bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extract from Ribes nigrum leaves in vitro activates nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and increases CD39 expression in human endothelial cells
Authors: Luzak Boguslawa , Boncler Magdalena , Rywaniak Joanna , Dudzinska Dominika , Rozalski Marek , Krajewska Urszula , Balcerczak Ewa , Podsedek Anna , Redzynia Malgorzata , Watala Cezary 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether blackcurrant leaf extract (BLE) modulates endothelium antithrombotic function, namely increases the expression/activity of ADPase (CD39) and augments the production of nitric oxide in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). It was found that BLE with proanthocyanidins (60 % of the total polyphenol content) increased the CD39-positive endothelial cell fraction (up to 10 % for 2.5 μg/ml, and up to 33 % for 15 μg/ml, p < 0.05 or less) in a concentration-dependent manner, and enhanced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activation (T495 phosphorylation decreased by 31 ± 6 % for 2.5 μg/ml and 48 ± 6 % for 15 μg/ml; S1177 phosphorylation increased by 13 ± 3 % for 2.5 μg/ml and 18 ± 7 % for 15 μg/ml, compared to untreated cells, p < 0.05 or less). Additionally, incubation for 24 or 48 h with BLE at a lower range of polyphenol concentrations, significantly increased cell viability with a maximal effect at 2.5 μg/ml (viability increased by 24.8 ± 1.0 % for 24 h and by 32.5 ± 2.7 % for 48-h time incubation, p < 0.0001). The increased CD39 expression and the increased eNOS activation in HUVEC can be regarded as the beneficial markers of the improvement of antiplatelet action of endothelial cells. Unexpectedly, these assumptions were not confirmed in the experimental model of platelet-endothelial cell interactions. These observations lead to the conclusion that BLE may improve endothelial cell viability at low physiological concentrations without affecting the antiplatelet action of endothelium.
Methods of Instruction of the Incident Command System and Related Topics at US Veterinary Schools
Authors: Smith Joe S , Kuldau Gretchen A 
Published: November 2014

AbstractObjectiveThe Incident Command System (ICS) is an adaptable construct designed to streamline response efforts to a disaster or other incident. We aimed to examine the methods used to teach the ICS at US veterinary schools and to explore alternative and novel methods for instruction of this material.MethodsA total of 29 US accredited veterinary schools (as of February 2012) were surveyed, and 18 of the 29 schools responded.ResultsThe ICS and related topics were taught by both classroom methods and online instruction by most of the surveyed schools. Several of the schools used readily available Federal Emergency Management Agency and US Department of Agriculture resources to aid in instruction. Most schools used one course to teach the ICS, and some schools also used unique methods such as field exercises, drills, side-by-side training with disaster response teams, elective courses, extracurricular clubs, and externships to reinforce the ICS and related topics. Some of the surveyed institutions also utilized fourth-year clinical rotations and field deployments during actual disasters as a component of their ICS and emergency response curriculum.ConclusionThe ICS is being taught at some form at a significant number of US veterinary schools. Additional research is needed to evaluate the efficacy of the teaching methods of the ICS in US veterinary schools. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;8:505-510)
THE CATENARY DEGREE OF KRULL MONOIDS II
Authors: GEROLDINGER ALFRED , ZHONG QINGHAI 
Published: November 2014

Let$H$be a Krull monoid with finite class group$G$such that every class contains a prime divisor (for example, a ring of integers in an algebraic number field or a holomorphy ring in an algebraic function field). The catenary degree$\mathsf{c}(H)$of$H$is the smallest integer$N$with the following property: for each$a\in H$and each pair of factorizations$z,z^{\prime }$of$a$, there exist factorizations$z=z_{0},\dots ,z_{k}=z^{\prime }$of$a$such that, for each$i\in [1,k]$,$z_{i}$arises from$z_{i-1}$by replacing at most$N$atoms from$z_{i-1}$by at most$N$new atoms. To exclude trivial cases, suppose that$|G|\geq 3$. Then the catenary degree depends only on the class group$G$and we have$\mathsf{c}(H)\in [3,\mathsf{D}(G)]$, where$\mathsf{D}(G)$denotes the Davenport constant of$G$. The cases when$\mathsf{c}(H)\in \{3,4,\mathsf{D}(G)\}$have been previously characterized (see Theorem A). Based on a characterization of the catenary degree determined in the paper by Geroldingeret al.[‘The catenary degree of Krull monoids I’,J. Théor. Nombres Bordeaux23(2011), 137–169], we determine the class groups satisfying$\mathsf{c}(H)=\mathsf{D}(G)-1$. Apart from the extremal cases mentioned, the precise value of$\mathsf{c}(H)$is known for no further class groups.
Enhancement of Thermoelectric Performance by Reducing Phonon Thermal Conductance in Multiple Core-shell Nanowires
Authors: Zhou Wu-Xing , Chen Ke-Qiu 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe thermoelectric properties of multiple core-shell nanowires are investigated by using nonequilibrium Green's function method and molecular dynamics simulations. The results show that the thermoelectric performance of multiple core-shell NWs can be improved observably with the increase of shell number compared with the single component NWs due to the significant reduction of phonon thermal conductance. The ZT value of multiple core-shell NWs can reach three times greater than that of the single component GaSb NWs at room temperature. Moreover, the ZT values of both the core-shell NWs and single component NWs are increased with the increasing temperature, but the ZT value of core-shell NWs increases more slowly than that of single component NWs. These results show that the single component NWs is suitable as thermoelectric material at much high temperature, but the multiple core-shell NWs is more suitable as thermoelectric material at room temperature.
CRISPRdirect: software for designing CRISPR/Cas guide RNA with reduced off-target sites
Authors: Naito Yuki , Hino Kimihiro , Bono Hidemasa , Ui-Tei Kumiko 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Summary: CRISPRdirect is a simple and functional web server for selecting rational CRISPR/Cas targets from an input sequence. The CRISPR/Cas system is a promising technique for genome engineering which allows target-specific cleavage of genomic DNA guided by Cas9 nuclease in complex with a guide RNA (gRNA), that complementarily binds to a ∼20 nt targeted sequence. The target sequence requirements are twofold. First, the 5′-NGG protospacer adjacent motif (PAM) sequence must be located adjacent to the target sequence. Second, the target sequence should be specific within the entire genome in order to avoid off-target editing. CRISPRdirect enables users to easily select rational target sequences with minimized off-target sites by performing exhaustive searches against genomic sequences. The server currently incorporates the genomic sequences of human, mouse, rat, marmoset, pig, chicken, frog, zebrafish, Ciona, fruit fly, silkworm, Caenorhabditis elegans, Arabidopsis, rice, Sorghum and budding yeast.
Availability: Freely available at http://crispr.dbcls.jp/.
Contact: y-naito@dbcls.rois.ac.jp
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Perceptions of Gender Equality in Work–Life Balance, Salary, Promotion, and Harassment
Authors: Tomer Gitit , Xanthakos Stavra , Kim Sandra , Rao Meenakshi , Book Linda , Litman Heather J. , Fishman Laurie N. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTObjectives:Gender equality in the workplace has not been described in pediatric gastroenterology.Methods:An electronic survey that explored perceptions of career parity, work–life balance, and workplace harassment was sent to all members of the North American Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition. Reponses were anonymous.Results:Of the 303 respondents (21%), there was an even distribution across geographic region, age, and gender (54% men). Gender affected perception of salary and promotion; 46% of men but only 9% of women feel that “women earn the same as men” (P < 0.001). Similarly, 48% of men but only 12% of women feel that “women rise at the same rate as men” (P < 0.001). Both genders of academic practice respondents, compared with other practice models, perceived men were promoted more quickly than women (P = 0.008). Women had higher dissatisfaction with mentoring than men (29% vs 13%, P = 0.03). Significantly more men than women reported spouses with “flexible jobs” (35% vs 14%, P < 0.001). Having a spouse with “flexible job” or having children (preschool or school age), however, did not affect satisfaction with work–life balance for either gender. Overall, women are more likely to be dissatisfied with work–life balance than men (P = 0.046).Conclusions:Satisfaction with work–life balance is lower among women versus men pediatric gastroenterologists, but does not correlate with flexibility of spouse's job or caring for young children. Gender‐divergent perception of promotion, parity of compensation, and mentoring requires further investigation.
Biological control in winter: novel evidence for the importance of generalist predators
Authors: Pekár Stano , Michalko Radek , Loverre Pamela , Líznarová Eva , Černecká Ľudmila 
Published: November 2014

Summary

The role of generalist predators in pest control has been neglected because generalists are not able to track pest populations. Generalist predators are suggested to be important in spring before specialist predators become active.

Here, we show that some generalist predators are important even during winter, when the majority of arthropod pests and their enemies are dormant. We quantified the role of winter‐active generalist predators on the suppression of pear psylla during winter using a discrete nonlinear model of an intraguild predation system.

To parameterize our model, we conducted a series of experiments on (i) functional responses, (ii) prey preferences and (iii) ontogenetic development and made observations on the population densities of spiders and potential prey. We ran the model for different winter scenarios, that is, for very cold and very warm winters.

Synthesis and applications. We found that winter‐active predators considerably suppressed the pear psylla population. Predators exerted a stronger effect in a warmer winter than in a colder one. Orchard growers thus should avoid use of non‐selective pesticides during this period and instead aim to support the community of generalist predators. Our results suggest more attention should be given to encouraging generalist predator populations in other systems, even in periods when crops are not producing.
The politics of fiscal policy during economic downturns, 1981–2010
Authors: Raess Damian , Pontusson Jonas 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis article investigates fiscal policy responses to the Great Recession in historical perspective. It explores general trends in the frequency, size and composition of fiscal stimulus as well as the impact of government partisanship on fiscal policy outputs during the four international recessions of 1980–1981, 1990–1991, 2001–2002 and 2008–2009. Encompassing 17–23 Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, the analysis calls into question the idea of a general retreat from fiscal policy activism since the early 1980s. The propensity of governments to respond to economic downturns by engaging in fiscal stimulus has increased over time and no secular trend in the size of stimulus measures is observed. At the same time, OECD governments have relied more on tax cuts to stimulate demand in the two recessions of the 2000s than they did in the early 1980s or early 1990s. Regarding government partisanship, no significant direct partisan effects on either the size or the composition of fiscal stimulus is found for any of the four recession episodes. However, the size of the welfare state conditioned the impact of government partisanship in the two recessions of the 2000s, with left‐leaning governments distinctly more prone to engaging in discretionary fiscal stimulus and/or spending increases in large welfare states, but not in small welfare states.
Antiviral therapy improves post‐hepatectomy survival in patients with hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma: a prospective‐retrospective study
Authors: Chong C. C. N. , Wong G. L. H. , Wong V. W. S. , Ip P. C. T. , Cheung Y. S. , Wong J. , Lee K. F. , Lai P. B. S. , Chan H. L. Y. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe effect of antiviral therapy on the post‐hepatectomy long‐term survival in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain.AimTo evaluate the effect of antiviral therapy on post‐hepatectomy survival and recurrence in patients with HBV‐related HCC.MethodsThis was a prospective‐retrospective study of a total of 404 patients who underwent hepatectomy for HBV‐related HCC in a tertiary academic hospital. Data on patient and tumour characteristics, tumour recurrence, treatment for recurrence and survival were compared between antiviral and no antiviral groups.ResultsPatient's and tumour characteristics were comparable between the two groups, except a higher proportion of patients with cirrhosis in the antiviral group. With a mean follow‐up time of 52.4 months, antiviral group had a better 5‐year overall survival (66.7% vs. 56.0%, P = 0.001) while there was no significant difference in the 5‐year disease‐free survival (44.7% vs. 38.1%, P = 0.166). Use of antiviral therapy was associated with better liver function reserve at the time of recurrence and a greater proportion of patients could receive curative treatment for recurrence (38.5% vs. 24.3%, P = 0.041). There was no significant different in the hazard ratios of patients who started antiviral therapy before or after operation (P = 0.054).ConclusionsUse of antiviral therapy improves the long‐term post‐hepatectomy survival in patients with HBV‐related HCC. With a better liver function reserve at the time of recurrence, a greater proportion of patients in antiviral group could receive curative treatment for recurrence.
Hypertrophic lichen sclerosus sine sclerosis: clues to histopathologic diagnosis when presenting as psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis
Authors: Weyers Wolfgang 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundThe histopathologic diagnosis of lichen sclerosus (LS) is usually facilitated by a subepidermal zone of sclerosis. In the absence of sclerosis, LS mostly presents itself as a psoriasiform lichenoid dermatitis that may be difficult to distinguish from other diseases.ObjectiveWe sought to assess histopathologic findings that allow recognition of LS in the absence of sclerosis.MethodsWe studied 28 criteria in 100 biopsy specimens of LS from genital or perianal skin, including 55 cases with marked sclerosis, 16 cases with mild sclerosis confined to foci of the papillary dermis and 29 cases without sclerosis. Fifteen cases each of the early plaque stage of mycosis fungoides, lichen planus and lichen simplex chronicus were studied for comparison.ResultsSome histopathologic hallmarks of LS were seen chiefly in sclerotic lesions and, therefore, did not contribute to the diagnosis of difficult cases, such as dissolution of elastic fibers. Others were seen rarely in non‐sclerotic lesions but might be helpful in individual cases, including follicular hyperkeratosis and thickening of the basement membrane. Findings that were more common and may be utilized as clues to the histopathologic diagnosis of non‐sclerotic LS include tiny foci of homogenized tissue in dermal papillae, marked fibrosis with thickening of the papillary dermis, marked thickening of individual collagen fibers, lymphocytes aligned in rows between those fibers, necrotic keratinocytes, often with preserved pyknotic nuclei, in all reaches of the epidermis, including the cornified layer, clustering of necrotic keratinocytes above elongated dermal papillae and vertical columns of parakeratosis with distinct dyskeratotic parakeratotic cells.ConclusionIn the absence of sclerosis, histopathologic diagnosis of LS depends on findings that are less distinctive. Nonetheless, a constellation of those findings allows a specific diagnosis to be made.
Bed rest does not induce hypercoagulability
Authors: Cvirn Gerhard , Waha James Elvis , Ledinski Gerhard , Schlagenhauf Axel , Leschnik Bettina , Koestenberger Martin , Tafeit Erwin , Hinghofer‐Szalkay Helmut , Goswami Nandu 
Published: November 2014

AbstractBackgroundAlthough there is no direct evidence, it is generally believed that bed rest shifts the haemostatic system towards hypercoagulability; thus, immobilized patients are commonly treated with anticoagulants. We therefore aimed to investigate whether long‐term bed rest actually leads to an elevated risk for thromboembolic events.Materials and methodsEleven healthy men were enrolled in our study (bed rest campaign inMEDESClinique d'Investigation, Toulouse, France). Besides various standard laboratory methods, we used calibrated automated thrombography (CAT) and thrombelastometry (TEM). Activation of samples with minute amounts of relipidated tissue factor allowed sensitive detection of hyper‐ or hypocoagulable states.ResultsCATandTEMvalues were not indicative of bed rest‐induced hypercoagulability. On the contrary, several parameters were indicative of a tendency towards a hypocoagulable state. Peak and thrombin formation velocity (VELINDEX) were significantly decreased during bed rest compared to baseline. Coagulation times were significantly increased and alpha angles were significantly decreased, indicating attenuated clot formation. Moreover, F1 + 2 and thrombin/antithrombin complex (TAT) values were significantly decreased during bed rest, indicating suppressed coagulation activation.FVIIplasma levels were also significantly decreased during the first week of bed rest.ConclusionsOur data indicate that the re‐ambulation period is associated with a tendency towards hypercoagulability: ttPeak and StartTail were significantly shorter, Peak andVELINDEXwere significantly higher compared to baseline. Moreover, plasma levels of F1 + 2,TAT,FVIIandFVIIIwere significantly higher compared to baseline. The results from our study suggest that bed rest by itself is not associated with hypercoagulable states in healthy subjects.
The Experience of Children in Perón's Argentina: Recent Interventions and Future Directions
Authors: Brinkerhoff Thomas J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPeronism, a populist movement headed by Juan Domingo Perón that swept through Argentina in late 1940s and early 1950s, has emerged as one of the more heavily studied and contentious periods in both the English‐ and Spanish‐language historiography. Studies of the populist movement, the controversial president, and his First Lady Eva Duarte de Perón, began in the early 1950s while Perón was still in power. These earlier studies, however, focused almost exclusively on the agency of Juan Perón, and to a lesser extent Eva, and obscured many of the nation's more marginalized actors. Although more recent scholarship (since the 1980s) has incorporated more actors and groups into the historical spotlight, the experience of children in Perón's Argentina is a currently expanding historiography. Scholars have begun investigating the role of children during the Peronist era through a variety of individual case studies. It is the aim of this paper to underscore this emerging subfield within the study of Peronism, bring these case studies into conversation with one another, and place this emerging scholarship into a larger discussion regarding the experience of children across the 20th‐century world.
Enforcement and Escape in theAndean Community: Why theAndean Community of Nations is Not a Replica of theEuropean Union
Authors: Phelan William 
Published: November 2014

AbstractEmphasizing the presence of similar ‘supranational’ doctrines and a ‘preliminary reference’ mechanism, recent scholarship has argued that the legal institutions of theAndean Community were designed as replicas or clones of those in theEuropean Union. From an alternative perspective, however, focused on the importance of inter‐state retaliation mechanisms, as well as trade remedies, in international trade regimes, the similarity is much less apparent. Rather, theAndean Community appears to be designed as, and in fact operates as, a treaty regime that continues to rely on enforcement and escape behaviours by states that are common to many international trade regimes, but have been persistently rejected by theEU.
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders: Notifications to the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies
Authors: Mutch Raewyn C , Watkins Rochelle , Bower Carol 
Published: November 2014

AimThere is increasing attention on fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in Australia, but there are limited data on their birth prevalence. Our aim was to report on the birth prevalence of FASD in Western Australia.MethodsData on notified cases of FASD born in Western Australia 1980–2010 were identified from the Western Australian Register of Developmental Anomalies. Tabulated denominator data were obtained from the Midwives Notification System. Prevalence rates per 1000 births were calculated by demographic variables. Prevalence ratios (PRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of Aboriginal compared with non‐Aboriginal prevalence rates were calculated. PRs were also calculated to compare rates for births 2000–2010 with 1980–1989.ResultsTwo hundred ten cases of FASDs were identified: a birth prevalence of 0.26/1000 births (95% CI 0.23–0.30). The majority of cases reported were Aboriginal (89.5%), a rate of 4.08/1000, compared with 0.03/1000 in notified non‐Aboriginal cases, giving a PR of 139 (95% CI 89–215). The prevalence of FASD in 2000–2010 was over twice that in 1980–1989 for both Aboriginal (PR 2.37; CI 1.60–3.51) and non‐Aboriginal (PR 2.13; CI 0.68–6.69) children.ConclusionsThere has been a twofold increase in FASD notifications in Western Australia over the last 30 years. Population surveillance data such as these are valuable in advocating for and monitoring the effectiveness of preventive activities and diagnostic and management services.
Do water‐limiting conditions predispose Norway spruce to bark beetle attack?
Authors: Netherer Sigrid , Matthews Bradley , Katzensteiner Klaus , Blackwell Emma , Henschke Patrick , Hietz Peter , Pennerstorfer Josef , Rosner Sabine , Kikuta Silvia , Schume Helmut , Schopf Axel 
Published: November 2014

Summary

Drought is considered to enhance susceptibility of Norway spruce (Picea abies) to infestations by the Eurasian spruce bark beetle (Ips typographus, Coleoptera: Curculionidae), although empirical evidence is scarce. We studied the impact of experimentally induced drought on tree water status and constitutive resin flow, and how physiological stress affects host acceptance and resistance.

We established rain‐out shelters to induce both severe (two full‐cover plots) and moderate (two semi‐cover plots) drought stress. In total, 18 sample trees, which were divided equally between the above treatment plots and two control plots, were investigated. Infestation was controlled experimentally using a novel ‘attack box’ method.

Treatments influenced the ratios of successful and defended attacks, but predisposition of trees to infestation appeared to be mainly driven by variations in stress status of the individual trees over time. With increasingly negative twig water potentials and decreasing resin exudation, the defence capability of the spruce trees decreased.

We provide empirical evidence that water‐limiting conditions impair Norway spruce resistance to bark beetle attack. Yet, at the same time our data point to reduced host acceptance by I. typographus with more extreme drought stress, indicated by strongly negative pre‐dawn twig water potentials.