bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of credit constraints on exporting firms: Evidence from the provision and subsequent removal of subsidised credit
Authors: Kapoor Mudit , Ranjan Priya , Raychaudhuri Jibonayan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe study the causal impact of credit constraints on exporters using a natural experiment provided by two policy changes in India, first in 1998 which made small‐scale firms eligible for subsidised direct credit, and a subsequent reversal in policy in 2000 wherein some of these firms lost their eligibility. Using firms that were not affected by these policy changes as our control group in each case, we find that credit expansion increased the growth rate of bank borrowing and had a positive effect on exports. The subsequent policy reversal in 2000 had no impact on the growth rate of bank borrowing or on exports.
Single layer cystotomy closure of excised porcine bladders with barbed versus smooth suture material
Authors: Montel Joshua S. , Duffy Daniel J. , Weng Hsin‐Yi , Freeman Lynetta J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo determine which of 2 suture materials would be superior in terms of closure time and leakage pressure in open single‐layer cystotomy closure.Study designExperimental study.AnimalsTwenty‐four freshly harvested porcine urinary bladders.MethodsA cystotomy was performed and the incision closed with a single layer simple continuous suture pattern with barbed (n = 12) or smooth (n = 12) suture. Time required for closure was measured. Each bladder was connected to a system for monitoring intraluminal pressure while inflated with saline until leakage occurred. Intraluminal pressure at time of initial leakage and leakage site were recorded. Two‐sample t tests were used to compare maximum leakage pressure and closure time between the 2 groups. P < .05 was considered significant.ResultsAll bladders were sutured successfully with no difference in mean closure time (barbed suture 296 ± 46 seconds; smooth suture 293 ± 26 seconds) (P = .821). There was no difference in mean leakage pressure of porcine urinary bladder incisions closed in a single layer with barbed suture (28.8 ± 10.4 mm Hg) compared with smooth suture (30.6 ± 8.8 mm Hg) (P = .642).ConclusionsBarbed suture provides comparable cystotomy repair to smooth suture, and no benefit to its use was identified in an open procedure. Barbed suture closure should be evaluated for adequate tensile strength in the presence of urine, satisfactory in vivo healing of cystotomies, and lack of long‐term urolith formation in dogs and cats.
An easy to produce and economical three‐dimensional brain phantom for stereotactic computed tomographic‐guided brain biopsy training in the dog*
Authors: Sidhu Deepinder S. , Ruth Jeffrey D. , Lambert Gregory , Rossmeisl John H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo develop and validate a three‐dimensional (3D) brain phantom that can be incorporated into existing stereotactic headframes to simulate stereotactic brain biopsy (SBB) and train veterinary surgeons.Study designExperimental study.Sample populationCanine brain phantoms were fabricated from osteological skull specimens, agarose brain parenchyma, and cheddar and mozzarella cheese molds (simulating meningiomas and gliomas).MethodsThe neuroradiologic and viscoelastic properties of phantoms were quantified with computed tomography (CT) and oscillatory compression tests, respectively. Phantoms were validated by experienced and novice operators performing SBB on phantoms containing randomly placed, focal targets. Target yield and needle placement error (NPE) were compared between operators.ResultsPhantoms were produced in <4 hours, at an average cost of $92. The CT appearances of the phantom skull, agarose, and cheese components approximated the in vivo features of skull, brain parenchyma, and contrast‐enhancing tumors of meningeal and glial origin, respectively. The complex moduli of the agarose and cheeses were comparable to the viscoelastic properties of in vivo brain tissues and brain tumors. The overall diagnostic yield of SBB was 88%. Although NPE did not differ between novice (median 3.68 mm; range, 1.46‐14.54 mm) and experienced surgeons (median 1.17 mm, range, 0.78‐1.58 mm), our results support the relevance of the learning curve associated with the SBB procedure.ConclusionThis 3D phantom replicates anatomical, CT, and tactile features of brain tissues and tumors and can be used to develop the technical skills required to perform SBB.
Influence ofSalmonellastatus on the long‐term outcome of horses after colic surgery*
Authors: Southwood Louise L. , Lindborg Susan , Myers Marc , Aceto Helen W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveTo compare long‐term outcome ofSalmonella‐positive versusSalmonella‐negative horses discharged from hospital after colic surgery.Study designRetrospective case‐control.AnimalsHorses discharged from the hospital after colic surgery. For each horse with positive culture forSalmonella enterica(SAL‐POS, n = 59), at least 2 horses testing negative forS. enterica(SAL‐NEG, n = 119) were enrolled.MethodsOwners were interviewed via phone at least 12 months after surgery regarding: (1) complications after discharge from the hospital; (2) duration of survival; and (3) return to prior or intended use. Association between immediate postoperative clinical variables such asSalmonellastatus and long‐term measures of outcome was tested via ratios (odds ratio [OR]) and 95% confidence intervals. Data were analyzed for survival using a Cox proportional hazards model and for return to use using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsSAL‐POS horses had a higher OR of surgical site infection (2.7 [1.1‐6.9]P = .027) and weight loss (6.8 [1.8‐26.1]P = .002). At the time of follow‐up, there were 53/56 (95%) SAL‐POS and 99/118 (84%) SAL‐NEG horses alive. The final multivariable model for nonsurvival included postoperative colic (hazard ratio 7.6 [2.8‐19.2]P = .002) and the interaction betweenSalmonellastatus and duration of rectal temperature > 103°F postoperatively (SAL‐POS 1.04 [1.01‐1.07] and SAL‐NEG 1.16 [1.06‐1.25],P = .005). The majority of horses returned to their intended use regardless of their SAL‐POS (38/50, 76%) or SAL‐NEG (77/96, 80%,P = .498) status.ConclusionSalmonella‐positive horses that survive to discharge from the hospital after colic surgery have similar risks of long‐term complications (colic/diarrhea), survival, and return to function thanSalmonella‐negative horses.
Soil erosion susceptibility of Johor River basin
Authors: Obaid H. A. , Shahid S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMalaysia is undergoing tremendous environmental changes due to population growth, economic development and urbanization. This has stimulated a rapid land use changes which in turn has increased the rate of soil erosion and river sedimentation. In this study, Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and the Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE) are applied within a geographical information system (GIS) to assess the spatial pattern of soil erosion susceptibility of Johor River basin, Malaysia. Geomorphological, landuse and soil information along with other hydrological data such as, annual peak flow and runoff volumes are used to estimate the parameters required for the calculation of soil erosion susceptibility. The results show that annual erosion rate varies between 0.2 and 248.2 t/ha/year according to USLE, and between 19.2 and 2179.9 thousand tons per event according to MUSLE. The land cover management is found as the major factor responsible for soil erosion in the basin.
Isolation of CD248‐expressing stromal vascular fraction for targeted improvement of wound healing
Authors: Brett Elizabeth , Zielins Elizabeth R. , Chin Monica , Januszyk Michael , Blackshear Charles P. , Findlay Michael , Momeni Arash , Gurtner Geoffrey C. , Longaker Michael T. , Wan Derrick C. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTWound healing remains a global issue of disability, cost, and health. Addition of cells from the stromal vascular fraction (SVF) of adipose tissue has been shown to increase the rate of full thickness wound closure. This study aimed to investigate the angiogenic mechanisms of CD248+ SVF cells in the context of full thickness excisional wounds. Single cell transcriptional analysis was used to identify and cluster angiogenic gene‐expressing cells, which was then correlated with surface marker expression. SVF cells isolated from human lipoaspirate were FACS sorted based on the presence of CD248. Cells were analyzed for angiogenic gene expression and ability to promote microvascular tubule formation in vitro. Following this, 6mm full thickness dermal wounds were created on the dorsa of immunocompromised mice and then treated with CD248+, CD248–, or unsorted SVF cells delivered in a pullalan‐collagen hydrogel or the hydrogel alone. Wounds were measured every other day photometrically until closure. Wounds were also evaluated histologically at 7 and 14 days post‐wounding and when fully healed to assess for reepithelialization and development of neovasculature. Wounds treated with CD248+ cells healed significantly faster than other treatment groups, and at 7 days, had quantitatively more reepithelialization. Concurrently, immunohistochemistry of CD31 revealed a much higher presence of vascularity in the CD248+ SVF cells treated group at the time of healing and at 14 days post‐op, consistent with a pro‐angiogenic effect of CD248+ cells in vivo. Therefore, using CD248+ pro‐angiogenic cells obtained from SVF presents a viable strategy in wound healing by promoting increased vessel growth in the wound.
LAWS IN ECOLOGY: DIVERSE MODES OF EXPLANATION FOR A HOLISTIC SCIENCE
Authors: Gunton Richard , Gilbert Francis 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEcology's reputation as a holistic science is partly due to widespread misconceptions of its nature as well as shortcomings in its methodology. This article argues that the pursuit of empirical laws of ecology can foster the emergence of a more unified and predictive science based on complementary modes of explanation. Numerical analyses of population dynamics have a distinguished pedigree, spatial analyses generate predictive laws of macroecology, and physical analyses are typically pursued by the ecosystem paradigm. The most characteristically ecological laws, however, are found in biotic analyses in the functional trait paradigm. Holistic credentials for ecology may thus be restored on two bases: its accommodating complementary modes of analysis and explanation, and its having some laws within the least reductionistic mode consistent with its subject matter. These claims, grounded in the aspectual theory of Herman Dooyeweerd, lead to some suggestions for enhancing the versatility and usefulness of ecology—and other sciences—by balancing different research paradigms under a holistic vision.
HOLISTIC BIOLOGY: WHAT IT IS AND WHY IT MATTERS
Authors: Watts Fraser , Reiss Michael J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractRecent developments toward a more holistic biology do not eliminate reductionism and determinism, but they do suggest more complex forms of them, in which there are multiple, interacting influences, as there are in complex or chaotic systems. Though there is a place in biology for both systemic and atomistic modes of explanation, for those with a theological perspective the shift to complex explanations in biology is often welcome. It suggests a more subtle view of divine action in which God's purposes are affected through engagement with the complex systems of creation rather than by discrete interventions. It also invites us to connect the biological interdependence with the interdependence in the nature and purposes of God, and it is consonant with a mystical vision of the unity of all things.
Competitive Fitness of Fluconazole-Resistant Clinical Candida albicans Strains
Authors: Popp Christina , Hampe Irene A. I. , Hertlein Tobias , Ohlsen Knut , Rogers P. David , Morschhäuser Joachim 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The pathogenic yeast
Candida albicans
can develop resistance to the widely used antifungal agent fluconazole, which inhibits ergosterol biosynthesis. Resistance is often caused by gain-of-function mutations in the transcription factors Mrr1 and Tac1, which result in constitutive overexpression of multidrug efflux pumps, and Upc2, which result in constitutive overexpression of ergosterol biosynthesis genes. However, the deregulated gene expression that is caused by hyperactive forms of these transcription factors also reduces the fitness of the cells in the absence of the drug. To investigate whether fluconazole-resistant clinical
C. albicans
isolates have overcome the fitness costs of drug resistance, we assessed the relative fitness of
C. albicans
isolates containing resistance mutations in these transcription factors in competition with matched drug-susceptible isolates from the same patients. Most of the fluconazole-resistant isolates were outcompeted by the corresponding drug-susceptible isolates when grown in rich medium without fluconazole. On the other hand, some resistant isolates with gain-of-function mutations in
MRR1
did not exhibit reduced fitness under these conditions. In a mouse model of disseminated candidiasis, three out of four tested fluconazole-resistant clinical isolates did not exhibit a significant fitness defect. However, all four fluconazole-resistant isolates were outcompeted by the matched susceptible isolates in a mouse model of gastrointestinal colonization, demonstrating that the effects of drug resistance on
in vivo
fitness depend on the host niche. Collectively, our results indicate that the fitness costs of drug resistance in
C. albicans
are not easily remediated, especially when proper control of gene expression is required for successful adaptation to life within a mammalian host.
Knockdown of Host Antioxidant Defense Genes Enhances the Effect of Glucantime on Intracellular Leishmania braziliensis in Human Macrophages
Authors: Téllez Jair , Romero Ibeth , Soares Maurilio José , Steindel Mario , Romanha Alvaro José 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Leishmaniasis is a neglected tropical disease that affects millions of people worldwide and represents a major public health problem. Information on protein expression patterns and functional roles within the context of
Leishmania
-infected human monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) under drug treatment conditions is essential for understanding the role of these cells in leishmaniasis treatment. We analyzed functional changes in the expression of human MDM genes and proteins during
in vitro
infection by
Leishmania braziliensis
and treatment with Glucantime (Sb
V
), using quantitative PCR (qPCR) arrays, Western blotting, confocal microscopy, and small interfering RNA (siRNA) human gene inhibition assays. Comparison of the results from gene transcription and protein expression analyses revealed that glutathione
S
-transferase π1 (GSTP1), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), glutathione reductase (GSR), glutathione synthetase (GSS), thioredoxin (TRX), and ATP-binding cassette, subfamily B, member 5 (ABCB5), were strongly upregulated at both the mRNA and protein levels in human MDMs that were infected and treated, compared to the control group. Subcellular localization studies showed a primarily phagolysosomal location for the ABCB5 transporter, indicating that this protein may be involved in the transport of Sb
V
. By inducing a decrease in
L. braziliensis
intracellular survival in THP-1 macrophages, siRNA silencing of
GSTP1
,
GSS
, and
ABCB5
resulted in an increased leishmanicidal effect of Sb
V
exposure
in vitro
. Our results suggest that human MDMs infected with
L. braziliensis
and treated with Sb
V
express increased levels of genes participating in antioxidant defense, whereas our functional analyses provide evidence for the involvement of human MDMs in drug detoxification. Therefore, we conclude that GSS, GSTP1, and ABCB5 proteins represent potential targets for enhancing the leishmanicidal activity of Glucantime.
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Efficacy of an LpxC Inhibitor, CHIR-090, Alone or Combined with Colistin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm
Authors: Tan Jun Hou , Vidaillac Celine , Yam Joey Kuok Hoong , Chua Song Lin , Givskov Michael , Yang Liang 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

With the rapid spread of antimicrobial resistance in Gram-negative pathogens, biofilm-associated infections are increasingly harder to treat and combination therapy with colistin has become one of the most efficient therapeutic strategies. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential for the synergy of colistin combined with CHIR-090, a potent LpxC inhibitor, against
in vitro
and
in vivo
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
biofilms. Four
P. aeruginosa
isolates with various colistin susceptibilities were chosen for evaluation. The tested isolates of
P. aeruginosa
exhibited MIC values ranging from 1 to 64 and 0.0625 to 0.5 μg/ml for colistin and CHIR-090, respectively. Against 24-h static biofilms, minimum biofilm eradication concentration values ranged from 256 to 512 and 8 to >128 μg/ml for colistin and CHIR-090, respectively. Interestingly, subinhibitory concentrations of CHIR-090 contributed to the eradication of subpopulations of
P. aeruginosa
with the highest colistin MIC values. The combination of colistin and CHIR-090 at subinhibitory concentrations demonstrated synergistic activity both
in vivo
and
in vitro
and prevented the formation of colistin-tolerant subpopulations in
in vitro
biofilms. In summary, our study highlights the
in vivo
and
in vitro
synergistic activity of the colistin and CHIR-090 combination against both colistin-susceptible and -nonsusceptible
P. aeruginosa
biofilms. Further studies are warranted to investigate the clinical relevance of the combination of these two antimicrobials and outline the underlying mechanism for their synergistic action.
Host Serine/Threonine Kinases mTOR and Protein Kinase C-α Promote InlB-Mediated Entry of Listeria monocytogenes
Authors: Bhalla Manmeet , Law Daria , Dowd Georgina C. , Ireton Keith 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

The bacterial pathogen
Listeria monocytogenes
causes foodborne illnesses resulting in gastroenteritis, meningitis, or abortion.
Listeria
induces its internalization into some human cells through interaction of the bacterial surface protein InlB with the host receptor tyrosine kinase Met. InlB-dependent entry requires localized polymerization of the host actin cytoskeleton. The signal transduction pathways that act downstream of Met to regulate actin filament assembly or other processes during
Listeria
uptake remain incompletely characterized. Here, we demonstrate important roles for the human serine/threonine kinases mTOR and protein kinase C-α (PKC-α) in InlB-dependent entry. Experiments involving RNA interference (RNAi) indicated that two multiprotein complexes containing mTOR, mTORC1 and mTORC2, are each needed for efficient internalization of
Listeria
into cells of the human cell line HeLa. InlB stimulated Met-dependent phosphorylation of mTORC1 or mTORC2 substrates, demonstrating activation of both mTOR-containing complexes. RNAi studies indicated that the mTORC1 effectors 4E-BP1 and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and the mTORC2 substrate PKC-α each control
Listeria
uptake. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of PKC-α reduced the internalization of
Listeria
and the accumulation of actin filaments that normally accompanies InlB-mediated entry. Collectively, our results identify mTOR and PKC-α to be host factors exploited by
Listeria
to promote infection. PKC-α controls
Listeria
entry, at least in part, by regulating the actin cytoskeleton downstream of the Met receptor.
Bacterial PerO Permeases Transport Sulfate and Related Oxyanions
Authors: Hoffmann Marie-Christine , Pfänder Yvonne , Tintel Marc , Masepohl Bernd 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACT

Rhodobacter capsulatus
synthesizes the high-affinity ABC transporters CysTWA and ModABC to specifically import the chemically related oxyanions sulfate and molybdate, respectively. In addition,
R. capsulatus
has the low-affinity permease PerO acting as a general oxyanion transporter, whose elimination increases tolerance to molybdate and tungstate. Although PerO-like permeases are widespread in bacteria, their function has not been examined in any other species to date. Here, we present evidence that PerO permeases from the alphaproteobacteria
Agrobacterium tumefaciens
,
Dinoroseobacter shibae
,
Rhodobacter sphaeroides
, and
Sinorhizobium meliloti
and the gammaproteobacterium
Pseudomonas stutzeri
functionally substitute for
R. capsulatus
PerO in sulfate uptake and sulfate-dependent growth, as shown by assimilation of radioactively labeled sulfate and heterologous complementation. Disruption of
perO
genes in
A. tumefaciens
,
R. sphaeroides
, and
S. meliloti
increased tolerance to tungstate and, in the case of
R. sphaeroides
, to molybdate, suggesting that heterometal oxyanions are common substrates of PerO permeases. This study supports the view that bacterial PerO permeases typically transport sulfate and related oxyanions and, hence, form a functionally conserved permease family.

IMPORTANCE
Despite the widespread distribution of PerO-like permeases in bacteria, our knowledge about PerO function until now was limited to one species,
Rhodobacter capsulatus
. In this study, we showed that PerO proteins from diverse bacteria are functionally similar to the
R. capsulatus
prototype, suggesting that PerO permeases form a conserved family whose members transport sulfate and related oxyanions.
Microplastics in the gastrointestinal tracts of fish and the water from an urban prairie creek
Authors: Campbell Samantha H. , Williamson Patrick R. , Hall Britt D. 
Published: May 2017

Microplastics are defined as any plastic with a diameter ≤5 mm. Problems associated with these plastics such as contamination of both marine and freshwater environments and ingestion by aquatic organisms are of increasing concern. Our study quantifies the number of microplastics in a prairie creek immediately downstream of Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Water samples and five species of fish were collected from sample sites upstream and downstream of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in the summers of 2015 and 2016. Samples were digested in either a Fe(II)/H2O2 or NaClO solution and observed under a microscope where plastics present were enumerated by colour and type. At least one microplastic was detected in 73.5% of fish and 95.6% of water samples, showing that the creek does, in fact, contain microplastics. Concentrations were higher in water from upstream sites, likely due to dilution of creek water by the release of treated effluent. The results of this study provide baseline conditions for the presence of plastics in the creek prior to a major upgrade of the WWTP scheduled for completion in 2016.
Modeling of cognitive brain activity through the information images theory in terms of the bilingual Stroop test
Authors: Petukhov Alexander Y. , Polevaya Sophia A. 
Published: May 2017

The paper presents the basic principles of the information image theory and a mathematical model developed using it. The hierarchy of information images in an individual mind, which determines his∖her real and virtual activity, is considered. Algorithms for describing transfer and distortion of information images by individuals in the communication process are constructed. To corroborate the theory experimentally, the bilingual Stroop test is used. The results of the test are interpreted using the introduced theory, and are then compared with the results of computer modeling based on the theory. It is shown that information images can be used not only to explain a number of cognitive processes of the human mind, but also to predict their dynamics in a number of particular cases.