bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anchoring the yield curve using survey expectations
Authors: Altavilla Carlo , Giacomini Raffaella , Ragusa Giuseppe 
Published: August 2017

SummaryThe dynamic behavior of the term structure of interest rates is difficult to replicate with models, and even models with a proven track record of empirical performance have underperformed since the early 2000s. On the other hand, survey expectations can accurately predict yields, but they are typically not available for all maturities and/or forecast horizons. We show how survey expectations can be exploited to improve the accuracy of yield curve forecasts given by a base model. We do so by employing a flexible exponential tilting method that anchors the model forecasts to the survey expectations, and we develop a test to guide the choice of the anchoring points. The method implicitly incorporates into yield curve forecasts any information that survey participants have access to—such as information about the current state of the economy or forward‐looking information contained in monetary policy announcements—without the need to explicitly model it. We document that anchoring delivers large and significant gains in forecast accuracy relative to the class of models that are widely adopted by financial and policy institutions for forecasting the term structure of interest rates.
Conditional Disruption of miR17∼92 in Osteoclasts Led to Activation of Osteoclasts and Loss of Trabecular Bone in Part Through Suppression of the miR17‐Mediated Downregulation of Protein‐Tyrosine Phosphatase‐oc in Mice
Authors: Lau Kin‐Hing William , Stiffel Virginia M , Rundle Charles H , Amoui Mehran , Tapia Jordan , White Tyler D , Sheng Matilda H‐C 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTThis study sought to understand the regulation of an osteoclastic protein‐tyrosine phosphatase (PTP‐oc), a positive regulator of osteoclast activity. Our past studies suggested that PTP‐oc is regulated posttranscriptionally. The 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) of PTP‐oc mRNA contains a target site for miR17. During osteoclastic differentiation, there was an inverse relationship between the cellular levels of miR17 (expressed as one of the six cluster genes of miR17∼92) and PTP‐oc mRNA. Overexpression of pre‐miR17∼92 in mouse osteoclast precursors reduced PTP‐oc mRNA level and the size of the derived osteoclasts, whereas deletion of miR17∼92 or inhibition of miR17 resulted in the formation of larger osteoclasts containing more nuclei that expressed higher PTP‐oc mRNA levels and created larger resorption pits. Thus, PTP‐oc–mediated osteoclast activation is modulated in part by miR17∼92, particularly miR17. The miR17∼92 osteoclast conditional knockout (cKO) mutants, generated by breeding miR17∼92loxp/loxp mice with Ctsk‐Cre mice, had lower trabecular bone volume/total volume (Tb.BV/TV), trabecular bone mineral density (Tb.BMD), trabecular connectivity density (Tb.Conn‐Dens), trabecular number (Tb.N), and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), but larger trabecular separation (Tb.Sp), and greater bone resorption without a change in bone formation compared to littermate controls. The cKO marrow‐derived osteoclasts were twice as large, contained twice as many nuclei, and produced twice as large resorption pits as osteoclasts of littermate controls. The expression of genes associated with osteoclast activation was increased in cKO osteoclasts, suggesting that deletion of miR17∼92 in osteoclasts promotes osteoclast activation. The cKO osteoblasts did not show differences in cellular miR17 level, alkaline phosphatase activity, and bone nodule formation ability. In conclusion, miR17‐92 negatively regulates the osteoclast activity, in part via the miR17‐mediated suppression of PTP‐oc in osteoclasts. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Effect of acyl‐acceptor stepwise addition strategy using alperujo oil as a substrate in enzymatic biodiesel synthesis
Authors: Bonet‐Ragel Kírian , Canet Albert , Benaiges M Dolors , Valero Francisco 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDUsing renewable feedstock sources for biodiesel production seems to be a promising strategy and even more so when enzymatic catalysis with lipases are used. However, it is well known that these enzymes could be inactivated by reaction conditions such as temperature or alcohol concentration. In this work, the effect of temperature and initial water activity (aw) value on immobilised recombinant Rhizopus oryzae lipase (rROL) were studied. Methanolysis and ethanolysis reactions using alperujo oil with three different stepwise addition strategies were employed.RESULTSRecombinant 1,3‐positional selective rROL covalently immobilised on polymethacrylate amino‐epoxy activated support showed maximum initial reaction rate at low aw value (0.093). It was found that 30 °C was the optimal temperature in terms of biocatalyst stability during transesterification reactions. Adding alcohol at once, ethanol was clearly a better acyl‐acceptor in terms of stability than methanol. Productivity was found to be 2‐fold higher when five pulses of ethanol were used instead of methanol.CONCLUSIONSAlperujo oil has great potential as a low cost feedstock for biodiesel production through enzymatic catalysis using a nearly semi‐continuous alcohol addition strategy. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Detrimental interactions of neonicotinoid pesticide exposure and bumblebee immunity
Authors: Czerwinski Mitchell Andrew , Sadd Ben Michael 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPesticides are well known to have a number of ecological effects. However, it is only now becoming understood that sublethal exposures may have effects on nontarget insects of conservation concern through interactions with immunity, thus increasing detrimental impacts in the presence of pathogens. Pesticides and pathogens are suggested to have played a role in recent declines of several wild bee pollinators. Compromised immunity from exposure to widely used neonicotinoids has been demonstrated in honeybees, but further research on interactions between neonicotinoids and immunity in other important bees is lacking. In this study, adult workers of the bumblebee Bombus impatiens received 6‐day pulses of either low (0.7 ppb) or high (7 ppb) field realistic doses of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid prior to assaying immunity and survival following a nonpathogenic immune challenge. High‐dose imidacloprid exposure reduces constitutive levels of phenoloxidase, an enzyme involved in melanization. Hemolymph antimicrobial activity initially increases in all groups following an immune challenge, but while heightened activity is maintained in unexposed and low imidacloprid dose groups, it is not maintained in the high exposure dose bees, even though exposure had ceased 6 days prior. Additionally, imidacloprid exposure followed by an immune challenge significantly decreased survival probability relative to control bees and those only immune challenged or imidacloprid exposed. A temporal lag for immune modulation and combinatorial effects on survival suggest that resource‐based trade‐offs may, in part, contribute to the detrimental interactions. These interactions could have health consequences for pollinators facing multiple stresses of sublethal neonicotinoid exposure and pathogens.
Ambient mass spectrometry: Direct analysis of dimethoate, tebuconazole, and trifloxystrobin on olive and vine leaves by desorption electrospray ionization interface
Authors: Mainero Rocca Lucia , Cecca Juri , L'Episcopo Nunziata , Fabrizi Giovanni 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA new field of application for a relatively new mass‐spectrometric interface such as desorption electrospray ionization was evaluated. For this purpose, its behavior was tested versus quantitative analysis of dimethoate, trifloxystrobin, and tebuconazole directly on olive and vine leaves surface. The goal was workers exposure assessment during field re‐entry operations since evidence suggests an association between chronic occupational exposure to some agrochemicals and severe adverse effects. Desorption electrospray ionization gave good response working in positive ionization mode, while numerous test were necessary for the choice of a unique blend of spray solvents suitable for all 3 substances. The best compromise, in terms of signal to noise ratios, was obtained with the CH3OH/H2O (80:20) mixture. The obvious difficulties related to the impossibility to use the internal standard were overcome through an accurate validation. Limits of detection and quantitation, dynamic ranges, matrix effects, and intraday precisions were calculated, and a small monitoring campaign was arranged to test method applicability and to evaluate potential dermal exposure. This protocol was developed in work safety field, but after a brief investigation, it was find to be suitable also for food residue evaluation.
Fragmentation patterns of 4(5)‐nitroimidazole and 1‐methyl‐5‐nitroimidazole—The effect of the methylation
Authors: Itälä Eero , Tanzer Katrin , Granroth Sari , Kooser Kuno , Denifl Stephan , Kukk Edwin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe present here the photofragmentation patterns of doubly ionized 4(5)‐nitroimidazole and 1‐methyl‐5‐nitroimidazole. The doubly ionized state was created by core ionizing the C 1s orbitals of the samples, rapidly followed by Auger decay. Due to the recent development of nitroimidazole‐based radiosensitizing drugs, core ionization was selected as it represents the very same processes taking place under the irradiation with medical X‐rays. In addition to the fragmentation patterns of the sample, we study the effects of methylation on the fragmentation patterns of nitroimidazoles. We found that methylation alters the fragmentation significantly, especially the charge distribution between the final fragments. The most characteristic feature of the methylation is that it effectively quenches the production of NO and NO+, widely regarded as key radicals in the chemistry of radiosensitization by the nitroimidazoles.
Remote detection of explosives using field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometer installed on multicopter
Authors: Kostyukevich Yury , Efremov Denis , Ionov Vladimir , Kukaev Eugene , Nikolaev Eugene 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe detection of explosives and drugs in hard‐to‐reach places is a considerable challenge. We report the development and initial experimental characterization of the air analysis system that includes Field Asymmetric Ion Mobility Spectrometer, array of the semiconductor gas sensors and is installed on multicopter. The system was developed based on the commercially available DJI Matrix 100 platform. For data collection and communication with operator, the special compact computer (Intel Compute Stick) was installed onboard. The total weight of the system was 3.3 kg. The system allows the 15‐minute flight and provides the remote access to the obtained data. The developed system can be effectively used for the detection of impurities in the air, ecology monitoring, detection of chemical warfare agents, and explosives, what is especially important in light of recent terroristic attacks. The capabilities of the system were tested on the several explosives such as trinitrotoluene and nitro powder.
Mechanical stimulation of mesenchymal stem cells: Implications for cartilage tissue engineering
Authors: Fahy Niamh , Alini Mauro , Stoddart Martin J. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTArticular cartilage is a load‐bearing tissue playing a crucial mechanical role in diarthrodial joints, facilitating joint articulation, and minimizing wear. The significance of biomechanical stimuli in the development of cartilage and maintenance of chondrocyte phenotype in adult tissues has been well documented. Furthermore, dysregulated loading is associated with cartilage pathology highlighting the importance of mechanical cues in cartilage homeostasis. The repair of damaged articular cartilage resulting from trauma or degenerative joint disease poses a major challenge due to a low intrinsic capacity of cartilage for self‐renewal, attributable to its avascular nature. Bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered a promising cell type for cartilage replacement strategies due to their chondrogenic differentiation potential. Chondrogenesis of MSCs is influenced not only by biological factors but also by the environment itself, and various efforts to date have focused on harnessing biomechanics to enhance chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs. Furthermore, recapitulating mechanical cues associated with cartilage development and homeostasis in vivo, may facilitate the development of a cellular phenotype resembling native articular cartilage. The goal of this review is to summarize current literature examining the effect of mechanical cues on cartilage homeostasis, disease, and MSC chondrogenesis. The role of biological factors produced by MSCs in response to mechanical loading will also be examined. An in‐depth understanding of the impact of mechanical stimulation on the chondrogenic differentiation of MSCs in terms of endogenous bioactive factor production and signaling pathways involved, may identify therapeutic targets and facilitate the development of more robust strategies for cartilage replacement using MSCs. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:52–63, 2018.
Ptarmigan hunting restrictions: Effects on hunters’ opinions and harvest
Authors: Breisjøberget Jo Inge , Storaas Torstein , Odden Morten 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTIn Norway, willow (Lagopus lagopus) and rock ptarmigan (Lagopus muta) populations and harvests have declined during the last few decades, and the 2 species are considered as near threatened on the Norwegian Red List. The Norwegian State‐Owned Land and Forest Enterprise (Statskog) is a main provider of ptarmigan hunting on public lands, and has recently introduced harvest restrictions in Nordland County. We investigated the relationship between hunters’ opinions and the effects of restrictions on hunters and ptarmigan harvest using online structured questionnaires (2012, n = 570) and bag reports (2009–2011, n = 8,795). A majority of hunters (66%) supported harvest restrictions, and 89% were willing to shoot fewer birds to increase population size. However, opinions towards specific management alternatives were more negative and disparate. Residency of the hunters (local or non‐resident) was the most influential factor on hunter opinions, and this reflected a tendency to approve of restrictions with the smallest effect on their own hunting practice. Our study indicates that access and the opportunity to hunt are more important to hunters than bag size. Daily and annual hunting bags were small, averaging 1.7 and 5.8 ptarmigan, respectively, and the daily bag limit of 4 birds was reached during 5.8% of hunting days. A harvest reduction of 50% implied a daily bag limit of 1 bird and a seasonal bag of 4, which were lower than what hunters found as acceptable. Hence, although hunter opinions may provide useful guidelines for the development of management practices, their opinions need to be evaluated for the actual effects they may have on the game populations. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Wildlife Management Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Land Cover Trade‐offs in Small Oceanic Islands: A Temporal Analysis of Pico Island, Azores
Authors: Gil Artur , Fonseca Catarina , Benedicto‐Royuela José 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLivestock production has been highly relevant in the Azores, boosted by European agricultural policies, increasing the demand for pasture and competing for space with other land uses. Therefore, it is important to understand the spatial evolution of pasture and related land use/land cover (LULC) trade‐offs. This study describes a geographical information systems‐based LULC change detection approach to identify, map and assess pasture‐related land use changes and respective trade‐offs in Pico Island in the period between 1998 and 2013 (15 years). Pasture in 1998 occupied a total area of 17,131 ha (about 39% of Pico Island surface), while in 2013, this same area was of 17,621 ha (about 40% of Pico Island surface). During this period, about 16,316 ha of pasture remained unchanged, while 2,110 ha (about 5% of Pico Island surface) of land use have changed from pasture to another land use (810 ha), or from a previous land use to pasture (1,300 ha). The whole pasture spatial dynamics and its net increase of 3% from 1998 to 2013 (490 ha, about 1% of Pico Island surface) were analysed through the identification, mapping and assessment of LULC trade‐offs and interpreted according to several physical (elevation) and socio‐economic/policy drivers. Pasture and livestock grazing activity with adequate management may not constitute per se threats to nature conservation and biodiversity protection in Pico Island, as the identified issues have been shown to be mostly related to the pasture dynamics (changes and respective trade‐offs). Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Alfalfa on Aggregate Stability, Aggregate Preserved‐C and Nutrients in Region Mountain Agricultural Soils 1 Year After its Planting
Authors: Guidi Patrizia , Vittori Antisari Livia , Marè Boussa T. , Vianello Gilmo , Falsone Gloria 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIn mountain areas, water erosion plays an important role on soil structure and can strongly affect its functions. Suitable management practices, namely choice of crops, may be able to improve aggregate stability and reduce soil loss by surface runoff. To study the effects of cover crops on aggregation in mountain soils, we investigated a soil planted with wheat (site C) compared with two soils under alfalfa (sites A and B). All investigated soils were Typic Ustorthents. The soil aggregates were isolated by a physical‐functional procedure defined on the basis of aggregate resistance against specific breakdown mechanisms such as slaking and water abrasion. One year after alfalfa plantation, its effect on wet aggregate stability and the amount of organic carbon (OC) and nutrients retained by the isolated aggregates were measured. In the less degraded soils (site B), organic matter decomposition was stimulated, and after 1 year, the total OC (TOC) and TOC/N declined. Consequently, a reduction in aggregate stability and ability to preserve elements occurred, as shown by the decrease of wet aggregate stability indexes and total nutrients (e.g. N, P and K) retained by stable aggregates. In more degraded soil (site A), alfalfa generally positively affected the investigated properties. The effect of alfalfa in the studied crop rotation depends on the degree of land degradation due to water erosion. As regards the investigated breakdown mechanisms, our data showed that the aggregate resistance to water abrasion was related to TOC, while the resistance against fast wetting breakdown is correlated to the microbial biomass. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Blockage of Wnt/β‐Catenin Signaling by Nanoparticles Reduces Survival and Proliferation of CLL Cells In Vitro—Preliminary Study
Authors: Franiak‐Pietryga Ida , Maciejewski Henryk , Ziemba Barbara , Appelhans Dietmar , Voit Brigitte , Robak Tadeusz , Jander Magdalena , Treliński Jacek , Bryszewska Maria , Borowiec Maciej 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway is shown to play a significant role in the control of the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of hematopoietic cells. Studies have confirmed that aberrant activation of canonical Wnt signaling occurs in various forms of leukemia, and is crucial for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the influence of maltotriose (M3) modified fourth generation poly(propylene imine) dendrimers (PPI‐G4) on Wnt/β‐catenin pathway gene expression in CLL (MEC‐1) cells and to compare these findings with those obtained with fludarabine (FA). Microarray data analysis reveals seven of 19 Wnt/β‐catenin pathway genes whose expression changes significantly during dendrimer and FA treatment: WNT10A, WNT6, and CDH1 among others. PPI‐G4‐M3 is already known to influence MEC‐1 cell apoptosis and proliferation. The obtained results suggest that the reduction in cell survival under the influence of glycodendrimers and FA may be due to loss of Wnt signaling.
Expanding the mutational spectrum in Johanson‐Blizzard syndrome: identification of whole exon deletions and duplications in theUBR1gene by multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis
Authors: Sukalo Maja , Schäflein Eva , Schanze Ina , Everman David B. , Rezaei Nima , Argente Jesús , Lorda‐Sanchez Isabel , Deshpande Charu , Takahashi Tsutomu , Kleger Alexander , Zenker Martin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBackgroundJohanson‐Blizzard syndrome (JBS,MIM#243800) is a very rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, nasal wing hypoplasia, hypodontia, and other abnormalities.JBSis caused by mutations of theUBR1gene (MIM*605981), encoding a ubiquitin ligase of the N‐end rule pathway.MethodsMolecular findings in a total of 65 unrelated patients with a clinical diagnosis ofJBSwho were previously screened forUBR1 mutations by Sanger sequencing were reviewed and cases lacking a disease‐causingUBR1 mutation on either one or both alleles were included in this study. In order to discover mutations that are not detectable by Sanger sequencing, we designed a probe set for multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) analysis of theUBR1gene and analyzed the copy number status of all 47UBR1exons.ResultsOur previous studies using Sanger sequencing could detect mutations in 93.1% of 130 disease‐associatedUBR1alleles. Six patients with a highly suggestive clinical diagnosis ofJBSand unsolved genotype were included in this study.MLPAanalysis detected six alleles harboring exon deletions/duplications, thereby raising the mutation detection rate in the entire cohort to 97.7% (127/130 alleles).ConclusionWe conclude that single or multi‐exon deletions or duplications account for a substantial proportion ofJBS‐associatedUBR1mutations.
The accuracy of static pressure measurement with water‐filled urodynamic systems
Authors: Gammie Andrew 
Published: August 2017

AimsTo quantify the inaccuracy of pressure measurement by water‐filled systems, with a view to recommending better practice.MethodsPapers examining quality of measurements were reviewed, and standards documents examined. Technical data from manufacturers were gathered and summarized. Measurements were made on two different urodynamic systems. Individual inaccuracies were combined using the root sum of squares method.ResultsThe total inaccuracy in measurement may reach up to 9.6 cmH2O on pdet, but with good practice this may be mitigated to 1.3 cmH2O.ConclusionsWater‐filled systems, while being the recommended method for urodynamic measurements, are subject to a potential inaccuracy during poor use of up to approximately 10 cmH2O on pdet. Good practice can reduce this inaccuracy to a tolerable level, that is, approximately 1 cmH2O.