bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Evaluation of Interactions in the Degradation of a Polypropylene Geotextile in Marine Environments
Authors: Carneiro José Ricardo , Almeida Paulo Joaquim , Lopes Maria de Lurdes
Published: May 2018

The long‐term behaviour of geosynthetics applied in coastal engineering structures can be adversely affected by many agents. This paper studies the resistance of a nonwoven polypropylene geotextile against some degradation agents present in marine environments and evaluates the existence of interactions between them. For that purpose, the geotextile was exposed to some laboratory degradation tests: immersion tests (in seawater, deionised water, and sodium chloride 35 g·L−1), thermooxidation, and artificial weathering. The geotextile was (1) exposed separately to each degradation test and (2) exposed successively to combinations of two or three degradation tests. The damage caused by the degradation tests was evaluated by monitoring the tensile properties of the geotextile. Based on the changes occurred in tensile strength, reduction factors were determined. The reduction factors obtained directly in the multiple exposures were compared with those obtained by the traditional methodology for the combined effect of the degradation agents. The results, among other findings, showed the existence of relevant interactions between the degradation agents and showed that the reduction factors obtained by the traditional methodology were unable to represent accurately (by underestimating) the degradation occurred in the geotextile.
Unilateral Focal Dermal Hypoplasia (Goltz Syndrome): Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Alsharif Sahar , Hindi Sohad , Khoja Fay 
Published: May 2018

Focal dermal hypoplasia (FDH) or Goltz syndrome is a rare X-linked dominant multisystemic disease involving the ectoderm, mesoderm, and endoderm. About 95% of the cases appear de novo, and 90% of them are females. Recently, the studies revealed that FDH is caused by a mutation in the PORCN gene. We report a case of unilateral FDH or Goltz syndrome in a 16-year-old girl presenting with hypopigmented-reticulated atrophic macules and patches in a linear pattern distributed along the lines of Blaschko over the right side of the face and the right arm. Also she is having hypoplasia of the right breast with dental enamel abnormality and partial anodontia in the lower jaw. Sparse hair and partial alopecia on the right side (scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes) were also observed.
Enrichment of Female Germline Stem Cells from Mouse Ovaries Using the Differential Adhesion Method
Authors: Wu Meng , Xiong Jiaqiang , Ma Lingwei , Lu Zhiyong , Qin Xian , Luo Aiyue , Zhang Jinjin , Xie Huan , Shen Wei , Wang Shixuan
Published: May 2018

Background/Aims: The isolation and establishment of female germline stem cells (FGSCs) is controversial because of questions regarding the reliability and stability of the isolation method using antibody targeting mouse vasa homologue (MVH), and the molecular mechanism of FGSCs self-renewal remains unclear. Thus, there needs to be a simple and reliable method for sorting FGSCs to study them. Methods: We applied the differential adhesion method to enrich FGSCs (DA-FGSCs) from mouse ovaries. Through four rounds of purification and 7-9 subsequent passages, DA-FGSC lines were established. In addition, we assessed the role of the phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathway in regulating FGSC self-renewal. Results: The obtained DA-FGSCs spontaneously differentiated into oocyte-like cells in vitro and formed functional eggs in vivo that were fertilized and produced healthy offspring. AKT was rapidly phosphorylated when the proliferation rate of FGSCs increased after 10 passages, and the addition of a chemical PI3K inhibitor prevented FGSCs self-renewal. Furthermore, over-expression of AKT-induced proliferation and differentiation of FGSCs, c-Myc, Oct-4 and Gdf-9 levels were increased. Conclusions: The differential adhesion method provides a more feasible approach and is an easier procedure to establish FGSC lines than traditional methods. The AKT pathway plays an important role in regulation of the proliferation and maintenance of FGSCs. These findings could help promote stem cell studies and provide a better understanding of causes of ovarian infertility, thereby providing potential treatments for infertility.
Стандартизація сухого екстракту стулок квасолі за вмістом флавоноїдів
Authors: Vronska L. V.
Published: May 2018

Introduction. The development of new drugs for treatment and prevention of diabetes is a challenge that is an urgent matter in the context of the increase of diabetes morbidity. The hypoglycemic effect of phaseolus vulgaris pods infusion is established. The development of technology of phaseolus vulgaris pods dry extract, the study of its hypoglycemic effect is possible only by determination of the composition of the extract and its standardization.The aim of the study – to develop methods of phaseolus vulgaris pods dry extract identification; to develop and validate the technique of quantitative determination of flavonoids; to advance the quality criteria of the extract.Research Methods. Qualitative composition of flavonoids was investigated by means of chromatographic methods; quantitative determination was conducted by spectrophotometric technique.Results and Discussion. The research of phenolic compounds of phaseolus vulgaris pods dry extract by chromatographic methods allowed identifying rutin, isoquercitrin, ferulic acid and quercitrin in trace amounts. In addition to the phenolic compounds, the extract contained a large quantity of an unidentified flavonoid, a zone of which on the thin-layer chromatogram was situated between the zones of chlorogenic acid and rutin; two hydroxycinnamic acids, the zones of which were below and above the ferulic acid, and probably were their derivatives. The analysis of electronic spectra of absorption of a standard rutin sample solution and a dry extract test solution within the conditions of quantitative determination with aluminum chloride allowed using rutin as a standard for evaluation of flavonoids content. The content of flavonoids was determined by the spectrophotometric method, it was 0.7-0.8% range expressed in rutin and dry substance for different series of the extract.Сonclusions. To identify the dry extract of phaseolus vulgaris pods it was suggested to choose rutin, isoquercitrin and ferulic acid as active markers. The scheme of the chromatogram, which should be corresponded to the chromatogram of the test solution with the identification of dry extract, was recommended. The content of flavonoids was advised as a quantitative criterion of quality: not less than 0.65% expressed in rutin and dry substance.
Вміст аскорбінової кислоти в печінці і надниркових залозах щурів при коригуванні аліментарного гіпотиреозу йодом різної хімічної природи
Authors: Ryabukha O. I.
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Metabolisms of vitamins, trace elements and hormones are closely linked. The connection between  ascorbic acid and hormones, in particular derivatives of tyrosine and steroids, determines its importance for the activity of the thyroid gland, adrenal glands and liver. The most common thyroid pathology is hypothyroidism, caused by iodine deficiency. For its treatment and prevention, compounds that contain iodine of different chemical nature are used.The aim of the study – to compare the effect of the action of organic and inorganic iodine on the content of ascorbic acid (AA) in the liver and adrenal glands.Research Methods. The study was conducted in the model conditions of alimentary hypothyroidism on 80 white nonlinear male rats weighing 0.140–0.160 kg, which for 30 days were in an isocaloric starch-casein ration. Adjustment of iodine deficiency was carried out on three doses of iodine (21, 50, 100 μg/kg body weight), which animals uptaked with potassium iodide (inorganic iodine) and iodine-protein preparation from the Black Sea industrial red algae of Phyllophora nervosa (DС.) Grev (organic iodine). The content of AA in the tissues was determined using Tillman’s reagent.Results and Discussion. In conditions of alimentary hypothyroidism, the level of AA in the investigated organs was significantly reduced, which may indicate a decrease in the activity of metabolic processes. The consumption of both iodine-containing substances at a dose of 21 μg/kg was accompanied by a probable increase in the content of AА in the liver. Under the influence of 50 μg/kg iodine, its level in the rat’s liver and adrenal glands reached the levels of intact rats, but under use organic iodine the level of AA was higher. When receiving 100 μg/kg of iodine, the content of AA in organs was significantly reduced relative to the achieved parameters and in the adrenal glands was at the level of parameters of rats that did not consume iodine-containing compounds.Conclusions. The intake of both inorganic and organic iodine contribute to an increase in the content of AA in the liver and adrenal glands, which is a prerequisite for activating the activity of the thyroid gland, while the effect of organic iodine is more powerful. The effect of both iodine-containing preparations on the liver is greater, which may be a sign of its greater sensitivity to the strengthening of thyroid hormonepoise and indicate an increase in its metabolic activity.
Дослідження органічних кислот у сировині амброзії полинолистої
Authors: Panasenko O. I. , Goriacha L. M. , Hutsol V. V.
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Organic acids are a prospective group of biologically active compounds of natural origin. Organic acids show anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial activity, as well as take part in metabolic processes and improve the state of intestinal microflora. The data on the organic acids of common ragweed are rather limited, thus the research upon this group of biologically active compounds in common ragweed plant material is of great current interest.The aim of the study – to learnthe organic acids in common ragweed plant material by the vegetation stages of the plant.Research Methods. The study of organic acids was carried out using gas chromatography in common ragweed leaves and roots, collected in the vegetation phase, beginning of flower-bud formation and fruiting phase.Results and Discussion. Citric (4769.3 mg/kg) and oxalic (2046.8 mg/kg) acids were found in the highest quantity in common ragweed leaves in the vegetation stage, in the roots – fumaric (2580.9 mg/kg) andcitric (782.3 mg/kg) acids. In the leaves at the beginning of flower-bud formation oxalic (1374.4 mg/kg) andcitric (813.0 mg/kg) acids prevailed, and in the roots at the same stage – citric (1705.1 mg/kg) andmalic (1399.5 mg/kg) acids. In the leaves pre-readied at the fruiting phase citric (2879.4 mg/kg) andoxalic (513.5 mg/kg) acids dominated. Such organic acids as fumaric (242.2 mg/kg) andmalic (186.7 mg/kg) prevailed in the roots at the fruiting phase.Conclusions. Organic acids in common ragweed leaves and roots, collected in the vegetation phase, beginning of flower-bud formation and fruiting phase, were studied using gas chromatography. Aliphatic carboxylic acids, in particular, citric, oxalic, malonic, fumaric and malic acids, quantitatively dominated in the plant material. The highest content of organic acids was determined in the leaves collected during the vegetation phase. The results obtained allow expecting antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of herbal medicines on the basis of common ragweed plant material.
Вплив модуляторів NMDA-рецепторів на біохімічні змінив сітківці при ішемічному та травматичному ураженні зорового аналізатора
Authors: Povkh V. L.
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Glutamate exitotoxicity and hyperactivation of NMDA receptors play an important role in affecting the visual analyzer in cases of ischemia and trauma. It remains unexplored the influence of modulators of various sites of NMDA receptors on metabolic processes in the retina in these pathological conditions.The aim of the work – to determine the effect of NMDA receptor modulators on metabolic changes (oxidative stress, energy deficit, state of nitrogen oxide system, glutamate content) in the retina with the ischemic injury of the visual analyzer in rats and traumatic damage to the visual analyzer in rabbits.Research Methods. Experiments were conducted on 56 white male rats and 24 rabbits. Ischemic lesions of the visual analyzer in rats was caused by the creation of a one-sided ischemia-reperfusion in the a. ophthalmica.Traumatic damage of the visual analyzer in rabbits was caused by the action of a carbon dioxide stream under  pressure on the cornea of the eye. NMDA receptor modulators were administered within 7 days before and 30 minutes after pathology simulation. Polyamino site blocker amantadine sulfate (5 mg/kg i/v) and phencyclidine site blocker memantine (20 mg/kg i/g) were used. The content of AT P, markers of oxidative-nitrosative stress, glutamate levels in retina, and the level of neuronspecific enolase (NSE) in serum were determined.Results and Discussion. The use of NMDA receptor inhibitors causes de-escalation of NSE levels in the blood, reduces energy deficit, oxidative-nitrosative stress, glutamate levels in the retina of ischemia-reperfusion of the eye in rats and contusion of the eye in rabbits. The polyamino site inhibitor amantadine sulfate exceeds (in 1.2-1.5 times, p<0.05) the fencyclidine site inhibitor memantine by the ability to adjust the levels of ATP, MDA, oxide-modified proteins, to restore the activity of glutathione peroxidase in the retina on ischemic and traumatic lesions of visual analyzer.Conclusions. Thus, the modulators of the polyamino- and phencyclidine sites of the NMDA receptors showed a protective effect on neuroretina for both ischemic and traumatic damage of the visual analyzer in animals. The study of the effects of amantadine sulfate on reparative processes in the retina is a promising direction for further research.
Race/Ethnic and Sex Differences in the Association of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease Risk and Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors
Authors: Morris Alanna A. , Ko Yi‐An , Hutcheson Sarah H. , Quyyumi Arshed
Published: May 2018

Background

Lifestyle behaviors influence atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (
ASCVD
) risk. We examined race and sex differences in the association of
ASCVD
risk with obesity and lifestyle behaviors.

Methods and Results

We used multivariable logistic regression to examine the association of race/ethnicity and sex with obesity and lifestyle behaviors among 12 351 adults in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys cycles 2005 to 2014. Ten‐year
ASCVD
risk was estimated using the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association pooled cohort equations. Among overweight/obese subjects, whites were more likely to consider themselves overweight, to report a desire to weigh less, and to report a healthy diet, and physical activity. Despite higher body mass index and/or
ASCVD
risk, black women (adj odds ratio [
OR
] 0.8, 95% confidence interval [
CI
], 0.7–0.9) were less likely to attempt weight loss, and Hispanic women (
OR
0.8, 95%
CI
0.6–0.9) were less likely to report physical activity than white women. Black women (adj
OR
0.6, 95%
CI
0.5–0.7) were less likely than white women, and Hispanics (women adj
OR
0. 6, 95%
CI
0.5–0.7; men adj
OR
0.7, 95%
CI
0.6–0.9) were less likely than whites to report a healthy diet. Among those with
ASCVD
risk >7.5%, there were even greater disparities in the likelihood of healthy diet between black and Hispanic versus white women, and among Hispanic versus white men.

Conclusions

Race/ethnic minorities are less likely to engage in healthy lifestyle behaviors despite higher body mass index and
ASCVD
risk. These findings underscore the need for culturally sensitive recommendations to improve cardiovascular outcomes in high‐risk populations, particularly minority women.
Morphological and molecular characterisation of three species of Paratylenchus Micoletzky, 1922 (Tylenchida: Paratylenchidae) from China, with a first description of the male P. rostrocaudatus
Authors: Zhuo Kan , Liu Xingtong , Tao Ye , Wang Honghong , Lin Borong , Liao Jinling
Published: May 2018

In a recent survey of plant-parasitic nematodes associated with forest in China, three species of Paratylenchus, including P. aculentus, P. leptos and P. rostrocaudatus, were found. Paratylenchus leptos and P. rostrocaudatus are new records for China and the male of P. rostrocaudatus is described for the first time. Morphological descriptions, morphometrics and light microscopic photos are provided for these three species. Molecular characterisation of these species using ribosomal RNA (rRNA) D2-D3 expansion domains of large subunit (LSU D2-D3), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and small subunit (SSU) sequences are also given. Except for the ITS sequence of P. aculentus, other sequences were amplified for the first time. Phylogenetic relationships within the genus Paratylenchus are discussed as inferred from the analyses of LSU D2-D3, ITS and SSU.
Authoring the Strange: The Evolving Notions of Authorship in Prefaces to Classical Chinese Supernatural Fiction
Authors: Weightman Frances
Published: May 2018

This article considers the ways in which ideas of authorship have been portrayed in the authorial prefaces (zixu) to a selection of classical Chinese tales of the supernatural (zhiguai). It posits that the authorial preface is a unique forum for exploring the interplay between the author, reader and text. Within the controversial and contested tradition of writings about strange and otherworldly phenomena, it argues that over time thezixuprovided a platform for the emergence of an increasingly individualised authorial persona.
Transferring Sinosphere Knowledge to the Public: James Summers (1828-91) as Printer, Editor and Cataloguer
Authors: Kwan Uganda Sze Pui
Published: May 2018

James Summers occupied the professorship of Chinese for two decades at King’s College London. He was also a trailblazer in promoting the study of Japanese culture in Victorian Britain, but he has been an underrated and understudied figure in British history.

Summers was an ardent supporter of modern printing. He believed printed media was the most effective medium to transform British perceptions of Asia, which in turn would help support Britain’s foreign political, commercial and missionary enterprise. He also orchestrated the printing of catalogues and journals in his capacity as library assistant to the British Museum and the India Office Library. He even set up his own press to print a newspaper in order to disseminate knowledge of East Asia to a broader readership. Based on primary materials that have rarely been used before, this paper positions Summers in the study of book history, material culture and print mediums in order to reassess his pioneering efforts in Sinological studies.
A Jewish Response to French Antisemitism in Revolutionary Times
Authors: Klooster Wim
Published: May 2018

In the same years in which Jews were elected to the Dutch national assembly (the Batavian Convention), Jews on Curaçao were characterized in a letter received on the island in an unmistakably anti-Semitic way. The author was the prominent French official Victor Hugues, based in Guadeloupe. Two elders of the local Jewish community responded with a letter that shows a remarkable assertiveness, probably facilitated by the emancipation of Jews in the Dutch metropole. They reminded him of the principles of the French revolution, of which he was a servant. The letter, in the possession today of a private collector, is transcribed and translated here and provided with a context.
the sharp smog bank and California fog development
Authors: Leipper Dale F.
Published: May 2018

Meteorological conditions associated with the observance of a sharp smog bank near Riverside, Calif., are compared with those previously shown to be related to the development of winter fogs in California. The conditions are similar. Thus, it is proposed that three simple indices found useful in the prediction of west coast fog be used also to predict situations favorable to the shallow, sharp-banked smogs which have been observed. The indices measure the influence of the sea surface temperature field upon air warmed in downslope flow associated with easterly winds in the area.
the McGill University climatology programme in Barbados
Authors: Garnier B. J.
Published: May 2018

The McGill University climate program in Barbados began in 1968 within the framework of land-use studies. From 1958 to 1966, emphasis was placed on maintaining a standard observation station to provide a base for work in agrometeorology. Since 1966 the program has been re-organized to develop energy balance studies at four sites on the island with a view to contributing fundamental knowledge of the role of the surface in the microclimates of the Caribbean region.
gun-launched probes over Barbados
Authors: Murphy Charles H. , Bull Gerald V.
Published: May 2018

The use of 5- and 16-inch guns for vertical soundings over Barbados is described. Five-inch gun soundings have obtained numerous measurements of winds up to 60 km and have made a few temperature measurements with the development of appropriate sensors. Projectiles launched from the 16-inch gun have made 67 measurements of winds above 85 km and these results have been correlated with ground based radio frequency measurements to increase our understanding of Sporadic-E layers.
a note on the Wien Displacement Law
Authors: Widger William K.
Published: May 2018

It is pointed out that, when deriving the Wien Displacement Law in terms of wavelength as compared to wavenumber, the spectral points of maximum flux are not equivalent. It is shown that this results from(where B(T) is the Planck Blackbody Function), and because B(T) is implicitly a differential.
the Berlin Meteorological Institute
Authors: Scherhag Richard
Published: May 2018

Among the agencies concerned with meteorology, the Meteorological-Geophysical Institute of West-Berlin (Institut für Meteorologie und Geophysik der Freien Universität Berlin) plays a unique role, because it is the only institution in the meteorological field engaged in all three facets of such a scientific program: research, education, and operational activities in the weather service of West-Berlin. This is a result of the special situation of West-Berlin. In order to understand this feature, a brief history of the meteorological activities in Berlin is described.
mist—the transition from haze to fog
Authors: Eldridge Ralph G.
Published: May 2018

The transition from haze to fog is manifest by the occurrence of dissimilar optical phenomena which are a consequence of a change in the aerosol distribution of the scattering medium. Based on these effects, visibilities between 0.5 and 1 km are properly called mist. Visibilities in excess of 1 km are, generally, characteristic of haze; whereas, fog is limited to visibilities less than 0.5 km.
cloud height contouring from Apollo 6 photography
Authors: Whitehead Victor S. , Browne Ivan D. , Garcia Joe G.
Published: May 2018

Selected photographs taken during the unmanned Apollo 6 mission have been subjected to stereoscopic photogrammetry to determine the heights of cloudbases and the tops of convective clouds. Examples of how these calculated heights may be used to infer the physical characteristics of the ambient atmosphere are shown. The detail within the photographs permits contouring of cloudtop heights within mesoscale systems. Accuracies of height determination are estimated to be ±250 m.
the impact of budget cuts on the atmospheric sciences in universities
Authors: Roberts Walter Orr , Wolff Edwin L.
Published: May 2018

When the National Science Foundation and other Federal agencies imposed Fiscal Year 1969 expenditure limits on U. S. universities late last summer, it was expected that the impact would create extensive difficulties, especially because the cuts came too late for anything but emergency measures. This view has been corroborated, at least in one area of science, through a questionnaire circulated by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and answered by atmospheric science departments at 25 U. S. universities.
A Regional Thermohaline Inverse Method for Estimating Circulation and Mixing in the Arctic and Subpolar North Atlantic
Authors: Mackay Neill , Wilson Chris , Zika Jan , Holliday N. Penny
Published: May 2018

A regional thermohaline inverse method (RTHIM) is presented that estimates velocities through the section bounding an enclosed domain and transformation rates resulting from interior mixing within the domain, given inputs of surface boundary fluxes of heat and salt and interior distributions of salinity and temperature. The method works by invoking a volumetric balance in thermohaline coordinates between the transformation resulting from mixing, surface fluxes, and advection, and constraining the mixing to be down tracer gradients. The method is validated using a 20-yr mean of outputs from the NEMO model in an Arctic and subpolar North Atlantic domain, bound to the south by a section with a mean latitude of 66°N. RTHIM solutions agree well with the NEMO model “truth” and are robust to a range of parameters; the meridional overturning circulation (MOC), heat, and freshwater transports calculated from an ensemble of RTHIM solutions are within 12%, 10%, and 19%, respectively, of the NEMO values. There is also bulk agreement between RTHIM solution transformation rates resulting from mixing and those diagnosed from NEMO. Localized differences in diagnosed mixing may be used to guide the development of mixing parameterizations in models such as NEMO, whose downgradient diffusive closures with prescribed diffusivity may be considered oversimplified and too restrictive.
TRMM Microwave Imager (TMI) Alignment and Along-Scan Bias Corrections
Authors: Kroodsma Rachael , Bilanow Stephen , McKague Darren
Published: May 2018

The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) Microwave Imager (TMI) dataset released by the Precipitation Processing System (PPS) has been updated to a final version following the decommissioning of the TRMM satellite in April 2015. The updates are based on increased knowledge of radiometer calibration and sensor performance issues. In particular, the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Microwave Imager (GMI) is used as a model for many of the TMI updates. This paper discusses two aspects of the TMI data product that have been reanalyzed and updated: alignment and along-scan bias corrections. The TMI’s pointing accuracy is significantly improved over prior PPS versions, which used at-launch alignment values. A TMI instrument mounting offset is discovered as well as new alignment offsets for the two TMI feedhorns. The original TMI along-scan antenna temperature bias correction is found to be generally accurate over ocean, but a scene temperature-dependent correction is needed to account for edge-of-scan obstruction. These updates are incorporated into the final TMI data version, improving the quality of the data product and ensuring accurate geophysical parameters can be derived from TMI.
A model-based analysis of the effect of increased public investment
Authors: Pain Nigel , Rusticelli Elena , Salins Véronique , Turner David
Published: May 2018

There is a strong case for boosting public investment in many countries based on identified country-specific structural weaknesses and the relatively low levels of such investment. This paper analyses the potential macroeconomic benefits of increased public investment using simulations on NiGEM. The results suggest that the supply-side benefits from raising potential output are likely to lead to more favourable macroeconomic outcomes than those from using many other standard fiscal instruments, although it takes many years for the full effect on potential output to accumulate. Variant model simulations also suggest that a fiscal stimulus will be more effective in the short term the less it is offset by monetary policy, making well-targeted policy initiatives especially effective when policy interest rates are at the zero lower bound. Globalisation implies that spillover effects from collective action are larger than in the past, boosting multipliers relative to the case where countries take individual action, particularly in the first two years after the policy change. Such spillovers are likely to be particularly important in small open European economies, especially those strongly integrated in European value chains.
The import content of expenditure components and the size of international spillovers
Authors: Jorra Markus , Esser Andreas , Slopek Ulf D.
Published: May 2018

For a large number of countries, we augment the specification of import demand in NiGEM by accounting for different import contents of individual expenditure components. Three examples illustrate that these changes have important implications for model outcomes. In the case of the recently enacted US tax reform and in a ‘hard landing’ scenario for China, spillovers become more pronounced while the domestic effects turn out more muted than in the default specification. The reverse is true for the ramifications of a public investment push in Germany. Hence, we believe that our add-on to NiGEM can be a useful tool for robustness exercises, in particular for spillover studies.
Export pricing and the macroeconomic effects of US import tariffs
Authors: Slopek Ulf D.
Published: May 2018

We modify NiGEM in order to study the macroeconomic effects of imposing import tariffs in the US under different assumptions regarding the long-run price setting behaviour of exporters. Overall, the macroeconomic implications in the US resemble the impact of a cost shock or adverse supply shock as prices increase while output declines. Due to exchange rate movements and changes in the prices of traded goods, prices and output in other economies tend to move in the same direction. We demonstrate that the size and persistence of the macroeconomic impact following the introduction of new tariffs critically hinge upon the specific assumptions underlying the behaviour of export prices. If foreign exporters are concerned about their net-of-tariff prices, there will be little adjustment after the initial surge in tariff-inclusive export prices. As a result, the adverse macroeconomic impact will be large and persistent both in the US and abroad. While additional government spending financed by tariff revenues could mitigate the adverse impact on the protectionist economy in the short run, retaliation by its trading partners would worsen the outcome. Our simulations also raise doubts about the ability of protectionist measures to rein in global imbalances.
Measuring the permanent costs of Brexit
Authors: Erken Hugo , Hayat Raphie , Prins Carlijn , Heijmerikx Marijn , de Vreede Inge
Published: May 2018

We analyse the costs of Brexit. The results show that by 2030 a hard Brexit would reduce cumulative GDP growth by 18 percentage points compared to a situation where the UK continued its EU membership. The economic damage in our FTA and soft Brexit scenarios is less severe than in our hard Brexit scenario, although it will still cost the UK economy roughly 12.5 percentage points and 10 percentage points of cumulative GDP growth by 2030, respectively. We find much larger negative effects than most existing studies that use macroeconometric modelling to assess the effects of Brexit. This is due to two reasons. First, we use an improved tariff version of the macroeconometric model NiGEM, which enables us better to assess the negative impact of cost-push inflation resulting from imposed trade barriers. Second, we estimate a new productivity model for the UK, which allows us to gauge adequately the negative UK-specific effects on productivity caused by Brexit.
Comparative analysis of the on job training for tax officials in V4 countries
Authors: Nemec Juraj , Burak Emil
Published: May 2018

The goal of this paper is to provide a comparative account of tax administration training systems in V4 countries. We also compare their structure to basic training principles, such as those set out by the Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrations. Because of limited data availability we concentrated on basic characteristics, not on performance indicators. The goal is not only a simple comparative analysis, but also to search for any obvious lapses in good international practice, to try to assess to what extent the organisation of training may account for the relatively poor tax administration system results. The data show clearly that, in the V4 region, the content of the tax administration training system aims to follow good international practice, specified by the Intra-European Organisation of Tax Administrations. The training systems are similar and offer almost fully compulsory vocational training, and good possibilities for specialised training. All four countries have specialist institutions for tax administration training. The most visible gap is the very limited link between tax administration training and university level training in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
Effects of enteral different-dose levothyroxinesodium pretreatment on serum thyroid hormone levels and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury
Authors: Yang Gui-Zhen , Xue Fu-Shan , Liu Ya-Yang , Li Hui-Xian , Liu Qing , Liao Xu
Published: May 2018

Introduction:

The available evidence shows that perioperative oral thyroid hormone can significantly attenuate the postoperative decline in the serum hormone level and improve postoperative hemodynamic and prognostic parameters. However, there has been no study assessing the effects of preoperative oral different-dose thyroid hormone on serum hormone levels and myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) after cardiac surgery.

Methods:

Forty-eight healthy Wistar rats, aged 35 days, were randomly allocated into six groups: Group BC, Group C and four pretreatment groups in which the rats were given levothyroxine-sodium of 10 μg, 20 μg, 40 μg and 80 μg/100 g. On the eighth day, the serum thyroid hormone levels were determined and then an isolated heart ischemia-reperfusion model was established with a Langendorff apparatus.

Results:

Compared with Groups BC and C, serum thyroid hormone levels on the eighth day did not significantly change in Group 10 μg, but were significantly increased in Groups 20 μg, 40 μg and 80 μg. The cardiac enzyme myocardial-bound creatine kinase levels in the coronary effluent during reperfusion were significantly lower in Groups 10 μg and 20 μg and 40 μg than in Group C. The recovery rates of + dp/dtmax and - dp/dtmax at 30 min during reperfusion were significantly lower in Groups 40 μg and 80 μg than in Groups 10 μg and 20 μg. Compared with Group C, myocardial expressions of heat shock protein 70 and myosin heavy chain α were increased in the four experiment groups and myocardial expression of thyroid hormone receptor α1 was significantly increased in Groups 20 μg, 40 μg and 80 μg.

Conclusions:

The pretreatment with enterally smaller doses levothyroxine-sodium does not significantly affect serum thyroid hormone levels and produces protection against myocardial IRI, whereas pretreatment with enterally larger doses of levothyroxine-sodium can only provide an attenuated or insignificant cardioprotection because of hyperthyroxinemia. Cardioprotection by levothyroxine-sodium pretreatment is probably attributable to increased myocardial expression of heat shock protein 70 and myosin heavy chain α.
Low-Tg polyimides containing multiple ether linkages and cyano pendants
Authors: Zhang Li , Wu Xian , Liu Shanyou , Peng Jinwu , Liu Baijun
Published: May 2018

Some multi-ether linked polyimides (PIs) derived from two diamine monomers containing various amount of cyano groups are synthesized by a typical two-step polymerization. Meanwhile, the PIs with similar chemical structure but without cyano groups are prepared as counterparts for comparison purposes. The obtained PIs exhibit low glass transition temperature values of 211–258°C, which are associated with their multi-ether chemical structure. Furthermore, these PIs have high thermal stability, and the temperatures at 10% weight loss are in the range of 524–616°C under nitrogen atmosphere. It is found that the introduction of cyano groups would have a great influence on the properties of the PIs. The tensile strength and Young’s modulus of one cyano-containing PI reach 121 MPa and 1.4 GPa, respectively, which are much higher than those cyano-free ones. In addition, the cyano-containing PIs exhibit different behaviors of dielectricity and solubility in comparison with the corresponding cyano-free counterparts.
Cognitive function, disease burden and the structural connectome in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Wiseman S J , Bastin M E , Amft E N , Belch J F F , Ralston S H , Wardlaw J M
Published: May 2018

Objective

To investigate brain structural connectivity in relation to cognitive abilities and systemic damage in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Methods

Structural and diffusion MRI data were acquired from 47 patients with SLE. Brains were segmented into 85 cortical and subcortical regions and combined with whole brain tractography to generate structural connectomes using graph theory. Global cognitive abilities were assessed using a composite variable g, derived from the first principal component of three common clinical screening tests of neurological function. SLE damage ( LD) was measured using a composite of a validated SLE damage score and disease duration. Relationships between network connectivity metrics, cognitive ability and systemic damage were investigated. Hub nodes were identified. Multiple linear regression, adjusting for covariates, was employed to model the outcomes g and LD as a function of network metrics.

Results

The network measures of density (standardised ß = 0.266, p = 0.025) and strength (standardised ß = 0.317, p = 0.022) were independently related to cognitive abilities. Strength (standardised ß = –0.330, p = 0.048), mean shortest path length (standardised ß = 0.401, p = 0.020), global efficiency (standardised ß = –0.355, p = 0.041) and clustering coefficient (standardised ß = –0.378, p = 0.030) were independently related to systemic damage. Network metrics were not related to current disease activity.

Conclusion

Better cognitive abilities and more SLE damage are related to brain topological network properties in this sample of SLE patients, even those without neuropsychiatric involvement and after correcting for important covariates. These data show that connectomics might be useful for understanding and monitoring cognitive function and white matter damage in SLE.
Digital health technologies to support access to medicines and pharmaceutical services in the achievement of sustainable development goals
Authors: Konduri Niranjan , Aboagye-Nyame Francis , Mabirizi David , Hoppenworth Kim , Kibria Mohammad Golam , Doumbia Seydou , Williams Lucilo , Mazibuko Greatjoy
Published: May 2018

Objectives

The objective of this study was to describe the conceptual and implementation approach of selected digital health technologies that were tailored in various resource-constrained countries. To provide insights from a donor-funded project implementer perspective on the practical aspects based on local context and recommendations on future directions.

Methods

Drawing from our multi-year institutional experience in more than 20 high disease-burden countries that aspire to meet the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3, we screened internal project documentation on various digital health tools that provide clarity in the conceptual and implementation approach. Taking into account geographic diversity, we provide a descriptive review of five selected case studies from Bangladesh (Asia), Mali (Francophone Africa), Uganda (East Africa), Mozambique (Lusophone Africa), and Namibia (Southern Africa).

Findings

A key lesson learned is to harness and build on existing governance structures. The use of data for decision-making at all levels needs to be cultivated and sustained through multi-stakeholder partnerships. The next phase of information management development is to build systems for triangulation of data from patients, commodities, geomapping, and other parameters of the pharmaceutical system. A well-defined research agenda must be developed to determine the effectiveness of the country- and regional-level dashboards as an early warning system to mitigate stock-outs and wastage of medicines and commodities.

Conclusion

The level of engagement with users and stakeholders was resource-intensive and required an iterative process to ensure successful implementation. Ensuring user acceptance, ownership, and a culture of data use for decision-making takes time and effort to build human resource capacity. For future United Nations voluntary national reviews, countries and global stakeholders must establish appropriate measurement frameworks to enable the compilation of disaggregated data on Sustainable Development Goal 3 indicators as a precondition to fully realize the potential of digital health technologies.
The use of social media among health professionals to facilitate chronic disease self-management with their patients: A systematic review
Authors: De Angelis Gino , Wells George A , Davies Barbara , King Judy , Shallwani Shirin M , McEwan Jessica , Cavallo Sabrina , Brosseau Lucie
Published: May 2018

Objective

The objective of this systematic review was to summarize the evidence pertaining to the use of social media by health professionals to facilitate chronic disease self-management with their patients.

Methods

A systematic approach was used to retrieve and extract relevant data. A total of 5163 citations were identified, of which seven unique studies met criteria for inclusion; one was a randomized controlled trial, two were prospective cohort studies, and four were qualitative studies. The following social media platforms were evaluated: discussion forums (6 studies) and collaborative project (1 study).

Results

The available evidence suggests that health professionals perceived discussion forums and collaborative projects to be useful social media platforms to facilitate chronic disease self-management with patients. No relevant evidence was found regarding the use of other social media platforms. Most studies indicated positive findings regarding health professionals’ intention to use discussion forums, while the one study that used a collaborative project also indicated positive findings with its perceived ease of use as health professionals felt that it was useful to facilitate chronic disease self-management with patients. Mixed findings were seen in regards to health professionals’ perceived ease of use of discussion forums. The most common barrier to using social media platforms was the lack of time in health professionals’ schedules.

Conclusions

Discussion forums and collaborative projects appear to be promising resources for health professionals to assist their patients in self-managing their chronic conditions; however, further research comparing various social media platforms is needed.
India’s Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA): A dysphoria in disguise
Authors: Ramaswamy Mahesh , Shivaswamy Asha
Published: May 2018

The adage ‘big stick policy’ (in the sense of ‘speak softly but carry a big stick’, advocated by Theodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the USA), though buried by political scientists, is fast returning to the arena of international politics, with savvy moves being made by the new government of India. With the aim of neutralizing the influence and power of China in Asia, India is making swift changes under the govern of Narendra Modi to harness anti-Chinese waves. To substantiate this, there has been a flip-flop in traditional foreign policy. Globalization is facilitating a newfound synergy for India. The USA, which swayed under Chinese tempest during the last decade, is reasserting its ‘numero uno’ position now that its economy is in recovery mode. Naturally, India is the USA’s ally in alien Asia; however, India comprehends the USA’s perception of it’s growth story.
The synergistic effects of saxagliptin and metformin on CD34+ endothelial progenitor cells in early type 2 diabetes patients: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Dore Fiona J. , Domingues Cleyton C. , Ahmadi Neeki , Kundu Nabanita , Kropotova Yana , Houston Sara , Rouphael Carol , Mammadova Aytan , Witkin Linda , Khiyami Anamil , Amdur Richard L. , Sen Sabyasachi
Published: May 2018

Aims

Type 2 diabetes is associated with endothelial dysfunction leading to cardiovascular disease. CD34+ endothelial Progenitor Cells (EPCs) are responsible for endothelial repair and neo-angiogenesis and can be used as a cardiovascular disease risk biomarker. This study investigated whether the addition of saxagliptin, a DPP-IV inhibitor, to metformin, may reduce cardiovascular disease risk in addition to improving glycemic control in Type 2 diabetes patients.

Methods

In 12 week, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, 42 subjects already taking metformin 1–2 grams/day were randomized to placebo or saxagliptin 5 mg. Subjects aged 40–70 years with diabetes for < 10 years, with no known cardiovascular disease, BMI 25–39.9, HbA1C 6–9% were included. We evaluated EPCs number, function, surface markers and gene expression, in addition to arterial stiffness, blood biochemistries, resting energy expenditure, and body composition parameters. A mixed model regression to examine saxagliptin vs placebo, accounting for within-subject autocorrelation, was done with SAS (p < 0.05).

Results

Although there was no significant increase in CD34+ cell number, CD31+ cells percentage increased. Saxagliptin increased migration (in response to SDF1α) with a trend of higher colony formation count. MNCs cytometry showed higher percentage of CXCR4 double positivity for both CD34 and CD31 positive cells, indicating a functional improvement. Gene expression analysis showed an upregulation in CD34+ cells for antioxidant SOD1 (p < 0.05) and a downregulation in CD34− cells for IL-6 (p < 0.01). For arterial stiffness, both augmentation index and systolic blood pressure measures went down in saxagliptin subjects (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Saxagliptin, in combination with metformin, can help improve endothelial dysfunction in early diabetes before macrovascular complications appear.

Trial registration Trial is registered under clinicaltrials.gov, NCT02024477
Modulation of F-actin dynamics by maternal Mid1ip1L controls germ plasm aggregation and furrow recruitment in the zebrafish embryo
Authors: Eno Celeste , Pelegri Francisco
Published: May 2018

During the early embryonic cell cycles, zebrafish germ plasm ribonucleoparticles (RNPs) gradually multimerize and become recruited to the forming furrows. RNPs multimerization occurs prior to and during furrow initiation, as forming aggregates move outward through their association with the tips of growing interphase astral microtubules. Germ plasm RNPs are also associated with short cortical F-actin. We show that, in embryos mutant for the cytoskeletal regulator mid1ip1l, germ plasm RNPs fail to become recruited to the furrow, accumulating instead at the periphery of the blastodisc. RNP aggregates are associated with zones of mid1ip1l-dependent cyclical local cortical F-actin network enrichments, as well as contractions at both the cortex and the contractile ring. F-actin inhibition in wild-type embryos mimics the RNP peripheral accumulation defect of mid1ip1l mutants. Our studies suggest that a common mechanism underlies distinct steps of germ plasm RNP segregation. At the cortex, this process attenuates microtubule-dependent outward RNP movement to retain RNPs in the blastodisc cortex and allow their recruitment to the furrows. F-actin network contraction likely also facilitates higher-order germ plasm RNP multimerization.