bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exogenously applied dsRNA molecules deriving from the Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) genome move systemically and protect cucurbits against ZYMV
Authors: Kaldis Athanasios , Berbati Margarita , Melita Ourania , Reppa Chrysavgi , Holeva Maria , Otten Patricia , Voloudakis Andreas
Published: June 2017

Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) causes serious damage in a large number of cucurbits, and control measures are necessary. Transgenic cucurbits expressing parts of the ZYMV genome have been shown to be resistant to the cognate virus. A non‐transgenic approach involving the exogenous application of double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) has also been shown to induce resistance in tobacco against Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) and Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV). In the present study, dsRNA molecules derived from the helper component‐proteinase (HC‐Pro) and coat protein (CP) genes of the ZYMV_DE_2014 isolate were produced in vitro. On exogenous dsRNA application in cucumber, watermelon and squash plants, dsRNA HC‐Pro conferred resistance of 82%, 50% and 18%, and dsRNA CP molecules of 70%, 43% and 16%, respectively. On deep sequencing analysis of ZYMV‐infected watermelon, hot‐spot regions for viral small interfering RNAs (vsiRNAs) in the genome of ZYMV were identified. Stem‐loop reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) detection of selected 21‐nucleotide‐long vsiRNAs in plants that received only dsRNA molecules suggested that the dsRNAs exogenously applied onto plants were successfully diced, thus initiating RNA silencing. dsRNA molecules were found to be progressively degraded in planta, and strongly detected by semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR for at least 9 days after exogenous application. Moreover, dsRNA molecules were detected in systemic tissue of watermelon and squash, showing that dsRNA is transported long distances in these plants.
Mapping quantitative trait loci controlling soybean seed starch content in an interspecific cross of ‘Williams 82’ (Glycine max) and ‘PI 366121’ (Glycine soja)
Authors: Dhungana Sanjeev K. , Kulkarni Krishnanand P. , Park Cheol W. , Jo Hyun , Song Jong T. , Shin Dong‐Hyun , Lee Jeong‐Dong
Published: June 2017

Seed starch content (SSC) greatly affects the taste, flavour and processing properties of soy foods. The objective in this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for SSC in soybean. A total in 169 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross in ‘Williams 82’ and ‘PI 366121’ were grown for three consecutive years. The SSC of the RILs displayed continuous variation with transgressive segregation and hence amenable for QTL mapping. Nine significant QTL exhibiting 5.6–11.3% of the total phenotypic variation (PVE) were identified. The QTL qSTR06_2 showed highest PVE (9.1–11.3%) at LOD values of 4.25–5.39. No stable QTL over 3 years were identified, indicating strong environmental influence on SSC. The QTL qSTR11_1 and qSTR20_1 were found to colocalize with some of the previously reported QTL for sucrose content in soybean, implying the interrelationship between starch and sucrose biosynthesis. As the carbohydrate components may affect key constituents such as oil and protein in soybean seed, findings of the study may be useful in breeding soybeans with improved seed composition.
Transcriptome‐based prediction of hybrid performance with unbalanced data from a maize breeding programme
Authors: Zenke‐Philippi Carola , Frisch Matthias , Thiemann Alexander , Seifert Felix , Schrag Tobias , Melchinger Albrecht E. , Scholten Stefan , Herzog Eva
Published: June 2017

mRNA transcription profiles are an alternative to DNA markers for predicting hybrid performance. Our objective was to investigate their prediction accuracy in an unbalanced maize data set. We focused on the effectiveness of preselecting a core set of genes for transcription profiling and on the comparison of prediction models. A total of 254 hybrids were evaluated for grain yield and grain dry matter content. The mRNA transcripts of a core set of 2k genes and the genotype of 1k AFLP markers were assessed in the parental lines. Predictions based on transcriptome‐based distances determined from the 2k core set of genes resulted in prediction accuracies below 0.5 and could not reach the high accuracies observed with a 46k micro‐array in earlier studies. Predictions based on ridge regression resulted in prediction accuracies greater 0.6. Only marginal differences were observed in the prediction accuracies of mRNA transcripts compared with AFLPs. We conclude that mRNA transcription profiles are suitable for hybrid prediction with ridge‐regression models in unbalanced designs, even if limited resources allow only transcription profiling of a core set of genes.
Autonomic nervous system function in adolescent migraineurs
Authors: Yoshida Seiji , Tanaka Hidetaka , Mizutani Midori , Nakao Ryota , Okamoto Naoyuki , Kajiura Mitsugu , Kanbara Yukiko , Tamai Hiroshi
Published: June 2017

Background

Migraine is a common and disabling neurological disorder. Studies on the relationship between migraine and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) have been inconclusive. Moreover, pediatric studies are extremely limited. Therefore, the present study investigated interictal ANS function in adolescent migraineurs.

Methods

We studied 21 patients with migraine and 26 healthy controls. Beat‐to‐beat blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were non‐invasively and continuously measured in the supine and standing positions. ANS function was evaluated on power spectral analysis of HR variability and diastolic BP (DBP) variability.

Results

Heart rate and systolic BP were not different between the two groups in either the supine or standing position. DBP did not differ between groups in the standing position, but was significantly higher in migraineurs in the supine position. The vasoconstrictor index was significantly higher in migraineurs. High‐frequency (HF) RR interval variability (RR‐HF) and the ratio of the low‐frequency (LF) to HF component of RR interval variability (RR‐LF/HF) were not different between the two groups in both positions. The LF component of DBP variability (DBP‐LF) in the supine position was significantly lower in migraineurs, while DBP‐LF during standing in migraineurs was significantly higher than in controls.

Conclusion

Migraineurs have significantly lower sympathetic vasomotor activity in the supine position, while sympathetic vasomotor activity was hyperresponsive during standing.
Older adults display diminished error processing and response in a continuous tracking task
Authors: Colino Francisco L. , Howse Harvey , Norton Angela , Trska Robert , Pluta Anthony , Luehr Stephen J. C. , Handy Todd C. , Krigolson Olave E.
Published: June 2017

Advancing age is often accompanied by a decline in motor control that results in a decreased ability to successfully perform motor tasks. While there are multiple factors that contribute to age‐related deficits in motor control, one unexplored possibility is that age‐related deficits in our ability to evaluate motor output result in an increase in motor errors. In line with this, previous work from our laboratory demonstrated that motor errors evoked an error‐related negativity (ERN)—a component of the human ERP associated with error evaluation originating within the human medial‐frontal cortex. In the present study, we examined whether or not deficits in the medial‐frontal error evaluation system contribute to age‐related deficits in motor control. Two groups of participants (young, old) performed a computer‐based tracking task that paralleled driving while EEG data were recorded. Our results show that older adults committed more behavioral errors than young adults during performance of the tracking task. An analysis of our ERP data revealed that the amplitude of the ERN was reduced in older adults relative to young adults following motor errors. Our results make an important extension from previous work demonstrating age‐related reductions in the ERN during performance of cognitive tasks. Importantly, our results imply the possibility of understanding motor deficits in older age.
Pattern–Mixture Models with Incomplete Informative Cluster Size: Application to a Repeated Pregnancy Study
Authors: Chaurasia Ashok , Liu Danping , Albert Paul S.
Published: June 2017

The incomplete informative cluster size problem is motivated by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development consecutive pregnancies study, aiming to study the relationship between pregnancy outcomes and parity. These pregnancy outcomes are potentially associated with the number of births over a woman's lifetime, resulting in an incomplete informative cluster size (censored at the end of the study window). We develop a pattern–mixture model for informative cluster size by treating the lifetime number of births as a latent variable. We compare this approach with a simple alternative method that approximates the pattern–mixture model. We show that the latent variable approach has good statistical properties for estimating both the mean trajectory of birth weight and the proportion of gestational hypertension with increasing parity.
Environmental Policy and the Direction of Technical Change
Authors: Greaker Mads , Heggedal Tom‐Reiel , Rosendahl Knut Einar
Published: June 2017

Should governments direct research and development (R&D) away from “dirty” technologies towards “clean” ones? How important is this compared to carbon pricing? We address these questions with the introduction of two model features to the literature on directed technological change and the environment. We introduce decreasing returns to R&D, and allow future carbon taxes to influence current R&D decisions. Our results suggest that governments should prioritize clean R&D. Dealing with major environmental problems requires an R&D shift towards clean technology. However, in the case where most researchers are working with clean technology, both productivity spillovers and the risks of future replacement increase. Consequently, the gap between the private and social values of an innovation is greatest for clean technologies.
Symbols, sentiments, and stories: Urban culture and social problems
Authors: Schafer Tyler S.
Published: June 2017

Cultural approaches to the study of urban life have enjoyed brief bursts of popularity within the social sciences over the past century. Although many urban sociologists acknowledge that meanings, symbols, narratives, and feelings, in other words local culture, help shape urban places, relatively few take this notion any further. In this article, I first lay out the foundations of cultural approaches to the study of urban life. Second, I argue for the continued significance of the distinction between space and place. Third, I describe a contemporary stream of urban sociology called the urban culturalist perspective. Fourth, I describe important insights gleaned from studies embracing cultural urbanist approaches to an area of urban research receiving increasing attention: gentrification. Fifth, and finally, I outline a few ways in which micro‐cultural investigations of urban phenomena provide useful opportunities for public sociology.
Role of cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor 100: anchoring poly(A) sites and modulating transcription termination
Authors: Lin Juncheng , Xu Ruqiang , Wu Xiaohui , Shen Yingjia , Li Qingshun Q.
Published: June 2017

CPSF100 is a core component of the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor (CPSF) complex for 3′‐end formation of mRNA, but it still has no clear functional assignment. CPSF100 was reported to play a role in RNA silencing and promote flowering in Arabidopsis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these phenomena are not fully understood. Our genetics analyses indicate that plants with a hypomorphic mutant of CPSF100 (esp5) show defects in embryogenesis, reduced seed production or altered root morphology. To unravel this puzzle, we employed a poly(A) tag sequencing protocol and uncovered a different poly(A) profile in esp5. This transcriptome‐wide analysis revealed alternative polyadenylation of thousands of genes, most of which result in transcriptional read‐through in protein‐coding genes. AtCPSF100 also affects poly(A) signal recognition on the far‐upstream elements; in particular it prefers less U‐rich sequences. Importantly, AtCPSF100 was found to exert its functions through the change of poly(A) sites on genes encoding binding proteins, such as nucleotide‐binding, RNA‐binding and poly(U)‐binding proteins. In addition, through its interaction with RNA Polymerase II C‐terminal domain (CTD) and affecting the expression level of CTD phosphatase‐like 3 (CPL3), AtCPSF100 is shown to potentially ensure transcriptional termination by dephosphorylation of Ser2 on the CTD. These data suggest a key role for CPSF100 in locating poly(A) sites and affecting transcription termination.
Taking the P out of pollution: an English perspective on phosphorus stewardship and the Water Framework Directive
Authors: Leaf Simon
Published: June 2017

Freshwater eutrophication is an international concern caused by increases in the supply of nutrients to water bodies from their catchments. It has been recognised as an issue in England since the late 1980s and 1990s. However, the problem had started to develop in earlier decades. The current state of play and future prospects in reducing phosphorus concentrations in English rivers and lakes are discussed. This includes an exploration of the challenges in attempting to achieve stringent phosphorus standards, in order to control eutrophication, while also wishing to manage phosphorus better, as a non‐renewable resource. Phosphorus stewardship ultimately needs to address both the resource efficiency aspects of phosphorus management and the environmental objectives. However, some tension between these aspirations is identified and potential future management approaches are outlined.
Research on the Effect of Chinese Margin Trading on Market Risk: Based on GJR Model and Filtered Historical Simulation
Authors: Ma Lan-Ya , Li Zi-Yu
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we address the issue that the financial institutes need to identify the risk of margin trading, and we analyze the volatility and value at risk of China’s Shanghai-Shenzhen 300 Index before and since the inception of margin trading policy. We first analyze the statistical attributes of the logarithmic return series. Then we build the GJR-GARCH to model the difference of volatility and leverage effect of the two sample time series. After that, we calculate the dynamic value at risk based on the parametric method. Moreover, we apply the filtered historical simulation with the help of Bootstrap technique to obtain the pathway of return and finally calculate the value at risk under the two circumstances. In the end, we propose some reasonable policies to financial risk management department.
Estimation of the Impact of Monetary Policy on Economic Growth: The Case of Cote d’Ivoire in Line with SVAR Methodology
Authors: Hervé Drama Bédi Guy
Published: June 2017

This paper examines and foresees the impacts of monetary policy on economic growth by studying the case of Cote d’Ivoire through the
Demonstration of fundamental statistics by studying timing of electronics signals in a physics-based laboratory
Authors: Beach Shaun E. , Semkow Thomas M. , Remling David J. , Bradt Clayton J.
Published: June 2017

We have developed accessible methods to demonstrate fundamental statistics in several phenomena, in the context of teaching electronic signal processing in a physics-based college-level curriculum. A relationship between the exponential time-interval distribution and Poisson counting distribution for a Markov process with constant rate is derived in a novel way and demonstrated using nuclear counting. Negative binomial statistics is demonstrated as a model for overdispersion and justified by the effect of electronic noise in nuclear counting. The statistics of digital packets on a computer network are shown to be compatible with the fractal-point stochastic process leading to a power-law as well as generalized inverse Gaussian density distributions of time intervals between packets.
Low-cost nonlinear optics experiment for undergraduate instructional laboratory and lecture demonstration
Authors: Turchiello Rozane de F. , Pereira Luiz A. A. , Gómez Sergio L.
Published: June 2017

This paper presents a simple and affordable experiment on the thermal lens effect, suitable for an undergraduate educational laboratory or as a tabletop demonstration in a lecture on nonlinear optics. Such an experiment exploits the formation of a lens in an absorbing medium illuminated by a laser beam with a Gaussian intensity profile. As an absorber, we use a commercial soy sauce, which exhibits a strong thermal lensing effect. Additionally, we show how to measure the radius of a Gaussian beam using the knife-edge method, and how to estimate the focal length of the induced thermal lens.
Learning about the scale of the solar system using digital planetarium visualizations
Authors: Yu Ka Chun , Sahami Kamran , Dove James
Published: June 2017

We studied the use of a digital planetarium for teaching relative distances and sizes in introductory undergraduate astronomy classes. Inspired in part by the classic short film The Powers of Ten and large physical scale models of the Solar System that can be explored on foot, we created lectures using virtual versions of these two pedagogical approaches for classes that saw either an immersive treatment in the planetarium or a non-immersive version in the regular classroom (with N = 973 students participating in total). Students who visited the planetarium had not only the greatest learning gains, but their performance increased with time, whereas students who saw the same visuals projected onto a flat display in their classroom showed less retention over time. The gains seen in the students who visited the planetarium reveal that this medium is a powerful tool for visualizing scale over multiple orders of magnitude. However the modest gains for the students in the regular classroom also show the utility of these visualization approaches for the broader category of classroom physics simulations.
Resource Letter OSE-1: Observing Solar Eclipses
Authors: Pasachoff Jay M. , Fraknoi Andrew
Published: June 2017

This Resource Letter provides a guide to the available literature, listing selected books, articles, and online resources about scientific, cultural, and practical issues related to observing solar eclipses. It is timely, given that a total solar eclipse will cross the continental United States on August 21, 2017. The next total solar eclipse path crossing the U.S. and Canada will be on April 8, 2024. In 2023, the path of annularity of an annular eclipse will cross Mexico, the United States, and Canada, with partial phases visible throughout those countries.
Draft Genome Sequences of Four Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates Obtained from Patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Lira Felipe , García-León Guillermo , Oliver Antonio , Martínez José L.
Published: June 2017

Patients suffering chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are frequently infected by
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. Nevertheless, the number of sequenced isolates causing this type of infection is low. Here, we present the draft genomes of four
P. aeruginosa
isolates obtained from patients presenting chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Mycobacterium tuberculosis Strain Belonging to the East African-Indian Family in the Indo-Oceanic Lineage, Isolated in Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Wada Takayuki , Hijikata Minako , Maeda Shinji , Hang Nguyen Thi Le , Thuong Pham Huu , Hoang Nguyen Phuong , Hung Nguyen Van , Keicho Naoto
Published: June 2017

The East African-Indian (EAI) family of
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
is an endemic group mainly observed in Southeast Asia. Here, we report the complete genome sequence of an
M. tuberculosis
strain isolated as a member of the EAI family in Hanoi, Vietnam, a country with a high incidence of tuberculosis.
Early termination of cardiovascular trials as a consequence of poor accrual: analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov 2006–2015
Authors: Baldi Ileana , Lanera Corrado , Berchialla Paola , Gregori Dario
Published: June 2017

Objectives

To present a snapshot of experimental cardiovascular research with a focus on geographical and temporal patterns of early termination due to poor accrual.

Setting

The Aggregate Analysis of ClinicalTrials.gov (AACT) database, reflecting ClinicalTrials.gov as of 27 March 2016.

Design

The AACT database was searched for all cardiovascular clinical trials that started from January 2006 up to December 2015.

Results

Thirteen thousand and seven hundred twenty-nine cardiovascular trials were identified. Of these, 8900 (65%) were classified as closed studies. Globally, 11% of closed trials were terminated. This proportion varied from 9.6% to 14% for trials recruiting from Europe and Americas, respectively, with a slightly decreasing trend (p=0.02) over the study period. The most common reason for trials failing to complete was poor accrual (41%). Intercontinental trials exhibited lower figures of poor accrual as the reason for their early stopping, as compared with trials recruiting in a single continent (28% vs 44%, p=0.002).

Conclusions

Poor accrual significantly challenges the successful completion of cardiovascular clinical trials. Findings are suggestive of a positive effect of globalisation of cardiovascular clinical research on the achievement of enrolment goals within a reasonable time frame.
Detection of peripheral and central sensitisation at acupoints in patients with unilateral shoulder pain in Beijing: a cross-sectional matched case–control study
Authors: Yan Chao-Qun , Zhang Shuai , Li Qian-Qian , Zhang Li-Wen , Wang Xue-Rui , Fu Qing-Nan , Shi Guang-Xia , Liu Cun-Zhi
Published: June 2017

Objective

To investigate the pattern of experimental pain responses at acupoints in patients with unilateral shoulder pain.

Design

A cross-sectional matched study.

Setting

Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Capital Medical University.

Participants

Volunteer samples of 60 participants (30 patients with unilateral shoulder pain, 30 healthy controls).

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main outcome measures

Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were measured at four acupoints—namely,Tianzong(SI 11),Jianliao(SJ 14),Jianyu(LI 15) andJianzhen(SI 9), on the painful/non-painful side in patients with unilateral shoulder pain or healthy controls, respectively. The correlations between the Peripheral Sensitisation Index (PSI) and Central Sensitisation Index (CSI) were compared.

Results

Analysis showed significantly lower PPT values at acupoints on the painful side compared with the non-painful side in patients with shoulder pain (p<0.025). Meanwhile, PPTs on the non-painful side of these patients were lower than those on the ipsilateral side of healthy controls (p<0.025). No significant differences in PPT values were found between the non-acupoint of the painful/non-painful side in patients with shoulder pain and the ipsilateral side of healthy controls (p>0.05). Additionally, it was observed that the pressure pain assessment acupoints have a strong association with PSI and CSI; three acupoints, in particular, SJ 14, LI 15 and SI 9, showed a correlation with PSI and CSI.

Conclusion

The results suggest the presence of peripheral and central sensitisation at acupoints in participants with unilateral shoulder pain. There exists an obvious relationship among the three acupoints SJ 14, LI 15 and SI 9, which are usually chosen to treat shoulder pain. The results provide evidence for the selection of acupoints to treat shoulder pain by acupuncture.
Revealed versus concealed criteria for placental insufficiency in an unselected obstetric population in late pregnancy (RATIO37): randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Figueras Francesc , Gratacos Eduard , Rial Marta , Gull Ilan , Krofta Ladislav , Lubusky Marek , Rogelio Cruz-Martinez , Mónica Cruz-Lemini , Miguel Martinez-Rodriguez , Socias Pamela , Aleuanlli Cristina , Cordero Mauro C Parra
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Fetal growth restriction (FGR) affects 5%–10% of all pregnancies, contributing to 30%–50% of stillbirths. Unfortunately, growth restriction often is not detected antenatally. The last weeks of pregnancy are critical for preventing stillbirth among babies with FGR because there is a pronounced increase in stillbirths among growth-restricted fetuses after 37 weeks of pregnancy. Here we present a protocol (V.1, 23 May 2016) for the RATIO37 trial, which evaluates an integrated strategy for accurately selecting at-risk fetuses for delivery at term. The protocol is based on the combination of fetal biometry and cerebroplacental ratio (CPR). The primary objective is to reduce stillbirth rates. The secondary aims are to detect low birth weights and adverse perinatal outcomes.

Methods and analysis

The study is designed as multicentre (Spain, Chile, Mexico,Czech Republic and Israel), open-label, randomised trial with parallel groups. Singleton pregnancies will be invited to participate after routine second-trimester ultrasound scan (19+0–22+6weeks of gestation), and participants will be randomly allocated to receive revealed or concealed CPR evaluation. Then, a routine ultrasound and Doppler scan will be performed at 36+0–37+6weeks. Sociodemographic and clinical data will be collected at enrolment. Ultrasound and Doppler variables will be recorded at 36+0–37+6weeks of pregnancy. Perinatal outcomes will be recorded after delivery. Univariate (with estimated effect size and its 95% CI) and multivariate (mixed-effects logistic regression) comparisons between groups will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be conducted in accordance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice. This study was accepted by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of Hospital Clinic Barcelona on 23May 2016. Subsequent approval by individual ethical committees and competent authorities was granted. The study results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT02907242; pre-results.
Protocol for a multicentre, multistage, prospective study in China using system-based approaches for consistent improvement in surgical safety
Authors: Yu Xiaochu , Jiang Jingmei , Liu Changwei , Shen Keng , Wang Zixing , Han Wei , Liu Xingrong , Lin Guole , Zhang Ye , Zhang Ying , Ma Yufen , Bo Haixin , Zhao Yupei
Published: June 2017

Introduction

Surgical safety has emerged as a crucial global health issue in the past two decades. Although several safety-enhancing tools are available, the pace of large-scale improvement remains slow, especially in developing countries such as China. The present project (Modern Surgery and Anesthesia Safety Management System Construction and Promotion) aims to develop and validate system-based integrated approaches for reducing perioperative deaths and complications using a multicentre, multistage design.

Methods and analysis

The project involves collection of clinical and outcome information for 1 20 000 surgical inpatients at four regionally representative academic/teaching general hospitals in China during three sequential stages: preparation and development, effectiveness validation and improvement of implementation for promotion. These big data will provide the evidence base for the formulation, validation and improvement processes of a system-based stratified safety intervention package covering the entire surgical pathway. Attention will be directed to managing inherent patient risks and regulating medical safety behaviour. Information technology will facilitate data collection and intervention implementation, provide supervision mechanisms and guarantee transfer of key patient safety messages between departments and personnel. Changes in rates of deaths, surgical complications during hospitalisation, length of stay, system adoption and implementation rates will be analysed to evaluate effectiveness and efficiency.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the institutional review boards of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, First Hospital of China Medical University, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xiangya Hospital Central South University and the Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Study findings will be disseminated via peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and patent papers.
Multiple health behaviour change interventions for primary prevention of cardiovascular disease in primary care: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Alageel Samah , Gulliford Martin C , McDermott Lisa , Wright Alison J
Published: June 2017

Background

It is uncertain whether multiple health behaviour change (MHBC) interventions are effective for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in primary care. A systematic review and a meta-analysis were performed to evaluate the effectiveness of MHBC interventions on CVD risk and CVD risk factors; the study also evaluated associations of theoretical frameworks and intervention components with intervention effectiveness.

Methods

The search included randomised controlled trials of MHBC interventions aimed at reducing CVD risk in primary prevention population up to 2017. Theoretical frameworks and intervention components were evaluated using standardised methods. Meta-analysis with stratification and meta-regression were used to evaluate intervention effects.

Results

We identified 31 trials (36 484 participants) with a minimum duration of 12 months follow-up. Pooled net change in systolic blood pressure (16 trials) was −1.86 (95% CI −3.17 to −0.55; p=0.01) mm Hg; diastolic blood pressure (15 trials), −1.53 (−2.43 to −0.62; p=0.001) mm Hg; body mass index (14 trials), −0.13 (−0.26 to −0.01; p=0.04) kg/m2; serum total cholesterol (14 trials), −0.13 (−0.19 to −0.07; p<0.001) mmol/L. There was no significant association between interventions with a reported theoretical basis and improved intervention outcomes. No association was observed between intervention intensity (number of sessions and intervention duration) and intervention outcomes. There was significant heterogeneity for some risk factor analyses, leading to uncertain validity of some pooled net changes.

Conclusions

MHBC interventions delivered to CVD-free participants in primary care did not appear to have quantitatively important effects on CVD risk factors. Better reporting of interventions’ rationale, content and delivery is essential to understanding their effectiveness.
Space oddity: The mission for spatial integration
Authors: Berger Aaron M. , Goethel Daniel R. , Lynch Patrick D. , Quinn Terrance , Mormede Sophie , McKenzie Jeremy , Dunn Alistair
Published: June 2017

Fishery management decisions are commonly guided by stock assessment models that aggregate outputs across the spatial domain of the species. With refined understanding of spatial population structures, scientists have begun to address how spatiotemporal mismatches among the scale of ecological processes, data collection programs, and stock assessment methods (or assumptions) influence the reliability and, ultimately, appropriateness of regional fishery management (e.g., assigning regional quotas). Development and evaluation of spatial modeling techniques to improve fisheries assessment and management have increased rapidly in recent years. We overview the historical context of spatial models in fisheries science, highlight recent advances in spatial modeling, and discuss how spatial models have been incorporated into the management process. Despite limited examples where spatial assessment models are used as the basis for management advice, continued investment in fine-scale data collection and associated spatial analyses will improve integration of spatial dynamics and ecosystem-level interactions in stock assessment. In the near future, spatiotemporal fisheries management advice will increasingly rely on fine-scale outputs from spatial analyses.
Traffic flow behavior at a single lane traffic circle
Authors: Khallouk A. , Lakouari N. , Echab H. , Ez-Zahraouy H.
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we propose a stochastic cellular automata (CA) model to study traffic dynamic at a single-lane traffic circle of [Formula: see text] entry/exit points. The boundaries are controlled by the injecting rates [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and the extracting rate [Formula: see text]. Both the cases with and without the splitter islands of width [Formula: see text] are considered. The phase diagrams in the space [Formula: see text] are constructed and the density profiles are also investigated. The variation of the phase diagram with the traffic circle size [Formula: see text], the number of entry point [Formula: see text], and the time needed for drivers to change their exit willingly [Formula: see text] is studied. The results show that the phase diagram in both cases consists essentially of three phases namely free flow, congestion and gridlock. However, the large sized traffic circle shows better performance in the free flow phase, in contrary, the increase of [Formula: see text] enlarges the congestion and the gridlock phases. We have also found that the decrease of [Formula: see text] enhances the traffic flow situation in the traffic circle. Furthermore, as the [Formula: see text] increases, the free flow phase enlarges while the congestion and gridlock ones shrink.
HAS ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATION RESTRAINED SMOG POLLUTION: EVIDENCE FROM CHINA
Authors: HUANG SHOUFENG , CHEN DENGTA
Published: June 2017

We studied how environmental regulation affects the ecological environment from the perspective of an underground economy. The theoretical model shows that environmental regulation exerts both direct and indirect effects — via the underground economy — on environmental pollution, and that the underground economy is unfavorable for the environment. Empirical results show that all the effects (direct, indirect, and total) of environmental regulation are insignificant, and the enforcement of environmental regulation may increase smog emissions with the expansion of the underground economy; smog pollution will increase with the strengthening of environmental regulation. Moreover, the underground economy shows a remarkable spatial effect when using spatial distance or spatial economics weights matrix.
THE HETEROGENEOUS TAX BURDEN: EVIDENCE FROM FIRM-LEVEL DATA IN CHINA
Authors: YE JIANLIANG , GUO XIAOHAN , LUO DEMING , JIN XIANGRONG
Published: June 2017

Firms’ behaviors are not only affected by their taxation burden level, but also their differences from each other. In this paper, we use Chinese Industrial Enterprises Database (CIED) to investigate the relationship between firms’ heterogeneity of tax burden and firms’ characteristics, such as size, ownership, exportation and location. We measure a firm’s tax burden in three ways, the value-added tax (VAT) burden, the corporate income tax (CIT) burden, and the total tax burden. By using a Hausman–Taylor estimation, we find: (1) The CIT burden is positively correlated to the size, while other two tax burdens are not; (2) Both the VAT burden and the total tax burden of SOEs are significantly heavier than those of non-SOEs, while the CIT burden shows the exactly opposite effect; (3) Exporters have a remarkably lower tax burden than non-exporters for all three tax burden measures; and (4) The western region and particularly the central region have lighter tax burden than the eastern region for all three tax burden measures. We also provide empirical evidence and policy suggestions for continuing to proceed with the structural tax reduction and the structural fiscal reform in China.
Acousto–electric interaction in inhomogeneous semiconductor quantum plasma
Authors: Ghosh S. , Muley Apurva
Published: June 2017

In the present paper, an analytical study has been presented to examine the acousto–electric interactions in piezoelectric inhomogeneous semiconductor quantum plasma. The analysis is made by deriving the quantum-modified dispersion relation and subsequently deducing the expression of gain coefficient of acoustic wave using quantum hydrodynamic (QHD) model for inhomogeneous semiconductor plasma. The linearly and quadratically varying plasma density profiles have been chosen to investigate the effects of inhomogeneity through density gradient. We address the role of quantum parameter-H, scale length of density variation L and propagation distance z on gain profiles of acoustic wave. It has been found that the presence of these parameters can significantly modify the crossover and resonance characteristics of acoustic wave. Results reveal that the crossover point for wave amplification is found to be greater than unity in inhomogeneous quantum plasma media while the resonance condition is effectively influenced by these parameters in all the considered cases. We found that more acoustic gain would be possible if the acoustic mode propagates from low to high plasma density region in the medium. It is also found that as the medium tends to have high inhomogeneity, more pronounced modifications on resonance characteristics of acoustic wave are expected.
Relay Selection in Distributed Orthogonal Space-Time Block Coded Networks
Authors: Al-Qahtani Dokhyl M. , Al-Sanie Abdulhameed M.
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the impact of relay selection on the performance of distributed orthogonal space-time block coding (D-OSTBC) in a wireless network. The relay selection algorithm is based on minimizing the pairwise error probability (PER) or equivalently maximizing the signal to noise ratio (SNR) at the receiver. The receiver can always find the optimal selected relay by exhaustive search where the number of relays rarely exceeds four. It is shown in this work that the proposed scheme achieves full diversity order and provides an additional array gain compared to conventional D-OSTBC. Our results show that the proposed scheme is more power efficient than the conventional D-OSTBC. Since 50% of the time the half of the relay is off, the proposed scheme increases the life time of the relay.
Dirichlet to Neumann operator for Abelian Yang–Mills gauge fields
Authors: Díaz-Marín Homero G.
Published: June 2017

We consider the Dirichlet to Neumann operator for Abelian Yang–Mills boundary conditions. The aim is constructing a complex structure for the symplectic space of boundary conditions of Euler–Lagrange solutions modulo gauge for space-time manifolds with smooth boundary. Thus we prepare a suitable scenario for geometric quantization within the reduced symplectic space of boundary conditions of Abelian gauge fields.
Use of Structural Steel Frames for Structural Restoration of URM Historical Buildings in Seismic Areas
Authors: Karakale Vail
Published: June 2017

Historic buildings and monuments are an important part of our cultural heritage that must be protected and their sustainability ensured, especially when earthquakes occur. In this paper, a technique that uses structural steel frames is proposed as one way of strengthening unreinforced masonry (URM) in historical buildings. The idea underpinning this technique is to reduce the earthquake displacement demand on non-ductile URM walls by attaching steel frames to the building floors from inside. These frames run parallel to the structural system of the building and are fixed at their base to the existing foundation of the building. Furthermore, they are constructed rapidly, do not occupy architectural space, save the building’s historic fabric, and can be easily replaced after an earthquake if some minor damage ensues. The proposed technique was applied to a five-story historical masonry building in Istanbul. The results of seismic performance analysis indicate that even though the building has plan irregularities, the proposed steel frames are able to effectively enhance the building’s seismic performance by reducing inter-story drifts and increasing lateral stiffness and strength.
Semisimple semirings with respect to co-ideals theory
Authors: Ebrahimi Atani Shahabaddin , Dolati Pishhesari Saboura , Khoramdel Mehdi
Published: June 2017

In this paper, we introduce the concepts of semisimple semirings, Jacobson radical and socle of semirings based on their co-ideals and record some results involving them.
The Complexity of Non-Monotone Markets
Authors: Chen Xi , Paparas Dimitris , Yannakakis Mihalis
Published: June 2017

We introduce the notion of non-monotone utilities, which covers a wide variety of utility functions in economic theory. We then prove that it is PPAD-hard to compute an approximate Arrow-Debreu market equilibrium in markets with linear and non-monotone utilities. Building on this result, we settle the long-standing open problem regarding the computation of an approximate Arrow-Debreu market equilibrium in markets with CES utility functions, by proving that it is PPAD-complete when the Constant Elasticity of Substitution parameter ρ is any constant less than − 1.
Is the Environment Compatible with Growth? Adopting an Integrated Framework for Sustainability
Authors: Bretschger Lucas
Published: June 2017

This review develops an integrated baseline model to assess the trade-offs between the natural environment and economic growth. Consumption growth is considered in terms of both welfare and sustainability. The framework features capital accumulation and the sectoral structure of the economy as key elements to cope with resource scarcity and pollution. Model extensions that vary the number of sectors and inputs, change functional forms, and introduce poor input substitution and population growth are presented. This framework highlights the dual role of inputs as a source of environmental problems and part of the solution; it also addresses uncertainty and momentum effects. This review concludes that the environment and economic growth can be compatible but that small deviations from the optimal paths might entail unsustainable development. Critical issues for sustainability include insufficient foresight, increasing damage intensity, and suboptimal policy making, although population growth and poor input substitution are not necessarily precarious for future development.
Activated Notch signaling cascade is correlated with stem cell differentiation toward absorptive progenitors after massive small bowel resection in a rat
Authors: Sukhotnik Igor , Coran Arnold G. , Pollak Yulia , Kuhnreich Eviatar , Berkowitz Drora , Saxena Amulya K.
Published: June 2017

Notch signaling is thought to act to drive cell versification in the lining of the small intestine. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the role of the Notch signaling pathway in stem cell differentiation in the late stages of intestinal adaptation after massive small bowel resection in a rat. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to one of two experimental groups of eight rats each: Sham rats underwent bowel transection and reanastomosis, while SBS rats underwent 75% small bowel resection. Rats were euthanized on day 14. Illumina's Digital Gene Expression (DGE) analysis was used to determine Notch signaling gene expression profiling. Notch-related gene and protein expression was determined using real-time PCR, Western blot analysis, and immunohistochemistry. From seven investigated Notch-related (by DGE analysis) genes, six genes were upregulated in SBS vs. control animals with a relative change in gene expression level of 20% or more. A significant upregulation of Notch signaling-related genes in resected animals was accompanied by a significant increase in Notch-1 protein levels (Western blot analysis) and a significant increase in the number of Notch1 and Hes1 (target gene)-positive cells (immunohistochemistry) compared with sham animals. Evaluation of cell differentiation has shown a strong increase in total number of absorptive cells (unchanged secretory cells) compared with control rats. In conclusion, 2 wk after bowel resection in rats, stimulated Notch signaling directs the crypt cell population toward absorptive progenitors.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study provides novel insight into the mechanisms of cell proliferation following massive small bowel resection. We show that 2 wk after bowel resection in rats, enhanced stem cell activity was associated with stimulated Notch signaling pathway. We demonstrate that activated Notch signaling cascade directs the crypt cell population toward absorptive progenitors.
The effects of RSR13 on microvascular Po2 kinetics and muscle contractile performance in the rat arterial ligation model of peripheral arterial disease
Authors: Watanabe Aiko , Poole David C. , Kano Yutaka
Published: June 2017

Exercise intolerance and claudication are symptomatic of peripheral arterial disease. There is a close relationship between muscle O2 delivery, microvascular oxygen partial pressure (P mvO2), and contractile performance. We therefore hypothesized that a reduction of hemoglobin-oxygen affinity via RSR13 would maintain a higher P mvO2 and enhance blood-muscle O2 transport and contractile function. In male Wistar rats (12 wk of age), we created hindlimb ischemia via right-side iliac artery ligation (AL). The contralateral (left) muscle served as control (CONT). Seven days after AL, phosphorescence-quenching techniques were used to measure P mvO2 at rest and during contractions (electrical stimulation; 1 Hz, 300 s) in tibialis anterior muscle (TA) under saline ( n = 10) or RSR13 ( n = 10) conditions. RSR13 at rest increased TA P mvO2 in CONT (13.9 ± 1.6 to 19.3 ± 1.9 Torr, P < 0.05) and AL (9.0 ± 0.5 to 9.9 ± 0.7 Torr, P < 0.05). Furthermore, RSR13 extended maintenance of the initial TA force (i.e., improved contractile performance) such that force was not decreased significantly until contraction 240 vs. 150 in CONT and 80 vs. 20 in AL. This improved muscle endurance with RSR13 was accompanied by a greater ΔP mvO2 (P mvO2 decrease from baseline) (CONT, 7.4 ± 1.0 to 11.2 ± 1.3; AL, 6.9 ± 0.5 to 8.6 ± 0.6 Torr, both P < 0.05). Whereas RSR13 did not alter the kinetics profile of P mvO2 (i.e., mean response time) substantially during contractions, muscle force was elevated, and the ratio of muscle force to P mvO2 increased. In conclusion, reduction of hemoglobin-oxygen affinity via RSR13 in AL increased P mvO2 and improved muscle contractile performance most likely via enhanced blood-muscle O2 diffusion.

NEW & NOTEWORTHY This is the first investigation to examine the effect of RSR13 (erythrocyte allosteric effector) on skeletal muscle microvascular oxygen partial pressure kinetics and contractile function using an arterial ligation model of peripheral arterial disease in experimental animals. The present results provide strong support for the concept that reducing hemoglobin-O2 affinity via RSR13 improved tibialis anterior muscle contractile performance most likely via enhanced blood-muscle O2 diffusion.