bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inflation Transmission in Greater China
Authors: Liu Ming‐Hua , Margaritis Dimitris , Zhang Yang 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis paper examines inflation dynamics in Greater China. Using an asymmetric error correction model, we investigate how inflation in Hong Kong and Macao are related to inflation in Chinese Mainland. Our results based on data from July 1997 to December 2012 reveal that a long‐term equilibrium relation exists between inflation in Chinese Mainland and inflation in both Hong Kong and Macao, the two Special Administrative Regions of China. The degree of inflation pass‐through is higher for Macao than for Hong Kong. Moreover, we find no evidence of asymmetries in either Hong Kong and Macao's adjustment speeds towards long‐run equilibrium or in the short‐run pass‐through of accelerating or decelerating inflation in the Mainland. Collectively, our results show a close relationship among price dynamics of the three economies and call for a reconsideration of the exchange rate anchor in the Greater China Region.
Treatment intensification with an insulin degludec (IDeg)/insulin aspart (IAsp) co‐formulation twice daily compared with basal IDeg and prandial IAsp in type 2 diabetes: a randomized, controlled phase III trial
Authors: Rodbard H. W. , Cariou B. , Pieber T. R. , Endahl L. A. , Zacho J. , Cooper J. G. 
Published: November 2015

AimsTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of two insulin intensification strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes previously treated with basal insulin – insulin degludec (IDeg) and insulin aspart (IAsp) – administered as a co‐formulation (IDegAsp) or as a basal‐bolus regimen (IDeg and IAsp in separate injections).MethodsThis 26‐week, open‐label, treat‐to‐target, phase IIIb, non‐inferiority trial randomized patients (1 : 1) to IDegAsp twice daily with main meals (n = 138; IDegAsp group) or IDeg once daily and IAsp 2–4 times daily (n = 136; IDeg+IAsp group).ResultsAfter 26 weeks, the mean glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) level was 7.0% (53 mmol/mol) for the IDegAsp group and 6.8% (51 mmol/mol) for the IDeg+IAsp group (Δ%HbA1c from baseline −1.31 and −1.50%, respectively). The non‐inferiority of IDegAsp versus IDeg+IAsp was not confirmed for mean change in HbA1c [estimated treatment difference (ETD) 0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.04, 0.41; p = non‐significant]. No significant differences were observed in the proportion of patients achieving HbA1c <7.0% (56.5 and 59.6%, respectively). IDegAsp treatment resulted in a significantly lower total daily insulin dose, a smaller change in body weight, numerically lower rates of confirmed hypoglycaemia (self‐reported plasma glucose <3.1 mmol/l; rate ratio 0.81; p = non‐significant), and nocturnal confirmed hypoglycaemic episodes (rate ratio 0.80; p = non‐significant) versus IDeg+IAsp. Patient‐reported outcome scores for social functioning were significantly higher for IDegAsp versus IDeg+IAsp (ETD 2.2; 95% CI 0.3, 4.1; p < 0.05).ConclusionsBoth intensification strategies effectively improved glycaemic control. Although non‐inferiority was not confirmed, there were no significant differences between the groups that could affect clinical utility.
Right Coronary Artery Aneurysm with Fistula to the Coronary Sinus, Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava, Ruptured Anterior Leaflet Chordae Tendineae with Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Cajas‐Morales Claudia , Martinez‐Beltran Citlalic , Criales‐Vera Sergio , Arias‐Godinez Jose Antonio , Espinola‐Zavaleta Nilda 
Published: November 2015

Mini‐AbstractWe are reporting a case of a 52‐year‐old man with a 2‐year history of dyspnea on moderate exertion and orthopnea. In the last year, paroxysmal nocturnal dyspnea developed. Echocardiography showed an aneurysm of the right coronary artery with a fistula to the coronary sinus, persistent left superior vena cava, and ruptured anterior mitral leaflet chordae tendineae with severe mitral regurgitation. The computed tomography confirmed these findings. The patient was scheduled for surgery.
Right Atrial Mechanics Long‐Term after Biventricular Repair of Pulmonary Atresia or Stenosis with Intact Ventricular Septum
Authors: To Ashley Hoi‐man , Lai Clare Tik‐man , Wong Sophia J. , Cheung Yiu‐fai 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundThis study tested the hypothesis that right atrial (RA) mechanics are altered in patients after repair of pulmonary atresia with intact ventricular septum (PAIVS) and pulmonary stenosis (PS) and to explore their relationships with right ventricular (RV) diastolic function and P‐wave indices.MethodsThirty‐six adult patients, 16 with PAIVS and 20 with PS patients, and 20 age‐matched healthy subjects were studied. Right atrial mechanics were assessed using speckle tracking echocardiography (STE) with quantification of positive, negative, and total strain, and strain rates at ventricular systole (aSRs), early diastole (aSRed), and atrial contraction (aSRac). Right ventricular diastolic function was assessed by Doppler interrogation and STE. Maximum P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion were measured.ResultsCompared with controls, PAIVS and PS patients had significantly lower RA positive and total strain, aSRs and aSRed (all P < 0.05). Parameters of RV diastolic function including transtricuspid early (E) and late (A) diastolic inflow velocities, E/A ratio, early diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (e), early to late diastolic annular velocity ratio, E/e ratio, and RV early diastolic strain rate were found to correlate significantly with RA positive and total strain and aSRed (all P < 0.05). Maximum P‐wave duration and P‐wave dispersion increased progressively across control, PS, and PAIVS groups (P for trend <0.001). Both P‐wave indices correlated negatively with RA positive strain, total strain, and aSRed (all P < 0.05).ConclusionImpairment of RA mechanics occurs in patients long term after repair of PAIVS and PS and is associated with RV diastolic dysfunction, longer P‐wave duration, and greater P‐wave dispersion.
Patients with Diabetes and Significant Epicardial Coronary Artery Disease Have Increased Systolic Left Ventricular Apical Rotation and Rotation Rate at Rest
Authors: Rasalingam Ravi , Holland Mark R. , Cooper Daniel H. , Novak Eric , Rich Michael W. , Miller James G. , Pérez Julio E. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine whether resting myocardial deformation and rotation may be altered in diabetic patients with significant epicardial coronary artery disease (CAD) with normal left ventricular ejection fraction.DesignA prospective observational study.SettingDiagnosis of epicardial CAD in patients with diabetes.Patients and MethodsEighty‐four patients with diabetes suspected of epicardial CAD scheduled for cardiac catheterization had a resting echocardiogram performed prior to their procedure. Echocardiographic measurements were compared between patients with and without significant epicardial CAD as determined by cardiac catheterization.Main Outcome MeasuresMeasurement of longitudinal strain, strain rate, apical rotation, and rotation rate, using speckle tracking echocardiography.ResultsEighty‐four patients were studied, 39 (46.4%) of whom had significant epicardial CAD. Global peak systolic apical rotation was significantly increased (14.9 ± 5.1 vs. 11.0 ± 4.8 degrees, P < 0.001) in patients with epicardial CAD along with faster peak systolic apical rotation rate (90.4 ± 29 vs. 68.1 ± 22.2 degrees/sec, P < 0.001). These findings were further confirmed through multivariate logistic regression analysis (global peak systolic apical rotation OR = 1.17, P = 0.004 and peak systolic apical rotation rate OR = 1.05, P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with diabetes with significant epicardial CAD and normal LVEF exhibit an increase in peak systolic apical counterclockwise rotation and rotation rate detected by echocardiography, suggesting that significant epicardial CAD and its associated myocardial effects in patients with diabetes may be detected noninvasively at rest.
The natural occurrence of secondary bacterial symbionts in aphids
Authors: ZYTYNSKA SHARON E. , WEISSER WOLFGANG W. 
Published: November 2015

1. Many insects host secondary bacterial symbionts that are known to have wide‐ranging effects on their hosts, from host‐plant use to resistance against natural enemies. This has been most widely studied in aphids, which have become a model system to study insect–bacteria interactions.2. While there is an increasing understanding of the role of symbionts in aphids from controlled laboratory studies, we are only beginning to explore the impact of hosting these symbionts on eco‐evolutionary dynamics in natural systems. To date, many research groups have identified bacterial symbionts from various aphid species, providing us with a bank of literature on aphid–symbiont associations in natural populations.3. The role of secondary symbionts in aphids is discussed, and the taxonomic and geographical distribution of symbionts among aphids are summarised, and the potential reasons for the patterns observed. The need to test for multiple symbiont species (and co‐infections) across many individuals and the whole distribution range of an aphid is highlighted, including sampling on all known host‐plant species.4. It is further important also to consider variation within the symbiont, the aphid‐host and the surrounding community, e.g. host‐plants or the natural enemies, to understand how these have the potential to mediate aphid–symbiont interactions.5. Finally, the knowledge gained from experimental work should now be used to understand the role of aphid secondary symbionts in field systems, to fully understand the potentially far‐reaching consequences of aphid endosymbionts on community and ecosystem processes.
Seasonal dynamics of the soil microbial community: assimilation of old and young carbon sources in a long‐term field experiment as revealed by natural 13C abundance
Authors: Börjesson G. , Menichetti L. , Thornton B. , Campbell C. D. , Kätterer T. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryMicrobial biomass is a small part of the total soil organic carbon (SOC) pool, but plays a major role in its turnover. A field experiment in Sweden, amended with different mineral and organic materials since 1956, was changed from continuous C3 plants to C4 vegetation (silage maize) in 2000. In 2012, soil samples from three fertilizer treatments (calcium nitrate, calcium nitrate plus straw and sewage sludge) and two controls (bare fallow and cropped unfertilized) were taken on three occasions (before, during and after cropping). Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) were extracted from all soil samples and analysed for 12C and 13C contents in individual PLFAs. Seasonal variation in total PLFAs was small except for the most SOC‐rich treatment (sewage sludge). Weighted means of δ13C in PLFAs showed that the plots fertilized with calcium nitrate only had the largest δ13C values in PLFAs before (−20.24‰) and after the vegetation period (−20.37‰). However, during the vegetation period the values were much smaller (−21.85‰). This coincided with a strong increase in the PLFA 18:2ω6,9, indicating the use of old organic matter by fungi. Monounsaturated PLFAs indicative of Gram‐negative bacteria were more frequent before and after the growing season. This observed ‘rebound’ effect of the δ13C PLFA values during the vegetation period indicates that seasonal turnover of the microbial biomass can be substantial.
Oxidative mitigation of aquatic methane emissions in large Amazonian rivers
Authors: Sawakuchi Henrique O. , Bastviken David , Sawakuchi André O. , Ward Nicholas D. , Borges Clovis D. , Tsai Siu M. , Richey Jeffrey E. , Ballester Maria Victoria R. , Krusche Alex V. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe flux of methane (CH4) from inland waters to the atmosphere has a profound impact on global atmospheric greenhouse gas (GHG) levels, and yet, strikingly little is known about the dynamics controlling sources and sinks of CH4 in the aquatic setting. Here, we examine the cycling and flux of CH4 in six large rivers in the Amazon basin, including the Amazon River. Based on stable isotopic mass balances of CH4, inputs and outputs to the water column were estimated. We determined that ecosystem methane oxidation (MOX) reduced the diffusive flux of CH4 by approximately 28–96% and varied depending on hydrologic regime and general geochemical characteristics of tributaries of the Amazon River. For example, the relative amount of MOX was maximal during high water in black and white water rivers and minimal in clear water rivers during low water. The abundance of genetic markers for methane‐oxidizing bacteria (pmoA) was positively correlated with enhanced signals of oxidation, providing independent support for the detected MOX patterns. The results indicate that MOX in large Amazonian rivers can consume from 0.45 to 2.07 Tg CH4 yr−1, representing up to 7% of the estimated global soil sink. Nevertheless, climate change and changes in hydrology, for example, due to construction of dams, can alter this balance, influencing CH4 emissions to atmosphere.
Immunosuppressive evidence of Tityus serrulatus toxins Ts6 and Ts15: insights of a novel K+ channel pattern in T cells
Authors: Pucca Manuela B. , Bertolini Thaís B. , Cerni Felipe A. , Bordon Karla C. F. , Peigneur Steve , Tytgat Jan , Bonato Vânia L. , Arantes Eliane C. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThe voltage‐gated potassium channel Kv1.3 is a novel target for immunomodulation of autoreactive effector memory T cells, which play a major role in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. In this study, the Ts6 and Ts15 toxins isolated from Tityus serrulatus (Ts) were investigated for their immunosuppressant roles on CD4+ cell subsets: naive, effector (TEF), central memory (TCM) and effector memory (TEM). The electrophysiological assays confirmed that both toxins were able to block Kv1.3 channels. Interestingly, an extended Kv channel screening shows that Ts15 blocks Kv2.1 channels. Ts6 and Ts15 significantly inhibit the proliferation of TEM cells and interferon‐γ production; however, Ts15 also inhibits other CD4+ cell subsets (naive, TEF and TCM). Based on the Ts15 inhibitory effect of proliferation of all CD4+ cell subsets, and based on its blocking effect on Kv2.1, we investigated the Kv2.1 expression in T cells. The assays showed that CD4+ and CD8+ cells express the Kv2.1 channels mainly extracellularly with TCM cells expressing the highest number of Kv2.1 channels. We also provide in vivo experimental evidence to the protective effect of Ts6 and Ts15 on delayed‐type hypersensitivity reaction. Altogether, this study presents the immunosuppressive behaviour of Ts6 and Ts15 toxins, indicating that these toxins could be promising candidates for autoimmune disease therapy. Moreover, this is the first report illustrating the involvement of a novel K+ channel subtype, Kv2.1, and its distribution in T‐cell subsets.
Successful eradication of helical rim keloids with surgical excision followed by pressure therapy using a combination of magnets and silicone gel sheeting
Authors: Park Tae Hwan , Rah Dong Kyun 
Published: November 2015

AbstractExtremely limited data are available for the treatment of helical rim keloids. The purpose of the present study was to demonstrate the successful treatment of helical rim keloids using surgical exicison followed by a newly designed pressure therapy device. We treated 40 pure helical rim keloids in 36 patients with surgical excisions followed by pressure therapy using a combination of magnets and silicone gel sheeting for 12 hours over a period of 2 years, from May 2012 to February 2014, at tertiary medical centre. The follow‐up period was 18 months. Primary outcome was recurrence of keloids. Secondary outcome was patient satisfaction as assessed by the Patient Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). The overall recurrence‐free rate was 95·0% after a follow‐up period of 18 months. Scores obtained from the POSAS showed that most items were reported to be improved. This adjuvant therapy protocol resulted in excellent outcomes in cases of helical rim keloids compared to previously published protocols.
Phylogenetic Position and Molecular Chronology of a Colonial Green Flagellate,Stephanosphaera pluvialis(Volvocales, Chlorophyceae), among Unicellular Algae
Authors: Munakata Hidehito , Nakada Takashi , Nakahigashi Kenji , Nozaki Hisayoshi , Tomita Masaru 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe genusBalticolacomprises a group of unicellular green flagellate algae and is composed of four species formerly classified in the genusHaematococcus.Balticolais closely related to a colonial green flagellate,Stephanosphaera pluvialis. Although the phylogeny among these genera was previously investigated based on two nuclear gene sequences, the phylogenetic sister ofS.pluvialishas yet to be determined. In the present study, the species diversity ofBalticolaandStephanosphaerawas investigated using 18SrRNAgene sequences, and phylogenetic analyses of combined nuclear and chloroplast gene sequences were performed to understand the evolutionary origin of coloniality inStephanosphaera. The divergence times of four colonial volvocalean flagellates from their respective unicellular sisters were also estimated. SixBalticolagenotypes and a singleStephanosphaeragenotype were recognized, and oneBalticolagenotype was resolved as the sister ofS.pluvialis, showing thatBalticolais a nonmonophyletic genus. The divergence time ofStephanosphaerafrom its nearestBalticolarelative was estimated to be 4–63 million years ago, and these genera represent the most recently diverged pair of unicellular and colonial flagellates among the Volvocales.
Alternative Questions
Authors: Biezma María , Rawlins Kyle 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis paper surveys the current state of art in research on alternative questions. Alternative questions stand at the confluence of three major topics in semantics, pragmatics, and syntax: questions, disjunction, and intonational meaning/focus. We focus on these components of alternative questions as themes in our survey, arguing for an emerging consensus that (i) disjunction in alternative questions must be modeled in an alternative‐sensitive way, leading to ‘non‐classical’ treatments where disjunction interacts directly with the semantics and/or pragmatics of questioning (here the debate is about the exact details of this interaction), (ii) to understand alternative questions the interaction of the question structure with intonation and especially focus must be explored, and (iii) a major missing piece in existing work is an exploration of the cross‐linguistic picture. In particular, there are many languages where alternative questions involve a specialized coordinator, which calls into question the uniform treatment of disjunction in alternative questions in general.
Differential effects of antifungal agents on expression of genes related to formation of Candida albicans biofilms
Authors: Chatzimoschou Athanasios , Simitsopoulou Maria , Antachopoulos Charalampos , Walsh Thomas J. , Roilides Emmanuel 
Published: November 2015

SummaryThe purpose of this study was to analyse specific molecular mechanisms involved in the intrinsic resistance of C. albicans biofilms to antifungals. We investigated the transcriptional profile of three genes (BGL2, SUN41, ECE1) involved in Candida cell wall formation in response to voriconazole or anidulafungin after the production of intermediate and mature biofilms. C. albicans M61, a well‐documented biofilm producer strain, was used for the development of intermediate (12 h and 18 h) and completely mature biofilms (48 h). After exposure of cells from each biofilm growth mode to voriconazole (128 and 512 mg l−1) or anidulafungin (0.25 and 1 mg l−1) for 12–24 h, total RNA samples extracted from biofilm cells were analysed by RT‐PCR. The voriconazole and anidulafungin biofilm MIC was 512 and 0.5 mg l−1 respectively. Anidulafungin caused significant up‐regulation of SUN41 (3.7–9.3‐fold) and BGL2 (2.2–2.8 fold) in intermediately mature biofilms; whereas, voriconazole increased gene expression in completely mature biofilms (SUN41 2.3‐fold, BGL2 2.1‐fold). Gene expression was primarily down‐regulated by voriconazole in intermediately, but not completely mature biofilms. Both antifungals caused down‐regulation of ECE1 in intermediately mature biofilms.
Introduction: The Comparative Anthropology of the Buddhist Gift
Authors: Sihlé Nicolas 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis introduction draws attention to recent, renewed engagements with comparison in anthropology. This special issue—the first published collective endeavour to contribute to a comparative anthropology of Buddhism—constitutes an attempt to examine collectively the comparative potential of a major anthropological theme, the gift, in Buddhist contexts. One of the distinctive features of this set of papers is to consider the ‘gift’ within a somewhat larger spectrum of ‘transfers’ (following in particular Testart's terminology), including in particular practices of remuneration for religious services. These papers also exemplify a diverse range of modalities in comparative approach.
Religious Donations, Ritual Offerings, and Humanitarian Aid: Fields of Practice According to Forms of Giving in Burma
Authors: de la Perrière Bénédicte Brac 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this paper, the religious donation–meaning oriented interactions that occur between a lay donor and his or her monastic recipient or between laypeople and religious institutions as a whole–is first examined in the Burmese Buddhist context, in regard to the Maussian theory of the gift. The formal analysis of ‘serving rice’ to monks during their daily alms tour, the main form of religious donation, demonstrates that it is in keeping with the definition of a free gift rather than involving reciprocity, although it is supposed to be rewarded by merit through an impersonal process. Then, moving from a formal analysis of the ethnography of religious donation (ahlu) to the contextual analysis of the differentiated uses of various forms of giving in contemporary Burma, the discussion aims at highlighting differences with practices of ‘ritual offering’ (kadaw bwe) and ‘humanitarian aid’(ke hse yay) showing how these different forms of interaction shape contrasted fields of practice. The transaction occurring in religious donations then emerges as setting into motion a crucial social process, the enactment and reproduction of the difference in status between monastics and laypeople that is one of the main social processes contributing to the differentiation of a Buddhist‐defined ‘religious field’.
Attitudes of dentists toward persons with intellectual disabilities in Jordanian hospitals
Authors: Al‐Zboon Eman , Hatmal Ma'mon M. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTThis study examined attitudes of dentists in Jordanian hospitals toward persons with intellectual disabilities. The study also assessed the effect of gender and years of experience of the dentists on their attitudes. Fifty‐four dentists were asked to rank their attitudes toward persons with intellectual disabilities on an attitude survey. The results revealed highly positive attitudes of dentists toward persons with intellectual disabilities at Jordanian hospitals. There was no significant effect of years of experiences or gender of the dentists on these attitudes. The positive attitudes of dentists in this study can be used to encourage the medical sector to focus on improvement of services.