bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The neuropeptide orexin A – search for its possible role in regulation of steroidogenesis in adult mice testes
Authors: Joshi D. , Singh S. K.
Published: February 2018

Orexin A, a hypothalamic neuropeptide, regulates food intake and sleep‐wake cycle by binding to orexin receptor 1. Besides brain, orexin A and orexin receptor 1 are also present in peripheral organs. In our earlier studies, localization and expression of orexin A and orexin receptor 1 have been shown in adult mouse testis, and further their role in testicular development in neonatal mouse was also demonstrated. In this study, role of orexin A and orexin receptor 1 in the testis of adult mouse by blocking binding of orexin A to orexin receptor 1 using an orexin receptor 1 antagonist, SB‐334867, was investigated under in vivo and ex vivo conditions. Mice were given a single bilateral intratesticular injection of the antagonist at doses of 4 and 12 μg/mouse and were sacrificed 24 h post‐injection. The antagonist treatment caused degenerative changes in the seminiferous tubules in the testis and also caused alterations in steroidogenesis, with a concomitant decrease in the level of testosterone (T) and an increase in the level of 17β‐estradiol (E2) in serum and in testis. Further, expressions of SF1, StAR, P450scc and 17β‐HSD were downregulated, while the expressions of 3β‐HSD and P450arom were upregulated in antagonist‐treated mice compared with controls. Also, the oxidative stress in the testis was increased in treated mice. In ex vivo study, antagonist treatment to the testis caused a marked decrease in the level of T and an increase in the level of E2 in the media, accompanied by downregulated expression of SF1, StAR, P450scc and 17β‐HSD and an upregulation in the expression of 3β‐HSD and P450arom, indicating a direct role of orexin A in regulation of testicular steroidogenesis. The results of ex vivo study supported the findings of in vivo study. In conclusion, the results suggest potential involvement of orexin A and orexin receptor 1 in regulation of steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in the testis of adult Parkes mice.
The first red list of Italian butterflies
Authors: Bonelli Simona , Casacci Luca P. , Barbero Francesca , Cerrato Cristiana , Dapporto Leonardo , Sbordoni Valerio , Scalercio Stefano , Zilli Alberto , Battistoni Alessia , Teofili Corrado , Rondinini Carlo , Balletto Emilio
Published: February 2018

The Italian biodiversity is among the richest in Europe. In particular, the Italian butterfly fauna includes almost 300 native species, and within the Euro‐Mediterranean area is second in species richness only to Turkey. Italy, however, has suffered from the lack of suitable instruments to evaluate the extinction risk of individual butterfly species on the basis of internationally recognised standards.

We have been working to create the first Italian Red List for butterflies. The achievement of this goal was divided into three actions: (i) the institution of a network of experts on butterfly conservation; (ii) the evaluation of the extinction risk for all Italian butterfly species; (iii) the integration of the baseline information provided by the Italian Red Lists of other taxa crucial for future evaluations of biodiversity trends in Italy.

Assessments of extinction risks were based on the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria following their most updated guidelines and were discussed during workshops involving experts from different Italian regions. All native Italian butterflies were included in the evaluation. The whole national population of each species was evaluated, including those on large and small islands.

Of 289 butterfly species assessed, one has become Regionally Extinct recently. Threatened species are 18 in total, corresponding to 6.3% of the species assessed. The majority of Italian butterfly populations are stable.

The main threats to Italian butterflies are natural reforestation, as a consequence of rural land abandonment, agricultural intensification and climate change for species living at high altitude.
Clinical profile of dermatological emergencies and intensive care unit admissions in a tertiary care center – an Indian perspective
Authors: Samudrala Suvarna , Dandakeri Sukumar , Bhat Ramesh M.
Published: February 2018

Background

Although dermatology is largely considered as an outpatient specialty, dermatological conditions comprise 5–8% of cases presenting to the emergency department. The need for a dermatological intensive care unit is widely acknowledged due to the increasing incidence of acute skin failure. Very few studies have been done to characterize the common conditions seen in the emergency department and intensive care units. We undertook this study to analyze the spectrum of dermatological conditions presenting to the emergency department and the clinical profile of patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted for 9 months. Patients requiring primary dermatological consultation in the emergency department and patients admitted in the dermatology intensive care unit were examined, and their clinical variables were statistically analyzed.

Results

A total of 248 cases were seen in the emergency department, out of which 72 (29.1%) cases were admitted and 176 (70.9%) were treated in the emergency department on an outpatient basis. The most common condition seen in non‐admitted patients was acute urticaria (28.9%). The most common cause for admission in patients presenting to the emergency department was erythroderma (23.6%). Sixty‐two patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, the most common diagnosis being erythroderma (40.3%).

Conclusions

This prospective study aimed to provide an insight into the types of cases evaluated in the emergency department by dermatologists in a large tertiary care hospital in coastal Karnataka in South India.
Understanding Undocumented Migration from Honduras
Authors: Quijada José Alejandro , Sierra José David
Published: February 2018

Quantitative evidence on the drivers of undocumented migration from Honduras is limited. As a result, policy responses have been reactionary and understudied. Migration flows from the country are distinct from the rest of the region and merit study. By implementing different survey instruments, including focus groups, in‐depth interviews and a nationally representative survey, we build the first nationally representative data‐set on migrant attitudes in the country. Our results show that the propensity to migrate of individuals living in low‐income households is inversely related to human capital accumulation and access to basic services. Similarly, variables linked to networks in the destination country are positively correlated with the propensity to migrate. The prevalence of violence in areas where potential migrants live is unrelated to their migration decisions. This indicates that the focus of migration policy should rest in improving material conditions.
Towards a Routine External Evaluation Protocol for Small Area Estimation
Authors: Dorfman Alan H.
Published: February 2018

Statistical criteria are needed by which to evaluate the potential success or failure of applications of small area estimation. A necessary step to achieve this is a protocol—a series of steps—by which to assess whether an instance of small area estimation has given satisfactory results or not. Most customary attempts at evaluation of small area techniques have deficiencies. Often, evaluation is not attempted. Every small area study requires an external evaluation. With proper planning, this can be routinely achieved, although at some cost, amounting to some sacrifice of efficiency of global estimates. We propose a Routine External Evaluation Protocol to allow us to judge whether, in a given survey, small area estimation has led to accurate results and sound inference.
Positive association of plasma leptin with sleep quality in obese type 2 diabetes patients
Authors: Hirota Tomoe , Morioka Tomoaki , Yoda Koichiro , Toi Norikazu , Hayashi Noriyuki , Maruo Saori , Yamazaki Yuko , Kurajoh Masafumi , Motoyama Koka , Yamada Shinsuke , Shoji Tetsuo , Emoto Masanori , Inaba Masaaki
Published: February 2018

Aims/Introduction

Poor sleep quality is associated with obesity and diabetes. The adipocyte‐derived hormone, leptin, was recently shown to underlie the link between abnormal sleep and obesity. We aimed to investigate the association between leptin and sleep quality in type 2 diabetes patients.

Materials and Methods

In the present cross‐sectional study, we studied 182 type 2 diabetes patients, among whom 113 were diagnosed with obesity (body mass index ≥25 kg/m2). Fasting plasma leptin levels were measured, and sleep architecture was assessed using single‐channel electroencephalography.

Results

Using unadjusted analyses, the obese type 2 diabetes patients, but not their non‐obese counterparts, showed a positive correlation between plasma leptin levels and a parameter for deep sleep assessed by delta power during the first sleep cycle. Multivariate analysis showed that plasma leptin levels were positively associated with delta power, but not with the total sleep time, after adjusting for potential confounders including age, body mass index and the apnea–hypopnea index, in the obesity group. However, neither delta power nor total sleep time was associated with leptin in the non‐obesity group.

Conclusions

Plasma leptin levels are independently associated with sleep quality in obese, but not in non‐obese, type 2 diabetes patients. The present study indicates a favorable relationship between leptin and sleep quality in obese type 2 diabetes patients.
Hegemonic Heteronormativity: Toward a New Era of Queer Family Theory
Authors: Allen Samuel H. , Mendez Shawn N.
Published: February 2018

More than a decade has passed since the first iterations of queer theory were introduced to the academic lexicon of family studies. Since then, queer theorizing of families has percolated gently through our field's journals and subdisciplines, informing research, practice, and pedagogy. As diversity continues to emerge within families, the 10th anniversary ofJournal of Family Theory & Reviewprovides a ripe opportunity to review the history of queer family theories, and the research they have framed and informed over the past 12 years. We present this information, summarize the foundational queer family model, discuss our critiques of it, and propose a new model to help guide research and practice with families in the decade to come.
Why Religion Helps and Harms Families: A Conceptual Model of a System of Dualities at the Nexus of Faith and Family Life
Authors: Dollahite David C. , Marks Loren D. , Dalton Hilary
Published: February 2018

Evidence suggests that religion can both help and harm families. We posit that a central reason for these divergent outcomes is a system of dualities at the nexus of religion and family. We propose a conceptual framework of a dynamic system of religious and relational dualities. We propose eight dualities: (a) transcendent and mundane spiritual experiences may affect families, (b) families may experience God as a close confidant and an authority figure, (c) religion in families may involve accepting and refusing actions, (d) religion in families may include religious expectations and relational compensators, (e) religion in families may generate and address relational struggles, (f) religion in families may be relationally divisive and unifying, (g) religion in families may bring perplexing mysteries and profound meanings, and (h) religion in families may be a transforming and a maintaining influence. We discuss how these dualities lead to outcomes that help and harm families.
Mission Impossible? New Housework Theories for Changing Families
Authors: Geist Claudia , Ruppanner Leah
Published: February 2018

Theoretical approaches to housework do not reflect contemporary families and gender relations. We evaluate assumptions about gender and families in three dominant explanations and propose theoretical extensions. First, we suggest a work–family fit approach that examines housework and resources at a household level. Second, we propose the diverse capital perspective that extends earnings centered assessments of housework bargaining. Finally, a “doing genders” approach captures how gender shapes housework in nuanced ways. Our study does not focus on the more general issue of power in relationships, nor do we seek to dismantle existing theoretical perspectives or solve all shortcomings of the inherently couple‐centered and cissexist heteronormative approach to families that primarily focuses on the United States. Rather, we provide some insight into how these theories can be expanded given the realities of diverse family arrangements, stalled gender revolutions, and shifts and fluidity in gender and sexual identities.
Resilience Theory and Research on Children and Families: Past, Present, and Promise
Authors: Masten Ann S.
Published: February 2018

Origins and advances in the history of resilience science with children and families are highlighted in this article, with a focus on interconnections and integration. Individual and family resilience scholarship reflect interwoven roots, and there is a growing impetus to integrate knowledge and strategies to inform practice and policies to mitigate risk and promote resilience in systems that shape human adaptation over the life course. Resilience is defined as the capacity of a system to adapt successfully to significant challenges that threaten its function, viability, or development. Research evidence is summarized to illustrate parallels in concepts and findings from studies of child and family resilience, with special emphasis on parenting processes. Integrating models, findings, methods, and training across multiple systems and levels holds great promise for elucidating resilience processes that will inform efforts to build capacity for healthy adaptation in the face of rising threats to families and societies around the world.
Transcriptional and temporal response of Populus stems to gravi‐stimulation
Authors: Zinkgraf Matthew , Gerttula Suzanne , Zhao Shutang , Filkov Vladimir , Groover Andrew
Published: February 2018

Plants modify development in response to external stimuli, to produce new growth that is appropriate for environmental conditions. For example, gravi‐stimulation of leaning branches in angiosperm trees results in modifications of wood development, to produce tension wood that pulls leaning stems upright. Here, we use gravi‐stimulation and tension wood response to dissect the temporal changes in gene expression underlying wood formation in Populus stems. Using time‐series analysis of seven time points over a 14‐d experiment, we identified 8,919 genes that were differentially expressed between tension wood (upper) and opposite wood (lower) sides of leaning stems. Clustering of differentially expressed genes showed four major transcriptional responses, including gene clusters whose transcript levels were associated with two types of tissue‐specific impulse responses that peaked at about 24–48 h, and gene clusters with sustained changes in transcript levels that persisted until the end of the 14‐d experiment. Functional enrichment analysis of those clusters suggests they reflect temporal changes in pathways associated with hormone regulation, protein localization, cell wall biosynthesis and epigenetic processes. Time‐series analysis of gene expression is an underutilized approach for dissecting complex developmental responses in plants, and can reveal gene clusters and mechanisms influencing development.
Sudden infant death and sleep practices in the Black community
Authors: Stiffler Deborah , Ayres Brook , Fauvergue Cheyenne , Cullen Deborah
Published: February 2018

Purpose

A Black infant dies every 13 hours in the state of Indiana. The overall infant mortality rate in 2013 was 7.2 deaths per 1000 live births, but for Black infants, the rate was 15.3 deaths per 1000 live births. For over 20 years, placing an infant to sleep on his back has decreased the death rate from sudden unexpected infant death (SUID) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), but many Black families continue to advocate bed sharing, prone sleeping, and inappropriate bedding/sleep surfaces, predisposing an infant to a significantly higher risk for SUID/SIDS. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to understand why Black women are less likely than White women to follow safe sleep recommendations for their infants.

Design

A rigorous search of the literature was performed by searching the Web of Science, OVID, CINAHL, PsychINFO, and PubMed using the search terms: infant or child, death, loss, SIDS, SUID, qualitative, African American, Black, culture, safe sleep, experiences, and United States. A total of 217 articles were obtained. After review of inclusion and exclusion criteria and critical appraisal, only seven articles remained for the research study.

Methods

The meta‐synthesis of these seven original qualitative studies was performed using the Qualitative Assessment and Review Instrument from the Joanna Briggs Institute to assist with data management. Data were extracted and representative quotations were categorized. Categories were arranged into like themes. Themes were then synthesized with meta‐aggregation.

Results

A total of 17 subthemes were identified and were formulated into three primary themes: convenience, safety, and culture. The final synthesized theme was that Black mothers are motivated by their beliefs.

Practice Implications

Black mothers tend to believe that SUIDS/SIDS is a random occurrence and is not preventable, so they see a little reason to make their infant sleep in a cold, hard crib, when they could sleep in a warm, comfortable bed with them. Nurses should work with Black mothers to understand their cultural beliefs while educating them about safe sleep practices.
Policy Transfer and Diversification in Resource‐Dependent Economies: Lessons for Kazakhstan from Alberta
Authors: Howie Peter
Published: February 2018

Economic diversification in resource‐dependent countries is a difficult process. Most of these countries’ efforts to diversify have been unsuccessful. Alberta is one exception. It has succeeded in diversifying its economy by “diversifying in energy” using explicit policy decisions to promote human capital development in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM), complement STEM education with education in management and innovation, foster proper market discipline, establish an effective intellectual property rights system, and strengthen links between various industries to support innovation. Kazakhstan's policy makers can learn valuable lessons from Alberta's successes. It is also important to understand that some of the initiatives that were successful in Alberta may not be appropriate for Kazakhstan because of the latter's system of state‐guided capitalism and limited public service capacity. Finally, evidence from Alberta suggests that promoting “winning” sectors is a way for favored insiders to capture a share of resource rent and seldom succeed.

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Isabella Ruble. 2013. “.” Politics & Policy 41 (): 656‐689. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12033/full

Khodr, Hiba. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 271‐310. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12068/full

Kim, Hae S. 2017. “.” Politics & Policy 45 (): 83‐104. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12190/full

Related Media

. 2003. “Should Developing Country Industrialisation Policies Encourage Processing of Primary Commodities?” The ACP‐EU Courier 196: 30‐32. http://ec.europa.eu/development/body/publications/courier/courier196/en/en_030.pdf

Litan, Robert E., and
Carl J. Schramm. 2007. “Good Capitalism, Bad Capitalism, and the Economics of Growth and Prosperity.” Council on Foreign Relations. https://www.cfr.org/event/good-capitalism-bad-capitalism-and-economics-growth-and-prosperity

. 2015. “Economic Diversification and Nonextractive Growth.” In Engagement in Resource‐Rich Developing Countries: The Cases of the Plurinational State of Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, and Zambia. Washington, DC: World Bank. 28‐42. http://ieg.worldbankgroup.org/sites/default/files/Data/reports/chapters/ccpe-synthesis_ch4.pdf
Beta blockers in patients with end‐stage renal disease—Evidence‐based recommendations
Authors: Weir Matthew A. , Herzog Charles A.
Published: February 2018

For patients who require hemodialysis, beta blockers offer a simultaneous opportunity and challenge in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Beta blockers are well supported by data from nondialysis populations and directly mitigate the sympathetic overactivity that links chronic kidney disease with cardiovascular sequelae. However, the evidence supporting their use in patients receiving hemodialysis is sparse and the heterogeneity of the beta blocker class makes it difficult to prescribe these medications with confidence. Despite these limitations, both trial and observational data exist that can help guide the use of these medications. In this review, we outline the reasons to consider beta blockers for patients receiving hemodialysis, discuss the barriers to their use, and provide specific evidence‐based recommendations for beta blocker use in patients with heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and arrhythmia.
Years of Since Migration: On the Motivation to Reexamine the Role of Immigrant Selectivity in Black Ethnic Labor Market Disparities
Authors: Ifatunji Mosi Adesina
Published: February 2018

This comment is a response to Model's () critique of my article, “Labor Market Disparities” (Ifatunji ).
Markets, Clans, and Arbitrage: A Participant‐Observation Study of “Coopetition” Among Baseball Ticket Scalpers
Authors: Bozeman Barry , Taggart Gabel
Published: February 2018

We report on a participant‐observation study of baseball ticket scalpers at Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona. Ours is a study of the market behavior of individuals working in clans. We focus on the social organization of clans and, particularly, how scalpers establish territories and engage in cooperative behavior while, at the same, time competing aggressively. The clans govern transactions not according to straightforward economic exchange or by formal rules and regulation emanating from legitimate authority, but rather through shared goals and shared values, with behavior expectations grounded in familiarity, common history, and mutual trust. During conversations with scalpers, we determined that a few of them, but not the majority, consult StubHub on a real‐time basis to help them determine their spot market ticket prices. Conclusion: The rise of Internet secondary markets for tickets may ultimately have adverse consequences for street vendors, but at present, it seems more advantageous than disadvantageous.
New Americans and the Quest for Political Office
Authors: Reny Tyler , Shah Paru
Published: February 2018

Objective

Record numbers of first‐ and second‐generation immigrants have won elected office over the last few electoral cycles, yet we find immigrants are still underrepresented at all levels of government. What are the perceived barriers to entry into political life among these New Americans?

Method

Using a unique survey data set that includes an oversample of first‐ and second‐generation immigrants who have enrolled in civic leadership trainings, we examine the similarities and differences between immigrant and nonimmigrant leaders.

Results

We find that immigrants are in many ways similar to their nonimmigrant counterparts in that access to structural resources help shape their political ambition. Yet immigrants, unlike their nonimmigrant counterparts, often have less of these resources and perceive their ability to capitalize on these resources as less feasible.

Conclusions

We find that the traditional barriers to office—lack of professional and political experiences, finances, and monied networks—all contribute to lower self‐perceived qualifications for office among both immigrants and nonimmigrants. Yet, the New American leaders who are highly politically involved, deeply rooted in their communities, and well‐positioned to run for office face the additional psychological barriers posed by their race and ethnicity, immigrant identity, citizenship status, language ability, and acculturation, barriers that are often offered in open‐ended essays as self‐evident and crippling. Leadership training programs play a crucial role in providing training and instilling confidence in would‐be immigrant candidates.
A phylogenomic analysis of Culicomorpha (Diptera) resolves the relationships among the eight constituent families
Authors: NARAYANAN  KUTTY SUJATHA , WONG WING HING , MEUSEMANN KAREN , MEIER RUDOLF , CRANSTON PETER S.
Published: February 2018

Culicomorpha is a particularly species‐rich clade within Diptera (true flies) that comprises c. 10% of the described diversity, including many medically important flies. Morphological studies – even when all life stages are included – yield relationships different from those derived from molecular data, notably with regard to the position of Chironomidae. Congruence amongst molecular studies has been weak due to limitations in gene‐ and family‐level taxon coverage. Here we use a whole‐transcriptome shotgun phylogenomic approach to clarify the relationships among all families of Culicomorpha. The dataset comprised 30 species (27 ingroup) and 364 888 amino acid residues for 1233 single‐copy protein‐encoding genes. Likelihood and parsimony analyses produce robust and highly congruent phylogenetic trees, with only one node in conflict. The superfamily Culicoidea is well supported and comprises Dixidae + [Corethrellidae + (Chaoboridae + Culicidae)]. As suggested previously, Chironomoidea is not monophyletic. The well supported Thaumaleidae + Simuliidae is sister group to Culicoidea, with the weakly supported Chironomidae + Ceratopogonidae probably being the sister group of all remaining Culicomorpha. We used random addition concatenation analysis (RADICAL) and four‐cluster likelihood mapping (FcLM) to assess the strengths of nodal support. The sister‐group relationship between Chironomidae + Ceratopogonidae is consistent with the FcLM results but support for this relationship emerges only when 1150 of the 1233 loci are analysed. We discuss briefly nodes that remain poorly supported even with thousands of genes and mention problems with vouchering in transcriptomic studies.
Hemostatic profile and safety of pooled cryoprecipitate up to 120 hours after thawing
Authors: Lokhandwala Parvez M. , O'Neal Adrian , Patel Eshan U. , Brunker Patricia A. R. , Gehrie Eric A. , Zheng Gang , Kickler Thomas S. , Ness Paul M. , Tobian Aaron A. R.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

AABB standards state that cryoprecipitate should be transfused within 4 to 6 hours after thawing. We evaluated coagulation factor levels and sterility of thawed pooled cryoprecipitate to assess whether shelf life can be safely extended.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

Donor cryoprecipitate pools (n = 20, 10 group A, 10 group O) were held at ambient temperature and sampled at 0, 4, 8, 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 hours post‐thawing for fibrinogen, Factor (F)VIII, and von Willebrand factor (vWF) levels. Samples were tested at 0 and 120 hours for sterility (BacT/Alert system). Sixty additional cryoprecipitate pools were evaluated after 72 hours. Longitudinal differences in component levels were determined by linear fixed‐effects regression.

RESULTS

Group O cryoprecipitate had significantly lower FVIII (p = 0.002) and vWF activity (p = 0.006) compared to group A at 0 hours, but were not statistically different in fibrinogen levels (p = 0.33). Fibrinogen levels were stable over 5 days: 501 ± 81 mg/unit (mean ± standard deviation) at 0 hours to 506 ± 102 mg/unit at 120 hours (p = 0.73). Similarly, there was no decline in vWF activity: 200 ± 53 IU/unit at 0 hours to 209 ± 57 IU/unit at 120 hours (p = 0.084). The FVIII activity significantly declined on average by 9.6 IU (95% confidence interval, 5.5‐13.8) between 0 hours (111 ± 33 IU/unit) and 120 hours post‐thaw (101 ± 33) (p < 0.001). No organisms were detected when cryoprecipitate pools were cultured at 0 hours, but at 120 hours Staphylococcus epidermidis was identified from one pool, potentially a contaminant introduced during repeated sampling. No cultures were positive among the 60 additional cryoprecipitate pools assessed at 72 hours.

CONCLUSION

Extended cryoprecipitate storage at ambient temperature did not affect fibrinogen levels over 120 hours. Sterility of products held at ambient temperature for an extended period of time could be assessed by secondary culture.
Cryoprecipitate transfusions in the neonatal intensive care unit: a performance improvement study to decrease donor exposure
Authors: Tkach Erin K. , Mackley Amy , Brooks Alison , Kessler Josh , Paul David A.
Published: February 2018

BACKGROUND

The objective of this study was to determine if a change in cryoprecipitate transfusion policy impacts donor exposure and fibrinogen level in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) population.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The cryoprecipitate policy was changed from transfusing 10ml/kg to a maximum of 1 unit per transfusion in January 2013. Data were obtained via retrospective chart review of all infants receiving cryoprecipitate transfusions from January 2008 to February 2015 in the NICU at Christiana Hospital.

RESULTS

A total of 103 neonates received a total of 144 cryoprecipitate transfusions. Before the policy change, term babies were more likely to be exposed to more than one donor compared to preterm babies (75% vs. 6%, p < 0.01). After the policy change, no babies were exposed to greater than one donor per transfusion and there were similar increases in posttransfusion fibrinogen level as before the policy change.

CONCLUSION

Limiting cryoprecipitate transfusions to 1 unit per transfusion decreased donor exposure in infants without negatively impacting posttransfusion fibrinogen levels. This is especially evident in term neonates.
A Corpus Analysis of Changes in the Use of British and American English Modals and Semi-Modals
Authors: Tarish Abbas Hussein
Published: February 2018

This research has two main purposes. The first one is to test the modal replacement hypothesis proposed by Smith (2003) and discussed by Leech (2003), on the basis of data from the Hansard Corpus (THC- 1.6 billion words, 1800-2000) and the Corpus of Historical American English (COHA - 400 million words, 1810-2000). The second purpose of the study was to draw upon time series models to generate insights about how modal and semi-modal frequencies have changed over time. Cumulatively, these two forms of analysis addressed an acknowledged gap in the current literature on modal and semi-modal frequency change, namely the question of whether modals are being replaced by semi-modals.
Observation of endoplasmic reticulum tubules via TOF-SIMS tandem mass spectrometry imaging of transfected cells
Authors: Chini Corryn E. , Fisher Gregory L. , Johnson Ben , Tamkun Michael M. , Kraft Mary L.
Published: February 2018

Advances in three-dimensional secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) imaging have enabled visualizing the subcellular distributions of various lipid species within individual cells. However, the difficulty of locating organelles using SIMS limits efforts to study their lipid compositions. Here, the authors have assessed whether endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-Tracker Blue White DPX®, which is a commercially available stain for visualizing the endoplasmic reticulum using fluorescence microscopy, produces distinctive ions that can be used to locate the endoplasmic reticulum using SIMS. Time-of-flight-SIMS tandem mass spectrometry (MS2) imaging was used to identify positively and negatively charged ions produced by the ER-Tracker stain. Then, these ions were used to localize the stain and thus the endoplasmic reticulum, within individual human embryonic kidney cells that contained higher numbers of endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions on their surfaces. By performing MS2 imaging of selected ions in parallel with the precursor ion (MS1) imaging, the authors detected a chemical interference native to the cell at the same nominal mass as the pentafluorophenyl fragment from the ER-Tracker stain. Nonetheless, the fluorine secondary ions produced by the ER-Tracker stain provided a distinctive signal that enabled locating the endoplasmic reticulum using SIMS. This simple strategy for visualizing the endoplasmic reticulum in individual cells using SIMS could be combined with existing SIMS methodologies for imaging intracellular lipid distribution and to study the lipid composition within the endoplasmic reticulum.
SalmonellaReprograms Nucleotide Metabolism in Its Adaptation to Nitrosative Stress
Authors: Fitzsimmons Liam F. , Liu Lin , Kim Ju-Sim , Jones-Carson Jessica , Vázquez-Torres Andrés
Published: February 2018

The adaptations that protect pathogenic microorganisms against the cytotoxicity of nitric oxide (NO) engendered in the immune response are incompletely understood. We show here that salmonellae experiencing nitrosative stress suffer dramatic losses of the nucleoside triphosphates ATP, GTP, CTP, and UTP while simultaneously generating a massive burst of the alarmone nucleotide guanosine tetraphosphate. RelA proteins associated with ribosomes overwhelmingly synthesize guanosine tetraphosphate in response to NO as a feedback mechanism to transient branched-chain amino acid auxotrophies. Guanosine tetraphosphate activates the transcription of valine biosynthetic genes, thereby reestablishing branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis that enables the translation of the NO-consuming flavohemoglobin Hmp. Guanosine tetraphosphate synthesized by RelA protects salmonellae from the metabolic stress inflicted by reactive nitrogen species generated in the mammalian host response. This research illustrates the importance of nucleotide metabolism in the adaptation of salmonellae to the nutritional stress imposed by NO released in the innate host response.

IMPORTANCENitric oxide triggers dramatic drops in nucleoside triphosphates, the building blocks that power DNA replication; RNA transcription; translation; cell division; and the biosynthesis of fatty acids, lipopolysaccharide, and peptidoglycan. Concomitantly, this diatomic gas stimulates a burst of guanosine tetraphosphate. Global changes in nucleotide metabolism may contribute to the potent bacteriostatic activity of nitric oxide. In addition to inhibiting numerous growth-dependent processes, guanosine tetraphosphate positively regulates the transcription of branched-chain amino acid biosynthesis genes, thereby facilitating the translation of antinitrosative defenses that mediate recovery from nitrosative stress.
Associations between birth weight, obesity, fat mass and lean mass in Korean adolescents: the Fifth Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Kang Myunggee , Yoo Jung Eun , Kim Kyuwoong , Choi Seulggie , Park Sang Min
Published: February 2018

Objective

Previous studies on the relationship between birth weight and obesity in adolescents have mostly been conducted within Western populations and have yielded inconsistent results. We aimed to investigate the association between birth weight, obesity, fat mass and lean mass in Korean adolescents using the fifth Korea National Health and Nutritional Examination Survey (KNHANES V).

Methods

The study population consisted of a total of 1304 (693 men and 611 women) participants aged between 12 and 18 years. Adjusted ORs and 95% CIs were calculated by multivariable logistic regression analyses to determine the association between birth weight and being overweight or obese. Furthermore, adjusted mean values for body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI) and lean mass index (LMI) according to birth weight were calculated by multiple linear regression analyses.

Results

Individuals within the highest 25th percentile in birth weight were more likely to be overweight (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.75, 95% CI 1.11 to 2.76) compared with adolescents within the 25th and 75th percentile in birth weight. Female adolescents who were in the highest 25th percentile in birth weight were more likely to be obese (aOR 2.13, 95% CI 1.03 to 4.41) compared with those within the 25th and 75th percentile in birth weight. Increasing FMI, but not LMI was associated with increasing birth weight (P for trend: 0.03). This tendency remained only in female population in sex-stratified analysis (P for trend: 0.03).

Conclusions

High birth weight may lead to obesity and increased fat mass, but not lean mass. Adolescents born with high birth weight may benefit from close weight monitoring and early intervention against obesity.
Pre-existing depression predicts survival in cardiovascular disease and cancer
Authors: Yang Lei , Korhonen Kaarina , Moustgaard Heta , Silventoinen Karri , Martikainen Pekka
Published: February 2018

Background

Previous studies have found depression to be negatively associated with the prognosis of both cardiovascular disease (CVD) and cancer, but this may partly reflect reverse causality. We limited the possibility of reverse causality by measuring depression before the first diagnosis of CVD or cancer.

Methods

We used an 11% longitudinal random sample of the Finnish population aged 25 years or older who are residents of Finland for at least 1 year between 1987 and 2007, with an 80% oversample of those who died during this period. Those who had their first incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) (n=107 966), stroke (n=68 685) or cancer (n=113 754) between 1998 and 2012 were followed up for cause-specific mortality from the date of diagnosis until the end of 2012. Depression was defined as having antidepressant purchases two to three calendar years before the incidence. Logistic and Cox regression models were used to examine short-term and long-term mortality by depression status.

Results

Long-term mortality after diagnosis was 1.34 (95% CI 1.25 to 1.44) for CHD, 1.26 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.37) for stroke and 1.10 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.16) for cancer in those who had used antidepressants in two consecutive calendar years as compared with those with no purchases. Short-term mortality from CHD was elevated among persons with depression (OR=1.30; 95% CI 1.06 to 1.61), but no association was found for stroke.

Conclusion

Pre-existing depression is associated with a worse prognosis of CHD, stroke and cancer. More attention in the healthcare system is needed for patients with chronic diseases who have a history of depression.
Feasibility of extracting highway vertical profiles from LiDAR data
Authors: Gargoum Suliman A. , El-Basyouny Karim , Shalkamy Amr , Gouda Maged
Published: February 2018

Producing as-built drawings is an important task in any road construction project. In fact, in an ideal situation, these drawings must be updated whenever major maintenance work takes place. Unfortunately, constantly updating those drawings is not always feasible due to the amount of manual work associated with the data collection in traditional surveying practice. The increase in computing power and the advancement in technology has led many transportation agencies to consider utilizing remote sensing techniques to extract roadway design features and prepare as-builts of roads. In this note, a procedure to generate as-built drawings of vertical profiles on highways using light detection and ranging (LiDAR) point cloud data are proposed. The procedure is a multistep procedure where the road centerline of each segment is first defined, after that a best fit alignment of points along the road’s centerline is generated. A digital surface model (DSM) of the LiDAR highway is created and the centerline is relayed onto the DSM before generating the road profile. The proposed method is tested using LiDAR data collected on two highways in the province of Alberta, Canada. The profiles extracted using the proposed method are compared against vertical profiles that were generated for the same segments using data collected in GPS surveys and as-built drawings developed in manual surveys. The results show the feasibility of accurately extracting road profiles from LiDAR data. The average difference in grades estimated using the proposed method and the GPS data ranged from 0.023% to 0.061%. In fact, the proposed method was able to capture details in the road profile that were not detected using GPS data, demonstrating the value of using LiDAR for road profile extraction.
Improved Approximation Algorithm for the Combination of Parallel Machine Scheduling and Vertex Cover
Authors: Hong Wenyi , Wang Zhenbo
Published: February 2018

This paper studies the combination problem of parallel machine scheduling and the vertex cover problem. Wang and Cui developed a [Formula: see text]-approximation algorithm for this problem [13], where [Formula: see text] is the number of parallel machines. We reduce the approximation factors from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], from [Formula: see text] to [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], and to [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text].
Edge Rupture Degree of Graphs
Authors: Li Yinkui , Du Mingzhe , Li Hongyan , Wang Xiaolin
Published: February 2018

The edge rupture degree of a graph [Formula: see text], as one of measurement parameter of network vulnerability, is defined as [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is the number of components of [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] is the order of a largest component of [Formula: see text]. In this paper, general results on the edge-rupture degree of a graph are considered. Firstly, some bounds on edge rupture degree are given. Further, edge rupture degree of some graphs is caculated. Also some results are given about this parameter with others. Finally, we discuss edge rupture degree of the complement graph and give the Nordhaus–Gaddum-type results for edge rupture degree.
Nonclassical point of view of the Brownian motion generation via fractional deterministic model
Authors: Gilardi-Velázquez H. E. , Campos-Cantón E.
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we present a dynamical system based on the Langevin equation without stochastic term and using fractional derivatives that exhibit properties of Brownian motion, i.e. a deterministic model to generate Brownian motion is proposed. The stochastic process is replaced by considering an additional degree of freedom in the second-order Langevin equation. Thus, it is transformed into a system of three first-order linear differential equations, additionally [Formula: see text]-fractional derivative are considered which allow us to obtain better statistical properties. Switching surfaces are established as a part of fluctuating acceleration. The final system of three [Formula: see text]-order linear differential equations does not contain a stochastic term, so the system generates motion in a deterministic way. Nevertheless, from the time series analysis, we found that the behavior of the system exhibits statistics properties of Brownian motion, such as, a linear growth in time of mean square displacement, a Gaussian distribution. Furthermore, we use the detrended fluctuation analysis to prove the Brownian character of this motion.
Modeling the effect of bus stops on capacity of curb lane
Authors: Luo Qingyu , Zheng Tianyao , Wu Wenjing , Jia Hongfei , Li Jin
Published: February 2018

With the increase of buses and bus lines, a negative effect on road section capacity is made by the prolonged delay and queuing time at bus stops. However, existing methods of measuring the negative effect pay little attention to different bus stop types in the curb lanes. This paper uses Gap theory and Queuing theory to build models for effect-time and potential capacity in different conditions, including curbside bus stops, bus bays with overflow and bus bays without overflow. In order to make the effect-time models accurate and reliable, two types of probabilities are introduced. One is the probability that the dwell time is less than the headway of curb lane at curbside bus stops; the other is the overflow probability at bus bays. Based on the fundamental road capacity model and effect-time models, potential capacity models of curb lane are designed. The new models are calibrated by the survey data from Changchun City, and verified by the simulation software of VISSIM. Furthermore, with different arrival rates of vehicles, the setting conditions of bus stops are researched. Results show that the potential capacity models have high precision. They can offer a reference for recognizing the effect of bus stops on the capacity of curb lane, which can provide a basis for planning, design and management of urban roads and bus stops.
The Dubrovnik and Kauffman skein modules of the lens spaces Lp,1
Authors: Mroczkowski Maciej
Published: February 2018

We compute the Dubrovnik skein module of the lens spaces [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], as well as the Kauffman two variables skein module when [Formula: see text] is odd. We also show that there is torsion in the Kauffman skein module when [Formula: see text] is even.
Weakly perspective rings and modules
Authors: Amini Babak , Amini Afshin , Momtahan Ehsan
Published: February 2018

In this paper, we study weakly perspective (WP) modules and rings. A module is called WP if isomorphic direct summands with isomorphic complements have a common complement. This generalizes the concept of perspectivity (isomorphic summands have a common complement). Among other things, we show that when a module is quasi-injective and WP, it is directly finite. Then we conclude that every quasi-injective weakly perspective module is perspective.
The test rank of a solvable product of free abelian Lie algebras
Authors: Öğüşlü Nazar Şahin , Ekici Naime
Published: February 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be the [Formula: see text]th solvable product of free abelian Lie algebras of finite rank. We prove that the test rank of [Formula: see text] is one less than the number of the factors. We also give a test set for endomorphisms of [Formula: see text].
On the weakly monomial subgroups of finite simple groups
Authors: Dong Shuqin , Pan Hongfei , Tang Feng
Published: February 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a finite group. A proper subgroup [Formula: see text] of [Formula: see text] is said to be weakly monomial if the order of [Formula: see text] satisfies [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we determine all the weakly monomial maximal subgroups of finite simple groups.
On quasi-primitive characters of solvable groups
Authors: Chang Huimin , Jin Ping
Published: February 2018

Let [Formula: see text] be a quasi-primitive character with odd degree, and suppose that [Formula: see text] is a [Formula: see text]-solvable group. Wilde associated to [Formula: see text] a unique conjugacy class of subgroups [Formula: see text] satisfying [Formula: see text]. We construct in this situation a sequence of character pairs [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is quasi-primitive and each [Formula: see text] is uniquely determined up to conjugacy in [Formula: see text], such that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Furthermore, we have [Formula: see text] for each [Formula: see text], and in particular [Formula: see text]. We also prove that the subgroups [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are conjugate in [Formula: see text], and thus present a new description for Wilde’s result.