bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does FDI affect carbon intensity? New evidence from dynamic panel analysis
Authors: Shao Yanmin 
Published: September 2017

PurposeThis paper aims to clarify the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI) and carbon intensity. This study uses the dynamic panel data model to study and provide fresh evidence for the issue.Design/methodology/approachThis study first uses the dynamic panel data model to consider the endogeneity problem, and applies a system-generalized method of moments estimator to study the effect of FDI on carbon intensity using the panel data of 188 countries during 1990-2013.FindingsThe result shows that FDI has a significant negative impact on carbon intensity of the host country. After considering the other factors, including share of fossil fuels, industrial intensity, urbanization level and trade openness, the impact of FDI on carbon intensity is still significantly positive. In addition, FDI also has a significant negative impact on carbon intensity of high-income countries and middle- and low-income countries.Originality/valueThis paper offers two contributions to the literature on the effect of FDI on carbon intensity. From a methodological perspective, this paper is the first to apply a dynamic panel data model to study the effect of FDI on carbon intensity using worldwide panel data. Second, this paper is the first to analyze the effect of FDI on carbon intensity in different countries with different income levels separately.
(−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 have similar inhibitory effects and mechanisms of action on colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Ying Le , Yan Feng , Williams Bryan RG , Xu Ping , Li Xin , Zhao Yueling , Hu Yiqun , Wang Yuefei , Xu Dakang , Dai Jing 
Published: September 2017

SummaryEpigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is a type of catechin. It exhibits excellent antioxidant effects and anti‐tumour activities for cancer chemoprevention. The mechanism of anti‐tumour effects of EGCG on different cancers has been studied for the past few decades, but remains controversial. To investigate the potential role that EGCG may play in the epigenetic regulation of colorectal cancer (CRC) cell line, we integrated bioinformatics analysis with experimental validation. We found that levels of the enhancer of zeste homologue 2 (EZH2) were significantly higher in CRC tissues compared to normal adjacent tissues, based on the Genomic Data Commons (GDC) data portal. Different human CRC cell lines exhibited differing expression of levels of the EZH2 protein. In RKO cells, EGCG and the EZH2 inhibitor GSK343 exhibited similar inhibitory efficacy on the proliferation, invasion and migration abilities of the cells, and suppressed protein expression of trimethylated lysine 27 on histone H3 (H3K27me3), which may be caused by the loss of the enzymatic function of EZH2. EGCG and GSK343 were found to have a synergistic effect on the growth of RKO cells in lower concentrations. EZH2‐correlated genes were enriched in the cell cycle pathway, the top‐ranking up‐regulated pathway in tumour tissues, based on pathway analyses using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA). In accord with this, we confirmed that EGCG and GSK343 could both significantly arrest the G0/G1 phase in RKO cell cycle, suggesting EGCG and EZH2 inhibitor share a common mechanism of action in RKO cells.
MiR‐30a‐5p ameliorates spinal cord injury‐induced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress by targeting Neurod 1 through MAPK/ERK signalling
Authors: Fu Xiaodong , Shen Yi , Wang Weili , Li Xiaomiao 
Published: September 2017

SummarySpinal cord injury (SCI) is a major disability requiring more effective treatment than is currently available. MicroRNAs have been shown to effectively regulate gene expression at the translational level. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential role of miR‐30‐5p and possible mechanism in SCI. We found that miR‐30‐5p was notably down‐regulated, while Neurod 1 expression was highly elevated in microglia from the mouse model of SCI. Additionally, overexpression of miR‐30a‐5p significantly suppressed inflammatory responses as reflected by a decrease in the secretion of the cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β and IL‐10 triggered by SCI. Furthermore, introduction of miR‐30a‐5p strengthened the scavenging of oxygen free radicals accompanied by an increase in the expression of SEPN1, TXNL1 and GPX1. More importantly, our study explored that Neurod 1 was a direct and functional target of miR‐30a‐5p, which was validated by the dual luciferase reporter assay. qRT‐PCR and western blot analysis further validated that miR‐30a‐5p negatively regulated the expression of Neurod 1. Mechanistically, overexpression of miR‐30a‐5p or silencing of the Neurod 1 gene prevented the MAPK/ERK signalling and inhibited inflammatory responses, meanwhile activated SEPN1, TXNL1 and GPX1. These findings indicate that miR‐30a‐5p ameliorates inflammatory responses and oxidative stress by targeting Neurod 1 through MAPK/ERK signalling.
Pollination and reproduction of Psychotria homalosperma, an endangered distylous tree endemic to the oceanic Bonin (Ogasawara) Islands, Japan
Authors: Watanabe Kenta , Kato Hidetoshi , Kuraya Eisuke , Sugawara Takashi 
Published: September 2017

AbstractDistyly is usually rare or not observed in species thriving on oceanic islands. The rarity of this breeding system is probably because of the difficulty of colonization for distylous plants and the paucity of pollinators on oceanic islands. However, the endemic and endangered tree Psychotria homalosperma has maintained its distylous nature in the oceanic Bonin Islands, Japan. To understand how the distylous breeding system of P. homalosperma has been maintained on these islands and to characterize the reproduction systems, we studied the pollination and reproductive biology of this species. Specifically, we observed current flower visitors and estimated their effects on plant reproduction. We also examined the floral traits and floral volatiles of P. homalosperma to infer its original pollinators, because plant–pollinator relationships in the Bonin Islands have recently been disrupted by anthropological activities. Finally, we examined the fruit set and pollen tube growth in the stigmas under hand and open pollination. Although original pollinators were presumed to be moths with long proboscises, the introduced honeybee, Apis mellifera, was the most common flower visitor. The honeybee carried pollen grains only unidirectionally, from the short‐ to long‐styled morphs, because it could not reach the hidden stigmas of the short‐styled flowers, and long‐styled flowers set fruits 1.7–38 times more than short‐styled ones. This case study indicates that the instability of pollinator fauna can cause distylous species to be rare on oceanic islands.
Biogeographic conservation of the cytosine epigenome in the globally important marine, nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium
Authors: Walworth Nathan G. , Hutchins David A. , Dolzhenko Egor , Lee Michael D. , Fu Feixue , Smith Andrew D. , Webb Eric A. 
Published: September 2017

SummaryCytosine methylation has been shown to regulate essential cellular processes and impact biological adaptation. Despite its evolutionary importance, only a handful of bacterial, genome‐wide cytosine studies have been conducted, with none for marine bacteria. Here, we examine the genome‐wide, C5‐Methyl‐cytosine (m5C) methylome and its correlation to global transcription in the marine nitrogen‐fixing cyanobacterium Trichodesmium. We characterize genome‐wide methylation and highlight conserved motifs across three Trichodesmium isolates and two Trichodesmium metagenomes, thereby identifying highly conserved, novel genomic signatures of potential gene regulation in Trichodesmium. Certain gene bodies with the highest methylation levels correlate with lower expression levels. Several methylated motifs were highly conserved across spatiotemporally separated Trichodesmium isolates, thereby elucidating biogeographically conserved methylation potential. These motifs were also highly conserved in Trichodesmium metagenomic samples from natural populations suggesting them to be potential in situ markers of m5C methylation. Using these data, we highlight predicted roles of cytosine methylation in global cellular metabolism providing evidence for a ‘core’ m5C methylome spanning different ocean regions. These results provide important insights into the m5C methylation landscape and its biogeochemical implications in an important marine N2‐fixer, as well as advancing evolutionary theory examining methylation influences on adaptation.
Quorum sensing improves current output with Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans
Authors: Chabert Nicolas , Bonnefoy Violaine , Achouak Wafa 
Published: September 2017

SummaryAcidithiobacillus ferrooxidans is a strict acidophilic chemolithoautotrophic bacterium that obtains its energy from reduced inorganic sulfur species or ferrous iron oxidation under aerobic conditions. Carbon felt electrodes were pre‐colonized by A. ferrooxidansATCC 23270T using ferrous iron or sulfur as electron donors, via the addition (or not) of a mixture of C14 acyl‐homoserine lactones (C14‐AHLs). Electrode coverage during pre‐colonization was sparse regardless of the electron donor source, whereas activation of quorum sensing significantly enhanced it. Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) inoculated with pre‐colonized electrodes (which behaved as biocathodes) were more efficient in terms of current production when iron was used as an electron donor. Biocathode coverage and current output were remarkably increased to −0.56 A m−2 by concomitantly using iron‐based metabolism and C14‐AHLs. Cyclic voltammetry displayed different electrochemical reactions in relation to the nature of the electron donor, underlying the implication of different electron transfer mechanisms.
Elucidation of complexity and prediction of interactions in microbial communities
Authors: Zuñiga Cristal , Zaramela Livia , Zengler Karsten 
Published: September 2017

SummaryMicroorganisms engage in complex interactions with other members of the microbial community, higher organisms as well as their environment. However, determining the exact nature of these interactions can be challenging due to the large number of members in these communities and the manifold of interactions they can engage in. Various omic data, such as 16S rRNA gene sequencing, shotgun metagenomics, metatranscriptomics, metaproteomics and metabolomics, have been deployed to unravel the community structure, interactions and resulting community dynamics in situ. Interpretation of these multi‐omic data often requires advanced computational methods. Modelling approaches are powerful tools to integrate, contextualize and interpret experimental data, thus shedding light on the underlying processes shaping the microbiome. Here, we review current methods and approaches, both experimental and computational, to elucidate interactions in microbial communities and to predict their responses to perturbations.
Analysis of multiple haloarchaeal genomes suggests that the quinone‐dependent respiratory nitric oxide reductase is an important source of nitrous oxide in hypersaline environments
Authors: Torregrosa‐Crespo Javier , González‐Torres Pedro , Bautista Vanesa , Esclapez Julia M. , Pire Carmen , Camacho Mónica , Bonete María José , Richardson David J. , Watmough Nicholas J. , Martínez‐Espinosa Rosa María 
Published: September 2017

SummaryMicroorganisms, including Bacteria and Archaea, play a key role in denitrification, which is the major mechanism by which fixed nitrogen returns to the atmosphere from soil and water. While the enzymology of denitrification is well understood in Bacteria, the details of the last two reactions in this pathway, which catalyse the reduction of nitric oxide (NO) via nitrous oxide (N2O) to nitrogen (N2), are little studied in Archaea, and hardly at all in haloarchaea. This work describes an extensive interspecies analysis of both complete and draft haloarchaeal genomes aimed at identifying the genes that encode respiratory nitric oxide reductases (Nors). The study revealed that the only nor gene found in haloarchaea is one that encodes a single subunit quinone dependent Nor homologous to the qNor found in bacteria. This surprising discovery is considered in terms of our emerging understanding of haloarchaeal bioenergetics and NO management.
Clinical Validation of the Nursing Outcome “Swallowing Status” in People with Stroke: Analysis According to the Classical and Item Response Theories
Authors: Oliveira‐Kumakura Ana Railka de Souza , de Araujo Thelma Leite , Costa Alice Gabrielle de Sousa , Cavalcante Tahissa Frota , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , Carvalho Emilia Campos 
Published: September 2017

AIMS AND OBJECTIVESTo validate clinically the nursing outcome “Swallowing status”.METHODSThe adjustment of the nursing outcome was investigated according to the Classical and Item Response Theories. The models were compared regarding information loss, goodness‐of‐fit, and differential item functioning. Stability and internal consistency were examined.RESULTSThe nursing outcome has the best fit in the generalized partial credit model with different discrimination parameters. Strong correlations among the scores of each indicator were observed. There was no differential item functioning of the outcome indicators. The scale presented high internal consistency (Cronbach's α = .954) and stability (and > .800).CONCLUSIONSThis study presents a valid nursing outcome.RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICEMost accurate monitoring of sensitivity to an intervention.OBJETIVOValidar clinicamente o resultado de enefermagem “Estado da Deglutição”.MÉTODOSO ajustamento do resultado foi investigado de acordo com as teorias Clássica e de Resposta ao Item. Os modelos foram comparados assumindo parâmetros de itens cruzados de igual discriminação. Investigaram‐se as propriedades de bondade do ajuste, funcionamento diferencial dos itens, estabilidade e consistência interna.RESULTADOSO resultado se ajustou melhor a partir do Modelo de crédito parcial generalizado, o qual demonstrou unidimensionalidade do resultado e forte correlação entre os escores de cada indicador. Não houve funcionamento diferencial dos indicadores. A consistência interna para a escala global (Cronbach's α = .954) e a estabilidade (>.800) mantiveram‐se elevadas.CONCLUSÃOO estudo apresenta um resultado de enfermagem válido.RELEVÂNCIA PARA A PRÁTICA CLÍNICAMaior acurácia para monitorar a sensibilidade da intervenção.
Lessons Learned From the Development and Parameterization of a Computer Simulation Model to Evaluate Task Modification for Health Care Providers
Authors: Kasaie Parastu , David Kelton W. , Ancona Rachel M. , Ward Michael J. , Froehle Craig M. , Lyons Michael S. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractComputer simulation is a highly advantageous method for understanding and improving health care operations with a wide variety of possible applications. Most computer simulation studies in emergency medicine have sought to improve allocation of resources to meet demand or to assess the impact of hospital and other system policies on emergency department (ED) throughput. These models have enabled essential discoveries that can be used to improve the general structure and functioning of EDs. Theoretically, computer simulation could also be used to examine the impact of adding or modifying specific provider tasks. Doing so involves a number of unique considerations, particularly in the complex environment of acute care settings. In this paper, we describe conceptual advances and lessons learned during the design, parameterization, and validation of a computer simulation model constructed to evaluate changes in ED provider activity. We illustrate these concepts using examples from a study focused on the operational effects of HIV screening implementation in the ED. Presentation of our experience should emphasize the potential for application of computer simulation to study changes in health care provider activity and facilitate the progress of future investigators in this field.
No signs of Na+/K+‐ATPase adaptations to an invasive exotic toxic prey in native squamate predators
Authors: Pinch Kimberly , Madsen Thomas , Ujvari Beata 
Published: September 2017

AbstractInvasions by exotic toxic prey, like the release of the South American cane toad (Bufo (Rhinella) marinus) to the toad‐free Australian continent in 1935, have been shown to result in massive declines in native predator numbers. Due to minor nucleotide mutations of the Na+/K+‐ATPase gene most Australian squamate predators are highly susceptible to cane toad toxin. However, in spite of this, predators like yellow‐spotted goannas (Varanus panoptes) and red‐bellied black snakes (Pseudechis porhyriacus) still persist in parts of Queensland where they, in some areas, have co‐existed with cane toads for more than 70 years. Here, we show that the amino acids of the Na+/K+‐ATPase enzyme in the two species do not provide toad toxin resistance, and hence the two Queensland predators are still highly susceptible to cane toad toxin. Both yellow‐spotted goannas and lace monitors (Varanus varius) have, however, been recorded avoiding feeding on cane toads in areas where they co‐exist with this toxic amphibian. Moreover, both varanids have also been shown to learn to avoid feeding on toads when first subjected to conditioned taste aversion. Such behavioural shifts may therefore explain why yellow‐spotted goannas and red‐bellied black snakes still exist in cane toad infested areas of Queensland. The process appears, however, to be unable to rapidly restore varanid populations to pre‐toad population numbers as even after 10 years of co‐existence with cane toads in the Northern Territory, we see no signs of an increase in yellow‐spotted goanna numbers.
Evaluation of neonatal transport in a European country shows that regional provision is not cost‐effective or sustainable and needs to be re‐organised
Authors: Bellini Carlo , Pasquarella Michela , Ramenghi Luca A. , Ambrosino Daniela , Sciomachen Anna F. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimThere are three dedicated and 41 on‐call neonatal emergency transport services (NETS) in Italy, and activity levels vary dramatically. We examined the cost‐effectiveness of a hub‐and‐spoke NETS by looking at the costs and activity levels in the Liguria region and established the financial needs for improving NETS across Italy.MethodsThe cost of running NETS in the Liguria region from 2012 to 2015 was evaluated and analysed, and three different models determined the transports needed each year to provide the best organisational model.ResultsThe average number of NETS transports in the Liguria region during the study period was 234, and the models indicated that 200–350 transports per year were the optimal amount of activity that was needed to achieve good financial performance and for the personnel to acquire a suitable skill set. Only five of the 41 on‐call Italian NETS and the three dedicated services carried out more than 200 transports a year. Of the rest, 26 carried out up to 100 and 10 carried out 101–200.ConclusionItalian NETS, which are managed on the basis of regional decisional autonomy, are expensive and no longer sustainable in this era of limited financial resources. A complete overhaul is urgently needed.
Spontaneous generation of a novel foetal human retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cell line available for investigation on phagocytosis and morphogenesis
Authors: Shao Zhihua , Wang Haiyun , Zhou Xuejian , Guo Baosen , Gao Xuehu , Xiao Zengrong , Liu Meng , Sha Jihong , Jiang Chunlian , Luo Yuping , Liu Zhixue , Li Siguang 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObjectivesPrimary retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells have a limited capacity to re‐establish epithelial morphology and to maintain native RPE function in vitro, and all commercially available RPE cell lines have drawbacks of morphology or function; therefore, the establishment of new RPE cell lines with typical characteristics of RPE would be helpful in further understanding of their physiological and pathological mechanisms. Here, we firstly report a new spontaneously generated RPE line, fhRPE‐13A, from a 13‐week aborted foetus. We aimed to investigate its availability as a RPE model.Materials and methodsRNA‐seq data were mapped to the human genome assembly hg19. Global transcriptional data were analysed by Weighted Gene Co‐expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed genes (DEGs). The morphology and molecular characteristics were examined by immunofluorescence, transmission electron micrographs, PCR and western blot. Photoreceptor outer segments (POS) phagocytosis assay and transepithelial resistance measurement (TER) were performed to assess phagocytic activity and barrier function, respectively.ResultsThe fhRPE‐13A cells showed typical polygonal morphology and normal biological processes of RPE. Meanwhile they were capable of POS phagocytosis in vitro, and the expression level of TYR and TYRP1 were significantly higher than that in ARPE‐19 cells.ConclusionsThe foetal human RPE line fhRPE‐13A is a valuable system for researching phagocytosis and morphogenesis of RPE in vitro.
Russia's Vision of the Belt and Road Initiative: From the Rivalry of the Great Powers to Forging a New Cooperation Model in Eurasia
Authors: Timofeev Ivan , Lissovolik Yaroslav , Filippova Liudmila 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe article aims to highlight Russian approaches to Chinese One Belt‐One Road initiative. It examines possible opportunities and challenges for co‐development of the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt project. Both projects and their co‐development may reduce the uncertainty in Eurasia, caused by significant structural changes in international relations and the world economy, the emergence of new trade regimes and the erosion of leadership in international affairs. Russian interests in this regard are determined by the need for modernization and long‐term development, which could also help to address acute security issues. These particular factors encouraged Russia to come up with an ambitious plan of the Extensive Eurasian Partnership, although the prospects of its implementation currently are uncertain. The present article argues that the success of Russia‐China collaboration in Eurasia will depend crucially on the future dynamics of the Eurasian integration, as well as on the agreement to co‐develop the Eurasian Economic Union and the Belt Initiative with concrete and mutually beneficial projects.
China's Belt and Road Initiative: Perspectives from India
Authors: Jacob Jabin T. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractChina's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is often simplistically understood as being opposed by India and supported by Pakistan. The reality on the ground is rather more complex. The emerging consensus in India appears to be that, far from being exclusively an economic and infrastructure development program, the BRI may be understood as a long‐term strategic initiative that seeks to convert China's current economic might into diplomatic influence. While attempts have been made by Beijing, the reflexive Indian suspicion of Chinese international projection, including of China's BRI, has not yet been met by a coherent discourse designed to specifically address Indian concerns. In contrast, in Pakistan, widespread acceptance of the importance and necessity of the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor is increasingly coupled with concerns within sectors of Pakistani society over the fairness, transparency and eventual economic outcomes of the project. Accordingly, this paper is divided into two parts: the first looks at how Indian analysts have viewed and responded to the Chinese discourse and arguments on the BRI; the second considers the debate over the China–Pakistan Economic Corridor within Pakistan.