bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ancient dates or accelerated rates? Morphological clocks and the antiquity of placental mammals
Authors: Beck Robin M. D. , Lee Michael S. Y.
Published: August 2014

Analyses of a comprehensive morphological character matrix of mammals using ‘relaxed’ clock models (which simultaneously estimate topology, divergence dates and evolutionary rates), either alone or in combination with an 8.5 kb nuclear sequence dataset, retrieve implausibly ancient, Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous estimates for the initial diversification of Placentalia (crown-group Eutheria). These dates are much older than all recent molecular and palaeontological estimates. They are recovered using two very different clock models, and regardless of whether the tree topology is freely estimated or constrained using scaffolds to match the current consensus placental phylogeny. This raises the possibility that divergence dates have been overestimated in previous analyses that have applied such clock models to morphological and total evidence datasets. Enforcing additional age constraints on selected internal divergences results in only a slight reduction of the age of Placentalia. Constraining Placentalia to less than 93.8 Ma, congruent with recent molecular estimates, does not require major changes in morphological or molecular evolutionary rates. Even constraining Placentalia to less than 66 Ma to match the ‘explosive’ palaeontological model results in only a 10- to 20-fold increase in maximum evolutionary rate for morphology, and fivefold for molecules. The large discrepancies between clock- and fossil-based estimates for divergence dates might therefore be attributable to relatively small changes in evolutionary rates through time, although other explanations (such as overly simplistic models of morphological evolution) need to be investigated. Conversely, dates inferred using relaxed clock models (especially with discrete morphological data and MrBayes) should be treated cautiously, as relatively minor deviations in rate patterns can generate large effects on estimated divergence dates.
Why climate change will invariably alter selection pressures on phenology
Authors: Gienapp Phillip , Reed Thomas E. , Visser Marcel E.
Published: August 2014

The seasonal timing of lifecycle events is closely linked to individual fitness and hence, maladaptation in phenological traits may impact population dynamics. However, few studies have analysed whether and why climate change will alter selection pressures and hence possibly induce maladaptation in phenology. To fill this gap, we here use a theoretical modelling approach. In our models, the phenologies of consumer and resource are (potentially) environmentally sensitive and depend on two different but correlated environmental variables. Fitness of the consumer depends on the phenological match with the resource. Because we explicitly model the dependence of the phenologies on environmental variables, we can test how differential (heterogeneous) versus equal (homogeneous) rates of change in the environmental variables affect selection on consumer phenology. As expected, under heterogeneous change, phenotypic plasticity is insufficient and thus selection on consumer phenology arises. However, even homogeneous change leads to directional selection on consumer phenology. This is because the consumer reaction norm has historically evolved to be flatter than the resource reaction norm, owing to time lags and imperfect cue reliability. Climate change will therefore lead to increased selection on consumer phenology across a broad range of situations.
Temperature-dependent resetting of the molecular circadian oscillator inDrosophila
Authors: Goda Tadahiro , Sharp Brandi , Wijnen Herman
Published: August 2014

Circadian clocks responsible for daily time keeping in a wide range of organisms synchronize to daily temperature cycles via pathways that remain poorly understood. To address this problem from the perspective of the molecular oscillator, we monitored temperature-dependent resetting of four of its core components in the fruitflyDrosophila melanogaster: the transcripts and proteins for the clock genesperiod(per) andtimeless(tim). The molecular circadian cycle in adult heads exhibited parallel responses to temperature-mediated resetting at the levels ofpertranscript,timtranscript and TIM protein. Early phase adjustment specific topertranscript rhythms was explained by clock-independent temperature-driven transcription ofper. The cold-induced expression ofDrosophila percontrasts with the previously reported heat-induced regulation of mammalianPeriod 2. An altered and more readily re-entrainable temperature-synchronized circadian oscillator that featured temperature-drivenpertranscript rhythms and phase-shifted TIM and PER protein rhythms was found for flies of the ‘Tim 4’ genotype, which lacked dailytimtranscript oscillations but maintained post-transcriptional temperature entrainment oftimexpression. The accelerated molecular and behavioural temperature entrainment observed for Tim 4 flies indicates that clock-controlledtimexpression constrains the rate of temperature cycle-mediated circadian resetting.
Fossil evidence for key innovations in the evolution of insect diversity
Authors: Nicholson David B. , Ross Andrew J. , Mayhew Peter J.
Published: August 2014

Explaining the taxonomic richness of the insects, comprising over half of all described species, is a major challenge in evolutionary biology. Previously, several evolutionary novelties (key innovations) have been posited to contribute to that richness, including the insectbauplan, wings, wing folding and complete metamorphosis, but evidence over their relative importance and modes of action is sparse and equivocal. Here, a new dataset on the first and last occurrences of fossil hexapod (insects and close relatives) families is used to show that basal families of winged insects (Palaeoptera, e.g. dragonflies) show higher origination and extinction rates in the fossil record than basal wingless groups (Apterygota, e.g. silverfish). Origination and extinction rates were maintained at levels similar to Palaeoptera in the more derived Polyneoptera (e.g. cockroaches) and Paraneoptera (e.g. true bugs), but extinction rates subsequently reduced in the very rich group of insects with complete metamorphosis (Holometabola, e.g. beetles). Holometabola show evidence of a recent slow-down in their high net diversification rate, whereas other winged taxa continue to diversify at constant but low rates. These data suggest that wings and complete metamorphosis have had the most effect on family-level insect macroevolution, and point to specific mechanisms by which they have influenced insect diversity through time.
Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in latently infected lungs by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy
Authors: Subbian Selvakumar , Eugenin Eliseo , Kaplan Gilla
Published: August 2014

Detection of latentMycobacterium tuberculosisis a challenge in the diagnosis of asymptomatic, subclinical tuberculosis. We report the development of an immunofluorescence technique to visualize and enumerateM. tuberculosisin latently infected rabbit lungs where no acid-fast–stained organisms were seen and no cultivable bacilli were obtained by the agar-plating method.
A comparative analysis of the implications of the Islamic religion on corporate capital structures of firms in emerging market countries
Authors: Gunn Theresa , Shackman Joshua
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of the Muslim religion on firm capital structure.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors compare financing patterns in Muslim versus non-Muslim countries using 658 firms in 16 countries covering a period of seven years.

Findings

– No significant differences between Muslim and non-Muslim countries were found in terms of total debt ratios. However, significant differences were found in the choice of short-term versus long-term debt, with firms in Muslim countries showing a strong preference for short-term debt.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings confirm existing theories on the impact of the Islamic religion on short-term versus long-term debt preferences. However, the findings concerning the lack of an impact of the Islamic religion on total debt preferences are surprising and contrary to existing theories.

Practical implications

– Firms in Muslim countries appear to have the flexibility to adopt overall leverage ratios comparable to those in non-Muslim countries. However, firms in Muslim countries may be disadvantaged in that there appear to be impediments to the use of long-term debt.

Originality/value

– This paper presents one of the first empirical studies of the impact of the Muslim religion on corporate financing choices across a large cross-section of firms in Muslim and non-Muslim countries.
Debating the State in Private Housing Neighborhoods: The Governance of Homeowners' Associations in Urban Shanghai
Authors: Zhou Mujun
Published: August 2014

This article examines the transformation of state power in urban China by investigating how the state governs a newly emerging type of neighborhood organization connected with housing privatization, the homeowners' association (HA). Based on a series of extensive field research visits in Shanghai from 2006 to 2012, it analyzes the contradictory rationales behind HA policies in Shanghai, and elaborates the debates between state actors and non‐state actors on the boundary of state intervention. It finds that the state in Shanghai has engaged multiple goals in its governance of the HAs: regularizing the real estate market, promoting self‐organization at the neighborhood level, and channeling homeowners' participation in urban politics. The neoliberal rationality of governing through subjects' autonomy and a tradition of the socialist discourse on party leadership co‐exist in the state's toolkit for governance. But the state's capacity to coordinate these different governing techniques varies across fields. I highlight the dilemma a non‐liberal state confronts in cultivating self‐organizing and self‐responsible individuals. This contrasts with some of the studies on ‘China's neoliberal state’, which argue that the bureaucratic system has been resilient in coping with the contradictions and imbalances inherent in neoliberalism.
Influence of fat replacers on the chemical, textural and sensory properties of low‐fat Beyaz pickled cheese produced from ewe's milk
Authors: Akin Musa Serdar , Kirmaci Zuhal
Published: August 2014

In this study, low‐fat Beyaz pickled cheeses were produced from ewe's milk using a protein‐based fat replacer (1.0% w/w Simplesse®), a carbohydrate‐based fat replacer (0.5% w/w Maltrin®) and a blend of both (0.5% w/w Simplesse® + 0.25% w/w Maltrin®). The chemical, textural and sensory properties of cheeses were examined during storage for 60 days. The use of fat replacers affected chemical (except pH and acidity), textural and sensory properties of the cheeses. The cheeses produced with Simplesse®(Sample B) were similar to full‐fat cheese and had the highest sensory scores.
A Potent Antibrowning Agent from Pine Needles of Cedrus deodara: 2R,3R‐Dihydromyricetin
Authors: Liang Xue , Wu Yan‐Ping , Qiu Jing‐Hong , Zhong Kai , Gao Hong
Published: August 2014

This article focuses on finding the novel antibrowning agents from the pine needles of Cedrus deodara and studying its antibrowning effect. By bioassay guide of tyrosinase inhibitory activity, the main active compound was isolated and purified from 50% methanol extract of pine needles of C. deodara through macroporous resin Diaion HP‐20 column chromatography and high‐performance liquid chromatography. Based on mass and nuclear magnetic resonance data, the active compound was identified as 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin, which showed the potent monophenolase and diphenolase inhibitory activities. Moreover, 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin exhibited a strong ABTS radical scavenging activity with a dose‐dependent manner. The antibrowning efficacy of 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin was evaluated by monitoring the changes of L*, a*, and b* values and total color difference (△E) on fresh‐cut apple slices. It was found that 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin was effective in inhibiting the browning of apple slices treated with a concentration as low as 0.05% at 25 °C for 24 h. Its antibrowning effect was significantly better than ascorbic acid (0.5%) alone. Furthermore, 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin showed a good synergistic antibrowning effect with ascorbic acid. This is the first report that 2R,3R‐dihydromyricetin from pine needles of C. deodara may be used as a potential antibrowning agent in protecting against food browning.
Current gout treatment and flare in South Korea: Prophylactic duration associated with fewer gout flares
Authors: Choi Hyo Jin , Lee Chan Hee , Lee Joo Hyun , Yoon Bo Young , Kim Hyoun Ah , Suh Chang Hee , Choi Sang Tae , Song Jung Soo , Joo Ho Yeon , Choi Sung Jae , Lee Ji Soo , Shin Kee Chul , Baek Han Joo
Published: August 2014

Aim

To evaluate treatment patterns and clinical factors affecting gout flare in South Korea.

Methods

We retrospectively examined data from 401 patients seen at nine rheumatology multicenter clinics, under urate lowering therapy (ULT) more than 6 months after stopping prophylactic medication. Demographic data, clinical and laboratory features were collected at the initiation of ULT, upon stopping prophylaxis, and 6 months after.

Results

The mean age was 52.2 years and mean disease duration was 25.0 months. The male‐to‐female count was 387 : 14. The most common ULT starting agent was allopurinol 83.8%. Colchicine (62.3%) was the most commonly prescribed prophylactic agent. During ULT, 134 of the 401 patients (33.4%) experienced at least one gouty attack in the period from stopping prophylaxis to 6 months later. The duration of prophylaxis was different between those with serum uric acid levels below 6 mg/dL and those over 6 mg/dL (P = 0.001). Of the 179 patients (44.6%) who attained target serum uric acid (SUA) levels (6 mg/dL) at the end of prophylaxis, those taking < 6 months of prophylaxis suffered more frequent flares than those taking it ≥ 6 months (42.9% vs. 26.3%, P = 0.041). The time interval to the first attack after stopping prophylaxis was shorter in the < 6 months group than the ≥ 6 months group (13.5 weeks vs. 22.5 weeks, P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Prophylaxis more than 6 months from initiation of ULT, and achieving target SUA (< 6 mg/dL) at the time of stopping prophylaxis is associated with fewer gout flares during ULT.
Bubble technique for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty tissue preparation in an eye bank: air or liquid?
Authors: Ruzza Alessandro , Parekh Mohit , Salvalaio Gianni , Ferrari Stefano , Camposampiero Davide , Amoureux Marie‐Claude , Busin Massimo , Ponzin Diego
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To compare the big‐bubble method using air and liquid as medium of separation for Descemet membrane endothelial keratoplasty (DMEK) lenticule preparation in an eye bank.

Methods

Donor corneas (n = 20) were immersed in liquid [tissue culture medium (TCM)]. Air and liquid was injected using a 25‐gauge needle in the posterior stroma or as near to the stroma‐Descemet membrane (DM) phase as possible to create a complete bubble of larger diameter. The endothelial cell density and mortality were checked pre‐ and postbubble after deflating the tissue. Four pairs of tissues were used to analyse the intracellular tight junctions and three pairs for histological examination and DNA integrity studies, respectively.

Results

The yield obtained using air was 80%, whereas that with liquid was 100%. Single injection was required in six cases; twice in two cases; three and four times in one case each with air bubble, whereas seven cases required single injection; twice in two cases; and thrice in just one case with liquid bubble. The average diameter of the final lenticule was 9.12 (± 1.71) mm for air bubble and 9.78 (± 1.75) mm for liquid bubble with p = 0.4362 (no statistical significance). Endothelial cell mortality postbubble preparation was 8.9 (± 12.38) % for air and 6.25 (± 9.57) % for liquid (p = 0.6268).

Conclusions

DM and endothelium could be separated exclusively using air or liquid bubble. However, liquid bubble seems to have certain advantages over air such as the generation of yield, larger diameter and higher maintenance of endothelial cell density and integrity.
Predictive factors for postoperative visual acuity in idiopathic epiretinal membrane: a systematic review
Authors: Scheerlinck Laura M. E. , van der Valk Rikkert , van Leeuwen Redmer
Published: August 2014

The aim of this study was to review the literature on predictive factors for postoperative visual acuity (VA) in surgery for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM). A systematic review of the literature in the databases of PubMed and Embase was performed. The risk of bias was assessed based on predefined criteria and the results were summarized. In total, 1927 studies were retrieved of which 35 were potentially eligible. Nineteen studies were of adequate quality in terms of bias. Preoperative VA, central foveal thickness (CFT) and inner segment/outer segment (IS/OS) integrity on optical coherence tomography (OCT) were most extensively studied. Other preoperative factors studied were severity of metamorphopsia, several OCT parameters, fundus autofluorescence and multifocal electroretinogram. In the current literature, preoperative VA is the only variable consistently associated with postoperative VA. IS/OS integrity on OCT is probably associated, and the severity of metamorphopsia, cone outer segment tips integrity and fundus autofluorescence are possibly associated with postoperative VA. CFT is not associated with postoperative VA. Further studies with adequate methodological quality are needed to confirm these findings. Therefore, an overall prediction model, including different parameters, is still awaited.
Skin colonisation at the catheter exit site is strongly associated with catheter colonisation and catheter‐related sepsis
Authors: Ponnusamy Vennila , Perperoglou Aris , Venkatesh Vidheya , Curley Anna , Brown Nicholas , Tremlett Catherine , Clarke Paul
Published: August 2014

Aim

The commonest mode of catheter colonisation is via the extraluminal route with skin bacteria. Catheter‐related sepsis causes significant mortality and morbidity in neonates. Our aim was to study the relationships between culture‐positive catheter exit site skin swabs, percutaneous central venous catheter segments and blood to determine the magnitude of associations between exit site skin colonisation, catheter colonisation and catheter‐related sepsis.

Methods

In a prospective study, an exit site skin swab and three formerly in vivo catheter segments (proximal, middle and tip) were taken for culture at catheter removal. In those neonates who were clinically unwell at catheter removal, a peripheral blood culture was also collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to study associations.

Results

Skin swabs were culture positive in 39 (21%) of 187 catheter removals. With a culture‐positive skin swab, the risk of associated catheter colonisation was nearly eight times higher (OR: 7.84, 95% CI: 3.59–17.15) and the risk of definite catheter‐related sepsis with the same organism was nearly 10 times higher (OR 9.86, 95% CI: 3.13–31.00).

Conclusion

Culture‐positive skin swabs from the catheter exit site were strongly associated with catheter colonisation and with definite catheter‐related sepsis with the same organism. These data provide further evidence supporting catheter colonisation via the extraluminal route and highlight the importance of optimising skin disinfection before catheter insertion.
Randomised comparison of intravenous magnesium sulphate, terbutaline and aminophylline for children with acute severe asthma
Authors: Singhi Sunit , Grover Sudhanshu , Bansal Arun , Chopra Kapil
Published: August 2014

Aim

This study compared the efficacy of intravenous magnesium sulphate, terbutaline and aminophylline for children with acute, severe asthma poorly responsive to standard initial treatment.

Methods

We enrolled 100 children, aged one to 12 years, who had failed to respond to initial standard treatment for acute, severe asthma, in this randomised controlled trial. They received either intravenous magnesium sulphate, terbutaline or aminophylline. Responses were monitored using a modified Clinical Asthma Severity (CAS) score. The primary outcome was treatment success, defined as a reduction in the CAS of four points or more 1 h after starting the intervention.

Results

The magnesium sulphate group had higher treatment success (33/34, 97%) than the terbutaline and aminophylline groups (both 23/33, 70%) (p = 0.006) and faster resolution of retractions, wheeze and dyspnoea (p < 0.001). No adverse events occurred among patients receiving magnesium sulphate, but two patients receiving terbutaline had hypokalemia and nine patients receiving aminophylline had nausea and, or, vomiting.

Conclusion

Adding a single dose of Intravenous magnesium sulphate to inhaled beta2‐agonists and corticosteroids was more effective, and safer, than using terbutaline or aminophylline when treating a child with acute severe asthma poorly responsive to initial treatment.
Stable prevalence of obesity in Swedish schoolchildren from 2008 to 2013 but widening socio‐economic gap in girls
Authors: Moraeus Lotta , Lissner Lauren , Sjöberg Agneta
Published: August 2014

Aim

The aim of this study was to follow the 5‐year prevalence of overweight, obesity and thinness in 7‐ to 9‐year‐old children in West Sweden and to investigate whether trends differed according to gender and socio‐economic status.

Methods

Cross‐sectional anthropometric measurements of three cohorts in grades one and two were performed in 3492 7‐ to 9‐year‐old children in 2008, 2010 and 2013. For body mass index classification, the IOTF/Cole and WHO 2007 references were used. Percentage of inhabitants with high education in the school area was used for socio‐economic classification.

Results

Between 2008, 2010 and 2013, the overall time‐trends in overweight 17.7%, 19.3% and 18.8%, obesity 3.2%, 3.3% and 3.1%, and thinness 6.5%, 4.7% and 6.9%, respectively, were fairly stable using the IOTF/Cole references. Thinness defined by the Cole reference increased in girls. The socio‐economic gradient for overweight and obesity was clear by both references, but using the IOTF reference, the gap increased for obesity among girls (p = 0.024). No significant trends were observed with the WHO reference.

Conclusion

The overall prevalence of overweight and obesity was stable over 5 years, but we detected growing inequality in obesity and increasing prevalence of thinness in girls. With these regionally representative data, we can draw conclusions about West Sweden, despite an absence of continued national surveillance.
Between students' instrumental goals and how they learn: Goal content is the gap to mind
Authors: Fryer Luke K. , Ginns Paul , Walker Richard
Published: August 2014

Background

Experimental/correlational studies have consistently demonstrated that the contents of an individual's goals play an important role within future motivations, learning processes, and outcomes.

Aims

The aim of the study was to extend past findings by employing a three‐point, cross‐lagged latent simultaneous structural model in the examination of the role of intrinsic/extrinsic goals' effects on key proximal motivations, learning variables, and achievement in the context of a Japanese university.

Sample

This study consisted of first‐year students within seven departments, attending one university (n = 584).

Methods

Employing three data points, separated by 8 and 7 months, this study tests the effects of students' instrumental goals on future motivations, approaches to learning and learning outcomes. Three goals were the focus of this study: Distal internally regulated, distal externally regulated, and proximal externally regulated. Internally regulated goals were hypothesized to be broadly adaptive, while externally regulated goals were hypothesized to be maladaptive.

Results

Findings reflected the broad importance of internal regulation for goals. Internally regulated goals positively predicted mastery goals and negatively predicted task valuation and effort belief deficits 8 months later. While not predicting achievement directly, internally regulated goals were the strongest predictor of future deep approaches to learning despite the lag of 15 months. Proximal externally regulated goals had no significant cross‐lagged effects, and distal externally regulated goals had a negative predictive effect on future deep approaches to learning.

Conclusions

This study extends intrinsic/extrinsic goal research both within education broadly and in the context of Japan. Furthermore, instrumental goals were found to play important roles supporting students in overcoming future motivation deficits and the pursuit of deep approaches to learning.
Fluoxetine elevates allopregnanolone in female rat brain but inhibits a steroid microsomal dehydrogenase rather than activating an aldo‐keto reductase
Authors: Fry J P , Li K Y , Devall A J , Cockcroft S , Honour J W , Lovick T A
Published: August 2014

Background and Purpose

Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, elevates brain concentrations of the neuroactive progesterone metabolite allopregnanolone, an effect suggested to underlie its use in the treatment of premenstrual dysphoria. One report showed fluoxetine to activate the aldo‐keto reductase (AKR) component of 3α‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α‐HSD), which catalyses production of allopregnanolone from 5α‐dihydroprogesterone. However, this action was not observed by others. The present study sought to clarify the site of action for fluoxetine in elevating brain allopregnanolone.

Experimental Approach

Adult male rats and female rats in dioestrus were treated with fluoxetine and their brains assayed for allopregnanolone and its precursors, progesterone and 5α‐dihydroprogesterone. Subcellular fractions of rat brain were also used to investigate the actions of fluoxetine on 3α‐HSD activity in both the reductive direction, producing allopregnanolone from 5α‐dihydroprogesterone, and the reverse oxidative direction. Fluoxetine was also tested on these recombinant enzyme activities expressed in HEK cells.

Key Results

Short‐term treatment with fluoxetine increased brain allopregnanolone concentrations in female, but not male, rats. Enzyme assays on native rat brain fractions and on activities expressed in HEK cells showed fluoxetine did not affect the AKR producing allopregnanolone from 5α‐dihydroprogesterone but did inhibit the microsomal dehydrogenase oxidizing allopregnanolone to 5α‐dihydroprogesterone.

Conclusions and Implications

Fluoxetine elevated allopregnanolone in female rat brain by inhibiting its oxidation to 5α‐dihydroprogesterone by a microsomal dehydrogenase. This is a novel site of action for fluoxetine, with implications for the development of new agents and/or dosing regimens to raise brain allopregnanolone.
Neogene tectonostratigraphic history of the southern Neuquén basin (39°–40°30′S, Argentina): implications for foreland basin evolution
Authors: Huyghe Damien , Bonnel Cédric , Nivière Bertrand , Fasentieux Bertrand , Hervouët Yves
Published: August 2014

Although the Neuquén basin in Argentina forms a key transitional domain between the south‐central Andes and the Patagonian Andes, its Cenozoic history is poorly documented. We focus on the sedimentologic and tectonic evolution of the southern part of this basin, at 39–40°30′S, based on study of 14 sedimentary sections. We provide evidence that this basin underwent alternating erosion and deposition of reworked volcaniclastic material in continental and fluvial settings during the Neogene. In particular, basement uplift of the Sañico Massif, due to Late Miocene–Pliocene intensification of tectonic activity, led to sediment partitioning in the basin. During this interval, sedimentation was restricted to the internal domain and the Collon Cura basin evolved towards an endorheic intermontane basin. From stratigraphic interpretation, this basin remained isolated 7–11 Myr. Nevertheless, ephemeral gateways seem to have existed, because we observe a thin succession downstream of the Sañico Massif contemporaneous with the Collon Cura basin‐fill sequence. Comparisons of stratigraphic, paleoenvironmental and tectonic features of the southern Neuquén basin with other foreland basins of South America allow us to classify it as a broken foreland with the development of an intermontane basin from Late Miocene to Late Pliocene. This implies a thick‐skinned structural style for this basin, with reactivation of basement faults responsible for exhumation of the Sañico Massif. Comparison of several broken forelands of South America allows us to propose two categories of intermontane basins according to their structural setting: subsiding or uplifted basins, which has strong implications on their excavation histories.
TRADE COSTS AND JOB FLOWS: EVIDENCE FROM ESTABLISHMENT‐LEVEL DATA
Authors: Groizard Jose L. , Ranjan Priya , Rodriguez‐Lopez Antonio
Published: August 2014

Changes in the costs of trading inputs or final goods affect establishment‐level job flows. Using a longitudinal database containing the universe of manufacturing establishments in California from 1992 to 2004, we find that a decline in input or final‐good trade costs is associated with job destruction in the least productive establishments, job creation in the most productive establishments, and an increase in the death likelihood of the least productive establishments. The evidence is consistent with predictions of models of trade with heterogeneous firms. Additionally, the evidence shows that the effects of input trade costs on establishment‐level job flows are larger than the effects of final‐good trade costs. (JEL F14, F16)
PARTIES, POLITICS, AND REGULATION: EVIDENCE FROM CLEAN AIR ACT ENFORCEMENT
Authors: Innes Robert , Mitra Arnab
Published: August 2014

Does local Federal regulation respond to the preferences of local Congressional representatives? For example, do Republican Congressmen reduce local enforcement of Clean Air laws in their districts? We use facility‐level panel data on Clean Air Act inspections over 1989–2005 to study the causal effect of a Congressman's party affiliation on local enforcement. Random assignment of electoral outcomes is obtained with a Regression Discontinuity design. We find that new Republican (vs. Democratic) Representatives significantly depress inspection rates for local polluting facilities in the first year after their election. (JEL D73, Q52, Q53)
THE LONDON BOMBINGS AND RACIAL PREJUDICE: EVIDENCE FROM THE HOUSING AND LABOR MARKET
Authors: Ratcliffe Anita , von Hinke Kessler Scholder Stephanie
Published: August 2014

This paper investigates the impact of the London bombings on attitudes toward ethnic minorities, examining outcomes in housing and labor markets across London boroughs. We use a difference‐in‐differences approach, specifying “treated” boroughs as those with the highest concentration of Asian residents. Our results indicate that house prices in treated boroughs fell by approximately 2% in the 2 years after the bombings relative to other boroughs, with sales declining by almost 6%. Furthermore, we present evidence of a rise in the unemployment rate in treated compared to control boroughs, as well as a rise in racial segregation. (JEL J15, J71, R21)
Oviposition, larval preference, and larval performance in two polyphagous species: does the larva know best?
Authors: Gómez Jiménez María Isabel , Sarmiento Carlos E. , Díaz María Fernanda , Chautá Alexander , Peraza Andrés , Ramírez Augusto , Poveda Katja
Published: August 2014

It is expected that females preferentially oviposit on plant hosts that allow for optimal larval performance. However, this expectation contradicts empirical evidence where adults do not always choose the best host for their descendants. Recent evidence suggests that females’ host selection depends on the number of potential hosts. Females from oligophagous species seem to be able to choose an appropriate host in terms of larval performance, whereas in polyphagous species, adult oviposition preference is not related with larval performance. This suggests that larvae in polyphagous species could be taking a more active role in host selection than their mothers. Here, we evaluated the oviposition preference and the larval preference and performance of two polyphagous species of economic importance, Copitarsia decolora (Guenée) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Cuculliinae) and Peridroma saucia (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae), on eight species of cultivated plants. In laboratory and greenhouse choice assays, we tested adult preference for oviposition and larval preference at 1 and 24 h. Larval performance was measured in terms of survival to adulthood, length of larval period, and pupal weight. We found that both adult females and larvae actively choose their hosts and that the larval preference toward the hosts is related to the females’ preference in both herbivore species. However, the females and larvae did not preferentially select the host with the best larval performance, indicating that larval performance is not related to female or larval preference and that other selective pressures are influencing the choice of the host plant in these two species.
Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha mediates activation of NF‐κB and JNK signaling cascades in retinal ganglion cells and astrocytes in opposite ways
Authors: Dvoriantchikova Galina , Ivanov Dmitry
Published: August 2014

Tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF) is an important mediator of the innate immune response in the retina. TNF can activate various signaling cascades, including NF‐κB, nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) pathways. The harmful role of these pathways, as well as of TNF, has previously been shown in several retinal neurodegenerative conditions including glaucoma and retinal ischemia. However, TNF and TNF‐regulated signaling cascades are capable not only of mediating neurotoxicity, but of being protective. We performed this study to delineate the beneficial and detrimental effects of TNF signaling in the retina. To this end, we used TNF‐treated primary retinal ganglion cell (RGC) and astrocyte cultures. Levels of expression of NF‐κB subunits in RGCs and astrocytes were evaluated by quantitative RT‐PCR (qRT‐PCR) and Western blot (WB) analysis. NF‐κB and JNK activity in TNF‐treated cells was determined in a time‐dependent manner using ELISA and WB. Gene expression in TNF‐treated astrocytes was measured by qRT‐PCR. We found that NF‐κB family members were present in RGCs and astrocytes at the mRNA and protein levels. RGCs failed to activate NF‐κB in the presence of TNF, a phenomenon that was associated with sustained JNK activation and RGC death. However, TNF initiated the activation of NF‐κB and mediated transient JNK activation in astrocytes. These events were associated with glial survival and increased expression of neurotoxic pro‐inflammatory factors. Our findings suggest that, in the presence of TNF, NF‐κB and JNK signaling cascades are activated in opposite ways in RGCs and astrocytes. These events can directly and indirectly facilitate RGC death.
Subdural hematoma in diabetic patients
Authors: Wang I.‐K. , Chen H.‐J. , Cheng Y.‐K. , Wu Y.‐Y. , Lin S.‐Y. , Chou C.‐Y. , Chang C.‐T. , Yen T.‐H. , Chuang F.‐R. , Sung F.‐C. , Hsu C. Y.
Published: August 2014

Background and purpose

Subdural hematoma (SDH) is associated with a high mortality rate. However, the risk of SDH in diabetic patients has not been well studied. The aim of the study was to examine the risk of SDH in incident diabetic patients.

Methods

From a universal insurance claims database of Taiwan, a cohort of 28 045 incident diabetic patients from 2000 to 2005 and a control cohort of 56 090 subjects without diabetes were identified. The incidence and hazard ratio of SDH were measured by the end of 2010.

Results

The mean follow‐up years were 7.24 years in the diabetes cohort and 7.44 years in the non‐diabetes cohort. The incidence of SDH was 1.57‐fold higher in the diabetes cohort than in the non‐diabetes cohort (2.04 vs. 1.30 per 1000 person‐years), with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.63 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.43–1.85]. The stratified data showed that adjusted hazard ratios were 1.51 (95% CI 1.28–1.77) for traumatic SDH and 1.89 (95% CI 1.52–2.36) for non‐traumatic SDH. The 30‐day mortality rate for those who developed SDH in the diabetes cohort was 8.94%.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates that incident diabetic patients are at higher risk of SDH than individuals without diabetes. Proper intervention for diabetic patients is necessary for preventing the devastating disorder.
Infantile and childhood onset PLA2G6‐associated neurodegeneration in a large North African cohort
Authors: Romani M. , Kraoua I. , Micalizzi A. , Klaa H. , Benrhouma H. , Drissi C. , Turki I. , Castellana S. , Mazza T. , Valente E. M. , Gouider‐Khouja N.
Published: August 2014

Background and purpose

Mutations in the PLA2G6 gene are causative of PLA2G6‐associated neurodegeneration (PLAN), a spectrum of neurodegenerative conditions including infantile, childhood and adult onset forms.

Methods

Seventeen North African patients with a clinical suspicion of infantile‐onset PLAN underwent clinical, neurophysiological and neuroimaging examinations, and PLA2G6 sequencing. Haplotype analysis was performed to date the identified founder mutation.

Results

All patients carried biallelic mutations in PLA2G6. Sixteen children had the commonest form of infantile‐onset PLAN, with early onset of psychomotor regression, hypotonia, pyramidal and cerebellar signs, and abnormal ocular movements. The phenotype was highly homogeneous, with rapid development of severe spastic tetraparesis, cognitive impairment and optic atrophy. Neuroimaging showed cerebellar atrophy and claval hypertrophy to be the commonest and earliest signs, whilst cerebellar cortex hyperintensity and pallidal iron deposition were later findings. Motor or sensory‐motor neuropathy and electroencephalogram fast rhythms were also frequent. Nine patients from six families shared the same founder mutation (p.V691del) which probably arose by the late seventeenth century. Only one patient fitted the diagnosis of the much rarer childhood‐onset PLAN. Despite the early onset (18 months), clinical progression was slower, with behavioral disturbances and dystonia. Typical features of infantile‐onset PLAN such as hypotonia, nystagmus/strabismus, optic atrophy, electroencephalogram fast rhythms and motor neuropathy were absent. Cerebellar atrophy, claval hypertrophy and pallidal hypointensity were evident at brain magnetic resonance imaging. This patient carried a missense variant predicted to be less deleterious.

Conclusions

The PLAN‐associated phenotypes and the challenges of diagnosing the childhood‐onset form are delineated, and a common North African founder mutation is identifed.
Cutting Microfinance Interest Rates: An Opportunity Co–Creation Perspective
Authors: Sun Sunny Li , Im Junyon
Published: August 2014

Microfinance is a social innovation to alleviate poverty by providing small, unsecured loans to local indigent entrepreneurs. Many borrowers use microfinance loans to seed their small entrepreneurial businesses. However, high interest rates charged by microfinance institutions (MFIs) are likely to increase the financial burden of those borrowers. In this study, we adopt an opportunity co–creation perspective to analyze the factors that affect microfinance interest rates. We argue that new opportunities in a social venture could be co–created by multiple stakeholders, including MFIs, borrower communities, female borrowers, governments, MFI managers, and employees. We tested our hypothese on interest rate setting of MFIs by using 4,187 organization–year observations from 2003 to 2011 across 93 countries, and the empirical results largely support the hypotheses. Our opportunity co–creation perspective extends the current understanding on microfinance and provides important managerial implications.
The fitness costs of antibiotic resistance mutations
Authors: Melnyk Anita H. , Wong Alex , Kassen Rees
Published: August 2014

Antibiotic resistance is increasing in pathogenic microbial populations and is thus a major threat to public health. The fate of a resistance mutation in pathogen populations is determined in part by its fitness. Mutations that suffer little or no fitness cost are more likely to persist in the absence of antibiotic treatment. In this review, we performed a meta‐analysis to investigate the fitness costs associated with single mutational events that confer resistance. Generally, these mutations were costly, although several drug classes and species of bacteria on average did not show a cost. Further investigations into the rate and fitness values of compensatory mutations that alleviate the costs of resistance will help us to better understand both the emergence and management of antibiotic resistance in clinical settings.
SPLUNC1 is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma prognosis and plays an important role in all‐trans‐retinoic acid‐induced growth inhibition and differentiation in nasopharyngeal cancer cells
Authors: Zhang Wenling , Zeng Zhaoyang , Wei Fang , Chen Pan , Schmitt David C. , Fan Songqing , Guo Xiaofang , Liang Fang , Shi Lei , Liu Zixin , Zhang Zuping , Xiang Bo , Zhou Ming , Huang Donghai , Tang Ke , Li Xiaoling , Xiong Wei , Tan Ming , Li Guiyuan , Li Xiayu
Published: August 2014

Human SPLUNC1 can suppress nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) tumor formation; however, the correlation between SPLUNC1expression and NPC patient prognosis has not been reported. In the present study, we used a large‐scale sample of 1015 tissue cores to detect SPLUNC1 expression and its association with patient prognosis. SPLUNC1 expression was reduced in NPC samples compared to nontumor nasopharyngeal epithelium tissues. Positive expression of SPLUNC1 in NPC predicted a better prognosis (disease‐free survival, P = 0.034; overall survival, P = 0.048). Cox's proportional hazards model revealed that SPLUNC1 could be a significant prognostic factor affecting disease‐free survival (P = 0.027). A cDNA micro‐array analyzed by significant analysis of micro‐array (SAM) and ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) revealed that an indirect interaction existed between SPLUNC1 and retinoic acid (RA) in the cancer regulatory network. To further investigate the molecular mechanisms involved, we utilized several bioinformatics tools and identified 12 retinoid X receptors heterodimer binding sites in the promoter region of the SPLUNC1 gene. The transcriptional activity of the SPLUNC1 promoter was up‐regulated significantly by all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA). SPLUNC1 and retinoic acid receptor expression were induced significantly by ATRA, and removal of ATRA led to a progressive loss of SPLUNC1 and retinoic acid receptor expression. ATRA inhibited proliferation and induced the differentiation of NPC cells. Interestingly, over‐expression of SPLUNC1 sensitized NPC cells to ATRA, whereas knockdown of SPLUNC1 in HNE1 cells increased cell viability. Under SPLUNC1 knockdown conditions, differentiation was reversed by ATRA treatment. We concluded that SPLUNC1 could potentially predict prognosis for NPC patients and play an important role in ATRA‐induced growth inhibition and differentiation in NPC cells.
Regulation of the catalytic activity of the human phosphatase PTPN4 by its PDZ domain
Authors: Maisonneuve Pierre , Caillet‐Saguy Célia , Raynal Bertrand , Gilquin Bernard , Chaffotte Alain , Pérez Javier , Zinn‐Justin Sophie , Delepierre Muriel , Buc Henri , Cordier Florence , Wolff Nicolas
Published: August 2014

The human protein tyrosine phosphatase non‐receptor type 4 (PTPN4) prevents cells death. Targeting its PDZ domain abrogates this protection and triggers apoptosis. We demonstrate here that the PDZ domain inhibits the phosphatase activity of PTPN4. The mere binding of a PDZ ligand is sufficient to release the catalytic inhibition. We combined analytical ultracentrifugation, small angle X‐ray scattering and NMR to understand how the PDZ domain controls PTPN4 activity. We show that the physiologically active PTPN4 two‐domain, encompassing the PDZ and the phosphatase domains, adopts a predominant compact conformation in solution. The PDZ ligand binding restores the catalytic competence of PTPN4 disrupting the transient interdomain communication. This study strengthens the emerging notion that PDZ domains can act as regulators of enzyme activity and therefore are active players in the dynamic regulation of signaling pathways.

Structured digital abstract

PTPN4_linker-PTP dephosphorylates pTyr peptide by enzymatic study (View interaction)

PTPN4_PDZ-PTP dephosphorylates pTyr peptide by enzymatic study (View interaction)
Central dopamine action modulates neuropeptide‐controlled appetite via the hypothalamic PI3K/NF‐κB‐dependent mechanism
Authors: Hsieh Y.‐S. , Chen P.‐N. , Yu C.‐H. , Kuo D.‐Y.
Published: August 2014

Hypothalamic neuropeptides, including neuropeptide Y (NPY) and proopiomelanocortin (POMC), have been found to control the appetite‐suppressing effect of amphetamine (AMPH). In this study, we have examined whether dopamine receptor (DAR), phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) and nuclear factor‐kappaB (NF‐κB) are involved in AMPH's action. We administered AMPH to rats once a day for 4 days and assessed and compared changes in hypothalamic NPY, melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R), PI3K, pAkt and NF‐κB expression. We found that the inhibition of DAR increased NPY, but decreased MC4R, PI3K and NF‐κB expression, compared with AMPH‐treated rats. Moreover, MC4R, PI3K, pAkt and NF‐κB increased with the maximum response on Day 2, which was consistent with the response of feeding behavior, but was opposite to the expression of NPY. Furthermore, we found that the intracerebroventricular infusion of the PI3K inhibitor or NF‐κB antisense could attenuate AMPH‐induced anorexia, and partially reverse the expression of NPY, MC4R, PI3K, Akt and NF‐κB back toward a normal level. We, therefore, suggest that DAR–PI3K–NF‐κB signaling in the hypothalamus plays functional roles in the modulation of NPY and POMC neurotransmissions and in the control of AMPH‐evoked appetite suppression.
Do cities simulate climate change? A comparison of herbivore response to urban and global warming
Authors: Youngsteadt Elsa , Dale Adam G. , Terando Adam J. , Dunn Robert R. , Frank Steven D.
Published: August 2014

Cities experience elevated temperature, CO2, and nitrogen deposition decades ahead of the global average, such that biological response to urbanization may predict response to future climate change. This hypothesis remains untested due to a lack of complementary urban and long‐term observations. Here, we examine the response of an herbivore, the scale insect Melanaspis tenebricosa, to temperature in the context of an urban heat island, a series of historical temperature fluctuations, and recent climate warming. We survey M. tenebricosa on 55 urban street trees in Raleigh, NC, 342 herbarium specimens collected in the rural southeastern United States from 1895 to 2011, and at 20 rural forest sites represented by both modern (2013) and historical samples. We relate scale insect abundance to August temperatures and find that M. tenebricosa is most common in the hottest parts of the city, on historical specimens collected during warm time periods, and in present‐day rural forests compared to the same sites when they were cooler. Scale insects reached their highest densities in the city, but abundance peaked at similar temperatures in urban and historical datasets and tracked temperature on a decadal scale. Although urban habitats are highly modified, species response to a key abiotic factor, temperature, was consistent across urban and rural‐forest ecosystems. Cities may be an appropriate but underused system for developing and testing hypotheses about biological effects of climate change. Future work should test the applicability of this model to other groups of organisms.