bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ecological characteristics of a cave‐dwelling moth species, Triphosa dubitata (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), in Baram and Ssang caves in Gangwon Province, Korea
Authors: Kim Do Sung , Park Soeng Joon , Han Sang Hoon , Choi Don Won , Choi Young Gun , Kim Hyun Jung , Kim Dong Gun , Yi Hoonbok
Published: September 2017

This study was performed to clarify the ecological characteristics of a cave‐dwelling moth species, Triphosa dubitata Linnaeus (Lepidoptera: Geometridae), at Baram cave and at Ssang cave within Pyeongchang‐gun of Gangwon province in south Korea. We investigated T. dubitata population for 3 days from March 2013 to October 2013 (except September) and in January 2014. We used a section investigation method in the caves every month to determine their ecological characteristic. A nocturnal investigation using a high intensity discharge lamp adjacent to the entrance of the cave was conducted in parallel with a diurnal investigation using butterfly traps to investigate the movement of T. dubitata. In order to investigate the range of habitat temperature of moths, we used a dual laser targeting infrared thermometer to measure the cave temperatures. We caught individuals of T. dubitata L.: 8,574 individuals in Baram cave and 828 individuals in Ssang cave. As 9,095 individuals (97 %) appeared at a temperature of −3°C ~ 8°C, it was verified that the adults were living at specific temperatures. In addition, T. dubitata adults were not active outside the caves; they entered the cave as soon as they developed from pupa into adults. These results showed that T. dubitata depended on food plants outside of the cave during the egg–larva–pupa stages, and they used the cave as a habitat for long‐term survival when they develop into adults.
Evaluation of Existing and Modified Wetland Equations in the SWAT Model
Authors: Ikenberry Charles D. , Crumpton William G. , Arnold Jeffrey G. , Soupir Michelle L. , Gassman Philip W.
Published: September 2017

The ability to accurately simulate flow and nutrient removal in treatment wetlands within an agricultural, watershed‐scale model is needed to develop effective plans for meeting nutrient reduction goals associated with protection of drinking water supplies and reduction of the Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone. The objectives of this study were to incorporate new equations for wetland hydrology and nutrient removal in Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT), compare model performance using original and improved equations, and evaluate the ramifications of errors in watershed and tile drain simulation on prediction of NO3‐N dynamics in wetlands. The modified equations produced Nash‐Sutcliffe Efficiency values of 0.88 to 0.99 for daily NO3‐N load predictions, and percent bias values generally less than 6%. However, statistical improvement over the original equations was marginal and both old and new equations provided accurate simulations. The new equations reduce the model's dependence on detailed monitoring data and hydrologic calibration. Additionally, the modified equations increase SWAT's versatility by incorporating a weir equation and an irreducible nutrient concentration and temperature coefficient. Model improvements enhance the utility of SWAT for simulating flow and nutrients in wetlands and other impoundments, although performance is limited by the accuracy of inflow and NO3‐N predictions from the contributing watershed. Editor's note: This paper is part of the featured series on SWAT Applications for Emerging Hydrologic and Water Quality Challenges. See the February 2017 issue for the introduction and background to the series.
International Trade as an Engine for Sustainable Development: The ITFC Experience in Supporting SMEs
Authors: Terai Anisse
Published: September 2017

This article seeks to shed some light on financing and supporting international trade with a particular focus on SMEs. The paper will look into the situation of Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries vis‐à‐vis international trade. Then, the role of multilateral development banks (MDBs) in supporting international trade will be expounded, while the following section will focus on the experience of ITFC as the sole MDB fully dedicated to trade. Afterwards, the article will cover SMEs’ state in today's world, and make the case of SME development through trade. Finally, a proposal for an innovative trade fund for SMEs will be put forward. The article will conclude with recommendations and proposals to reinforce and develop SMEs through trade for sustainable global social and economic prosperity.
Continued Alcohol Misuse in Human Cirrhosis is Associated with an Impaired Gut–Liver Axis
Authors: Bajaj Jasmohan S. , Kakiyama Genta , Zhao Derrick , Takei Hajime , Fagan Andrew , Hylemon Phillip , Zhou Huiping , Pandak William M. , Nittono Hiroshi , Fiehn Oliver , Salzman Nita , Holtz Mary , Simpson Pippa , Gavis Edith A. , Heuman Douglas M. , Liu Runping , Kang Dae Joong , Sikaroodi Masoumeh , Gillevet Patrick M.
Published: September 2017

Background

Cirrhosis and alcohol can independently affect the gut–liver axis with systemic inflammation. However, their concurrent impact in humans is unclear.

Methods

Our aim was to determine the effect of continued alcohol misuse on the gut‐liver axis in cirrhotic patients. Age‐ and MELD‐balanced cirrhotic patients who were currently drinking (Alc) or abstinent (NAlc) and healthy controls underwent serum and stool collection. A subset underwent upper endoscopy and colonoscopy for biopsies and duodenal fluid collection. The groups were compared regarding (i) inflammation/intestinal barrier: systemic tumor necrosis factor levels, intestinal inflammatory cytokine (duodenum, ileum, sigmoid), and ileal antimicrobial peptide expression; (ii) microbiota composition: 16SrRNA sequencing of duodenal, ileal, and colonic mucosal and fecal microbiota; and (iii) microbial functionality: duodenal fluid and fecal bile acid (BA) profile (conjugation and dehydroxylation status), intestinal BA transporter (ASBT, FXR, FGF‐19, SHP) expression, and stool metabolomics using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results

Alc patients demonstrated a significant duodenal, ileal, and colonic mucosal and fecal dysbiosis, compared to NAlc and controls with lower autochthonous bacterial taxa. BA profile skewed toward a potentially toxic profile (higher secondary and glycine‐conjugated BAs) in duodenal fluid and stool in Alc patients. Duodenal fluid demonstrated conjugated secondary BAs only in the Alc group. There was a greater expression of all ileal BA transporters in Alc patients. This group also showed higher endotoxemia, systemic and ileal inflammatory expression, and lower amino acid and bioenergetic‐associated metabolites, without change in antimicrobial peptide expression.

Conclusions

Despite cirrhosis, continued alcohol misuse predisposes patients to widespread dysbiosis with alterations in microbial functionality such as a toxic BA profile, which can lead to intestinal and systemic inflammation.
Levels of beta‐trace protein in optic disc pit with macular detachment
Authors: Makdoumi Karim , Nilsson Torbjörn K. , Crafoord Sven
Published: September 2017

Background

To report beta‐trace protein (βTP) levels in the subretinal fluid (SRF) of four patients with a macular detachment associated with optic disc pit (ODP).

Methods

Four patients with a serous retinal detachment involving the macula was operated by pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with C2F6 gas tamponade and peeling of internal limiting membrane (ILM). Patients with a follow‐up period exceeding one year postoperatively were included in the study. The SRF was drained using a fine cannula without laser photocoagulation, and the samples were analysed using particle‐enhancing nephelometry. The levels of βTP were compared to 20 routine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples.

Results

In four of the five samples from SRF had relatively low βTP levels, with a mean concentration of 6.6 mg/l (range 2.0 to 23.1 mg/l) compared to 16.0 mg/l (range 6.3‐26.8 mg/l) in CSF. The only SRF sample within the range corresponding to normal CSF was the first sample from patient 4, and the analysis of the renewed aspirate during the second operation was 2.8 mg/l. Postoperatively, the regression of SRF was slow, but regression of SRF in the foveal region took place in all cases; however, visual acuity (VA) was improved in only half of the patients.

Conclusion

The results from the analysed SRF regarding βTP concentration in these patients indicate that the SRF in ODP is not identical to CSF, as the concentrations of βTP differ.
Sex and maturity status affected the validity of a submaximal cycle test in adolescents
Authors: Björkman Frida , Eggers Andrea , Stenman Adam , Bohman Tony , Ekblom Björn , Ekblom Örjan
Published: September 2017

Aim

This study assessed the validity and reliability of the Ekblom‐Bak (EB) submaximal cycle test in adolescents and identified any sex‐ or maturity‐related factors for prediction errors.

Methods

We recruited 50 healthy subjects through a public announcement in Stockholm, Sweden, in 2016. The 27 boys and 23 girls were aged 10–15 years and in Tanner stages I–IV. They performed an EB test and incremental treadmill running test for direct measurement of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max).

Results

The estimation error of VO2max was 0.09 L/min. The correlation (r) was 0.86, and the standard error of the estimate (SEE) was 0.29 L/min. The largest overestimation was seen in prepubertal boys (0.49 L/min). The best precision of the EB test was achieved when boys in Tanner stages I and II were re‐calculated using the prediction equation developed for adult women. This yielded a mean difference of −0.05 L/min, r = 0.92 and SEE 0.23 L/min, in the entire sample. The prediction error was lowered in boys, but not girls, with increasing pubertal maturity.

Conclusion

The EB test was reasonably valid in adolescents, seemed to be related to sex and maturity status, and our findings support its use.
Machiavellianism, social norms, and taxpayer compliance
Authors: Shafer William E. , Wang Zhihong
Published: September 2017

This study is the first to examine the relationships among Machiavellianism, social norms and taxpayer intentions to fraudulently overstate their deductions. We theorize and empirically document that (a) high Machiavellian taxpayers report significantly less ethical social norms, suggesting that reported social norms are influenced by cognitive biases such as social projection and Machiavellian cynicism; (b) reported social norms are, in general, significantly associated with tax evasion intentions; (c) social norms partially mediate the relationship between Machiavellianism and evasion intentions. Our findings imply that experimental research that controls for key personality traits such as Machiavellianism will be necessary to test the effectiveness of potential interventions designed to enhance social norms and tax compliance. Our findings also raise questions regarding the validity of certain social norm measures used in recent studies, particularly in the case of high Machiavellians. In contrast to much prior research, gender was not associated with the likelihood of committing tax fraud in our multivariate models, suggesting that the higher levels of tax compliance often associated with females may be eroding.
The interplay between regulatory focus and temporal distance in the health context
Authors: Berezowska Aleksandra , Fischer Arnout R. H. , van Trijp Hans C. M.
Published: September 2017

Objectives

This study identifies how the interaction between temporal distance, regulatory focus, and framing of health outcomes affects individuals’ intention to adopt a personalized nutrition service.

Design

A 2 (temporal distance: immediate health outcomes vs. delayed health outcomes) × 2 (regulatory focus: prevention vs. promotion) × 2 (health outcome framing: illness prevention vs. health promotion) full‐factorial between‐subjects design.

Methods

In two experiments with samples of 236 and 242 students, regulatory focus was manipulated by asking participants to describe which academic outcomes they want to either achieve or prevent and how they aim to do this. Temporal distance and health outcome framing were manipulated by modifying descriptions of personalized nutrition services. To study the process through which temporal distance, regulatory focus, and health outcome framing affect adoption intention, measures of perceived privacy risk and perceived personalization benefit were included as mediators.

Results

The interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus had a significant effect on adoption intention, perceived privacy risk, and perceived personalization benefit. For prevention‐focused individuals’ adoption intention was higher, perceived personalization benefit was higher, and perceived privacy risk was lower when health outcomes were immediate instead of delayed. These effects were not significant for promotion‐focused individuals. Health outcome framing affected the interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus, but only in Study 1. Only perceived personalization benefit served as a mediator.

Conclusion

Tailoring temporal distance to individuals’ regulatory focus increases adoption intention for personalized nutrition advice.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Intention to adopt dietary recommendations results from a cognitive decision‐making process.

Regulatory focus and temporal distance are relevant for the adoption of dietary recommendations.

Temporal distance and regulatory focus are interrelated.

What does this study add?

The interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus affects adoption intention.

Interaction between temporal distance and regulatory focus moderates the cognitive process that drives adoption.
Unravelling key controls on the rift climax to post‐rift fill of marine rift basins: insights from 3D seismic analysis of the Lower Cretaceous of the Hammerfest Basin, SW Barents Sea
Authors: Marín Dora , Escalona Alejandro , Grundvåg Sten‐Andreas , Olaussen Snorre , Sandvik Sara , Śliwińska Kasia K.
Published: September 2017

In this study, we investigate key factors controlling the rift climax to post‐rift marine basin fill. We use two‐ and three‐dimensional seismic data in combination with sedimentological core descriptions from the Hammerfest Basin, south‐western Barents Sea to characterize and analyse the tectonostratigraphy and seismic facies of the Lower Cretaceous succession. Based on our biostratigraphic analyses, the investigated seismic facies are correlated to 5–10 million year duration sequences that make up the stratigraphic framework of the basin fill. The seismic facies suggest the basin fill was deposited in shallow to deep‐marine conditions. During rift climax in Volgian/Berriasian to Barremian times, a fully linked fault array controlled the formation of slope systems consisting of gravity flow deposits along the southern margin of the basin. Renewed uplift of the Loppa High north of the basin provided coarse‐grained sediments for fan deltas and shorelines that developed along the northern basin margin. During the early to middle late Aptian, the input of coarse‐grained sediments occurred mainly in the NW and SW corners of the basin, reflecting renewed uplift‐induced topography in the western flank of the Loppa High and along the western Finnmark Platform. The lower Albian part of the basin fill is interpreted as a post‐rift succession, where the remnant topography associated with the Finnmark Platform continued to provide sediments to prograding fan deltas and adjacent shorelines. During the Albian, a series of faults were reactivated in the northern part of the basin, and footwall wedges comprising various gravity flow deposits occur along these faults. During the latest Albian to Cenomanian, the south‐eastern part of the Loppa High was flooded by a rise in eustatic sea‐level and differential subsidence. However, the western part of the high remained exposed and acted as a sediment source for a shelf‐margin system prograding towards the SE. It is concluded that the rift climax succession is controlled by: along strike variability of throw and steps of the main bounding faults; the diachronous movement of the faults; and the nature of the feeder system. The evolution of the post‐rift succession may be controlled by rifting in adjacent basins which preferentially renew sources of sediments; local reactivation of faults; and local remnant topography of the basin flanks. We suggest that existing tectonostratigraphic models for rift basins should be updated, to incorporate a more regional perspective and integrating variables such as the influence of adjacent rift systems.
The Decline in Adult Activities Among U.S. Adolescents, 1976–2016
Authors: Twenge Jean M. , Park Heejung
Published: September 2017

The social and historical contexts may influence the speed of development. In seven large, nationally representative surveys of U.S. adolescents 1976–2016 (N = 8.44 million, ages 13–19), fewer adolescents in recent years engaged in adult activities such as having sex, dating, drinking alcohol, working for pay, going out without their parents, and driving, suggesting a slow life strategy. Adult activities were less common when median income, life expectancy, college enrollment, and age at first birth were higher and family size and pathogen prevalence were lower, consistent with life history theory. The trends are unlikely to be due to homework and extracurricular time, which stayed steady or declined, and may or may not be linked to increased Internet use.
Determinants of low risk of asthma exacerbation during pregnancy
Authors: Ali Z. , Nilas L. , Ulrik C. S.
Published: September 2017

Background

Assessment of asthma control every 4‐6 weeks during pregnancy is recommended to reduce risk of exacerbation, and by that improve outcome.

Objective

To identify determinants of pregnancies with low risk of asthma exacerbation.

Methods

All pregnant women enrolled into the Management of Asthma during Pregnancy (MAP) programme at Hvidovre Hospital since 2007. Assessment of asthma control, adjustment of treatment, spirometry and measurement of exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) were performed, and baseline characteristics and exacerbation history were collected at enrolment. Determinants of low‐exacerbation risk pregnancies were identified by logistic regression analysis (stepwise backward elimination).

Results

In 1283 pregnancies, 107 exacerbations were observed. Multiple regression analysis revealed that no history of pre‐pregnancy exacerbations (P < .001), no prescribed controller medication (P < .001), and clinically stable asthma at enrolment (P = .002) were significantly associated with low risk of exacerbation during pregnancy; with these combined characteristics, only two of 385 pregnancies were complicated by an exacerbation (OR 0.04, 95% CI 0.01‐0.18, P < .001).

Conclusion and clinical relevance

Clinically stable asthma at enrolment, together with no history of previous exacerbations and no prescribed controller medication, is a determinant of low risk of an asthma exacerbation during pregnancy, which may guide clinicians in individualizing surveillance of asthma during pregnancy.
Position statement by the Pelvic Floor Society on behalf of the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland on the use of mesh in ventral mesh rectopexy
Authors: Mercer‐Jones M. A. , Brown S. R. , Knowles C. H. , Williams A. B.
Published: September 2017

The following position statement forms part of a response to the current concerns regarding use of mesh to perform rectal prolapse surgery. It highlights the actions being pursued by the Pelvic Floor Society (TPFS) regarding clinical governance in relation to ventral mesh rectopexy (VMR). The following are summary recommendations.

Available evidence suggests that mesh morbidity for VMR is far lower than that seen in transvaginal procedures (the main subject of current concern) and lower than that observed following other abdomino‐pelvic procedures for urogenital prolapse, e.g. laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

VMR should be performed by adequately trained surgeons who work within a multidisciplinary team (MDT) framework. Within this, it is mandatory to discuss all patients considered for surgery at an MDT meeting.

Clinical outcomes of surgery and any complications resulting from surgery should be recorded in the TPFS‐hosted national database (registry) available for this purpose; in addition, all patients should be considered for entry into ongoing and planned UK/European randomized studies where this is feasible.

A move towards accreditation of UK units performing VMR will improve performance and outcomes in the long term.

An enhanced programme of training including staged porcine, cadaveric and preceptorship sessions will ensure the competence of surgeons undertaking VMR.

Enhanced consent forms and patient information booklets are being developed, and these will help both surgeons and patients.

There is weak observational evidence that technical aspects of the procedure can be optimized to reduce morbidity rates. Suture material choice may contribute towards morbidity. The available evidence is insufficient to support the use of one mesh over another (biologic vs synthetic); however, the use of polyester mesh is associated with increased morbidity.
Iran–China Cooperation in the Silk Road Economic Belt: From Strategic Understanding to Operational Understanding
Authors: Shariatinia Mohsen , Azizi Hamidreza
Published: September 2017

Iran served as a bridge in the ancient Silk Road, connecting the East and the West. It also has great potential to play an important role in the new Silk Road. The present study analyzes the factors affecting Iran–China cooperation in the context of the Belt and Road Initiative at the strategic and operational levels. This article shows that, at the strategic level, Iran defines this project as an opportunity to improve its status in the world economy, expanding its room to manoeuvre in the international arena and developing its ties with China, a rising great power. At the operational level, the opportunities and challenges for Iran–China cooperation could be summarized as pertaining to five realms within the Silk Road Economic Belt Initiative: policy coordination, facilitation of connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and people‐to‐people bonds. The present study asserts that the main opportunity for cooperation between the two countries lies in facilitating connectivity and that the key challenge is financial integration.
The Belt and Road Initiative Impact on Europe: An Italian Perspective
Authors: Fardella Enrico , Prodi Giorgio
Published: September 2017

This paper analyzes the impact of the Belt and Road Initiative on Europe with a specific focus on Italy. We concentrate on the impact of new railways and port infrastructures on bilateral trade. Our analysis suggests that the development of new railway connections will benefit most of the Northern and Central European countries. Some industries like automotive and electronics that have a higher value to weight ratio will benefit more than others. However, due to higher costs, railway services will never reach a high percentage of total import/export flows. Investment in new port facilities, although less “new” compared with railways, may be a bigger game changer. The development of the Port of Piraeus has already increased the importance of the Mediterranean Sea as an import/export hub for China. If the other planned investments in Egypt and Algeria are completed, this phenomenon will be magnified. This presents a huge challenge for Italy. The Italian port in the high Adriatic Sea could be displaced by Piraeus capacity, especially if this port is linked through railways with the center of Europe. Italy needs to coordinate its ports together with its railway network to take advantage of Belt and Road Initiative opportunities.
ON THE OPTIMAL REALIGNMENT OF A CONTEST: THE CASE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Authors: Szymanski Stefan , Winfree Jason
Published: September 2017

This article examines the relationship between demand and scheduling in college football. We first derive two different metrics for team quality, and then use those metrics to see how they impact attendance. We find that there is a positive interaction between the quality of the teams. Then various simulations are run to see how attendance would change under different scheduling scenarios. If teams are put into conferences based on the team quality measures, the average per game attendance only rises 1–2%. This is true if 1‐year or 10‐year quality measures are used. However, our simulation suggests that this effect would be more than offset, mainly because schools with larger capacity would play fewer home games and so aggregate attendance would fall. We discuss whether this effect would be mitigated by capacity adjustments in the longer term. (JEL L83, Z20, C78)
Understanding and Using Data From the National Financial Capability Study
Authors: Mottola Gary R. , Kieffer Christine N.
Published: September 2017

This article describes the National Financial Capability Study (NFCS) and provides general and methodological information to aid researchers in using these publically available and free data sets. The NFCS is a large‐scale, ongoing study aimed at monitoring and better understanding financial capability in America. Data from the NFCS can be analyzed at the national, state, and regional levels. We provide detailed information about all nine data sets that currently comprise the NFCS, including sampling procedures, weight construction, and survey design. The article concludes with a discussion of high‐level learnings from the NFCS and the future of the NFCS project.
Consumer Differences in the United States and India on Wearable Trackers
Authors: Koo Sumin Helen
Published: September 2017

The purpose of this research was to compare consumers in the United States and India with different demographic backgrounds and to investigate their preferences, perceptions, attitudes, and behavioral intentions toward wearable trackers. An online survey was conducted and a series of independent t‐tests, Welch's analysis of variance, and Duncan's post hoc test were performed to investigate differences among groups. Simple and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate relationships among variables. The results demonstrated that there were significant differences in country of residence, gender, marital status, and age. Also, there were significant relationships among tracking attributes preferences, perceived usefulness and ease of use, attitudes on using, and the behavioral intention to use wearable trackers. These results can benefit developers and marketers of wearable trackers by increasing their knowledge of the differences among targeted consumer groups. The outcome could be to increase adoption of wearable trackers in the United States and India.
The bluestones of Stonehenge
Authors: Ixer Rob , Bevins Richard
Published: September 2017

How and why the bluestones arrived at Stonehenge, the UK's most revered ancient monument, has long held people's imagination. The key to understanding these questions relies heavily on the location of their sources. Following early studies in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, which proposed various places but in particular south‐west England, H.H. Thomas, in 1923, suggested that they came from the Mynydd Preseli, in north Pembrokeshire, Wales. Thomas proposed a number of key locations for the geographical origin of the stones. However, recent investigations have called those locations into question, identifying different sources albeit from the same broad area in north Pembrokeshire. Identification of these proposed new sites has led to archaeological excavations and important new discoveries including new suggested routes for the transport of the bluestones from the Preseli Hills to Stonehenge some 230 km away.
Specific knock‐down of tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase mRNA levels inhibits intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 and HepG2 cells
Authors: Chirambo George , van Niekerk Chantal , Crowther Nigel J.
Published: September 2017

The use of non‐specific inhibitors of tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (TNSALP) in pre‐adipocytes blocks intracellular lipid accumulation. TNSALP is also expressed in hepatocytes, which are known to accumulate lipid in a similar manner to pre‐adipocytes. The purpose of this study was to use specific silencing of TNSALP mRNA, using short interfering (si) RNA, to investigate the role of TNSALP in intracellular lipid accumulation in 3T3‐L1 and HepG2 cells. Cellular activity of TNSALP was measured using an automated colorimetric assay, and intracellular lipid accumulation was determined using the lipid‐specific dye, Oil Red O. Cells were transfected with siRNA directed against TNSALP mRNA, and expression of the TNSALP gene was determined at selected time points postinduction of lipid droplet formation. Expression of the TNSALP gene was inhibited by a maximum of 88 ± 1.9% (P < 0.005 vs. control) 11 days after initiation of lipid droplet formation in the 3T3‐L1 cells and 80 ± 8.9% (P < 0.05 vs. control) after 4 days in the HepG2 cells. This led to significant inhibition of both TNSALP activity and intracellular lipid accumulation in both cell lines. These data demonstrates that TNSALP plays an important role in the control of lipid droplet formation in both pre‐adipocyte and hepatocyte cell lines.
The association between MICA/MICB polymorphism and respiratory syncytial virus infection in children
Authors: Luo Q. , Guo X. , Peng S. , Luo W. , Tian F. , Yu P. , Zou Y.
Published: September 2017

MICA/MICB gene polymorphisms are related to several cancers and infectious diseases, but there are no reports on the association between MICA/MICB gene polymorphisms and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection. To clarify the association between MICA/MICB gene polymorphisms and infection of RSV in children, we collected fresh blood samples from paediatric patients with and without pneumonia after RSV infection. The MICA/MICB alleles were characterized by PCR sequence‐specific primers (PCR‐SSP) and PCR sequence‐based genotyping (PCR‐SBT), and then, the frequency of the MICA/MICB alleles and haplotypes was calculated. The results showed that the frequencies of MICA*002:01 and MICA‐A9 in RSV‐infected patients were significantly lower than in controls (9% vs. 20%, pc = 0.04). The allele frequency of MICA*002:01 in pneumonia patients (8%) and nonpneumonia patients (9%) was significantly lower than in controls (20%, pc = 0.02). MICA*002:01‐MICB*008(Δrel = 0.616), MICA*009‐MICB*016 (Δrel = 0.506), and MICA*045‐MICB*014 (Δrel = 0.700) showed linkage disequilibrium in patients infected with RSV. The haplotype frequency of MICA*002:01‐MICB*005:02 in RSV‐infected patients was significantly lower than in controls (10% vs. 16%, pc = 0.033). In conclusion, allele MICA*002:01/A9 and haplotype MICA*002:01‐MICB*005:02 were negatively associated with RSV respiratory tract infections.
Demographic transition, immigration, gentrification: Unravelling early signs of re‐urbanisation in a European city
Authors: Salvati Luca
Published: September 2017

After long‐lasting suburbanisation, early signs of re‐urbanisation have been recently observed in southern Europe, one of the regions most affected by the 2007‒2008 crisis. With recession, population dynamics have been influenced by multiple drivers, including the increased attractiveness of inner cities, as a result of gentrification, massive immigration and the economic re‐polarisation of central cores with respect to peripheral zones. This study identifies the contribution of different population groups (unmarried and divorced native people, traditional families, non‐native residents) and age groups to medium‐term (2006‒2015) demographic growth (or decline) in 115 districts (historic centre, compact urban area, suburbs) of the municipality of Rome, Italy. Results outline complex and non‐linear population dynamics with growing and declining districts scattered across the urban area. Non‐native people as well as unmarried and divorced native residents increased in the historical city and in suburban areas. Native population decreased in consolidated urban districts, the preferred location of married people. The evidence for re‐urbanisation in Rome is relatively mixed and suggests the importance of processes of social segregation shaping population dynamics. Variations in the spatial distribution of the resident population and its main demographic components reveal recent trends of growth and decline on the metropolitan scale, producing relevant information for policies governing urban expansion.
Expression and functional proteomic analyses of osteocytes from Xenopus laevis tested under mechanical stress conditions: preliminary observations on an appropriate new animal model
Authors: Bertacchini Jessika , Benincasa Marta , Checchi Marta , Cavani Francesco , Smargiassi Alberto , Ferretti Marzia , Palumbo Carla
Published: September 2017

Hitherto, the role of the osteocyte as transducer of mechanical stimuli into biological signals is far from settled. In this study, we used an appropriate model represented by the cortex of Xenopus laevis long bone diaphysis lacking (unlike the mammalian one) of vascular structures and containing only osteocytes inside the bone matrix. These structural features allow any change of protein profile that might be observed upon different experimental conditions, such as bone adaptation to stress/mechanical loading, to be ascribed specifically to osteocytes. The study was conducted by combining ultrastructural observations and two‐dimensional electrophoresis for proteomic analysis. The osteocyte population was extracted from long bones of lower limbs of amphibian skeletons after different protocols (free and forced swimming). The experiments were performed on 210 frogs subdivided into five trials, each including free swimming frogs (controls) and frogs submitted to forced swimming (stressed). The stressed groups were obliged to swim (on movable spheres covering the bottom of a pool on a vibrating plate) continuously for 8 h, and killed 24 h later along with the control groups. Long bones free of soft tissues (periosteum, endosteum and bone marrow), as well as muscles of posterior limbs, were processed and analyzed for proteins differentially expressed or phosphorylated between the two sample groups. The comparative analysis showed that protein phosphorylation profiles differ between control and stressed groups. In particular, we found in long bones of stressed samples that both Erk1/2 and Akt are hyperphosphorylated; moreover, the different phosphorylation of putative Akt substrates (recognized by specific Akt phosphosubstrates‐antibody) in stressed vs. control samples clearly demonstrated that Akt signaling is boosted by forced swimming (leading to an increase of mechanical stress) of amphibian long bones. In parallel, we found in posterior limb muscles that the expression of heat shock protein HSP27 and HSP70 stress markers increased upon the forced swimming condition. Because the cortexes of frog long bones are characterized by the presence of only osteocytes, all our results establish the suitability of the X. laevis animal model to study the bone response to stress conditions mediated by this cell type and pave the way for further analysis of the signaling pathways involved in these signal transduction mechanisms.
How Cellphone Bans Affect Automobile Insurance Markets
Authors: Karl J. Bradley , Nyce Charles
Published: September 2017

In this article, we examine the effect of laws prohibiting the hand‐held use of a cellphone while driving on the automobile insurance market. Our research is motivated by prior studies that present evidence that the enactment of such laws alters drivers’ behaviors in ways that reduce the risk of automobile accidents. We posit that that, by extension, these laws should also lead to reductions in the amount of losses paid by private passenger automobile physical damage insurers. Our analysis indicates that the enactment of a ban on the hand‐held use of a cellphone while driving reduces the incurred losses and incurred loss ratios of automobile insurers by approximately 3 percent, suggesting that these bans have important economic consequences not previously documented in the literature. Additional analysis suggests that hand‐held cellphone bans eventually lead to incremental reductions in premiums, but we do not observe these reductions in premiums until a couple of years following the enactment of a ban. Our analysis of automobile insurance losses also represents a departure from most prior studies of cellphone bans and therefore contributes to the ongoing debate in the public health literature regarding the extent to which hand‐held cellphone bans have implications for traffic safety.
POROSITY AND PERMEABILITY VARIATIONS IN A TIGHT GAS SANDSTONE RESERVOIR ANALOGUE, WESTPHALIAN D, LOWER SAXONY BASIN, NW GERMANY: INFLUENCE OF DEPOSITIONAL SETTING AND DIAGENESIS
Authors: Becker I. , Wüstefeld P. , Koehrer B. , Felder M. , Hilgers C.
Published: September 2017

Understanding the spatial variability of reservoir properties in tight gas sandstones can significantly reduce uncertainties in reservoir characterization. This study focuses on two outcrops of Upper Carboniferous (Westphalian D) fluvial sandstones in the southern part of the Lower Saxony Basin, NW Germany, which are analogues for tight, gas‐producing reservoir rocks at fields in the north of the basin. Large‐scale differences in reservoir quality occur between the two outcrops which are separated by a distance of approximately 15 km and by 600 m of stratigraphy. Smaller‐scale heterogeneities in the form of channel geometries occur within individual fluvial cycles, as evidenced in a 30 m (high) by 150 m (long) porosity‐permeability profile at one of the outcrops studied.

In the Woitzel quarry, lower Westphalian D deposits consist of fining‐upwards cycles of channel and bar sandstones with intercalated floodplain sediments and coal seams. In abandoned quarries at the Hüggel location, upper Westphalian D strata are composed of grey and red coloured sandstones which suggest deposition in a fluvial – alluvial plain environment under increasingly arid conditions.

Reservoir quality is higher in the upper Westphalian D sandstones at Hüggel (permeability: up to 1 mD; mean porosity: 19%) than in the lower Westphalian D sandstones at Woitzel (permeability: <0.1 mD; mean porosity: 15%). Due to the high degree of compaction of the upper and lower Westphalian D deposits (intergranular volumes of 21.9% and 19.4% respectively) and the high proportions of pseudomatrix, porosity in these sandstones is mainly secondary with up to 80% microporosity. Reservoir quality is in general higher in the upper Westphalian D sandstones where kaolinite is present. In contrast, intense illitization has degraded the reservoir quality of the lower Westphalian D sandstones.

A positive correlation between permeability and grain size is exhibited by the kaolinite‐bearing upper Westphalian D sandstones. No such correlation is evident in the illite‐bearing lower Westphalian D sandstones, unless samples with permeabilities of <0.01 mD are excluded from the correlation. However, such a low permeability cut‐off is not related to sorting, grain size or authigenic quartz cementation.

At a small scale, permeability varies laterally by two orders of magnitude from 0.001 mD to 0.1 mD in a single, approximately 3 m thick tight sandstone bed over a distance of 150 m. Repeated, centimetre‐scaled fining‐upwards grading and bed‐internal erosion contribute to lateral variations in reservoir flow characteristics.

Integrated studies of the depositional environment, diagenesis and sedimentary geometries of the deposited units are a key to the understanding of heterogeneities in tight fluvial sandstones and thus to the successful development of Upper Carboniferous reservoirs in the Lower Saxony Basin and elsewhere.
Training Vouchers and Labour Market Outcomes in Chile
Authors: Novella Rafael , Rucci Graciana , Vazquez Claudia , Kaplan David S.
Published: September 2017

This paper evaluates the impact of a training voucher programme in Chile, called Bono Trabajador Activo, on two labour market outcomes: monthly earnings and employment probabilities. Using detailed administrative datasets of the National Employment Service and the unemployment insurance system, we combine matching and difference‐in‐difference estimators to measure these effects up to five years after the application to the programme. Our main results indicate that the voucher has an overall positive impact on earnings, on the order of 3.2 per cent, and a small negative impact on formal employment. We find that the programme particularly improves earnings for less educated workers.
Speciation below ground: Tempo and mode of diversification in a radiation of endogean ground beetles
Authors: Andújar Carmelo , Pérez‐González Sergio , Arribas Paula , Zaballos Juan P. , Vogler Alfried P. , Ribera Ignacio
Published: September 2017

Dispersal is a critical factor determining the spatial scale of speciation, which is constrained by the ecological characteristics and distribution of a species’ habitat and the intrinsic traits of species. Endogean taxa are strongly affected by the unique qualities of the below‐ground environment and its effect on dispersal, and contrasting reports indicate either high dispersal capabilities favoured by small body size and mediated by passive mechanisms, or low dispersal due to restricted movement and confinement inside the soil. We studied a species‐rich endogean ground beetle lineage, Typhlocharina, including three genera and more than 60 species, as a model for the evolutionary biology of dispersal and speciation in the deep soil. A time‐calibrated molecular phylogeny generated from >400 individuals was used to delimit candidate species, to study the accumulation of lineages through space and time by species–area–age relationships and to determine the geographical structure of the diversification using the relationship between phylogenetic and geographic distances across the phylogeny. Our results indicated a small spatial scale of speciation in Typhlocharina and low dispersal capacity combined with sporadic long distance, presumably passive dispersal events that fuelled the speciation process. Analysis of lineage growth within Typhlocharina revealed a richness plateau correlated with the range of distribution of lineages, suggesting a long‐term species richness equilibrium mediated by density dependence through limits of habitat availability. The interplay of area‐ and age‐dependent processes ruling the lineage diversification in Typhlocharina may serve as a general model for the evolution of high species diversity in endogean mesofauna.
Prospective evaluation of the SeptiFAST multiplex real‐time PCR assay for surveillance and diagnosis of infections in haematological patients after allogeneic stem cell transplantation compared to routine microbiological assays and an in‐house real‐time PCR method
Authors: Elges Sandra , Arnold Renate , Liesenfeld Oliver , Kofla Grzegorz , Mikolajewska Agata , Schwartz Stefan , Uharek Lutz , Ruhnke Markus
Published: September 2017

We prospectively evaluated a multiplex real‐time PCR assay (SeptiFast, SF) in a cohort of patients undergoing allo‐BMT in comparison to an in‐house PCR method (IH‐PCR). Overall 847 blood samples (mean 8 samples/patient) from 104 patients with haematological malignancies were analysed. The majority of patients had acute leukaemia (62%) with a mean age of 52 years (54% female). Pathogens could be detected in 91 of 847 (11%) samples by SF compared to 38 of 205 (18.5%) samples by BC, and 57 of 847 (6.7%) samples by IH‐PCR. Coagulase‐negative staphylococci (n=41 in SF, n=29 in BC) were the most frequently detected bacteria followed by Escherichia coli (n=9 in SF, n=6 in BC). Candida albicans (n=17 in SF, n=0 in BC, n=24 in IH‐PCR) was the most frequently detected fungal pathogen. SF gave positive results in 5% of samples during surveillance vs in 26% of samples during fever episodes. Overall, the majority of blood samples gave negative results in both PCR methods resulting in 93% overall agreement resulting in a negative predictive value of 0.96 (95% CI: 0.95‐0.97), and a positive predictive value of 0.10 (95% CI: −0.01 to 0.21). SeptiFast appeared to be superior over BC and the IH‐PCR method.
Chronic kidney disease and vitamin D metabolism in human bone marrow–derived MSCs
Authors: Zhou Shuanhu , Glowacki Julie
Published: September 2017

Vitamin D that is synthesized in the skin or is ingested undergoes sequential steps of metabolic activation via a cascade of cytochrome P450 enzymatic hydroxylations in the liver and kidney to produce 1α,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1α,25(OH)2D). There are many tissues that are able to synthesize 1α,25(OH)2D, but the biological significance of extrarenal hydroxylases is unresolved. Human marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (marrow stromal cells, hMSCs) give rise to osteoblasts, and their differentiation is stimulated by 1α,25(OH)2D. In addition to being targets of 1α,25(OH)2D, hMSCs can synthesize it; on the basis of those observations, we further examined the local autocrine/paracrine role of vitamin D metabolism in osteoblast differentiation. Research with hMSCs from well‐characterized subjects provides an innovative opportunity to evaluate the effects of clinical attributes on the regulation of hMSCs. Like the renal 1α‐hydroxylase, the enzyme in hMSCs is constitutively decreased with age and chronic kidney disease (CKD); both are regulated by PTH1‐34, insulin‐like growth factor 1, calcium, 1α,25(OH)2D, 25(OH)D, and fibroblast growth factor 23. CKD is associated with impaired renal biosynthesis of 1α,25(OH)2D, low bone mass, and increased fracture risk. Studies with hMSCs from CKD patients or aged subjects indicate that circulating 25(OH)D may have an important role in osteoblast differentiation on vitamin D metabolism and action in hMSCs.
Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp after aplasia cutis congenita in a 9‐year‐old patient: A 5‐year follow‐up
Authors: Fertig Raymond , Maddy Austin , Cadore de Farias Débora , Simão Corrêa Filho Sandro , Rigatti Marcelo , Tosti Antonella
Published: September 2017

Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp (EPDS) is a rare inflammatory skin disease that occurs mainly in elderly adults with a history of trauma to the scalp, but a few cases of EPDS in children have been reported. We report a rare case of EPDS after aplasia cutis congenita in a child.
“One Nation Under God”: The System‐Justifying Function of Symbolically Aligning God and Government
Authors: Shepherd Steven , Eibach Richard P. , Kay Aaron C.
Published: September 2017

Do references to God in political discourse increase confidence in the U.S. sociopolitical system? Using a system justification framework (Jost & Banaji, ), five studies provide evidence that, (1) increasingly governments symbolically associate the nation with God when public confidence in the social system may be threatened and (2) associating the nation with God serves a system‐justifying function by increasing public confidence in the system. In an analysis of U.S. presidential speeches, presidents were more likely to symbolically associate the nation with God during threatening times (Study 1). Among religious individuals, referencing God in political rhetoric increased the perceived trustworthiness of politicians, compared to patriotic secular rhetoric (Study 2) or simply priming the concept of God (Study 3). These effects were also unique to politicians from one's own sociopolitical system (Study 4). Finally, believing God has a plan for the United States attenuates the deleterious effect that perceptions of national decline have on system confidence (Study 5). Implications for the system‐justifying function of religion are discussed.