bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
S6 protein kinase activates Juvenile Hormone and vitellogenin production in the cockroach Blattella germanica
Authors: Abrisqueta Marc , Süren‐Castillo Songül , Maestro José L. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractNutritional status regulates different processes, such as growth and development, through TOR (target of rapamycin) and insulin receptor signalling pathways. The ribosomal S6 protein kinase (S6K) is a downstream element of both pathways. Using cDNA from the German cockroach Blattella germanica (L.), two S6K isoform sequences (BgS6K) are cloned. The long isoform differs from the short one by the insertion of a 22‐amino acid duplication, involving the key phosphorylation position Thr390. As a result of this, the long isoform presents a new, potentially regulatory phosphorylation site. RNA interference knockdown of both BgS6K isoforms induces an increase in the length of the last nymphal instar, together with a reduction in the mRNA levels of a number of enzymes of the Juvenile Hormone biosynthetic pathway in the corpora allata, vitellogenin mRNA levels in the fat body and basal oocyte length. Thus, BgS6K is important for nymphal development and is necessary for the full induction of Juvenile Hormone synthesis and vitellogenin production in adult females.
Polycentric Transformation in Kenyan Water Governance: A Dynamic Analysis of Institutional and Social‐Ecological Change
Authors: McCord Paul , Dell'Angelo Jampel , Baldwin Elizabeth , Evans Tom 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBeginning in 2002, Kenyan water governance transitioned from a monocentric, top‐down system to one exhibiting traits of polycentricity. In this paper, we investigate the changes made to water policy following the 2002 reform, outcomes produced in a collection of community‐ and catchment‐level user groups in the Mount Kenya region, and the conformance of these changes and outcomes with principles of polycentricity. A new framework is used to capture the complex institutional arrangements and interactions existing before and after the polycentric transformation. Unlike many previous polycentricity studies, the present research focuses primarily on the outcomes of the polycentric shift and determines if these correspond to predictions from polycentricity theory. We utilize survey data collected in 2013 from water managers, as well as archival research to interrogate congruence with principles of polycentricity. This study contributes to the broader discussion on polycentricity in two fundamental ways: (i) It documents the functioning of a water management system following a top‐down imposed polycentric reform, and (ii) It empirically inspects whether these polycentric reforms have produced benefits predicted by polycentricity theorists, such as experimentation by local water users, increased collective action, and improved coordination between levels of management.
Observational study of quality of life of Parkinson's patients and their caregivers
Authors: Corallo Francesco , De Cola Maria Cristina , Lo Buono Viviana , Di Lorenzo Giuseppe , Bramanti Placido , Marino Silvia 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundParkinson's disease (PD) is a degenerative disorder that leads to a decrease in cognitive performance and affects patients’ quality of life (QoL). The purpose of this study was to investigate the
QoL
of PD patients and their caregivers in relation to each patient's cognitive impairment.MethodsA total of 60 subjects with idiopathic PD were recruited; all had a primary caregiver. Patients’ cognitive abilities were evaluated by the Mini‐Mental State Examination, the Activities of Daily Living Scale, and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale. The 39‐item Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire and the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey were used to assess the QoL of patients and caregivers, respectively.ResultsThe Mini‐Mental State Examination was a significant predictor of most of the QoL subscales, including mobility, stigma, social support, cognition, and physical discomfort. The Activities of Daily Living Scale and the Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale were significant predictors of mobility, activities of daily living, and cognition. Patients’ clinical conditions also significantly affected all of the 36‐item Short Form Health Survey subscales; predicted physical functioning, bodily pain, vitality, and social role functioning on the Activities of Daily Living Scale; and predicted physical functioning, physical role functioning, and emotional role functioning on the Mini‐Mental State Examination.ConclusionsOur results confirm a relationship between PD patients QoL and the perceived burden of their caregivers. Indeed, patients’ cognitive impairment strictly correlated to lower QoL scores in both patients and caregivers and is a strong predictor of caregiver stress and burden. These results emphasize the importance of implementing early interventions to prevent or ameliorate caregivers’ burnout.
The Central Effect of β‐Endorphin and Naloxone on The Biosynthesis of GnRH and GnRH Receptor (GnRHR) in The Hypothalamic‐Pituitary Unit of Follicular‐Phase Ewes
Authors: Ciechanowska M , Łapot M , Mateusiak K , Paruszewska E , Malewski T , Krawczyńska A , Przekop F 
Published: June 2016

ContentsThe effects of prolonged, intermittent infusion of β‐endorphin or naloxone into the third cerebral ventricle of follicular‐phase ewes on the expression of genes encoding GnRH and GnRHR in the hypothalamus and GnRHR in the anterior pituitary gland (AP) were examined by an enzyme‐linked immunoabsorbent assay. Activation or blockade of μ‐opioid receptors significantly decreased or increased the GnRH concentration and GnRHR abundance in the hypothalamus, respectively, and affected in the same way GnRHR quantity in the AP gland. The changes in the levels of GnRH and GnRHR after treatment with β‐endorphin as well as following action of naloxone were reflected in fluctuations of plasma LH concentrations. On the basis of these results, it is suggested that β‐endorphinergic system in the hypothalamus of follicular‐phase ewes affects directly or via β‐endorphin‐sensitive interneurons GnRH and GnRHR biosynthesis leading to suppression in secretory activity of the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis.
Changes in the Expression of the Prolactin Receptor (PRLR) Gene in Different Physiological Stages in the Mammary Gland of the Iranian Adani Goat
Authors: Morammazi S , Masoudi AA , Vaez Torshizi R , Pakdel A 
Published: June 2016

ContentsThe actions of prolactin hormone are mediated by prolactin receptor (PRLR), and proliferation and differentiation of secretory mammary epithelium are dependent on the presence of its receptors. To understand the PRLR expression pattern in mammary gland of dairy goat during different lactation stages, in this study, we first estimated the milk yield breeding value by multitrait random regression model and then compared the expression of the gene in different physiological stage of mammary gland between high‐ and low‐breeding value groups. We assayed the transcription level of the gene by quantitative real‐time PCR method, and its outcomes were analysed by a statistical model containing breeding value groups, sampling times and their interactions as fixed effects. The results indicated that the expression levels of PRLR gene were significantly upregulated in the drying stage (p < 0.01). The transcription pattern of the gene was significantly different between the two breeding value groups (p < 0.01), so that the amount of PRLR mRNA was significantly higher in the low‐breeding value groups of animals in the lactation stage (p < 0.01). Based on the results of this study, it could be suggested that the abundance of PRLR transcripts in mammary gland of goat might be changed by some physiological, environmental and genetic factors. Nucleotide variations in the promoter region might be resulted in various transcription activities of the gene which should be studied in a complementary research.
Associations of Leptin and Pituitary‐Specific Transcription Factor Genes’ Polymorphisms with Reproduction and Production Traits in Dairy Buffalo
Authors: Nasr MAF , Awad A , El Araby IE 
Published: June 2016

ContentsThis study aimed to detect the genetic variability in Leptin and Pit‐1 genes using polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism and DNA sequencing also to explore their possible associations with reproductive and productive traits of Egyptian buffaloes. Regarding Leptin gene, three genotypes (AA, AG and GG) were identified with frequency of 0.54, 0.40 and 0.06, respectively, and the genotypes were distributed according to the Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium. Allele A was comparatively higher than G with frequency of 0.74 and 0.26, respectively. For Pit‐1 gene, the association could not be performed due to the monomorphism (BB). The results showed that AA genotypes were found to be superior in most of production and reproduction traits. AA genotypes yielded more milk (2332.34 kg, p = 0.04) with higher fat% (6.10, p = 0.004) and fat yield (155.75 kg, p = 0.06), reach peak milk production at 42.19 days and required 2.19 services for conception in comparison with GG genotypes. Birthweight of animals with AA genotype was lesser than with GG genotype (39.35 and 43.67 kg, p = 0.02, respectively). The days open is numerically better in AA genotype animals (99.35 days), but the difference between the three genotypes was non‐significant. The distinct significant associations reported in this study suggested that Leptin is reputable candidate genetic marker, which might be used to enhance animals’ genetic potential for milk production in conjunction with reproduction.
Investigating the Dynamic Interaction between Military Spending and Economic Growth
Authors: Desli E. , Gkoulgkoutsika A. , Katrakilidis C. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe relationship and interaction of military spending and economic growth have been theoretically and empirically investigated since the 1970s but it still cannot provide conclusive evidence towards the direction and the quantification of the impact between the two magnitudes. The use of different data sets in terms of time periods, and number and geographic location of countries, different theoretical background leading to different econometric specifications, and single type of econometric methodology, make any comparison impossible. This paper looks into the dynamic interaction between military spending and economic growth during the period 1988–2013 that includes the recent years of economic crisis covering 138 countries without making any prior assumptions about the theoretical channels of influence, while not limited to a single estimation method but employing a wide range of methodologies in order to form a complete picture of the long‐ and short‐run interaction. Furthermore, as such interaction might not be linear, we create three groups of countries based on the countries' income developmental stage. Overall we find no evidence of long‐ and short‐run causality from the military spending to economic growth except for the developing countries (positive in the long run). However, from economic growth to military spending we find a positive impact for all groups except the least developed countries. We also notice the interaction was more prominent prior to the start of the economic crisis.
High Dimensional Correlation Matrices: The Central Limit Theorem and Its Applications
Authors: Gao Jiti , Han Xiao , Pan Guangming , Yang Yanrong 
Published: June 2016

Summary
Statistical inferences for sample correlation matrices are important in high dimensional data analysis. Motivated by this, the paper establishes a new central limit theorem for a linear spectral statistic of high dimensional sample correlation matrices for the case where the dimension p and the sample size n are comparable. This result is of independent interest in large dimensional random-matrix theory. We also further investigate the sample correlation matrices of a high dimensional vector whose elements have a special correlated structure and the corresponding central limit theorem is developed. Meanwhile, we apply the linear spectral statistic to an independence test for p random variables, and then an equivalence test for p factor loadings and n factors in a factor model. The finite sample performance of the test proposed shows its applicability and effectiveness in practice. An empirical application to test the independence of household incomes from various cities in China is also conducted.
Comparison of patient‐reported outcomes among those who chose ACL reconstruction or non‐surgical treatment
Authors: Ardern C. L. , Sonesson S. , Forssblad M. , Kvist J. 
Published: June 2016

The aim of our study was to cross‐sectionally compare patient‐reported knee function outcomes between people who chose non‐surgical treatment for ACL injury and those who chose ACL reconstruction. We extracted Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) and EuroQoL‐5D data entered into the Swedish National ACL Registry by patients with a non‐surgically treated ACL injury within 180 days of injury (n = 306), 1 (n = 350), 2 (n = 358), and 5 years (n = 114) after injury. These data were compared cross‐sectionally to data collected pre‐operatively (n = 306) and at 1 (n = 350), 2 (n = 358), and 5 years (n = 114) post‐operatively from age‐ and gender‐matched groups of patients with primary ACL reconstruction. At the 1 and 2 year comparisons, patients who chose surgical treatment reported superior quality of life and function in sports (1 year mean difference 12.4 and 13.2 points, respectively; 2 year mean difference 4.5 and 6.9 points, respectively) compared to those who chose non‐surgical treatment. Patients who chose ACL reconstruction reported superior outcomes for knee symptoms and function, and in knee‐specific and health‐related quality of life, compared to patients who chose non‐surgical treatment.
Rumor Communities: The Social Dimensions of Internet Political Misperceptions*
Authors: Edy Jill A. , Risley‐Baird Erin E. 
Published: June 2016

ObjectiveThis study illuminates the communicative and social qualities of naturally occurring public resistance to authoritative debunking of political misperceptions, rumors, and conspiracy theories. Developing the concept of a “rumor community,” it highlights aspects of rumoring processes overlooked by psychological approaches common in misperception research.MethodsOver 2,000 user‐generated comments from the “vaccines cause autism” rumor community, produced as the medical study that had sparked the rumor was retracted and ultimately denounced as fraudulent, are examined for their contribution to the public conversation about vaccine safety.ResultsRumor community members publicly counterargue debunking messages, which creates a communication environment offering argumentative resources to community members and reaffirming the community's solidarity. Members assert their credibility to gain authority to speak, countering science with personal experience. Highlighting their interconnection with more conventional social groups and venerable social truisms, members generate discourse that legitimates their beliefs.ConclusionsThe process of rumor debunking does not solely involve psychological persuasion but must also account for the social geography of rumor communities and their contributions to the communication environment.
Determinants of Networking Practices in the Chinese Transition Context: Empirical Insights from the Pearl River Delta
Authors: Fu Wenying , Revilla Diez Javier , Schiller Daniel 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe underlying spatial forces of firm networking practices are understudied in the literature of economic geography. This paper aims to reveal patterns and mechanisms of networking practices and relates them to China's transitional context based on empirical data from a firm survey in the Pearl River Delta. It addresses the localisation effect as the primary factor in explaining the selection of networking partners. The results of this paper suggest a strong tendency towards networking with local government agencies vis‐à‐vis weak linkages with business partners. Furthermore, it reveals that the intent of bonding with local authorities through interpersonal relationships increases with the localisation of customers. Meanwhile, firms are more likely to pursue learning‐oriented networks with competitors as the number of suppliers in the same city increases. The findings add to the understanding of network relations in China, in particular to the rationales behind relations to local government officials.
The role of DNA (de)methylation in immune responsiveness of Arabidopsis
Authors: López Sánchez Ana , Stassen Joost H.M. , Furci Leonardo , Smith Lisa M. , Ton Jurriaan 
Published: June 2016

SummaryDNA methylation is antagonistically controlled by DNA methyltransferases and DNA demethylases. The level of DNA methylation controls plant gene expression on a global level. We have examined impacts of global changes in DNA methylation on the Arabidopsis immune system. A range of hypo‐methylated mutants displayed enhanced resistance to the biotrophic pathogen Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis (Hpa), whereas two hyper‐methylated mutants were more susceptible to this pathogen. Subsequent characterization of the hypo‐methylated nrpe1 mutant, which is impaired in RNA‐directed DNA methylation, and the hyper‐methylated ros1 mutant, which is affected in DNA demethylation, revealed that their opposite resistance phenotypes are associated with changes in cell wall defence and salicylic acid (SA)‐dependent gene expression. Against infection by the necrotrophic pathogen Plectosphaerella cucumerina, nrpe1 showed enhanced susceptibility, which was associated with repressed sensitivity of jasmonic acid (JA)‐inducible gene expression. Conversely, ros1 displayed enhanced resistance to necrotrophic pathogens, which was not associated with increased responsiveness of JA‐inducible gene expression. Although nrpe1 and ros1 were unaffected in systemic acquired resistance to Hpa, they failed to develop transgenerational acquired resistance against this pathogen. Global transcriptome analysis of nrpe1 and ros1 at multiple time‐points after Hpa infection revealed that 49% of the pathogenesis‐related transcriptome is influenced by NRPE1‐ and ROS1‐controlled DNA methylation. Of the 166 defence‐related genes displaying augmented induction in nrpe1 and repressed induction in ros1, only 25 genes were associated with a nearby transposable element and NRPE1‐ and/or ROS1‐controlled DNA methylation. Accordingly, we propose that the majority of NRPE1‐ and ROS1‐dependent defence genes are regulated in trans by DNA methylation.
Characterization of posttransfusion Plasmodium falciparum infection in semi‐immune nonparasitemic patients
Authors: Allain Jean‐Pierre , Assennato Sonny Michael , Osei Eric N. , Owusu‐Ofori Alex K. , Marschner Susanne , Goodrich Raymond P. , Owusu‐Ofori Shirley 
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUNDTransfusion‐transmitted malaria (TTM) has not been studied with molecular means in hyperendemic areas where it is assumed to occur frequently. The African Investigation of the Mirasol System (AIMS) trial provided the opportunity to study TTM from standard whole blood (WB) units.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThe Plasmodium genome in transfused WB units and patient samples both before transfusion and 1, 3, 7, and 28 days after transfusion was screened and quantified using real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Parasitemic samples were confirmed, three alleles were sequenced, and the percentage homology was determined between paired WB units and patient samples. Anti‐Plasmodium titers were quantified by serial dilution. Clinical symptoms and microscopic detection of malaria were monitored.RESULTSMicroscopy was negative below 3 × 106 genome copies/mL. Thirty‐seven patients who were nonparasitemic before transfusion were exposed to parasitemic WB. The amount of Plasmodium genome load transfused ranged between 0.1 × 106 and 2.0 × 109 copies. The parasite load received through transfusion by 13 patients with TTM was higher than that received by patients without TTM (p = 0.01). Patients with a single parasitemic posttransfusion sample were not considered to have TTM. Four elements critical to predict outcome emerged: parasite load, patient anti‐Plasmodium titer pretransfusion, percentage clearance of parasites at Day 1, and level of anti‐Plasmodium humoral immune response. Four patients with TTM became parasite‐free at Day 28 (effective control), four patients with TTM maintained relatively stable levels of parasitemia (uncertain control), and five patients reached high levels of parasitemia at Day 28 posttransfusion, indicating ineffective control of malarial infection by semi‐immune individuals.CONCLUSIONSTTM in endemic areas is relatively frequent (13 of 112 donations; 11.6%) and, although largely controlled by semi‐immunity in recipient patients, may require antimalarial treatment.
Free‐Roaming Dogs in Nepal: Demographics, Health and Public Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices
Authors: Massei G. , Fooks A. R. , Horton D. L. , Callaby R. , Sharma K. , Dhakal I. P. , Dahal U. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryIn Nepal, most dogs are free to roam and may transmit diseases to humans and animals. These dogs often suffer from malnutrition and lack basic health care. Minimal information is available about their demographics and about public attitudes concerning dogs and diseases. We carried out a study in Chitwan District (central Nepal), to collect baseline data on free‐roaming owned dog demographics, assess knowledge, attitudes and practices of dog owners concerning dogs and rabies, evaluate rabies vaccination coverage and anthelmintic treatment of dogs, measure dogs' response to rabies vaccination and assess dog health through body condition scores and parasites. We conducted household interviews with owners of free‐roaming female dogs (n = 60) and administered dogs with rabies vaccination and anthelmintics. Dog owners regularly fed free‐roaming dogs but provided minimal health care; 42% of respondents did not claim ownership of the dog for which they provided care. We collected skin, faecal and blood samples for parasite identification and for measuring rabies virus‐specific antibodies. Ninety‐two per cent of dog owners were aware of the routes of rabies virus transmission, but only 35% described the correct post‐exposure prophylaxis (PEP) following a dog bite. Twenty‐seven per cent of the dogs had measurable rabies virus‐specific antibody titres and 14% had received anthelmintics in the previous year. Following rabies vaccination, 97% of dogs maintained an adequate antibody titre for ≥6 months. Most dogs appeared healthy, although haemoprotozoans, endoparasites and ectoparasites were identified in 12%, 73% and 40% of the dogs, respectively. Poor skin condition and parasite load were associated. Seventy‐four per cent of the females had litters in 1 year (mean litter size = 4.5). Births occurred between September and February; we estimated 60% mortality in puppies. We concluded that vaccination coverage, PEP awareness and anthelmintic treatment should be emphasized in educational programmes focussed on animal welfare, veterinary and public health.