bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Foreign Shareholders in Disciplining Financial Reporting
Authors: Beuselinck Christof , Blanco Belen , García Lara Juan Manuel
Published: February 2017

We investigate the role of foreign shareholders in improving the quality of accounting information provided by firms domiciled in countries with low de facto institutional quality. Using a sample of firms from four South European countries (Greece, Italy, Portugal and Spain) for which we observe detailed ownership evolutions over the period 2002–2007, we find that increases in foreign ownership lead to increases in financial reporting quality but only if the foreign shareholders are domiciled in countries with strong investor protection mechanisms. Further, we find that the improvement in financial reporting quality is more pronounced in the case of foreign institutional investors. Finally, our results hold before and after the introduction of the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in 2005.
Size‐spectra across geographical and bathymetric gradients reveal contrasting resilient mechanisms of recovery between Atlantic and Mediterranean fish communities
Authors: Hidalgo Manuel , Quetglas Antoni , Ordines Francesc , Rueda Lucía , Punzón Antonio , Delgado Marina , Gil de Sola Luis , Esteban Antonio , Massutí Enric
Published: February 2017

Aim

Marine conservation often prioritizes measures based on ecosystem diversity, missing important information on the size and structure of communities such as that provided by body size‐spectra (SS). While most studies have focussed on temporal or spatial patterns of SS, there is no research investigating their spatial heterogeneity, which is a key community trait revealing mechanisms of resilience. We aimed to comparatively determine the main patterns of variation of fish SS and their spatial heterogeneity across geographic and bathymetric gradients.

Location

Shelf and slope Atlantic and Mediterranean demersal ecosystems.

Methods

Using the information obtained from the experimental surveys, we calculated fish SS at four bathymetric strata and investigated the influence of the biomass of small‐sized and large‐sized fish on their temporal and spatial variation. We also assessed the functional relationship between the mean pattern and the spatial heterogeneity of SS as a characteristic structural trait of a community.

Results

The variation in SS demonstrates that Atlantic communities were geographically and bathymetrically more connected, while those in the Mediterranean were more fragmented. The relationship between mean SS and its spatial heterogeneity was a community fingerprint differentiating two contrasting pathways of community recovery between Atlantic and Mediterranean ecosystems. Atlantic communities were recovering because of the temporal increasing contribution of large fish and a ‘rescue effect’ of neighbouring areas, which have spatially homogenized size structure. Mediterranean communities were, by contrast, spatially clustered and highly dependent on small‐sized fish variability that hampers the capacity of ecosystems to recover after a chronic degradation.

Main conclusions

Patterns of SS variation depend on the spatial complexity of communities, which contrasts between Atlantic and Mediterranean systems. Integrative analyses of size‐based indicators (mean and variance) provide a complete assessment of the structural properties of communities and characterize the resilience mechanisms of recovery against perturbations under contrasting ecological contexts.
Cretaceous West Gondwana vicariance shaped giant water scavenger beetle biogeography
Authors: Toussaint Emmanuel F. A. , Bloom Devin , Short Andrew E. Z.
Published: February 2017

Aim

We tested the hypothesis that ancient vicariance in giant water scavenger beetles shaped their current distribution.

Location

Worldwide except Antarctica.

Methods

We inferred a molecular phylogenetic hypothesis for the tribe Hydrophilini using probabilistic methods based on broad geographical and taxonomic sampling. We used fossil‐based molecular dating and likelihood model‐based ancestral range estimation to reconstruct the biogeography of this clade.

Results

Our results suggest that the tribe originated in the Cretaceous about 120 Ma with a most likely ancestral range in the Gondwanan fragment comprising continental Africa and South America. We infer an ancient vicariance following this early origin, consistent with the split of these two large landmasses in the mid‐Cretaceous. The rest of the biogeographical history of the group is shaped by dispersal events throughout the Cenozoic.

Main conclusions

The biogeographical history of hydrophiline water beetles is consistent with the hypothesis of West Gondwana vicariance, although an origin in either Africa or South America is a likely alternative. Although the early cladogenesis of this clade might have been shaped by the opening of the Atlantic Ocean, subsequent biogeographical evolution is mainly driven by dispersal events.
Six seconds to visualize the word: improving EFL learners' vocabulary through VVVs
Authors: Kurt M. , Bensen H.
Published: February 2017

This paper moves away from reminiscent mechanical repetition and drills, which were in vogue when teaching vocabulary before the rise of technology. With the support of technology, innovative methodologies that are more effective and enjoyable can be implemented into vocabulary teaching. In this particular context, there seems to be a lack of technology integration in vocabulary teaching because of teachers being untrained and/or not provided with the necessary technology. The aim of this study was to foster vocabulary development through the implementation of Vine vocabulary videos in English vocabulary learning. An embedded mixed methods design was employed to collect necessary data for analysis. The results of the post‐test revealed that the practice of Vine vocabulary videos was effective and improved participants' vocabulary. The content analysis of the semi‐structured interviews carried out with participants indicated that they had enjoyed the whole process and found it very motivating and effective. This study claims that adopting smartphones into a vocabulary course will enable English as a foreign language learners to expand and consolidate their vocabulary learning outside the classroom, engage them in a collaborative learning environment, practice and use the language being learnt and share their knowledge and experiences with their peers.
Enacting open disclosure in the UK National Health Service: A qualitative exploration
Authors: Harrison Reema , Birks Yvonne , Bosanquet Kate , Iedema Rick
Published: February 2017

Background

Open and honest discussion between healthcare providers and patients and families affected by error is considered to be a central feature of high quality and safer patient care, evidenced by the implementation of open disclosure policies and guidance internationally. This paper discusses the perceived enablers that UK doctors and nurses report as facilitating the enactment of open disclosure.

Methods

Semistructured interviews with 13 doctors and 22 nurses from a range of levels and specialities from 5 national health service hospitals and primary care trusts in the UK were conducted and analysed using a framework approach.

Results

Five themes were identified which appear to capture the factors that are critical in supporting open disclosure: open disclosure as a moral and professional duty, positive past experiences, perceptions of reduced litigation, role models and guidance, and clarity.

Conclusion

Greater openness in relation to adverse events requires health professionals to recognise candour as a professional and moral duty, exemplified in the behaviour of senior clinicians and that seems more likely to occur in a nonpunitive, learning environment. Recognising incident disclosure as part of ongoing respectful and open communication with patients throughout their care is critical.
Contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography for differential diagnosis of submucosal tumors of the upper gastrointestinal tract
Authors: Kamata Ken , Takenaka Mamoru , Kitano Masayuki , Omoto Shunsuke , Miyata Takeshi , Minaga Kosuke , Yamao Kentaro , Imai Hajime , Sakurai Toshiharu , Watanabe Tomohiro , Nishida Naoshi , Chikugo Takaaki , Chiba Yasutaka , Imamoto Haruhiko , Yasuda Takushi , Lisotti Andrea , Fusaroli Pietro , Kudo Masatoshi
Published: February 2017

Background and Aim

The study aims to evaluate contrast‐enhanced harmonic endoscopic ultrasonography (CH‐EUS) for the differential diagnosis of submucosal tumors (SMT) of the upper gastrointestinal tract.

Methods

Between June 2008 and May 2015, 157 consecutive patients with submucosal lesions of the upper gastrointestinal tract were evaluated by CH‐EUS. This was a single‐center retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data in a registry. The data from 73 patients who later underwent surgical resection were analyzed in this study. Surgical specimens served as the final diagnoses. The two CH‐EUS variables of blood flow (hyper‐enhancement vs hypo‐enhancement) and homogeneity of enhancement pattern were evaluated.

Results

The final diagnoses were 58 gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and 15 benign SMTs (two lipomas, five leiomyomas, five schwannomas, two glomus tumors, and one ectopic pancreas). On CH‐EUS, 49 of 58 (84.5%) GISTs presented with hyper‐enhancement, whereas 4 of 15 (26.7%) benign SMTs showed hyper‐enhancement; 21 of 58 (36.2%) GISTs showed inhomogeneous contrast enhancement, while only 2 of 15 (13.3%) benign SMTs demonstrated inhomogeneous contrast enhancement. If hyper‐enhancement was considered to indicate GISTs, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 84.5%, 73.3%, and 82.2%, respectively. If inhomogeneous enhancement was considered to indicate GISTs, the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 36.2%, 86.7%, and 46.6%, respectively. In lesions of less than 2 cm, hyper‐enhancement was a more sensitive indicator of GISTs than inhomogeneous enhancement.

Conclusions

Hyper‐enhancement and inhomogeneous enhancement were found to be a characteristic of GISTs. CH‐EUS was useful for discrimination of benign SMTs from GISTs.
Long‐term outcomes of endoscopic submucosal dissection versus laparoscopic resection for gastric stromal tumors less than 2 cm
Authors: Meng Yan , Li Wei , Han Lu , Zhang Qiang , Gong Wei , Cai Jianqun , Li Aimin , Yan Qun , Lai Qiuhua , Yu Jiang , Bai Lan , Liu Side , Li Yue
Published: February 2017

Background and Aim

Laparoscopic resection (LAP) and endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) of small gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) have been reported by large amount of literature. However, the management of small GISTs remains controversial. This study evaluated the efficacy of ESD and LAP for small gastric GISTs and provided long‐term outcomes of the two methods.

Methods

A total of 126 patients who underwent ESD or LAP for small gastric GISTs between 2009 and 2016 were retrospectively collected from medical records in our hospital, and we made telephone follow‐up about recurrence rate. The parameters measured for each procedure type include clinicopathological characteristics, recurrence rate, and surgical outcomes.

Results

Among the 126 patients, 75 (59.52%) received ESD, and 51(40.48%) received LAP. The clinicopathological characteristics of the patients were well balanced. There was also no significant difference in follow‐up time (3.34 ± 1.53 years in ESD group and 3.41 ± 1.37 years in LAP group, P = 0.19). However, we observed significant difference about operating time, estimated blood loss, and hospital stay between ESD group and LAP group (63.59 ± 34.41 min vs 79.12 ± 43.47 min, P = 0.04; 8.53 ± 15.89 mL vs 17.16 ± 18.90 mL, P = 0.01; 6.60 ± 2.70 days vs 10.37 ± 3.50 days, P < 0.001, respectively). The recurrence rate of ESD and LAP group was 2.67% and 1.96%, respectively, P = 0.41. Kaplan–Meier curves for disease‐free survival also showed no statistically significant difference (P = 0.72).

Conclusions

Endoscopic submucosal dissection is a preferable technique for resection of small gastric stromal tumors in the long‐term outcomes compared with LAP. However, long‐term randomized controlled trials are further needed.
Predicting Mortality up to 14 Years Among Community‐Dwelling Adults Aged 65 and Older
Authors: Schonberg Mara A. , Li Vicky , Marcantonio Edward R. , Davis Roger B. , McCarthy Ellen P.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Extended validation of an index predicting mortality among community‐dwelling US older adults.

Design/Setting

Examination of the performance of a previously developed index in predicting 10‐ and 14‐year mortality among respondents to the 1997–2000 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) using the original development and validation cohorts. Follow‐up mortality data are now available through 2011.

Participants

16,063 respondents from the original development cohort and 8,027 respondents from the original validation cohort. All participants were community dwelling and ≥65 years old.

Measurements

We calculated risk scores for each respondent based on the presence or absence of 11 factors (function, illnesses, behaviors, demographics) that make up the index. Using the Kaplan Meier method, we computed 10‐ and 14‐year mortality estimates for the development and validation cohorts to examine model calibration. We examined model discrimination using the c‐index.

Results

Participants in the development and validation cohorts were similar. Participants with risk scores 0–4 had 23% risk of 14‐year mortality whereas respondents with risk scores (13+) had 89% risk of 14‐year mortality. The c‐index of the model in both cohorts was 0.73 for predicting 10‐year mortality and 0.72 for predicting 14‐year mortality. Overall, 18.4% of adults 65–74 years and 60.2% of adults ≥75 years have >50% risk of mortality in 10 years.

Conclusions

Our index demonstrated excellent calibration and discrimination in predicting 10‐ and 14‐year mortality among community‐dwelling US adults ≥65 years. Information on long‐term prognosis is needed to help clinicians and older adults make more informed person‐centered medical decisions and to help older adults plan for the future.
Growth factors and hormones pro‐peptides: the unexpected adventures of the BDNF prodomain
Authors: Zanin Juan Pablo , Unsain Nicolás , Anastasia Agustin
Published: February 2017

Most growth factors and hormones are synthesized as pre‐pro‐proteins which are processed to the biologically active mature protein. The pre‐ and prodomains are cleaved from the precursor protein in the secretory pathway or, in some cases, extracellularly. The canonical functions of these prodomains are to assist in folding and stabilization of the mature domain, to direct intra and extracellular localization, to facilitate storage, and to regulate bioavailability of their mature counterpart. Recently, exciting evidence has revealed that prodomains of certain growth factors, after cleaved from the precursor pro‐protein, can act as independent active signaling molecules. In this review, we discuss the various classical functions of prodomains, and the biological consequences of these pro‐peptides acting as ligands. We will focus our attention on the brain‐derived neurotrophic factor prodomain (pBDNF), which has been recently described as a novel secreted ligand influencing neuronal morphology and physiology.

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Morphological interaction between the nasal septum and nasofacial skeleton during human ontogeny
Authors: Goergen Matthew J. , Holton Nathan E. , Grünheid Thorsten
Published: February 2017

The nasal septal cartilage is thought to be a key growth center that contributes to nasofacial skeletal development. Despite the developmental influence of the nasal septum however, humans often exhibit a high frequency of septal deviation suggesting discordance in the growth between the septum and surrounding nasofacial skeleton. While there are numerous etiological factors that contribute to septal deviation, the surrounding nasofacial skeleton may also act to constrain the septum, resulting in altered patterns of growth. That is, while the nasal septum has a direct morphogenetic influence on aspects of the nasofacial skeleton, other nasofacial skeletal components may restrict septal growth resulting in deviation. Detailing the developmental relationship between these structures is important not only for understanding the causal determinants of nasal septal deviation, but also for developing a broader understanding of the complex interaction between the facial skeleton and chondrocranium. We selected 66 non‐syndromic subjects from the University of Minnesota Orthodontic Clinic who ranged from 7 to 18 years in age and had an existing pretreatment cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan. Using CBCT data, we examined the developmental relationship between nasal septal deviation and the surrounding nasofacial skeleton. We measured septal deviation as a percentage of septal volume relative to a modeled non‐deviated septum. We then collected a series of coordinate landmark data in the region immediately surrounding the nasal septum in the midsagittal plane representing the nasofacial skeleton. First, we examined ontogenetic changes in the magnitude of nasal septal deviation relative to chronological age and nasofacial size. Next, using Procrustes‐based geometric morphometric techniques, we assessed the morphological relationship between nasal septal deviation and nasofacial skeletal shape. Our results indicate that variation in the magnitude of nasal septal deviation was established in our earliest age group and maintained throughout ontogeny. Moreover, nasal septal deviation was correlated with non‐allometric variation in nasofacial shape restricted to the region of the anterior sphenoid body. Ultimately, our results suggest that early developmental variation in midline basicranial components may act to alter or constrain patterns of nasal septal growth.
Balloon Valvuloplasty of Tricuspid Stenosis: A Retrospective Study of 5 Labrador Retriever Dogs
Authors: Lake‐Bakaar G.A. , Griffiths L.G. , Kittleson M.D.
Published: February 2017

Background

There are limited reports of severe tricuspid valve stenosis in dogs and limited data regarding treatment and outcome.

Objective

To evaluate clinical signs, echocardiographic features, and outcome of balloon valvuloplasty (BV) in dogs with severe tricuspid valve stenosis (TVS) in which BV was attempted.

Animals

Five client‐owned dogs with severe TVS.

Methods

Records were retrospectively reviewed and data collected regarding signalment, clinical signs, diagnostic findings, procedures, and outcome.

Results

All dogs were Labrador Retrievers. Presenting complaints included episodic weakness/syncope (4/5), abdominal distension (4/5), lethargy (2/5), and exercise intolerance (2/5). The median and range of measurements before BV were as follows: TV mean velocity 1.5 m/s (range 1.4–1.7 m/s); velocity‐time integral (VTI) 79.8 cm (42.4–99.1 cm); and TV maximum velocity 2.9 m/s (2.3–3.2 m/s). Measurements (available for 3 of 5 dogs) after BV were as follows: TV mean velocity 1.15 m/s (0.9–1.4 m/s); VTI 44.95 cm (41.4–54.8 cm); and TV maximum velocity 1.15 m/s (1.9–2.3 m/s). The procedure was attempted in all dogs and completed in 4/5 dogs. The largest balloon diameter ranged from 15 mm to 25 mm, and length ranged from 4 cm to 5 cm. Right atrial pressure decreased in 4/5 dogs. All but 1 dog had clinical improvement after BV, but recurrence of clinical signs occurred (2/5). Tricuspid regurgitation worsened in 1 dog culminating in right heart failure and euthanasia.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

BV can be an effective treatment; however, clinical signs can recur. Right heart failure due to worsened TR is a potential complication in dogs with pre‐existing moderate‐to‐severe TR.
Contributory negligence in the Court of Appeal: an empirical study
Authors: Goudkamp James , Nolan Donal
Published: February 2017

In this paper we report the results of an empirical study of 112 appellate decisions on the contributory negligence doctrine in England and Wales between 2000 and 2015. It is the first study of its kind in any common law jurisdiction, and builds on earlier research in which we looked at the doctrine's operation in first instance courts. Our dataset comprised every appellate decision in which contributory negligence was an issue that was handed down during the study period and which we were able to access electronically. The most important findings include the fact that appeals succeed more frequently in relation to the existence of contributory negligence than with respect to apportionment; that the overall prospect of winning an appeal on contributory negligence does not depend on whether the first instance court is a county court or the High Court; that claimants are nearly twice as likely to win an appeal regarding the existence of contributory negligence as defendants; and that by far most common discount imposed following an appeal is 50%.
The fire ant social chromosome supergene variant Sb shows low diversity but high divergence from SB
Authors: Pracana Rodrigo , Priyam Anurag , Levantis Ilya , Nichols Richard A. , Wurm Yannick
Published: February 2017

Variation in social behaviour is common, yet little is known about the genetic architectures underpinning its evolution. A rare exception is in the fire antSolenopsis invicta: Alternative variants of a supergene region determine whether a colony will have exactly one or up to dozens of queens. The two variants of this region are carried by a pair of ‘social chromosomes’, SB and Sb, which resemble a pair of sex chromosomes. Recombination is suppressed between the two chromosomes in the supergene region. While the X‐like SB can recombine with itself inSB/SBqueens, recombination is effectively absent in the Y‐like Sb becauseSb/Sbqueens die before reproducing. Here, we analyse whole‐genome sequences of eight haploidSBmales and eight haploidSbmales. We find extensive SB–Sb differentiation throughout the >19‐Mb‐long supergene region. We find no evidence of ‘evolutionary strata’ with different levels of divergence comparable to those reported in several sex chromosomes. A high proportion of substitutions between the SB and Sb haplotypes are nonsynonymous, suggesting inefficacy of purifying selection in Sb sequences, similar to that for Y‐linked sequences in XY systems. Finally, we show that the Sb haplotype of the supergene region has 635‐fold less nucleotide diversity than the rest of the genome. We discuss how this reduction could be due to a recent selective sweep affecting Sb specifically or associated with a population bottleneck during the invasion of North America by the sampled population.
Evolutionary rescue and local adaptation under different rates of temperature increase: a combined analysis of changes in phenotype expression and genotype frequency in Paramecium microcosms
Authors: Killeen Joshua , Gougat‐Barbera Claire , Krenek Sascha , Kaltz Oliver
Published: February 2017

Evolutionary rescue (ER) occurs when populations, which have declined due to rapid environmental change, recover through genetic adaptation. The success of this process and the evolutionary trajectory of the population strongly depend on the rate of environmental change. Here we investigated how different rates of temperature increase (from 23 to 32 °C) affect population persistence and evolutionary change in experimental microcosms of the protozoan Paramecium caudatum. Consistent with theory on ER, we found that those populations experiencing the slowest rate of temperature increase were the least likely to become extinct and tended to be the best adapted to the new temperature environment. All high‐temperature populations were more tolerant to severe heat stress (35, 37 °C), indicating a common mechanism of heat protection. High‐temperature populations also had superior growth rates at optimum temperatures, leading to the absence of a pattern of local adaptation to control (23 °C) and high‐temperature (32 °C) environments. However, high‐temperature populations had reduced growth at low temperatures (5–9 °C), causing a shift in the temperature niche. In part, the observed evolutionary change can be explained by selection from standing variation. Using mitochondrial markers, we found complete divergence between control and high‐temperature populations in the frequencies of six initial founder genotypes. Our results confirm basic predictions of ER and illustrate how adaptation to an extreme local environment can produce positive as well as negative correlated responses to selection over the entire range of the ecological niche.
The DnaJ protein OsDjA6 negatively regulates rice innate immunity to the blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Zhong Xionghui , Yang Jiuxia , Shi Yanlong , Wang Xuli , Wang Guo‐Liang
Published: February 2017

Rice blast, caused by Magnaporthe oryzae (synonym: Pyricularia oryzae), severely reduces rice production and grain quality. The molecular mechanism of rice resistance to M. oryzae is not fully understood. In this study, we identified a chaperone DnaJ protein, OsDjA6, which is involved in basal resistance to M. oryzae in rice. The OsDjA6 protein is distributed in the entire rice cell. The expression of OsDjA6 is significantly induced in rice after infection with a compatible isolate. Silencing of OsDjA6 in transgenic rice enhances resistance to M. oryzae and also results in an increased burst of reactive oxygen species after flg22 and chitin treatments. In addition, the expression levels of WRKY45, NPR1 and PR5 are increased in OsDjA6 RNAi plants, indicating that OsDjA6 may mediate resistance by affecting the salicylic acid pathway. Finally, we found that OsDjA6 interacts directly with the E3 ligase OsZFP1 in vitro and in vivo. These results suggest that the DnaJ protein OsDjA6 negatively regulates rice innate immunity, probably via the ubiquitination proteasome degradation pathway.
Financial Depth and the Asymmetric Impact of Monetary Policy
Authors: Caglayan Mustafa , Kandemir Kocaaslan Ozge , Mouratidis Kostas
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the importance of financial depth in evaluating the asymmetric impact of monetary policy on real output over the course of the US business cycle. We show that monetary policy has a significant impact on output growth during recessions. We also show that financial deepening plays an important role by dampening the effects of monetary policy shocks in recessions. The results are robust to the use of alternative financial depth and monetary policy shock measures as well as to two different sample periods.
Pharmacologic Conversion during Dofetilide Treatment for Persistent Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: STEINBERG JONATHAN S. , SHAH YASH , SZEPIETOWSKA BARBARA
Published: February 2017

Background

Dofetilide is a pure IKr blocker and is one of the few drugs specifically studied and approved in the United States for the management of persistent atrial fibrillation (AF). Dofetilide has been noted to have a high rate of pharmacologic conversion during initial dosing in prior smaller studies. The intent of the study was to examine the safety of an inpatient loading strategy, and the incidence and patterns of pharmacologic conversion by dofetilide during the treatment of persistent AF in a large consecutive cohort.

Methods and Results

This is a retrospective analysis of 308 consecutive patients with persistent AF electively admitted for inpatient dofetilide loading. The initiation dose of dofetilide was determined by the creatinine clearance. Overall, 88% (n = 271) successfully completed initiation of dofetilide and were discharged in sinus rhythm. The most common reason for failure to complete initiation of dofetilide loading was QTc prolongation in 24 patients (7.8%), and torsade de pointes occurred in three patients (1%). Pharmacologic conversion was observed in 56% (n = 151) after a median of two doses. The rate of pharmacologic conversion based on the final dose was 75%, 9%, and 0% for 500 mcg, 250 mcg, and 125 mcg, respectively (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Dofetilide is a well‐tolerated antiarrhythmic drug with a low incidence of proarrhythmia and an especially high rate of pharmacologic conversion in patients with persistent AF.
Performance of the New BioMonitor 2‐AF Insertable Cardiac Monitoring System: Can Better be Worse?
Authors: LACOUR PHILIPP , DANG PHI LONG , HUEMER MARTIN , PARWANI ABDUL SHOKOR , ATTANASIO PHILIPP , PIESKE BURKERT , BOLDT LEIF‐HENDRIK , HAVERKAMP WILHELM , BLASCHKE FLORIAN
Published: February 2017

Background

Implantable loop recorders (ILR) are valuable tools for the investigation of patients with suspected arrhythmias. The BioMonitor 2‐AF is a novel insertable ILR with enhanced atrial fibrillation (AF) detection algorithm and remote monitoring capability.

Objective

The objective of this first‐in‐human study with the BioMonitor 2‐AF was to analyze course of P‐wave sensing performance and R‐wave amplitude, prevalence of false and correctly sensed and classified episodes, and effectiveness of remote monitoring.

Methods

All 19 patients who underwent ILR insertion were included in the BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring® system (BIOTRONIK GmbH, Berlin, Germany). Daily changes in P‐wave and R‐wave sensing were analyzed over 6 weeks. A breathing test (in‐ and expiration) was performed in two different body positions at baseline and during a 6‐week in‐house follow‐up to investigate alterations of P‐wave and R‐wave sensing.

Results

R‐wave amplitude and the high P‐wave visibility (94.4%) remained unchanged during the follow‐up period. In most patients both an increase and decrease of R‐wave amplitude, and in some cases a complete R‐wave vector change (31.6%), was documented during the “breathing test.” Change of body position did not alter R‐wave sensing amplitude mostly. “Breathing test” and change of body position had no effect on P‐wave sensing performance. In 15.8% of the patients, misclassification of episodes as AF or high ventricular rates due to P‐wave oversensing occurred. No ILR‐related complication occurred. Automatic transmission via BIOTRONIK Home Monitoring® was successful 100% of the time.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the BioMonitor 2‐AF is a safe and effective tool for continuous cardiac monitoring.
Partisan advisers and political policy failure avoidance
Authors: Craft Jonathan
Published: February 2017

Empirical examinations of partisan advisers detail significant differences in their policy work, influence, and their patterns of interactions with other policy actors. This raises important implications for their potential contributions to policy failure avoidance. Using recent qualitative data from elite interviews in Canada, this study finds that advisers’ policy work contributes to political policy failure avoidance as policy is developed. The findings help unpack the types and nature of policy‐based resource exchanges that advisers undertake, through advisory and non‐advisory forms of policy work, that strengthen political control and manage policy perceptions by other actors during policy development.
The genetic architecture of amino acids dissection by association and linkage analysis in maize
Authors: Deng Min , Li Dongqin , Luo Jingyun , Xiao Yingjie , Liu Haijun , Pan Qingchun , Zhang Xuehai , Jin Minliang , Zhao Mingchao , Yan Jianbing
Published: February 2017

Amino acids are both constituents of proteins, providing the essential nutrition for humans and animals, and signalling molecules regulating the growth and development of plants. Most cultivars of maize are deficient in essential amino acids such as lysine and tryptophan. Here, we measured the levels of 17 different total amino acids, and created 48 derived traits in mature kernels from a maize diversity inbred collection and three recombinant inbred line (RIL) populations. By GWAS, 247 and 281 significant loci were identified in two different environments, 5.1 and 4.4 loci for each trait, explaining 7.44% and 7.90% phenotypic variation for each locus in average, respectively. By linkage mapping, 89, 150 and 165 QTLs were identified in B73/By804, Kui3/B77 and Zong3/Yu87‐1 RIL populations, 2.0, 2.7 and 2.8 QTLs for each trait, explaining 13.6%, 16.4% and 21.4% phenotypic variation for each QTL in average, respectively. It implies that the genetic architecture of amino acids is relative simple and controlled by limited loci. About 43.2% of the loci identified by GWAS were verified by expression QTL, and 17 loci overlapped with mapped QTLs in the three RIL populations. GRMZM2G015534, GRMZM2G143008 and one QTL were further validated using molecular approaches. The amino acid biosynthetic and catabolic pathways were reconstructed on the basis of candidate genes proposed in this study. Our results provide insights into the genetic basis of amino acid biosynthesis in maize kernels and may facilitate marker‐based breeding for quality protein maize.
Stacking transgenic event DAS‐Ø15Ø7‐1 alters maize composition less than traditional breeding
Authors: Herman Rod A. , Fast Brandon J. , Scherer Peter N. , Brune Alyssa M. , de Cerqueira Denise T. , Schafer Barry W. , Ekmay Ricardo D. , Harrigan George G. , Bradfisch Greg A.
Published: February 2017

The impact of crossing (‘stacking’) genetically modified (GM) events on maize‐grain biochemical composition was compared with the impact of generating nonGM hybrids. The compositional similarity of seven GM stacks containing event DAS‐Ø15Ø7‐1, and their matched nonGM near‐isogenic hybrids (iso‐hybrids) was compared with the compositional similarity of concurrently grown nonGM hybrids and these same iso‐hybrids. Scatter plots were used to visualize comparisons among hybrids and a coefficient of identity (per cent of variation explained by line of identity) was calculated to quantify the relationships within analyte profiles. The composition of GM breeding stacks was more similar to the composition of iso‐hybrids than was the composition of nonGM hybrids. NonGM breeding more strongly influenced crop composition than did transgenesis or stacking of GM events. These findings call into question the value of uniquely requiring composition studies for GM crops, especially for breeding stacks composed of GM events previously found to be compositionally normal.
Family‐centered care for preterm infants: Parent and physical therapist perceptions
Authors: Miyagishima Saori , Himuro Nobuaki , Kozuka Naoki , Mori Mitsuru , Tsutsumi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to compare perceptions between physical therapists and parents about family‐centered care for preterm infants.

Methods

Translated versions of the Measure of Processes of Care‐20 and Measures of Processes of Care for Service Providers were used to evaluate the family‐centered care for preterm infants.

Results

A total of 42 parents of 44 preterm infants and nine physical therapists completed questionnaires. Parent perceptions of the family‐centered care were generally positive. The highest rating was in the domain Enable and Partnership. Physical therapists gave lower scores in all information domains. There were some gaps between parent and physical therapist perceptions of information domains.

Conclusions

Strengths and weaknesses in family‐centered care for preterm infants have been identified. Parents viewed the role of physical therapists in family‐centered care for preterm infants as positive.
Interference of allelopathic rice with paddy weeds at the root level
Authors: Yang X.‐F. , Kong C.‐H.
Published: February 2017

Despite increasing knowledge of the involvement of allelopathy in negative interactions among plants, relatively little is known about its action at the root level. This study aims to enhance understanding of interactions of roots between a crop and associated weeds via allelopathy.

Based on a series of experiments with window rhizoboxes and root segregation methods, we examined root placement patterns and root interactions between allelopathic rice and major paddy weeds Cyperus difformis, Echinochloa crus‐galli, Eclipta prostrata, Leptochloa chinensis and Oryza sativa (weedy rice).

Allelopathic rice inhibited growth of paddy weed roots more than shoots regardless of species. Furthermore, allelopathic rice significantly reduced total root length, total root area, maximum root width and maximum root depth of paddy weeds, while the weeds adjusted horizontal and vertical placement of their roots in response to the presence of allelopathic rice. With the exception of O. sativa (weedy rice), root growth of weeds avoided expanding towards allelopathic rice. Compared with root contact, root segregation significantly increased inhibition of E. crus‐galli, E. prostrata and L. chinensis through an increase in rice allelochemicals. In particular, their root exudates induced production of rice allelochemicals. However, similar results were not observed in C. difformis and O. sativa (weedy rice) with either root segregation or root exudate application.

The results demonstrate that allelopathic rice interferes with paddy weeds by altering root placement patterns and root interactions. This is the first case of a root behavioural strategy in crop–weed allelopathic interaction.
Cardiovascular Disease in Relation to Placental Abruption: A Population‐Based Cohort Study from Denmark
Authors: Ananth Cande V. , Hansen Anne Vinkel , Williams Michelle A. , Nybo Andersen Anne‐Marie
Published: February 2017

Background

Cardiovascular (CVD) complications stemming from vascular dysfunction have been widely explored in the setting of preeclampsia. However, the impact of abruption, a strong indicator of microvascular disturbance, on the risk of CVD mortality and morbidity remains poorly characterised.

Methods

We designed a cohort analysis of 828 289 women who delivered singletons in Denmark between 1978 and 2010. We linked the National Patient Registry and the Registry of Causes of Death to the Danish Birth Registry to ascertain CVD events. We estimated CVD risks in relation to abruption from Cox proportional hazards regression following adjustments for confounders.

Results

With 13 231 562 person‐years of follow‐up of women with at least one delivery, 11 829 pregnancies were complicated by abruption. The median (interquartile range) follow‐up in the non‐abruption and abruption groups was 16 (8, 24) and 18 (10, 25) years, respectively. CVD mortality rates in women with and without abruption were 0.9 and 0.3 per 10 000 person‐years, respectively (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 2.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5, 5.0). The corresponding CVD morbidity complication rates were 16.7 and 10.0 per 10 000 person‐years, respectively (HR 1.5, 95% CI 1.4, 1.8). The increased risks were evident for ischaemic heart disease, acute myocardial infarction, hypertensive heart disease, non‐rheumatic valvular disease, and congestive heart failure.

Conclusions

This study shows increased hazards of CVD morbidity and mortality in relation to abruption. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of distorted placental microvasculature is needed as this appears to be a harbinger of CVD later in life.
Effect of selenium supplementation on semen characteristics of Brazil's ram
Authors: Piagentini M , Silva DC , Dell'Aqua CPF , Moya‐Araujo CF , Codognoto VM , Ramos AA , Oba E
Published: February 2017

Contents

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of oral supplementation with selenium (Se) upon ram sperm parameters. Thirty rams managed in stall under intensive system were used and divided into five groups (six animals per group) as follows: control group (G1) mineral mixture supplementation without Se, group 2 (G2) mineral mixture supplemented with 5 mg/kg Se, group 3 (G3) supplemented with 10 mg/kg Se, group 4 (G4) supplemented with 15 mg/kg Se and group 5 (G5) supplemented with 20 mg/kg Se. For each group, there was an adjustment period of 14 days. The experimental period was 350 days. Every 56 days, the animals were weighed and semen samples were collected by electroejaculation. Semen analysis included volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and morphology. For plasmatic and acrosomal membrane integrity evaluation and mitochondrial membrane potential were used a combination of fluorescent probes. Differences between means values obtained by analysis of variance were verified by Tukey test with 5% probability. There was no statistical difference between treatment groups in relation to volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration, plasma and acrosomal membrane integrity (p > .05). Sperm morphology was different between treatment groups, the G1 (0 mg of selenium) had the highest percentage of major defects (11.11 ± 1.11a; p < .05). It was concluded that selenium decrease the percentage of sperm defects and did not directly influence on ram sperm volume, mass moviment, total motility, vigour, concentration and membrane integrity.
A simple endogenous growth model with endogenous fertility and environmental concern
Authors: Marsiglio Simone
Published: February 2017

We analyze the implications of endogenous fertility choices on both economic and environmental performances in a stylized AK‐type growth model. Differently from what traditionally assumed in the growth and environment literature, we allow pollution to be not only a by‐product of productive activities by firms but also a result of households’ behavior, as suggested by the celebrated IPAT equation. We show that along the balanced growth path equilibrium, economic growth may be non‐monotonically related to the population growth rate as agents care for the environment; moreover, demographic policies can be used both to achieve win‐win outcomes (simultaneously fostering economic growth and improving environmental quality) and to stabilize the otherwise non‐monotonic economic and population growth relationship.
Risk Factors for Suicide and Suicidal Behavior Relevant to Emergency Health Care Settings: A Systematic Review of Post‐2007 Reviews
Authors: McClatchey Kirstie , Murray Jennifer , Rowat Anne , Chouliara Zoë
Published: February 2017

Suicide is a global public health problem, and with recent economic and societal changes, there may be emerging risk factors unrecognized by health care professionals. The aim of this systematic review was to update existing suicide risk factor literature applicable to emergency health care settings. A total of 35 articles identified from PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Medline met the inclusion criteria. Results supported the significance of existing suicide risk factors and identified emerging risk factors. The review provides a high‐quality update of risk factor literature that could be applied to emergency health care settings; however, further research is needed to confirm emerging risk factors.
Seeking Liberation, Facing Marginalization: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders' Conditional Acceptance in Hip‐Hop Culture
Authors: McTaggart Ninochka , O'Brien Eileen
Published: February 2017

Using interview data with Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) hip‐hop participants, we analyze how respondents construct hip‐hop as a liberating space where they can circumvent limiting racial and ethnic stereotypes. However, an intersectional lens reveals the constraints that hip‐hop's hypermasculinity places onAAPImen as well as the ethnosexualized expectations thatAAPIwomen must negotiate. The experience ofAAPImen and women in hip‐hop due to their unique position in racial and gender hierarchies interacts with stereotypical notions ofAAPIpeople in wider society to relegate these participants to the margin rather than center of hip‐hop culture. Thus, we find respondents' constructions of hip‐hop less an indicator of hip‐hop culture's openness than a statement of how constricting the mainstream U.S. culture is forAAPIAmericans, rendering hip‐hop's conditional acceptance preferable by comparison.
WOX14 promotes bioactive gibberellin synthesis and vascular cell differentiation in Arabidopsis
Authors: Denis Erwan , Kbiri Nadia , Mary Viviane , Claisse Gaëlle , Conde e Silva Natalia , Kreis Martin , Deveaux Yves
Published: February 2017

Procambial and cambial stem cells provide the initial cells that allow the formation of vascular tissues. WOX4 and WOX14 have been shown to act redundantly to promote procambial cell proliferation and differentiation. Gibberellins (GAs), which have an important role in wood formation, also stimulate cambial cell division. Here we show that the loss of WOX14 function phenocopies some traits of GA‐deficient mutants that can be complemented by exogenous GA application, whereas WOX14 overexpression stimulates the expression of GA3ox anabolism genes and represses GA2ox catabolism genes, promoting the accumulation of bioactive GA. More importantly, our data clearly indicate that WOX14 but not WOX4 promotes vascular cell differentiation and lignification in inflorescence stems of Arabidopsis.
Transcriptome analysis of the Brassica napus–Leptosphaeria maculans pathosystem identifies receptor, signaling and structural genes underlying plant resistance
Authors: Becker Michael G. , Zhang Xuehua , Walker Philip L. , Wan Joey C. , Millar Jenna L. , Khan Deirdre , Granger Matthew J. , Cavers Jacob D. , Chan Ainsley C. , Fernando Dilantha W.G. , Belmonte Mark F.
Published: February 2017

The hemibiotrophic fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans is the causal agent of blackleg disease in Brassica napus (canola, oilseed rape) and causes significant loss of yield worldwide. While genetic resistance has been used to mitigate the disease by means of traditional breeding strategies, there is little knowledge about the genes that contribute to blackleg resistance. RNA sequencing and a streamlined bioinformatics pipeline identified unique genes and plant defense pathways specific to plant resistance in the B. napus–L. maculans LepR1–AvrLepR1 interaction over time. We complemented our temporal analyses by monitoring gene activity directly at the infection site using laser microdissection coupled to quantitative PCR. Finally, we characterized genes involved in plant resistance to blackleg in the Arabidopsis–L. maculans model pathosystem. Data reveal an accelerated activation of the plant transcriptome in resistant host cotyledons associated with transcripts coding for extracellular receptors and phytohormone signaling molecules. Functional characterization provides direct support for transcriptome data and positively identifies resistance regulators in the Brassicaceae. Spatial gradients of gene activity were identified in response to L. maculans proximal to the site of infection. This dataset provides unprecedented spatial and temporal resolution of the genes required for blackleg resistance and serves as a valuable resource for those interested in host–pathogen interactions.