bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Secession of municipalities and economies of scale: Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Lima Ricardo Carvalho de Andrade , Silveira Neto Raul da Mota
Published: May 2017

In the 1990s, there was a growing process of administrative decentralization that culminated in the creation of 1,016 new municipalities in Brazil. The aim of this paper is to verify the impact of the municipal secessions on the public expenditures and its association with economies of scale. Based on a Differences‐in‐Differences methodology, the obtained set of evidence indicates that those municipalities that underwent a secession process increased their per capita capital expenditures by 14.7 percent. In addition, we show evidence that strongly suggests that this increase in expenses can be explained by a reduction in economies of scale and rent‐seeking behavior.
Effectiveness of preharvest application of submicron chitosan dispersions for controlling Alternaria rot in postharvest jujube fruit
Authors: Guo Honglian , Xing Zijuan , Yu Qiaoyin , Zhao Yue , Zhu Enlong
Published: May 2017

The efficacy of submicron chitosan dispersions (SCD) on Alternaria alternata rot of the ‘Lingwu changzao’ jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Lingwu changzao) fruit and possible mechanisms involved were investigated in this study. When jujube fruit at the preharvest stage were sprayed twice with SCD (10 mg/ml) water solution and then natural infections were allowed to develop, there was a significant reduction in disease incidence and lesion index compared to control fruit during storage period, and similar results were obtained from postharvest fruit inoculated with the Alternaria rot pathogen. Scanning electron microscopy of the pathogen revealed that hyphae and spores were damaged and deformed when growing on the surface of fruit pretreated with SCD or CHO. The slowed softening of jujube fruit resulted from the protopectin content increasing compared with the control. Furthermore, SCD sprays inhibited cell wall hydrolysing enzymes, pectinase activity was decreased, and the increase in cellulase activity was postponed (from 30 days to 45 days).It was concluded that preharvest application of SCD was a more effective alternative to conventional chitosan for preventing postharvest from Alternaria rot of ‘Lingwu changzao’ jujube fruit.
Hypericum perforatum L. supplementation protects sciatic nerve injury-induced apoptotic, inflammatory and oxidative damage to muscle, blood and brain in rats
Authors: Uslusoy Fuat , Nazıroğlu Mustafa , Övey İshak Suat , Sönmez Tolga Taha
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This study was conducted to explore whether Hypericum perforatum L. (HPL) as a potent antioxidant protects against oxidative stress, cytokine production and caspase expression in muscle (soleus), brain and blood of sciatic nerve injury (SNI)-induced rats.

Methods

Thirty-five rats were equally divided into five groups. The first and second were used as untreated control and sham control groups, respectively. The third, fourth and fifth were sham + HPL, SNI and SNI + HPL groups, respectively. The third and fifth groups received 30 mg/kg HPL via gastric gavage for 28 days.

Key findings

High levels of muscle, brain and red blood cell (RBC) lipid peroxidation, plasma cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-2), muscle PARP, caspase 3 and 9 expression levels were decreased by HPL treatments. Plasma glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, α-tocopherol and melatonin, muscle, brain and RBC reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations were decreased by SNI induction, whereas their values were increased by HPL treatments. β-carotene and retinol concentrations did not change in the five groups.

Conclusion

HPL may play a role in preventing SNI-induced inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic blood, muscle and brain damages through upregulation of the GSH and GPx values but downregulation of PARP, caspase level and cytokine production in SNI-induced rats.
The effect of maternal obesity on fatty acid transporter expression and lipid metabolism in the full‐term placenta of lean breed swine
Authors: Tian L. , Dong S. S. , Hu J. , Yao J. J. , Yan P. S.
Published: May 2017

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of back‐fat thickness (BF), at mating of sows, on the maternal and newborn circulating lipids, expression of placental fatty acids (FA) transporters and lipid accumulation in placenta. Full‐term placentas were obtained by vaginal delivery from BFI (9–14 mm; n = 37), BFII (15–19 mm; n = 43) and BFIII (20–27 mm; n = 38) sows according to BF at mating, and frozen placental sections were analysed for fat accumulation. Blood samples were collected from the sows of day 105 pregnancy and from cord blood at delivery. mRNA and protein expression levels were evaluated with real‐time RT‐PCR and Western blotting. Our results demonstrated that BFII females had significantly increased litter weight and placental efficiency, decreased maternal triglyceride (TG) and non‐esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels, decreased maternal IL‐6, TNFα and leptin levels compared to BFIII females (p < .05). BFIII sows were associated with significantly decreased newborn TG levels, increased newborn glucose, IL‐6 and TNFα levels compared to BFI or BFII sows (p < .05). BFI and BFII females had significantly decreased placental TG, NEFA and cholesterol (CHOL) contents compared to BFIII females (p < .05). Moreover, decreased CD36, FATP1, FABP4, and FABP1 mRNA and protein and FATP4 protein expression, and increased LPL activity were also observed in BFIII group compared with BFII group (p < .05). PPARγ mRNA and protein and lipogenic genes such as SREBP‐1c, ACSL1, ACCα, FAS and SCD mRNA expression were downregulated or upregulated, respectively, in the placentas of BFIII sows compared to BFI or BFII sows (p < .05). Overall, this study demonstrated that there is no advantage, in terms of litter live size, litter weight and placental FA transport and metabolism, in performing the mating of sows with BF>19 mm.
Effect of under‐ and overfeeding on sheep and goat milk and plasma enzymes activities related to oxidation
Authors: Tsiplakou E. , Mitsiopoulou C. , Mavrommatis A. , Karaiskou C. , Chronopoulou E. G. , Mavridis G. , Sotirakoglou K. , Labrou N. E. , Zervas G.
Published: May 2017

Twenty‐four dairy sheep and goats, respectively, were assigned each to three homogenous subgroups per animal species and fed the same diet in quantities which met 70% (underfeeding), 100% (control) and 130% (overfeeding) of their energy and crude protein requirements. The results showed that the underfed sheep in comparison with the control had significantly lower glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities and total antioxidant capacity (measured with Ferric Reducing Ability of Plasma [FRAP] assay) in their blood plasma. A significant increase in the glutathione transferase (GST) and GPX activities, malondialdehyde content and total antioxidant capacity (measured with 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid) [ABTS] assay) in the blood plasma of underfed goats compared with controls was observed, while the opposite happened for the GR and SOD activities. The underfeeding in both animal species caused a significant increase in the protein carbonyls (PC) content of their blood plasma. The overfeeding, compared with the control, caused a significant decline in the GPX activity and total antioxidant capacity (measured with FRAP) in the blood plasma of sheep while the opposite happened for the GPX and GST activities in the case of goats. The overfed animals, of both species, compared with the respective controls, had higher PC content in their blood plasma. The feeding level had no noticeable impact on the antioxidants' enzymes activities of milk in both animal species. Moreover, the underfeeding in the blood plasma and the overfeeding in milk of both animal species resulted into a significant increase in the PC content. Finally, only in sheep milk, the underfeeding, compared with the respective control, and overfeeding reduced significantly the total antioxidant capacity (measured with ABTS). The feeding level caused oxidative stress in both organism and milk but the response was different in animal species and needs further investigation.
Role and regulation of autophagy and apoptosis by nitric oxide in hepatic stellate cells during acute liver failure
Authors: Jin Li , Gao Heng , Wang JiuPing , Yang ShuJuan , Wang Jing , Liu JingFeng , Yang Yuan , Yan TaoTao , Chen Tianyan , Zhao Yingren , He Yingli
Published: May 2017

Background & Aims

We previously found that hepatic stellate cell activation induced by autophagy maintains the liver architecture to prevent collapse during acute liver failure. Nitric oxide has shown to induce hepatic stellate cell apoptosis. Whether and how nitric oxide is involved in acute liver failure and autophagy remains unclear.

Methods

Acute liver failure patients were recruited to investigate the correlation between plasma nitric oxide levels and clinical features. Liver tissues were collected from chronic hepatitis patients by biopsy and from acute liver failure patients who had undergone liver transplantation. The expression of nitric oxide synthases and hepatic stellate cell activation (alpha‐SMA), and autophagic activity (LC3) were investigated by immunohistochemistry. Autophagy and apoptosis were investigated by immunoblot analysis, confocal microscopy, and flow cytometry in hepatic stellate cells treated with nitric oxide donors.

Results

Plasma nitric oxide level was significantly increased in patients with acute liver failure compared to those with cirrhosis (53.60±19.74 μM vs 19.40±9.03 μM, Z=−7.384, P<.001) and positively correlated with MELD‐Na score (r=.539, P<.001), implicating nitric oxide in acute liver failure. At least some Nitric oxide was produced by overexpression of inducible nitric oxide synthases and endothelial nitric oxide synthases, but not neuronal nitric oxide synthases in the liver tissue. In vivo observation revealed that autophagy was inhibited in hepatic stellate cells based on decreased LC3 immunostaining, and in vitro experiments demonstrated that Nitric oxide can inhibit autophagy. Moreover, nitric oxide promoted hepatic stellate cell apoptosis, which was rescued by an autophagy inducer.

Conclusions

Increased nitric oxide synthases/ nitric oxide promotes apoptosis through autophagy inhibition in hepatic stellate cells during acute liver failure, providing a novel strategy for the treatment of patients with acute liver failure.
Submillisecond fireball timing using de Bruijn timecodes
Authors: Howie Robert M. , Paxman Jonathan , Bland Philip A. , Towner Martin C. , Sansom Eleanor K. , Devillepoix Hadrien A. R.
Published: May 2017

Long‐exposure fireball photographs have been used to systematically record meteoroid trajectories, calculate heliocentric orbits, and determine meteorite fall positions since the mid‐20th century. Periodic shuttering is used to determine meteoroid velocity, but up until this point, a separate method of precisely determining the arrival time of a meteoroid was required. We show it is possible to encode precise arrival times directly into the meteor image by driving the periodic shutter according to a particular pattern—a de Bruijn sequence—and eliminate the need for a separate subsystem to record absolute fireball timing. The Desert Fireball Network has implemented this approach using a microcontroller driven electro‐optic shutter synchronized with GNSS UTC time to create small, simple, and cost‐effective high‐precision fireball observatories with submillisecond timing accuracy.
The effect of chronotherapy on delirium in critical care – a systematic review
Authors: Luther Roseanne , McLeod Anne
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Background

Delirium is highly prevalent within critical care and is linked to adverse clinical outcomes, increased mortality and impaired quality of life. Development of delirium is thought to be caused by multiple risk factors, including disruption of the circadian rhythm. Chronotherapeutic interventions, such as light therapy, music and use of eye shades, have been suggested as an option to improve circadian rhythm within intensive care units.

Aim

This review aims to answer the question: Can chronotherapy reduce the prevalence of delirium in adult patients in critical care?

Design

This study is a systematic review of quantitative studies.

Research Method

Six major electronic databases were searched, and a hand search was undertaken using selected key search terms. Research quality was assessed using the critical appraisal skills programme tools. The studies were critically appraised by both authors independently, and data were extracted. Four themes addressing the research question were identified and critically evaluated.

Findings

Six primary research articles that investigated different methods of chronotherapy were identified, and the results suggest that multi‐component non‐pharmacological interventions are the most effective for reducing the prevalence of delirium in critical care. The melatonergic agonist Ramelteon demonstrated statistically significant reductions in delirium; however, the reliability of the results in answering the review question was limited by the research design. The use of bright light therapy (BLT) and dynamic light application had mixed results, with issues with the research design and outcomes measured limiting the validity of the findings.

Conclusion

Multi‐component non‐pharmacological interventions, such as noise and light control, can reduce delirium in critical care, whereas other interventions, such as BLT, have mixed outcomes. Melatonin, as a drug, may be a useful alternative to sedative‐hypnotics.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Chronotherapy can reduce the incidence of delirium within critical care, although further research is warranted. Staff education is essential in the implementation of chronotherapy.
Bayesian Inference in Spatial Sample Selection Models
Authors: Doğan Osman , Taşpinar Süleyman
Published: May 2017

In this study, we consider Bayesian methods for the estimation of a sample selection model with spatially correlated disturbance terms. We design a set of Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithms based on the method of data augmentation. The natural parameterization for the covariance structure of our model involves an unidentified parameter that complicates posterior analysis. The unidentified parameter – the variance of the disturbance term in the selection equation – is handled in different ways in these algorithms to achieve identification for other parameters. The Bayesian estimator based on these algorithms can account for the selection bias and the full covariance structure implied by the spatial correlation. We illustrate the implementation of these algorithms through a simulation study and an empirical application.
The effects of hierarchy, centralization and formalization on municipal fiscal health: An empirical test of the bureaucratic ideal
Authors: Jimenez Benedict S.
Published: May 2017

This research examines the effects of three defining features of bureaucratic organizations – hierarchy, centralization of decision‐making, and the formalization of administrative procedures and rules – on the fiscal health of city governments in the US. It utilizes data from a national survey of top appointed city officials in the US to measure the bureaucratic features of city governments, and assesses budgetary solvency using actual financial data from audited financial reports. Using factor analysis to develop a composite bureaucracy index, and addressing unobserved heterogeneity and possible simultaneity bias through least squares dummy variable regression and instrumental variable regression, the empirical analysis shows that excessive bureaucracy leads to poorer fiscal health. Analysing the effects of the individual components of the index, the results indicate that centralization and formalization exert a statistically significant and negative effect on city budgetary solvency.
The STENOFOLIA gene from Medicago alters leaf width, flowering time and chlorophyll content in transgenic wheat
Authors: Liu Meiyan , Lei Lei , Miao Fang , Powers Carol , Zhang Xiaoyu , Deng Jungpeng , Tadege Million , Carver Brett F. , Yan Liuling
Published: May 2017

Molecular genetic analyses revealed that the WUSCHEL‐related homeobox (WOX) gene superfamily regulates several programs in plant development. Many different mechanisms are reported to underlie these alterations. The WOX family member STENOFOLIA (STF) is involved in leaf expansion in the eudicot Medicago truncutula. Here, we report that when this gene was ectopically expressed in a locally adapted hard red winter wheat cultivar (Triticum aestivum), the transgenic plants showed not only widened leaves but also accelerated flowering and increased chlorophyll content. These desirable traits were stably inherited in the progeny plants. STF binds to wheat genes that have the (GA)n/(CT)n DNA cis element, regardless of sequences flanking the DNA repeats, suggesting a mechanism for its pleiotropic effects. However, the amino acids between position 91 and 262 in the STF protein that were found to bind with the (GA)n motif have no conserved domain with any other GAGA‐binding proteins in animals or plants. We also found that STF interacted with a variety of proteins in wheat in yeast 2 hybrid assays. We conclude that the eudicot STF gene binds to (GA)n/(CT)n DNA elements and can be used to regulate leaf width, flowering time and chlorophyll content in monocot wheat.
Mandarin parents’ evaluation of developmental status in the detection of delays
Authors: Toh Teck‐Hock , Lim Boon‐Chuan , Bujang Mohamad Adam Bin , Haniff Jamaiyah , Wong See‐Chang , Abdullah Muhamad Rais
Published: May 2017

Background

We examined the parental perception and accuracy of the Mandarin translation of the Parents’ Evaluation of Developmental Status, a screening questionnaire for parent concerns about children's various developmental skills.

Methods

The questionnaire was translated into Mandarin. Upon enrollment, caregivers completed the Mandarin PEDS and answered four questions about its acceptability and usefulness, and its ease of understanding and completion. The Mandarin PEDS was independently evaluated by a pediatrician and a community nurse, and classified as high risk (≥two predictive concerns), medium risk (one predictive concern), low risk (any non‐predictive concerns) or no risk (if no concern) for developmental delays. The caregivers repeated Mandarin PEDS at a 2 week interval for test–retest reliability, while the children underwent testing for accuracy using a developmental assessment test.

Results

The majority (≥85%) of the 73 caregivers perceived the Mandarin PEDS as acceptable and useful, as well as easy to understand and complete. Fifteen (20.5%) and 24 responses (33.9%) were classified as high and moderate risk, respectively. The test–retest and inter‐rater reliabilities were excellent, with an intra‐class correlation coefficient of 0.812 (95% CI: 0.701–0.881, P < 0.001) and a kappa value of 0.870 (P < 0.001), respectively. Mandarin PEDS was 80.0% sensitive and 83.8% specific for those in the high‐risk category (adjusted OR, 64.68; 95% CI: 1.33–3,139.72; P = 0.035).

Conclusion

Mandarin PEDS was well received by the caregivers, and was reliable and accurate in detecting developmental delays in the Mandarin‐speaking subjects. We recommend it for early detection of children with developmental and behavioral problems.
Severity and outcome of the norovirus infection in children after intestinal transplantation
Authors: Patte Marie , Canioni Danielle , Fenoel Véronique Avettand , Frange Pierre , Rabant Marion , Talbotec Cécile , Lacaille Florence
Published: May 2017

In immunocompromised patients, the NoV infection is prolonged and severe. We retrospectively studied the severity of the NoV infection in children after an ITx, the treatment, and the long‐term evolution. Norovirus PCR in stools was positive for 19 children in 21 separate episodes. The infection was symptomatic in 18 cases. At diagnosis, the median weight loss was 5% (0‐11) and the creatinine clearance was 75 mL/min/1.73 m2 (19‐142). On 14 digestive biopsies, the pathological findings were non‐specific with a constant mononuclear infiltration, showing signs of rejection in one case. Fifteen children in 17 cases were hospitalized for a median duration of 41 days (0‐119) with IV infusions for 33 days (0‐120). The viral shedding lasted 78 days (20‐360). Nine children with severe or prolonged diarrhea received intravenous IGs and four of them additional NTZ. On follow‐up, five other children developed a rejection 12 months (1‐33) after NoV infection. Four uncontrolled rejections led to graft removal. Children mostly needed hospital admission and IV rehydration, but the symptoms upon presentation were moderate. Symptoms and shedding durations are prolonged as expected. The treatment efficacy cannot be assessed. The rejection induction by the NoV cannot be excluded.
Human intestinal spirochetosis in Japanese patients aged less than 20 years: Histological analysis of colorectal biopsy and surgical specimens obtained from 479 patients
Authors: Ichimata Shojiro , Yoshizawa Akihiko , Kusakari Mai , Nakayama Yoshiko , Asaka Shiho , Negishi Tatsuya , Kasuga Eriko , Matsumoto Takehisa , Honda Takayuki
Published: May 2017

Human intestinal spirochetosis (HIS) is a condition in which spirochetes attach to and colonize the colorectal epithelium. To our knowledge, no comprehensive studies of HIS in young patient have been published in a developed country. This study aimed to determine the incidence and clinicopathological manifestations of HIS in Japanese patients aged less than 20 years. We retrospectively reviewed 3605 biopsy and 92 surgical specimens obtained from 479 patients admitted to Shinshu University Hospital between 1997 and 2014. All slides were reviewed independently by two pathologists to confirm the histological presence of spirochetes. Among 387 patients who underwent biopsy, the most common pathologic diagnosis was ulcerative colitis (12.6%, n = 49). Additionally, about half of the biopsy specimens showed non‐specific, mildly inflamed mucosa (50.6%, n = 196); only one of these cases was HIS. On the other hand, among the surgical specimens, we found no cases of HIS. We concluded that the incidence of HIS in Japanese young patients was 0.2% (1/479 cases). The incidence of HIS in Japanese young patients was very low, and one HIS case was associated with colitis with abdominal pain.
Restoring Sage‐grouse nesting habitat through removal of early successional conifer
Authors: Severson John P. , Hagen Christian A. , Maestas Jeremy D. , Naugle David E. , Forbes James T. , Reese Kerry P.
Published: May 2017

Conifer woodlands have expanded into sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) ecosystems and degrade habitat for sagebrush obligate species such as the Greater Sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus). Conifer management is increasing despite a lack of empirical evidence assessing outcomes to grouse and their habitat. Although assessments of vegetation recovery after conifer removal are common, comparisons of successional trends with habitat guidelines or actual data on habitat used by sage‐grouse is lacking. We assessed impacts of conifer encroachment on vegetation characteristics known to be important for sage‐grouse nesting. Using a controlled repeated measures design, we then evaluated vegetation changes for 3 years after conifer removal. We compared these results to data from 356 local sage‐grouse nests, rangewide nesting habitat estimates, and published habitat guidelines. We measured negative effects of conifer cover on many characteristics important for sage‐grouse nesting habitat including percent cover of forbs, grasses, and shrubs, and species richness of forbs and shrubs. In untreated habitat, herbaceous vegetation cover was slightly below the cover at local nest sites, while shrub cover and sagebrush cover were well below cover at the nest sites. Following conifer removal, we measured increases in herbaceous vegetation, primarily grasses, and sagebrush height. Our results indicate that conifer abundance can decrease habitat suitability for nesting sage‐grouse. Additionally, conifer removal can improve habitat suitability for nesting sage‐grouse within 3 years, and trajectories indicate that the habitat may continue to improve in the near future.
Merchants, usurers and harlots: Genoa in early modern English drama
Authors: Lovascio Domenico
Published: May 2017

The portrayal of Italy in early modern English drama has enjoyed ample and diversified scholarly treatment, especially as regards Rome, Venice, Naples, Milan, Florence, Padua and Verona as settings for William Shakespeare's plays. Admittedly, Genoa does not readily come to mind when discussing the presence of Italy in Elizabethan, Jacobean and Caroline drama. Yet, its presence in the drama of the period is far more tangible than commonly assumed. After identifying written sources and mapping out references and allusions to Genoa in the dramatic writings of the period, this article identifies and discusses for the first time usury and prostitution as core themes specifically associated with the dramatic portrayals of Genoa, and examines the engagement of such portrayals with urgent social issues in sixteenth‐ and seventeenth‐century London. By shedding light on the early modern English playwrights’ significant and continuing engagement with Genoa, this article seeks to contribute to a broader understanding of Renaissance Anglo‐Italian relations while simultaneously laying fertile ground for further scholarly enquiry, as well as leading to further critical insights into plays that are set in or host references to Genoa.
Two weeks of repetitive gut‐challenge reduce exercise‐associated gastrointestinal symptoms and malabsorption
Authors: Miall A. , Khoo A. , Rauch C. , Snipe R. M. J. , Camões‐Costa V. L. , Gibson P. R. , Costa R. J. S.
Published: May 2017

Debilitating gastrointestinal symptoms is a common feature of endurance running and may be exacerbated by and/or limit the ability to tolerate carbohydrate intake during exercise. The study aimed to determine whether two weeks of repetitive gut‐challenge during running can reduce exercise‐associated gastrointestinal symptoms and carbohydrate malabsorption. Endurance runners (n=18) performed an initial gut‐challenge trial (GC1) comprising 2‐hour running exercise at 60% VO2max (steady state) while consuming a formulated gel‐disk containing 30 g carbohydrates (2:1 glucose‐fructose, 10% w/v) every 20 minutes, followed by a 1‐hour running effort bout. Gastrointestinal symptoms, feeding tolerance, and breath hydrogen (H2) were determined along the gut‐challenge trial. After GC1, participants were randomly assigned to a blinded carbohydrate (CHO, 90 gCHO hour−1) or placebo (PLA, 0 gCHO hour−1) gut‐training group. This comprised of consuming the group‐specific feeding intervention during 1‐hour running exercise at 60% VO2max equivalent, daily over a period of two weeks. Participants then repeated the gut‐challenge trial (GC2). In GC2, a reduced gut discomfort (P=.012), total (P=.009), upper‐ (P=.015), and lower‐gastrointestinal (P=.008) symptoms, and nausea (P=.05) were observed on CHO, but not PLA. Feeding tolerance did not differ between GC1 and GC2 on CHO and PLA. H2 peak was attenuated in GC2 (6±3 ppm) compared to GC1 (13±6 ppm) on CHO (P=.004), but not on PLA (GC1 11±7 ppm, and GC2 10±10 ppm). The effort bout distance was greater in GC2 (12.3±1.3 km) compared with GC1 (11.7±1.5 km) on CHO (P=.035) only. Two weeks of repetitive gut‐challenge improve gastrointestinal symptoms and reduce carbohydrate malabsorption during endurance running, which may have performance implications.
Rapid switch‐off of the human myosin heavy chain IIX gene after heavy load muscle contractions is sustained for at least four days
Authors: Andersen J. L. , Gruschy‐Knudsen T.
Published: May 2017

Long‐term heavy load contractions decrease the relative amount of the myosin heavy chain (MHC) IIX isoform in human skeletal muscle, but the timing of the down‐regulation in the short term is unknown. Untrained subjects performed two resistance bouts, in two consecutive days, with one leg, the other leg serving as a control (age 24±1, n=5). Muscle biopsies were obtained in both legs before, immediately after, and 24, 54, and 96 hours after exercise. Serial cryosection analysis combined immunohistochemistry and ATPase histochemistry with In Situ hybridization to identify the distribution of MHC isoforms and their corresponding transcripts, enabling identification of transitional fibers. Fibers positive solely for MHC IIX mRNA decreased in the exercised leg throughout the study period. At 96 hours post‐exercise, no fibers solely expressed MHC IIX mRNA. In contrast, the number of fibers expressing MHC IIA mRNA increased throughout the study period. The percentage of fibers expressing mRNA for MHC I was unchanged in both legs at all time points. Pronounced depletion of glycogen in the MHC IIX fibers of the exercised leg verifies that the type IIX fibers were active during the heavy load contractions. Major mismatch between MHC at the mRNA and protein levels was only found in the fibers of the exercised leg. These data provide unequivocal in situ evidence of an immediate shutdown of the MHC IIX gene after resistance exercise. A further novel finding was that the silencing of the MHC IIX gene is sustained at least 4 days after removal of the stimulus.
Maternal and paternal reactions to child sadness predict children's psychosocial outcomes: A family‐centered approach
Authors: Miller‐Slough Rachel L. , Dunsmore Julie C. , Zeman Janice L. , Sanders Wesley M. , Poon Jennifer A.
Published: May 2017

Parents' reactions to children's emotions shape their psychosocial outcomes. Extant research on emotion socialization primarily uses variable‐centered approaches. This study explores family patterns of maternal and paternal responses to children's sadness in relation to psychosocial outcomes in middle childhood. Fifty‐one families with 8‐ to 12‐year‐old children participated. Mothers and fathers reported their reactions to children's sadness and children's social competence and psychological adjustment. Cluster analyses revealed three family patterns: Supportive (high supportive and low non‐supportive reactions from both parents), Not Supportive (low supportive reactions from both parents), and Father Dominant (high paternal supportive and non‐supportive reactions, low maternal supportive and non‐supportive reactions). Supportive families had children with higher social competence and more internalizing symptoms whereas Father Dominant families had children with lower social competence and fewer internalizing symptoms. Not Supportive families had children with average social competence and fewer internalizing symptoms. Findings are discussed in relation to the “divergence model” which proposes that a diverse range of parental responses to children's sadness, rather than a uniformly supportive approach, may facilitate children's psychosocial adjustment.
Pet dogs: Does their presence influence preadolescents' emotional responses to a social stressor?
Authors: Kerns Kathryn A. , Stuart‐Parrigon Kaela L. , Coifman Karin G. , van Dulmen Manfred H. M. , Koehn Amanda
Published: May 2017

Despite interest in human–animal interaction, few studies have tested whether the presence of a dog facilitates children's emotional responding. Preadolescents (N = 99) were randomly assigned to complete the Trier Social Stress Test either with or without their pet dog. Children rated their positive and negative affect, and high‐frequency heart rate variability (HF‐HRV) was assessed throughout the session. Children reported higher positive affect when they completed the task with their pet dog, although there were no differences for negative affect or HF‐HRV. Children who had more physical contact with their dog at baseline reported higher positive affect. The findings suggest contact with pets is associated with enhanced positive affect.
Economic Openness and Institutional Embeddedness: Global Capital and Firm Performance in China's Stock Market*
Authors: Wang Junmin , Zhang Yanlong , Guthrie Doug
Published: May 2017

Objectives

This study advances the theoretical perspective in studying economic globalization that emphasizes the moderating role of local institutions on the potential benefits brought by foreign investments on host nations.

Methods

We use mixed‐effects regression models to analyze a longitudinal data set of China's publicly listed firms between 1996 and 2012, examining how foreign share affects firm performance independently and how domestic ownerships moderate foreign share's effects on firm profitability.

Results

Our results show partial evidence for the positive role of foreign ownership on firm performance. We find that private share positively moderates the effects of foreign share on firm profitability whereas state share plays a negative moderating role. As a progressive state ownership, state institutional share appears to cooperate with foreign share more effectively than state share.

Conclusion

We suggest that the global‐local partnership plays a critical role in assessing the consequences of foreign capital on local firm outcomes.
Regional differences in the management and outcome of kidney transplantation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection: A 3‐year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Cristelli Marina P. , Cofán Federico , Tedesco‐Silva Helio , Trullàs Joan Carles , Santos Daniel Wagner C. L. , Manzardo Christian , Agüero Fernando , Moreno Asunción , Oppenheimer Federico , Diekmann Fritz , Medina‐Pestana Jose O. , Miro Jose Maria ,   the Sao Paulo‐Barcelona Renal Transplant in HIV Investigators
Published: May 2017

Background

In the developed world, kidney transplantation (KT) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is well established. Developing countries concentrate 90% of the people living with HIV, but their experience is underreported. Regional differences may affect outcomes.

Objectives

We compared the 3‐year outcomes of patients with HIV infection receiving a KT in two different countries, in terms of incomes and development.

Methods

This was an observational, retrospective, double‐center study, including all HIV‐infected patients >18 years old undergoing KT.

Results

Between 2005 and 2015, 54 KTs were performed (39 in a Brazilian center, and 15 in a Spanish center). Brazilians had less hepatitis C virus co‐infection (5% vs 27%, P=.024). Median cold ischemia time was higher in Brazil (25 vs 18 hours, P=.001). Biopsy‐proven acute rejection (AR) was higher in Brazil (33% vs 13%, P=.187), as were the number of AR episodes (22 vs 4, P=.063). Patient survival at 3 years was 91.3% in Brazil and 100% in Spain; P=.663. All three cases of death in Brazil were a result of bacterial infections within the first year post transplant. At 3 years, survival free from immunosuppressive changes was lower in Brazil (56% vs 90.9%, P=.036). Raltegravir‐based treatment to avoid interaction with calcineurin inhibitor was more prevalent in Spain (80% vs 3%; P<.001). HIV infection remained under control in all patients, with undetectable viral load and no opportunistic infections.

Conclusion

Important regional differences exist in the demographics and management of immunosuppression and antiretroviral therapy. These details may influence AR and infectious complications. Non‐AIDS infections leading to early mortality in Brazil deserve special attention.
Live‐cell CRISPR imaging in plants reveals dynamic telomere movements
Authors: Dreissig Steven , Schiml Simon , Schindele Patrick , Weiss Oda , Rutten Twan , Schubert Veit , Gladilin Evgeny , Mette Michael F. , Puchta Holger , Houben Andreas
Published: May 2017

Elucidating the spatiotemporal organization of the genome inside the nucleus is imperative to our understanding of the regulation of genes and non‐coding sequences during development and environmental changes. Emerging techniques of chromatin imaging promise to bridge the long‐standing gap between sequencing studies, which reveal genomic information, and imaging studies that provide spatial and temporal information of defined genomic regions. Here, we demonstrate such an imaging technique based on two orthologues of the bacterial clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)–CRISPR associated protein 9 (Cas9). By fusing eGFP/mRuby2 to catalytically inactive versions of Streptococcus pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus Cas9, we show robust visualization of telomere repeats in live leaf cells of Nicotiana benthamiana. By tracking the dynamics of telomeres visualized by CRISPR–dCas9, we reveal dynamic telomere movements of up to 2 μm over 30 min during interphase. Furthermore, we show that CRISPR–dCas9 can be combined with fluorescence‐labelled proteins to visualize DNA–protein interactions in vivo. By simultaneously using two dCas9 orthologues, we pave the way for the imaging of multiple genomic loci in live plants cells. CRISPR imaging bears the potential to significantly improve our understanding of the dynamics of chromosomes in live plant cells.
Risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus among blood donors in Cameroon: evidence for the design of an Africa‐specific donor history questionnaire
Authors: Tagny Claude T. , Nguefack‐Tsague Georges , Fopa Diderot , Ashu Celestin , Tante Estel , Ngo Balogog Pauline , Donfack Olivier , Mbanya Dora , Laperche Syria , Murphy Edward
Published: May 2017

BACKGROUND

In sub‐Saharan Africa improving the deferral of at‐risk blood donors would be a cost‐effective approach to reducing transfusion‐transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections. We performed a pilot case‐control study to identify the risk factors for HIV infection and to develop an adapted donor history questionnaire (DHQ) for sub‐Saharan Africa.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

We recruited 137 HIV‐positive donors (cases) and 256 HIV‐negative donors (controls) and gathered risk factor data using audio computer‐assisted self‐interview. Variables with univariate associations were entered into a logistic regression model to assess independent associations. A scoring scheme to distinguish between HIV‐positive and HIV‐negative donors was developed using receiver operating characteristics curves.

RESULTS

We identified 16 risk factors including sex with sex worker, past history or treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and having a partner who used injected or noninjected illegal drugs. Two novel risks were related to local behavior: polygamy (odds ratio [OR], 22.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 5.9‐86.7) and medical or grooming treatment on the street (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.0‐3.0). Using the 16 selected items the mean scores (>100) were 82.6 ± 6.7 (range, 53.2‐95.1) and 85.1 ± 5.2 for HIV‐negative donors versus 77.9 ± 6.8 for HIV‐positive ones (p = 0.000). Donors who scored between 80 and 90 were more likely to be HIV negative than those who scored less (OR, 31.4; 95% CI, 3.1‐313.9).

CONCLUSION

We identified both typical and novel HIV risk factors among Cameroonian blood donors. An adapted DHQ and score that discriminate HIV‐negative donors may be an inexpensive means of reducing transfusion‐transmitted HIV through predonation screening.
LOPP chemotherapy as a first‐line treatment for dogs with T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Brown P. M. , Tzannes S. , Nguyen S. , White J. , Langova V.
Published: May 2017

Background

The aim of this study was to describe the use of a lomustine (CCNU), vincristine, procarbazine and prednisolone (LOPP) protocol used for treatment of chemotherapy naive T‐cell lymphoma patients and to describe the response rate, toxicity and disease‐free interval compared historically to CHOP chemotherapy.

Materials and Methods

Retrospective case study of 31 dogs with naïve T‐cell lymphoma treated with a lomustine (CCNU), vincristine, procarbazine and prednisolone (LOPP) protocol.

Results

Thirty‐one dogs with T cell lymphoma were treated. The overall response rate was 97%. Of the 30 dogs that had a response to LOPP chemotherapy, the median disease free interval was 176 days (range 0–1745 days). The median overall survival time for this study group was 323 days (range 51–1758 days). All deaths in this study were attributable to lymphoma.

Conclusion

LOPP chemotherapy for T cell lymphoma is well tolerated with a low toxicity profile and an excellent overall response rate. This protocol showed minimal toxicity and comparable disease free interval and survival times for canine high grade T cell lymphoma treated with CHOP.
Escalator‐related injuries in 30 dogs (2007–2014)
Authors: Pearson Emma‐Leigh , Whelan Megan , Bracker Kiko
Published: May 2017

Objective

To describe a population of dogs affected by escalator‐related injuries, and to characterize the types of injuries sustained and describe treatment administered.

Design

Retrospective study from March 2007 to November 2014.

Setting

Large urban referral and emergency facility.

Animals

Thirty client‐owned dogs presenting with injuries acquired while riding an escalator.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

All injuries in this study occurred secondary to entrapment of 1 or more paws in the moving parts of an escalator; 39 paws were injured in total. The median body weight of the patients in this study was 4.25 kg, with 73.3% of the patients weighing less than 10 kg. Fifteen patients (50.0%) were treated surgically, the remainder were managed conservatively. Eight patients (26.7%) underwent digit or partial‐digit amputation. Of the conservatively managed patients, 10 were treated with bandaging of the wounds. Antimicrobials, opiate analgesics, and nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs were administered in both surgically and conservatively managed patients.

Conclusions

While uncommon, escalator accidents can result in significant injury to dogs. Measures can be taken to prevent these injuries from occurring, whether through client education, dog training, structural modifications in the escalators themselves, or avoidance of escalators. In the present study, the survival rate of dogs injured on escalators was 100%.
Ukrainian Government Bureaucracy: Benefits and Costs for the Society
Authors: Fedosov Victor , Paientko Tetiana
Published: May 2017

Government bureaucracy efficiency, and its attending cost for society, is one of the gravest issues currently facing Ukraine. The low efficiency of Ukrainian government bureaucracy is caused by a merger of bureaucracy, political power, and large, manipulating business interests. As a result, Ukraine faces a significantly depressed economy, a high level of corruption, low property rights protection, and a pervasive lack of trust in the government in general. In order to understand the true costs and benefits of government bureaucracy for the Ukrainian society, a methodology of calculating bureaucracy specifically for Ukraine was developed. Previously unused indicators were added to provide greater accuracy. The inefficiency of Ukrainian government bureaucracy was determined categorically. Paths to the improvement of Ukrainian government bureaucracy efficiency were suggested.
The Effects of Unit Exercises on the Hand Grip Strength of Arm Wrestlers
Authors: Yonca Sezer S , Engin Çelikel B , Serdar Yücel A , Mustafa Karadağ , Yüksel Savucu
Published: May 2017

The aim of this research is to evaluate the change in the hand grip strength of the male arm wrestlers before and after a unit of exercise. The participants of the research consist of sportsmen (n=16) of Fırat University arm wrestling team in 18-25 age group.Within the scope of the research, all of the tests and measurements (age, length, body weight, sports age, hand grip strength) were carried out on the experimental group before they started training and the same tests were repeated just after the exercises. A unit of exercise program consisted of warm up, cool down, and 5 sets of weight lifting with 12 repetitions and intensity of 70% that were in that day’s plan and program applied by the trainer.While descriptive statistics were adopted in the statistical analysis, to identify the significance level between the hand grip strength before and after the exercise paired sample t-test analysis was used. The significance level was shown as α = 0.05 in the analyses. While the right hand grip strength of the sportsmen (n=16) was statistically significant at 51.1062 ± 1.69709 before and 49.0437 ± 1.71770 (p=0.000) after the exercise, the left hand grip strength was statistically significant at 46.9000 ± 1.16179 before and 45.8063 ± 1.30078 (p=0.000) after the exercise.In conclusion, it was observed that there is a statistically significant negative decline in the hand grip strength of the arm wrestling sportsmen after a unit of exercise and it can be said that it is because of the exhaustion expected after the exercise.
A Comprehensive Set of Impact Data for Common Aerospace Metals
Authors: Brake M. R. W. , Reu P. L. , Aragon D. S.
Published: May 2017

The results of two sets of impact experiments are reported within. To assist with model development using the impact data reported, the materials are mechanically characterized using a series of standard experiments. The first set of impact data comes from a series of coefficient of restitution (COR) experiments, in which a 2 m long pendulum is used to study “in-context” measurements of the coefficient of restitution for eight different materials (6061-T6 aluminum, phosphor bronze alloy 510, Hiperco, nitronic 60A, stainless steel 304, titanium, copper, and annealed copper). The coefficient of restitution is measured via two different techniques: digital image correlation (DIC) and laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV). Due to the strong agreement of the two different methods, only results from the digital image correlation are reported. The coefficient of restitution experiments are in context as the scales of the geometry and impact velocities are representative of common features in the motivating application for this research. Finally, a series of compliance measurements are detailed for the same set of materials. The compliance measurements are conducted using both nano-indentation and micro-indentation machines, providing sub-nm displacement resolution and μN force resolution. Good agreement is seen for load levels spanned by both machines. As the transition from elastic to plastic behavior occurs at contact displacements on the order of 30 nm, this data set provides a unique insight into the transitionary region.
A Modified Runge–Kutta Method for Nonlinear Dynamical Systems With Conserved Quantities
Authors: Hu Guang-Da
Published: May 2017

In this paper, explicit Runge–Kutta methods are investigated for numerical solutions of nonlinear dynamical systems with conserved quantities. The concept, ε-preserving is introduced to describe the conserved quantities being approximately retained. Then, a modified version of explicit Runge–Kutta methods based on the optimization technique is presented. With respect to the computational effort, the modified Runge–Kutta method is superior to implicit numerical methods in the literature. The order of the modified Runge–Kutta method is the same as the standard Runge–Kutta method, but it is superior in preserving the conserved quantities to the standard one. Numerical experiments are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the modified Runge–Kutta method.