bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular characteristics of microbially mediated transformations of Synechococcus‐derived dissolved organic matter as revealed by incubation experiments
Authors: Zheng Qiang , Chen Qi , Cai Ruanhong , He Chen , Guo Weidong , Wang Yu , Shi Quan , Chen Chang , Jiao Nianzhi 
Published: May 2019

SummaryIn this study, we investigated the microbially mediated transformation of labile Synechococcus‐derived DOM to RDOM using a 60‐day experimental incubation system. Three phases of TOC degradation activity (I, II and III) were observed following the addition of Synechococcus‐derived DOM. The phases were characterized by organic carbon consumption rates of 8.77, 1.26 and 0.16 μmol L−1 day−1, respectively. Excitation emission matrix analysis revealed the presence of three FDOM components including tyrosine‐like, fulvic acid‐like, and humic‐like molecules. The three components also exhibited differing biological availabilities that could be considered as labile DOM (LDOM), semi‐labile DOM (SLDOM) and RDOM, respectively. DOM molecular composition was also evaluated using FT‐ICR MS. Based on differing biological turnover rates and normalized intensity values, a total of 1704 formulas were identified as candidate LDOM, SLDOM and RDOM molecules. Microbial transformation of LDOM to RDOM tended to proceed from high to low molecular weight, as well as from molecules with high to low double bond equivalent (DBE) values. Relatively higher aromaticity was observed in the formulas of RDOM molecules relative to those of LDOM molecules. FDOM components provide valuable proxy information to investigate variation in the bioavailability of DOM. These results suggest that coordinating fluorescence spectroscopy and FT‐ICR MS of DOM, as conducted here, is an effective strategy to identify and characterize LDOM, SLDOM and RDOM molecules in incubation experiments emulating natural systems. The results described here provide greater insight into the metabolism of phytoplankton photosynthate by heterotrophic bacteria in marine environments.
Adoption and Ex‐post Impacts of Improved Cowpea Varieties on Productivity and Net Returns in Nigeria
Authors: Manda Julius , Alene Arega D. , Tufa Adane H. , Abdoulaye Tahirou , Kamara Alpha Y. , Olufajo Olusoji , Boukar Ousmane , Manyong Victor M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCowpea covers the largest area of any grain legume in Africa and is especially important in West Africa where Nigeria and Niger alone account for over 75% of the total cowpea production in the world. Despite successes of international and national cowpea improvement research in the development and release of several improved varieties, there is limited empirical evidence of adoption and ex‐post impacts of improved cowpea. Using a nationally representative survey data from a sample of 1,525 cowpea‐growing households in northern Nigeria cultivating over 2,500 cowpea plots, we assess the adoption and impacts of improved cowpea varieties on cowpea yields, net returns and production costs. We apply a control function approach and propensity score matching models to estimate the causal effects of adoption of improved cowpea varieties. Our results show that 38% of the cowpea plots were planted with improved varieties, and cowpea yields, net returns and production costs increase significantly with the adoption of improved cowpea varieties. Adoption of improved cowpea varieties is associated on average with 26% yield gains, 61% increase in net returns and 14% increase in production costs. We also show that farmers who have a lower propensity to adopt improved cowpea varieties also face higher costs of production.
Forty Years of Price Transmission Research in the Food Industry: Insights, Challenges and Prospects: Comment
Authors: W. Kinnucan Henry ,   [With reply from Tim Lloyd]
Published: May 2019

AbstractLloyd's review of the literature on food price transmission in the Journal of Agricultural Economics (2017) is incomplete in that it omits discussion of technical change and international trade. The purpose of this Comment is to explain why these topics are essential for a proper understanding of price transmission. As a by‐product of the discussion, I show that the pass‐through and pass‐back equations that serve as the basis for Lloyd's theoretical insights are more general than one might think based on Gardner's (American Journal of Agricultural Economics, 1975) discussion of these equations.
A Real Options Model of Real Estate Development with Entitlement Risk
Authors: Cheng Yiying , Clark Steven P. , Womack Kiplan S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMost development projects encounter a highly uncertain entitlement process that is largely uncontrollable by developers. In this study, entitlement is modeled as a separate stage within a compound real option, where developers begin with minimal control (maximum risk) and each successful stage increases control (decreases risk). We solve the model analytically, provide three‐dimensional numerical comparisons, and empirically test the model's predictions using hand collected rezoning petitions. Our main result refines the classic development option model: developers first invest early (secure entitlements) in order to obtain the option to subsequently delay investment (construct the optimal building at the optimal time).
Ultralow dose computed tomography protocol for hook‐wire localization of solitary pulmonary nodules prior to video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery
Authors: Liu Bo , Fang Jie , Jia Haipeng , Sun Zhigang , Liao Jian , Meng Hong , Pan Fengmin , Li Chunhai 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundThis study prospectively investigated the efficacy and radiation dose of ultralow dose computed tomography (CT)‐guided hook‐wire localization (HWL) at 100 kV with tin filtration (100Sn kV) for small solitary pulmonary nodules.MethodsAll HWL procedures were performed on a third generation dual‐source CT system. Eighty‐eight consecutive patients undergoing CT‐guided HWL were randomly assigned to standard dose CT (Group A: n = 44; reference 110 kV and 50 mA) or ultralow dose CT (Group B: n =44; 100Sn kV and 96 mA) protocols. The technical success rate, complications, subjective image quality, and radiation dose were compared between the groups.ResultsThe mean volume CT dose index and total dose‐length product were significantly lower in Group B compared to Group A (0.32 mGy vs. 3.2 ± 1.1 mGy and 12.1 ± 0.97 mGy‐cm vs. 120 ± 40.6 mGy‐cm; P < 0.001). The effective dose in Group B was significantly lower than in Group A (0.17 ± 0.01 mSv vs. 1.68 ± 0.57 mSv, ‐89.8%; P < 0.001). The technical success rates were 100% for both groups. There were no significant differences in complication rates between the protocols (P > 0.05). The image quality of ultralow dose CT met the requirements for HWL procedure.ConclusionUltralow dose CT‐guided HWL of solitary pulmonary nodules performed at 100Sn kVp spectral shaping significantly reduced the radiation dose compared to standard dose CT, with high technical success and acceptable patient safety.
Auditing and the Development of the Modern State
Authors: Free Clinton , Radcliffe Vaughan S. , Spence Crawford , Stein Mitchell J. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTPrevious research has highlighted the crucial roles that accounting plays in both the construction and development of the state. However, only limited attention has been paid to how accounting is both conceived and implemented as a technology of government. Taking a historical perspective, and through extensive archival analysis of the Canadian experience, we explore here the ways in which accounting practices were significantly expanded and elaborated over time. Progressively, accounting was successful in increasingly infiltrating the machinery of the state, resulting in greater power and influence being accorded to state accounting professionals. We contribute to existing governmentality research on accounting in two principal ways. First, we demonstrate how the territorializing power of accounting has transnational dimensions. The Canadian initiative was galvanized by simultaneous initiatives taking place in the United Kingdom, the United States, and a range of other Commonwealth nations. The similar trajectories of these various initiatives leads to a view of accounting as something that is co‐constructed across borders, a process we refer to here as transnational territorialization. Second, we demonstrate the crucial role played by key individuals in this transnational territorialization. Auditors general worked both individually and in concert to skillfully sell the evaluative potential of accounting to key power brokers in the state apparatus, thereby creating advantageous positions for themselves. This highlights the crucial role required by skillful and reflexive social agents in the elaboration of accounting technologies, something that hitherto has been underappreciated in extant literature on both auditing and governmentality.
Transcriptomic analysis of human IL‐7 receptor alpha low and high effector memory CD8+ T cells reveals an age‐associated signature linked to influenza vaccine response in older adults
Authors: Park Hong‐Jai , Shin Min Sun , Kim Minhyung , Bilsborrow Joshua B. , Mohanty Subhasis , Montgomery Ruth R. , Shaw Albert C. , You Sungyong , Kang Insoo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHere, we investigated the relationship of the age‐associated expansion of IL‐7 receptor alpha low (IL‐7Rαlow) effector memory (EM) CD8+ T cells with the global transcriptomic profile of peripheral blood cells in humans. We found 231 aging signature genes of IL‐7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells that corresponded to 15% of the age‐associated genes (231/1,497) reported by a meta‐analysis study on human peripheral whole blood from approximately 15,000 individuals, having high correlation with chronological age. These aging signature genes were the target genes of several transcription factors including MYC, SATB1, and BATF, which also belonged to the 231 genes, supporting the upstream regulatory role of these transcription factors in altering the gene expression profile of peripheral blood cells with aging. We validated the differential expression of these transcription factors between IL‐7Rαlow and high EM CD8+ T cells as well as in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of young and older adults. Finally, we found a significant association with influenza vaccine responses in older adults, suggesting the possible biological significance of the aging signature genes of IL‐7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells. The results of our study support the relationship of the expansion of IL‐7Rαlow EM CD8+ T cells with the age‐associated changes in the gene expression profile of peripheral blood cells and its possible biological implications.
Affective Behavior in Withdrawal Seizure–Prone and Withdrawal Seizure–Resistant Mice during Long‐Term Alcohol Abstinence
Authors: Hartmann Matthew C. , Holbrook Sarah E. , Haney Megan M. , Crabbe John C. , Rosenwasser Alan M. 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundWhile the acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome has been well characterized both in human clinical studies and in experimental animals, much less is known regarding long‐term affective disturbances that can sometimes persist during protracted abstinence. Nevertheless, since relapse often occurs long after acute detoxification and may be predicted by persistent affective disruption, a better understanding of the long‐term behavioral consequences of prior alcohol dependence may lead to improved strategies for relapse prevention.MethodsMale and female Withdrawal Seizure–Prone and Withdrawal Seizure–Resistant mice from the second selection replicate (WSP‐2, WSR‐2) were exposed to a 10‐day chronic‐intermittent ethanol vapor protocol (CIE) or plain air and then tested repeatedly on the sucrose preference test (SPT), marble burying test (MBT), and the light–dark box test (LDT) over 7 weeks of (forced) abstinence.ResultsWhile WSP and WSR mice differed significantly on tests of anxiety‐like behavior (LDT, MBT), we found little evidence for long‐term affective disruption following CIE in either line. The major exception was in the LDT, in that WSP but not WSR mice displayed longer latencies to enter the light compartment following CIE relative to air‐controls.ConclusionsSelective breeding for acute withdrawal severity has resulted in differences in anxiety‐like behavior between WSP and WSR mice. In contrast, however, genes contributing to the severity of acute withdrawal convulsions appear to have little overlap with those predisposing to affective disruption during long‐term abstinence.
miR‐10a‐5p is increased in atopic dermatitis and has capacity to inhibit keratinocyte proliferation
Authors: Vaher Helen , Runnel Toomas , Urgard Egon , Aab Alar , Carreras Badosa Gemma , Maslovskaja Julia , Abram Kristi , Raam Liisi , Kaldvee Bret , Annilo Tarmo , Tkaczyk Eric R. , Maimets Toivo , Akdis Cezmi A. , Kingo Külli , Rebane Ana 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundmiR‐10a‐5p has been shown to regulate cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness and endothelial cell inflammatory responses. The function of miR‐10a‐5p in the skin has not been previously studied. The aim of the current study was to examine miR‐10a‐5p expression, regulation, and function in keratinocytes (KCs) in association with atopic dermatitis (AD).MethodsThe expression of miR‐10a‐5p and its target genes was analyzed using RT‐qPCR, mRNA array analysis, in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence. The transfection of miRNA mimics, cell cycle distribution analysis, and luciferase assays was used to study miR‐10a‐5p functions in human primary KCs.ResultsmiR‐10a‐5p was found to be upregulated in lesional skin from patients with AD and in proliferating KCs. Array and pathway analysis of IL‐1β‐stimulated KCs revealed that miR‐10a‐5p inhibited many genes that affect cell cycle progression and only a few inflammation‐related genes. Accordingly, fewer cells in S‐phase and reduced proliferation were detected as characteristics of miR‐10a‐5p‐transfected KCs. The influence of miR‐10a‐5p on cell proliferation was also evident in KCs induced by AD‐related cytokines, including IL‐4, IL‐17, and IL‐1β, as measured by the capacity to strongly suppress the expression of the proliferation marker Ki‐67. Among AD‐related putative direct target genes, we verified hyaluronan synthase 3, a damage‐associated positive regulator of KC migration and proliferation, as a direct target of miR‐10a‐5p.ConclusionsmiR‐10a‐5p inhibits KC proliferation and directly targets hyaluronan synthase 3 and thereby may modulate AD‐associated processes in the skin.
The clinical benefit of mepolizumab replacing omalizumab in uncontrolled severe eosinophilic asthma
Authors: Chapman Kenneth R. , Albers Frank C. , Chipps Bradley , Muñoz Xavier , Devouassoux Gilles , Bergna Miguel , Galkin Dmitry , Azmi Jay , Mouneimne Dalal , Price Robert G. , Liu Mark C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundMepolizumab and omalizumab are treatments for distinct but overlapping severe asthma phenotypes.ObjectiveTo assess if patients eligible for both biologics but not optimally controlled with omalizumab experience improved asthma control when switched directly to mepolizumab.MethodsOSMO was a multicenter, open‐label, single‐arm, 32‐week trial in patients with ≥2 asthma exacerbations in the year prior to enrollment, despite receiving high‐dose inhaled corticosteroids and other controller(s), plus omalizumab (≥4 months). At baseline, patients with blood eosinophil counts ≥150 cells/µL (or ≥300 cells/µL in the prior year) and an Asthma Control Questionnaire (ACQ)‐5 score ≥1.5 discontinued omalizumab and immediately commenced mepolizumab 100 mg subcutaneously every 4 weeks. Endpoints included change from baseline in ACQ‐5 score (primary), St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) score and the proportions of ACQ‐5 and SGRQ responders, all at Week 32, and the annualized exacerbation rate over the study period.ResultsAt Week 32 (intent‐to‐treat population [n = 145]), the least squares (LS) mean changes (standard error [SE]) in ACQ‐5 and SGRQ total scores were −1.45 (0.107) and −19.0 (1.64) points; with 77% and 79% of patients achieving the minimum clinically important differences (ACQ‐5: ≥0.5 points; SGRQ: ≥4 points), respectively. The annualized rate of clinically significant exacerbations was 1.18 events/year, a 64% reduction from 3.26 events/year during the previous year. Safety and immunogenicity profiles were consistent with previous trials.ConclusionAfter directly switching from omalizumab to mepolizumab, patients with uncontrolled severe eosinophilic asthma experienced clinically significant improvements in asthma control, health status, and exacerbation rate, with no tolerability issues reported.
Epithelial dynamics in the epididymis: role in the maturation, protection, and storage of spermatozoa
Authors: Breton S. , Nair A. V. , Battistone M. A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEpithelial cells line the lumen of tubular organs and are key players in their respective functions. They establish a unique luminal environment by providing a protective barrier and by performing vectorial transport of ions, nutrients, solutes, proteins, and water. Complex intercellular communication networks, specific for each organ, ensure their interaction with adjacent epithelial and non‐epithelial cells, allowing them to respond to and modulate their immediate environment. In the epididymis, several epithelial cell types work in a concerted manner to establish a luminal acidic milieu that is essential for the post‐testicular maturation and storage of spermatozoa. The epididymis also prevents autoimmune responses against auto‐antigenic spermatozoa, while ensuring protection against ascending and blood pathogens. This is achieved by a network of immune cells that are in close contact and interact with epithelial cells. This review highlights the coordinated interactions between spermatozoa, basal cells, principal cells, narrow cells, clear cells, and immune cells that contribute to the maturation, protection, selection, and storage of spermatozoa in the lumen of the epididymis.
Epididymal small non‐coding RNA studies: progress over the past decade
Authors: Chu C. , Zhang Y. L. , Yu L. , Sharma S. , Fei Z. L. , Drevet J. R. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundSmall non‐coding RNAs (sncRNAs) accomplish a huge variety of biological functions. Over the past decade, we have witnessed the substantial progress in the epididymal sncRNA studies. In the Epididymis 7, we had the true privilege of having a whole session to share our findings and exchange ideas on the epididymal sncRNA studies.ObjectivesThis mini‐review attempts to provide an overview of what is known about the sncRNAs in the mammalian epididymis and discuss the future directions in this field.MethodsWe surveyed literature regarding the sncRNA studies in the mammalian epididymis, and integrated some of our unpublished findings as well. We focus on the progress in methodology and the advances in our understanding of the expression and functions of epididymal sncRNAs.Results and DiscussionThe applications of high‐throughput approaches have made great contributions in the discovery of new sncRNA species and profiling their dynamics in the epithelial cells, the passing spermatozoa, and the luminal environment. The diverse classes of epididymal sncRNAs exert important biological functions from the in situ regulation of epididymal gene expression to the epigenetic inheritance in the offspring.ConclusionAlthough still in its infancy, we believe that the research on epididymal sncRNAs will not only lead to a better understanding of their physiological and pathological functions, but also contribute to the whole landscape of the RNA field.
Paraproteinemic keratopathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS): clinical findings in twelve patients including recurrence after keratoplasty
Authors: Skalicka Pavlina , Dudakova Lubica , Palos Michalis , Huna Lukas J. , Evans Cerys J. , Mahelkova Gabriela , Meliska Martin , Stopka Tomas , Tuft Stephen , Liskova Petra 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPurposeTo describe the ocular findings of 12 subjects with paraproteinemic keratopathy associated with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).MethodsOcular examination included corneal spectral domain optical coherence tomography. In three individuals with an initial diagnosis of a lattice or Thiel–Behnke corneal dystrophy, the TGFBI gene was screened by conventional Sanger sequencing.ResultsWe confirmed a diagnosis of MGUS by systemic examination and serum protein electrophoresis in 12 individuals (9 males and 3 females), with a mean age at presentation of 52.2 years (range 24–63 years) and mean follow‐up 6.4 years (range 0–17 years). The best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at presentation ranged from 1.25 to 0.32. In all individuals, the corneal opacities were bilateral. The appearances were diverse and included superficial reticular opacities and nummular lesions, diffuse posterior stromal opacity, stromal lattice lines, superficial and stromal crystalline deposits, superficial haze and a superficial ring of hypertrophic tissue. In one individual, with opacities first recorded at 24 years of age, we documented the progression of corneal disease over the subsequent 17 years. In another individual, despite systemic treatment for MGUS, recurrence of deposits was noted following bilateral penetrating keratoplasties. The three individuals initially diagnosed with inherited corneal dystrophy were negative for TGFBI mutations by direct sequencing.ConclusionA diagnosis of MGUS should be considered in patients with bilateral corneal opacities. The appearance can mimic corneal dystrophies or cystinosis. In our experience, systemic treatment of MGUS did not prevent recurrence of paraproteinemic keratopathy following keratoplasty.
Five‐year survival of infants with major congenital anomalies: a registry based study
Authors: Schneuer Francisco J. , Bell Jane C. , Shand Antonia W. , Walker Karen , Badawi Nadia , Nassar Natasha 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAimTo determine survival of infants with major congenital anomalies (CA) and assess the effect of co‐existing anomalies and gestational age.MethodsAll liveborn infants with major CA born in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, 2004–2009 were identified from the NSW Register of Congenital Conditions. Deaths were identified via record linkage to death registrations and five‐year survival was estimated using Kaplan–Meier methods.ResultsThere were 8521 liveborn infants with CA of whom 617 (7.2%) died within the first five years of life. Half of deaths occurred in the first week of life. The overall five‐year survival rate was 92.8% (95%CI: 92.2–93.3) and 83.2% (95%CI: 79.0–87.4) for syndromes, 83.4% (95%CI: 80.9–85.9) for multiple, 85.1% (95%CI: 82.6–87.5) for chromosomal, 95.3% (95%CI: 94.8–95.8) for isolated and 96.2% (95%CI: 94.3–98.1) for non‐Q chapter anomalies. Five‐year survival for chromosomal, syndromes and sub‐groups was higher for isolated compared with multiple anomalies ranging from 77.5% to 98.9% and 68.6% to 89.5%, respectively. Survival was lower for preterm (79.4%; 95%CI: 77.5‐81.4) than for term infants (95.8%; 95%CI: 95.3–96.3).ConclusionNine in ten infants with major CA survive up to five years, although there is variability in survival across CA groups. Survival of infants with major congenital anomalies has improved in recent years.