bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
THE RESPONSE OF STATE‐OWNED ENTERPRISES TO IMPORT COMPETITION: EVIDENCE FROM CHINESE MANUFACTURING FIRMS
Authors: DUANMU Jing‐Lin , PITTMAN Russell 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTWe examine the wage and employment impact on Chinese firms of an increase in import competition associated with China's WTO accession in December 2001, with an emphasis on state‐owned enterprises (SOEs). We find that both wage and employment are negatively impacted by an increase in import competition, but firms with high state ownership cut employment less and reduce wages more than their private counterparts, suggesting that they prioritize the protection of employment over that of wages. This finding supports the notion that SOEs may have ‘multitask’ responsibilities in terms of protecting employment as well as achieving efficiency. We also find that firms with higher capital intensity reduce their wages less but cut employment more in response to intensified import competition. This provides empirical support for the efficiency wage theory.
UNDERSTANDING MEMBER CHARACTERISTICS AND COOPERATIVE PRICE EFFECTS: THE CASE OF THE ARGENTINEAN DAIRY SECTOR
Authors: MALVIDO PEREZ CARLETTI Agustina , HANISCH Markus , PUECHAGUT Maria Soledad , GASTALDI Laura Beatriz 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTSince the 1990s, Argentinean dairy‐processing cooperatives have lost considerable amounts of members and market share. We analyse their current role by investigating the characteristics of farmers who continue delivering to them and price differentials between cooperatives and investor‐oriented firms (IOFs). A probit regression model applied to 917 farmers suggests that cooperative farmers are more disadvantaged than farmers delivering to IOFs in terms of education, farm size and productive technology. Moreover, t‐tests applied to data representing 70 per cent of national volume indicate that farmers delivering to cooperatives are between 11 per cent and 29 per cent smaller than those delivering to IOFs, depending on province. A hierarchical multilevel regression model applied to 9,720 transactions among farmers and processors shows that, after controlling for quantity and quality, cooperatives pay lower (3.5%) but more stable prices than IOFs. In a context of rapid structural change, we observe a market in which larger farmers deliver to IOFs and smaller farmers deliver to cooperatives and conclude that, at the expense of paying lower prices, cooperatives may act as buyers of last resort for otherwise disadvantaged farmers.
Molecular dynamics simulations of dihydro‐β‐erythroidine bound to the human α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor
Authors: Yu Rilei , Tae Han‐Shen , Xu Qingliang , Craik David J. , Adams David J. , Jiang Tao , Kaas Quentin 
Published: May 2019

Background and PurposeThe heteromeric α4β2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) is abundant in the human brain and is associated with a range of CNS disorders. This nAChR subtype has been recently crystallised in a conformation that was proposed to represent a desensitised state. Here, we investigated the conformational transition mechanism of this nAChR from a desensitised to a closed/resting state.Experimental ApproachThe competitive antagonist dihydro‐β‐erythroidine (DHβE) was modelled by replacement of the agonist nicotine in the α4β2 nAChR experimental structure. DHβE is used both in vitro and in vivo for its ability to block α4β2 nAChRs. This system was studied by three molecular dynamics simulations with a combined simulation time of 2.6 μs. Electrophysiological studies of mutated receptors were performed to validate the simulation results.Key ResultsThe relative positions of the extracellular and transmembrane domains in the models are distinct from those of the desensitised state structure and are compatible with experimental structures of Cys‐loop receptors captured in a closed/resting state.Conclusions and ImplicationsOur model suggests that the side chains of α4 L257 (9′) and α4 L264 (16′) are the main constrictions in the transmembrane pore. The involvement of position 9′ in channel gating is well established, but position 16′ was only previously identified as a gate for the bacterial channels, ELIC and GLIC. L257 but not L264 was found to influence the slow component of desensitisation. The structure of the antagonist‐bound state proposed here should be valuable for the development of therapeutic or insecticide compounds.
Citrate‐assisted efficient local delivery of naked oligonucleotide into live mouse brain cells
Authors: Zhou Haibin , Zhang Shouhua , Lv Fei , Sun Wenzhi , Wang Lihua , Fan Chunhai , Li Jiang , Hu Ji 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesSynthetic oligonucleotides have shown promise in brain imaging. However, delivery of oligonucleotides into live brain cells remains challenging. In this study, we aim to develop a facile yet efficient strategy for local delivery of oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) to neural cells in live adult mouse brain.Materials and methodsA fluorescence‐labelled ODN was diluted with sodium citrate buffer (100 mmol/L, pH = 3). One microlitre of the mixture was injected into a live adult mouse brain. Six hours later, we sacrificed the mouse and prepared brain slices for microscopic imaging.ResultsWe find that the use of sodium citrate buffer in the one‐shot local delivery can improve the diffusion and cell entry efficiency of the unmodified ODN for dozens of times. Only 1 pmol ODN leads to hundreds of positively transferred brain cells. We reason that this promotion is due to the local acidic condition created by the citrate buffer, which leads to the protonation of the ODN and some membrane proteins, thus reduces the Coulomb repulsion between the ODN and the cell membrane. Based on this strategy, we demonstrate fluorescent microscopic imaging of brain cells in different brain regions including striatum, cortex, hippocampus and midbrain.ConclusionsThe citrate buffer can be used as an adjuvant for facile and effective local injection delivery of ODNs, which may provide a new tool for brain imaging.
Anti‐inflammatory and antiresorptive functions of melatonin on experimentally induced periapical lesions
Authors: Sarıtekin E. , Üreyen Kaya B. , Aşcı H. , Özmen Ö. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate the effects of systemically administered melatonin on inflammation and alveolar bone resorption in rats with experimentally induced periapical lesions.MethodologyThirty adult Sprague Dawley rats were divided equally into negative, positive control and melatonin groups. The pulp chambers of their mandibular first molars were exposed to the oral environment to induce experimental periapical lesions in the positive control and melatonin groups. The melatonin group received daily intraperitoneal injections of melatonin at a dose of 10 mg kg−1. After 21 days, the animals were euthanized; the hemi‐mandible parts were prepared for radiological, histopathological, immunohistochemical (IL‐1β, RANK, RANKL, OPG and tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) and Brown–Brenn (bacteria) evaluations. Data were analysed by Kruskal–Wallis (for non‐parametric data) and one‐way anova tests (for parametric data) (P < 0.05).ResultsThe area of radiographic periapical bone loss was significantly smaller in rats that were given daily intraperitoneal injections of melatonin (P < 0.01). The histopathological scores of the melatonin group were significantly lower than those of positive control group (P < 0.01). Histomorphometrically, the area of periapical bone loss in the melatonin group was significantly smaller than the positive control group (P < 0.01). The expression of IL1‐β, RANK and RANKL was significantly higher in the positive control group, whereas OPG was significantly higher in the melatonin group (P < 0.01). The number of osteoclasts was significantly greater in the positive control group by TRAP staining analyses (P < 0.01). The scores for bacteria localization using Brown–Brenn staining in the melatonin group was significantly lower than that of the positive control group (P < 0.01).ConclusionsMelatonin demonstrated antiresorptive effects on bone associated with experimentally induced periapical lesions in rats via its anti‐inflammatory activity. Further studies are necessary to evaluate its possible effects on the healing of periapical lesions.
Anthropomorphisms in multimedia learning: Attract attention but do not enhance learning?
Authors: Stárková Tereza , Lukavský Jiří , Javora Ondřej , Brom Cyril 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAnthropomorphizing graphical elements in multimedia learning materials improves learning outcomes. The reasons for enhanced learning are unclear. We extended a seminal anthropomorphism study in order to examine whether the effect of anthropomorphisms on learning outcomes, both immediate and delayed, is caused by the anthropomorphized elements' effects on attention distribution or by elevated positive affective–motivational states. The study had a partial 3 × 2 design (the materials' graphics: schematic vs. black‐and‐white anthropomorphisms vs. colourful anthropomorphisms × eye tracker: present vs. absent). The participants were university students (N = 181). Unexpectedly, we found no significant effect of anthropomorphisms on learning outcomes. Anthropomorphisms significantly affected attention distribution during initial fixations but not overall. Modest effect on enjoyment was found, but no such effect was detected as concerns flow and generalized positive affect. We also found that the eye tracker's mere presence had slight adverse effects on learners, but these effects did not compromise learning.
Knowledge gap regarding osteoporosis among medical professionals in Southern India
Authors: Thakur Preyander , Kuriakose Cijoy , Cherian Kripa Elizabeth , Asha Hesarghatta S. , Kapoor Nitin , Paul Thomas V. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRationale, aims, and objectivesOsteoporosis is a common health problem in India, which leads to significant morbidity and mortality in elderly individuals. Lack of knowledge and awareness among medical professionals is one of the important barriers in management of these patients. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess knowledge pertaining to diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis among a group of Indian medical practitioners.MethodsThe study participants included 222 allopathic medical professionals, either graduate or postgraduate working in primary or secondary health care levels. They were assessed using a previously validated Fogelman's multiple choice questionnaire. Out of a total of 18 questions, four questions pertained to knowledge of diagnosis, three questions to treatment decisions, one question to assess knowledge regarding recommended dosage of vitamin D and calcium supplementation, five questions concerned medication use, and the rest to assess attitude and practices. The correct answers were converted into scores and expressed as percentages with a maximum of 100.ResultsThe mean total score among them was 22.5%, which was quite low. Almost all of them had a score of less than 50%. Medical practitioners performed better in diagnosis‐related questions, (19.4% answered all options correctly) than in medication knowledge (no correct response regarding side effects and 2% regarding contraindications). In treatment‐related decisions, 37.4% answered correctly for duration of treatment, and 59% answered correctly for treatment goal. Only 1.4% of them were able to answer correctly regarding recommended calcium and vitamin D intake. Professional literature, conferences, and Continuing Medical Education (CME's) were regarded as the main sources of information on the subject by 40% of practitioners.ConclusionThis study showed suboptimal knowledge among a group of medical professionals regarding various aspects of diagnosis and management of osteoporosis, and it stipulates the need for escalating the efforts to improve their knowledge regarding various aspects of osteoporosis.
Impact of farnesoid X receptor single nucleotide polymorphisms on hepatic decompensation and mortality in cirrhotic patients with portal hypertension
Authors: Semmler Georg , Simbrunner Benedikt , Scheiner Bernhard , Schwabl Philipp , Paternostro Rafael , Bucsics Theresa , Stättermayer Albert Friedrich , Bauer David , Pinter Matthias , Ferenci Peter , Trauner Michael , Mandorfer Mattias , Reiberger Thomas 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimThe nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulates critical pathways of hepatic metabolism, inflammation, and gut mucosal barrier. Thus, we investigated the association of FXR‐single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) with hepatic decompensation and liver‐related mortality in patients with advanced chronic liver disease.MethodsTwo FXR‐SNPs (rs56163822 G > T and rs35724 G > C) were genotyped in a cohort of 402 prospectively characterized patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) ≥ 6 mmHg.ResultsOnly 19 patients (4.7%) harbored a rs56163822 T‐allele and had less pronounced liver disease as indicated by lower Child–Pugh score (CPS, 6 ± 1 vs 7 ± 2 points, P = 0.034) and higher albumin levels (38.9 ± 4.9 vs 35.9 ± 5.9 g/L, P = 0.026). In contrast, n = 267 (66.4%) patients harbored minor rs35724 allele (G/C or C/C) and had more advanced liver disease, as indicated by a higher model of end‐stage liver disease (11 ± 4 vs 10 ± 3, P = 0.016), while other baseline characteristics were similar across FXR‐SNP genotypes. In compensated CPS‐A patients, the rs35724 minor allele was independently protective for the development of ascites (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.411, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.191–0.885; P = 0.023) and tended to reduce the risk of hepatic decompensation (aHR = 0.625, 95% CI: 0.374–1.044, P = 0.072) in multivariate analyses. Of note, transplant‐free survival was longer in patients with rs35724 minor allele and HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg (at 5 years: 68.2% vs 55.8%, P = 0.047) and those with HVPG ≥ 16 mmHg (63.3% vs 44.0%, P = 0.021). After adjusting for established risk factors, the rs35724 minor allele was independently associated with reduced liver‐related mortality in the overall cohort (aHR = 0.658, 95% CI: 0.434–0.998, P = 0.049), in compensated CPS‐A patients (aHR = 0.488, 95% CI: 0.252–0.946, P = 0.034), in patients with HVPG ≥ 10 mmHg (aHR = 0.547, 95% CI: 0.346–0.864, P = 0.010), and in patients with HVPG ≥ 16 mmHg (aHR = 0.519, 95% CI: 0.307–0.878, P = 0.014).ConclusionThe FXR‐SNP rs35724 was associated with a reduced risk for development of ascites and liver‐related mortality in patients with advanced chronic liver disease.
Effectiveness of direct‐acting agents for hepatitis C and liver stiffness changing after sustained virological response
Authors: Fernandes Flavia F , Piedade Juliana , Guimaraes Livia , Nunes Estevao P , Chaves Ursula , Goldenzon Rafaela V , Cardoso Sandra W , Duarte Joana , Grinsztejn Beatriz , Veloso Valdilea G , Pereira Gustavo , Perazzo Hugo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackground and AimFew studies have evaluated sustained virological response (SVR) rates by direct‐acting agents (DAAs) and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) changing post‐SVR in limited‐resource settings. We aimed to describe the effectiveness of DAAs for hepatitis C virus treatment and to assess the changing of LSM post‐SVR.MethodsThis retrospective study analyzed data of consecutive hepatitis C virus‐infected patients treated by DAAs from 2015 to 2017 in two tertiary centers in Brazil. SVR rates were reported by intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses. LSM by transient elastography performed before treatment and post‐SVR was compared, and logistic regression models were performed.ResultsSix hundred seventy‐one patients (63% female, 62 years [55–68], 89% genotype 1, 8% HIV co‐infected, and 64% with cirrhosis) were included. Most patients were treated by sofosbuvir/daclatasvir ± ribavirin (74%) and sofosbuvir/simeprevir ± ribavirin (21%). SVR rates (95% confidence interval [CI]) were 94.6% (92.7–96.1) and 97.8% (96.4–98.7) for intention‐to‐treat and per‐protocol analyses, respectively. The leading adverse event was anemia (9.6% [95% CI 7.6–12.1]). Pretreatment and post‐SVR12 LSM were available in 400 patients. LSM had significantly decreased after SVR (13.6 kPa [interquartile range, 10.0–21.6] vs 10.2 kPa [7.0–17.6], P < 0.001). A total of 167 patients (42%) decreased at least 30% of LSM post‐SVR. The absence of type 2 diabetes (odds ratio = 1.52 [95% CI 1.05–2.21], P = 0.028) and presence of platelet count ≥ 150 × 109/mm3 (odds ratio = 1.75 [1.23–2.50], P = 0.002) were independently associated with a significant LSM regression (≥ 30%) post‐SVR.ConclusionDAAs were highly effective and safe, and LSM significantly decreased after SVR in a real‐life cohort in Brazil. The absence of type 2 diabetes and presence of high platelet count were independently associated with LSM decrease post‐SVR.
Examining the effects of computerised cognitive training on levels of executive function in adults with Down syndrome
Authors: McGlinchey E. , McCarron M. , Holland A. , McCallion P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with Down syndrome (DS) are at much greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, and one of the early clinical symptoms of Alzheimer's disease is executive dysfunction. In the general population, cognitive training has shown some promising results in relation to maintaining or improving cognitive processes. There is currently a gap in the literature in relation to cognitive training for adults with DS.MethodsA quasi‐experimental mixed factorial design with partial crossover was used involving an 8‐week intervention period using a brain training programme. Participants were matched on age and then randomly assigned to either the intervention group or the delayed intervention group. Forty adults with DS, aged between 30 and 49 and with a mild or moderate level of intellectual disability, participated in the study. All participants completed baseline measures of executive function, using both neuropsychological assessments and an informant‐rated measure of behavioural executive function. The intervention group first completed the training and then the delayed intervention group. Executive function assessments were repeated for both groups following the training.ResultsThe study aimed to examine whether a cognitive training programme could have an effect on levels of executive function. While conclusions are limited owing to small sample size, improvement was seen in neuropsychological assessments of executive function following cognitive training. Positive effects reflected in everyday behaviours were not as promising.ConclusionsThis study showed that, while it has not been previously an area of focus, individuals with DS can complete a computerised cognitive training programme. Furthermore, the results were promising with significant improvements found in neuropsychological assessments of executive function. These findings need further investigation with a larger sample size and would benefit from the use of a brain imaging component to strengthen the findings.
Superresolution method for a single wide‐field image deconvolution by superposition of point sources
Authors: MARTÍNEZ SANDRA , TOSCANI MICAELA , MARTINEZ OSCAR E. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryIn this work, we present a new algorithm for wide‐field fluorescent micrsocopy deconvolution from a single acquisition without a sparsity prior, which allows the retrieval of the target function with superresolution, with a simple approach that the measured data are fit by the convolution of a superposition of virtual point sources (SUPPOSe) of equal intensity with the point spread function. The cloud of virtual point sources approximates the actual distribution of sources that can be discrete or continuous. In this manner, only the positions of the sources need to be determined. An upper bound for the uncertainty in the position of the sources was derived, which provides a criteria to distinguish real facts from eventual artefacts and distortions. Two very different experimental situations were used for the test (an artificially synthesized image and fluorescent microscopy images), showing excellent reconstructions and agreement with the predicted uncertainties, achieving up to a fivefold improvement in the resolution for the microscope. The method also provides the optimum number of sources to be used for the fit.Lay DescriptionA new method is presented that allows the reconstruction of an image with superresolution from a single frame taken with a standard fluorescent microscope. An improvement in the resolution of a factor between 3 and 5 is achieved depending on the noise of the measurement and how precisely the instrument response function (point spread function) is measured. The complete mathematical description is presented showing how to estimate the quality of the reconstruction. The method is based in the approximation of the actual intensity distribution of the object being measured by a superposition of point sources of equal intensity. The problem is converted from determining the intensity of each point to determining the position of the virtual sources. The best fit is found using a genetic algorithm. To validate the method several results of different nature are presented including an artificially generated image, fluorescent beads and labelled mitochondria. The artificial image provides a prior knowledge of the actual system for comparison and validation. The beads were imaged with our highest numerical aperture objective to show method capabilities and also acquired with a low numerical aperture objective to compare the reconstructed image with that acquired with a high numerical aperture objective. This same strategy was followed with the biological sample to show the method working in real practical situations.
Copper and zinc ions govern the trans‐directed dimerization of APP family members in multiple ways
Authors: August Alexander , Schmidt Nadine , Klingler Johannes , Baumkötter Frederik , Lechner Marius , Klement Jessica , Eggert Simone , Vargas Carolyn , Wild Klemens , Keller Sandro , Kins Stefan 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe amyloid precursor protein (APP) and its homologs amyloid precursor‐like protein 1 (APLP1) and APLP2 have central physiological functions in transcellular adhesion that depend on copper and zinc mediated trans‐directed dimerization of the extracellular domains E1 and E2. Copper binds to three distinct sites in APP, one in the copper binding (CuBD) and growth factor‐like (GFLD) domains each within E1, and one in the E2 domain. For APLP1 and APLP2, metal binding has so far only been shown for the E2 domain. Zinc binding has been reported for all APP family members to a unique site in the E2 domain and an additional site essential for APLP1 E2 domain trans‐dimerization. Using isothermal titration calorimetry, co‐immunoprecipitation, and in vitro bead aggregation assays, we show that copper promotes cis‐ as well as trans‐directed dimerization of APLP1 and APLP2, similar as reported previously for APP. Furthermore, we report a APP‐specific zinc binding site with nanomolar affinity located in the E1 domain, whereas no binding of zinc to the individual subdomains GFLD or CuBD was detected. Zinc binding did not affect the cis‐ but trans‐dimerization of APP and APLP1. Furthermore, zinc binding inhibited copper‐induced trans‐directed dimerization of APP. Together, we identified a high‐affinity APP‐specific zinc binding site in the E1 domain and revealed contrasting cis‐ and trans‐directed dimerization properties of APP, APLP1, and APLP2 in dependence on zinc and copper ions. Consequently, changes in metal ion homeostasis, as reported in the context of synaptic activity and neurodegenerative diseases, appear as key modulators of homo‐ and heterotypic trans‐cellular APP/APLPs complexes.
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