bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Weighted Shapley Values to Measure the Systemic Risk of Interconnected Banks
Authors: Lin Junshan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA macro‐prudential approach to financial regulation should reasonably evaluate the systemic risk of individual institutions. We introduce a measure of the systemic risk of interconnected banks using the weighted Shapley value, which characterizes banks' systemic risk by capturing two characteristics: (i) a bank's risk exposure of the primitive asset structure; and (ii) its position in the interbank network. An empirical implementation reveals that the primitive asset structure and interbank connections are main drivers of each bank's systemic risk. In addition, different types of interbank linkages (debt or share) make significant differences in affecting an individual bank's systemic risk.
Knowledge on DNA Success Rates to Optimize the DNA Analysis Process: From Crime Scene to Laboratory
Authors: Mapes Anna A. , Kloosterman Ate D. , van Marion Vincent , de Poot Christianne J. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDNA analysis has become an essential intelligence tool in the criminal justice system for the identification of possible offenders. However, it appears that about half of the processed DNA samples contains too little DNA for analysis. This study looks at DNA success rates within 28 different categories of trace exhibits and relates the DNA concentration to the characteristics of the DNA profile. Data from 2260 analyzed crime samples show that cigarettes, bloodstains, and headwear have relatively high success rates. Cartridge cases, crowbars, and tie‐wraps are on the other end of the spectrum. These objective data can assist forensics in their selection process.The DNA success probability shows a positive relation with the DNA concentration. This finding enables the laboratory to set an evidence‐based threshold value in the DNA analysis process. For instance, 958 DNA extracts had a concentration value of 6 pg/μL or less. Only 46 of the 958 low‐level extracts provided meaningful DNA profiling data.
Cuticular protein LmTwdl1 is involved in molt development of the migratory locust
Authors: Song Tian‐Qi , Yang Mei‐Ling , Wang Yan‐Li , Liu Qing , Wang Hui‐Min , Zhang Jie , Li Tao 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe cuticle, an essential structure for insects, is produced from cuticular proteins and chitin via a series of biochemical reactions. Tweedle genes are important members of the cuticular protein family and have four conserved motifs binding to chitin. Tweedle family genes have been found to play a profound effect on cuticle development. Here, we report that the cuticular protein gene LmTwdl1 of Locusta migratoria belongs to the Tweedle family. In situ hybridization showed that LmTwdl1 is localized to epidermal cells of the cuticle. The expression patterns of LmTwdl1 showed low expression in the cuticle during the early and middle stages of the fifth‐instar nymphs; in contrast, its expression rapidly increased in the late stages of fifth‐instar nymphs. We performed RNA interference to examine the function of LmTwdl1 in locusts. Silencing of LmTwdl1 resulted in high mortality during the molting process before the next stage. Also, the epicuticle of nymphs failed to molt, tended to be thinner and the arrangement of chitin in the procuticle appeared to be disordered compare to the control group. These results demonstrate that LmTwdl1 plays a critical role in molting, which contributes to a better understanding of the distinct functions of the Tweedle family in locusts.
Exploring novel candidate genes from the Mouse Genome Informatics database: Potential implications for avian migration research
Authors: CONTINA Andrea , BRIDGE Eli S. , KELLY Jeffrey F. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTo search for genes associated with migratory phenotypes in songbirds, we selected candidate genes through annotations from the Mouse Genome Informatics database and assembled an extensive candidate‐gene library. Then, we implemented a next‐generation sequencing approach to obtain DNA sequences from the Painted Bunting genome. We focused on those sequences that were conserved across avian species and that aligned with candidate genes in our mouse library. We genotyped short sequence repeats from the following candidate genes: ADRA1d, ANKRD17, CISH and MYH7. We studied the possible correlations between allelic variations occurring in these novel candidate migration genes and avian migratory phenotypes available from the published literature. We found that allele variation at MYH7 correlated with a calculated index of speed of migration (km/day) across 11 species of songbirds. We highlight the potential of the Mouse Genome Informatics database in providing new candidate genes that might play a crucial role in regulating migration in birds and possibly in other taxa. Our research effort shows the benefits and limitations of working with extensive genomic datasets and offers a snapshot of the challenges related to cross‐species validation in behavioral and molecular ecology studies.
Antimicrobial Activity of Nisin and Natamycin Incorporated Sodium Caseinate Extrusion‐Blown Films: A Comparative Study with Heat‐Pressed/Solution Cast Films
Authors: Colak Basak Yilin , Peynichou Pierre , Galland Sophie , Oulahal Nadia , Prochazka Frédéric , Degraeve Pascal 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAntimicrobial edible films based on sodium caseinate, glycerol, and 2 food preservatives (nisin or natamycin) were prepared by classical thermomechanical processes. Food preservatives were compounded (at 65 °C for 2.5 min) with sodium caseinate in a twin‐screw extruder. Anti‐Listeria activity assays revealed a partial inactivation of nisin following compounding. Thermoplastic pellets containing food preservatives were then used to manufacture films either by blown‐film extrusion process or by heat‐press. After 24 h of incubation on agar plates, the diameters of K. rhizophila growth inhibition zones around nisin‐incorporated films prepared by solution casting (control), extrusion blowing or heat pressing at 80 °C for 7 min of nisin‐containing pellets were 15.5 ± 0.9, 9.8 ± 0.2, and 8.6 ± 1.0 mm, respectively. Since heat‐pressing for 7 min at 80 °C of nisin‐incorporated pellets did not further inactivate nisin, this indicates that nisin inactivation during extrusion‐blowing was limited. Moreover, the lower diameter of the K. rhizophila growth inhibition zone around films prepared with nisin‐containing pellets compared to that observed around films directly prepared by solution casting confirms that nisin inactivation mainly occurred during the compounding step. Natamycin‐containing thermoplastic films inhibited Aspergillus niger growth; however, by contrast with nisin‐containing films, heat‐pressed films had higher inhibition zone diameters than blown films, therefore suggesting a partial inactivation of natamycin during extrusion‐blowing.
Recent trends in the use of antidiabetic medications from 2008 to 2013: A nation‐wide population‐based study from Taiwan
Authors: Ou Huang‐Tz , Chang Kai‐Cheng , Liu Ya‐Ming , Wu Jin‐Shang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundStudies from other countries indicate that utilization patterns of antidiabetic drugs change significantly after the introduction of newer classes of antidiabetic drugs (e.g. dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors [DPP‐4i]). Evidence on recent trends regarding antidiabetic drug use in Taiwan is lacking, especially for times after the introduction of newer classes of drugs (e.g. DPP‐4i). Therefore, the aim of the present study was to assess: (i) recent trends in the use and spending on antidiabetic drugs; (ii) changes in utilization patterns after introduction of newer classes of antidiabetic drugs; and (iii) factors associated with the choice of newer versus older classes of antidiabetic drugs.MethodsCases of type 2 diabetes were derived from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. Antidiabetic drug use was measured in terms of total quantity of drug exposure and healthcare spending in each calendar year from 2008 to 2103. Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to assess factors associated with drug choice.ResultsThe use of and healthcare spending on DPP‐4i increased significantly from 2008 to 2013, whereas healthcare spending on sulfonylureas decreased. For monotherapy, sulfonylureas were the most common alternatives to metformin, whereas in dual and triple antidiabetic therapies, a DPP‐4i was the most common alternative to initial regimens. The use of a DPP‐4i was positively associated with the use of beta‐blockers, angiotensin II‐converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers, and lipid‐lowering agents, but negatively correlated with age, hypertension, severity of diabetes complications, and the use of diuretics and calcium channel blockers.ConclusionsWith growing spending on newer antidiabetic drugs, future research on the comparative cost‐effectiveness and safety of antidiabetic drugs is anticipated.
Unused genetic resources: a case study of Polish common oat germplasm
Authors: Boczkowska M. , Onyśk A. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractLandraces and old, obsolete cultivars are a rich source of diversity and could become important and easy‐to‐use germplasm resources for breeding. They are characterised by yield stability, broad adaptation, tolerance to diseases and a greater competitiveness in the presence of weeds. The main objective of this study was to estimate and compare the genetic diversity among and within landraces, old cultivars and modern cultivars of common oat. Inter simple sequence repeats were used to study the genetic diversity of 12 modern Polish cultivars, 23 old Polish cultivars, 19 native landraces and 5 contemporary European cultivars. The results indicated a low amount of diversity among Polish modern cultivars, but an even lower diversity among old Polish cultivars, as well as large differences between these two gene pools. As expected, the landraces were the most diverse group and showed the highest internal variation. The landraces and old cultivars might serve as sources of useful alleles that have never been used in breeding. Additionally, it was possible to identify errors and inconsistencies in the passport data of gene‐bank accessions. These results can be applied to the maintenance and management of gene‐bank collections.
Fluid filtration and vascular compliance during cardiopulmonary bypass: effects of two volatile anesthetics
Authors: Svendsen Ø. S. , Elvevoll B. , Mongstad A. , Stangeland L. B. , Kvalheim V. L. , Husby P. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundAs intraoperative fluid accumulation may negatively impact post‐operative organ function, strategies minimizing edema generation should be sought for. During general anesthesia, isoflurane in contrast to sevoflurane has been associated with increased fluid extravasation and edema generation. In this study, we tested sevoflurane against isoflurane with focus on vascular compliance and fluid shifts in an experimental cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) model.MethodsSixteen pigs underwent 120 min of cardiopulmonary bypass with isoflurane or sevoflurane anesthesia. Net fluid balance, plasma volume, serum‐electrolytes, serum‐albumin, serum‐protein, colloid osmotic pressures in plasma and interstitial fluid, hematocrit levels, and total tissue water content were recorded. Intra‐abdominal and intracranial pressures were measured directly, and fluid extravasation rates were calculated.ResultsFluid extravasation rate increased dramatically in both groups during initiation of cardiopulmonary bypass, with no group differences. The animals of the sevoflurane group needed significantly more fluid supplementation to maintain a constant reservoir volume in the CPB circuit during bypass. Plasma volumes prior to bypass were 56.5 ± 7.9 ml/kg (mean ± SD) and 58.7 ± 3.8 ml/kg in the isoflurane group and sevoflurane group, respectively. During bypass, plasma volumes in the isoflurane group decreased about 25%, and remained significantly lowered when compared to the sevoflurane group, where the values remained stable.ConclusionsNo differences in fluid extravasation rates were observed between sevoflurane and isoflurane. The increased net fluid balance in the sevoflurane group during cardiopulmonary bypass was not associated with edema generation. Plasma volume was retained in the sevoflurane group, in contrast to the isoflurane group.
Tweet Now, See You In the ED Later? Examining the Association Between Alcohol‐related Tweets and Emergency Care Visits
Authors: Ranney Megan L. , Chang Brian , Freeman Joshua R. , Norris Brian , Silverberg Mark , Choo Esther K. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol use is a major and unpredictable driver of emergency department (ED) visits. Regional Twitter activity correlates ecologically with behavioral outcomes. No such correlation has been established in real time.ObjectivesThe objective was to examine the correlation between real‐time, alcohol‐related tweets and alcohol‐related ED visits.MethodsWe developed and piloted a set of 11 keywords that identified tweets related to alcohol use. In‐state tweets were identified using self‐declared profile information or geographic coordinates. Using Datasift, a third‐party vendor, a random sample of 1% of eligible tweets containing the keywords and originating in state were downloaded (including tweet date/time) over 3 discrete weeks in 3 different months. In the same time frame, we examined visits to an urban, high‐volume, Level I trauma center that receives > 25% of the emergency care volume in the state. Alcohol‐related ED visits were defined as visits with a chief complaint of alcohol use, positive blood alcohol, or alcohol‐related ICD‐9 code. Spearman's correlation coefficient was used to examine the hourly correlation between alcohol‐related tweets, alcohol‐related ED visits, and all ED visits.ResultsA total of 7,820 tweets (representing 782,000 in‐state alcohol‐related tweets during the 3 weeks) were identified. Concurrently, 404 ED visits met criteria for being alcohol‐related versus 2939 non–alcohol‐related ED visits. There was a statistically significant relationship between hourly alcohol‐related tweet volume and number of alcohol‐related ED visits (rs = 0.31, p < 0.00001), but not between hourly alcohol‐related tweet volume and number of non–alcohol‐related ED visits (rs = –0.07, p = 0.11).ConclusionIn a single state, a statistically significant relationship was observed between the hourly number of alcohol‐related tweets and the hourly number of alcohol‐related ED visits. Real‐time Twitter monitoring may help predict alcohol‐related surges in ED visits. Future studies should include larger numbers of EDs and natural language processing.
Paternal exposures to environmental chemicals and time‐to‐pregnancy: overview of results from theLIFEstudy
Authors: Buck Louis G. M. , Barr D. B. , Kannan K. , Chen Z. , Kim S. , Sundaram R. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryPublished findings from the Longitudinal Investigation of Fertility and the Environment (LIFE) Study regarding the relation between environmental chemicals and couple fecundity, as measured by time‐to‐pregnancy (TTP), are reviewed with a particular focus on role of the male partner. TheLIFEStudy recruited 501 couples from 16 counties in two U.S. states upon discontinuing contraception for purposes of becoming pregnant. Upon enrollment, couples provided a blood and urine sample for the quantification of persistent and non‐persistent environmental chemicals, respectively, and then completed daily journals until pregnant or up to one year of trying. Female partners used fertility monitors to aid the timing of intercourse relative to ovulation, and digital home pregnancy test kits on the day of expected menses. Chemical classes included: metals, persistent organic pollutants, environmental phenols, and phthalates that were quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry or isotope dilution high‐resolution or tandem mass spectrometry. Time‐to‐pregnancy (TTP) was defined as the number of prospectively observed menstrual cycles required for pregnancy. Fecundability odds ratios (FORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for each chemical and partner after adjusting for potential confounders and accounting for right censoring and time off contraception.FORs < 1 are suggestive of diminished fecundity or a longerTTP. Significant reductions (ranging from 17–31%) in couple fecundity were observed for male partners' concentration of lead (0.83; 0.70, 0.98), 2,2′,4,4′‐tetrahydroxybenzophenone (0.69; 0.49, 0.97), monobenzyl (0.80; 0.67, 0.97), and monomethyl (0.81; 0.70, 0.94) phthalates after adjusting for the female partners' concentrations. SevenPCBcongeners quantified in men's serum were associated with a 17–29% reduction in couple fecundity. Our findings underscore the importance of a couple‐based exposure design, inclusive of the male partner, when assessing couple‐dependent outcomes such asTTPto avoid misinterpretation of results based only upon the female partner.
Determination of testicular function in adolescents with varicocoele – a proteomics approach
Authors: Del Giudice P. T. , Belardin L. B. , Camargo M. , Zylbersztejn D. S. , Carvalho V. M. , Cardozo K. H. M. , Bertolla R. P. , Cedenho A. P. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe goal of this study was to determine seminal plasma biomarkers of testicular function in adolescents with varicocoele and to verify enriched gene ontology terms associated to these differential proteomes. An observational study was carried out in an academic research environment. A total of 77 adolescent patients were recruited from a local public school, of which 23 were without varicocoele and with normal semen analysis (control group), 37 were with varicocoele and normal semen (VNS) parameters, and 17 were with varicocoele and altered semen (VAS) parameters. Two semen collections were provided with a 1‐week interval, after 2–5 days of ejaculatory abstinence. Seminal plasma proteins were identified and quantified utilizing a label‐free shotgun proteomics approach, generating (i) proteins differentially expressed in each group (control, VNS, and VAS) and putative biomarkers using multivariate statistics followed by discriminant analysis. Confirmatory analysis was performed for two proteins by western blotting. Enriched biological processes and molecular functions were determined using gene ontology analysis. In total, 541 proteins were identified and quantified: 108 exclusive or overexpressed in controls, 26 in the VNS group, and 13 in the VAS group. The suggested biomarkers are Cab45/SDF4 (Q9BRK5), protein lefty‐1 (O75610), DNase I (P24855), PAP2‐alpha (O14494), IBP‐7 (Q16270), HDC (P01860), and CRISP‐3 (P54108). Western blotting results showed that Cab45 was significantly underexpressed in both varicocoele groups, and CRISP‐3 was significantly overexpressed in seminal plasma of adolescents with VAS. In conclusion, specific biomarkers of spermatogenesis and homeostasis are observed in adolescents without varicocoele, and the presence of a palpable varicocoele progressively shifts these adolescents toward initially an immune response, and finally toward a chronic inflammatory profile. This shift is accompanied by decreased semen quality.
Endoscopic balloon dilatation of Crohn's strictures: a safe method to defer surgery in selective cases
Authors: Asairinachan Ashwinna , An Vinna , Daniel Eric S. , Johnston Michael J. , Woods Rodney J. 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundEndoscopic balloon dilatation (EBD) provides a valuable alternative to surgery for strictures in Crohn's disease (CD). Data are lacking regarding the factors that improve the safety and effectiveness of EBD in CD. The aim of this study is to determine the safety and efficacy of EBD and the clinical variables, which are predictive of successful treatment of CD strictures with EBD.MethodsThe records of all patients with CD in whom EBD was attempted between 2008 and 2013 were reviewed. Procedures were conducted at a single tertiary referral centre using a Boston Scientific CRE® TTS balloon. Technical success was defined as the ability to traverse the stricture with the endoscope and clinical success as the resolution of obstructive symptoms at review.ResultsForty‐seven patients with a total of 58 strictures (19 primary and 39 anastomotic strictures) were treated with EBD with median follow‐up of 37 months. A total of 161 dilatation procedures were performed, with technical success reported in 139/158 (88%) cases and clinical success reported in 105/137 (76.7%) cases with complete data. Complications occurred in 7/161 dilatations (4.3% dilatations, 15% patients), three patients with perforation, one with acute bleeding and three admitted with abdominal pain. Eighteen of the 47 patients required surgery (38%). Strictures of <50 mm (P = 0.04) and those dilated to a diameter of ≥15 mm (P = 0.031) were less likely to require surgical resection.Conclusions
EBD is safe for both primary and post‐surgical strictures. Stricture length and diameter of dilatation are predictive of success. In selected patients, treatment with EBD may reduce or delay the need for surgery.
Gestational age is more important for short‐term neonatal outcome than microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity or intra‐amniotic inflammation in preterm prelabor rupture of membranes
Authors: Rodríguez‐Trujillo Adriano , Cobo Teresa , Vives Irene , Bosch Jordi , Kacerovsky Marian , Posadas David E. , Ángeles Martina A. , Gratacós Eduard , Jacobsson Bo , Palacio Montse 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to evaluate, in women with preterm prelabor rupture of membranes (PPROM), the impact on short‐term neonatal outcome of microbial invasion of the amniotic cavity (MIAC), intra‐amniotic inflammation (IAI), and the microorganisms isolated in women with MIAC, when gestational age is taken into account.Material and methodsProspective cohort study. We included women with PPROM (22.0–34.0 weeks of gestation) with available information about MIAC, IAI and short‐term neonatal outcome. MIAC was defined as positive aerobic/anaerobic/genital Mycoplasma culture in amniotic fluid. Definition of IAI was based on interleukin‐6 levels in amniotic fluid. Main outcome measures were Apgar score <7 at 5 min, umbilical artery pH ≤7.0, days in the neonatal intensive care unit, and composite neonatal morbidity, including any of the following: intraventricular hemorrhage grade III–IV, respiratory distress syndrome, early‐onset neonatal sepsis, periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and fetal or neonatal death. Labor was induced after 32.0 weeks if lung maturity was confirmed; and otherwise after 34.0 weeks.ResultsMIAC and IAI were found in 38% (72/190) and 67% (111/165), respectively. After adjustment for gestational age at delivery, no differences in short‐term neonatal outcome were found between women with either MIAC or IAI, compared with the non‐infection/non‐inflammation (“No‐MIAC/No‐IAI”) group. Furthermore, short‐term neonatal outcome did not differ between the MIAC caused by Ureaplasma spp. group, the MIAC caused by other microorganisms group and the “No‐MIAC/No‐IAI” group.ConclusionsGestational age at delivery seems to be more important for short‐term neonatal outcome than MIAC or IAI in PPROM.