bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variable cytoplasmic actin expression impacts the sensitivity of different dystrophin‐deficient mdx skeletal muscles to eccentric contraction
Authors: Lindsay Angus , Southern William M. , McCourt Preston M. , Larson Alexie A. , Hodges James S. , Lowe Dawn A. , Ervasti James M. 
Published: April 2019

Eccentric contractions (ECCs) induce force loss in several skeletal muscles of dystrophin‐deficient mice (mdx), with the exception of the soleus (Sol). The eccentric force : isometric force (ECC : ISO), expression level of utrophin, fiber type distribution, and sarcoendoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase expression are factors that differ between muscles and may contribute to the sensitivity of mdx skeletal muscle to ECC. Here, we confirm that the Sol of mdx mice loses only 13% force compared to 87% in the extensor digitorum longus (EDL) following 10 ECC of isolated muscles. The Sol has a greater proportion of fibers expressing Type I myosin heavy chain (MHC) and expresses 2.3‐fold more utrophin compared to the EDL. To examine the effect of ECC : ISO, we show that the mdx Sol is insensitive to ECC at ECC : ISO up to 230 ± 15%. We show that the peroneus longus (PL) muscle presents with similar ECC : ISO compared to the EDL, intermediate force loss (68%) following 10 ECC, and intermediate fiber type distribution and utrophin expression relative to EDL and Sol. The combined absence of utrophin and dystrophin in mdx/utrophin−/− mice rendered the Sol only partially susceptible to ECC and exacerbated force loss in the EDL and PL. Most interestingly, the expression levels of cytoplasmic β‐ and γ‐actins correlate inversely with a given muscle's sensitivity to ECC; EDL < PL < Sol. Our data indicate that fiber type, utrophin, and cytoplasmic actin expression all contribute to the differential sensitivities of mdxEDL, PL, and Sol muscles to ECC.
Changes in timing of seasonal peak photosynthetic activity in northern ecosystems
Authors: Park Taejin , Chen Chi , Macias‐Fauria Marc , Tømmervik Hans , Choi Sungho , Winkler Alexander , Bhatt Uma S. , Walker Donald A. , Piao Shilong , Brovkin Victor , Nemani Ramakrishna R. , Myneni Ranga B. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSeasonality in photosynthetic activity is a critical component of seasonal carbon, water, and energy cycles in the Earth system. This characteristic is a consequence of plant's adaptive evolutionary processes to a given set of environmental conditions. Changing climate in northern lands (>30°N) alters the state of climatic constraints on plant growth, and therefore, changes in the seasonality and carbon accumulation are anticipated. However, how photosynthetic seasonality evolved to its current state, and what role climatic constraints and their variability played in this process and ultimately in carbon cycle is still poorly understood due to its complexity. Here, we take the “laws of minimum” as a basis and introduce a new framework where the timing (day of year) of peak photosynthetic activity (DOYPmax) acts as a proxy for plant's adaptive state to climatic constraints on its growth. Our analyses confirm that spatial variations in DOYPmax reflect spatial gradients in climatic constraints as well as seasonal maximum and total productivity. We find a widespread warming‐induced advance in DOYPmax (−1.66 ± 0.30 days/decade, p < 0.001) across northern lands, indicating a spatiotemporal dynamism of climatic constraints to plant growth. We show that the observed changes in DOYPmax are associated with an increase in total gross primary productivity through enhanced carbon assimilation early in the growing season, which leads to an earlier phase shift in land‐atmosphere carbon fluxes and an increase in their amplitude. Such changes are expected to continue in the future based on our analysis of earth system model projections. Our study provides a simplified, yet realistic framework based on first principles for the complex mechanisms by which various climatic factors constrain plant growth in northern ecosystems.
Soil greenhouse gas emissions from inorganic fertilizers and recycled oil palm waste products from Indonesian oil palm plantations
Authors: Rahman Niharika , Bruun Thilde Bech , Giller Ken E. , Magid Jakob , van de Ven Gerrie W. J. , de Neergaard Andreas 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA continuous rise in the global demand for palm oil has resulted in the large‐scale expansion of oil palm plantations and generated environmental controversy. Efforts to increase the sustainability of oil palm cultivation include the recycling of oil mill and pruning residues in the field, but this may increase soil methane (CH4) emissions. This study reports the results of yearlong field‐based measurements of soil nitrous oxide (N2O) and CH4 emissions from commercial plantations in North Sumatra, Indonesia. One experiment investigated the effects of soil‐water saturation on N2O and CH4 emissions from inorganic fertilizers and organic amendments by simulating 25 mm rainfall per day for 21 days. Three additional experiments focused on emissions from (a) inorganic fertilizer (urea), (b) combination of enriched mulch with urea and (c) organic amendments (empty fruit bunches, enriched mulch and pruned oil palm fronds) applied in different doses and spatial layouts (placed in inter‐row zones, piles, patches or bands) for a full year. The higher dose of urea led to a significantly higher N2O emissions with the emission factors ranging from 2.4% to 2.7% in the long‐term experiment, which is considerably higher than the IPCC standard of 1%. Organic amendments were a significant source of both N2O and CH4 emissions, but N2O emissions from organic amendments were 66%–86% lower than those from inorganic fertilizers. Organic amendments applied in piles emitted 63% and 71% more N2O and CH4, respectively, than when spread out. With twice the dose of organic amendments, cumulative emissions were up to three times greater. The (simulated) rainwater experiment showed that the increase in precipitation led to a significant increase in N2O emissions significantly, suggesting that the time of fertilization is a critical management option for reducing emissions. The results from this study could therefore help guide residue and nutrient management practices to reduce emissions while ensuring better nutrient recycling for sustainable oil palm production systems.
Effect of Galcanezumab Following Treatment Cessation in Patients With Migraine: Results From 2 Randomized Phase 3 Trials
Authors: Stauffer Virginia L. , Wang Shufang , Voulgaropoulos Menelaos , Skljarevski Vladimir , Kovacik Amy , Aurora Sheena K. 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveWe examined the efficacy and safety of galcanezumab after treatment cessation in randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, migraine prevention studies (EVOLVE‐1; EVOLVE‐2).BackgroundGalcanezumab is indicated for migraine prevention in adults.MethodsAdults with episodic migraine were enrolled into EVOLVE‐1 and EVOLVE‐2, which randomized 858 and 915 patients, respectively, to galcanezumab 120 mg (an initial 240‐mg loading dose), galcanezumab 240 mg, or placebo, administered subcutaneously once monthly for 6 months. After treatment completion or discontinuation, patients entered a 4‐month posttreatment period. Efficacy and safety from the posttreatment periods are reported.ResultsOverall, 740 patients (EVOLVE‐1) and 830 (EVOLVE‐2) patients entered the posttreatment periods, about 95% and 96% of patients, respectively, completed. In EVOLVE‐1, change from pre‐randomization baseline in monthly migraine headache days decreased over the posttreatment period from (mean [SE]) 5.2 (0.4) days (Month 6) to 4.1 (0.4) days (Month 10) for 120 mg and from 5.3 (0.4) days (Month 6) to 3.8 (0.4) days (Month 10) for 240 mg, and was stable for placebo (3.4 [0.3] days [Month 6] to 3.3 [0.3] days [Month 10]); differences between each galcanezumab dose group and placebo were statistically significant at each month, except for galcanezumab 240 mg at Month 10 (120 mg vs placebo: P < .001 Months 1‐6, P = .007 Month 7, P = .044 Month 8, P = .016 Month 9, and P = .042 Month 10; 240 mg vs placebo: P < .001 Months 1–7, P = .015 Month 8, P = .021 Month 9, and P = .238 Month 10). EVOLVE‐2 showed similar results. In both trials, there were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups and placebo for time‐to‐first loss of 50% response. During the posttreatment periods, 1.6% (EVOLVE‐1) and 2.3% (EVOLVE‐2) of patients initiated migraine preventive treatments. At Month 10, quality of life among galcanezumab‐treated patients was similar to those taking placebo. The most common posttreatment emergent adverse event was upper respiratory tract infections. There were no discontinuations due to adverse events during the posttreatment periods.ConclusionsGalcanezumab treatment effects were reduced during the posttreatment periods, but did not return to baseline. There were no unexpected adverse events after galcanezumab cessation.
By Jingo! Methods for researching popular imperialism
Authors: Hennessey John L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe study of popular imperialism, or the extent to which the ordinary citizens of an imperial metropole were aware of and supported their country's imperial expansion, provides a crucial empirical basis for evaluating the causes of and responsibility for colonial aggression. Nevertheless, this topic has received considerably less attention than comparable topics like fascism, genocide, or nationalism, and a comparative conversation between scholars of different empires is largely lacking. Together with a companion article, “Imperial Ardor or Apathy? A Comparative International Historiography of Popular Imperialism,” this article will provide inspiration for future studies by summarizing different approaches to and methodological problems involved in the study of popular imperialism, drawing on a wide range of research on several empires.
A review on selection of fermentative microorganisms for functional foods and beverages: the production and future perspectives
Authors: Ashaolu Tolulope Joshua 
Published: April 2019

SummaryFermentation has been employed as a traditional means of improving the shelf life and nutritional contents of foods, thus making fermented foods and beverages functional and therapeutic. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) plays a major role in determining the health benefits of fermented milk and related products. This review takes into cognizance numerous investigations reporting certain microbial strains and mixes to contribute safety, quality, stability, health and organoleptic properties to fermented foods, due to increased consumers’ awareness of food products with health claims. A look was taken at selection criteria for the ideal fermentative microbial species and strains, their usefulness and prospective ‘OMICS‘‐based approaches to elucidating fermentative complex communities in relation to their effects on fermented food products. Moreover, recommendations were given for improved fermentation of beverages and functional foods. It is projected that fermented foods and beverages will continually be a paramount in the global food and emerging functional food market.
Buy Low and Sell High: The 52‐Week Price Range and Predictability of Returns
Authors: Chang Tzu‐Pu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper uses the ratio of 52‐week high to low prices to construct a self‐financing portfolio strategy, which buys stocks with a low range ratio and sells stocks with a high range ratio according to the behavioral perspective. The results indicate that the profits from this range strategy are substantial and outperform those of 52‐week high and conventional momentum strategies. Moreover, the incremental effect of the range strategy on 52‐week high momentum is significantly positive, while the 52‐week high strategy diminishes this strategy's profitability. Overall, the range measure is better than conventional measures at predicting future returns.
p62 aggregates mediated Caspase 8 activation is responsible for progression of ovarian cancer
Authors: Yan Xiao‐Yu , Zhong Xin‐Ru , Yu Si‐Hang , Zhang Li‐Chao , Liu Ya‐Nan , Zhang Yong , Sun Lian‐Kun , Su Jing 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIncreasing evidence suggests that p62/SQSTM1 functions as a signalling centre in cancer. However, the role of p62 in tumour development depends on the interacting factors it recruits and its precise regulatory mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the pro‐death signalling recruitment of p62 with the goal of improving anti‐tumour drug effects in ovarian cancer treatment. We found that p62 with Caspase 8 high expression is correlated with longer survival time compared with cases of low Caspase 8 expression in ovarian cancer. In vivo experiments suggested that insoluble p62 and ubiquitinated protein accumulation induced by autophagy impairment promoted the activation of Caspase 8 and increased cell sensitivity to cisplatin. Furthermore, p62 functional domain UBA and LIR mutants regulated autophagic flux and attenuated Caspase 8 activation, which indicates that autophagic degradation is involved in p62‐mediated activation of Caspase 8 in ovarian cancer cells. Collectively, our study demonstrates that p62 promotes Caspase 8 activation through autophagy flux blockage with cisplatin treatment. We have provided evidence that autophagy induction followed by its blockade increases cell sensitivity to chemotherapy which is dependent on p62‐Caspase 8 mediated apoptosis signalling. p62 exhibits pro‐death functions through its interaction with Caspase 8. p62 and Caspase 8 may become novel prognostic biomarkers and oncotargets for ovarian cancer treatment.
Cryptochrome‐mediated hypocotyl phototropism was regulated antagonistically by gibberellic acid and sucrose in Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Qing‐Ping , Zhu Jin‐Dong , Li Nan‐Nan , Wang Xiao‐Nan , Zhao Xiang , Zhang Xiao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBoth phototropins (phot1 and phot2) and cryptochromes (cry1 and cry2) were proven as the Arabidopsis thaliana blue light receptors. Phototropins predominately function in photomovement, and cryptochromes play a role in photomorphogenesis. Although cryptochromes have been proposed to serve as positive modulators of phototropic responses, the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we report that depleting sucrose from the medium or adding gibberellic acids (GAs) can partially restore the defects in phototropic curvature of the phot1 phot2 double mutants under high‐intensity blue light; this restoration does not occur in phot1 phot2 cry1 cry2 quadruple mutants and nph3 (nonphototropic hypocotyl 3) mutants which were impaired phototropic response in sucrose‐containing medium. These results indicate that GAs and sucrose antagonistically regulate hypocotyl phototropism in a cryptochromes dependent manner, but it showed a crosstalk with phototropin signaling on NPH3. Furthermore, cryptochromes activation by blue light inhibit GAs synthesis, thus stabilizing DELLAs to block hypocotyl growth, which result in the higher GAs content in the shade side than the lit side of hypocotyl to support the asymmetric growth of hypocotyl. Through modulation of the abundance of DELLAs by sucrose depletion or added GAs, it revealed that cryptochromes have a function in mediating phototropic curvature.
Foreign Direct Investment and Debt Financing in Emerging Economies
Authors: LUK PAUL , ZHENG TIANXIAO 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe rich dynamics of capital flows is an important characteristic of business cycles in emerging market economies. In the data external debt is always procyclical, while FDI is procyclical only in normal times. We provide a microfounded rationale for this pattern by linking financial shocks to capital flows. For this purpose, we build a small open economy model in which firms are subject to borrowing constraints, and are either owned domestically or by foreign investors who purchase firms through FDI. During a financial crisis, the valuation gap per unit net worth between foreign and domestic investors widens, which triggers more FDI inflow. Our model produces business cycle moments consistent with empirical observations.
Salivary gland neoplasms in non‐human primates: A case series and brief literature review
Authors: Howard Emily , Gonzalez Olga , Gumber Sanjeev , Anderson Daniel C. , Kumar Shyamesh , Dick Edward 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundSalivary gland neoplasms are rare in non‐human primates.MethodsThirty‐five years of pathology records were reviewed at the Southwest (SNPRC) and Yerkes (YNPRC) National Primate Research Centers. An in‐depth literature search for salivary gland neoplasms in non‐human primates was performed.ResultsSeventeen salivary gland neoplasms (nine from SNPRC and YNPRC, eight from published literature) were identified. There were seven malignant, nine benign, and one of undetermined behavior identified in eight rhesus macaques, six baboons, a chimpanzee, a bonnet macaque, and a moustached tamarin. Parotid gland was the most frequent origin (n = 7), followed by mandibular (n = 4) or minor salivary glands (n = 2). Two animals with salivary gland adenoma had a history of prior radiation exposure.ConclusionsParotid glands are the most common origin for salivary gland neoplasms. Salivary gland neoplasms should be considered in the differential diagnoses of head and neck masses in non‐human primates.
Risk Measures Based on Benchmark Loss Distributions
Authors: Bignozzi Valeria , Burzoni Matteo , Munari Cosimo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe introduce a class of quantile‐based risk measures that generalize Value at Risk (VaR) and, likewise Expected Shortfall (ES), take into account both the frequency and the severity of losses. Under VaR a single confidence level is assigned regardless of the size of potential losses. We allow for a range of confidence levels that depend on the loss magnitude. The key ingredient is a benchmark loss distribution (BLD), that is, a function that associates to each potential loss a maximal acceptable probability of occurrence. The corresponding risk measure, called Loss VaR (LVaR), determines the minimal capital injection that is required to align the loss distribution of a risky position to the target BLD. By design, one has full flexibility in the choice of the BLD profile and, therefore, in the range of relevant quantiles. Special attention is given to piecewise constant functions and to tail distributions of benchmark random losses, in which case the acceptability condition imposed by the BLD boils down to first‐order stochastic dominance. We investigate the main theoretical properties of LVaR with a focus on their comparison with VaR and ES and discuss applications to capital adequacy, portfolio risk management, and catastrophic risk.
Effects of dietary methionine supplementation on growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra‐uterine growth‐retarded suckling piglets
Authors: Zhang Hao , Li Yue , Chen Yueping , Ying Zhixiong , Su Weipeng , Zhang Tao , Dong Yan , Htoo John K. , Zhang Lili , Wang Tian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis study investigated the effects of dietary supplementation withL‐methionine (L‐Met),DL‐methionine (DL‐Met) and calcium salt of the methionine hydroxyl analog (MHA‐Ca) on growth performance, intestinal morphology, antioxidant capacity and immune function in intra‐uterine growth‐retarded (IUGR) suckling piglets. Six normal birthweight (NBW) female piglets and 24 same‐sex IUGR piglets were selected at birth. Piglets were fed nutrient adequate basal diet supplemented with 0.08%L‐alanine (NBW‐CON), 0.08%L‐alanine (IUGR‐CON), 0.12%L‐Met (IUGR‐LM), 0.12%DL‐Met (IUGR‐DLM) and 0.16% MHA‐Ca (IUGR‐MHA‐Ca) from 7 to 21 days of age respectively (n = 6). The results indicated that IUGR decreased average daily milk (dry matter) intake and average daily gain and increased feed conversion ratio of suckling piglets (p < 0.05). Compared with the NBW‐CON piglets, IUGR also impaired villus morphology and reduced antioxidant capacity and immune homeostasis in the intestine of IUGR‐CON piglets (p < 0.05). Supplementation withL‐Met enhanced jejunal villus height (VH) and villus area and ileal VH of IUGR piglets compared with IUGR‐CON piglets (p < 0.05). Similarly,DL‐Met supplementation increased VH and the ratio of VH to crypt depth in the jejunum compared with IUGR‐CON pigs (p < 0.05). Supplementation withL‐Met andDL‐Met (0.12%) tended to increase reduced glutathione content and reduced glutathione: oxidized glutathione ratio and decrease protein carbonyl concentration in the jejunum of piglets when compared with the IUGR‐CON group (p < 0.10). However, supplementation with MHA‐Ca had no effect on the intestinal redox status of IUGR piglets (p > 0.10). In conclusion, supplementation with eitherL‐Met orDL‐Met has a beneficial effect on the intestinal morphology and antioxidant capacity of IUGR suckling piglets.
Back massage intervention for improving health and sleep quality among intensive care unit patients
Authors: Hsu Wen‐Chi , Guo Su‐Er , Chang Chia‐Hao 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTBackgroundA massage may relax muscles, improve blood circulation and reduce pain and anxiety while also improving sleep quality by increasing comfort. However, there is little research on whether a back massage improves sleep quality in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.Aims and objectivesThis study examined the effects of a back massage on improving vital signs, sleep quality, anxiety and depression among ICU patients.DesignAdopting a quasi‐experimental design, convenience sampling was used to recruit ICU patients from a medical centre in Southern Taiwan. The experimental group received back massages for three consecutive days (n = 30), while controls received usual care (n = 30).MethodsThe Verran and Snyder‐Halpern Scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale were used, and subjective and objective sleep time (wrist actigraphy and sleep duration from nurse observations) was recorded. The effect of the intervention was examined using a generalized estimating equation model with a robust standard error and an exchangeable working correlation matrix adjusting for time.ResultsThe results show that subjective sleep quality scores in ICU patients were low. Mean observed sleep time (measured by nurses) was 3·9 h, but mean sleep time measured using wrist actigraphy was 5·9 h. Back massages improved breathing in patients, increased sleep quality reflected by both subjective and objective data and were associated with a significant change in anxiety.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that a 10‐min back massage can improve sleep quality, sleep duration, breathing and anxiety in ICU patients.Relevance to clinical practiceThe implementation of a back massage shows positive improvements in the sleep quality of ICU patients. The training and theory of massage interventions should be further applied when developing courses in critical care nursing.