bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perspectives on Promoting Hospital Primary Vaginal Birth: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Kennedy Holly P. , Doig Eleanor , Tillman Stephanie , Strauss Amanda , Williams Beth , Pettker Christian , Illuzzi Jessica
Published: August 2016

Background

One in three women will deliver by cesarean, a procedure that can be life saving, but which also carries short‐ and long‐term risks. There is growing interest in preventing primary cesarean deliveries, while optimizing the health of the mother and infant. The primary aim of this study was to use participatory action strategies and ethnographic interview data collected from diverse stakeholders in birth (caregivers, women, policymakers) about facilitators and barriers to the achievement of primary vaginal birth in first‐time mothers in hospital settings. The secondary aim was to use the findings to identify strategies to promote primary vaginal birth and future areas of research.

Methods

Individual and small group interviews were conducted with caregivers and policymakers (N = 79) and first‐time mothers (N = 24) at a northeastern hospital. All interviews were audio‐recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using Atlas.ti.

Results

Four broad themes were identified: 1) preparation for childbirth, 2) early labor management, 3) caregiver knowledge and practice style, and 4) birth environment (physical, cultural/emotional). The first two were closely linked from caregivers' perspectives. If the woman was not prepared for childbirth, it was perceived she would be more likely to present to the hospital in early labor. Once there, it was hard to prevent admission and interventions. A woman's knowledge and confidence were perceived as powerful mediators for vaginal birth.

Conclusion

Caregivers and first‐time mothers identified early labor management and childbirth preparation as important factors to promote primary vaginal birth in hospital settings. Both deserve further inquiry as potential strategies to decrease rising cesarean delivery rates.
Mucin as a diagnostic clue in dermatopathology
Authors: Fernandez‐Flores Angel , Saeb‐Lima Marcela
Published: August 2016

Mucins are high‐molecular weight glycoproteins typically found in normal skin in small amounts. There are several reports regarding different types of cutaneous mucinosis. In this report, we discuss mucins in dermatopathology as a diagnostic clue of some well‐known entities and some less frequent cutaneous diseases. We also emphasize mucin as a sign in the differential diagnosis between conditions that show histopathological overlap. Lastly, we discuss the locations and circumstances in which mucin could be considered almost normal or physiological.
Depressed‐type submucosal invasive colorectal cancer in a patient with Lynch syndrome diagnosed using short‐interval colonoscopy
Authors: Inoki Kazuya , Nakajima Takeshi , Sekine Shigeki , Sugano Kokichi , Tsukamoto Shunsuke , Yamada Masayoshi , Mutoh Michihiro , Sakamoto Taku , Matsuda Takahisa , Sekiguchi Masau , Ushiama Mineko , Yoshida Teruhiko , Sakamoto Hiromi , Kanemitsu Yukihide , Saito Yutaka
Published: August 2016

Although regular colonoscopy surveillance is recommended for patients with Lynch syndrome (LS) who underwent partial colectomy, the appropriate interval has not been determined. We report a case of colorectal cancer (CRC) detected by short‐interval surveillance colonoscopy (SC) in a patient with LS having a past history of partial colectomy. A 65‐year‐old man underwent sigmoidectomy for advanced CRC. His family history revealed that his two younger brothers had CRC in their twenties and thirties, respectively, and the patient met with the criteria in the Revised Bethesda Guidelines. After confirming the loss of MSH2 protein expression in the primary tumor, subsequent genetic testing showed germline mutation with a large deletion of exon 7–14 in the MSH2 gene, indicating a diagnosis of LS. After the diagnosis of LS, the patient underwent annual SC. Three years after the initial surgery, superficial submucosal invasive cancer was detected. Subsequently, SC after a 6‐month interval revealed a deep submucosal invasive cancer (7 mm in diameter). Although additional surgery was recommended, considering his comorbidities, regular SC rather than colectomy was selected. Even shorter‐interval SC carried out within a year is not sufficient to detect endoscopically resectable tumors in some high‐risk LS cases.
Deadwood stocks increase with selective logging and large tree frequency in Gabon
Authors: Carlson Ben S. , Koerner Sally E. , Medjibe Vincent P. , White Lee J. T. , Poulsen John R.
Published: August 2016

Deadwood is a major component of aboveground biomass (AGB) in tropical forests and is important as habitat and for nutrient cycling and carbon storage. With deforestation and degradation taking place throughout the tropics, improved understanding of the magnitude and spatial variation in deadwood is vital for the development of regional and global carbon budgets. However, this potentially important carbon pool is poorly quantified in Afrotropical forests and the regional drivers of deadwood stocks are unknown. In the first large‐scale study of deadwood in Central Africa, we quantified stocks in 47 forest sites across Gabon and evaluated the effects of disturbance (logging), forest structure variables (live AGB, wood density, abundance of large trees), and abiotic variables (temperature, precipitation, seasonality). Average deadwood stocks (measured as necromass, the biomass of deadwood) were 65 Mg ha−1 or 23% of live AGB. Deadwood stocks varied spatially with disturbance and forest structure, but not abiotic variables. Deadwood stocks increased significantly with logging (+38 Mg ha−1) and the abundance of large trees (+2.4 Mg ha−1 for every tree >60 cm dbh). Gabon holds 0.74 Pg C, or 21% of total aboveground carbon in deadwood, a threefold increase over previous estimates. Importantly, deadwood densities in Gabon are comparable to those in the Neotropics and respond similarly to logging, but represent a lower proportion of live AGB (median of 18% in Gabon compared to 26% in the Neotropics). In forest carbon accounting, necromass is often assumed to be a constant proportion (9%) of biomass, but in humid tropical forests this ratio varies from 2% in undisturbed forest to 300% in logged forest. Because logging significantly increases the deadwood carbon pool, estimates of tropical forest carbon should at a minimum use different ratios for logged (mean of 30%) and unlogged forests (mean of 18%).
Wish you were here: bodies, diaspora strategy and the politics of propinquity in post‐apartheid South Africa
Authors: Andrucki Max J
Published: August 2016

Focusing on a case study of a non‐state actor called The Homecoming Revolution, which included interviews with staff as well as an analysis of reports, position papers, and testimonials on their website, I argue that attempts to incite return migration of skilled overseas South Africans, as an attempt to provide a fix for failures of the neoliberalising South African economy, hinge on a particular ideology of the body. I suggest that a constant focus on the supposed multiplier effects of the physical presence of skilled migrant bodies that have returned to South Africa, as well as the deployment of emotion as a means of mobilising expatriate bodies, constitutes an attempt to instrumentalise the transactionality of these bodies. This paper argues that more attention needs to be paid to the ways in which bodies are imagined and mobilised in neoliberalising states’ engagements with their diasporas. It also notes the irony of how skilled white bodies have emerged as a key focus of South African economic growth strategy.
Cytoplasmic expression of β‐catenin is an independent predictor of progression of conventional renal cell carcinoma: a simple immunostaining score
Authors: Kovacs Gyula , Billfeldt Nina Kaerger , Farkas Nelli , Dergez Timea , Javorhazy Andras , Banyai Daniel , Pusztai Csaba , Szanto Arpad
Published: August 2016

Aims

The aims of this study were to investigate the potential of β‐catenin as a biomarker for predicting cancer‐specific survival, and to find a reproducible mode of evaluation of immunohistochemistry.

Methods and results

β‐Catenin expression was analysed by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 488 patients with conventional renal cell carcinoma (RCC) operated on between 2000 and 2010. The association between β‐catenin expression and cancer‐specific survival was assessed with univariate and multivariate Cox regression models in relation to conventional clinical pathological prognostic factors, and by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis with the log rank test. The univariate Cox regression model revealed an association of cytoplasmic β‐catenin positivity and pathological variables with cancer‐specific death. The multivariate Cox regression model analysis of tumours without metastatic disease at the first presentation identified the T‐classification (P < 0.001) and cytoplasmic β‐catenin positivity as risk factors for postoperative tumour progression. Specifically, cytoplasmic β‐catenin expression was an independent factor indicating an unfavourable prognosis, with a four‐fold higher risk of cancer‐specific death (relative risk 4.017; 95% confidence interval 2.489–6.482; P < 0.001). The median survival time for patients with tumours showing cytoplasmic accumulation of β‐catenin was 48 months, whereas the overall survival time was 166 months.

Conclusions

Cytoplasmic β‐catenin expression is an independent prognostic factor for conventional RCC, and may help to identify patients with a high risk of cancer‐specific death and to direct optimized active surveillance or adjuvant therapy.
Influence of CMC‐ and guar gum‐based silver nanoparticle coatings combined with low temperature on major aroma volatile components and the sensory quality of kinnow (Citrus reticulata)
Authors: Shah Syed Wasim Ahmad , Qaisar Muhammad , Jahangir Muhammad , Abbasi Kashif Sarfraz , Khan Sami Ullah , Ali Naushad , Liaquat Muhammad
Published: August 2016

Aroma profile and organoleptic quality of CMC‐ and guar gum‐based silver nanoparticle‐coated kinnow (Citrus reticulata cv. Blanco) was evaluated for 120 days at 4 °C and 10 °C, 85–95% relative humidity. Loss in three major aroma‐active volatile compounds (limonene, linalool and γ‐terpinene) was determined after every 15 days by GC‐MS. Sensory quality of coated and uncoated fruit stored at 10 °C was declined during storage. Twenty five volatile aroma compounds were identified in fresh kinnow juice. Guar gum‐Ag coatings and 4 °C storage has significantly reduced losses of limonene, linalool and γ‐terpinene contents from 91 to 23%, 99 to 10% and 97 to 29% respectively as compared to uncoated fruit stored at 10 °C. Study suggests that CMC‐ and guar gum‐based silver nanoparticle‐coated kinnow stored at 4 °C has preserved the fruit aroma and sensory quality for 120 days.
Solid‐phase extraction and spectrophotometric determination of Allura Red (E129) in foodstuff, soft drink, syrup and energy drink samples: a comparison study
Authors: Bişgin Abdullah Taner , Sürme Yavuz , Uçan Mustafa , Narin İbrahim
Published: August 2016

Amberlite XAD‐7 and XAD‐8 resins were used as adsorbents for preconcentration and determination of Allura Red (AR) food dye in aqueous medium. The effects of pH, sample volume, sample and eluent flow rates on the extraction of AR were optimised. The determination of dye was performed at 506.0 nm using spectrophotometry. Interference effects of matrix ions and some dyes were also investigated under optimised conditions. The methods permitted low detection limits which were 1.2 and 0.6 μg L−1 for XAD‐7 and XAD‐8, respectively. Adsorption behaviours were investigated by adsorption isotherms and zero charge pH experiments. Validations of the method were performed by determination of AR contents in some foodstuffs. AR contents of liquid samples were found between 58 and 440 μg mL−1. AR concentrations of solid samples were between 416 and 432 μg g−1. The XAD‐7 and XAD‐8 resins presented a fast and reliable potential to determine AR dye in real samples.
Fatty‐acid biomarkers and tissue‐specific turnover: validation from a controlled feeding study in juvenile Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus
Authors: Mohan S. D. , Mohan J. A. , Connelly T. L. , Walther B. D. , McClelland J. W.
Published: August 2016

Fatty‐acid (FA) profiles of liver and muscle tissue from juvenile Atlantic croaker Micropogonias undulatus were examined over a 15 week diet‐switch experiment to establish calibration coefficients (CC) and improve understanding of consumer–diet relationships for field applications. Essential FAs [docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), 22:6n‐3 and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) , 20:5n‐3] decreased and 18:2n‐6 increased in tissues of M. undulatus fed diets with increasing proportions of terrestrial v. marine lipid sources. Non‐linear models used to estimate the incorporation rate and days to saturation of per cent 18:2n‐6 in tissues showed that livers incorporated 18:2n‐6 faster than muscle, but the proportions of 18:2n‐6 in muscle were higher. CCs were established to determine proportions of FA deposition in tissues relative to diet. Many CCs were consistent amongst diet treatments, despite growth and dietary differences. The CCs can be used to discern FA modification and retention within tissues and as tools for future quantitative estimates of diet histories. Incorporation rates and CCs of 18:2n‐6 were applied to a sub‐set of field samples of wild M. undulatus to understand habitat use and feeding ecology. Altogether, these results suggest that FAs provide a time‐integrated measure of diet in aquatic food webs and are affected by tissue type, growth rate and the influence of mixed diets.
Understanding Post‐Euro Law‐of‐One‐Price Deviations
Authors: GLUSHENKOVA MARINA , ZACHARIADIS MARIOS
Published: August 2016

We put together a unique panel of thousands of good‐level prices before and after the euro to compare the determinants and understand the evolution of goods price dispersion across Europe over time. We find that tradeability and nontraded inputs play a significantly smaller role for cross‐country price dispersion after the adoption of the euro, and for Eurozone economies as compared to European Union ones. We then compare the distributions of law‐of‐one‐price (LOP) deviations over time to understand how the degree of integration across European economies changed after the euro. Our tests reveal that the distributions after the euro are typically significantly different from those before, consistent with a greater degree of integration. Utilizing our unique panel data set to trace the location of individual goods in the distribution of LOP deviations, we ask how the price advantage or disadvantage evident in these price distributions evolves over time, and whether goods characteristics play a role for the persistence of these LOP deviations. LOP deviations for these goods are highly correlated over 5‐ or 10‐ year horizons, and correlations remain significantly high over longer horizons. These correlations are greater for homogeneous as compared to differentiated goods and vary across countries. Finally, for most of these European economies and goods, price advantage is typically revealed to be more persistent than price disadvantage.
Uncertainty in an Interconnected Financial System, Contagion, and Market Freezes
Authors: LI MEI , MILNE FRANK , QIU JUNFENG
Published: August 2016

This paper studies contagion and market freezes caused by uncertainty in financial network structures. Our model demonstrates that in a financial system where financial institutions are interconnected, a negative shock to an individual financial institution could spread to other institutions, causing market freezes because of creditors' uncertainty about the financial network structure. Our model also reveals that when both a large creditor and a continuum of small creditors are present, the size of the large creditor will affect the severity of market freezes substantially. Moreover, our model is used to examine central bank policies to alleviate market freezes.
Preferential Regulatory Treatment and Banks' Demand for Government Bonds
Authors: BONNER CLEMENS
Published: August 2016

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of preferential regulatory treatment on banks' demand for government bonds. Using unique transaction‐level data, our analysis suggests that preferential treatment in microprudential liquidity and capital regulation significantly increases banks' demand for government bonds. Liquidity and capital regulation also seem to incentivize banks to substitute other bonds with government bonds. We also find evidence that this “regulatory effect” leads banks to reduce lending to the real economy.
Disrupted‐in‐schizophrenia‐1 as a broader link of glutamatergic transmission to schizophrenia impacts cerebral neurochemistry via the production of the ‘gliotransmitter’ d‐serine, a NMDA receptor coagonist
Authors: Wu Shengzhou , Barger Steven W.
Published: August 2016

image

This Editorial highlights a study by Xia and coworkers in the current issue of the Journal of Neurochemistry, in which the authors reveal a possible mechanistic link between DISC1 (disrupted‐in‐schizophrenia‐1), a genetic risk factor for schizophrenia, and N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor (NMDAR) that is also linked with schizophrenia. The authors show that perturbed communication between DISC1 and NMDARs represents a hidden perpetrator for abnormal dendritic and synaptic maturation.

Read the highlighted article ‘DISC1, astrocytes and neuronal maturation: a possible mechanistic link with implications for mental disorders’ on page 518.
Long‐Term Outcomes and Complications of Intracardiac Echocardiography‐Assisted Patent Foramen Ovale Closure in 1,000 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Rigatelli Gianluca , Pedon Luigi , Zecchel Roberto , Dell'Avvocata Fabio , Carrozza Antonio , Zennaro Marco , Mazza Alberto , Zuin Marco , Russo Monia , Zanchetta Mario
Published: August 2016

Backgrounds

Long‐term fate of patients submitted to patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure is still unclear. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of atrial fibrillation (AF), aortic or atrial free wall erosion, device thrombosis (DT), new onset or worsening of mitral valve regurgitation (MVR), and recurrent cerebral ischemic events in the long‐term follow up after intracardiac echocardiography (ICE)—aided PFO closure in a large population.

Methods

We reviewed the medical and instrumental data of 1,000 consecutive patients (mean age 47.3 ± 17.1 years, females) prospectively enrolled in 2 centres over a 13 years period (February 1999–February 2012) for R‐to‐L shunt ICE‐aided catheter‐based closure using different devices.

Results

Immediate success was 99.8%. Implanted devices were Amplatzer PFO Occluder in 463 patients (46.3%), Amplatzer ASD Cribriform Occluder in 420 patients (42.0%), Premere Occlusion System in 95 patients (9.5%), and Biostar Occluder in 22 patients (2.2%). On a mean follow‐up of 12.3 ± 0.6 years (minimum 4‐ maximum 17 years), permanent AF occurred in 0.5%, DT was apparent in 0.5%, new onset or worsening of MVR was observed in 0.2%, whereas recurrent cerebral ischemic events were 0.8%. Occlusion rate was 93.8%. No aortic or atrial free wall erosion has been observed.

Conclusion

ICE‐aided closure of PFO using different devices, appeared very safe and effective on very long‐term follow up with low incidence of erosion, DT, recurrent ischemic events, MVR new onset or worsening, and permanent AF.
Regression of fibrosis and portal hypertension in HCV‐associated cirrhosis and sustained virologic response after interferon‐free antiviral therapy
Authors: Knop V. , Hoppe D. , Welzel T. , Vermehren J. , Herrmann E. , Vermehren A. , Friedrich‐Rust M. , Sarrazin C. , Zeuzem S. , Welker M.‐W.
Published: August 2016

It is still controversial, whether and to what amount cirrhosis and portal hypertension are reversible in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐associated cirrhosis and sustained virologic response (SVR) after interferon‐free antiviral therapy. In this study, we prospectively evaluated dynamics of liver and spleen stiffness in HCV‐infected patients with advanced liver disease and SVR after interferon‐free treatment. A total of 54 patients with HCV‐associated cirrhosis and SVR were included. Liver and spleen stiffness was measured at therapy baseline (BL), end of treatment (EOT) and 24 weeks after EOT (FU24) by transient liver elastography (L‐TE) as well as by acoustic radiation force impulse of the liver (L‐ARFI) and spleen (S‐ARFI), as well as biochemical, virologic and clinical data. Improvement of liver and spleen stiffness was found in 44 of 50 (88%), 31 of 54 (57%) and 25 of 54 (46%) of patients assessed by L‐TE, L‐ARFI and S‐ARFI between baseline and FU24. Liver stiffness assessed by L‐TE improved between BL [median (range), 32.5 (9.1–75) kPa] and EOT [median (range), 21.3 (6.7–73.5) kPa; (P<.0001)], and between BL and FU24 [median (range), 21.2 (5.4–70) kPa; (P<.0001)]. Liver stiffness assessed by L‐ARFI improved between BL [median (range), 2.7 (1.2–4.1) m/s] and FU24 [median (range), 2.4 (1.2–3.9) m/s; P=.002), while spleen stiffness remained unchanged. Our data suggest that improvement of liver stiffness may be rather due to reduced necroinflammation and may be due to a less extent to regression of cirrhosis, as dynamics of liver stiffness improvement was more pronounced between BL and EOT than BL and FU24.
The dynamics of hummingbird dominance and foraging strategies during the winter season in a highland community in Western Mexico
Authors: Rodríguez‐Flores C. I. , Arizmendi Arriaga M. C.
Published: August 2016

Coexistence between ecologically similar species can promote competition for resources. Hummingbirds (Aves: Trochilidae) are nectarivorous birds that usually coexist in sympatry, and visit flowers using different foraging behaviors and levels of aggressiveness as a strategy to diminish resource competition. Here, we describe the dynamics in territorial and dominance behaviors in a hummingbird community inhabiting a highland during winter in Western Mexico. We explored in natural conditions how foraging strategies and dominance status of the hummingbirds was influenced by community species composition, sex, age and size of the individuals, floral abundance, and nectar resource availability. The community studied was composed of 11 species (four residents, three altitudinal migrants, three latitudinal migrants), and all possible combinations of dominance and territoriality were found. Differences in the dominance status and foraging behavior were related to the species, sex, age and body size of the individuals, as well as the number of flowers in the patches, and the abundance of the migratory species over time. The aggressive and territorial species preferred the places with more flowers, and started the majority of the interactions attacking even birds that did not visited the flowers. The subordinate non‐territorial hummingbirds visited floral patches of different sizes, did not start aggressive interactions and when they were involved in one, this occurred during their visits to the territorial hummingbird's flowers. Hummingbird dominance changed during the winter and at the end of the season, when the latitudinal migrant species left our study site, the resident species were more abundant, dominant and territorial. Dominance status and foraging behavior, together with floral preferences and the spatial distribution of nectar resources, acted as mechanisms organizing this hummingbird community.
Is It the What or the How? The Roles of High-Policing Tactics and Procedural Justice in Predicting Perceptions of Hostile Treatment: The Case of Security Checks at Ben-Gurion Airport, Israel
Authors: Jonathan-Zamir Tal , Hasisi Badi , Margalioth Yoram
Published: August 2016

What affects perceptions of hostile treatment by police, characterized by feelings such as humiliation and intimidation? Is it what the police do to the citizen, or is it about how they do it? The important effects of procedural justice are well documented in the policing literature. Yet, it is not clear how high-policing tactics, coupled with procedural justice, affect one's sense of hostile treatment: is it the case that what the police do does not matter as long as they follow the principles of procedural justice, or do some invasive or unpleasant tactics produce negative emotions regardless of the amount of procedural justice displayed by the officer? In the present study we examine this question in the context of security checks at Ben-Gurion Airport, Israel. Using a survey of 1,970 passengers, we find that the behavioral elements of procedural justice are an important antidote, mitigating the negative effects of four “extra” screening measures on the perceived hostility of the checks. At the same time, two security measures retain an independent and significant effect. We discuss the implications of our findings and hypothesize about the characteristics of policing practices that are less sensitive to procedural justice.
Double Whammy: Lay Assessors as Lackeys in Chinese Courts
Authors: He Xin
Published: August 2016

Primarily drawing on in-depth interviews with lay assessors and judges in Chinese courts, this study suggests that assessors are little more than lackeys. To determine the role of lay participation in decision making across different jurisdictions, this article proposes two variables. The first is whether lay assessors are separate from, or mixed with, professional judges; the second is whether the regime is democratic or authoritarian. Viewed according to these variables, China's lay-assessor institution is subject to a double whammy: one, the superior legal knowledge of professional judges and their dominance in procedures, and two, the ultimate control of the regime over judges, who, for self-protection, firmly control lay assessors. This article advances our understanding of the operation of the Chinese lay-assessor institution, and more generally the relationship between lay participation and political regimes.
Systematic evaluation of circulating inflammatory markers for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chan Stephen L. , Chan Anthony W.H. , Chan Allen K.C. , Jian Peiyong , Mo Frankie , Chan Charles M.L. , Mok Kevin , Liu Calvin , Chong Charing C.N. , Chan Anthony T.C. , Mok Tony , Yeo Winnie
Published: August 2016

Backgrounds & Aims

A number of circulating inflammatory factors are implicated in the pathogenesis and prognostication of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aim to evaluate the prognostication of multiple serum inflammatory factors simultaneously and develop an objective inflammatory score for HCC.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 555 patients with HCC with paired serum samples was accrued from 2009 to 2012. The blood levels of conventional inflammatory markers, namely C‐reactive protein (CRP), albumin, neutrophils, lymphocytes and platelet, were determined, and 41 other exploratory markers were measured by a multiplex assay. The prognostication and interaction of markers were determined by univariate and multivarite analyses.

Results

The cohort was randomly divided into training cohort (n=139) and validation cohort (n=416). There were no differences in baseline characteristics between the two cohorts. In the training cohort, independent prognostic factors for overall survival included CRP (hazard ratio [HR] 1.107; P=.003), albumin (HR 0.953; P=.032) and interleukin‐8 (HR=5.816; P<.001). We have modified the existing inflammation‐based index (IBI) by adding serum interleukin‐8 level. The modified IBI could stratify patients into four groups with distinct overall survival (P<.001). The results were also validated in the validation cohort. When compared with IBI and other conventional inflammatory markers, the modified IBI had better prognostic performance with higher c‐index and homogeneity likelihood ratio chi‐square.

Conclusions

Among the conventional and exploratory circulating inflammatory markers, higher CRP, lower albumin and higher interleukin‐8 were independent prognosticators. By combining these factors, a simple and accurate inflammatory index could be constructed.
TbLOK1/ATOM19 is a novel subunit of the noncanonical mitochondrial outer membrane protein translocase of Trypanosoma brucei
Authors: Desy Silvia , Mani Jan , Harsman Anke , Käser Sandro , Schneider André
Published: August 2016

TbLOK1 has previously been characterized as a trypanosomatid‐specific mitochondrial outer membrane protein whose ablation caused a collapse of the mitochondrial network, disruption of the membrane potential and loss of mitochondrial DNA. Here we show that ablation of TbLOK1 primarily abolishes mitochondrial protein import, both in vivo and in vitro. Co‐immunprecipitations together with blue native gel analysis demonstrate that TbLOK1 is a stable and stoichiometric component of the archaic protein translocase of the outer membrane (ATOM), the highly diverged functional analogue of the TOM complex in other organisms. Furthermore, we show that TbLOK1 together with the other ATOM subunits forms a complex functional network where ablation of individual subunits either causes degradation of a specific set of other subunits or their exclusion from the ATOM complex. In summary these results establish that TbLOK1 is an essential novel subunit of the ATOM complex and thus that its primary molecular function is linked to mitochondrial protein import across the outer membrane. The previously described phenotypes can all be explained as consequences of the lack of mitochondrial protein import. We therefore suggest that in line with the nomenclature of the ATOM complex subunits, TbLOK1 should be renamed to ATOM19.
Strong phylogeographic co‐structure between the anther‐smut fungus and its white campion host
Authors: Feurtey Alice , Gladieux Pierre , Hood Michael E. , Snirc Alodie , Cornille Amandine , Rosenthal Lisa , Giraud Tatiana
Published: August 2016

Although congruence between host and pathogen phylogenies has been extensively investigated, the congruence between host and pathogen genetic structures at the within‐species level has received little attention.

Using an unprecedented and comprehensive collection of associated plant–pathogen samples, we investigated the degree of congruence between the genetic structures across Europe of two evolutionary and ecological model organisms, the anther‐smut pathogen Microbotryum lychnidis‐dioicae and its host plant Silene latifolia.

We demonstrated a significant and particularly strong level of host–pathogen co‐structure, with three main genetic clusters displaying highly similar spatial ranges in Western Europe, Eastern Europe and Italy, respectively. Correcting for the geographical component of genetic variation, significant correlations were still found between the genetic distances of anther‐smut and host populations. Inoculation experiments suggested plant local adaptation, at the cluster level, for resistance to pathogens.

These findings indicate that the pathogen remained isolated in the same fragmented southern refugia as its host plant during the last glaciation, and that little long‐distance dispersal has occurred since the recolonization of Europe for either the plant or the pathogen, despite their known ability to travel across continents. This, together with the inoculation results, suggests that coevolutionary and competitive processes may be drivers of host–pathogen co‐structure.
The Eucalyptus linker histone variant EgH1.3 cooperates with the transcription factor EgMYB1 to control lignin biosynthesis during wood formation
Authors: Soler Marçal , Plasencia Anna , Larbat Romain , Pouzet Cécile , Jauneau Alain , Rivas Susana , Pesquet Edouard , Lapierre Catherine , Truchet Isabelle , Grima‐Pettenati Jacqueline
Published: August 2016

Wood, also called secondary xylem, is a specialized vascular tissue constituted by different cell types that undergo a differentiation process involving deposition of thick, lignified secondary cell walls. The mechanisms needed to control the extent of lignin deposition depending on the cell type and the differentiation stage are far from being fully understood.

We found that the Eucalyptus transcription factor EgMYB1, which is known to repress lignin biosynthesis, interacts specifically with a linker histone variant, EgH1.3. This interaction enhances the repression of EgMYB1's target genes, strongly limiting the amount of lignin deposited in xylem cell walls.

The expression profiles of EgMYB1 and EgH1.3 overlap in xylem cells at early stages of their differentiation as well as in mature parenchymatous xylem cells, which have no or only thin lignified secondary cell walls. This suggests that a complex between EgMYB1 and EgH1.3 integrates developmental signals to prevent premature or inappropriate lignification of secondary cell walls, providing a mechanism to fine‐tune the differentiation of xylem cells in time and space.

We also demonstrate a role for a linker histone variant in the regulation of a specific developmental process through interaction with a transcription factor, illustrating that plant linker histones have other functions beyond chromatin organization.
Security Cooperation between South Korea and Australia: Bilateral for Minilateral?
Authors: Park Jae Jeok
Published: August 2016

Security cooperation between South Korea and Australia has increased in recent years. What has been driving this increasingly enhanced security cooperation between the two states, which are about 7,500 km apart from each other? This article approaches the question from the angle of minilateral security cooperation, which has been growing in the Asia–Pacific. It is relatively easier to build minilateral security cooperation upon an existing bilateral alliance relationship or strategic partnership. This practice has been led in the Asia–Pacific by the United States, which has been maintaining the so‐called hub‐and‐spoke alliance network and expanding its security interactions with non‐allied states. It is in this vein that this article locates security cooperation between the two US allies, South Korea and Australia, in the larger context of the US‐led minilateral security network in the Asia–Pacific. After observing that South Korea and Australia have been enhancing their security cooperation, the article looks into those states' stances on the US attempt to facilitate security linkage among its Asia–Pacific allies. Then, the article examines the (un)desirability and (im)possibility of developing trilateral or quadrilateral security cooperation among South Korea, Australia, the United States and Japan. It claims that the expectation of a US‐led minilateral security cooperation being developed is a key reason for the recent enhancement of bilateral security cooperation between South Korea and Australia. Lastly, it discusses some issues to consider in further promoting South Korea–Australia security cooperation in the context of US‐led minilateral security cooperation.
Similar but Divergent Pathways: US–Cuba and US–North Korea Relations
Authors: Lee Wootae , Park Seong‐yong
Published: August 2016

The United States and Cuba moved to end five decades of hostility and agreed to revive diplomatic relations in December 2014 while US President Barack Obama finally made an official visit to Cuba on 20 March 2016 as the first sitting president to do so in 88 years. In contrast with the Cuban case, US–North Korea relations are only getting worse due to the North Korean nuclear program. The United States adopted new legislation for strong economic sanctions against North Korea after the country's fourth nuclear test was carried out on 6 January 2016 and its launching of a long‐range missile on 6 February 2016. This study aims to find an answer as to why Cuba and North Korea are walking different paths in their relationships with the United States even though they have been subject to similar sanctions from the US. Recent analysis shows that factors in security, international and economic surroundings, geostrategic factors and domestic politics contribute to notable divergence between Cuba and North Korea in regards to their relationships with the United States.
Republic of China's Decision‐Making Process in Regards to Drawing a U‐shaped Line on the Map of the South China Sea and Its Implications
Authors: Chen Hurng‐Yu
Published: August 2016

When the government of the Republic of China drew a U‐shaped line around the islands on a map of the South China Sea in 1947, the decision‐makers were only referring to the islands within this line. Because the Republic of China held just 3 nautical miles of territorial waters, they could not possibly be thinking of including the sea areas within this U‐shaped line. However, with the development of the international Law of the Sea, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, heated discussions arose around the legal status of this U‐shaped line. It had been regarded as the islands’ attribution line, a historic waters line, a historical rights line, and a state boundary line. This article uses official archives to trace the original thinking of these decision‐makers and to infer the meaning of this U‐shaped line.
21st‐Century Northeast Asian Order and America's Choice
Authors: Kim Euikon
Published: August 2016

The emerging new order in Northeast Asia in the 21st century is attributable to a few factors. First, the relative decline of the United States as the hegemonic power contributes to it. Second, the rise of China is also responsible. Buttressed by remarkable economic growth over the past 20 plus years, China is eager to regain its traditional influence and status as the regional hegemon. Third, the relative decline of Japan leads to Northeast Asian power restructuring. Fourth, North Korea is another major factor leading to instability in Northeast Asia. Finally, the rise of South Korea is also responsible for Northeast Asian power restructuring. In the intermediate and long‐run, the US policy toward Northeast Asia will be centered on China, and its China policy will be characterized by engagement and/or hard balancing. To pursue the goal, the United States should further develop close ties with its allies, such as South Korea and Japan, and pursue improved relations with Vietnam and the Philippines. At the same time, the United States should persuade China that cooperating with its neighboring countries would be in its intermediate and long‐term interests. In other words, the United States should firmly and persistently pursue the policy of the “Asianization of China.”
Granulomatosis with polyangiitis‐associated acute subglottic stenosis in a 13‐year‐old boy: a case report
Authors: Geng‐Ramos Giuliana , Nami Nina , Mener David J.
Published: August 2016

We present a case of a child with granulomatosis with polyangiitis, admitted with acute respiratory distress attributed to subglottic stenosis. The anesthetic management and potential complications are described.
Atomoxetine ameliorates nocturnal enuresis with subclinical attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Ohtomo Yoshiyuki
Published: August 2016

Background

Recent studies have shown that incontinence and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) coexist and there is an interaction between them. The treatment for nocturnal enuresis (NE) and ADHD, however, has not been established.

Methods

At the first visit to the outpatient clinic, physical examination and history taking were carried out in 265 new patients with NE. After excluding the possibility of comorbid ADHD and related disorders, patients with monosymptomatic NE (MNE) were treated with desmopressin and/or alarm, and those with non‐monosymptomatic NE (NMNE) were treated with anti‐cholinergics and/or alarm. This 12 week treatment did not work in 65 patients, and they were re‐assessed for comorbid ADHD. A total of 24 were diagnosed with ADHD, and they were treated with atomoxetine (1.8 mg/kg/day) in addition to ongoing therapy for NE.

Results

After 8 weeks of atomoxetine, the average wet nights per months was significantly decreased: 18.5–4.6 in the MNE group (P = 0.001), and 22.1–12.4 in the NMNE group (P = 0.0251). Overall, atomoxetine was beneficial in 19 of 24 patients.

Conclusions

Atomoxetine may be a suitable option for refractory NE with comorbid ADHD.
Objective Detection of Oral Carcinoma with Multispectral Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging In Vivo
Authors: Malik Bilal H. , Lee Joohyung , Cheng Shuna , Cuenca Rodrigo , Jabbour Joey M. , Cheng Yi‐Shing Lisa , Wright John M. , Ahmed Beena , Maitland Kristen C. , Jo Javier A.
Published: August 2016

Successful early detection and demarcation of oral carcinoma can greatly impact the associated morbidity and mortality rates. Current methods for detection of oral cancer include comprehensive visual examination of the oral cavity, typically followed by tissue biopsy. A noninvasive means to guide the clinician in making a more objective and informed decision toward tissue biopsy can potentially improve the diagnostic yield of this process. To this end, we investigate the potential of fluorescence lifetime imaging (FLIM) for objective detection of oral carcinoma in the hamster cheek pouch model of oral carcinogenesis in vivo. We report that systematically selected FLIM features can differentiate between low‐risk (normal, benign and low‐grade dysplasia) and high‐risk (high‐grade dysplasia and cancer) oral lesions with sensitivity and specificity of 87.26% and 93.96%, respectively. We also show the ability of FLIM to generate “disease” maps of the tissue which can be used to evaluate relative risk of neoplasia. The results demonstrate the potential of multispectral FLIM with objective image analysis as a noninvasive tool to guide comprehensive oral examination.
Organ boundary NAC‐domain transcription factors are implicated in the evolution of petal fusion
Authors: Zhong J. , Powell S. , Preston J. C.
Published: August 2016

Research rationale: Evolution of fused petals (sympetaly) is considered to be an important innovation that has repeatedly led to increased pollination efficiency, resulting in accelerated rates of plant diversification. Although little is known about the underlying regulation of sympetaly, genetic pathways ancestrally involved in organ boundary establishment (e.g. CUP SHAPED COTYLEDON [CUC] 1–3 genes) are strong candidates. In sympetalous petunia, mutations in the CUC1/2‐like orthologue NO APICAL MERISTEM (NAM) inhibit shoot apical meristem formation. Despite this, occasional ‘escape shoots’ develop flowers with extra petals and fused inter‐floral whorl organs.

Central methods: To To determine if petunia CUC‐like genes regulate additional floral patterning, we used virus‐induced silencing (VIGS) following establishment of healthy shoot apices to re‐examine the role of NAM in petunia petal development, and uniquely characterise the CUC3 orthologue NH16.

Key results: Confirming previous results, we found that reduced floral NAM/NH16 expression caused increased petal–stamen and stamen–carpel fusion, and often produced extra petals. However, further to previous results, all VIGS plants infected with NAM or NH16 constructs exhibited reduced fusion in the petal whorl compared to control plants.

Main conclusions: Together with previous data, our results demonstrate conservation of petunia CUC‐like genes in establishing inter‐floral whorl organ boundaries, as well as functional evolution to affect the fusion of petunia petals.
University Rankings: Evidence and a Conceptual Framework
Authors: Fowles Jacob , Frederickson H. George , Koppell Jonathan G. S.
Published: August 2016

University ranking has high public visibility, the ranking business has flourished, and institutions of higher education have not been able to ignore it. This study of university ranking presents general considerations of ranking and institutional responses to it, particularly considering reactions to ranking, ranking as a self‐fulfilling prophecy, and ranking as a means of transforming qualities into quantities. The authors present a conceptual framework of university ranking based on three propositions and carry out a descriptive statistical analysis of U.S. and international ranking data to evaluate those propositions. The first proposition of university ranking is that ranking systems are demarcated by a high degree of stability, equilibrium, and path dependence. The second proposition links ranking to institutional identity. The third proposition posits that rankings function as a catalyst for institutional isomorphism. The conclusion reviews some important new developments in university ranking.
A Latent Promotion Time Cure Rate Model using Dependent Tail-Free Mixtures
Authors: Li Li , Lee Ji-Hyun
Published: August 2016

The paper extends the latent promotion time cure rate marker model of Kim, Xi and Chen for right-censored survival data. Instead of modelling the cure rate parameter as a deterministic function of risk factors, they assumed that the cure rate parameter of a targeted population is distributed over a number of ordinal levels according to the probabilities governed by the risk factors. We propose to use a mixture of linear dependent tail-free processes as the prior for the distribution of the cure rate parameter, resulting in a latent promotion time cure rate model. This approach provides an immediate answer to perhaps one of the most pressing questions ‘what is the probability that a targeted population has high proportions (e.g. greater than 70%) of being cured?’. The approach proposed can accommodate a rich class of distributions for the cure rate parameter, while centred at gamma densities. The algorithms that are developed in this work allow the fitting of latent promotion time cure rate models with several survival models for metastatic tumour cells.
Citizens' support for Economic Reforms in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Congdon Fors Heather
Published: August 2016

The objective of this paper is to investigate the factors that influence citizens' support for costly economic reforms in sub‐Saharan Africa. This is relevant for several reasons, but the most obvious perhaps is that economic reform will be difficult if faced by strong resistance from citizens. In this paper, individual data from Round 4 of the Afrobarometer surveys is used to investigate how support for economic reforms is influenced by factors falling under the following broad categories: (i) Economic variables; (ii) group identity and fairness variables; (iii) Institutional and state/government variables; (iv) Demographic and control variables. An individual's trust in the president and the belief that the government manages the economy well are two of the most significant and robust factors. This is in keeping with the results found in Williamson (The Political Economy of Policy Reform, Institute for International Economics, Washington, DC, ). Another robustly significant variable is satisfaction with how democracy works in the country. Variables related to ethnic identity and community membership also play a significant role in support for costly economic reforms, which is in line with the theories put forward by van de Walle (African Economies and the Politics of Permanent Crisis, 1979–1999. Cambridge University Press, New York, ). Females are less likely to support economic reforms, while individuals with higher levels of education are more likely to support economic reforms.