bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of soya protein isolate hydrolysates with added substrate‐like amino acids
Authors: Zhang Jianan , Xu Jucai , Liu Lei , Liu Yang , Zhao Tiantian , Wu Changping , Sun‐Waterhouse Dongxiao , Zhao Mouming , Su Guowan
Published: October 2015

Soya protein isolate (SPI) with or without added substrate‐like amino acid was subject to enzymatic hydrolysis catalysed by commercial proteases (Alcalase 2.4 L, flavourzyme and pancreatin). Addition of a small amount of amino acids (amino acid: SPI = 1: 2500, mol g−1) during hydrolysis would cause a significantly (P < 0.05) reduced protein recovery, increased degree of hydrolysis, and altered amino acid composition and antioxidant activities of SPI hydrolysates. The SPI hydrolysates prepared with added Asp, Arg or Lys exhibited a higher antioxidant activity than the control. The bitterness of SPI hydrolysates was largely reduced upon addition of Met, Asp or Glu during hydrolysis, whilst the umami taste and mouthfeel‐liking were remarkably increased. Therefore, adding amino acid during hydrolysis is a feasible and beneficial approach to improve both the functional and sensory properties of SPI hydrolysate.
Generational Peers and Alcohol Misuse
Authors: Niño Michael , Cai Tianji , Ignatow Gabe , Yang Philip
Published: October 2015

This study investigates the influence of generational peers on alcohol misuse among immigrant youth. We derive hypotheses from sociological theories of generations regarding race/ethnicity, gender, and immigrant generation and test these hypotheses using a measure that accounts for the proportion of peers within a given peer network that are of the same immigrant generation. Results show that generational ties decreased the odds of alcohol misuse for immigrants and that these effects depend partly on race/ethnicity and gender. We conclude that generational ties play a meaningful role in the health and well-being of immigrant youth, and discuss possible future avenues for research on immigrant generational peers.
A mixed‐method synthesis of knowledge, experiences and attitudes of health professionals to Female Genital Mutilation
Authors: Reig‐Alcaraz María , Siles‐González José , Solano‐Ruiz Carmen
Published: October 2015

Aim

To synthesize knowledge, attitudes and experiences of health professionals about Female Genital Mutilation.

Background

Despite the World Health Organization campaigning to stop FGM, and it being illegal in many countries, the practice remains common in some countries and cultures. Migration has contributed to the growth of this practice in countries where it was not previously carried out.

Design

Mixed‐method synthesis.

Data sources

Search of ten electronic databases: 2006–2014. Manual scanning of reference lists and summary feeds from international organizations such as WHO, UN and UNICEF.

Review methods

Thematic synthesis comparing country of origin where the practice was common with country of residence where migrant women affected by the practice reside. 17 included descriptive, quantitative, qualitative studies and grey literature studies in English or Spanish.

Results

Seven themes were developed: Ignorance of FGM practice and its consequences; Lack of adherence to FGM protocols and guidelines; Socially constructed acceptance of FGM; Ignorance of legislation and legal status of FGM; Condoning, sanctioning or supporting FGM; Lack of information and training; Nurses and Midwives as key to protecting and supporting girls and women

Conclusions

Although some nurses and midwives are in the forefront of eradicating FGM this is counterbalanced by health professionals (including nurses and midwives) who condone, sanction or support the practice with some calling for medicalization of FGM as a legitimate procedure. Girls at risk need better protection and women affected need more competent and cultural care from health professionals. Health and legal systems, professional regulation and governance, and professional training require strengthening to eradicate FGM, prevent the medicalization of FGM as an acceptable procedure, and to better manage the lifelong consequences for affected girls and women.
Prognostic Value of Ambulatory Blood Pressure in the Obese: The Ambulatory Blood Pressure‐International Study
Authors: Palatini Paolo , Reboldi Gianpaolo , Beilin Lawrence J. , Casiglia Edoardo , Eguchi Kazuo , Imai Yutaka , Kario Kazuomi , Ohkubo Takayoshi , Pierdomenico Sante D. , Schwartz Joseph E. , Wing Lindon , Verdecchia Paolo
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study was to compare the predictive value of ambulatory blood pressure (BP) vs office BP for cardiovascular events during a 5.8‐year follow‐up period in the obese and nonobese participants of the Ambulatory Blood Pressure‐International Study (n=10,817). Both ambulatory BP and office BP considered separately were predictive of cardiovascular events. However, in Cox models including both pressures, only ambulatory BP was associated with outcome. Among obese patients, the hazard ratios for a 10‐mm Hg increase in 24‐hour and office systolic BPs were 1.37 (95% confidence interval, 1.20–1.53) and 0.91 (95% confidence interval, 0.76–1.07), respectively. Among nonobese patients, the corresponding hazard ratios were 1.39 (95% confidence interval, 1.31–1.47) and 0.94 (95% confidence interval, 0.88–1.00) (P=not significant vs obese). Similar results were obtained for diastolic BP and for daytime and nighttime BPs. Ambulatory BP has similar predictive capacity in obese and nonobese patients, suggesting that ambulatory BP monitoring is a useful diagnostic tool for the assessment of obese individuals.
Elevated Serum Beta‐Trace Protein Levels are Associated With the Presence of Atrial Fibrillation in Hypertension Patients
Authors: Yalcin Muhammed U. , Gurses Kadri M. , Kocyigit Duygu , Kesikli Sacit A. , Tokgozoglu Lale , Guc Dicle , Aytemir Kudret , Ozer Necla
Published: October 2015

Beta‐trace protein (BTP) has emerged as a novel biomarker of cardiovascular risk. In this study, the authors aimed to assess the relationship between BTP levels and presence of atrial fibrillation in patients who had controlled hypertension (HTN) and normal renal function. A total of 80 controlled HTN patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) and 80 age‐ and sex‐matched controls with controlled HTN were enrolled. Serum BTP levels were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. BTP levels were found to be significantly higher in patients with PAF (P<.001). Other parameters including mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure values, serum creatinine levels, and glomerular filtration rate were similar between the two groups. Along with left atrial diameter (odds ratio, 1.504; P<.001), BTP levels (odds ratio, 1.015; P<.001) were independently associated with the presence of PAF. BTP levels were increased in controlled HTN patients with PAF compared with controls, and this association was observed within normal renal functions as reflected by normal glomerular filtration rate.
Effect of two different healing times on the mineralization of newly formed bone using a bovine bone substitute in sinus floor augmentation: a randomized, controlled, clinical and histological investigation
Authors: Kohal Ralf Joachim , Gubik Sonja , Strohl Christine , Stampf Susanne , Bächle Maria , Hurrle Adrian Alexander , Patzelt Sebastian Berthold Maximilian
Published: October 2015

Purpose

To investigate the amount of the mineralization of a bovine bone substitute material in sinus floor augmentation after healing times of 3 and 6 months.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐one patients were randomized into two healing time groups and received sinus floor augmentations with a bovine bone material. After 3 or 6 months of healing, trephine bone biopsies were retrieved. The biopsies were processed for histological and histomorphometric evaluations to primarily investigate the amount of mineralized bone in the augmented area and secondarily compare the amount of mineralized bone in the augmented area and in the pristine bone. Statistical tests were performed to analyse the fraction of the mineralized bone (p < 0.05).

Results

The biopsies of both groups showed remnants of the well‐integrated bone substitute material. The histology revealed osteoblasts, osteocytes with osteoid, and osteoclasts. The mean percentage of mineralized bone in the augmented area was 23.8% (3 months group) and 23.6% (6 months group; p = 0.9246); the amount of remaining bone substitute material was 35% (3 months group) and 33.9% (6 months group; p = 0.6325).

Conclusion

It can be concluded that the bone maturation in the augmented sinus using the bovine bone material is similar after 3 and 6 months. Thus, implant installation after 3 months following a lateral window sinus floor augmentation approach using a bovine bone material seems to be clinically acceptable.
Daylight photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate cream is effective and nearly painless in treating actinic keratoses: a randomised, investigator‐blinded, controlled, phase III study throughout Europe
Authors: Lacour J‐P. , Ulrich C. , Gilaberte Y. , Von Felbert V. , Basset‐Seguin N. , Dreno B. , Girard C. , Redondo P. , Serra‐Guillen C. , Synnerstad I. , Tarstedt M. , Tsianakas A. , Venema A.W. , Kelleners‐Smeets N. , Adamski H. , Perez‐Garcia B. , Gerritsen M.J. , Leclerc S. , Kerrouche N. , Szeimies R‐M.
Published: October 2015

Background

Unmet needs exist in actinic keratosis (AK) treatment. Daylight photodynamic therapy (DL‐PDT) has shown good efficacy and safety results compared to conventional PDT (c‐PDT) in a recent Phase III multi‐centre randomised controlled trial in Australia among 100 subjects with AKs.

Objectives

Demonstrate non‐inferior efficacy and superior safety of DL‐PDT compared to c‐PDT in treating multiple mild and/or moderate facial/scalp AKs.

Methods

Phase III, 12 week, multi‐centre, randomised, investigator‐blinded, controlled, intra‐individual study conducted at different latitudes in Europe. AKs of adult subjects were treated once with methyl aminolevulinate (MAL) DL‐PDT on one side of the face and MAL c‐PDT contralaterally. Endpoints for DL‐PDT concerned efficacy (non‐inferiority regarding complete lesion response at week 12) and safety (superiority regarding subject's assessment of pain after treatment, on an 11‐point numeric rating scale). Safety evaluation also included incidence of adverse events. Subject satisfaction was described using a questionnaire at baseline and last visit.

Results

At week 12, the total lesion complete response rate with DL‐PDT was similar (non‐inferior) to c‐PDT (70% vs. 74%, respectively; 95% CI [−9.5; 2.4] in PP analysis, confirmed in ITT analysis). In addition, efficacy of DL‐PDT was demonstrated regardless of weather conditions (sunny or cloudy). DL‐PDT was nearly painless compared to c‐PDT (0.7 vs. 4.4, respectively; P < 0.001), better tolerated and resulted in higher subject satisfaction.

Conclusion

DL‐PDT in comparison with c‐PDT was as effective, better tolerated and nearly painless with high patient satisfaction, and may be considered a treatment of choice to meet needs of patients with mild or moderate facial/scalp AKs.
“Retronychia – clinical and pathophysiological aspects”
Authors: Ventura F. , Correia O. , Duarte A.F. , Barros A.M. , Haneke E.
Published: October 2015

Retronychia represents proximal ingrowth of the nail that occurs when the nail embeds backwards into the proximal nail fold. It is suspected when there is a persistent paronychia, particularly in the setting of trauma. Important clinical criteria for diagnosis are inflammation of the proximal nail fold, granulation tissue emerging from under the nail fold, thickening of the proximal portion of the nail plate and interruption of nail growth. The condition is rarely diagnosed and often misinterpreted, and is therefore unnecessarily treated with systemic antibiotics and antifungals. Avulsion of the nail confirms the diagnosis and it is the curative treatment. Conservative treatment with an adhesive technique is a valid option in early cases. We report 20 cases of retronychia diagnosed in our department between 2010 and 2013.
Slow growth of the overexploited milk sharkRhizoprionodon acutusaffects its sustainability in West Africa
Authors: Ba A. , Diouf K. , Guilhaumon F. , Panfili J.
Published: October 2015

Age and growth ofRhizoprionodon acutuswere estimated from vertebrae age bands. From December 2009 to November 2010, 423R. acutusbetween 37 and 112 cm total length (LT) were sampled along the Senegalese coast. Marginal increment ratio was used to check annual band deposition. Three growth models were adjusted to the length at age and compared using Akaike's information criterion. The Gompertz growth model with estimated size at birth appeared to be the best and resulted in growth parameters ofL∞= 139·55 (LT) andK= 0·17 year−1for females andL∞= 126·52 (LT) andK= 0·18 year−1for males. The largest female and male examined were 8 and 9 years old, but the majority was between 1 and 3 years old. Ages at maturity estimated were 5·8 and 4·8 years for females and males, respectively. These results suggest thatR. acutusis a slow‐growing species, which render the species particularly vulnerable to heavy fishery exploitation. The growth parameters estimated in this study are crucial for stock assessments and for demographic analyses to evaluate the sustainability of commercial harvests.
Influence of Stimulus Properties and Sensory Task Instructions on Oral Processing Behavior of Liquid Stimuli
Authors: Derks J.A.M. , De Wijk R.A. , De Graaf C. , Stieger M.
Published: October 2015

This study determined the influence of texture properties and sensory task instructions on oral processing behavior of liquid stimuli. Oral processing of one sip of water, skimmed milk, thickened skimmed milk, cream and cream with poppy seeds was quantified using Surface Electromyography. Oral behavior was determined while subjects performed or did not perform sensory evaluation. Oral clearance time and time after the second swallow differed between liquid stimuli displaying large differences in texture properties, probably due to subjects attempting to remove oral coatings from the tongue surface during the oral clearance phase. Time to swallow decreased and total muscle activity increased when liquid stimuli were orally processed without performing a sensory evaluation. No differences in oral processing behavior of liquid stimuli were observed between different types of sensory evaluations (assessment of different sensory attributes). We suggest that some texture attributes of liquid foods might be perceived without requiring additional oral processing. We conclude that performing sensory evaluation influences oral processing behavior of liquid stimuli compared to not performing sensory evaluation.

Practical Applications

Studying oral processing behavior helps to better understand food sensations and can thereby support food industry in product development. This study demonstrates that consumers adapt their oral processing behavior of liquids only when the differences in texture properties between the liquids are large mainly by prolonging the oral clearance time after the first swallow and the total drinking time. By engineering the texture properties of beverages the oral processing behavior could be influenced to increase drinking time of a sip of beverage. An increase in drinking time probably leads to prolonged sensory sensations. We hypothesize that increasing drinking time and oral sensory exposure might lead to a decrease in drink intake when multiple sips are consumed.
Intellectual Property and Biofuels: The Energy Crisis, Food Security, and Climate Change
Authors: Rimmer Matthew , Lloyd Mike , Mokdsi George , Spielthenner Doris , Driver Ewan
Published: October 2015

In light of larger public policy debates over intellectual property and climate change, this article considers patent practice, law, and policy in respect of biofuels. This debate has significant implications for public policy discussions in respect of energy independence, food security, and climate change. The first section of the paper provides a network analysis of patents in respect of biofuels across the three generations. It provides empirical research in respect of patent subject matter, ownership, and strategy in respect of biofuels. The second section provides a case study of significant patent litigation over biofuels. There is an examination of the biofuels patent litigation between the Danish company Novozymes, and Danisco and DuPont. The third section examines flexibilities in respect of patent law and clean technologies in the context of the case study of biofuels. In particular, it explores the debate over substantive doctrinal matters in respect of biofuels – such as patentable subject matter, technology transfer, patent pools, compulsory licensing, and disclosure requirements. The conclusion explores the relevance of the debate over patent law and biofuels to the larger public policy discussions over energy independence, food security, and climate change.
Human Rights, Humanitarianism, and State Violence: Medical Documentation of Torture in Turkey
Authors: Can Başak
Published: October 2015

State authorities invested in developing official expert discourses and practices to deny torture in post‐1980 coup d’état Turkey. Documentation of torture was therefore crucial for the incipient human rights movement there in the 1980s. Human rights physicians used their expertise not only to treat torture victims but also to document torture and eventually found the Human Rights Foundation of Turkey (HRFT) in 1990. Drawing on an ethnographic and archival research at the HRFT, this article examines the genealogy of anti‐torture struggles in Turkey and argues that locally mediated intimacies and/or hostilities between victims of state violence, human rights physicians, and official forensics reveal the limitations of certain universal humanitarian and human rights principles. It also shows that locally mediated long‐term humanitarian encounters around the question of political violence challenge forensic denial of violence and remake the legitimate levels of state violence.
Amphibian molecular ecology and how it has informed conservation
Authors: McCartney‐Melstad Evan , Shaffer H. Bradley
Published: October 2015

Molecular ecology has become one of the key tools in the modern conservationist's kit. Here we review three areas where molecular ecology has been applied to amphibian conservation: genes on landscapes, within‐population processes, and genes that matter. We summarize relevant analytical methods, recent important studies from the amphibian literature, and conservation implications for each section. Finally, we include five in‐depth examples of how molecular ecology has been successfully applied to specific amphibian systems.
Biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis requires an endoribonuclease‐containing multisubunit complex that controls mRNA levels for the matrix gene repressor SinR
Authors: DeLoughery Aaron , Dengler Vanina , Chai Yunrong , Losick Richard
Published: October 2015

Biofilm formation by Bacillus subtilis is largely governed by a circuit in which the response regulator Spo0A turns on the gene for the anti‐repressor SinI. SinI, in turn, binds to and inactivates SinR, a dedicated repressor of genes for matrix production. Mutants of the genes ylbF, ymcA and yaaT are blocked in biofilm formation, but the mechanism by which they act has been mysterious. A recent report attributed their role in biofilm formation to stimulating Spo0A activity. However, we detect no measurable effect on the transcription of sinI. Instead, we find that the block in biofilm formation is caused by an increase in the levels of SinR and of its mRNA. Evidence is presented that YlbF, YmcA and YaaT interact with, and control the activity of, RNase Y, which is known to destabilize sinR mRNA. We also show that the processing of another target of RNase Y, cggR‐gapA mRNA, similarly depends on YlbF and YmcA. Our work suggests that sinR mRNA stability is an additional posttranscriptional control mechanism governing the switch to multicellularity and raises the possibility that YlbF, YmcA and YaaT broadly regulate mRNA stability as part of an RNase Y‐containing, multi‐subunit complex.
Gingipain‐dependent augmentation by Porphyromonas gingivalis of phagocytosis of Tannerella forsythia
Authors: Jung Y.‐J. , Jun H.‐K. , Choi B.‐K.
Published: October 2015

In the pathogenesis of periodontitis, Porphyromonas gingivalis plays a role as a keystone pathogen that manipulates host immune responses leading to dysbiotic oral microbial communities. Arg‐gingipains (RgpA and RgpB) and Lys‐gingipain (Kgp) are responsible for the majority of bacterial proteolytic activity and play essential roles in bacterial virulence. Therefore, gingipains are often considered as therapeutic targets. This study investigated the role of gingipains in the modulation by P. gingivalis of phagocytosis of Tannerella forsythia by macrophages. Phagocytosis of T. forsythia was significantly enhanced by coinfection with P. gingivalis in a multiplicity of infection‐dependent and gingipain‐dependent manner. Mutation of either Kgp or Rgp in the coinfecting P. gingivalis resulted in attenuated enhancement of T. forsythia phagocytosis. Inhibition of coaggregation between the two bacterial species reduced phagocytosis of T. forsythia in mixed infection, and this coaggregation was dependent on gingipains. Inhibition of gingipain protease activities in coinfecting P. gingivalis abated the coaggregation and the enhancement of T. forsythia phagocytosis. However, the direct effect of protease activities of gingipains on T. forsythia seemed to be minimal. Although most of the phagocytosed T. forsythia were cleared in infected macrophages, more T. forsythia remained in cells coinfected with gingipain‐expressing P. gingivalis than in cells coinfected with the gingipain‐null mutant or infected only with T. forsythia at 24 and 48 h post‐infection. Collectively, these results suggest that P. gingivalis, mainly via its gingipains, alters the clearance of T. forsythia, and provide some insights into the role of P. gingivalis as a keystone pathogen.
Choline Chloride Assisted Synthesis of N and Metal Codoped TiO2 and their Photocatalytic Activity under Visible Light
Authors: Kaur Navneet , Shahi Satwant Kaur , Singh Vasundhara
Published: October 2015

A few nanocrystalline N,metal codoped TiO2 (metal = Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu and Zn) have been synthesized by a simple sol–gel method using choline chloride which is biodegradable, low cost, nontoxic ionic salt both as a structure directing agent and source of nitrogen. The prepared samples were well characterized by XRD, HRTEM, FTIR, DRS, EDX, XPS and BET techniques. The photocatalytic activity of all synthesized N, metal codoped TiO2 has been carried out for the degradation of Reactive Black 5 dye under visible light irradiation and among them, N, Fe codoped TiO2 was found to be the best for the degradation of Reactive Black 5 dye. The effect of incorporated metals on the photocatalytic activity of the various modified TiO2 has been discussed in detail based on the mechanism involved in the degradation of dye and their physico‐chemical properties which includes surface area, particle size, defect sites, phase, band gap and electron–hole recombination effect.
UV‐inducedDNADamage: The Role of Electronic Excited States
Authors: Markovitsi Dimitra
Published: October 2015

The knowledge of the fundamental processes induced by the direct absorption ofUVradiation byDNAallows extrapolating conclusions drawn fromin vitrostudies to thein‐vivoDNAphotoreactivity. In this respect, the characterization of theDNAelectronic excited states plays a key role. For a long time, the mechanisms ofDNAlesion formation were discussed in terms of generic “singlet” and “triplet” excited state reactivity. However, since the beginning of the 21stcentury, both experimental and theoretical studies revealed the existence of “collective” excited states,i.e. excited states delocalized over at least two bases. Two limiting cases are distinguished: Frenkel excitons (delocalized ππ* states) and charge‐transfer states in which positive and negative charges are located on different bases. The importance of collective excited states in photon absorption (in particular in theUVAspectral domain), the redistribution of the excitation energy withinDNA, and the formation of dimeric pyrimidine photoproducts is discussed. The dependence of the behavior of the collective excited states on conformational motions of the nucleic acids is highlighted.
Blood–brain barrier disruption during spontaneous canine visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Melo G. D. , Grano F. G. , Silva J. E. S. , Kremer B. E. , Lima V. M. F. , Machado G. F.
Published: October 2015

Visceral leishmaniasis is a complex disease caused by Leishmania infantum, and in dogs, besides the classical symptoms, there are descriptions of inflammatory alterations in the brain. Brain inflammation is a strictly controlled process, and as the brain counts on the efficiency of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), we aimed to assess BBB integrity in dogs with spontaneous visceral leishmaniasis. Therefore, we evaluated markers in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and in brain tissue related to BBB disruption and brain inflammation. Elevated albumin quota revealed BBB breakdown, corroborated by increased concentrations of anti‐Leishmania antibodies in the CSF. In the brain, albumin and IgG staining formed halos around blood vessels, a classical indicator of BBB leakage. Soluble IgG was also detected in the choroid plexus and ependyma, and in these structures, IgG stained random resident cells. IgG+ cells and Fcγ‐RI+ cells were identified in the choroid plexus, ependyma and perivascular in the brain parenchyma. The data support the occurrence of BBB disruption in dogs with spontaneous visceral leishmaniasis, and IgG as a key molecule that is capable of initiating and/or maintaining the inflammatory stimuli in the nervous milieu and the CSF as an important disseminator of inflammatory stimuli within the CNS.
Regrowth patterns and rosette attributes contribute to the differential compensatory responses of Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes to apical damage
Authors: Scholes D. R. , Wszalek A. E. , Paige K. N.
Published: October 2015

A plant's compensatory performance refers to its ability to maintain or increase its reproductive output following damage. The ability of a plant to compensate depends on numerous factors including the type, severity, frequency and timing of damage, the environmental conditions and the plant's genotype. Upon apical damage, a cascade of hormonal and genetic responses often produces dramatic changes in a plant's growth, development, architecture and physiology. All else being equal, this response is largely dependent on a plant's genotype, with different regrowth patterns displayed by different genotypes of a given species. In this study, we compare the architectural and growth patterns of two Arabidopsis thaliana genotypes following apical damage. Specifically, we characterise regrowth patterns of the genotypes Columbia‐4 and Landsberg erecta, which typically differ in their compensation to apical meristem removal. We report that Landsberg erecta suffered reductions in the number of stems produced, maximum elongation rate, a delay in reaching this rate, lower average rosette quality throughout the growing period, and ultimately, less aboveground dry biomass and seed production when damaged compared to undamaged control plants. Columbia‐4 had no reductions in any of these measures and maintained larger rosette area when clipped relative to when unclipped. Based on the apparent influence of the rosette on these genotypes' compensatory performances, we performed a rosette removal experiment, which confirmed that the rosette contributes to compensatory performance. This study provides a novel characterisation of regrowth patterns following apical damage, with insights into those measures having the largest effect on plant performance.
Fiscal Uncertainty and Currency Crises
Authors: Gumus Inci
Published: October 2015

Fiscal deficits have been put forward as the main factor in the occurrence of currency crises by the first‐generation currency crisis models. While most papers within this framework consider a fiscal deficit that occurs with certainty, in reality an increase in the government's fiscal burden may be an uncertain outcome. This paper introduces a model where there is uncertainty about the occurrence of a fiscal deficit for a finite number of periods, and studies the effects of such uncertainty on the evolution of currency crises. If the fiscal deficit materializes, the government has to abandon the fixed exchange rate regime, as in the standard case. However, the paper shows that the peg becomes unsustainable even if the fiscal deficit never materializes. Therefore, a speculative attack occurs and the fixed exchange rate regime collapses with the mere possibility of a deficit, independently of whether this outcome actually occurs or not.
Negotiation over Intellectual Property Rights Protection in a Mixed Market
Authors: Li Jie , Xu Xiaohui , Lu Jing
Published: October 2015

This article models a North–South negotiation under a mixed oligopolistic setting where a public firm in the South and a private firm from the North compete in the southern market. The southern firm is a public one whose objective is a weighted sum of the South's social welfare and its own profit, whereas the northern firm is a pure profit maximizer. The North provides a quid pro quo in exchange for the strengthening of the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPR) protection in the South. We show that when the northern and southern firms engage in quantity competition in the southern market, the southern government's optimal choice is either complete protection or complete violation. We show this to depend on the southern government's valuation of the quid pro quo. Moreover, strengthening IPR protection will deepen the privatization process in the South, though it brings about a social welfare loss to the South.
The Role of Foreign Direct Investment on Income Convergence in China after Early 1990s from a Spatial Econometric Perspective
Authors: Ma Jingmei , Jia Hongyu
Published: October 2015

This paper introduces foreign direct investment (FDI) as an endogenous variable based on a neoclassical model of economic growth and investigates the impact of FDI on income convergence in China using provincial panel data from 1991 to 2007. A spatial model is later exploited to further examine the effect of FDI on convergence in China in light of remarkable and positive spatial correlations among neighboring regions. Results of estimates confirm the role of FDI inflow as a significant driving force to promote conditional convergence in China after the early 1990s. They also confirm that the non‐spatial classical model underestimates the impact of FDI on regional economic growth and also underestimates the speed of convergence.
The Role of Agricultural Productivity on Structural Change
Authors: Chen Been‐Lon , Liao Shian‐Yu
Published: October 2015

Many authors have estimated and found that the productivity growth in agriculture is higher than that in non‐agriculture in today's richest countries. Several papers suggested that growth in agricultural productivity was essential for today's richest countries to take off early. However, few articles noticed that growth in agricultural productivity is critical in driving structural change in today's richest countries. This paper studies a two‐sector neoclassical growth model with subsistence agricultural consumption and shows that growth in agricultural productivity plays a more important role than growth in non‐agricultural productivity in governing massive structural change in today's richest countries.
Conditional Policies in General Equilibrium
Authors: Krishna Kala
Published: October 2015

Obtaining lower generalized system of preferences (GSP) tariffs requires meeting costly Rules of Origin (ROOs). Growing coffee in the shade is more costly, but yields a price premium. This paper analyzes the effects of such restrictions in a general equilibrium setting and shows that such policies may have unanticipated effects. It is shown that in a world with capital mobility, the GSP could result in capital outflows rather than inflows and consumer preferences for shade grown coffee end up hurting labor in developing countries. Even small subsidies that are contingent on the use of domestic intermediates can result in specialization in the targeted good. Value added contingent policies can easily lead to multiple equilibria despite the absence of externalities or market imperfections.
Real Exchange Rate Volatility and Imports of Intermediate Inputs: A Microeconometric Analysis of Manufacturing Plants
Authors: López Ricardo A. , Nguyen Huong D.
Published: October 2015

This paper uses plant‐level data from the manufacturing sector of Chile for the period 1995–2007 to examine the effect of real exchange rate (RER) volatility on imports of intermediate inputs at the micro level. Using input–output tables, we construct sector‐level RERs relevant for input import decisions and find that increases in the RER and its volatility reduce the fraction of imported intermediate inputs used by plants, while plants' probability of importing is not affected. Thus, fluctuations in the RER affect the intensive margin of imports (the amount of inputs imported) but not the extensive margin (the decision to import).
Tax Evasion, Corruption and Market Entry
Authors: Seidel André , Thum Marcel
Published: October 2015

We analyze the impact of tax policy on the market entry of firms in the presence of corruption and tax evasion. In a world with corruption, firms must bribe corrupt officials to enter the market. For a given level of bribes, higher tax rates and stricter enforcement of taxation decrease tax evasion but typically reduce market entry. However, when the level of bribes reacts to tax policy, higher taxes and stricter enforcement of taxation can have a double benefit. Up to a certain threshold, for which we develop a simple rule, stricter enforcement increases market entry and reduces tax evasion.
False Economy: Financialization, Crises and Socio‐Economic Polarisation
Authors: Bone John
Published: October 2015

Over the last few decades, a range of profound and widely recognised changes have affected the global economy and global labour markets, driven by a growing imbalance of power between financier dominated capital and labour, a scenario facilitated by the extended availability of labour due to the process of globalisation of itself and, to some degree, by labour supplanting technologies (Standing, 2011, Brynjolfsson and McAfee, 2011). However, arguably, what is less clearly understood is that the financial sector's role in this overall process and, indeed, increasing power rests to no small extent on its capacity to ‘conjure’ wealth from credit creation and, often, opaque practices that are highly abstracted and/or only tenuously connected to real economic activity (Korten, 2009). This shift, and the latter in particular, it is argued, in addition to producing a sequence of financial crises culminating (thus far) with the crash and recession of 2007/8, has fundamental implications for the future shape of the global economy, labour markets and, as a consequence, the life chances and opportunities that potentially confront succeeding generations, assuming that trends continue on their present course. This piece considers these issues with particular emphasis on their implications for the UK and its citizens.
The Silent Majority: Understanding and Increasing Majority Group Responses to Discrimination
Authors: Crosby Jennifer Randall
Published: October 2015

Although strong norms exist against discrimination, majority group members are surprisingly unlikely to respond assertively to discrimination when they witness it. A number of factors contribute to majority group members' nonresponse, including lack of intergroup contact, motivation not to see discrimination, unsupportive social norms, and the sense that only members of affected groups are entitled to respond to discrimination. This paper reviews the published evidence supporting this pattern and presents a model of targeted social referencing, whereby majority group members look to, and are uniquely influenced by, the opinions of minority group members in the domain of discrimination. This article reviews the causes and implications of targeted social referencing and proposes interventions aimed at increasing majority group responses to discrimination.
Effectively Analyzing Change over Time in Laboratory Research on Stress and Health: A Multilevel Modeling Approach
Authors: Lehman Barbara J , Kirsch Julie A. , Jones Dusti R.
Published: October 2015

Stress and health researchers often utilize standardized laboratory stress tasks to evaluate the physical and psychological consequences of challenging experiences. These laboratory sessions usually include multiple measurements of physical and psychological responses collected over time. Multilevel modeling allows researchers to make use of all available data points to model the trajectory of change over time, and within distinct task periods such as baseline, stressor, and recovery. To effectively predict future health outcomes it is important to examine both stress‐related reactivity and recovery. In this paper, we review the analytic approaches used in recent laboratory stress research and note that many recent articles have aggregated multiple responses, used difference scores, or conducted repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA). Relatively few studies used a multilevel modeling approach. We highlight the advantages of a multilevel modeling approach and provide an example for using this approach as an alternative to repeated measures ANOVA and difference scores.
Liver fluke‐infested graft used for living‐donor liver transplantation: case report and review of the literature
Authors: Capobianco I. , Frank M. , Königsrainer A. , Sipos B. , Menzel M. , Sturm E. , Nadalin S.
Published: October 2015

Clonorchiasis is a cholangiopathy caused by foodborne trematode parasites, also known as liver flukes. Clonorchiasis is endemic in a wide geographical area extending from Eastern Europe to Southeast Asia. Infested hosts may remain asymptomatic for decades and consequently their liver can become available as a graft. To date, 20 liver transplantations with liver fluke‐infested grafts have been reported in the literature. All of them occurred in Asian countries. We, here, report the first case to our knowledge in the Western world of living‐donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with an Opisthorchis felineus‐infested graft, and present a review of the literature. A 6‐month‐old girl with decompensated secondary biliary cirrhosis underwent an LDLT with a left lateral graft infested with O. felineus. After prompt diagnosis and adequate therapy, both donor and recipient had an uneventful postoperative course and long‐term follow‐up. Liver grafts infested with liver flukes do not pose a contraindication to liver donation from deceased or living donors, provided that a correct diagnosis and treatment are performed in a timely fashion.
JC polyomavirus viremia and progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in human leukocyte antigen‐sensitized kidney transplant recipients desensitized with intravenous immunoglobulin and rituximab
Authors: Toyoda M. , Thomas D. , Ahn G. , Kahwaji J. , Mirocha J. , Chu M. , Vo A. , Suviolahti E. , Ge S. , Jordan S.C.
Published: October 2015

Background

Desensitization (DES) with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) + rituximab is effective, safe, and increases the transplantation rate in human leukocyte antigen‐sensitized patients. However, reports of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) caused by JC polyomavirus (JCPyV) in autoimmune patients treated with rituximab is concerning. Here, we report on the JCPyV viremia and PML status in kidney transplant patients with/without DES (non‐DES).

Methods

In total 1195 and 699 DNA samples from plasma in 117 DES (78% lymphocyte‐depleting [LyD] induction) and 100 non‐DES patients (45% LyD), respectively, were submitted for JCPyV‐polymerase chain reaction. Results were compared in both groups.

Results

No patients in either DES or non‐DES developed PML or presented with any neurological symptoms. The JCPyV viremia rate was similar in DES and non‐DES patients (3/117 vs. 9/100, P = 0.07). The JCPyV levels were low (median peak levels, 1025 copies/mL) and JCPyV viremia was observed only once during the study period in most patients. All 3 DES patients with JCPyV(+) received 1 dose rituximab and no DES patients with >1 dose rituximab showed JCPyV(+). All 3 JCPyV(+) DES patients received LyD induction, while only 2 of 9 JCPyV(+) non‐DES patients did so, and the remaining 7 received non‐LyD or no induction. JCPyV in leukocyte was mostly negative in DES and non‐DES patients. Immunosuppression in patients with or without JCPyV(+) was similar. BK polyomavirus viremia was observed more commonly in patients with JCPyV(+) than in those without (P < 0.02).

Conclusions

Patients with IVIG + rituximab DES followed by transplantation with LyD induction and additional rituximab rarely show JCPyV viremia and appear at low risk for PML.
Extended storage and glucose exhaustion are associated with apoptotic changes in platelets stored in additive solution
Authors: Johnson Lacey , Schubert Peter , Tan Shereen , Devine Dana V. , Marks Denese C.
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

The storage of platelets (PLTs) in additive solution (AS) may facilitate improved PLT quality and possibly extension of the PLT shelf life. A minimum amount of plasma is required when PLTs are stored in AS, as a source of glucose. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of reducing the plasma carryover to 20% on PLT quality when stored in SSP+ for an extended period.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Using a pool‐and‐split design, buffy coat–derived PLTs were stored in either 30% plasma/SSP+ or 20% plasma/SSP+. In vitro analyses were carried out to Day 10. Metabolites and markers of PLT activation and apoptosis were measured using a blood gas analyzer and flow cytometry. PLT apoptotic protein expression was investigated by Western blotting.

RESULTS

Glucose exhaustion occurred in the 20% plasma group between Day 7 and Day 10. The surface expression of P‐selectin and PAC‐1 was comparable on Day 10 in both groups, suggesting that the PLTs were not activated. However, the exposure of phosphatidylserine and the number of phosphatidylserine‐positive microparticles were significantly higher in the 20% group on Day 10. The expression of the proapoptotic proteins Bak, Bax, and cleaved caspase‐3 were higher in the 20% plasma group by Day 7 of storage, compared to the 30% plasma group.

CONCLUSION

Exhaustion of glucose was associated with a proapoptotic phenotype. Results such as these should be considered before extending the PLT shelf life beyond 7 days, particularly when stored in ASs lacking glucose with low plasma carryover.
Identification of six new RHCE variant alleles in individuals of diverse racial origin
Authors: Goldman Mindy , Cemborain Arantxa , Cote Jacqueline , El Hamss Rachid , Flower Robert L. , Garaizar Adirane , Garcia‐Sanchez Felix , Hyland Catherine A. , Kalvelage Monica , Londero Donatella , Lopez Genghis H. , Revelli Nicoletta , Rodriguez‐Wilhelmi Pablo , Villa Antonietta , Ochoa‐Garay Gorka
Published: October 2015

BACKGROUND

The introduction of molecular methods into routine blood typing is prompting the identification of new blood group alleles. Discrepancies between the results of genotyping and serology or chance events uncovered during genotyping prompted additional investigations, which revealed six new RHCE variant alleles.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Samples from eight blood donors, two patients (one prenatal), and a patient's relative, all of diverse racial origin, were analyzed by standard serology methods, targeted genotyping arrays, DNA sequencing, and allele‐specific polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Six new RHCE alleles were identified, namely, RHCE*cE84A, RHCE*ce202G, RHCE*ce307T, RHCE*Ce377G, RHCE*ce697G,712G,733G,744C, and RHCE*Ce733G.

CONCLUSION

While implementation of new assays in commercial genotyping platforms to detect the polymorphisms reported here may not be justified given their apparent rarity, software interpretative algorithms may benefit from the identification of new alleles for a more accurate determination of genotypes and prediction of phenotypes.
Reticulocyte hemoglobin content does not differentiate true from functional iron deficiency in dogs
Authors: Radakovich Lauren B. , Santangelo Kelly S. , Olver Christine S.
Published: October 2015

Background

True and functional iron deficiency can result in anemia. Current tests to assess iron status often do not allow differentiation between these entities, which can affect optimal treatment. Previous work suggested low reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) may be an early indicator of iron deficiency.

Objective

This study aimed to correlate several inflammation markers withCHr values in dogs. We hypothesize that dogs with lowCHr values have hematologic and biochemical evidence of inflammation.

Methods

Animals withCHr values below the reference interval were included in the lowCHr group, while dogs with normal or increasedCHr were included in the control group.HCT,MCV,CHr, reticulocyte mean cell volume (MCVr), concentrations of serum iron, C‐reactive protein (CRP), ferritin, and ceruloplasmin, and total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC), percent transferrin saturation (% sat), and totalWBC, neutrophil, and monocyte counts were determined. Nonparametric tests were performed; median values and percentage of abnormalities between each group were compared.

Results

Relative to control dogs, animals in the lowCHr group had higher median values forCRP, ferritin, ceruloplasmin, andWBCconcentration (P≤ .05), and lower median values forHCTandMCV(P≤ .0001). Higher frequencies of abnormalities forCRP, ferritin,WBC, neutrophil, and monocyte concentrations (P≤ .02) were present in the lowCHr group.

Conclusions

Dogs with lowCHr values often have evidence of inflammation, but lowCHr did not reliably predict Fe deficiency. Additional diagnostic tests are needed to differentiate true and functional iron deficiency.
Optical constants and band structure of trigonal NiO
Authors: Ghosh Ayana , Nelson Cayla M. , Abdallah Lina S. , Zollner Stefan
Published: October 2015

Using spectroscopic ellipsometry and transmission measurements, the authors determined the optical constants (absorption coefficient, complex refractive index, and dielectric function) of bulk trigonal NiO from 0.08 to 6.5 eV. By careful discussion of the data, elastic scattering by oxygen bubbles was ruled out and the effects of surface roughness were removed numerically to obtain an accurate dielectric function of NiO. A direct band gap of 0.85 eV was found from transmission and assigned to direct interband transitions from the Ni-O hybrid valence band states to the Ni 4s conduction band at the center of the Brillouin zone. At 4 eV, the authors find the well-known charge transfer gap from the lower to the upper Hubbard band. Several intermediate sharp peaks were also found. The temperature dependence of the NiO charge transfer gap is similar to the E1 gap of Si between 100 and 700 K. At higher temperatures, heating NiO in vacuum leads to sublimation, which has drastic irreversible consequences for the pseudodielectric function of the sample, including a strong Ni nanoparticle plasmon peak at 2 eV.