bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probabilistic approaches to cleaning the Ganges in Varanasi to attract tourists
Authors: Batabyal Amitrajeet A. , Beladi Hamid 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWe study two probabilistic approaches to cleaning the Ganges river when the underlying goal is to use the cleanup to sustain tourism in Varanasi, India. The first approach models the idea that because resources are scarce and cleanup is costly, not all pollutants in the Ganges can be removed. Therefore, a cleaning agency first establishes a benefit‐cost ratio rule and then it uses this rule to remove from the Ganges only those pollutants whose removal satisfies the ratio rule. In contrast, the second approach focuses on removing all pollutants from the Ganges but the emphasis now is on the frequency of cleanup given that pollutants accumulate temporally and hence water quality deteriorates over time. Finally, we compare and contrast these two approaches and discuss the connections between the two approaches and the sustainability of tourism in Varanasi.Recommendations for Resource Managers:
When cleanup resources are scarce, strategic management of Ganges water pollution calls for removing only those pollutants whose removal satisfies a benefit‐cost criterion.
When cleanup resources are adequate, holistic management of Ganges water pollution calls for attaining the highest possible water quality by removing all pollutants from the river.
Strategic management is more realistic and also likely to cost less than holistic management.
Risk factors for esophageal cancer: emphasis on infectious agents
Authors: El‐Zimaity Hala , Di Pilato Vincenzo , Novella Ringressi Maria , Brcic Iva , Rajendra Shanmugarajah , Langer Rupert , Dislich Bastian , Tripathi Monika , Guindi Maha , Riddell Robert 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRisk factors for esophageal cancer include genetic factors (such as tylosis) and infectious agents. A variety of organisms have been implicated in esophageal carcinogenesis, either directly or indirectly. In this review, we explore the normal esophageal flora and how it may be controlled, and also the variety of organisms that may affect esophageal carcinogenesis, either directly or indirectly. The organisms with potential direct effects in squamous cell carcinoma include human papillomavirus (HPV), Epstein–Barr virus, and polyoma viruses. Interestingly, HPV is now implicated in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), not in its initiation but in the development of dysplasia, in which HPV33 in particular has been associated. Indirectly, Helicobacter pylori has been associated with EAC by, initially, causing increased acid secretion that increases acid reflux, and by reducing lower esophageal sphincter pressure, which increases gastroesophageal reflux; the latter increases the risk of Barrett's esophagus, and hence EAC. Conversely, subsequent atrophic gastritis may normalize that risk.
Chromatin interacting factor OsVIL2 increases biomass and rice grain yield
Authors: Yang Jungil , Cho Lae‐Hyeon , Yoon Jinmi , Yoon Hyeryung , Wai Antt Htet , Hong Woo‐Jong , Han Muho , Sakakibara Hitoshi , Liang Wanqi , Jung Ki‐Hong , Jeon Jong‐Seong , Koh Hee‐Jong , Zhang Dabing , An Gynheung 
Published: May 2018

SummaryGrain number is an important agronomic trait. We investigated the roles of chromatin interacting factor Oryza sativa VIN3‐LIKE 2 (OsVIL2), which controls plant biomass and yield in rice. Mutations in OsVIL2 led to shorter plants and fewer grains whereas its overexpression (OX) enhanced biomass production and grain numbers when compared with the wild type. RNA‐sequencing analyses revealed that 1958 genes were up‐regulated and 2096 genes were down‐regulated in the region of active division within the first internodes of OX plants. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis showed that, among the downregulated genes, OsVIL2 was directly associated with chromatins in the promoter region of CYTOKININ OXIDASE/DEHYDROGENASE2 (OsCKX2), a gene responsible for cytokinin degradation. Likewise, active cytokinin levels were increased in the OX plants. We conclude that OsVIL2 improves the production of biomass and grain by suppressing OsCKX2 chromatin.
Respiratory burst oxidase homologue‐dependent H2O2 and chloroplast H2O2 are essential for the maintenance of acquired thermotolerance during recovery after acclimation
Authors: Sun Mintao , Jiang Fangling , Cen Benjian , Wen Junqin , Zhou Yanzhao , Wu Zhen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThermotolerance is improved by heat stress (HS) acclimation, and the thermotolerance level is “remembered” by plants. However, the underlying signalling mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we showed NADPH oxidase‐mediated H2O2 (NADPH‐H2O2), and chloroplast‐H2O2 promoted the sustained expression of HS‐responsive genes and programmed cell death (PCD) genes, respectively, during recovery after HS acclimation. When spraying the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium, after HS acclimation, the NADPH‐H2O2 level significantly decreased, resulting in a decrease in the expression of HS‐responsive genes and the loss of maintenance of acquired thermotolerance (MAT). In contrast, compared with HS acclimation, NADPH‐H2O2 declined but chloroplast‐H2O2 further enhanced during recovery after HS over‐acclimation, resulting in the reduced expression of HS‐responsive genes and substantial production of PCD. Notably, the further inhibition of NADPH‐H2O2 after HS over‐acclimation also inhibited chloroplast‐H2O2, alleviating the severe PCD and surpassing the MAT of HS over‐acclimation treatment. Due to the change in subcellular H2O2 after HS acclimation, the tomato seedlings maintained a constant H2O2 level during recovery, resulting in stable and lower total H2O2 levels during a tester HS challenge conducted after recovery. We conclude that tomato seedlings increase their MAT by enhancing NADPH‐H2O2 content and controlling chloroplast‐H2O2 production during recovery, which enhances the expression of HS‐responsive genes and balances PCD levels, respectively.
Why Can't a Pastor Be President of a “Christian Nation”? Pentecostal Politics as Religious Mediation
Authors: Haynes Naomi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhy has Nevers Mumba, one of Zambia's most famous Pentecostal leaders, been so unsuccessful in his two presidential bids? Previous analyses have blamed Mumba's political woes on a presumed Pentecostal belief that politics is a lesser vocation than the pastorate. In contrast to these interpretations, I argue that Pentecostals in Zambia are very committed to the notion that, at least ideally, their leaders should be pastors, and more specifically that they should be effective mediators of the divine covenant established when Zambia was declared a “Christian nation.” The problem with Mumba is, therefore, not that pastors are not supposed to be politicians, but rather that he has failed to convince believers that he is a good mediator. This article opens up new horizons in the study of Pentecostal politics, suggesting that populism in countries with high Pentecostal populations is increasingly defined by the capacity for religious mediation.
Genomic characterization of recurrent mold infections in thoracic transplant recipients
Authors: Messina Julia A. , Wolfe Cameron R. , Hemmersbach‐Miller Marion , Milano Carmelo , Todd Jamie L. , Reynolds John , Alexander Barbara D. , Schell Wiley A. , Cuomo Christina A. , Perfect John R. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInvasive mold disease in thoracic organ transplant recipients is a well‐recognized complication, but the long‐term persistence of molds within the human body and evasion of host defenses has not been well‐described. We present 2 cases of invasive mold disease (Verruconis gallopava and Aspergillus fumigatus) in thoracic transplant recipients who had the same mold cultured years prior to the invasive disease presentation. The paired isolates from the index and recurrent infections in both patients were compared using whole‐genome sequencing to determine if the same strain of mold caused both the index and recurrent infections. In Case 1, the isolates were found to be of the same strain indicating that the initial colonizing isolate identified pre‐transplant eventually caused invasive mold disease post‐transplant while in Case 2, the 2 isolates were not of the same strain. These results demonstrate the distinct possibility of molds both persisting within the human body for years prior to invasive mold disease or the long‐term risk of recurrent, persistent infection with more than one strain. Further studies of long‐term molecular epidemiology of IMD and risk factors for mold persistence in transplant recipients are encouraged.
How affordable is TB care? Findings from a nationwide TB patient cost survey in Ghana
Authors: Pedrazzoli Debora , Siroka Andrew , Boccia Delia , Bonsu Frank , Nartey Kenneth , Houben Rein , Borghi Josephine 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectivesTuberculosis (TB) is known as a disease of the poor. Despite TB diagnosis and care usually being offered for free, TB patients can still face substantial costs, especially in the context of multi‐drug resistance (MDR). The End TB Strategy calls for zero TB‐affected families incurring ‘catastrophic’ costs due to TB by 2025. This paper examines, by MDR status, the level and composition of costs incurred by TB‐affected households during care seeking and treatment; assesses the affordability of TB care using catastrophic and impoverishment measures; and describes coping strategies used by TB‐affected households to pay for TB care.MethodsA nationally representative survey of TB patients at public health facilities across Ghana.ResultsWe enrolled 691 patients (66 MDR). The median expenditure for non‐MDR TB was US$429.6 during treatment, vs. US$659.0 for MDR patients (P‐value = 0.001). Catastrophic costs affected 64.1% of patients. MDR patients were pushed significantly further over the threshold for catastrophic payments than DS patients. Payments for TB care led to a significant increase in the proportion of households in the study sample that live below the poverty line at the time of survey compared to pre‐TB diagnosis. Over half of patients undertook coping strategies.ConclusionTB patients in Ghana incur substantial costs, despite free diagnosis and treatment. High rates of catastrophic costs and coping strategies in both non‐MDR and MDR patients show that new policies are urgently needed to ensure TB care is actually affordable for TB patients.
Features of Successful and Unsuccessful Collaborative Memory Conversations in Long‐Married Couples
Authors: Harris Celia B. , Barnier Amanda J. , Sutton John , Savage Greg 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWhile we often engage in conversational reminiscing with loved ones, the effects of these conversations on our memory performance remain poorly understood. On the one hand, Wegner's transactive memory theory predicts that intimate groups experience benefits from remembering together. On the other hand, research on collaborative recall has shown costs of shared remembering in groups of strangers—at least in terms of number of items recalled—and even in intimate groups there is heterogeneity in outcomes. In the current research, we studied the effects of particular communicative features in determining the outcomes of collaborative recall in intimate groups. We tested 39 older, long‐married couples. They completed a non‐personal recall task (name all the countries in Europe) and a personal recall task (name all your mutual friends), both separately and together. When they collaborated, we recorded their conversation. We coded for specific “communication variables” and obtained measures of “conversational style.” Overall, we found two clusters of communication variables positively associated with collaborative success: (a) cuing each other, responding to cues, and repeating each other; and (b) making positive statements about memory performance and persisting with the task. A negative cluster of behaviors—correcting each other, having uneven expertise, and strategy disagreements—was associated with less interactive, more “monologue” style of collaboration, but not with overall recall performance. We discuss our results in terms of the importance of different conversational processes in driving the heterogeneous outcomes of group remembering in intimate groups, suggesting that a focus on recall output alone limits our understanding of conversational remembering.
Protocol changes to reduce implant‐associated infection rate after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy: 703 dogs, 811 TPLO (2006‐2014)
Authors: Stine Samantha L. , Odum Susan M. , Mertens W. Daniel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the influence of a stricter aseptic protocol on implant‐associated infection (IAI) rates after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).Study designRetrospective cohort study.Sample populationSeven hundred three dogs (811 TPLO).MethodsMedical records (2006‐2014) of dogs with TPLO with a ≥18‐month follow‐up were reviewed. An established TPLO protocol was altered to include an iodophore‐impregnated adhesive drape, cefazolin administration every 90 minutes intraoperatively and then every 4 hours until hospital discharge, orthopedic surgical gloves, triclosan‐coated intradermal sutures (instead of staples), soft‐padded bandage with mupirocin ointment, use of single‐use gloves while handling treated dogs, and placement of an Elizabethan collar. Signalment, affected limb, protocol changes, IAI, time to explant, and culture and susceptibility results were recorded. Data were analyzed by using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, and a multivariable logistic regression model.ResultsTPLO plates were removed from 31 dogs (8.5% prechange, 1.3% postchange) because of a suspected IAI. Bacterial culture results from an explanted screw were positive in 26 dogs (7.4% prechange, 0.94% postchange). The odds ratio (OR) of IAI in the postchange cohort was decreased by 88% (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.05‐0.33) compared with the prechange cohort, after controlling for variables. Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from all implants removed from IAI‐positive postchange dogs, 4/5 of which were methicillin resistant. No methicillin‐resistant isolates were grown from the prechange cohort implants.ConclusionThe protocol tested here decreased IAI rates after TPLO, but most infections diagnosed after its implementation involved methicillin‐resistant isolates.Clinical significanceThe protocol reported here may be used as a guide in clinics seeking to reduce their IAI rates after TPLO. Postoperative infections after implementation of this protocol should be monitored to evaluate its potential impact on the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
Normative brain size variation and brain shape diversity in humans
Authors: Reardon P. K. , Seidlitz Jakob , Vandekar Simon , Liu Siyuan , Patel Raihaan , Park Min Tae M. , Alexander-Bloch Aaron , Clasen Liv S. , Blumenthal Jonathan D. , Lalonde Francois M. , Giedd Jay N. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Lerch Jason P. , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Shinohara Russell T. , Raznahan Armin 
Published: May 2018

Shifts in brain regions with brain sizeBrain size among normal humans varies as much as twofold. Reardonet al.surveyed the cortical and subcortical structure of more than 3000 human brains by noninvasive imaging (see the Perspective by Van Essen). They found that the scaling of different regions across the range of brain sizes is not consistent: Some brain regions are metabolically costly and are favored in larger brains. This shifts the balance between associative and sensorimotor brain systems in a brain size–dependent way.Science, this issue p.1222; see also p.1184
Self-managed abortion in urban Haiti: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Berry-Bibee Erin Nicole , St Jean Clotilde Josamine , Nickerson Nathan M , Haddad Lisa B , Alcime Manuchca Marc , Lathrop Eva H 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveAlthough illegal abortion is believed to be widely practised in Haiti, few data exist on such practices. We aimed to learn about illegal abortion access, methods, and perceived barriers to abortion-related care. Additionally, we aimed to identify the proportion of unscheduled antepartum visits to a public hospital that were attributable to unsafe abortion in Cap Haitien, Haiti.Study designWe conducted eight focus groups with women (n=62) and 13 interviews with women’s health providers and subsequently administered a survey to pregnant or recently pregnant women (20 weeks of gestation or less) presenting to the hospital from May 2013 to January 2014 (n=255).ResultsAmong the focus groups, there was widespread knowledge of misoprostol self-managed abortion. Women described use of multiple agents in combination with misoprostol. Men played key roles in abortion decision-making and in accessing misoprostol.Among the 255 pregnant or recently pregnant women surveyed, 61.2% (n=150) reported the current pregnancy was unintended and 30% (n=78) reported attempting an induced abortion. The majority of women used misoprostol either alone or as a part of the medication/herb regimen for their self-managed abortion (85.1%, n=63).ConclusionsAwareness of methods to induce abortion is high among women in urban Haiti and appears widely practised; yet knowledge of the safest self-managed abortion options remains incomplete. Access to safer abortion services could improve maternal health in Haiti.
123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy for the diagnosis of DLB: a multicentre 3-year follow-up study
Authors: Komatsu Junji , Samuraki Miharu , Nakajima Kenichi , Arai Heii , Arai Hiroyuki , Arai Tetsuaki , Asada Takashi , Fujishiro Hiroshige , Hanyu Haruo , Iizuka Osamu , Iseki Eizo , Kashihara Kenichi , Kosaka Kenji , Maruno Hirotaka , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Mizuno Yoshikuni , Mori Etsuro , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Nakano Seigo , Nakashima Kenji , Nishio Yoshiyuki , Orimo Satoshi , Takahashi Akira , Taki Junichi , Tokuda Takahiko , Urakami Katsuya , Utsumi Kumiko , Wada Kenji , Washimi Yukihiko , Yamashina Shouhei , Yamasaki Junichi , Yoshita Mitsuhiro , Yamada Masahito 
Published: May 2018

Background and purposeWe previously reported the usefulness of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy for differentiation of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a cross-sectional multicentre study. The aim of this study was, by using reassessed diagnosis after 3-year follow-up, to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy in differentiation of probable DLB from probable AD.MethodsWe undertook 3-year follow-up of 133 patients with probable or possible DLB or probable AD who had undergone 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy at baseline. An independent consensus panel made final diagnosis at 3-year follow-up. Based on the final diagnosis, we re-evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy performed at baseline.ResultsSixty-five patients completed 3-year follow-up assessment. The final diagnoses were probable DLB (n=30), possible DLB (n=3) and probably AD (n=31), and depression (n=1). With a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratios for differentiating probable DLB from probable AD, the sensitivity/specificity were 0.77/0.94 for early images using 2.51 as the threshold of early H/M ratio, and 0.77/0.97 for delayed images using 2.20 as the threshold of delayed H/M ratio. Five of six patients who were diagnosed with possible DLB at baseline and with probable DLB at follow-up had low H/M ratio at baseline.ConclusionsOur follow-up study confirmed high correlation between abnormal cardiac sympathetic activity evaluated with 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy at baseline and the clinical diagnosis of probable DLB at 3-year follow-up. Its diagnostic usefulness in early stage of DLB was suggested.Trial registration numberUMIN00003419.
Do Capital Adequacy and Credit Quality Affect Systematic Risk? Investigation of a Sample of European Listed Banks in Light of EBA Stress Tests
Authors: Miani Stefano , Floreani Josanco , Paltrinieri Andrea 
Published: May 2018

Based on a sample of 59 European listed banks, we employ an event study analysis to investigate the impact of the European Banking Authority (EBA) stress tests on systematic risk measured by market betas. We further investigate the drivers of systematic risk taking into account bank-specific variables, which include credit quality, accounting policies, bank loan loss provisions (LLPs) and capital ratios, along with supervisory assessments of bank vulnerability to stressed scenarios. Finally, we assess the impact of credit quality and capital adequacy variables on the systematic risk associated with growth opportunities.Our results suggest that stress tests act as a credible anchor to market expectations leading betas to decline. The effect is more pronounced for banks involved in multiple stress tests over time. Our second finding shows a significant and positive impact of Tier 1 capital ratios on betas, i.e., higher capitalization levels contribute to reducing the exposure to systematic risk. Moreover, market betas are responsive to bank vulnerability to stress scenario, in particular, regarding asset riskiness. Finally, betas of growth opportunities are affected by provisioning policies in the sense that conservative provisioning policies impair the ability to invest in growing assets.
Knockout of microRNA-21 attenuates alcoholic hepatitis through the VHL/NF-κB signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells
Authors: Wu Nan , McDaniel Kelly , Zhou Tianhao , Ramos-Lorenzo Sugeily , Wu Chaodong , Huang Li , Chen Demeng , Annable Tami , Francis Heather , Glaser Shannon , Alpini Gianfranco , Meng Fanyin 
Published: May 2018

microRNA-21 (miRNA) is one of the most abundant miRNAs in chronic liver injuries including alcoholic liver injury. Previous studies have demonstrated that miR-21 plays a role in inflammation in the liver and functions in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which reside in the perisinusoidal space between sinusoidal endothelial cells and hepatocytes and regulate sinusoidal circulation. HSCs integrate cytokine-mediated inflammatory responses in the sinusoids and relay them to the liver parenchyma. Here, we showed that the activation of Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) expression, by miR-21 knockout in vivo and anti-miR-21 or VHL overexpression in vitro, suppressed the production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and IL-1β, in human HSCs during alcoholic liver injury. Sequence and functional analyses confirmed that miR-21 directly targeted the 3′-untranslated region of VHL. Immunofluorescence and real-time PCR analysis revealed that miR-21 depletion blocked NF-κB activation in human HSCs both in cultured HSCs as well as HSCs isolated from alcohol-related liver disease mice liver by laser capture microdissection. We also showed that conditioned medium from anti-miR-21-transfected HSCs suppressed human monocyte-derived THP-1 cell migration. Taken together, our study indicates that depletion of miR-21 may downregulate cytokine production in HSCs and macrophage chemotaxis during alcoholic liver injury and that the targeting of miR-21 may have therapeutic potential for preventing the progression of alcoholic liver diseases. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study demonstrates that silencing microRNA-21 can inhibit cytokine production and inflammatory responses in human hepatic stellate cells during alcoholic liver injury and that the targeting of microR-21 in hepatic stellate cells may have therapeutic potential for prevention and treatment of alcoholic liver diseases.