bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification, evolution and functional characterization of two Zn CDF‐family transporters of the ectomycorrhizal fungus Suillus luteus
Authors: Ruytinx Joske , Coninx Laura , Nguyen Hoai , Smisdom Nick , Morin Emmanuelle , Kohler Annegret , Cuypers Ann , Colpaert Jan V. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryTwo genes, SlZnT1 and SlZnT2, encoding Cation Diffusion Facilitator (CDF) family transporters were isolated from Suillus luteus mycelium by genome walking. Both gene models are very similar and phylogenetic analysis indicates that they are most likely the result of a recent gene duplication event. Comparative sequence analysis of the deduced proteins predicts them to be Zn transporters. This function was confirmed by functional analysis in yeast for SlZnT1. SlZnT1 was able to restore growth of the highly Zn sensitive yeast mutant Δzrc1 and localized to the vacuolar membrane. Transformation of Δzrc1 yeast cells with SlZnT1 resulted in an increased accumulation of Zn compared to empty vector transformed Δzrc1 yeast cells and equals Zn accumulation in wild type yeast cells. We were not able to express functional SlZnT2 in yeast. In S. luteus, both SlZnT genes are constitutively expressed whatever the external Zn concentrations. A labile Zn pool was detected in the vacuoles of S. luteus free‐living mycelium. Therefore we conclude that SlZnT1 is indispensable for maintenance of Zn homeostasis by transporting excess Zn into the vacuole.
Introduction to the Special Issue: Public and Private Labor Standards Policy in the Global Economy
Authors: Fransen Luc , Burgoon Brian 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis article introduces a Global Policy Special Issue on public and private protections of labor and social standards in the global economy, exploring whether public and private regulations of such standards develop in harmony or tension with one another. It promotes an approach to studying public‐private interactions in global labor governance that is sensitive to how interactions are important at different stages in the making of public and private regulation; how the causal interaction can go from the public to the private and from the private to the public; how such interaction varies in quality and promise across different parts of the world, labor issue areas and policy instruments; and how public‐private interaction can only be captured by combining case histories with large‐N analysis. The evidence from the Special Issue's articles leads to a set of generic propositions, describing how public interventions tend to strengthen private labor policy, while private interventions tend to either modestly substitute for or have little effect upon public labor and social protections. The article then discusses how these dynamics may be influenced by the political contentiousness of the specific labor issue and the characteristics of the state.
From Quality Control to Labor Protection: ISO 9001 and Workplace Safety, 1993–2012
Authors: Lim Sijeong , Prakash Aseem 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWorkplace safety is an important issue in global public policy. Given the failure of many governments to enforce their workplace safety laws, might voluntary programs help in this regard? Most studies on the effectiveness of voluntary programs focus on their first‐order effects reflecting program goals. Yet, well‐designed programs that focus on firms’ internal practices and policies can have significant spillover effects beyond the program objectives. This insight motivates our study of the second‐order effect on occupational safety of ISO 9001, the most widely adopted voluntary standard in the world. While ISO 9001 is a quality management standard, the internal systems that ISO certified firms establish can improve workplace safety. This is because some workplace practices that lead to poor product quality also contribute to an unsafe working environment. Our empirical analysis covering 92 countries for the period 1993–2012 supports our argument. We find that 1 per cent increase in country‐level ISO 9001 certification count is associated with 0.04 per cent decline in occupational injury rate (injury per 10,000 working population). Importantly, our finding is more pronounced where public law regarding workers’ rights is weak, suggesting that voluntary programs can fill in the governance gaps.
Estradiol and progesterone influence on influenza infection and immune response in a mouse model
Authors: Davis Sarah M. , Sweet Leigh M. , Oppenheimer Karen H. , Suratt Benjamin T. , Phillippe Mark 
Published: May 2017

ProblemInfluenza infection severity may be mediated by estradiol and/or progesterone.Method of StudyAn exploratory study was designed to evaluate 17‐β‐estradiol and progesterone on influenza infection and examine immune‐mediated response in a mouse model. Inoculation with placebo or mouse‐adapted H1N1 influenza virus occurred. Treatment groups included 17‐β‐estradiol, progesterone, ovariectomy, and pregnancy. Mice were assessed for morbidity and mortality. Toll‐like receptor gene studies and airspace cell differentials were performed.ResultsOnset of morbidity was earlier and morbidity duration greater for progesterone. Absence of morbidity/mortality and overall survival was greater for 17‐β‐estradiol. Airspace cell differentials suggest improved immune cell recruitment for 17‐β‐estradiol. Pregnant mouse data demonstrate significant mortality during the period of increased progesterone. Select immune cell markers demonstrate patterns of regulation that may promote proper immune response to influenza infection for 17‐β‐estradiol.ConclusionEstradiol may play a protective and progesterone a detrimental role in the pathophysiology of influenza infection.
Labor prediction based on the expression patterns of multiple genes related to cervical maturation in human term pregnancy
Authors: Samejima Taiki , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Schust Danny J. , Iriyama Takayuki , Sayama Seisuke , Sonoda Masaki , Komatsu Atsushi , Kawana Kei , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki 
Published: May 2017

ProblemThis study explored the possibility of evaluating cervical maturation using swabbed cervical cell samples at term pregnancy, and aimed to develop a novel approach to predict labor onset.Method of studyWomen with uncomplicated pregnancies (n=117 from 62 women at term pregnancy) were recruited. Messenger RNA expression levels of cervical cells for ten genes were quantified by qPCR. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted, and principal components that significantly contributed to the prediction of days to delivery were determined.ResultsPCA demonstrated that 76% of the expression information from the ten genes can be represented by three principal components (PC1‐3). By the multiple regression analysis, PC2 and Bishop score but not PC1 or PC3 were significant variables in the prediction of days to delivery.ConclusionThese findings support the concurrent assessment of multiple gene activities in cervical cells as a promising approach to predict the initiation of labor.
Evaluation of sources of variation on in vitro fermentation kinetics of feedstuffs in a gas production system
Authors: Keim Juan P. , Alvarado‐Gilis Christian , Arias Rodrigo A. , Gandarillas Mónica , Cabanilla Jaime 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different sources of variation in gas production technique on the in vitro gas production kinetics of feedstuffs. Triplicates of commercial concentrate, grass silage, grass hay and grass pasture were incubated in three experiments: experiment 1 assessed two agitation methods; experiment 2 evaluated different rumen inocula (pooled or different donor cows for each incubation run); and experiment 3 used Goering‐Van Soest or Mould buffers for media preparation. Gas production data were fitted into the Michaelis–Menten model and then subjected to analysis of variance. Gas production (GP) at 48 h and asymptote gas production (A) were lower when bottles were continuously under horizontal movement. Time to produce half and 75% of A, and A were affected by rumen inocula, while buffer type affected time to produce half and 25% of A and GP. No interactions between substrates and sources of variation were observed, suggesting that the effects of substrates on GP parameters were not modified. It is concluded that comparison of numerical data from in vitro experiments that follow different protocols must be done carefully. However, the ranking of different substrates is more robust and less affected by the sources of variation.
BANKING UNION IN EUROPE: HOW MUCH CENTRALISATION IS NEEDED?
Authors: Berger Wolfram , Nagase Yoko 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTWe examine the efficiency of banking regulation in a federation with two tiers of government and highly integrated banking systems. We assume that policy makers have incomplete information about banks’ true health, and banking sector turmoil can generate cross‐border spill‐over effects. We show that, in such an environment, the decentralisation of policy responsibilities for the regulation of banks can achieve the first‐best allocation and ensure financial stability. While national governments design banking regulations, the federal policy maker authorises inter‐regional income redistribution payments throughout the federation. Our results suggest that strengthening national responsibilities in banking regulation and supervision in the course of the further development of the European banking union may be advisable.
Diabetic macular oedema: evidence‐based treatment recommendations for Asian countries
Authors: Cheung Gemmy CM , Yoon Young Hee , Chen Lee Jen , Chen Shih Jen , George Tara M , Lai Timothy YY , Park Kyu Hyung , Tahija Sjakon G , Uy Harvey S , Wong Tien Y 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDiabetic macular oedema is the most common cause of diabetic retinopathy‐induced vision loss. Efficacy of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapy in diabetic macular oedema has been demonstrated in randomized controlled trials. An Asian‐specific guideline for diabetic macular oedema treatment is needed as patients in Asia tend to present with far more advanced disease than seen elsewhere in the world. Previous reviews of diabetic macular oedema management lacked a broader assessment of anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor treatment choices and newer trials. Recent clinical trial data allow head‐to‐head comparisons between the different anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor agents and treatment regimens. This review aims to summarize the clinical evidence related to various treatment regimens for clinicians, with a focus on anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor therapies, and to provide guidance on the treatment of diabetic macular oedema in Asian patients.
Aphyly: identifying the flotsam and jetsam of systematics
Authors: Williams David M. , Ebach Malte C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMany taxon names in any classification will be composed of taxa that have yet to be demonstrated as monophyletic, that is, characterized by synapomorphies. Such taxa might be calledaphyletic, the flotsam and jetsam in systematics, simply meaning they require taxonomic revision. The term aphyly is, however, the same as, if not identical to, Hennig's “Restkörper” and Bernardi's merophyly. None of these terms gained common usage. We outline Hennig's use of “Restkörper” and Bernardi's use of merophyly and compare it to aphyly. In our view, application of aphyly would avoid the oft made assumption that when a monophyletic group is discovered from within an already known and named taxon, then the species left behind are rendered paraphyletic. By identifying the flotsam and jetsam in systematics, we can focus on taxa in need of attention and avoid making phylogeneticfaux paswith respect to their phylogenetic status.
European consensus on the concepts and measurement of the pathophysiological neuromuscular responses to passive muscle stretch
Authors: van den Noort J. C. , Bar‐On L. , Aertbeliën E. , Bonikowski M. , Braendvik S. M. , Broström E. W. , Buizer A. I. , Burridge J. H. , van Campenhout A. , Dan B. , Fleuren J. F. , Grunt S. , Heinen F. , Horemans H. L. , Jansen C. , Kranzl A. , Krautwurst B. K. , van der Krogt M. , Lerma Lara S. , Lidbeck C. M. , Lin J.‐P. , Martinez I. , Meskers C. , Metaxiotis D. , Molenaers G. , Patikas D. A. , Rémy‐Néris O. , Roeleveld K. , Shortland A. P. , Sikkens J. , Sloot L. , Vermeulen R. J. , Wimmer C. , Schröder A. S. , Schless S. , Becher J. G. , Desloovere K. , Harlaar J. 
Published: May 2017

Background and purposeTo support clinical decision‐making in central neurological disorders, a physical examination is used to assess responses to passive muscle stretch. However, what exactly is being assessed is expressed and interpreted in different ways. A clear diagnostic framework is lacking. Therefore, the aim was to arrive at unambiguous terminology about the concepts and measurement around pathophysiological neuromuscular response to passive muscle stretch.MethodsDuring two consensus meetings, 37 experts from 12 European countries filled online questionnaires based on a Delphi approach, followed by plenary discussion after rounds. Consensus was reached for agreement ≥75%.ResultsThe term hyper‐resistance should be used to describe the phenomenon of impaired neuromuscular response during passive stretch, instead of for example ‘spasticity’ or ‘hypertonia’. From there, it is essential to distinguish non‐neural (tissue‐related) from neural (central nervous system related) contributions to hyper‐resistance. Tissue contributions are elasticity, viscosity and muscle shortening. Neural contributions are velocity dependent stretch hyperreflexia and non‐velocity dependent involuntary background activation. The term ‘spasticity’ should only be used next to stretch hyperreflexia, and ‘stiffness’ next to passive tissue contributions. When joint angle, moment and electromyography are recorded, components of hyper‐resistance within the framework can be quantitatively assessed.ConclusionsA conceptual framework of pathophysiological responses to passive muscle stretch is defined. This framework can be used in clinical assessment of hyper‐resistance and will improve communication between clinicians. Components within the framework are defined by objective parameters from instrumented assessment. These parameters need experimental validation in order to develop treatment algorithms based on the aetiology of the clinical phenomena.
Market‐based estimates of implicit government guarantees in European financial institutions
Authors: Zhao Lei 
Published: May 2017

AbstractI exploit the price differential of credit default swap (CDS) contracts written on debts with different levels of seniority to measure the implicit government guarantees enjoyed by European financial institutions from 2005 to 2013. I determine that the aggregate guarantee increased substantially during the recent financial crises and peaked at an average of 89 bps in 2011. My analysis suggests that the extent of implicit support depends on the type of financial institutions and there exists a eurozone effect. Further investigation of feedback relationship shows that the guarantee implicitly offered by a government positively ‘Granger causes’ the sovereign's default risk.
Economic Mobility and Fiscal Federalism: Taxation and European Responses in a Changing Constitutional Context
Authors: Snell Jukka , Jaakkola Jussi 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIn this article we explore the claim that the four freedoms of the EU lead to the inevitable erosion of the capacity of Member States to collect tax, undermining national systems of welfare and solidarity. We argue that European tax integration has undergone a significant change during the last ten years or so, with a judicial, regulatory and legislative response by Union institutions. First, the Court of Justice has recalibrated some of the basic concepts it applies when reviewing the European constitutionality of national tax norms. Second, the Commission has utilised state aid rules to attack targeted tax competition. Third, important legislative initiatives have been adopted or proposed to safeguard Member State taxing capacities. The new phase is influenced by the changed constitutional context of the recent enlargements and the Eurozone crises, which may increase the supply of and demand for tax integration.
From Resource to Burden: Rescaling Solidarity with Strangers in the Single Market
Authors: Sankari Suvi , Frerichs Sabine 
Published: May 2017

Abstract‘Organised solidarity’ of a mediated legal form constitutes the backbone of the modern welfare state built on solidarity between strangers. The interplay between the single market and the national social systems is key in defining who owes what to whom under the ‘transnationalised’ European solidarity. Free movement rights have increased the ‘entanglement’ of national social systems' revenue and expenditure sides, considered to jeopardise their steering capacity. As a corollary to free movement, transnational solidarity does not take place beyond or between national welfare states, but rather within: as solidarity with strangers. Here transnational solidarity is applied by way of a sociological framework to trace the evolutionary path of free movement of persons as it fluctuates between ‘commodification’ and ‘decommodification’. Against that backdrop, this article reviews whether a paradigm shift is currently promoted as to the question where solidarity with strangers begins and ends.
Speciation history of a species complex of Primulina eburnea (Gesneriaceae) from limestone karsts of southern China, a biodiversity hot spot
Authors: Wang Jing , Ai Bin , Kong Hanghui , Kang Ming 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLimestone karsts in southern China are characterized by high edaphic and topographic heterogeneity and host high levels of species richness and endemism. However, the evolutionary mechanisms for generating such biodiversity remain poorly understood. Here, we performed species delimitation, population genetic analyses, simulations of gene flow and analyses of floral morphological traits to infer the geographic history of speciation in a species complex of Primulina eburnea from limestone karsts of southern China. Using Bayesian species delimitation, we determined that there are seven distinct species that correspond well to the putative morphological species. Species tree reconstruction, Structure and Neighbor‐Net analyses all recovered four lineages in agreement with currently species geographic boundaries. High levels of genetic differentiation were observed both within and among species. Isolation–migration coalescent analysis provides evidence for significant but low gene flow among species. Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) analysis supports a scenario of historical gene flow rather than recent contemporary gene flow for most species divergences. Finally, we found no evidence of divergent selection contributing to population differentiation of a suite of flower traits. These results support the prevalence of allopatric speciation and highlight the role of geographic isolation in the diversification process. At small geographic scales, limited hybridization occurred in the past between proximate populations but did not eliminate species boundaries. We conclude that limited gene flow might have been the predominant evolutionary force in promoting population differentiation and speciation.
Triploporella ? edgelli n. sp., a new Dasycladalean alga from the Lower Cretaceous of Lebanon
Authors: Maksoud Sibelle , Granier Bruno , Azar Dany 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe Dasycladalean assemblage of the Jezzinian strata (uppermost Barremian–lowermost Aptian) of Lebanon consists of two organo‐genera and eight genera with eleven species, including eight Triploporellaceae. Although Triploporella marsicana (Praturlon, 1964) was reported by Saint‐Marc from the same interval, it is not found in our material. However, a lookalike, which is herein described as Triploporella ? edgelli n. sp., is identified. This new species has cyst‐containers within the primary segments of its laterals but, because it lacks calcified secondary segments, it is left in open nomenclature.
Temporal stress variations along a seismogenic megasplay fault in the subduction zone: An example from the Nobeoka Thrust, southwestern Japan
Authors: Kawasaki Ryoji , Hamahashi Mari , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Otsubo Makoto , Yamaguchi Asuka , Kitamura Yujin , Kameda Jun , Hamada Yohei , Fukuchi Rina , Kimura Gaku 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe Nobeoka Thrust, an ancient megasplay fault in the Shimanto Belt, southwestern Japan, contains fault rocks from the seismogenic zone, providing an accessible analog of active megasplay faults in deep subduction settings. In this study, the paleostress along the Nobeoka Thrust was analyzed using multiple inversion techniques, including k‐means clustering of fault datasets acquired from drillcores that intersected the thrust. The six resultant stress orientation clusters can be divided into two general groups: stress solutions with north–south‐trending σ1 axes, and those with east–west‐trending σ1 axes. These groups are characterized by the temporal changes for the orientations of the σ1 and σ3 principal stress axes that involve alternation between horizontal and vertical. The findings are probably due to a change in stress state before and after earthquakes that occurred on the fault; similar changes have been observed in active tectonic settings, such as the 2011 Tohoku‐Oki earthquake (Japan).
Influence of TNF‐alpha inhibitors and fumaric acid esters on male fertility in psoriasis patients
Authors: Heppt F. , Colsman A. , Maronna A. , Uslu U. , Heppt M.V. , Kiesewetter F. , Sticherling M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObjectiveIs there any influence of a therapy with TNF‐alpha inhibitors or fumaric acid esters and of disease activity status on male fertility and sperm quality in patients with psoriasis?MethodsIn this monocentric, open‐label, prospective study, semen samples were collected from patients receiving either TNF‐alpha inhibitors or fumaric acid esters for moderate‐to‐severe plaque psoriasis. Semen was analysed at baseline before onset of the systemic therapy and monitored every 3 months under therapy. Sperm parameters were assessed according to the current WHO definitions.ResultsIn total, 101 semen specimens from 27 patients were obtained. Mean Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) score at baseline was 11.05. Only 14.8% of patients showed a normozoospermia without any other abnormal seminal values. 85.2% of patients had at least one sperm/seminal abnormality, including two patients showing an azoospermia. Interestingly, 48.1% showed sperm parameters indicative of genital tract inflammation. Therapy with TNF‐alpha inhibitors or fumaric acid esters did not have any negative effects on relevant sperm parameters such as mean total sperm number, sperm concentration, total and progressive motility. No major gonadal dysfunction was observed in any patient.ConclusionAt baseline, many patients with psoriasis showed abnormal semen/sperm parameters and remarkably elevated leukocytes and values of seminal polymorphonuclear elastase, indicating a genital tract inflammation. Thus, genital tract inflammation may represent an important comorbidity of psoriasis, little attention paid to so far. Regarding treatment with TNF‐alpha inhibitors or fumaric acid esters, no major negative (side‐) effects on sperm quality were observed.