bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Politics of Land Grabbing: State and corporate power and the (trans)nationalization of resistance in Cameroon
Authors: Tafon Ralph , Saunders Fred 
Published: April 2018

AbstractApproaching land grabbing as a site of politics wherein power functions in the challenge and/or stabilization of agrarian socioecological injustices, we capture agrarian relations in Cameroon in 2 fundamental ways. Drawing on Laclauian insights, we discuss power as a “counter‐hegemonic” practice, to characterize the resistance strategies of local NGOs, in terms of their articulated discourses around the socioecological effects of land grabs, on the one hand, and the political possibilities that this articulatory practice opens, in terms of (trans)nationalizing resistance across social identities and space, on the other hand. Here, the analysis adopts a Foucauldian‐inspired critique with strong commitments towards agrarian socioecological justice, in a context where policies to protect democratic access to land are absent. Second, framed as a hegemonic/governmental “form of rule,” we capture how state and diplomatic actors sought to override dissent and stabilize the contentious land deal. We also show how a moment of presidential “nondecision,” characterized by a hyper‐centralized bureaucracy conjoined with these hegemonic forces to disempower local administrative and judicial leverage, thereby fostering corporate power. The article thus contributes to debates on state and corporate powers, as well as the strategies of, or possibilities and constraints for resistance “from below” to irradiate and structure into a compelling force.
Intralesional bleomycin injection vs microneedling‐assisted topical bleomycin spraying in treatment of plantar warts
Authors: Al‐Naggar Mohamed R. , Al‐Adl Ahmad S. , Rabie Ali R. , Abdelkhalk Mahmoud R. , Elsaie Mohamed L. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundWarts, or verrucae, are benign epithelial profilerations of skin and mucosa caused by infection with HPV and poses a challenge to treat.ObjectiveTo compare between single and microneedling‐assisted multipuncture techniques of intralesional application in treatment of plantar warts.MethodsThe study included 60 Patients who were divided into two groups (A&B). Each group consisted of (30) patients. Group (A) subjects received intralesional bleomycin with a single injection using syringe needle. For Group (B) subjects, we combined microneedling with topical spraying of bleomycin (MN + Bleo) and followed by occlusion for 2 hours.ResultsThe results revealed complete clearance of warts in 21 patients in group (A) (70%) whom were treated by intralesional (IL) bleomycin vs 25 patients (83.3%) in group (B) whom were treated by spraying of bleomycin following microneedling. Side effects other than pain, erythema, and transient induration were relatively infrequent, and no nail changes or Raynaud's phenomenon was observed in both groups.ConclusionWe established a good safety and efficacy profile for bleomycin in plantar wart treatment and we demonstrated that microneedling followed by bleomycin spraying had a higher clearance and proved less painful as opposed to bleomycin injection.
Ventricular tachycardia in a primigravida with Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Authors: Kochhar Puneet K. , Ghosh Pranay 
Published: April 2018

AbstractHyperemesis gravidarum is persistent vomiting, seen more often in the first trimester of pregnancy, when the patient is unable to maintain adequate hydration. Intractable vomiting can lead to severe electrolyte imbalance, which may cause electrocardiogram abnormalities. Occasionally, ventricular tachycardia can complicate a pregnancy. Although its occurrence usually indicates an underlying cardiac structural or arrhythmic abnormality, it may rarely occur in a pregnant patient with structurally normal heart. We report a rare case of ventricular tachycardia, secondary to hyperemesis induced hypomagnesemia and hypokalemia, in a pregnant patient with a structurally normal heart.
Plasma cell‐free DNA and qSOFA score predict 7‐day mortality in 481 emergency department bacteraemia patients
Authors: Rannikko J. , Seiskari T. , Huttunen R. , Tarkiainen I. , Jylhävä J. , Hurme M. , Syrjänen J. , Aittoniemi J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBackgroundA few studies have shown that both quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (qSOFA) score and cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) have potential use as a prognostic marker in patients with infection. We studied these two markers alone and in combination to identify those emergency department (ED) patients with the highest risk of death.MethodsPlasma cfDNA level was studied on days 0 to 4 after admittance to the ED from 481 culture‐positive bloodstream infection cases. The qSOFA score was evaluated retrospectively according to Sepsis‐3 definitions. The primary outcome was death by day 7.ResultsCfDNA on day 0 was significantly higher in nonsurvivors than in survivors (2.02 μg mL−1 vs. 1.35 μg mL−1, P < 0.001). CfDNA level was high (>1.69 μg mL−1) in 134 (28%) of 481 cases, and the qSOFA score was ≥2 in 128 (28%) of 458 cases. High cfDNA and qSOFA score ≥2 had 70% and 77% sensitivity and 76% and 76% specificity in predicting death by day 7, respectively. High cfDNA alone had odds ratio (OR) of 7.7 (95% CI 3.9–15.3) and qSOFA score ≥2 OR of 11.6 (5.5–24.3), but their combination had OR of 20.3 (10.0–41.4) in predicting death by day 7 when compared with those with low cfDNA and qSOFA score <2. Amongst the five cases with the highest cfDNA levels, there were three patients with severe disseminated intravascular coagulation.ConclusionCfDNA and qSOFA score can be used independently to identify those bacteraemia patients at high risk of death, and combining these two markers gives additional advantage.
Legal institution and the evolution of moral conduct
Authors: Thompson Jon C. , Wu Jiabin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper argues that to better understand the relationship between a legal institution and moral conduct, two features of the legal institution need to be jointly considered: It is costly and endogenously determined. We propose a simple cultural transmission model in the context of a legal institution. The strength of the legal institution is determined by majority voting and the cost of implementing the legal institution is shared by the citizens. We find that the legal institution can either “crowd in” or “crowd out” moral conduct in the long run depending on the cost of implementation as well as the initial distribution of moral conduct in a society.
Stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in honeybee (Apis mellifera) therapy, to control Nosema ceranae invasions in apiary conditions
Authors: Tlak Gajger I. , Ribarić J. , Smodiš Škerl M. , Vlainić J. , Sikirić P. 
Published: April 2018

Nosema ceranae can cause major problems, such as immune suppression, gut epithelial cell degeneration, reduced honeybee lifespan, or suddenly colony collapse. As a novel approach in therapy, we hypothesize the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 in honeybee therapy, to control N. ceranae invasions in apiary conditions: BPC 157 treated sugar syrup (0.25 L sugar syrup supplemented with 0.1 μg/ml BPC 157), as well as the pure sugar syrup (0.25 L sugar syrup; control), was administered to honeybee colonies in feeders situated under the roof of the hives, during 21 consecutive days, at the end of beekeeping season. The strength of honeybee colonies was increased 20 and 30 days after initial feeding with BPC 157 supplement (Day 1, 36.100 ± 698; Day 20, 64.860 ± 468; Day 30, 53.214 ± 312 estimated number of honeybees), in field conditions. The similar successful outcome occurs with the N. ceranae spore loads counted in the homogenates of sampled adult honeybees (Day 1, 6.286 ± 2.336; Day 20, 3.753 ± 1.835; Day 30, 2.005 ± 1.534 million spores/bee). Accordingly, with the noted increased strength of the colonies fed with sugar syrup supplemented with BPC 157, the number of N. ceranae spores per honeybee gradually decreased as well. Besides, honeybees infected with N. ceranae fed with sugar syrup exhibited severe damage of midgut wall layers and epithelial cells. By contrast, in honeybees infected with N. ceranae fed with sugar syrup supplemented with BPC 157, all damages were markedly attenuated, damages of the outer muscular coat, in particular. In conclusion, the results of the first field trial on diseased honeybee colonies with BPC 157 indicate significant therapeutic effects with the used oral therapy with BPC 157 supplementation.
Climate change impacts on natural resources and communities: A geospatial approach for management
Authors: Ojha Adikanda , Pattnaik Ajit Kumar , Rout Jajnaseni 
Published: April 2018

AbstractClimate change causes environmental depletion, with threats to the global economy. The health and productivity of ecosystems underpin agriculture, with stable ecosystems being the foundation for economic livelihoods and food security. This study proposes adaptation measures, using geospatial technology, for conserving natural resources and improving livelihoods of the local community from climate change scenarios. Planning, policy decisions and resultant programmes are required for natural resource management, which must be based on broad citizen participation and the engagement of rural communities. The suggested adaptation measures will help the planning system to regulate development of natural resources and the socio‐economic environment. The major natural resources in the environment are land and water, both of which can be severely degraded by human interventions, as well as climate change. Various thematic maps are prepared with the use of geospatial technology, in order to be helpful for site‐suitability analysis directed to the preparation of land and water management action plans for socio‐economic development. The study area is a micro‐watershed of the catchment of Ansupa Lake in the Cuttack District of Odisha, India. To reduce climate change impacts on natural resources and economic livelihoods, some adaptation measures have been proposed (e.g., 68.9 ha for afforestation.; 13.94 ha for gap plantations and agro‐horticulture; 389.62 ha for farm ponds and renovation of existing ponds for pisciculture and duckery activities, etc.; 11.33 ha for land management, along with five bore wells, eight dug wells, 51 LBS/check dams, and four WHSs, etc., for water management for sustainable use).
Ambient and cold‐temperature infrared spectra and XRD patterns of ammoniated phyllosilicates and carbonaceous chondrite meteorites relevant to Ceres and other solar system bodies
Authors: Ehlmann Bethany L. , Hodyss Robert , Bristow Thomas F. , Rossman George R. , Ammannito Eleonora , De Sanctis M. Cristina , Raymond Carol A. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMg‐phyllosilicate‐bearing, dark surface materials on the dwarf planet Ceres have NH4‐bearing materials, indicated by a distinctive 3.06 μm absorption feature. To constrain the identity of the Ceres NH4‐carrier phase(s), we ammoniated ground particulates of candidate materials to compare their spectral properties to infrared data acquired by Dawn's Visible and Infrared (VIR) imaging spectrometer. We treated Mg‐, Fe‐, and Al‐smectite clay minerals; Mg‐serpentines; Mg‐chlorite; and a suite of carbonaceous meteorites with NH4‐acetate to exchange ammonium. Serpentines and chlorites showed no evidence for ammoniation, as expected due to their lack of exchangeable interlayer sites. Most smectites showed evidence for ammoniation by incorporation of NH4+ into their interlayers, resulting in the appearance of absorptions from 3.02 to 3.08 μm. Meteorite samples tested had weak absorptions between 3.0 and 3.1 μm but showed little clear evidence for enhancement upon ammoniation, likely due to the high proportion of serpentine and other minerals relative to expandable smectite phases or to NH4+ complexing with organics or other constituents. The wavelength position of the smectite NH4 absorption showed no variation between IR spectra acquired under dry‐air purge at 25 °C and under vacuum at 25 °C to −180 °C. Collectively, data from the smectite samples show that the precise center wavelength of the characteristic ~3.05 μm v3 absorption in NH4 is variable and is likely related to the degree of hydrogen bonding of NH4‐H2O complexes. Comparison with Dawn VIR spectra indicates that the hypothesis of Mg‐saponite as the ammonium carrier phase is the simplest explanation for observed data, and that Ceres dark materials may be like Cold Bokkeveld or Tagish Lake but with proportionally more Mg‐smectite.
Hope as a Democratic Civic Virtue
Authors: Snow Nancy E. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAgainst the backdrop of the recent emergence of disturbing currents of populism in several countries, including the United States, this article argues for a conception of hope as a democratic civic virtue. In section 1, it offers a general overview of hope and sketches an initial conception of hope as a democratic civic virtue. In section 2, the stage is set for further theorizing of this conception in the present American context. Drawing on the work of Ghassan Hage, the article makes the point that the United States is in the process of becoming a nation of worriers in part because of the failure of the government to distribute social hope. Section 3 fleshes out what hope as a democratic civic virtue could look like in the United States today. Section 4 concludes with brief comments about theorizing civic hope in the context of a modified pragmatism.
On the determinants of electricity power losses: empirics from Ghana
Authors: Kwakwa Paul Adjei 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThis paper empirically examines the determinants of electricity power losses (EPL) for the Ghanaian economy. Since 2001, EPL for the economy has been more than 20% of the total electricity generated which already is inadequate to meet growing electricity demand. The Fully Modified Ordinary Least Square was used to estimate the drivers of Ghana's EPL, using annual time series data from 1971 to 2013. The results showed that education, price of electricity, capital investment, income, manufacturing and population have significantly influenced the trend of Ghana's electricity losses over the years. The paper recommends the need to intensify capital investment in the power sector as well as public education to deal with EPL.
Safety of anesthesia for children with mucopolysaccharidoses: A retrospective analysis of 54 patients
Authors: Scaravilli Vittorio , Zanella Alberto , Ciceri Valentina , Bosatra Mariagrazia , Flandoli Claudia , La Bruna Alessia , Sosio Simone , Parini Rossella , Gasperini Serena , Pesenti Antonio , Moretto Alessandra 
Published: April 2018

SummaryBackgroundComplications are common during anesthesia for patients with mucopolysaccharidoses. San Gerardo Hospital (Italy) is a reference center for mucopolysaccharidoses with a dedicated pediatric anesthesia service.AimsThis study aims to evaluate the safety of anesthesia for mucopolysaccharidoses patients, describe their anesthetic management at our institution, and assess risk factors for complications.MethodsThe anesthetic charts of mucopolysaccharidoses patients admitted from January 1999 to December 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. We retrieved patients' demographics; location and type of the procedure; anesthetic approach airway management and occurrence of difficult intubation and complications and outcome at hospital discharge. A generalized linear mixed model was performed to assess risk factors for complications and difficult intubation.ResultsFifty‐four consecutive children were included. The anesthetic charts of 232 procedures (52% radio‐diagnostics, 15% orthopedics, 15% ear‐nose‐throat surgery, 10% neurosurgery, and 8% general surgery) were analyzed. Each patient underwent a median of 4 (1‐6) procedures. The median age at the first procedure was 2 (1‐5), and overall age was 5 (2‐8) years old. One hundred and twenty‐five (54%) procedures were performed in remote locations. General anesthesia was utilized for 100 (43%) procedures. No death was recorded. Twenty‐one (9%) procedures had respiratory complications. Remote location anesthesia was associated with increased risk for complications (odds ratio 5.405 [1.355‐28.571], P = .016). All planned intubations (n = 65) were successful. Nineteen (29%) of those were defined difficult. All emergency intubations (n = 3) failed and were rescued by laryngeal mask airways. Older age was associated with an increased risk of difficult intubation (OR 1.200 [1.019‐1.436], P = .028).ConclusionPatients with mucopolysaccharidoses are at high risk for anesthesia‐related complications. Remote location anesthesia is associated with increased risk for complications, and older age is associated with increased risk for difficult intubation.
A polymeric immunoglobulin—antigen fusion protein strategy for enhancing vaccine immunogenicity
Authors: Webster Gina R. , van Dolleweerd Craig , Guerra Thais , Stelter Szymon , Hofmann Sven , Kim Mi‐Young , Teh Audrey Y‐H. , Diogo Gil Reynolds , Copland Alastair , Paul Mathew J. , Hart Peter , Reljic Rajko , Ma Julian K‐C. 
Published: April 2018

SummaryIn this study, a strategy based on polymeric immunoglobulin G scaffolds (PIGS) was used to produce a vaccine candidate for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A genetic fusion construct comprising genes encoding the mycobacterial Ag85B antigen, an immunoglobulin γ‐chain fragment and the tailpiece from immunoglobulin μ chain was engineered. Expression was attempted in Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells and in Nicotiana benthamiana. The recombinant protein assembled into polymeric structures (TB‐PIGS) in N. benthamiana, similar in size to polymeric IgM. These complexes were subsequently shown to bind to the complement protein C1q and FcγRs with increased affinity. Modification of the N‐glycans linked to TB‐PIGS by removal of xylose and fucose residues that are normally found in plant glycosylated proteins also resulted in increased affinity for low‐affinity FcγRs. Immunization studies in mice indicated that TB‐PIGS are highly immunogenic with and without adjuvant. However, they did not improve protective efficacy in mice against challenge with M. tuberculosis compared to conventional vaccination with BCG, suggesting that additional or alternative antigens may be needed to protect against this disease. Nevertheless, these results establish a novel platform for producing polymeric antigen‐IgG γ‐chain molecules with inherent functional characteristics that are desirable in vaccines.
Engineering storage capacity for volatile sesquiterpenes in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves
Authors: Delatte Thierry L. , Scaiola Giulia , Molenaar Jamil , de Sousa Farias Katyuce , Alves Gomes Albertti Leticia , Busscher Jacqueline , Verstappen Francel , Carollo Carlos , Bouwmeester Harro , Beekwilder Jules 
Published: April 2018

SummaryPlants store volatile compounds in specialized organs. The properties of these storage organs prevent precarious evaporation and protect neighbouring tissues from cytotoxicity. Metabolic engineering of plants is often carried out in tissues such as leaf mesophyll cells, which are abundant and easily accessible by engineering tools. However, these tissues are not suitable for the storage of volatile and hydrophobic compound such as sesquiterpenes and engineered volatiles are often lost into the headspace. In this study, we show that the seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana, which naturally contain lipid bodies, accumulate sesquiterpenes upon engineered expression. Subsequently, storage of volatile sesquiterpenes was achieved in Nicotiana benthamiana leaf tissue, by introducing oleosin‐coated lipid bodies through metabolic engineering. Hereto, different combinations of genes encoding diacylglycerol acyltransferases (DGATs), transcription factors (WRINKL1) and oleosins (OLE1), from the oil seed‐producing species castor bean (Ricinus communis) and Arabidopsis, were assessed for their suitability to promote lipid body formation. Co‐expression of α‐bisabolol synthase with Arabidopsis DGAT1 and WRINKL1 and OLE1 from castor bean promoted storage of α‐bisabolol in N. benthamiana mesophyll tissue more than 17‐fold. A clear correlation was found between neutral lipids and storage of sesquiterpenes, using synthases for α‐bisabolol, (E)‐β‐caryophyllene and α‐barbatene. The co‐localization of neutral lipids and α‐bisabolol was shown using microscopy. This work demonstrates that lipid bodies can be used as intracellular storage compartment for hydrophobic sesquiterpenes, also in the vegetative parts of plants, creating the possibility to improve yields of metabolic engineering strategies in plants.
Cellular and molecular changes associated with fish oocyte ageing
Authors: Samarin Azin Mohagheghi , Samarin Azadeh Mohagheghi , Policar Tomas 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPost‐ovulatory oocyte ageing in fish is associated with limited fertilization rate, poor embryo development, larval malformation, ploidy anomalies and various other offspring abnormalities. Many studies have focused on morphological, physiological, biochemical and histological changes that occur during oocyte ageing. However, little is known about molecular changes associated with this process. This review covers the cellular and molecular characteristics of ageing oocytes with special focus on age‐associated changes affected by oxidative damage. The contribution of oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction, as well as new insights into oocyte ageing in higher vertebrates, is discussed to provide direction for future studies. Investigating the genomics and proteomics of oocyte ageing, including underlying molecular mechanisms, could contribute valuable information on determinants of egg quality. Such knowledge can be translated into practical applications in aquaculture, such as supplementation of oocyte culture media with antioxidants and other agents as a means to inhibit or delay development of the aged oocyte phenotype. Identification of cellular and molecular markers associated with the oocyte ageing process will benefit such developments.
Cultural proximity: A source of trade flow resilience?
Authors: Carrère Céline , Masood Maria 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWhile the significant influence of cultural proximity on bilateral trade flows has been extensively documented in the literature, its possible role in times of crisis has not yet been raised. Relying on a panel estimation of a gravity model incorporating cultural proximity parameters, we evidence the existence of a significant surge in the impact of the different components of cultural proximity during economic recession. The trade resilience among countries sharing a cultural bond is not a pure composition effect as it also appears within product categories. To understand this unexpected effect, we discuss different mechanisms that emphasise the potential mitigating influence of cultural proximity on some determinants of the trade collapse, namely the uncertainty shock, the increased moral hazard and the emergence of ethnocentric preferences.