bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotic interactions as drivers of algal origin and evolution
Authors: Brodie Juliet , Ball Steven G. , Bouget François‐Yves , Chan Cheong Xin , De Clerck Olivier , Cock J. Mark , Gachon Claire , Grossman Arthur R. , Mock Thomas , Raven John A. , Saha Mahasweta , Smith Alison G. , Vardi Assaf , Yoon Hwan Su , Bhattacharya Debashish
Published: August 2017

Biotic interactions underlie life's diversity and are the lynchpin to understanding its complexity and resilience within an ecological niche. Algal biologists have embraced this paradigm, and studies building on the explosive growth in omics and cell biology methods have facilitated the in‐depth analysis of nonmodel organisms and communities from a variety of ecosystems. In turn, these advances have enabled a major revision of our understanding of the origin and evolution of photosynthesis in eukaryotes, bacterial–algal interactions, control of massive algal blooms in the ocean, and the maintenance and degradation of coral reefs. Here, we review some of the most exciting developments in the field of algal biotic interactions and identify challenges for scientists in the coming years. We foresee the development of an algal knowledgebase that integrates ecosystem‐wide omics data and the development of molecular tools/resources to perform functional analyses of individuals in isolation and in populations. These assets will allow us to move beyond mechanistic studies of a single species towards understanding the interactions amongst algae and other organisms in both the laboratory and the field.

Contents

Summary
670

I.
Introduction
671

II.
Endosymbiosis
671

III.
Biotic interactions within the phycosphere
676

IV.
Future prospects
678

Acknowledgements
678

References
678
Dissecting the components controlling root‐to‐shoot arsenic translocation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wang Chengcheng , Na GunNam , Bermejo Eduardo Sanchez , Chen Yi , Banks Jo Ann , Salt David E. , Zhao Fang‐Jie
Published: August 2017

Arsenic (As) is an important environmental and food‐chain toxin. We investigated the key components controlling As accumulation and tolerance in Arabidopsis thaliana.

We tested the effects of different combinations of gene knockout, including arsenate reductase (HAC1), γ‐glutamyl‐cysteine synthetase (γ‐ECS), phytochelatin synthase (PCS1) and phosphate effluxer (PHO1), and the heterologous expression of the As‐hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata arsenite efflux (PvACR3), on As tolerance, accumulation, translocation and speciation in A. thaliana.

Heterologous expression of PvACR3 markedly increased As tolerance and root‐to‐shoot As translocation in A. thaliana, with PvACR3 being localized to the plasma membrane. Combining PvACR3 expression with HAC1 mutation led to As hyperaccumulation in the shoots, whereas combining HAC1 and PHO1 mutation decreased As accumulation. Mutants of γ‐ECS and PCS1 were hypersensitive to As and had higher root‐to‐shoot As translocation. Combining γ‐ECS or PCS1 with HAC1 mutation did not alter As tolerance or accumulation beyond the levels observed in the single mutants.

PvACR3 and HAC1 have large effects on root‐to‐shoot As translocation. Arsenic hyperaccumulation can be engineered in A. thaliana by knocking out the HAC1 gene and expressing PvACR3. PvACR3 and HAC1 also affect As tolerance, but not to the extent of γ‐ECS and PCS1.
A mathematical model studying the survival of forest resource–dependent wildlife population in the presence of population pressure–induced mining activities
Authors: Jyotsna Kumari , Tandon Abhinav
Published: August 2017

Keeping human–wildlife conflicts in mind, that are taking place as a result of shrinking forest area due to overgrowing human population and consequently, due to augmentation of mining projects in the forest region, here, a nonlinear mathematical model is developed. The model is formulated under the assumption that continuously growing human population and its increasing demands impose population pressure on the environment, which results into augmentation of mining activities in the forest region. The model is analyzed qualitatively for boundedness, existence, and stability of equilibrium points, along with permanence of the model system. Quantitative analysis is also being performed by evaluating the numerical solutions of the model and analyzing them through graphical illustrations. The model analysis demonstrates that in order to have permanent model system, the growth of forest resources should be large as compared to their utilization for wildlife and human population.

Summary for Managers

It is important to understand that human–wildlife conflict is one of the serious implications of the impact generated through population pressure–induced mining activities on forest resources and wildlife population.

With the continuous depletion of forest resources, due to growth of mining activities in the region, the extinction of forest resources could take place and the survival of forest resource–dependent wildlife population comes under risk. Therefore, forests, which are natural habitats for wildlife species, should be protected.

Control measures on rampant mining activities through government intervention are required in order to protect forest resources from being unsustainably overharvested.

Proper planning of mining activities in a forest region should be implemented in order to develop balanced forest ecosystem, where the human and wildlife population can live in perfect harmony.
Therapeutic applications of resveratrol and its derivatives on periodontitis
Authors: Chin Yu‐Tang , Cheng Guei‐Yun , Shih Ya‐Jung , Lin Chi‐Yu , Lin Shan‐Jen , Lai Hsuan‐Yu , Whang‐Peng Jacqueline , Chiu Hsien‐Chung , Lee Sheng‐Yang , Fu Earl , Tang Heng‐Yuan , Lin Hung‐Yun , Liu Leroy F
Published: August 2017

Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the supporting tissues of the teeth induced by periodontopathic bacteria that results in the progressive destruction of periodontal tissues. Treatment of periodontitis is painful and time‐consuming. Recently, herbal medicines have been considered for use in treating inflammation‐related diseases, including periodontitis. Resveratrol and its derivative 2,3,5,4′‐tetrahydroxystilbene‐2‐O‐β‐glucoside (THSG), a polyphenol extracted from Polygonum multiflorum, have anti‐inflammatory properties and other medical benefits. Here, we highlight the importance of resveratrol and its glycosylated derivative as possible complementary treatments for periodontitis and their potential for development as innovative therapeutic strategies. In addition, we present evidence and discuss the mechanisms of action of resveratrol and THSG on periodontitis, focusing on Porphyromonas gingivalis–induced inflammatory responses in human gingival fibroblasts and animal modeling of ligature‐induced periodontitis. We also illuminate the signal transduction pathways and the cytokines involved.
Gnetin‐C and other resveratrol oligomers with cancer chemopreventive potential
Authors: Espinoza J. Luis , Inaoka Pleiades T.
Published: August 2017

Resveratrol has been extensively studied to investigate its biological effects, including its chemopreventive potential against cancer. Over the past decade, various resveratrol oligomers, both naturally occurring and synthetic, have been described. These resveratrol oligomers result from the polymerization of two or more resveratrol units to form dimers, trimers, tetramers, or even more complex derivatives. Some oligomers appear to have antitumor activities that are similar or superior to monomeric resveratrol. In this review, we discuss resveratrol oligomers with anticancer potential, with emphasis on well‐characterized compounds, such as the dimer gnetin‐C and other oligomers from Gnetum gnemon, whose safety, pharmacokinetic, and biological activities have been studied in humans.
The impact of changes in LVEF and renal function on the prognosis of ICD patients after elective device replacement
Authors: Vandenberk Bert , Robyns Tomas , Garweg Christophe , Floré Vincent , Foulon Stefaan , Voros Gabor , Ector Joris , Willems Rik
Published: August 2017

Background

A proportion of patients with an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) in prevention of sudden cardiac death will only receive their first appropriate ICD therapy (AT) after device replacement. Clinical reassessment at the time of replacement could be helpful to guide the decision to replace or not in the future.

Methods

All patients with an ICD for primary or secondary prevention in ischemic (ICM) or nonischemic cardiomyopathy were included in a single‐center retrospective registry. The association of changes in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF; cut‐off at 35%), worsening renal function (decrease in estimated glomerular filtration rate > 15 mL/min), and worsening New York Heart Association class at elective device replacement with mortality and AT was analyzed using adjusted Cox regression analysis.

Results

A total of 238 (33%) out of 727 patients received elective device replacement (86.1% male, 74.4% ICM, 42.9% primary prevention). During this replacement 20.2% received a device upgrade. The mean time to replacement was 6.4 ± 2.0 years and mean follow‐up after replacement was 3.4 ± 3.0 years. Of patients who did not receive AT before replacement 23.1% received their first AT after replacement. Worsening renal function (hazard ratio [HR] 2.79, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.50–5.18) and a consistently LVEF ≤35% compared to a consistently LVEF >35% (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.10–4.19) at the time of replacement were independent predictors of mortality. Independent predictors of first AT after replacement could not be identified.

Conclusion

Although reassessment of LVEF and renal function at replacement can be helpful in predicting total mortality, the clinical utility to guide reimplantation seemed limited. Our experience indicates that approximately 25% of patients received their first AT only after replacement.
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotides Arrest Photoreduction of Class II DNA Photolyases in FADH˙ State
Authors: Ignatz Elisabeth , Geisselbrecht Yann , Kiontke Stephan , Essen Lars‐Oliver
Published: August 2017

All light‐sensitive members of the photolyase/cryptochrome family rely on FAD as catalytic cofactor. Its activity is regulated by photoreduction, a light‐triggered electron transfer process from a conserved tryptophan triad to the flavin. The stability of the reduced flavin depends on available external electron donors and oxygen. In this study, we show for the class II photolyase of Methanosarcina mazei, MmCPDII, that it utilizes physiologically relevant redox cofactors NADH and NADPH for the formation of the semiquinoid FAD in a light‐dependent reaction. Using redox‐inert variants MmCPDII/W388F and MmCPDII/W360F, we demonstrate that photoreduction by NADH and NADPH requires the class II‐specific tryptophan cascade of MmCPDII. Finally, we confirmed that mutations in the tryptophan cascade can be introduced without any substantial structural disturbances by analyzing crystal structures of MmCPDII/W388F, MmCPDII/W360F and MmCPDII/Y345F.
Pterocarpus santalinus L. Regulated Ultraviolet B Irradiation‐induced Procollagen Reduction and Matrix Metalloproteinases Expression Through Activation of TGF‐β/Smad and Inhibition of the MAPK/AP‐1 Pathway in Normal Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Gao Wei , Lin Pei , Hwang Eunson , Wang Yushuai , Yan Zhengfei , Ngo Hien T.T. , Yi Tae‐Hoo
Published: August 2017

Ultraviolet light‐induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) damage human skin and prematurely cause aging. A growing body of research is focusing on considering plants and plant‐derived compounds as antiphotoaging therapeutic material. Pterocarpus santalinus L., as an Indian traditional medicine, possesses antidiabetic, anti‐inflammatory and antioxidative effects. Here, we studied the antiphotoaging effects of ethanolic extract of P. santalinus L. heartwood (EPS) on ultraviolet radiation B (UVB)‐irradiated normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Results showed that EPS significantly inhibited the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinases and IL‐6 caused by UVB irradiation, and suppressed UVB‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, Jun N‐terminal kinase and p38, as well as the activation of AP‐1 transcription factors. Further study indicated that UVB‐induced production of MMP‐1 and IL‐6 could be inhibited by PD 98059 (an ERK inhibitor) and SP600125 (A JNK inhibitor), implied that EPS inhibited UVB‐induced MMP‐1 and IL‐6 secretion by inactivating MAPK signaling pathway. In addition, EPS possessed an excellent antioxidant activity, which could increase cytoprotective antioxidants such as HO‐1, NQ‐O1 expression by facilitating the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. Treatment of NHDFs with EPS also recovered UVB‐induced procollagen type I reduction by activating TGF‐β/Smad pathway. These findings demonstrated that EPS had a potential effect against UVB‐induced skin photoaging.
Facile Fabrication of Porous ZnS and ZnO Films by Coaxial Electrospinning for Highly Efficient Photodegradation of Organic Dyes
Authors: Wang Hua , Liang Liefeng , Cheng Xinjian , Luo Yanmei , Sun Sheng
Published: August 2017

Porous ZnS and ZnO nano‐crystal films were fabricated via a three‐step procedure. First, Zn(CH3COO)2/Silk Fibroin nanofiber mats were prepared by coaxial electrospinning. Second, Zn(CH3COO)2/Silk Fibroin mats were immersed in NaS solution to react with S2− to obtain ZnS/Silk Fibroin nanofiber mats. Finally, ZnO porous films were prepared by calcination of ZnS/Silk Fibroin composite mat at 600°C in air atmosphere. When ZnS/Silk Fibroin mats were calcinated in nitrogen, ZnS/Carbon composite mats were obtained accordingly. The resulting porous films were fully characterized. The ZnO porous films were the aggregation of ZnO nano‐crystal with hexagonal wurtzite structure. The seize of ZnO was estimated in the range of 10–20 nm. Both of the ZnS and ZnO nano‐crystal films exhibited high photocatalytic activities for the photodegradation of Methylene blue and Rhodamine B. It was also found that ZnO porous films are better than ZnS/Carbon nanofiber mats. In addition, photocatalysis of a real wastewater sample from a printing and dyeing company was conducted. The ZnO porous films exhibited excellent performance to treat the real samples. Moreover, the porous ZnO nano‐crystal photocatalyst could easily be recycled without notable loss of catalysis ability.
Enhancing Kidney Supply Through Geographic Sharing in the United States
Authors: Arıkan Mazhar , Ata Barış , Friedewald John J. , Parker Rodney P.
Published: August 2017

The deceased‐donor kidney allocation system suffers from a severe shortage of available organs. We illustrate a mechanism which can increase the supply of cadaveric kidneys in the United States. This supply increase exploits the fact that under the current organ allocation policy, some kidneys remain unprocured in some procurement areas but would be highly sought in other areas. The current kidney allocation policy procures within a donor service area (DSA) and offers these kidneys first to patients in the DSA; if these offers are not accepted, the kidney will be offered within the region (a cluster of DSAs); if these offers are not accepted, the kidney will be offered nationally. A deceased‐donor organ is procured if there is the belief that the offered organ will be transplanted (known as “intent”). We conduct an empirical analysis of the donor and recipient data (at the DSA level) which reveals that the intent increases significantly with organ quality, the median waiting time for a transplant, and higher competition. In particular, it shows that lower quality organs are likely to be procured at a higher rate in DSAs with longer waiting times. Motivated by a new kidney allocation system, we conduct a counterfactual study which shows that geographically broader sharing the bottom 15% quality kidneys leads to stronger intent for the organ, thus increasing the supply of procured organs available for transplantation. The expected increase in procured organs ranges from 58 (an increase of 0.4% of all procured kidneys) to 174 (an increase of 1.2%), depending on regional or national sharing.
End‐To‐End Supply Chain Strategies: A Parametric Study of the Apparel Industry
Authors: Phadnis Shardul S. , Fine Charles H.
Published: August 2017

This study examines the tradeoffs in sourcing and sales strategies (i.e., upstream and downstream supply chain strategies) by considering them as components of an integral end‐to‐end supply chain strategy. We evaluate four end‐to‐end supply chain strategies under various scenarios using a newsvendor model, and compare the model's predictions against the prescriptions in Fisher's ( 1997 ) framework, which recommends “cost‐efficient” supply chains for “functional” products and “responsive” supply chains for “innovative” products. We considered combinations of offshore vs. nearshore sourcing, and online vs. brick‐and‐mortar retailing. This study's key finding is that sourcing and sales strategies are not completely modular: an integral end‐to‐end strategy may not decompose into an optimal sourcing strategy and a separately computed optimal sales strategy. Our analyses sharpen strategic supply chain thinking by identifying realistic conditions in which an end‐to‐end strategy with cost‐efficient components could outperform one with responsive components for innovative products, or when one with responsive components could be more profitable than one with cost‐efficient components for functional products.
Obama's Discussion of Racial Policies and Citizens’ Racial Resentment in the Experimental Setting
Authors: Gillion Daniel Q.
Published: August 2017

Did President Barak Obama's discussion of racial policies lead to a public backlash and invoke sentiments of racial resentment? Previous studies of citizens’ racial attitudes suggest that the American public tends to have an unfavorable view of race‐specific policies that provide advantages and unique resources to minorities. Moreover, these programs invoke sentiments of racial resentment. However, I argue that when the president leads on racial issues by implementing and discussing race‐specific policies, he can guide perceptions on race in the direction of the public policy that was enacted. Through original experiments, I find strong support for this claim. I conclude with a discussion of the implications this work has for rhetorical approaches presidents take to address inequality from the Oval Office.
When do structural holes in employees' networks improve their radical creativity? A moderated mediation model
Authors: Tang Chaoying , Zhang Guiyang , Naumann Stefanie E.
Published: August 2017

Previous research has found a relationship between structural holes of knowledge networks, tie strength of knowledge networks, and creativity. Our study extends these findings by proposing that characteristics of R&D employees' team knowledge networks influence their acquired diversified knowledge from the team, which is critical to creativity. Our results based on 558 members of 92 R&D teams demonstrated that, in order to benefit from their broker position in acquiring diversified knowledge, R&D employees should maintain their tie strength toward the team members with whom they are connected.
Fuzzy Chronic Poverty: A Proposed Response to Measurement Error for Intertemporal Poverty Measurement
Authors: Porter Catherine , Yalonetzky Gaston
Published: August 2017

A number of chronic poverty measures are now empirically applied to quantify the prevalence and intensity of chronic poverty, vis‐à‐vis transient experiences, using panel data. Welfare trajectories over time are assessed in order to identify the chronically poor and distinguish them from the non‐poor, or the transiently poor, and assess the extent and intensity of intertemporal poverty. We examine the implications of measurement error in the welfare outcome for some popular discontinuous chronic poverty measures, and propose corrections to these measures that seeks to minimize the consequences of measurement error. The approach is based on a novel criterion for the identification of chronic poverty that draws on fuzzy set theory. We illustrate the empirical relevance of the approach with a panel dataset from rural Ethiopia and some simulations.
Tony Atkinson and his Legacy
Authors: Aaberge Rolf , Bourguignon François , Brandolini Andrea , Ferreira Francisco H. G. , Gornick Janet C. , Hills John , Jäntti Markus , Jenkins Stephen P. , Marlier Eric , Micklewright John , Nolan Brian , Piketty Thomas , Radermacher Walter J. , Smeeding Timothy M. , Stern Nicholas H. , Stiglitz Joseph , Sutherland Holly
Published: August 2017

Tony Atkinson is universally celebrated for his outstanding contributions to the measurement and analysis of inequality, but he never saw the study of inequality as a separate branch of economics. He was an economist in the classical sense, rejecting any sub‐field labelling of his interests and expertise, and he made contributions right across economics. His death on 1 January 2017 deprived the world of both an intellectual giant and a deeply committed public servant in the broadest sense of the term. This collective tribute highlights the range, depth and importance of Tony's enormous legacy, the product of almost fifty years’ work.
“Psychoanalysis and Ethnology” Revisited: Foucault's Historicization of History
Authors: Allen Amy
Published: August 2017

This article re‐examines the closing sections of Michel Foucault's The Order of Things in order to address the longstanding question of whether he is best understood as a philosopher or a historian. My central argument is that this question misses the crucial point of Foucault's work, which is to historicize the notion of history (as it is traditionally understood, represented by History with a capital H), which Foucault takes to be central to the historical a priori of modernity. An examination of his historicization of History thus reveals that Foucault is neither simply a philosopher—because he conceives of philosophy in modernity as a historical enterprise—nor a historian—because his own historical approach is designed to transform the modern historical a priori from within. This analysis also sheds new light of Foucault's relationship to psychoanalysis and his conception of critique.
Polyrhythms of Revolution: A Comment on Kevin Olson's “When is the Time of Revolution?”
Authors: Daily Andrew
Published: August 2017

Kevin Olson's “When is the Time of Revolution” constructs a critical genealogy of revolutionary temporality and how it creates political normativity. This comment evaluates Olson's discussion of revolutionary temporality against the empirical historical archive of modern revolutions in order to argue that we should also be sensitive to the multiple, overlapping, and competing temporalities that not only normativize revolution, but are in fact the terrain of revolutionary struggle.
Comments on Tuomo Tiisala, “Overcoming ‘The Present Limits of the Necessary’: Foucault's Conception of a Critique”
Authors: Huff‐Owen Maia Nahele
Published: August 2017

Three questions animate Tuomo Tiisala's essay, “Overcoming ‘the Present Limits of the Necessary’: Foucault's Conception of a Critique”: What is the task of critique, as Foucault describes it? What is it about reason that necessitates such a task? And what is it that could motivate the critical attitude as a virtue?
Toward Abolitionist Genealogy
Authors: Dilts Andrew
Published: August 2017

In this essay, I offer a brief for “abolitionist genealogy” as a method and philosophical practice. By locating instances of this method within the work of prison abolitionists who are incarcerated or formerly incarcerated (specifically organizers of the 2016 National Prison Strike, CeCe McDonald, and the abolitionist organizations generationFIVE and Black and Pink), I argue that such a method is already available to theorists and critical historians of the present if we are willing to attend to the absences and presences that constitute our academic communities. I ground my brief for abolitionist genealogy by centering the experiences of queer, trans, gender‐nonconforming, and intersex incarcerated people as exemplary (rather than exceptional) of how prisons and jails are fundamentally violent places which cannot, as McDonald puts it, be made safe. Lastly, I link these concerns to the broader question of queer and TGNCI visibility politics in carceral institutions such as the jail/prison and the university.
Intraparty Democracy and Responsiveness to Rival Parties’ Policies
Authors: Lehrer Roni , Ezrow Lawrence , Ward Hugh , Böhmelt Tobias
Published: August 2017

Objective

We address whether intraparty democracy conditions political parties’ responsiveness to rival parties’ policy shifts.

Method

We estimate parameters of a spatial econometric model of parties’ policy positions in 11 established democracies.

Results

Internally democratic parties respond to shifts in rival parties’ policies, and internally undemocratic parties do not respond to rival parties’ policy shifts.

Conclusion

We argue that this occurs because intraparty deliberation provides a channel through which rival parties influence their competitors’ policies. Because rank‐and‐file party members are influenced by deliberative processes more than party leaders—and the policy goals of internally democratic parties’ policies are heavily influenced by their party members—deliberative processes lead democratic parties to respond to shifts in rival parties’ policy positions. This work has important implications for our understanding of parties’ election strategies, intraparty politics, and how policies diffuse between parties competing in the same election.
A Psychological Firewall? Risk Perceptions and Public Support for Online Censorship in Russia*
Authors: Nisbet Erik C. , Kamenchuk Olga , Dal Aysenur
Published: August 2017

Objective

Authoritarian regimes commonly justify Internet censorship by framing the Internet as a threat to their citizens that must be tightly controlled for their own protection. This threat rhetoric underpins government censorship and creates a “psychological firewall” driving public support for a censored Internet.

Methods

Based on risk and decision‐making scholarship, we evaluate how mass media and partisan regime support promulgate these threat perceptions, and in turn how they influence citizen attitudes about censorship. Employing Russia as a case study, we tested our hypotheses with a national survey (N = 1,600) conducted in May 2014.

Results

We found that reliance on Russian national TV news predicted greater Internet threat perceptions, and in turn these threat perceptions significantly increased support for online political censorship.

Conclusion

Approval of the Putin government further amplified the impact of these threat perceptions on support for censorship. Implications for understanding psychological foundations for support for censorship in authoritarian contexts are discussed.
Where Have All the Leaders Gone? Evaluating the Dynamics of Parties' Issue Attention in Coalition Governments
Authors: Sagarzazu Iñaki , Klüver Heike
Published: August 2017

Objective

While selective issue emphasis is a widely recognized strategy of party competition, we have little knowledge about how coalition parties interact with each other when deciding which policy issues to emphasize. Therefore we ask: Who leads and who follows the issue agenda in coalition governments?Methods. We create an issue attention data set using quantitative text analysis from over 40,000 press releases. We use this data set and time series cross‐section regression analysis to study the dynamics of coalition parties' issue attention.Results. We find that junior coalition parties are more responsive to their senior partners than senior partners to their junior partners. Hence, while coalition partners generally follow each other, senior partners enjoy a stronger leadership role in the cabinet.Conclusion. Coalition parties indeed coordinate their issue priorities as they respond to each other's issue agenda. However, due the asymmetric power distribution in coalition cabinets, it is not a negotiation process on equal footing.
Talking to Whom? The Changing Audience of North Korean Nuclear Tests
Authors: Whang Taehee , Lammbrau Michael , Joo Hyung‐min
Published: August 2017

Objectives

In this study, we develop a model based on big data analysis to find patterns in North Korean nuclear provocations.

Methods

Using automated text analysis classification through supervised machine learning techniques, we analyze the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) from 1997 to 2013.

Results

We find an interesting difference between the Kim Jong‐il era and the Kim and Jong‐un period, implying a major shift in the nuclear policy of Pyongyang. While Kim Jong‐il, who had a firm grip on power, focused on the international audience before conducting nuclear tests, Kim Jong‐un during his succession targeted the domestic audience prior to nuclear tests, probably in an attempt to consolidate his precarious power.

Conclusion

The machine learning technique allows us to analyze the effect of political communication even in authoritarian governments.
What Is and What May Never Be: Economic Voting in Developing Democracies
Authors: Wimpy Cameron , Whitten Guy D.
Published: August 2017

Objective

We propose and test a theory that media freedom determines the extent of economic voting in developing democracies.

Methods

Building on extant work that suggests economic voting takes place in developing democracies much like it does in established democracies (Lewis‐Beck and Stegmaier, 2008), we test our theory using a new collection of aggregate data from elections in 22 developing democracies in Africa

Results

Media freedom rather than political freedom may be a bigger determinant of economic voting in developing democracies. Moreover, the threshold of political development needed for economic voting is lower than previously suggested by the literature.

Conclusion

Economic voting is alive and well in developing democracies—even those with relatively low levels of economic and political development.
Making and Breaking Party Leaders? An Informational Theory of Temporary and Lasting Impacts of Prime Minister Debates in Spain
Authors: Sagarzazu Iñaki , Williams Laron K.
Published: August 2017

Objective

In this project, we develop an informational theory that identifies which prime minister debates are the most meaningful in terms of shifting Spanish public opinion . We argue that debates immediately following the installation of new leaders (because they shine light on leadership traits) and debates occurring in times of crisis (because voters can judge both the leader's ability to remedy the problems and their policy proposals) will have the largest short‐ and long‐term effects.

Methods

We use seemingly unrelated regression to explore the impacts of 15 Spanish State of the Nation debates from 1998 to 2016 on vote intention for Partido Popular (PP) and the Partido Socialista Obrero Espanol (PSOE).

Result

Debates following the installation of new party leaders often produce sizable improvements in vote intention, but the most meaningful debates occur during economic crises.

Conclusion

Parliamentary debates are valuable opportunities for party leaders to shift public opinion in their favor, a fact that is not lost to them considering the time and energy devoted to crafting strategies, and the media's fascination with providing extensive coverage of the debates. This study has important implications for the study of dynamic processes (such as vote intention), and the link between parties' strategic communications and voting behavior.
Epidemiological and clinical features of leptospirosis in a highly endemic area over three time periods
Authors: Mišić‐Majerus Ljiljana , Habuš Josipa , Štritof Zrinka , Bujić Nevenka , Mađarić Vesna , Kolaric‐Sviben Gordana , Vince Silvijo , Peršić Zdenka , Turk Nenad
Published: August 2017

Objectives

To present the features of human leptospirosis over three time periods (1970–1975; 2000–2005; 2010–2015), to compare the collected data and to determine whether the incidence, seasonal and spatial distribution, prevalence of presumptive infective serogroups and clinical features have changed over the last 50 years.

Methods

Epidemiological and clinical data obtained from patients hospitalised and treated in a well‐known endemic focus of leptospirosis, Koprivnica‐Križevci County in Croatia, were analysed.

Results

We observed a steady decline in the overall incidence of leptospirosis and a change in the patient age distribution, with the age ratio changing in favour of middle‐aged and older patients. Although leptospirosis was most frequently diagnosed in August in all time periods, the number of cases increased in autumn. The most prevalent serogroup during the first and the second time period was Icterohaemorrhagiae, while in the third time period, the serogroup Australis prevailed. We also noted an increase in the number of severe clinical manifestations.

Conclusions

This retrospective research demonstrates a continuous decline in the incidence of human leptospirosis in Croatia. The pattern of disease has changed from predominantly mild clinical forms observed in children to more severe clinical forms observed in middle‐aged to older patients, especially those working in agriculture. Additional epidemiological changes included an increase in the number of cases during the autumn months and changes in prevailing serogroups. Statistical analysis revealed a significant relationship between the severity of the clinical picture, patient age and presumed sources of infection.
The management of pregnancy after trachelectomy for early cervical cancer
Authors: Tirlapur Anushka , Willmott Fredric , Lloyd Philippa , Brockbank Elly , Jeyarajah Arjun , Rao Kalpana
Published: August 2017

Key content

Cervical cancer continues to affect many women in the UK with over half under the age of 45 years at the time of diagnosis; with a trend towards starting families later in life this raises fertility concerns.

While the standard treatment for stage IA2 or IB1 cervical cancer is a radical hysterectomy, radical trachelectomy has been shown to have equivalent 5‐year survival and is a surgical option if there is a wish to preserve fertility.

Although trachelectomies are performed by gynaecological oncologists, the management of any subsequent pregnancies falls under the remit of obstetricians who therefore require a sound knowledge of the procedure and potential obstetric sequelae.

Pregnancies following trachelectomy are high risk because of the increased rate of mid‐trimester miscarriage and preterm delivery, often as a consequence of preterm prelabour rupture of membranes.

Delivery is by caesarean section, traditionally by classical section as a permanent isthmic suture is placed at the time of trachelectomy, but nowadays a transverse incision may be used to reduce morbidity and the implications on future fertility.

Learning objectives

Management of a pregnancy following radical trachelectomy.

Intrapartum care of post‐radical trachelectomy pregnancy and complication risks.

Impact of trachelectomy and subsequent pregnancy on the woman.

Ethical issues

Informed consent surrounding trachelectomy and future pregnancies.
New insights into structural organization and gene duplication in a 1.75‐Mb genomic region harboring the α‐gliadin gene family in Aegilops tauschii, the source of wheat D genome
Authors: Huo Naxin , Dong Lingli , Zhang Shengli , Wang Yi , Zhu Tingting , Mohr Toni , Altenbach Susan , Liu Zhiyong , Dvorak Jan , Anderson Olin D. , Luo Ming‐Cheng , Wang Daowen , Gu Yong Q.
Published: August 2017

Among the wheat prolamins important for its end‐use traits, α‐gliadins are the most abundant, and are also a major cause of food‐related allergies and intolerances. Previous studies of various wheat species estimated that between 25 and 150 α‐gliadin genes reside in the Gli‐2 locus regions. To better understand the evolution of this complex gene family, the DNA sequence of a 1.75‐Mb genomic region spanning the Gli‐2 locus was analyzed in the diploid grass, Aegilops tauschii, the ancestral source of D genome in hexaploid bread wheat. Comparison with orthologous regions from rice, sorghum, and Brachypodium revealed rapid and dynamic changes only occurring to the Ae. tauschii Gli‐2 region, including insertions of high numbers of non‐syntenic genes and a high rate of tandem gene duplications, the latter of which have given rise to 12 copies of α‐gliadin genes clustered within a 550‐kb region. Among them, five copies have undergone pseudogenization by various mutation events. Insights into the evolutionary relationship of the duplicated α‐gliadin genes were obtained from their genomic organization, transcription patterns, transposable element insertions and phylogenetic analyses. An ancestral glutamate‐like receptor (GLR) gene encoding putative amino acid sensor in all four grass species has duplicated only in Ae. tauschii and generated three more copies that are interspersed with the α‐gliadin genes. Phylogenetic inference and different gene expression patterns support functional divergence of the Ae. tauschii GLR copies after duplication. Our results suggest that the duplicates of α‐gliadin and GLR genes have likely taken different evolutionary paths; conservation for the former and neofunctionalization for the latter.
In vivo chlorophyll fluorescence screening allows the isolation of a Chlamydomonas mutant defective for NDUFAF3, an assembly factor involved in mitochondrial complex I assembly
Authors: Massoz Simon , Hanikenne Marc , Bailleul Benjamin , Coosemans Nadine , Radoux Michèle , Miranda‐Astudillo Hector , Cardol Pierre , Larosa Véronique , Remacle Claire
Published: August 2017

The qualitative screening method used to select complex I mutants in the microalga Chlamydomonas, based on reduced growth under heterotrophic conditions, is not suitable for high‐throughput screening. In order to develop a fast screening method based on measurements of chlorophyll fluorescence, we first demonstrated that complex I mutants displayed decreased photosystem II efficiency in the genetic background of a photosynthetic mutation leading to reduced formation of the electrochemical proton gradient in the chloroplast (pgrl1 mutation). In contrast, single mutants (complex I and pgrl1 mutants) could not be distinguished from the wild type by their photosystem II efficiency under the conditions tested. We next performed insertional mutagenesis on the pgrl1 mutant. Out of about 3000 hygromycin‐resistant insertional transformants, 46 had decreased photosystem II efficiency and three were complex I mutants. One of the mutants was tagged and whole genome sequencing identified the resistance cassette in NDUFAF3, a homolog of the human NDUFAF3 gene, encoding for an assembly factor involved in complex I assembly. Complemented strains showed restored complex I activity and assembly. Overall, we describe here a screening method which is fast and particularly suited for the identification of Chlamydomonas complex I mutants.
SNARE proteins in membrane trafficking
Authors: Wang Tuanlao , Li Liangcheng , Hong Wanjin
Published: August 2017

SNAREs are the core machinery mediating membrane fusion. In this review, we provide an update on the recent progress on SNAREs regulating membrane fusion events, especially the more detailed fusion processes dissected by well‐developed biophysical methods and in vitro single molecule analysis approaches. We also briefly summarize the relevant research from Chinese laboratories and highlight the significant contributions on our understanding of SNARE‐mediated membrane trafficking from scientists in China.
Central venous catheter placement in coagulopathic patients: risk factors and incidence of bleeding complications
Authors: van de Weerdt Emma K. , Biemond Bart J. , Baake Bart , Vermin Ben , Binnekade Jan M. , van Lienden Krijn P. , Vlaar Alexander P.J.
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Central venous catheters are frequently inserted into patients with coagulation disorders. It is unclear whether preprocedural correction of hemostasis is beneficial. We determined the incidence of bleeding complications after central venous catheter placement in patients who had severe coagulopathy and identified potential risk factors for bleeding.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The MEDLINE and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched through November 2015. To be included, articles must have reported on hemorrhagic complications with specification of abnormal coagulation testing results. Severe coagulopathy was defined as a reduced platelet count of 50 × 109/L or less, and/or an elevated international normalized ratio of 1.5 or greater, and/or a partial thromboplastin time of 45 seconds or greater.

RESULTS

We included one randomized controlled trial and 21 observational studies. In total, there were 13,256 catheter insertions, including 4213 in patients with severe coagulopathy. Before 3150 central venous catheter placements, coagulopathy was not corrected. The bleeding incidence varied from 0 to 32%. The severity of coagulopathy did not predict the risk of bleeding. No study demonstrated a beneficial effect from the prophylactic administration of platelets or fresh‐frozen plasma to prevent bleeding complications. Retrospective observational studies suggested that no preprocedural correction is required up to a platelet count of 20 × 109/L and an international normalized ratio of 3.0.

CONCLUSION

The incidence of major bleeding complications after central venous catheter placement is low, even in coagulopathic patients. Based on a systematic research of the literature, strong evidence supporting the correction of hemostatic defects before central venous catheter insertion is lacking. However, well‐powered randomized controlled trials will be necessary to determine the minimal platelet count, the maximal international normalized ratio, and an activated partial thromboplastin time that is safe before central venous catheter insertion.
Electrolyte, acid–base, and hemoglobin oxygen affinity alterations following irradiation and storage of canine packed red blood cells
Authors: Press Saya A. , Cooper Edward S. , Stull Jason W.
Published: August 2017

Background

Irradiation of RBC before transfusion is required to prevent transfusion‐associated graft‐versus‐host disease for human patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Additional applications for irradiated blood may exist in oncologic surgery. The effect of irradiation on canine packed RBC (pRBC) is unknown.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore and characterize the in vitro electrolyte, acid–base, and oxygen‐carrying capacity changes to pRBC immediately following irradiation and during storage.

Methods

Ten units of pRBC were irradiated using a linear accelerator. Concentration of potassium and glucose, percentage of free hemoglobin (fHb), hemoglobin oxygen saturation (sO2), total oxygen content, partial pressure of oxygen (pO2), the pO2 at which 50% of hemoglobin is saturated (p50), lactate, pH, and methemoglobin were measured before and following irradiation, and at 7 and 17 days post irradiation.

Results

In both irradiated and nonirradiated units, a significant decrease in pH and glucose, and a significant increase in lactate and potassium were noted. The pO2, fHb, and the p50 value in both groups increased over the first 7 days. Immediately following irradiation, the pH was significantly lower, and the potassium, lactate, and fHb were significantly higher in irradiated units compared with controls. Small but significant differences were noted between irradiation status in pH, fHb, sO2, total oxygen content, and p50 value at 7 days post irradiation.

Conclusions

This hypothesis‐generating study found irradiation and storage significantly altered in vitro properties of pRBC. The magnitude of these differences was small and the clinical impact of irradiation on pRBC may be negligible.
Anti‐HCV immunoblot indeterminate results in blood donors: non‐specific reactivity or past exposure to HCV?
Authors: Kiely P. , Styles C.
Published: August 2017

Background and objective

The significance of anti‐HCV immunoblot (IB) indeterminate results can be difficult to determine. We analysed results for blood donors tested on the MP Diagnostics HCV Blot 3.0 IB assay to determine whether indeterminate results representing past exposure to HCV could be distinguished from those due to non‐specific reactivity.

Materials and Methods

Results for all donors tested by IB during the study period (July 2010 to December 2013) were included in this study.

Results

Of 131 donors tested by IB, 34 (26.0%) were negative, 38 (29.0%) were indeterminate, and 59 (45.0%) were positive. There was no significant difference in IB band reactivity strength between indeterminate and positive donors. The PRISM HCV chemiluminescent immunoassay (ChLIA) sample to cut‐off (s/co) ratio distribution for the indeterminate donors was significantly higher than for those with biological false reactivity (P = 0·037), but significantly lower than for donors who were IB positive/HCV RNA negative (P < 0·001) or IB not tested/HCV RNA positive (P < 0·001). Of donors available for follow‐up, 53.1% of the indeterminate group disclosed a putative risk factor for HCV infection compared to 39.4% (P < 0·001) for the IB‐negative group, 76.6% (P = 0·065) for the IB‐positive group and 83.4% (P < 0·001) for the HCV RNA‐positive group.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that PRISM ChLIA s/co ratios >2·00 with IB indeterminate results predict exposure to HCV, particularly in the presence of putative risk factors for HCV infection. These findings may be applied to optimizing counselling of donors with indeterminate HCV results.
Alloimmunisation and nephropathy in sickle cell disease patients in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Adam S. , Badawi M.
Published: August 2017

Background and Objective

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a chronic disease associated with a myriad of complications including pain and vaso‐occlusive manifestations. Transfusion is the mainstay of management of SCD‐related complications. However, side‐effects including alloimmunisation may develop and affect disease outcomes. Marked phenotypic heterogeneity of blood donors and recipients increases the risk of alloimmunisation. We report on the prevalence and clinical complications associated with alloimmunisation among patients with SCD in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Materials and Methods

Medical records of patients with SCD were reviewed for clinical data including transfusion history. Demographic and clinical variables were compared between alloimmunised and non‐alloimmunised patients.

Results

A total of 219 patients with SCD were enroled with a mean age of 24·8 years, and 52·5% (115) were males. Thirty‐nine patients (17·8%) developed alloantibodies at a mean age of 18·4 years, and anti‐E was the most common antibody (18·8%), followed by anti‐K (12·5%). Patients received a mean of 17·27 units of transfusion before developing alloantibodies. Mortality was not significantly different between both groups (P = 0·562).

Alloimmunised patients were older (P = 0·042) and more females than males developed alloantibodies (69·2% vs. 30·8%, P = 0·003). Further, there was a significant association with severe proteinuria, a marker of SCD nephropathy (P = 0·015).

Conclusion

Despite the ethnic diversity of our donor population, the prevalence of alloimmunisation is comparable to previous reports. Alloimmunisation was associated with severe proteinuria, a marker of SCD nephropathy. Prospective research is needed to further characterise factors associated with risk of alloimmunisation in SCD in Saudi Arabia.