bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the relationship between illegal hunting of ungulates, wild prey occurrence and livestock depredation rate by large carnivores
Authors: Soofi Mahmood , Ghoddousi Arash , Zeppenfeld Thorsten , Shokri Shirko , Soufi Mobin , Egli Lukas , Jafari Abbas , Ahmadpour Mohsen , Qashqaei Ali , Ghadirian Taher , Filla Marc , Kiabi Bahram , Balkenhol Niko , Waltert Matthias , Khorozyan Igor
Published: September 2018

Illegal hunting of ungulates can reduce the prey base of carnivores, which can increase human–carnivore conflict (HCC) through livestock depredation. However, the relationship between ungulate poaching, wild prey abundance and livestock depredation has rarely been empirically studied.

We surveyed 18 sites across the Hyrcanian forest in northern Iran; a global biodiversity hotspot under pressure from illegal hunting of ungulates, prey depletion, livestock grazing and HCC. We conducted three field surveys across 1,204 km in 93 4 × 4 km cells to count signs of ungulate poaching as well as encounters with livestock and prey species of the Persian leopard Panthera pardus saxicolor and the grey wolf Canis lupus. We documented sheep/goat and cattle depredation from interviews with 201 herders and analysed the effects of illegal hunting of ungulates, forest cover, IUCN categories of reserves, elevation, distance to villages, and wild prey and livestock encounter rates on carnivore depredation rates using generalized linear models.

Illegal hunting of ungulates was the most influential depredation predictor. An increase in the illegal hunting of ungulates by one sign/km significantly increased depredation by up to four times. We also found significantly lower levels of ungulate poaching in national parks (IUCN category II) compared to protected areas (V), wildlife refuges (IV) and no‐hunting areas, though poaching signs were frequently found in most cells (58%). Encounters with livestock was inversely linked to wild prey species, but positively coupled with signs of ungulate poaching.

Synthesis and applications. Our study reveals that: (a) an increase in the intensity of illegal hunting of ungulates can intensify livestock depredation by carnivores; (b) future efforts in reducing human‐carnivore conflict to acceptable levels require a combination of law enforcement, prey recovery approaches and mitigation measures; (c) it is essential to understand the root causes of poaching to help minimize human‐carnivore conflict (HCC).
Dietary Macronutrient Composition Determines the Contribution of DGAT1 to Alcoholic Steatosis
Authors: Huang Li‐Shin , Yuen Jason J. , Trites Michael J. , Saha Amit , Epps Caleb T. , Hu Yungying , Kerolle Sarahjean , Lee Seung‐Ah , Jiang Hongfeng , Goldberg Ira J. , Blaner William S. , Clugston Robin D.
Published: September 2018

Background

The first stage of alcoholic liver disease is hepatic steatosis. While alcohol is known to profoundly impact hepatic lipid metabolism, gaps in our knowledge remain regarding the mechanisms leading to alcohol‐induced hepatic triglyceride (TG) accumulation. As the sole enzymes catalyzing the final step in TG synthesis, diacylglycerol O‐acyltransferase (DGAT) 1 and 2 are potentially important contributors to alcoholic steatosis. Our goal was to study the effects of dietary fat content on alcohol‐induced hepatic TG accumulation, and the relative contribution of DGAT1 and DGAT2 to alcoholic steatosis.

Methods

These studies were carried out in wild‐type (WT) mice fed alcohol‐containing high‐fat or low‐fat formulations of Lieber‐DeCarli liquid diets, as well as follow‐up studies in Dgat1−/− mice.

Results

A direct comparison of the low‐fat and high‐fat liquid diet in WT mice revealed surprisingly similar levels of alcoholic steatosis, although there were underlying differences in the pattern of hepatic lipid accumulation and expression of genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism. Follow‐up studies in Dgat1−/− mice revealed that these animals are protected from alcoholic steatosis when consumed as part of a high‐fat diet, but not a low‐fat diet.

Conclusions

Dietary macronutrient composition influences the relative contribution of DGAT1 and DGAT2 to alcoholic steatosis, such that in the context of alcohol and a high‐fat diet, DGAT1 predominates.
Pre‐ and post‐puberty expression of genes and proteins in the uterus of Bos indicus heifers: the luteal phase effect post‐puberty
Authors: Fortes M. R. S. , Zacchi L. F. , Nguyen L. T. , Raidan F. , Weller M. M. D. C. A. , Choo J. J. Y. , Reverter A. , Rego J. P. A. , Boe‐Hansen G. B. , Porto‐Neto L. R. , Lehnert S. A. , Cánovas A. , Schulz B. L. , Islas‐Trejo A. , Medrano J. F. , Thomas M. G. , Moore S. S.
Published: September 2018

Progesterone signaling and uterine function are crucial in terms of pregnancy establishment. To investigate how the uterine tissue and its secretion changes in relation to puberty, we sampled tissue and uterine fluid from six pre‐ and six post‐pubertal Brahman heifers. Post‐pubertal heifers were sampled in the luteal phase. Gene expression of the uterine tissue was investigated with RNA‐sequencing, whereas the uterine fluid was used for protein profiling with mass spectrometry. A total of 4034 genes were differentially expressed (DE) at a nominal P‐value of 0.05, and 26 genes were significantly DE after Bonferroni correction (P < 3.1 × 10−6). We also identified 79 proteins (out of 230 proteins) that were DE (P < 1 × 10−5) in the uterine fluid. When we compared proteomics and transcriptome results, four DE proteins were identified as being encoded by DE genes: OVGP1, GRP, CAP1 and HBA. Except for CAP1, the other three had lower expression post‐puberty. The function of these four genes hypothetically related to preparation of the uterus for a potential pregnancy is discussed in the context of puberty. All DE genes and proteins were also used in pathway and ontology enrichment analyses to investigate overall function. The DE genes were enriched for terms related to ribosomal activity. Transcription factors that were deemed key regulators of DE genes are also reported. Transcription factors ZNF567, ZNF775, RELA, PIAS2, LHX4, SOX2, MEF2C, ZNF354C, HMG20A, TCF7L2, ZNF420, HIC1, GTF3A and two novel genes had the highest regulatory impact factor scores. These data can help to understand how puberty influences uterine function.
Cytomegalovirus ulcers following radiotherapy for a Marjolin ulcer in a renal transplant recipient
Authors: Wang Charlie Y , Mulley William R , Dendle Claire , Mar Adrian
Published: September 2018

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection represents a major cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised hosts. Skin ulceration is a rare manifestation of tissue‐invasive disease, with the anogenital region being the most typical site of involvement. We present a case of CMV ulceration on the right leg occurring 16 years following renal transplantation and 1 year after adjuvant radiotherapy for a Marjolin ulcer at this site. We suggest radiotherapy may provide a mechanism for local reactivation of the virus in the skin of seropositive patients.
Towards explaining the “how” of positive orientation: The beliefs‐affect‐engagement model
Authors: Laguna Mariola
Published: September 2018

As a higher order latent construct, positive orientation captures the common core of an individual's beliefs concerning oneself, life, and the future. This article aims at explaining how positive orientation may relate to activity engagement and stimulate persistence in action. It presents the beliefs‐affect‐engagement model, postulating that positive orientation stimulates positive affect, which in turn fosters activity engagement. A distinction between the trait and state components of positive orientation also is made, and specific mechanisms explaining engagement and persistence concerning the trait and two state components of each construct (relatively stable and temporal‐specific aspects of a state) are discussed. The proposed model may contribute to further development of the positive orientation theory.
Educational mismatches and job resolution in South Korea, the USA, and Germany
Authors: Jeong Yeasung , Lee Ayoung , Cho Joonmo
Published: September 2018

We examine the persistence of educational mismatches in relation to job mobility in South Korea, the USA, and Germany using ten‐year panel data. The USA, with a flexible labour market, has the highest job mobility, so mismatches for workers’ jobs in terms of educational attainment are resolved via job mobility. In contrast, in Korea, which has a dual‐structure labour market where workers have limited job mobility between core and periphery sectors, the likelihood of being mismatched increases. In Germany, the educational system, which emphasises job training, makes it possible to resolve or extinguish mismatches via job mobility only for the youth; while job mobility does not help resolve mismatches in any other age groups. These findings indicate that the different patterns in job mobility resolving mismatches over the three countries may not only stem from the efficacy of job information systems or from reducing friction in the labour market but may also be an interactive outcome of various labour market institutions affecting flexibility, such as stratification or job competency.
A novel method for assessing patients with schizophrenia and their first‐degree relatives by increasing cognitive load of visuo‐spatial working memory
Authors: Soni Sunaina , Muthukrishnan Suriya Prakash , Sood Mamta , Kaur Simran , Mehta Nalin , Sharma Ratna
Published: September 2018

Introduction

In patients with schizophrenia, social and functional outcome is determined by the cognitive impairment. Assessment of visuo‐spatial working memory (VSWM) which can simulate the day‐to‐day activities by simultaneous involvement of various elements of working memory may reflect disorganized thinking and fragmentation of thoughts in schizophrenia.

Methods

Thirty‐six patients with schizophrenia, 29 first‐degree relatives of patients, and 25 healthy controls performed a VSWM task with three memory loads (comprising three pairs, six pairs, and eight pairs of abstract pictures). They were administered Hindi version of the Mini Mental State Examination, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms and Scale for the Assessment of Positive Symptoms, and Edinburgh handedness inventory.

Results

Patients (mean age 27.29(5.98) years) committed significantly higher number of errors than healthy controls (mean age 26.76(6.08) years) in load 3 (P = 0.012) and total errors (P = 0.018). Within all the groups, errors in load 3 were significantly higher than in load 2. Significant correlation was observed between years of education (r = −0.388, P = 0.021), treatment duration (r = −0.880, P < 0.001), negative symptoms scores (r = 0.345, P = 0.039), and the total errors committed by patients.

Discussion

Visuo‐spatial working memory was impaired in schizophrenia with increasing cognitive load with no difference in search time between the groups.
Anti‐TNF therapy for genital fistulas in female patients with Crohn's disease: a nationwide study from the Groupe d'Etude Thérapeutique des Affections Inflammatoires du tube Digestif (GETAID)
Authors: Le Baut Guillaume , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Bouguen Guillaume , Gornet Jean‐Marc , Stefanescu Carmen , Amiot Aurélien , Laharie David , Altwegg Romain , Fumery Mathurin , Trang Caroline , Vuitton Lucine , Simon Marion , Gilletta de Saint Joseph Cyrielle , Nahon Stéphane , Caillo Ludovic , Del Tedesco Emilie , Plastaras Laurianne , Aubourg Alexandre , Pineton de Chambrun Guillaume , Seksik Philippe , Viennot Stéphanie
Published: September 2018

Background

Genital fistulas represent a devastating complication of Crohn's disease. Only studies with small sample sizes have evaluated the efficacy of anti‐TNF therapy for this complication.

Aims

To assess the efficacy of anti‐TNF therapy for genital fistulas complicating Crohn's disease and to identify predictive factors associated with clinical response at 1 year.

Methods

Consecutive patients treated with anti‐TNF therapy for genital fistulas complicating Crohn's disease from 1999 to 2016 in 19 French centres from the Groupe d'Etude Thérapeutique des Affections Inflammatoires du tube Digestif were included in a retrospective cohort study. Outcome was clinical fistula closure at 1 year.

Results

Among the 204 women with genital fistulas who received anti‐TNF therapy, 131 were analysed. The first anti‐TNF given was infliximab (79%), adalimumab (20%), or certolizumab (1%). At start of anti‐TNF therapy, 56% of patients had seton drainage and 53% had concomitant immunosuppressive treatment. A complementary surgery was performed during the first year in 10 patients (8%). At 1 year, 37% of patients had complete clinical fistula closure, 22% had a partial response, and 41% had no response. Among patients without complementary surgery, 34% (41/121) had complete clinical fistula closure. Only complementary surgery was associated with better response on multivariate analysis (adjusted relative risk: 2.02, 95% CI: 1.25‐3.26, P = 0.0043).

Conclusions

In the anti‐TNF era, approximately one‐third of patients with genital fistula in Crohn's disease had complete fistula closure at 1 year. Collaboration between surgeons and gastroenterologists appears to be very important to improve the rate of fistula closure.
Families’ and health care professionals’ attitudes towards Li‐Fraumeni syndrome testing in children: A systematic review
Authors: Warby Meera , Wakefield Claire E. , Vetsch Janine , Tucker Katherine M.
Published: September 2018

Li‐Fraumeni syndrome (LFS) is a highly penetrant cancer predisposition syndrome caused by germline TP53 mutations. Genetic testing is not routinely offered in asymptomatic children at risk of the condition as the benefits are debatable and the attitudes of families and health care professionals (HCPs) may vary. This review assessed the attitudes of families and HCPs towards offering genetic testing to children for LFS, with a focus on perceived advantages and disadvantages and involvement of children in the decision‐making process. We searched three key databases (Medline, PsycINFO and EMBASE) to identify quantitative and qualitative studies. We screened 729 articles identifying eight studies for detailed review. Most parents perceived TP53 genetic testing to be beneficial in childhood, despite previous lack of surveillance guidelines. Parents raised some concerns, including decreased insurability and diminishing the child's autonomy. Most children tested reported no negative emotional concerns after testing, even if tested positive. Despite generally positive interest clinicians remain hesitant. Most families saw the value in involving children in decision‐making. Families' acceptance of TP53 testing in childhood was high. This review highlights the need for research on the long‐term psychosocial impacts of testing and the attitudes of families to be reflected in professional guidelines.
From abnormal to normal
Authors: Becker Torbjörn , Olofsgård Anders
Published: September 2018

We look at the growth experience of 25 transition countries over the 25 years since the dissolution of the USSR. The initial collapse in income was much more severe in 12 former Soviet Union countries (FSU12) than in the 10 transition countries that joined the EU in 2004 and 2007 (EU10). In 2015, FSU12 income levels were further behind EU10 than they were at the start of transition, despite more rapid growth in the last 15 years. Compared to predictions from a parsimonious growth model, the region as a whole is ‘normal’ in terms of growth performance since the 2000s. However, the FSU12 over‐perform and the EU10 under‐perform relative to model predictions for the last 15 years.
Creative culture, risk‐taking, and corporate financial decisions
Authors: Ucar Erdem
Published: September 2018

I examine how creative culture affects corporate financial decisions. Firms have corporate risk‐taking behavior and policies consistent with variations in local risk‐taking propensity induced by creative culture. Firms located in areas with a strong creative culture have higher levels of risk exposure, investment, and growth. These firms also accumulate more cash consistent with the precautionary motive. My findings remain robust after controlling for endogeneity and a series of robustness checks. The empirical findings are consistent with the risk‐taking tendency associated with creativity and creative culture. This paper introduces the role of creative culture and risk‐taking in corporate financial decisions.
Visualization of zinc pyrithione particles deposited on the scalp from a shampoo by tape‐strip sampling and scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy measurement
Authors: Chen G. , Ji C. , Collins L. Z. , Hoptroff M. , Janssen H.‐G.
Published: September 2018

Objective

Zinc pyrithione (ZnPT) is widely used as an anti‐fungal active in commercial anti‐dandruff (AD) shampoos. The AD efficacy of ZnPT is highly dependent on the deposition of ZnPT particles onto the scalp during the process of shampoo application and rinse‐off. Since ZnPT materials with different particle sizes and morphologies have different deposition behaviours, the measurement of the actual ZnPT deposition is critical to understand the AD performance delivered by different ZnPT shampoos. The aim of this study is to develop a robust and reliable method for visualizing the particle size and morphology of ZnPT deposited on the scalp from AD shampoos.

Methods

Hair was washed with a commercially available AD shampoo containing ZnPT and zinc carbonate (ZnCO3). Tape strips were applied to collect the deposited particles from the scalp after AD shampoo application and rinse‐off. The scalp tape strip samples were subjected to scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDX) measurement. The morphology of the ZnPT particles was visualized by SEM imaging and identification of ZnPT particles was confirmed by EDX analysis.

Results

For the commercial shampoo studied it was observed that two zinc‐containing particulates with different morphologies and composition remained on the scalp after shampoo application and rinse‐off. As indicated by the EDX spectra, the ZnPT particles deposited onto the scalp surface had polygonal crystal structures. ZnCO3 was also deposited onto the scalp surface. This material was mainly present as aggregated particulates.

Conclusion

An ex vivo method that combines tape strip sampling and SEM/EDX has been developed for measuring and visualizing the particle size, morphology and composition of ZnPT deposited on the scalp from AD shampoos. This ex vivo measurement method provides higher imaging resolution and more chemical specificity than reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first time that ZnPT particles were distinguishable from other zinc particles on the scalp. Moreover, the new method allows the microstructures of both ZnPT and other zinc particles on the scalp to be imaged.
Distributional Information Shapes Infants’ Categorization of Objects
Authors: Junge Caroline , van Rooijen Rianne , Raijmakers Maartje
Published: September 2018

While distributional learning has been successfully demonstrated for auditory categorization, this study tests whether this mechanism also applies to object categorization: Ten‐month‐olds (n = 38) were familiarized with either a unimodal or bimodal distribution of a visual continuum. Using automatic eye tracking, we assessed categorization through the alternating/nonalternating paradigm. For infants in the bimodal condition, their average dwell time was larger for alternating trials than for nonalternating trials, while infants in the unimodal condition initially looked equally long at both types of trials. This group difference suggests that the shape of frequency distribution bears on the number of categories that infants construct from a continuum. Later in test, all infants show this alternating preference. We conclude that categorization is a flexible process, continuously adjusting itself to additional input.
Physiological and anatomical traits associated with tolerance to long‐term partial submergence stress in the Lotus genus: responses of forage species, a model and an interspecific hybrid
Authors: Antonelli Cristian Javier , Calzadilla Pablo Ignacio , Vilas Juan Manuel , Campestre María Paula , Escaray Francisco José , Ruiz Oscar Adolfo
Published: September 2018

Cattle production based on natural pastures is often subject to flooding periods, which affect plant performance and as a result, forage production. Although most forage legumes are not tolerant to flooding, Lotus spp. are outstanding alternatives, since species, such as L. tenuis (Lt) and L. corniculatus (LcT), have high forage quality and are adaptable to different environments. We recently obtained a L. tenuis × L. corniculatus hybrid (LtxLc) with potential new cultivar traits, although its tolerance to flooding stress has not yet been evaluated. In the present study, the performance of LtxLc, its parental diploid accessions, the model legume L. japonicus and tetraploid LcT were evaluated under 55 days of partial submergence stress and a 35‐day recovery period. Physiological, morphological and anatomical traits were analysed, showing that tolerance to partial submergence was positively associated with aerenchyma and adventitious root formation and relative growth rates. Overall, Lt and LtxLc showed the best responses under stress and during the recovery period. Nevertheless, the higher forage value of LtxLc makes it recommendable for use in environments affected by flooding. Our results could be used as breeding criteria for the generation of new cultivars tolerant to partial submergence stress.
Chronic simian immunodeficiency virus infection is associated with contrasting phenotypes of dysfunctional Bcl6+ germinal center B cells or Bcl6−Bcl2+ non‐germinal center B cells
Authors: Onabajo Olusegun O. , Lewis Mark G. , Mattapallil Joseph J.
Published: September 2018

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is characterized by dysfunctional B cell responses. Here we show that chronic simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection is characterized by an expansion of either lymph node germinal center (GC) B cells that co‐express Bcl6, Ki‐67 and IL‐21R and correlate with expanded T follicular helper (Tfh) cells or B cells that lack Bcl6, Ki‐67 and IL‐21R but express high levels of anti‐apoptotic Bcl2 that negatively correlate with Tfh cells. The lack of Tfh cells likely contributes to persistence of dysfunctional non‐proliferating B cells during chronic infection. These findings have implications for protective immunity in HIV‐infected individuals who harbour low frequencies of Tfh cells.
The development of a competence scale of food safety and hygiene for hospitality students
Authors: Ko Wen‐Hwa
Published: September 2018

This study aims to develop a competence scale of food safety and hygiene for hospitality students and tests the factorial structure and validity by conducting confirmatory factor analysis to test for measurement invariance, as well as to determine scale reliability. The results indicate good discriminant validity, convergence validity, and reliability. The two‐level model ‐ two factors have significant better than other models. The food safety and hygiene competence scale includes professional competence dimensions (laws and regulations, basic hygiene knowledge, pre‐handing concepts, food operation procedures, and peripheral norms and regulations) and core competence dimensions (working spirit and attitude).

Practical applications

Food safety is a global important health issue. Many employees who study or have graduated from hospitality related departments work in the hospitality industry. The delivering existing food handler training programs within schools be an important mechanism to maintain the safety and hygiene in the work. The developed food safety and hygiene scale including professional competence dimensions (laws and regulations, basic hygiene knowledge, pre‐handing concepts, food operation procedures, and peripheral norms and regulations) and core competence dimensions (working spirit and attitude) has been development successfully for the students of hospitality departments.
Household Debt Overhang and Transmission of Monetary Policy
Authors: ALPANDA SAMI , ZUBAIRY SARAH
Published: September 2018

We investigate how the level of household indebtedness affects the monetary transmission mechanism in the U.S. economy. Using state‐dependent local projection methods, we find that the effects of monetary policy are less powerful during periods of high household debt. In particular, the impact of monetary policy shocks is smaller on GDP, consumption, residential investment, house prices, and household debt during a high‐debt state. We then build a partial equilibrium model of borrower households with financial constraints to rationalize these facts. The model points to the weakening of the home equity loan channel as a possible reason for the decline in monetary policy effectiveness when initial debt levels are high.
Retrospective time estimation following damage to the prefrontal cortex
Authors: Kurosaki Yoshiko , Terasawa Yuri , Ibata Yukiro , Hashimoto Ryusaku , Umeda Satoshi
Published: September 2018

Time estimation in patients with prefrontal cortex (PFC) damage is often inaccurate. The relationship between PFC and estimation of short time intervals has been examined. However, it remains unclear whether PFC damage affects estimation of longer time intervals. Here, we investigated the ability of patients and healthy subjects to verbally estimate a period of 30 min, using a method easily applied in clinical settings. In 99 patients with brain damage, we compared under and normal ranges of time in patients with PFC damage or damage to other brain areas with the chi‐squared test. Subsequently, we conducted a discriminant analysis and a multiple linear regression analysis to identify specific brain areas affecting time estimation. We observed a significantly larger number of patients who overestimated 30 min in the group with bilateral PFC damage compared to patients with damage to other regions. Discriminant analysis revealed that damage of right lateral PFC and left medial PFC contributed to discrimination between the normal range and overestimation groups. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that right lateral PFC damage strongly affected overestimation of a 30‐min interval. Neuropsychological test results revealed lower general cognitive function scores and orientation scores in overestimation group. The length of estimated time and the score of delayed word recall were negatively correlated. We propose that these may require encoding, maintenance, and updating of memory and are indirectly related to contextual memory. We discuss hypotheses on contextual memory segmentation and reconstruction to clarify the mechanism of impaired time overestimation in PFC‐damaged patients.
Reliability and validity of last menstrual period for gestational age estimation in a low‐to‐middle‐income setting
Authors: Macaulay Shelley , Buchmann Eckhart J. , Dunger David B. , Norris Shane A.
Published: September 2018

Aim

Gestational age estimation by ultrasonography is the gold standard for dating pregnancies. However, the availability of prenatal ultrasonography in low‐to‐middle‐income countries is limited. This study aimed to assess the reliability and validity of last menstrual period (LMP) as a gestational age dating method among women in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Methods

A total of 741 pregnant women were enrolled into a longitudinal study (June 2013 to July 2016). Gestational age was determined by LMP and ultrasonography. Differences in ultrasound‐based and LMP‐based gestational age estimates were assessed according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecologists’ guidelines and women were classified as having discrepant results or not. Multiple statistical analyses determined the level of agreement between the two methods and validity of LMP estimates.

Results

Compared to ultrasound, dating by LMP assessed gestational age as 0.2 days longer. Women with discrepant results were of significantly lower weight and household socioeconomic status than those without discrepancies. While there was a substantial agreement (k = 0.64; 95% confidence interval, CI: 0.54, 0.71, P < 0.001) between the two methods, LMP only had a 29.0% (95% CI: 14.2, 48.0) sensitivity in identifying late‐term neonates and a 33.3% (95% CI: 4.33, 77.7) sensitivity in identifying post‐term neonates.

Conclusion

In the absence of ultrasound, LMP is a reliable alternative for gestational age dating during early pregnancy. However, it is not sensitive in identifying late‐ and post‐term pregnancies and should not be relied upon to make clinical decisions regarding elective cesarean section or induction of labor for supposed prolonged pregnancies.
New terminology for adverse events of fetal therapy: Re‐evaluation of the thoraco‐amniotic shunting in a Japanese study
Authors: Takahashi Yuichiro , Sago Haruhiko , Ishii Keisuke , Murakoshi Takeshi , Murotsuki Jun , Nakata Masahiko
Published: September 2018

Aim

Since fetal therapy has been newly developed, objective evaluation of adverse events (AE), all harmful events that are not always related to the procedures, has not yet been adequately reported. We established new terminology and tried to re‐evaluate it based on the Japanese prospective thoraco‐amniotic shunting (TAS) study.

Methods

From the literature, all complications that occurred with all fetal therapies were identified as a basis for developing the terminology. Grading was set from 0 to 5. Grade 3 was defined as the need for invasive treatment, such as surgery. Grade 4 was defined as life‐threatening, and Grade 5 was defined as death of the mother or fetus. Then, one series of TAS that we had already reported was re‐evaluated, including 24 cases with 37 procedures and 200 opportunities those could be evaluated AE after procedures.

Results

Grade 4 preterm rupture of the membranes was reported in only 1 of 24 cases. Catheter displacement was reported in 7, 2 and 11 cases, of Grades 1, 2 and 3, respectively. It was found that the double‐basket catheter had some association with catheter displacement, but it was clear that there were no life‐threatening AE.

Conclusion

Newly developed AE criteria are now available for fetal therapy. They will contribute to the objective evaluation of AE of new fetal therapies in the future.
Relationship between MRGPRX2 and pethidine hydrochloride- or fentanyl citrate-induced LAD2 cell degranulation
Authors: Liu Rui , Wang Jue , Zhao Tingting , Cao Jiao , Che Delu , Ma Pengyu , Zhang Yongjing , Zhang Tao , Wang Nan
Published: September 2018

Objectives

Pethidine hydrochloride (PH) and fentanyl citrate (FC) are opioid receptor agonists commonly used to treat pain clinically. PH and FC have been reported to have a high potential for pseudoallergic effects, but the underlying mechanism has not been well studied. MRGPRX2 is a novel atypical opioid receptor that is mainly expressed in human mast cells and considered to mediate drug-induced pseudoallergic reactions. This study aimed to investigate the allergy effect of these two opioid receptor agonists and the possible association of MRGPRX2 with this response.

Methods

HEK293-MRGPRX2/CMC assay, molecular docking assay, calcium mobilization assay, the test of β-hexosaminidase, histamine and cytokine release assay were performed in this article.

Key findings

PH but not FC induced LAD2 cell activation and degranulation dose-dependently. Histamine, tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-8, monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP-1) and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1β) levels were upregulated by PH, but not FC. The PH-induced activation of mast cell was MRGPRX2-dependent.

Conclusions

PH but not FC activated mast cells, leading to degranulation mediated via MRGPRX2 receptors, which could be greatly significant in future clinical applications of opioid receptor drugs.
Culture and anarchy in mid‐seventeenth‐century Ireland: The strange case of James Shirley at Werburgh Street
Authors: Hadfield Andrew
Published: September 2018

In this essay, I will explore the work of James Shirley as the first incumbent English playwright in Ireland. I will look at the reasons why Shirley might have gone to Ireland and what his prolonged, not always happy, time in Dublin tells us about the state of Anglo‐Irish theatre and the relationship between the metropolitan and colonial capitals. I will argue that Shirley's drama was shaped by the conflicting forces of the Dublin theatre. He was expected to establish English civility but also had to appeal to an audience which needed to be entertained. He was chosen because he was successful, but the prologues to his plays suggest that he felt much more of a failure. He had an ostensibly hostile attitude to his audience—which may not have helped his popularity—but produced works which engaged with contemporary concerns in an oblique manner. There have been numerous studies of English writers in Ireland, and perhaps more work needs to be carried out in other areas if we want to increase our understanding of early modern Ireland, rather than this relatively exhausted field. But if any major English writer still has anything to reveal about the Irish culture in which he worked, it is surely Shirley.
Genomic evidence for asymmetric introgression by sexual selection in the common wall lizard
Authors: Yang Weizhao , While Geoffrey M. , Laakkonen Hanna , Sacchi Roberto , Zuffi Marco A. L. , Scali Stefano , Salvi Daniele , Uller Tobias
Published: September 2018

Strongly selected characters can be transferred from one lineage to another with limited genetic exchange, resulting in asymmetric introgression and a mosaic genome in the receiving population. However, systems are rarely sufficiently well studied to link the pattern of introgression to its underlying process. Male common wall lizards in western Italy exhibit exaggeration of a suite of sexually selected characters that make them outcompete males from a distantly related lineage that lack these characters. This results in asymmetric hybridization and adaptive introgression of the suite of characters following secondary contact. We developed genomewide markers to infer the demographic history of gene flow between different genetic lineages, identify the spread of the sexually selected syndrome, and test the prediction that introgression should be asymmetric and heterogeneous across the genome. Our results show that secondary contact was accompanied by gene flow in both directions across most of the genome, but with approximately 3% of the genome showing highly asymmetric introgression in the predicted direction. Demographic simulations reveal that this asymmetric gene flow is more recent than the initial secondary contact, and the data suggest that the exaggerated male sexual characters originated within the Italian lineage and subsequently spread throughout this lineage before eventually reaching the contact zone. These results demonstrate that sexual selection can cause a suite of characters to spread throughout both closely and distantly related lineages with limited gene flow across the genome at large.
Cell death triggered by the P25 protein in Potato virus X‐associated synergisms results from endoplasmic reticulum stress in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Aguilar Emmanuel , del Toro Francisco J. , Brosseau Chantal , Moffett Peter , Canto Tomás , Tenllado Francisco
Published: September 2018

The synergistic interaction of Potato virus X (PVX) with a number of potyviruses results in systemic necrosis in Nicotiana spp. Previous investigations have indicated that the viral suppressor of RNA silencing (VSR) protein P25 of PVX triggers systemic necrosis in PVX‐associated synergisms in a threshold‐dependent manner. However, little is still known about the cellular processes that lead to this necrosis, and whether the VSR activity of P25 is involved in its elicitation. Here, we show that transient expression of P25 in the presence of VSRs from different viruses, including the helper component‐proteinase (HC‐Pro) of potyviruses, induces endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and the unfolded protein response (UPR), which ultimately lead to ER collapse. However, the host RNA silencing pathway was dispensable for the elicitation of cell death by P25. Confocal microscopy studies in leaf patches co‐expressing P25 and HC‐Pro showed dramatic alterations in ER membrane structures, which correlated with the up‐regulation of bZIP60 and several ER‐resident chaperones, including the ER luminal binding protein (BiP). Overexpression of BiP alleviated the cell death induced by the potexviral P25 protein when expressed together with VSRs derived from different viruses. Conversely, silencing of the UPR master regulator, bZIP60, led to an increase in cell death elicited by the P25/HC‐Pro combination as well as by PVX‐associated synergism. In addition to its role as a negative regulator of P25‐induced cell death, UPR partially restricted PVX infection. Thus, systemic necrosis caused by PVX‐associated synergistic infections is probably the effect of an unmitigated ER stress following the overaccumulation of a viral protein, P25, with ER remodelling activity.
The evolution of surgical approach for esophageal cancer
Authors: Gisbertz Suzanne S. , Hagens Eliza R.C. , Ruurda Jelle P. , Schneider Paul M. , Tan Li Jie , Domrachev Sergey A. , Hoeppner Jens , van Berge Henegouwen Mark I.
Published: September 2018

Esophageal surgery for esophageal cancer has been performed for over a century now. Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) was first described in 1992, and it is now a standard approach in many countries. However, MIE is technically difficult and requires a long learning curve. It takes >100 cases to train for MIE with gastric tube reconstruction with an intrathoracic anastomosis. A possible option to overcome several challenges of MIE might be the use of a robotic system. A robot‐assisted MIE was first described in 2005, and long‐term results have shown its feasibility and safety. Over the years, different approaches for esophagectomy have been established. Our review discusses these developments and recent literature on open, minimally invasive and robotic esophageal surgery.
The effect of statins on the recurrence rate of atrial fibrillation after catheter ablation: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Peng Hong , Yang Yuan , Zhao Yue , Xiao Hua
Published: September 2018

Background

To more precisely evaluate the effect of statins on patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after catheter ablation, we performed a meta‐analysis of published studies.

Methods

We searched PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library for all relevant published articles from the date of inception to April 2017. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were then calculated and pooled using a random‐effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was evaluated using the I2 statistic.

Results

Nine studies with a total of 1,607 patients were included in the analysis. Overall, statins did not reduce the recurrence rate of AF after catheter ablation (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59–1.10, P = 0.18). However, in the subgroup analysis, the randomized control trial (RCT) group significantly reduced the recurrence of AF (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.30–0.75, P = 0.001). Conversely, the retrospective cohort study subgroup also had a negative result (OR 1.03, 95% CI 0.78–1.36, P = 0.82).

Conclusions

Statin use was associated with a significantly lower AF recurrence rate in RCTs but not in the whole analysis and the observational studies.
Regulators and the quest for coherence in finance: The case of loss absorbing capacity for banks
Authors: Quaglia Lucia , Spendzharova Aneta
Published: September 2018

After the international financial crisis, new financial regulation was adopted at the international, regional and national levels, raising the issue of how to promote regulatory coherence, defined as the consistency between the rules adopted at different governance levels and in a variety of policy venues. A major recent area of reform concerned the loss absorbing capacity (LAC) of banks. In practice, the lack of regulatory coherence concerning LAC hampers the effective resolution of large international banks in a timely manner, ultimately undermining financial stability. We examine the role of regulators in the quest for coherence on LAC, explaining the incentives they had and how they deployed their delegated competences at different levels to achieve coherent rules that ensure financial stability. Theoretically, we combine insights from the public administration and political economy literatures. Methodologically, we process trace the making of LAC rules on three governance levels and in multiple policy venues.
Palatability of hypoallergenic formulas for cow's milk allergy and healthcare professional recommendation
Authors: Maslin Kate , Fox Adam T. , Chambault Marleen , Meyer Rosan
Published: September 2018

Background

Cows ‘milk protein allergy (CMPA) is the most common food allergy in infants in the United Kingdom. Infants with CMPA who are not exclusively breastfed require a substitute hypoallergenic formula, which are perceived as having a poor palatability. This study compares the palatability of different extensively hydrolysed formulas (EHFs) and explores healthcare professional (HCP) expectations of how palatability impacts infants and their families.

Methods

Healthcare professional with experience of CMPA were recruited to take part in a home palatability test of four EHFs [Aptamil Pepti 1, Nutricia Ltd. (EHF W1); Althera, Nestle Health Science (EHF W2); Similac Alimentum, Abbott (EHF C1); Nutramigen LGG 1, Mead Johnson (EHF C2)] using a blind taste procedure. A randomised, complete block design was used to minimise order and carry‐over biases. Participants completed a questionnaire about the impact of formula palatability on infants and their families.

Results

A total of 100 HCPs took part (51 dietitians and 49 general practitioners). Overall, whey‐based lactose‐containing EHFs were ranked the most palatable: EHF W1 by 77% of participants and EHF W2 by 20%. EHF W1 was liked significantly more (P < 0.0001) than the other formulas. The vast majority of participants agreed that better palatability would result in an increased chance of non‐rejection (96%), more content families (92%) and decreased healthcare costs (90%).

Conclusion

Amongst HCPs who manage infants with CMPA, whey‐based lactose‐containing EHFs were ranked the most palatable. HCPs expected that good palatability would result in better acceptance, more content infants and families, alongside decreased wastage and healthcare costs.
How Fast Can Thiols Bind to the Gold Nanoparticle Surface?
Authors: Bard Amanda , Rondon Rebeca , Marquez Daniela T. , Lanterna Anabel E. , Scaiano Juan C.
Published: September 2018

Kinetics of gold nanoparticle surface modification with thiols can take more than one hour for completion. 7‐mercapto‐4‐methylcoumarin can be used to follow the process by fluorescence spectroscopy and serves as a convenient molecular probe to determine relative kinetics. SERS studies with aromatic thiols further support the slow surface modification kinetics observed by fluorescence spectroscopy. The formation of thiolate bonds is a relatively slow process; we recommend one to two hour wait for thiol binding to be essentially complete, while for disulfides, overnight incubation is suggested.
The Hierarchy‐Niche Model for Supply Networks
Authors: Luo Jianxi , Whitney Daniel E.
Published: September 2018

Contemporary products are usually designed and produced in large inter‐firm supply networks rather than by single firms. However, our understanding of such networks is still limited due to the lack of network‐wide empirical data as well as the complexity and nonlinearity of supply networks. Herein, we introduce a network formation model to extend and generalize the prior empirical studies that have revealed variable hierarchy topologies and firm‐level transaction specificities across the supply networks for automobiles and electronics. We call it the “ hierarchy‐niche model.” With tuning the parameters for transaction specificity and transaction breadth, the model can generate a wide spectrum of stochastic networks that comply with the production hierarchy to varied degrees. Our simulation analyses show that the model‐generated stochastic networks capture hierarchical and cyclic topologies of real‐world automobile and electronics supply networks. The model, which relates firm‐level transaction patterns to network‐wide emergent topologies, can be further utilized to inform and guide firms’ transaction strategies concerning the overall supply network.
Encountering Dissimilar Views in Deliberation: Political Knowledge, Attitude Strength, and Opinion Change
Authors: Zhang Kaiping
Published: September 2018

Conversing with diverse points of view stands as the central tenet of deliberative democracy, yet empirical evidence has suggested mixed outcomes related to perspective change as a result of deliberative encounters. I propose a difference‐driven model that suggests individual predispositions moderate the processing of dissimilar views when changing policy preferences. My analysis is based on a random sample of over 400 voters at a California‐wide deliberative event, where participants discussed proposals for reforming the state politics. I find that encountering more and different arguments transforms policy attitudes. Yet it is more difficult for people to change their minds on issues about which they hold strong beliefs. Some evidence suggests that different psychologies are at play for people who enter deliberation with substantial or weak political knowledge and for those who deliberate while holding strong or moderate prior opinions. Well‐groundedstrongopinions are resistant to change, while well‐groundedmoderateopinions are persuadable in deliberative groups. Uninformed positions can become entrenched in like‐minded groups, yet they can be adjusted once participants deliberate with dissimilar views, especially opinions that are held strongly without good informational ground. The findings urge deliberative forums that introduce participants to diverse perspectives to foster a considered public opinion.
Negative Externality of Fiscal Problems: Dissecting the Contagion Effect of Municipal Bankruptcy
Authors: Yang Lang (Kate)
Published: September 2018

The fiscal decision of one local government may spill over to other localities, and such externality could justify and inform policy making by a higher‐level government. Theories of municipal bond market contagion postulate that once a local government files for bankruptcy, localities sharing similar characteristics will be perceived negatively by creditors and charged a higher interest rate. In this article, empirical examination of the second‐largest municipal bankruptcy in American history shows no support for general contagion based on geographic proximity. That is, nearby localities did not pay a higher interest rate after the bankruptcy. However, case‐specific contagion formed around borrower‐ and bond‐specific characteristics contributing to the bankruptcy: general‐purpose borrowers and general‐obligation bonds experienced increased borrowing costs after the bankruptcy. These findings have implications for states considering granting authorizations for municipal bankruptcy or providing financial assistance to struggling localities, as well as for local governments planning to access the municipal bond market.