleotide complexes reveals the presence of the GTP bioenergetic system in mammalian cells
Authors: Takeuchi Koh , Senda Miki , Lo Yu‐Hua , Kofuji Satoshi , Ikeda Yoshiki , Sasaki Atsuo T. , Senda Toshiya
Published: April 2016

Reverse genetic analysis can connect a gene and its protein counterpart to a biological function(s) by knockout or knockdown of the specific gene. However, when a protein has multiple biochemical activities, the conventional genetics strategy is incapable of distinguishing which biochemical activity of the protein is critical for the particular biological function(s). Here, we propose a structural reverse genetics strategy to overcome this problem. In a structural reverse genetics study, multiple biochemical activities of a protein are segregated by mapping those activities to a structural element(s) in the atomic resolution tertiary structure. Based on the structural mapping, a mutant lacking one biochemical activity of interest can be produced with the other activities kept intact. Expression of the mutant by knockin or ectopic expression in the knockout strain along with the following analysis can connect the single biochemical activity of interest to a biological function. Using the structural reverse genetics strategy, we have dissected the newly identified GTP‐dependent activity of a lipid kinase PI5P4Kβ from its ATP‐dependent activity. The GTP‐insensitive mutant has demonstrated the existence of the GTP bioenergetic sensor system in mammalian cells and its critical role in tumorigenesis. As structural reverse genetics can identify in vivo significance of individual biochemical activity, it is a powerful approach to reveal hidden biological functions, which could be a novel pharmacological target for therapeutic intervention. Given the recent expansion of choices in structural biological methods and advances in genome editing technologies, the time is ripe for structural reverse genetics strategies.
Rapamycin inhibits epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition of peritoneal mesothelium cells through regulation of Rho GTPases
Authors: Xiang Shilong , Li Meng , Xie Xishao , Xie Zhoutao , Zhou Qin , Tian Yuanshi , Lin Weiqiang , Zhang Xiaohui , Jiang Hong , Shou Zhangfei , Chen Jianghua
Published: April 2016

Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs) is a key process of peritoneal fibrosis. Rapamycin has been previously shown to inhibit EMT of PMCs and prevent peritoneal fibrosis. In this study, we investigated the undefined molecular mechanisms by which rapamycin inhibits EMT of PMCs. To define the protective effect of rapamycin, we initially used a rat PD model which was daily infused with 20 mL of 4.25% high glucose (HG) dialysis solution for 6 weeks to induce fibrosis. The HG rats showed decreased ultrafiltration volume and obvious fibroproliferative response, with markedly increased peritoneal thickness and higher expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and transforming growth factor‐β1. Rapamycin significantly ameliorated those pathological changes. Next, we treated rat PMCs with HG to induce EMT and/or rapamycin for indicated time. Rapamycin significantly inhibited HG‐induced EMT, which manifests as increased expression of α‐SMA, fibronectin, and collagen I, decreased expression of E‐cadherin, and increased mobility. HG increased the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, and mTOR. Importantly, rapamycin inhibits the RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 activated by HG. Moreover, rapamycin repaired the pattern of F‐actin distribution induced by HG, reducing the formation of stress fiber, focal adhesion, lamellipodia, and filopodia. Thus, rapamycin shows an obvious protective effect on HG‐induced EMT, by inhibiting the activation of Rho GTPases (RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42).
Evaluation of effective stress along the border of lateral notches
Authors: Maggiolini E. , Tovo R. , Livieri P.
Published: April 2016

This paper analyses the issue of defect nucleation due to fatigue loading in notched components where cracks occur in the proximity of the zone where the major stress gradient occurs. On the basis of recent experimental results where the defects do not nucleate at the notch tip, the effective stress evaluated by means of the implicit gradient approach, can explain the reasons for this apparent discrepancy.

Furthermore, in order to find a kind of notch that underlines the nucleation outside the maximum stress zone, rectangular lateral notches have been investigated. Rectangular notches could provide an interesting theoretical and experimental benchmark or reference case in order to validate effective stress definitions. The linear elastic stress field at edges, corners and in the surrounding material of rectangular, sharp or rounded lateral notches has been analysed by means of the implicit gradient approach. The consequent effective values of these notches are evaluated in relation to brittle fractures or their predicted fatigue strength values.
Cheatgrass is favored by warming but not CO2 enrichment in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Blumenthal Dana M. , Kray Julie A. , Ortmans William , Ziska Lewis H. , Pendall Elise
Published: April 2016

Elevated CO2 and warming may alter terrestrial ecosystems by promoting invasive plants with strong community and ecosystem impacts. Invasive plant responses to elevated CO2 and warming are difficult to predict, however, because of the many mechanisms involved, including modification of phenology, physiology, and cycling of nitrogen and water. Understanding the relative and interactive importance of these processes requires multifactor experiments under realistic field conditions. Here, we test how free‐air CO2 enrichment (to 600 ppmv) and infrared warming (+1.5 °C day/3 °C night) influence a functionally and phenologically distinct invasive plant in semi‐arid mixed‐grass prairie. Bromus tectorum (cheatgrass), a fast‐growing Eurasian winter annual grass, increases fire frequency and reduces biological diversity across millions of hectares in western North America. Across 2 years, we found that warming more than tripled B. tectorum biomass and seed production, due to a combination of increased recruitment and increased growth. These results were observed with and without competition from native species, under wet and dry conditions (corresponding with tenfold differences in B. tectorum biomass), and despite the fact that warming reduced soil water. In contrast, elevated CO2 had little effect on B. tectorum invasion or soil water, while reducing soil and plant nitrogen (N). We conclude that (1) warming may expand B. tectorum's phenological niche, allowing it to more successfully colonize the extensive, invasion‐resistant northern mixed‐grass prairie, and (2) in ecosystems where elevated CO2 decreases N availability, CO2 may have limited effects on B. tectorum and other nitrophilic invasive species.
Predictors of in‐hospital mortality in octogenarian patients who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention after ST segment elevated myocardial infarction
Authors: Ipek Gokturk , Kurmus Ozge , Koseoglu Cemal , Onuk Tolga , Gungor Baris , Kirbas Ozgur , Karatas Mehmet B , Keskin Muhammed , Betul Borklu Edibe , Hayiroglu Mert Ilker , Tanik Ozan , Oz Ahmet , Bolca Osman
Published: April 2016

Aim

Octogenarian patients have higher mortality and morbidity rates after acute coronary syndromes. Risk factors for in‐hospital mortality in the primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) era were underrepresented in previous studies. In the present study, we aimed to assess the risk factors of in‐hospital mortality after primary PCI in this population.

Methods

We analyzed 2353 patients who underwent primary PCI after ST segment elevated myocardial infarction (STEMI). Patients were divided into two groups according to aged: ≥80 years (octogenarian) and <80 years (control). Risk factors for in‐hospital mortality were analyzed in the whole group and octogenarian patients.

Results

We found that octogenarians have 10.6‐fold higher mortality risk after STEMI. After a univariate and multivariate analysis, acute stent thrombosis was the most explicit risk factor for in‐hospital mortality in the octogenarian group (OR 21.13, 95% CI 2.11–102.76,P < 0.001). Additionally, anterior myocardial infarction (OR 4.90, 95% CI 1.90–22.10,P = 0.04), ventricular arrhythmias (OR 15.64, 95% CI 2.81–87.12,P = 0.002), multivessel disease (OR 6.5, 95% CI 1.11–38.85,P = 0.04), ejection fraction <30% (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.26–6.00,P = 0.04) and KILLIP score ≥2 (OR 1.20, 95% CI 0.20– 7.41,P = 0.01) were also significantly associated with mortality.

Conclusions

Acute stent thrombosis, anterior MI, heart failure, low ejection fraction, ventricular arrhythmias and multivessel disease are the independent risk factors for in‐hospital mortality among octogenarian patients after primary PCI.Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 584–590.
Postnatal knockdown of dok‐7 gene expression in mice causes structural defects in neuromuscular synapses and myasthenic pathology
Authors: Eguchi Takahiro , Tezuka Tohru , Miyoshi Sadanori , Yamanashi Yuji
Published: April 2016

The neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is a synapse between a motor neuron and skeletal muscle and is required for muscle contraction. The formation and maintenance of NMJs are governed by the muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase MuSK. We previously showed that the muscle cytoplasmic protein Dok‐7 is an essential activator of MuSK. Indeed, mice lacking either Dok‐7 or MuSK form no NMJs, and defects in the human DOK7 gene underlie a congenital myasthenic syndrome (an NMJ disorder). However, it remains unproven whether Dok‐7 is required for the postnatal maintenance of NMJs. In this study, we generated recombinant adeno‐associated virus (AAV) vectors encoding short hairpin RNAs targeting the mouse dok‐7 gene (AAV‐shD7). Systemic administration of AAV‐shD7 into 2‐week‐old mice down‐regulated dok‐7 expression in muscle and induced myasthenic symptoms including reduction in body weight and motor function. Moreover, AAV‐shD7 treatment suppressed MuSK‐dependent gene expression of NMJ components and reduced the size of NMJs. These results demonstrate that correct, physiological levels of dok‐7 expression are required for the postnatal maintenance of NMJs.
Molecular comparison of Slc11a1 and Slc11a2 genes of swamp‐ and riverine‐type water buffaloes
Authors: Padiernos R. B. C. , Mingala C. N.
Published: April 2016

Solute‐linked carrier 11a and 11a2 (Slc) have been associated with disease resistance and/or susceptibility across animal species. These genes have an important mechanism in the regulation against intracellular infection. This study analysed the genetic characteristic of Slc 11a and 11a2 in swamp‐type and riverine‐type water buffaloes to understand their immunological distinction. Characterization of Slc11a1 and Slc11a2 genes from swamp‐ and riverine‐type water buffaloes was carried out by molecular cloning, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The cloned cDNA of Slc11a1 and Slc11a2 contained an open reading frame of 1647 and 1723 nucleotides, encoding 549 and 574 amino acids, respectively. Nucleotide sequence homology of both Slc11a1 and Slc11a2 had 99% in swamp and riverine type, which gives almost identical polypeptide. However, Slc11a1 and Slc11a2 have substitutions of 5 and 1 amino acid residues, correspondingly. These substitutions suggest as a potential gene markers for resistance and/or susceptibility to intracellular infection. Furthermore, phylogenetic analysis confirmed the degree of relationship between the bubaline species and justifies the distinctness of each breed by the bootstrap value generated.
The long‐term effectiveness of a selective, personality‐targeted prevention program in reducing alcohol use and related harms: a cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Newton Nicola C. , Conrod Patricia J. , Slade Tim , Carragher Natacha , Champion Katrina E. , Barrett Emma L. , Kelly Erin V. , Nair Natasha K. , Stapinski Lexine , Teesson Maree
Published: April 2016

Background

This study investigated the long‐term effectiveness of Preventure, a selective personality‐targeted prevention program, in reducing the uptake of alcohol, harmful use of alcohol, and alcohol‐related harms over a 3‐year period.

Methods

A cluster randomized controlled trial was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Preventure. Schools were block randomized to one of two groups: the Preventure group (n = 7 schools) and the Control group (n = 7 schools). Only students screening as high‐risk on one of four personality profiles (anxiety sensitivity, negative thinking, impulsivity, and sensation seeking) were included in the analysis. All students were assessed at five time points over a 3‐year period: baseline; immediately after the intervention; and 12, 24, and 36 months after baseline. Students were assessed on frequency of drinking, binge drinking, and alcohol‐related harms. Two‐part latent growth models were used to analyze intervention effects, which included all students with data available at each time point. This trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12612000026820; www.anzctr.org.au).

Results

A total of 438 high‐risk adolescents (mean age, 13.4 years; SD = 0.47) from 14 Australian schools were recruited to the study and completed baseline assessments. Relative to high‐risk Control students, high‐risk Preventure students displayed significantly reduced growth in their likelihood to consume alcohol [b = −0.225 (0.061); p < .001], to binge drink [b = −0.305 (.096); p = 0.001], and to experience alcohol‐related harms [b = −0.255 (0.096); p = .008] over 36 months.

Conclusions

Findings from this study support the use of selective personality‐targeted preventive interventions in reducing the uptake of alcohol, alcohol misuse, and related harms over the long term. This trial is the first to demonstrate the effects of a selective alcohol prevention program over a 3‐year period and the first to demonstrate the effects of a selective preventive intervention in Australia.
Na+‐Activated K+ Channels in Rat Supraoptic Neurones
Authors: Bansal V. , Fisher T. E.
Published: April 2016

The magnocellular neurosecretory cells (MNCs) of the hypothalamus secrete the neurohormones vasopressin and oxytocin. The systemic release of these hormones depends on the rate and pattern of MNC firing and it is therefore important to identify the ion channels that contribute to the electrical behaviour of MNCs. In the present study, we report evidence for the presence of Na+‐activated K+ (KNa) channels in rat MNCs. KNa channels mediate outwardly rectifying K+ currents activated by the increases in intracellular Na+ that occur during electrical activity. Although the molecular identity of native KNa channels is unclear, their biophysical properties are consistent with those of expressed Slick (slo 2.1) and Slack (slo 2.2) proteins. Using immunocytochemistry and Western blot experiments, we found that both Slick and Slack proteins are expressed in rat MNCs. Using whole cell voltage clamp techniques on acutely isolated rat MNCs, we found that inhibiting Na+ influx by the addition of the Na+ channel blocker tetrodotoxin or the replacement of Na+ in the external solution with Li+ caused a significant decrease in sustained outward currents. Furthermore, the evoked outward current density was significantly higher in rat MNCs using patch pipettes containing 60 mm Na+ than it was when patch pipettes containing 0 mm Na+ were used. Our data show that functional KNa channels are expressed in rat MNCs. These channels could contribute to the activity‐dependent afterhyperpolarisations that have been identified in the MNCs and thereby play a role in the regulation of their electrical behaviour.
Safety and patient subjective efficacy of using galvanopuncture for the treatment of striae distensae
Authors: Bitencourt Shanna , Lunardelli Adroaldo , Amaral Robson Henrich , Dias Henrique Bregolin , Boschi Emerson Soldateli , de Oliveira Jarbas Rodrigues
Published: April 2016

Background

Striae distensae are linear atrophic dermal scars with associated epidermal atrophy. This recurrent skin disorder causes a significant cosmetic and psychologic concern and remains a therapeutic challenge, especially when they are mature and hypopigmented (striae alba).

Aims

In this prospective single‐center study, we evaluated the efficacy, safety, and patient's satisfaction of galvanopuncture for the treatment of striae alba.

Patients/Methods

Thirty‐two female subjects with striae alba present on the buttocks were treated with galvanopuncture once a week over a period of 10 weeks. Photographs and a percentage category scale were used to assess striae improvement and patient's satisfaction. Biochemical analyses were performed to assess possible systemic inflammatory effects or oxidative stress induction by the treatment.

Results

All patients achieved a substantial increase in clinical improvement in their striae within 10 treatment sessions. Galvanopuncture did not induce any inflammatory effect; however, it reduced oxidative injury.

Conclusion

The use of galvanopuncture for the treatment of striae alba demonstrated a significant improvement in the lesions with visible results. This study supports the high degree of patient's satisfaction and demonstrate the safe and effective use of galvanopuncture in the treatment of striae alba on several skin types.
Exodus from Sovereign Risk: Global Asset and Information Networks in the Pricing of Corporate Credit Risk
Authors: LEE JONGSUB , NARANJO ANDY , SIRMANS STACE
Published: April 2016

Using five‐year credit default swap (CDS) spreads on 2,364 companies in 54 countries from 2004 to 2011, we find that firms exposed to stronger property rights through their foreign asset positions (institutional channel) and firms cross‐listed on exchanges with stricter disclosure requirements (informational channel) reduce their CDS spreads by 40 bps for a one‐standard‐deviation increase in their exposure to the two channels. These channels capture effects beyond those associated with firm‐ and country‐level fundamentals. Overall, we find that firm‐level global asset and information connections are important mechanisms to delink firms from their sovereign and country risks.
Educational Gradients in Parents' Child‐Care Time Across Countries, 1965–2012
Authors: Dotti Sani Giulia M. , Treas Judith
Published: April 2016

Parental time with children leads to posive child outcomes. Some studies have reported a posive educational gradient: More educated parents devote more time to children than other parents. Furthermore, some research finds that parental child care increased over time. Less certain is whether more educated parents increased their time more than less educated ones did, whether parenting trends for mothers and fathers are the same, and whether observed patterns characterize all Western countries or only some. Hypotheses inspired by theories of social diffusion, class differentiation, and ideologies of child rearing are tested with time‐use data for 11 Western countries between 1965 and 2012. For both mothers and fathers, results indicated a widespread educational gradient and an increase in child‐care time. In a number of countries, the posive educational gradient increased; nowhere was it dished. Thus, the advantages of intensive parenting continued to accrue to the well‐educated elite.
Melatonin reduces endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy in liver of leptin‐deficient mice
Authors: de Luxán‐Delgado Beatriz , Potes Yaiza , Rubio‐González Adrian , Caballero Beatriz , Solano Juan José , Fernández‐Fernández María , Bermúdez Manuel , Rodrigues Moreira Guimarães Marcela , Vega‐Naredo Ignacio , Boga José Antonio , Coto‐Montes Ana
Published: April 2016

The sedentary lifestyle of modern society along with the high intake of energetic food has made obesity a current worldwide health problem. Despite great efforts to study the obesity and its related diseases, the mechanisms underlying the development of these diseases are not well understood. Therefore, identifying novel strategies to slow the progression of these diseases is urgently needed. Experimental observations indicate that melatonin has an important role in energy metabolism and cell signalling; thus, the use of this molecule may counteract the pathologies of obesity. In this study, wild‐type and obese (ob/ob) mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of melatonin at a dose of 500 μg/kg body weight for 4 weeks, and the livers of these mice were used to evaluate the oxidative stress status, proteolytic (autophagy and proteasome) activity, unfolded protein response, inflammation and insulin signalling. Our results show, for the first time, that melatonin could significantly reduce endoplasmic reticulum stress in leptin‐deficient obese animals and ameliorate several symptoms that characterize this disease. Our study supports the potential of melatonin as a therapeutic treatment for the most common type of obesity and its liver‐associated disorders.
Epidemiology of gingivitis in schoolchildren in Bucharest, Romania: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Funieru C. , Klinger A. , Băicuș C. , Funieru E. , Dumitriu H. T. , Dumitriu A.
Published: April 2016

Background and Objective

Gingivitis is the most prevalent oral disease in children, being strongly associated to social gradients. Many studies have reported different results concerning the extent and intra‐oral distribution of gingivitis in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the epidemiologic parameters and socio‐related risk factors of gingivitis in the 10–17‐year‐old Bucharest schoolchildren population and to analyze its intra‐oral distribution.

Material and Methods

Cross‐sectional data were obtained from 1595 schoolchildren, social condition being assigned using a simple questionnaire. Classes of students were used as clusters in a single‐stage cluster sampling method. An intra‐oral exam was performed for all the children included in this study. Silness and Löe scores, prevalence and the extent of gingivitis were calculated.

Results

The gingival scores showed a mild inflammation and the prevalence of gingivitis was 91%. Boys had a higher gingival (0.19 vs. 0.18; p < 0.05) and plaque scores (0.71 vs. 0.59; p < 0.01) than girls. Children who did not live in overcrowded households, whose parents had a better education and those who had direct access to school dental services displayed better gingival conditions (p < 0.05). Gingivitis was more severe on the upper teeth, with the maximum score being reached at the right upper lateral incisor (0.63 on distal surface).

Conclusions

Gingival condition in Bucharest schoolchildren population was associated to social gradients. School dental services are also another factor that seems to be related with gingivitis.
Sterilization of Hulecoeteomyia japonica japonica (= Aedes japonicus japonicus) (Theobald, 1901) by high‐energy photon irradiation: implications for a sterile insect technique approach in Europe
Authors: BALESTRINO F. , MATHIS A. , LANG S. , VERONESI E.
Published: April 2016

Hulecoeteomyia japonica japonica (= Aedes japonicus japonicus) (Diptera: Culicidae) (Theobald 1901), a container‐breeding invasive species in North America and Europe, is attracting particular attention for its high local abundances and possible roles in the transmission of human and animal pathogens. The preferential habitats of this species are forested and bushy areas, which renders control measures extremely inefficient. Use of the sterile insect technique (SIT) may contribute to the implementation of area‐wide integrated pest management strategies, as has been successfully proven with other aedine mosquito species. The present study investigates the effects of irradiation at a dose of 40 Gy on fitness parameters in H. j. japonica. Irradiation was performed on 16–24‐h‐old pupae from a colonized strain (PA) using a TrueBeam linear accelerator. Males from the PA strain were crossed with females of the same colony or with field‐collected females. Irradiation induced a slight increase in mortality in male pupae, but did not alter the survival and mating abilities of emerging adult males. Rates of blood feeding and fertility were lower when PA strain males were kept with field‐collected females rather than PA females. Irradiated males induced reductions in fertility (residual fertility: 2.6%) and fecundity in mated females. The data indicate that the SIT is a suitable technique to enhance the control of this species.