bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Direct Payments on Technical Efficiency of Irish Beef Farms: A Stochastic Frontier Analysis
Authors: Martinez Cillero Maria , Thorne Fiona , Wallace Michael , Breen James , Hennessy Thia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe 2003 Mid‐Term Review of the CAP sought to refocus the EU's farm support policy to foster a more competitive and market‐orientated agricultural sector. The foundation of this reform comprised the introduction of decoupled payments to farmers, replacing the EU's previous system of supports that were directly linked to production of designated crops and livestock. This paper explores the effect of coupled payments and their subsequent replacement by decoupled support, on the technical efficiency of specialist beef farms in Ireland. Given the high reliance of beef farmers in Ireland on CAP payments, the decoupling of payments has been especially important for the sector. A stochastic production frontier is estimated using a panel dataset comprising detailed accountancy data for Irish beef farms between the years 2000 and 2013. Our results indicate that technical efficiency in the beef farming sector has been consistently poor, with an average efficiency score of only 0.53 during the period analysed. However, we found that direct income received in the form of coupled payments had a positive impact on farm efficiency, and that this positive effect was maintained after their replacement with decoupled income support.
Systemic RNAi of V‐ATPase subunit B causes molting defect and developmental abnormalities in Periplaneta fuliginosa
Authors: Sato Kazuki , Miyata Keita , Ozawa Sota , Hasegawa Koichi 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe vacuolar (H+)‐ATPases (V‐ATPases) are ATP‐driven proton pumps with multiple functions in many organisms. In this study, we performed structural and functional analysis of vha55 gene that encodes V‐ATPase subunit B in the smokybrown cockroach Periplaneta fuliginosa (Blattodea). We observed a high homology score of the deduced amino acid sequences between 10 species in seven orders. RNAi of the vha55 gene in P. fuliginosa caused nymphal/nymphal molting defects with incomplete shedding of old cuticles, growth inhibition, as well as bent and wrinkled cuticles of thoraxes and abdominal segments. Since growth inhibition caused by vha55 RNAi did not interfere in the commencement of cockroach molting, molting timing and body growth might be controlled by independent mechanism. Our study suggested V‐ATPases might be a good candidate molecule for evolutionary and developmental studies of insect molting.
REVISITING JUVENILE WAIVER: INTEGRATING THE INCAPACITATION EXPERIENCE*
Authors: AUGUSTYN MEGAN BEARS , MCGLOIN JEAN MARIE 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMore than 20 years after an expansion of juvenile transfer policies, questions remain regarding the specific deterrent effect of juvenile waiver given the singular focus on the court of jurisdiction and neglect of other critical aspects of the provision, such as the incapacitation experience. Prior research has also not been focused on identifying the mediating mechanisms that produce criminogenic, null, or deterrent effects. We use data from the Pathways to Desistance Study, propensity score methodology, and mediational analyses to examine how and why the waiver‐incapacitation experience is related to recidivism rates during emerging adulthood. We find that the prior focus on a binary “waiver effect” is potentially misleading as it masks meaningful variation. Furthermore, we find that the path to increased recidivism in emerging adulthood is indirect and we identify stymied educational attainment as a mediator. Our discussion is focused on the criminogenic effects of incapacitation for juveniles and its implications for juvenile transfer research. The discussion also calls for future research to explore treatment heterogeneity further.
Effect of Gabapentin on Sleep and Event‐Related Oscillations (EROs) in Rats Exposed to Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Vapor and Protracted Withdrawal
Authors: Sanchez‐Alavez Manuel , Wills Derek N. , Amodeo Leslie , Ehlers Cindy L. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundDisturbances in sleep architecture, especially reductions in slow‐wave sleep (SWS), are symptoms commonly observed in individuals with alcohol use disorders. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated that the anticonvulsant and analgesic drug gabapentin may have therapeutic value in normalizing sleep quality in recovering alcoholics. However, the brain mechanisms underlying this improvement in sleep following gabapentin treatment remain unknown.MethodsIn this study, adult Wistar rats were exposed to 8 weeks of chronic intermittent ethanol [EtOH] vapor (blood EtOH concentrations averaged 128.2 ± 17.4 mg/dl) or control conditions and then withdrawn. Sleep electroencephalograms [EEGs] and event‐related oscillations (EROs) were evaluated at baseline prior to EtOH exposure and 24 hours following EtOH withdrawal. Four weeks following EtOH withdrawal the effects of saline and 2 doses of gabapentin (30, 120 mg/kg), on EROs and sleep EEGs, were evaluated.ResultsAs compared to baseline, 24 hours following alcohol withdrawal SWS became fragmented as indexed by a significant increase in the number and a decrease in the duration of SWS episodes. Compared to controls, the EtOH‐exposed group had more ERO energy in the beta frequency band in the parietal cortex. Gabapentin induced a dose‐dependent decrease in the latency to the first SWS episode, and a reduction in sleep fragmentation. Gabapentin also produced a dose‐dependent increase in ERO energy in the control group that was significantly attenuated in the EtOH‐exposed group in the theta, and beta frequency bands.ConclusionsTaken together, these studies suggest that gabapentin can reverse some of the alcohol‐induced sleep and EEG deficits but does not eliminate all of the enduring brain effects of EtOH exposure.
Effects of Initiating Abstinence from Alcohol on Daily Craving and Negative Affect: Results from a Pharmacotherapy Clinical Trial
Authors: Hallgren Kevin A. , Delker Brianna C. , Simpson Tracy L. 
Published: December 2017

BackgroundCraving and negative affect are distressing and commonly experienced during alcohol use disorder (AUD) treatment. Patients may assume that initiating abstinence will intensify their cravings and negative affect despite limited empirical data to support this assumption. This study extends and replicates, under improved methodological conditions, previous work that found reductions in daily craving associated with initiating abstinence.MethodsSeventy‐eight adults (80.8% male, 57.1% Caucasian) in a clinical trial testing prazosin for AUD provided daily reports of drinking, craving, and negative affect for up to 12 weeks (mean = 64.77 daily reports). Participants were classified into 3 subgroups based on whether and when they initiated 14 days of continuous abstinence, including (i) “abstinence initiators” who quit drinking during treatment (n = 17), (ii) “already abstainers” who were abstinent at the start of treatment (n = 20), and (iii) “continued drinkers” who never initiated abstinence (n = 41). The timing and degree of change in craving and negative affect were compared across these groups using multivariate growth curve modeling.ResultsAll participant subgroups reported gradual reductions in craving over the course of treatment, with “abstinence initiators” reporting additional sudden reductions in craving upon initiating abstinence from alcohol. “Continued drinkers” reported higher levels of craving than “already abstainers” throughout the full course of treatment. Negative affect followed a different pattern of change, with “abstinence initiators” experiencing gradual reductions in negative affect after initiating abstinence but no changes prior to or immediately upon initiating abstinence, and with “already abstainers” and “continued drinkers” experiencing no changes in negative affect over time.ConclusionsInitiating abstinence is associated with immediate reductions in craving, followed by gradual reductions in both craving and negative affect. Results provide insight into the timing and magnitude of changes in theoretically and clinically important variables and may help patients anticipate when to expect improvement in craving and negative effect.
Increase in the number of admissions to psychiatric hospitals immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake
Authors: Sakuma Atsushi , Ueda Ikki , Rengi Shigehito , Shingai Toshiyasu , Matsuoka Hiroo , Matsumoto Kazunori 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionMajor natural disasters have a significant impact on the mental health of survivors in affected communities. Although it has been speculated that the number of survivors requiring admission to psychiatric hospital increases immediately after a major disaster, few studies have examined the issue.MethodsOn March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami devastated the relatively isolated city of Kesennuma. We therefore compared the weekly number of patients admitted to 2 psychiatric hospitals in Kesennuma in the 4 weeks immediately after the earthquake with those in the 4 weeks immediately preceding the earthquake. We also made comparisons between this 8‐week period and the corresponding 8‐week periods in 2009, 2010, and 2012.ResultsThe number of patients admitted to the 2 psychiatric hospitals increased in 4 weeks after the disaster in 2011, with a weekly median (range) of 13 (9‐16), compared with 6 (5‐9) in the preceding 4 weeks in 2011. The corresponding figures were 5.5 (2‐10) in 2009, 6.5 (5‐9) in 2010, and 4 (3‐7) in 2012 (P = .01, H = 13.05). By diagnostic category, admissions for schizophrenia spectrum disorder and neurotic stress‐related disorder increased significantly following the disaster.DiscussionDemands for inpatient psychiatric treatment increased immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Government officials and mental health professionals must strengthen support for survivors with mental illness, especially those with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. This should include support for mental health authorities and medical staff in the affected community.
A Comparison of the Effectiveness of Silibinin and Resveratrol in Preventing Alpha‐Amanitin‐Induced Hepatotoxicity
Authors: Sahin Aynur , Arici Mualla Aylin , Yilmaz Yeliz , Kalkan Sule , Durmus Nergiz , Ergur Bekir Ugur , Yakut Aksu Ilkay , Atabey Neşe , Tuncok Yesim 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAmanita phalloides species mushrooms containing alpha‐amanitin (α‐AMA) are responsible for the majority of fatal mushroom intoxications and can lead to severe poisonings resulting in hepatotoxicity and acute hepatic failure. Existing antidotes, such as silibinin, are not sufficiently effective in the prevention and/or resolution of α‐AMA‐induced hepatotoxicity. We investigated the effects of resveratrol on α‐AMA‐induced hepatotoxicity and compared with silibinin, a known antidote using in vivo and in vitro toxicity models. In the in vivo protocol, resveratrol (30 mg/kg) was given simultaneously with α‐AMA (α‐AMA + SR) or 12 (α‐AMA + 12R) or 24 (α‐AMA + 24R) hr after α‐AMA administration. Silibinin (5 mg/kg) (α‐AMA + Sil) and normal saline (α‐AMA + NS) were given simultaneously with α‐AMA. We found that liver transaminase levels in α‐AMA + SR and α‐AMA + 12R groups and histomorphologic injury score in the α‐AMA + SR, α‐AMA + 12R, α‐AMA + 24R and α‐AMA + Sil groups were significantly lower than that of the α‐AMA + NS group. Resveratrol decreased mononuclear cell infiltration, necrosis and active caspase‐3 immunopositivity in the liver. In the in vitro protocol, the effects of resveratrol and silibinin were evaluated in a reduction in cell viability induced by α‐AMA in THLE‐2 and THLE‐3 hepatocytes. Neither resveratrol nor silibinin was found to be effective in increasing cell viability decreased by α‐AMA + NS. As a conclusion, resveratrol was found to be effective in α‐AMA‐induced hepatotoxicity with its anti‐inflammatory properties in in vivo conditions. It is a promising compound with the potential for use in the treatment of hepatotoxicity associated with Amanita phalloides type mushroom poisonings.
Nimotuzumab combined with concurrent chemoradiotherapy in Japanese patients with esophageal cancer: A phase I study
Authors: Kato Ken , Ura Takashi , Koizumi Wasaburo , Iwasa Satoru , Katada Chikatoshi , Azuma Mizutomo , Ishikura Satoshi , Nakao Yoshinori , Onuma Hiroshi , Muro Kei 
Published: December 2017

Nimotuzumab is a humanized anti‐epidermal growth factor receptor IgG1 monoclonal antibody. This phase I study assessed the tolerability, safety, efficacy, and pharmacokinetics of nimotuzumab in combination with chemoradiotherapy in Japanese patients with esophageal cancer. Patients with stage II, III, and IV esophageal cancer were enrolled. Patients were planned to receive nimotuzumab (level 1: 200 mg/wk for 25 weeks; or level 2: 400 mg/wk in the chemoradiation period, 400 mg biweekly in an additional chemotherapy period [8 weeks after the chemoradiation period] and a maintenance therapy period [after chemotherapy to 25 weeks]) combined with cisplatin (75 mg/m2 on day 1) and fluorouracil (1000 mg/m2 on days 1‐4) in the chemoradiation and additional chemotherapy periods. Radiotherapy was given concurrently at 50.4 Gy. A total of 10 patients were enrolled in level 1. Dose‐limiting toxicities were observed in 2 patients (grade 3 infection and renal disorder). Maximum‐tolerated dose was estimated to be at least 200 mg/wk and the dose was not escalated to level 2. The most common grade ≥3 toxicities were lymphopenia (90%), leukopenia (60%), neutropenia (50%), and febrile neutropenia, decreased appetite, hyponatremia, and radiation esophagitis (30% each). Neither treatment‐related death nor grade ≥3 skin toxicity was observed in any patient. Complete response rate was 50%. Progression‐free survival was 13.9 months. One‐ and 3‐year survival rates were 75% and 37.5%, respectively. Immunogenicity was not reported in any patient. Nimotuzumab in combination with concurrent chemoradiotherapy was tolerable and effective for Japanese patients with esophageal cancer.
Proposal for reclassification of N staging system in penile cancer patients, based on number of positive lymph nodes
Authors: Li Zhiyong , Guo Shengjie , Wu Zhiming , Han Hui , Li Zaishang , Wang Yanjun , Chen Jieping , Deng Chuangzhong , Qin Zike , Liu Zhuowei , Li Yonghong , Chen Dong , Zhou Fangjian , Yao Kai 
Published: December 2017

In the present study, we aim to compare the rationality of proposed N classification based on the number of metastatic lymph nodes (LNs) with the current one. A total of 509 penile cancer patients at our institute were analyzed. Univariable and multivariable statistical analyses were used to assess cancer‐specific survival (CSS) in 2 staging systems. Harrell's concordance index was applied to evaluate predictive accuracy of the current and proposed N classification in predicting CSS. We propose a new classification: pN1 (metastasis in 1‐2 regional LNs), pN2 (metastasis in 3 regional LNs, or 3 or fewer regional lymph nodes with extranodal extension), and pN3 (metastasis in 4 or more regional LNs). According to the current and proposed N classification, the 5‐year CSS of penile cancer patients with pN1, pN2 and pN3 was 85.8%, 39.0%, and 19.7%; and with pN1, pN2 and pN3 was 79.8%, 39.3% and 15.3%, which almost all showed significant difference (P < .001, P = .259) (P < .001, P < .001). Multivariable predictive accuracy of the proposed and current N staging was 76.48% and 70.92% (5.56% gain; P < .001). With a multivariable model of clinical features, both current (hazard ratio [HR], 7.761, 10.612; P < .001, P < .001) and proposed N stages (HR, 3.792, 3.971; P < .001, P < .001) exhibited independent effects on survival. The proposed N classification is superior to the current one, which is simpler and provides more accurate prognosis.
C‐C chemokine receptor type 1 mediates osteopontin‐promoted metastasis in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhu Ying , Gao Xiao‐Mei , Yang Jing , Xu Da , Zhang Yu , Lu Ming , Zhang Ze , Sheng Yuan‐Yuan , Li Jian‐Hua , Yu Xin‐Xin , Zheng Yan , Dong Qiong‐Zhu , Qin Lun‐Xiu 
Published: December 2017

In the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) microenvironment, chemokine receptors play a critical role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Our previous studies have found that osteopontin (OPN) is a promoter for HCC metastasis. However, the role of chemokine receptors in OPN‐induced HCC metastasis remains unclear. In this study, we demonstrate that OPN is dramatically elevated in HCC tissues with metastasis and that high expression of OPN correlates with poorer overall survival and higher recurrence rate. OPN upregulates chemokine receptor expression, migration, invasion and pulmonary metastasis in HCC. We find that C‐C chemokine receptor type 1 (CCR1) and C‐X‐C chemokine receptor type 6 (CXCR6) are the most upregulated chemokine receptors induced by OPN. CCR1 knockdown results in reduction of migration, invasion and pulmonary metastasis induced by OPN in vitro and in vivo, whereas CXCR6 knockdown does not reverse OPN‐promoted migration and invasion. Moreover, OPN upregulates the expression of CCR1 through activating phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT and hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) in HCC cells. Furthermore, blockade of OPN‐CCR1 axis with CCR1 antagonist significantly restrains the promoting effects of OPN on HCC progression and metastasis. In human HCC tissues, OPN expression shows significantly positive correlation with CCR1 expression, and the patients with high levels of both OPN and CCR1 have the most dismal prognosis. Collectively, our results indicate that the OPN‐CCR1 axis in HCC is important for accelerating tumor metastasis and that CCR1 is a potential therapeutic target for controlling metastasis in HCC patients with high OPN.
Exosomes serve as nanoparticles to suppress tumor growth and angiogenesis in gastric cancer by delivering hepatocyte growth factor siRNA
Authors: Zhang Haiyang , Wang Yi , Bai Ming , Wang Junyi , Zhu Kegan , Liu Rui , Ge Shaohua , Li JiaLu , Ning Tao , Deng Ting , Fan Qian , Li Hongli , Sun Wu , Ying Guoguang , Ba Yi 
Published: December 2017

Exosomes derived from cells have been found to mediate signal transduction between cells and to act as efficient carriers to deliver drugs and small RNA. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is known to promote the growth of both cancer cells and vascular cells, and the HGF‐cMET pathway is a potential clinical target. Here, we characterized the inhibitory effect of HGF siRNA on tumor growth and angiogenesis in gastric cancer. In addition, we showed that HGF siRNA packed in exosomes can be transported into cancer cells, where it dramatically downregulates HGF expression. A cell co‐culture model was used to show that exosomes loaded with HGF siRNA suppress proliferation and migration of both cancer cells and vascular cells. Moreover, exosomes were able to transfer HGF siRNA in vivo, decreasing the growth rates of tumors and blood vessels. The results of our study demonstrate that exosomes have potential for use in targeted cancer therapy by delivering siRNA.
Independent introductions and sequential founder events shape genetic differentiation and diversity of the invasive green anole (Anolis carolinensis) on Pacific Islands
Authors: Michaelides Sozos N. , Goodman Rachel M. , Crombie Ronald I. , Kolbe Jason J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimNatural range expansions and human‐mediated colonizations usually involve a small number of individuals that establish new populations in novel habitats. In both cases, founders carry only a fraction of the total genetic variation of the source populations. Here, we used native and non‐native populations of the green anole,Anolis carolinensis, to compare the current distribution of genetic variation in populations shaped by natural range expansion and human‐mediated colonization.LocationNorth America, Hawaiian Islands, Western Pacific Islands.MethodsWe analysed 401 mtDNAhaplotypes to infer the colonization history ofA. carolinensison nine islands in the Pacific Ocean. We then genotyped 576 individuals at seven microsatellite loci to assess the levels of genetic diversity and population genetic differentiation for both the native and non‐native ranges.ResultsOur findings support two separate introductions to the Hawaiian Islands and several western Pacific islands, with subsequent colonizations within each region following a stepping‐stone model. Genetic diversity at neutral markers was significantly lower in the non‐native range because of founder effects, which also contributed to the increased population genetic differentiation among the non‐native regions. In contrast, a steady reduction in genetic diversity with increasing distance from the ancestral population was observed in the native range following range expansion.Main conclusionsRange expansions cause serial founder events that are the spatial analogue of genetic drift, producing a pattern of isolation‐by‐distance in the native range of the species. In human‐mediated colonizations, after an initial loss of genetic diversity, founder effects appear to persist, resulting in overall high genetic differentiation among non‐native regions but an absence of isolation‐by‐distance. Contrasting the processes influencing the amount and structuring of genetic variability during natural range expansion and human‐mediated biological invasions can shed new light on the fate of natural populations exposed to novel and changing environments.
Prenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection by 2D and 3D fetal echocardiography
Authors: Zhang Ye , Shao Qin , Sun Lin , Ge Shuping , He Yihua 
Published: December 2017

ObjectivePrenatal diagnosis of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC) by fetal echocardiography (FE) remains a challenge. We sought to ascertain the diagnostic accuracy of 2D and 3D spatiotemporal image correlation (STIC) FE and the potential incremental value of 3D STIC FE for prenatal diagnosis and assessment of TAPVC.MethodsThis study was conducted retrospectively in a single tertiary referral center. The study population consisted of 74 TAPVC from 17 063 fetuses by FE from August 2010 to April 2016. The 3D volume acquisition was also performed by STIC.ResultsA total of 17 063 fetal echocardiograms in our institution were queried and 74 (0.4%) were identified with TAPVC. In the TAPVC group, 11 had postnatal echocardiographic study, 25 had autopsies, 36 declined autopsy and 2 lost for follow‐up. The sensitivity of FE for diagnosis of TAPVC was 97.14%, specificity 99.98%, respectively. In our cohort, 31 fetuses were evaluated by both 2D and 3D STIC and were confirmed by postnatal echocardiography or autopsies. TAPVC was diagnosed in all 31 patients (100%) by both 2D FE and 3D STIC. Furthermore, the classification of subtypes of TAPVC and accurate diagnosis of the drainage pathway was correct in 26 (83.9%) and 24 (77.4%) cases by 2D FE, respectively; but in 31 (100%) and 31 (100%) cases by 3D STIC.Conclusion2D and 3D STIC FE provide accurate diagnosis of TAPVC with excellent sensitivity and specificity. 3D STIC FE has incremental value in further evaluation of classification of TAPVC types and drainage pathways.