bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Independent and cooperative regulation of staphylopine biosynthesis and trafficking by Fur and Zur
Authors: Fojcik Clémentine , Arnoux Pascal , Ouerdane Laurent , Aigle Marina , Alfonsi Laura , Borezée‐Durant Elise 
Published: February 2018

SummaryStaphylococcus aureus expresses the Cnt system implicated in the active transport of trace metals by synthesizing (CntKLM) and exporting (CntE) staphylopine, a metallophore chelating metals and then taken up by an ABC‐transporter (CntABCDF). This machinery is encoded in the cntKLMABCDFE operon, preceded by a non‐coding region (PcntK) and containing an internal promoter region (PcntA). PcntK comprises a Fur box followed by a Zur box, a sRNA transcription start and a repeated region, while PcntA comprises a Fur box that overlaps a Zur box. We found that PcntK promoter activity is attenuated by the repeated sequence and strictly controlled by Fur or Zur binding to its respective target sequences. Interestingly, we discovered a cooperative regulation of the PcntA activity by both Fur and Zur binding to the Fur/Zur box, by identifying a tripartite complex with DNA. Repression of PcntA is less sensitive to metal concentration and therefore loosely repressed as compared to PcntK activity. Furthermore, the Cnt system is essential for the optimal import of zinc, thereby linking regulation and function of Cnt. Overall, our results highlight the need for fine and differential tuning of staphylopine biosynthesis and trafficking in order to efficiently respond to metal starvation and optimize metal recovery.
Excretion/defecation patterns in Triatoma infestans populations that are, respectively, susceptible and resistant to deltamethrin
Authors: Lobbia P. , Calcagno J. , Mougabure‐Cueto G. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPyrethroid resistance has been detected in Triatoma infestans (Klug) (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) specimens from different areas of Argentina and Bolivia. Genes conferring resistance can have a pleiotropic effect with epidemiological and evolutionary consequences. This research studied excretion/defecation patterns in deltamethrin‐resistant T. infestans in order to elucidate its biological performance, adaptive consequences and role in the transmission of Chagas' disease. One deltamethrin‐susceptible strain and two deltamethrin‐resistant strains were used. Fifth‐instar nymphs were fed ad libitum and their defecations recorded during and after the first or second feeding in the stadium. Resistant insects began to defecate later, defecated less, showed a lower proportion of defecating individuals and lower defecation indices compared with susceptible insects during the first hour after feeding. The number of bloodmeals in the stadium did not affect the main variables determining the pattern of defecation. The present study suggests that alterations in the excretion/defecation pattern in resistant insects entail an adaptive cost and, considering only this pattern, determine a lower capacity for transmission of Trypanosoma cruzi (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae) compared with susceptible insects.
Electroreception in early vertebrates: survey, evidence and new information
Authors: King Benedict , Hu Yuzhi , Long John A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractElectroreception is widespread in living vertebrates, and is often considered to be a primitive vertebrate character. However, the early evolution of electroreception remains unclear. A variety of structures in early vertebrate fossils have been put forward as potential electroreceptors, but these need to be reassessed in light of the now substantial literature on electroreceptors in living vertebrates. Here we review the evidence for all putative electroreceptors in early vertebrates, and provide new information from CT scans. In the jawless osteostracans, the pore canal system in the dermal skeleton and the lateral and dorsal fields do not resemble electroreceptors in living species. Nevertheless, the presence of a recurrent ramus of the anterior lateral line nerve in osteostracans suggests that electroreceptors were present, by comparison with lampreys. In placoderms, cutaneous sense organs on arthrodire cheek plates are possible electroreceptors. CT data shows that the orientation of these pits is anomalous for electroreceptors, and intimately associated with bone growth. A newly identified type of cheek pit, for which the term ‘Young's apparatus’ is introduced, is known from only two arthrodire specimens. It is closely associated with the underlying jaw joint, but its precise function is unknown. In osteichthyans, the ‘pore group’ clusters of early sarcopterygians may have housed electroreceptors. CT data from Devonian lungfish support this interpretation, showing internal morphology consistent with electroreceptors, and innervation via the rostral tubuli underlying the dermal bone of the snout. The early osteichthyan Ligulalepis has pit structures which may be electroreceptors, and were possibly innervated by lateral line nerves. Specialized electroreceptor systems, including elaborated ‘pore group’ pits in Devonian lungfish and rostral organs in the earliest coelacanths, show that electroreception may have had an important role in niche specialization in early vertebrates. Finally, fossil data does not support the hypothesis that vertebrate hard tissues initially evolved to shield electroreceptors.
Generating genetic variation in narrow‐leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) for plant architecture by ethyl methanesulfonate mutagenesis
Authors: Fischer Kristin , Rudloff Eicke , Roux Steffen R. , Dieterich Regine , Wehling Peter , Friedt Wolfgang , Ruge‐Wehling Brigitte 
Published: February 2018

AbstractNarrow‐leafed lupin (NLL) is a source of protein and fibre with exceptional functional properties useful for a variety of purposes. In adapted NLL germplasm selected for low alkaloid contents, the genetic base is narrow, thus limiting fast breeding progress. In an EMS‐based mutagenesis programme, we have treated 40,000 seeds of cv. ‘Boruta’ and obtained a variety of phenotypic mutant lines expressing novel growth types with altered plant height and/or branching. In 3‐year field trials at two locations, three of these lines exhibited significantly improved grain yield components compared to the cv. ‘Boruta’. Growth types of these promising lines were shown to be inherited in a monogenic recessive manner and should, thus, be easily fixable by breeding.
Financial Rewards Do Not Stimulate Coproduction: Evidence from Two Experiments
Authors: Voorberg William , Jilke Sebastian , Tummers Lars , Bekkers Victor 
Published: February 2018

AbstractWestern governments are increasingly trying to stimulate citizens to coproduce public services by, among other strategies, offering them financial incentives. However, there are competing views on whether financial incentives stimulate coproduction. While some argue that financial incentives increase citizens' willingness to coproduce, others suggest that incentives decrease their willingness (i.e., crowding out). To test these competing expectations, the authors designed a set of experiments that offered subjects a financial incentive to assist municipalities in helping refugees integrate. The experiment was first conducted among university students within a laboratory setting. Then, the initial findings were replicated and extended among a general adult sample. Results suggest that small financial rewards have no effect: they neither increase nor decrease people's willingness to coproduce. When the offered amount is increased substantially, willingness to coproduce increases only marginally. Hence, financial incentives are not a very cost‐efficient instrument to stimulate coproduction.
Central Bank Independence and Deflation
Authors: Tokic Damir 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDeflation presents special challenges to central banking, as traditional monetary policy tools are highly inefficient in dealing with deflationary pressures. In this case, the Federal Reserve must use alternative monetary policy tools that are specially designed to artificially boost asset prices through “printing press” or currency manipulation. Unfortunately, these alternative monetary policy tools create unintended political, geopolitical, and social consequences that overreach into the direct responsibilities of other branches of government. Thus, the government must be able to influence Federal Open Market Committee decisions that potentially affect (or contradict) U.S. foreign policy, U.S. trade policy, U.S. dollar policy, and deliberate domestic/global wealth distribution policies.
Lactoferrin increases sperm membrane functionality of frozen equine semen
Authors: Martins HS , da Silva GC , Cortes SF , Paes FO , Martins Filho OA , Araujo MSS , Stahlberg R , Lagares MA 
Published: February 2018

ContentsDuring cryopreservation, sperm was submitted to an increase in reactive oxygen species generation. This work aimed to improve the quality of frozen equine sperm after the addition of antioxidants lactoferrin (Lf) and catalase (Cat) to a freezing extender. Semen from six stallions was frozen with the extenders: F1) control, INRA 82 freezing extender, F2) F1 + 500 μg/ml Lf and F3) F1 + 200 IU/ml Cat. After thawing, sperm motility parameters, membrane functionality and integrity, and acrosome integrity and spontaneous acrosome‐reacted sperm were evaluated with a computer‐assisted sperm analysis, a hypoosmotic swelling test and epifluorescent microscopy, respectively. Nitrite, hydroperoxide and iron concentrations of frozen semen were measured with spectrophotometry. The percentage of functional membrane sperm treated with Lf was higher (50.7% ± 11.6%) compared to that of the control (37.6% ± 15.6%), while the iron (61.4 ± 11.6 vs 73.3 ± 13.8 mg/dl) and nitrite concentrations (16.3 ± 7.1 vs 25.9 ± 4.2 μM/μg protein) were lower, respectively (p < .05). Thus, it can be suggested that Lf protect stallion spermatozoon during freezing as it has increased the percentage of sperm with functional membrane and decreased the lipid oxidant agents.
Is urbanization improving real estate investment? A cross‐regional study of China
Authors: Liu Tie‐Ying , Su Chi‐Wei , Chang Hsu‐Ling , Chu Chien‐Chi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis paper applies bootstrap panel Granger causality to test the relationship between urbanization and real estate investment from 1990 to 2014 for 29 provinces in China. We argue that the patterns of interaction between urbanization and investment in real estate vary across regions. The results show that urbanization does Granger‐cause investment in real estate, primarily in the central and northeastern regions of China, while urbanization does not Granger‐cause investment in real estate in the eastern and western regions, except for four provinces. Most regions do not have a Granger‐causality relationship from real estate investment to urbanization; the exceptions are Henan and Hei Longjiang provinces. Our results only support one theory on the relationship between urbanization and the real estate market for one‐third of the provinces. Thus, urbanization can improve real estate investment by increasing the demand for housing as a result of population agglomeration, but urbanization does not depend on real estate investment in China.
Quotas and affirmative action: Understanding group‐based outcomes and attitudes
Authors: Morgenroth Thekla , Ryan Michelle K. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMore and more countries are adopting quotas to increase group‐based equality in the boardroom and the political sphere. Nevertheless, affirmative action in general and quotas in particular remain a highly controversial subject—eliciting negative reactions from privileged groups, while support among minority and lower‐status groups is generally higher. Focusing on gender, we take a broad approach to the topic and discuss (a) the effects of quotas and affirmative action on the under‐representation of minority groups and on perceptions of their competence, (b) the effects of quotas and affirmative action on organisational performance, and (c) predictors of attitudes towards affirmative action and quotas. We conclude that the benefits of quotas outweigh their costs and that they are an effective way of tackling group‐based inequality. We also discuss strategies that can be used to elicit more support among those groups that are particularly critical of quotas.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? Open Enrollment Decisions and Student Achievement Trajectories
Authors: Carlson Deven , Lavery Lesley , Hughes Tyler 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveAnalyze achievement trajectories of students who transfer out of their district of residence via Colorado's interdistrict open enrollment policy.MethodsDrawing on a data set containing annual individual‐level records from the universe of students attending Colorado public schools between 2005–2006 and 2009–2010, we estimate the achievement trajectories of open enrollment participants via ordinary least squares (OLS) models containing student fixed effects.Results and ConclusionOur analyses indicate that the achievement of open enrollment participants gradually declines in the years leading up to their transfer. After open enrolling, students whose participation is stable through the duration they are observed in our data exhibit small achievement gains, but those who reenroll in their district of residence exhibit additional small declines. On average, those who use open enrollment as a long‐term education option tend to enroll in districts that are more advantaged on traditional measures of educational quality than their district of residence.
The Long Road to Equality: A Meta‐Regression Analysis of Changes in the Black Test Score Gap Over Time*
Authors: Huntington‐Klein Nick , Ackert Elizabeth 
Published: February 2018

ObjectiveWe analyze changes in test score gaps between black students and their peers from 1979 to 2010 and examine how observable factors contribute to the gap.MethodsUsing meta‐regression, we examine the relationship between African‐American racial status and achievement in U.S. K–12 education in 165 published studies.ResultsThe absolute relationship between black status and achievement decreased during the 1980s and early 1990s, but was stagnant from the late 1990s through 2010. Socioeconomic status explained more than half of the gap, and the influence of socioeconomic status on the gap did not change significantly over time. Schooling characteristics explained relatively little of the gap, but school‐level factors increased in importance over time.ConclusionBlack test score gap closure stagnated in an era when federal education policy sought to close racial achievement gaps. Observable factors explain more of the gap than has been previously recognized.
Diabetic retinopathy screening programme utilising non‐mydriatic fundus imaging in slum populations of New Delhi, India
Authors: Wadhwani Meenakshi , Vashist Praveen , Singh Suraj Senjam , Gupta Noopur , Malhotra Sumit , Gupta Aparna , Shukla Pallavi , Bhardwaj Amit , Gupta Vivek 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo develop and implement a community‐based programme for screening of diabetic retinopathy (DR) in urban populations of Delhi.MethodsKnown diabetics (KDs) aged 40 years and older were identified through house‐to‐house surveys, volunteers and publicity. All KDs were referred to DR screening camps organised locally where procedures included brief medical history, ocular examination and non‐mydriatic fundus photography using portable handheld camera. Fundal images were graded on the spot by trained optometrists for DR. Patients with DR were referred to tertiary centre for management.ResultsA total of 11 566 KDs were identified, of whom 9435 (81.6%) visited DR screening camps and 8432 (89.4%) had DR gradable images. DR was identified in 13.5% of subjects; 351 cases were mild NPDR, 567 moderate, 92 severe. Seventy‐seven had PDR, and 49 had DME, and 2.7% of participants were blind (presenting visual acuity <3/60 in better eye). Non‐use of lifestyle management, presence of systemic complications, BMI <18.5 kg/m2, disease duration of >5 years and uncontrolled diabetes were associated with increased odds of DR. All cases with DR were referred, and 420 (37%) successful referrals to base hospital were observed.ConclusionThe programme of creating awareness about DR, identifying KDs and optometrist‐led DR screening using non‐mydriatic fundus camera based in slums was successful.
Impact of rotavirus vaccination on rotavirus hospitalisation rates among a resource‐limited rural population in Mbita, Western Kenya
Authors: Wandera Ernest Apondi , Mohammad Shah , Bundi Martin , Nyangao James , Galata Amina , Kathiiko Cyrus , Odoyo Erick , Guyo Sora , Miring'u Gabriel , Komoto Satoshi , Ichinose Yoshio 
Published: February 2018

AbstractObjectivesA two‐dose oral monovalent rotavirus vaccine (RV1) was introduced into the Kenyan National Immunization Program in July 2014. We assessed trends in hospitalisation for rotavirus‐specific acute gastroenteritis (AGE) and strain distribution among children <5 years in a rural, resource‐limited setting in Kenya before and after the nationwide implementation of the vaccine.MethodsData on rotavirus AGE and strain distribution were derived from a 5‐year hospital‐based surveillance. We compared rotavirus‐related hospitalisations and strain distribution in the 2‐year post‐vaccine period with the 3‐year pre‐vaccine baseline. Vaccine administrative data from the Unit of Vaccines and Immunization Services (UVIS) for Mbita sub‐county were used to estimate rotavirus immunisation coverage in the study area.ResultsWe observed a 48% (95% CI: 27–64%) overall decline in rotavirus‐related hospitalisations among children aged <5 years in the post‐vaccine period. Coverage with the last dose of rotavirus vaccine increased from 51% in year 1% to 72% in year 2 of the vaccine implementation. Concurrently, reductions in rotavirus hospitalisations increased from 40% in the first year to 53% in the second year of vaccine use. The reductions were most pronounced among the vaccine‐eligible group, with the proportion of cases in this age group dropping to 14% in post‐vaccine years from a high of 51% in the pre‐vaccine period. A diversity of rotavirus strains circulated before the introduction of the vaccine with G1P[8] being the most dominant strain. G2P[4] replaced G1P[8] as the dominant strain after the vaccine was introduced.ConclusionsRotavirus vaccination has resulted in a notable decline in hospital admissions for rotavirus infections in a rural resource‐limited population in Kenya. This provides early evidence for continued use of rotavirus vaccines in routine childhood immunisations in Kenya. Our data also underscore the need for expanding coverage on second dose so as to maximise the impact of the vaccine.
Isolation and identification of Acinetobacter spp. from healthy canine skin
Authors: Mitchell Kayleigh E , Turton Jane F , Lloyd David H 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundAcinetobacter species can exhibit widespread resistance to antimicrobial agents. They are already recognized as important nosocomial pathogens of humans, but are becoming increasingly recognized in opportunistic infections of animals.Hypothesis/objectivesThis study aimed to determine whether Acinetobacter spp. are carried on skin of healthy dogs and, if present, to identify the species.AnimalsForty dogs were sampled at veterinary practices and rescue centres. They were free from skin disease and receiving no systemic or topical treatments.MethodsSkin swab samples were collected from four sites on each dog and cultured. Acinetobacter spp. isolates were detected by biochemical tests and gas chromatography. The species was determined by sequencing the RNA polymerase β‐subunit (rpoB) gene. Isolates were screened for OXA carbapenemase genes and class 1 integrons capable of carrying resistance genes, and subjected to antimicrobial susceptibility tests.ResultsFor 25% dogs sampled (10 of 40), Acinetobacter spp. were isolated at one or more skin sites. Thirteen Acinetobacter spp. isolates were recovered from 160 samples. The most frequently cultured was A. lwoffii (seven of 13), followed by A. baumannii (two of 13), A. junii (one of 13), A. calcoaceticus (one of 13), A. pittii (one of 13) and a novel Acinetobacter species (one of 13). Class 1 integrons and blaOXA‐23‐like were not detected. Isolates were susceptible to most antibiotics.Conclusions and clinical importanceThe study confirms that Acinetobacter spp. can survive on canine skin, where they may be potential reservoirs for infection. This highlights the importance of good hygiene in veterinary practice, adhering to aseptic principles in surgery, and treatment based on culture and susceptibility testing where possible.
The Sda and Cad glycan antigens and their glycosyltransferase, β1,4GalNAcT‐II, in xenotransplantation
Authors: Zhao Chengjiang , Cooper David K. C. , Dai Yifan , Hara Hidetaka , Cai Zhiming , Mou Lisha 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAntibody‐mediated rejection is a barrier to the clinical application of xenotransplantation, and xenoantigens play an important role in this process. Early research suggested that N‐acetyl‐D‐galactosamine (GalNAc) could serve as a potential xenoantigen. GalNAc is the immunodominant glycan of the Sda antigen. Recently, knockout of β1,4‐N‐acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 2 (β1,4GalNAcT‐II) from the pig results in a decrease in binding of human serum antibodies to pig cells. It is believed that this is the result of the elimination of the GalNAc on the Sda antigen, which is catalyzed by the enzyme, β1,4GalNAcT‐II. However, research into human blood group antigens suggests that only a small percentage (1%‐2%) of people express anti‐Sda antibodies directed to Sda antigen, and yet a majority appear to have antibodies directed to the products of pig B4GALNT2. Questions can therefore be asked as to (i) whether the comprehensive structure of the Sda antigen in humans, that is, the underlying sugar structure, is identical to the Sda antigen in pigs, (ii) whether the human anti‐Sda antibody binds ubiquitously to pig cells, but not to human cells, and (iii) what role the Sda++ (also called Cad) antigen is playing in this discrepancy. We review what is known about these antigens and discuss the discrepancies that have been noted above.
THE MYSTERIANISM OF OWEN FLANAGAN'S NORMATIVE MIND SCIENCE
Authors: Leidenhag Mikael 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article critically analyzes Owen Flanagan's physicalism and attempt at deriving ethical normativity from current neuroscience. It is argued that neurophysicalism, despite Flanagan's harsh critique of “the new mysterians,” entails a form of mysterianism and that it fails to appropriately ground human mentality within physicalism. Flanagan seeks to bring spirituality and a physicalist ontology together by showing how it is possible to derive an account of the good life from science. This attempt is critiqued and it is shown that Flanagan fails to establish the consistency between ethical normativity and physicalism. Hence, another form of mysterianism seems to emerge within this normative mind science.