bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints facilitates distal colonic motility via activating M3 receptors and somatic afferent C‐fibers in normal, constipated, or diarrhoeic rats
Authors: Gao X. , Qin Q. , Yu X. , Liu K. , Li L. , Qiao H. , Zhu B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPrevious studies have demonstrated the efficacy of somatic stimulation for patients with gastrointestinal motility disorders. However, little effort has been made to investigate the effects of acupuncture on colonic motility, particularly in pathological conditions. The precise mechanism employed in the regulation of acupuncture on colonic motility still remains unclear.MethodsWe assessed the effect of acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints on distal colonic motility using a warm‐water‐filled manometric balloon inserted 5–6 cm into the rectum of anesthetized normal rats or rats with diarrhea or constipation. Choline chloride, 4‐DAMP, cobra venom and capsaicin were separately applied to investigate the role of M3 receptors in the regulation of distal colonic motility by acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints, and whether Aδ‐ and/or C‐fibers are required for triggering distal colonic motility by acupuncture.Key ResultsAcupuncture at heterotopic acupoints increased distal colonic motility not only in normal rats but also in rats with constipation or diarrhea. M3 receptors play an important role in the facilitation of distal colonic motility triggered by acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints. Afferent nerve Aδ‐ and C‐fibers mediate the transduction of the acupuncture signal and C‐fibers are essential for enhancing the effect of acupuncture at the heterotopic acupoint on distal colonic motility.Conclusions & InferencesOur results reveal that acupuncture at heterotopic acupoints increases distal colonic motility regardless of normal or pathological conditions via predominately activating C‐fibers of somatic afferent nerve and M3 receptors.
Host jumps shaped the diversity of extant rust fungi (Pucciniales)
Authors: McTaggart Alistair R. , Shivas Roger G. , van der Nest Magriet A. , Roux Jolanda , Wingfield Brenda D. , Wingfield Michael J. 
Published: October 2015

Summary

The aim of this study was to determine the evolutionary time line for rust fungi and date key speciation events using a molecular clock. Evidence is provided that supports a contemporary view for a recent origin of rust fungi, with a common ancestor on a flowering plant.

Divergence times for > 20 genera of rust fungi were studied with Bayesian evolutionary analyses. A relaxed molecular clock was applied to ribosomal and mitochondrial genes, calibrated against estimated divergence times for the hosts of rust fungi, such as Acacia (Fabaceae), angiosperms and the cupressophytes.

Results showed that rust fungi shared a most recent common ancestor with a mean age between 113 and 115 million yr. This dates rust fungi to the Cretaceous period, which is much younger than previous estimations. Host jumps, whether taxonomically large or between host genera in the same family, most probably shaped the diversity of rust genera. Likewise, species diversified by host shifts (through coevolution) or via subsequent host jumps. This is in contrast to strict coevolution with their hosts.

Puccinia psidii was recovered in Sphaerophragmiaceae, a family distinct from Raveneliaceae, which were regarded as confamilial in previous studies.
New bone formation induced by surface strontium‐modified ceramic bone graft substitute
Authors: Park J‐W , Kang D‐G , Hanawa T 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesThis study assessed the effect of surface strontium ion (Sr) modification on the osteogenic activity of an osteoconductive ceramic bone graft substitute with the hope of using the bone healing effect of Sr for potential application in periodontal and maxillofacial regenerative surgery.Materials and MethodsA simple wet chemical treatment was employed to deliver Sr to the surface of particulate porcine bone graft. The osteogenic activity of surface Sr‐modified bone substitute was compared in vitro and in vivo with that of unmodified ceramic bone, other clinically available synthetic bone or osteoinductive allograft bone.ResultsThe resultant bone substitute showed the formation of Sr‐containing microstructured surface layer along with the formation of additional nanostructures and displayed sustained Sr release. Sr modification promoted the osteogenic differentiation of bipotential ST2 stem cells. Sr‐modified bone substitute increased the amount of newly formed bone at early healing period in calvarial defect of rabbits.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the surface Sr modification by wet chemical treatment is a promising approach to enhance the early bone healing capacity of osteoconductive ceramic bone substitutes.
Collapsing Commodities or Lavish Offerings? Understanding Massive Metalwork Deposition at Langton Matravers, Dorset During the Bronze Age–Iron Age Transition
Authors: Roberts Benjamin W. , Boughton Dorothee , Dinwiddy Michael , Doshi Nisha , Fitzpatrick Andrew P. , Hook Duncan , Meeks Nigel , Mongiatti Aude , Woodward Ann , Woodward Peter J. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe discovery of 373 intact and broken tin‐bronze socketed axes accompanied by 404 fragments in four pits at Langton Matravers collectively represents one of the largest hoards found to date in prehistoric Britain and Ireland. They were very probably never meant to be used as axes as the very high levels of tin they contain would have made them brittle. Many were poorly finished, with the majority still containing their casting cores. The axes are typologically dated to the Llyn Fawr metalwork phase (c.800–600 BC) and span the Bronze Age/Iron Age transition, when the production, circulation and deposition of bronze appear to have been substantially reduced throughout north‐west Europe. By placing the Langton Matravers hoard(s) in a broader metallurgical, material and archaeological context, existing theories for this phenomenon, such as the preference for iron, a collapse in bronze supply, or the sharp devaluation of a social or ritual ‘bronze standard’, are evaluated. It is proposed that the Langton Matravers axes belong to a short phase in the centuries‐long processes underlying the changing roles of bronze and iron.
A Happening at Danebury Hillfort – But When?
Authors: Cunliffe Barry , Farrell Philip , Dee Michael 
Published: October 2015

SummaryA group of six radiocarbon dates for human skeletons found at the Iron Age hillfort of Danebury are suggestive of a major killing event. We consider here how the dates, mitigated by a careful consideration of the archaeological evidence for context, can be used in constructing site history.
Effects of sevoflurane exposure during late pregnancy on brain development of offspring mice
Authors: Suehara Tomomi , Morishita Jun , Ueki Masaaki , Ueno Masaki , Maekawa Nobuhiro , Mizobuchi Satoshi 
Published: October 2015

SummaryBackgroundExposure to some anesthetic agents during the fetal period has been shown to induce neurodegeneration or learning deficits in animal models. Sevoflurane is one of the most prevalent general anesthetics; however, the influence of sevoflurane at a clinically relevant concentration on the developing fetal brain remains unknown.ObjectiveWe investigated whether a single sevoflurane exposure during the fetal period would affect neuronal development and learning/memory ability in mice.MethodsPregnant mice at gestational day 17 were anesthetized with 1.5% sevoflurane in 50% oxygen for 6 h. Mice in the control group were exposed in 50% oxygen without sevoflurane. Pups of some mice in both groups subsequently were delivered early by cesarean section and whole fetal brains were excised. The rest of the pups were delivered naturally at gestational day 20 and were maintained for 8 weeks. The mRNA expression levels of caspase‐3, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), nerve growth factor (NGF), and LIM kinase‐1 (LIMK‐1) were measured in fetal whole brain and 8‐week‐old hippocampus sections. Synaptophysin protein in adult hippocampus was assessed immunochemically. In addition, 8‐week‐old mice were subjected to the radial maze test.ResultsNo significant difference between sevoflurane and control groups regarding mRNA expression levels of all targets was seen, nor was there an obvious change in synaptophysin protein expression. The results of the maze test revealed that the each‐day performance ratios (the rate of errors) of the sevoflurane group were not altered as compared with the control group.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the exposure during late pregnancy to a clinically relevant concentration of sevoflurane does not affect neuronal development and learning/memory ability of offspring mice.
Against the New Evidentialists
Authors: Rinard Susanna 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEvidentialists and Pragmatists about reasons for belief have long been in dialectical stalemate. However, recent times have seen a new wave of Evidentialists who claim to provide arguments for their view which should be persuasive even to someone initially inclined toward Pragmatism. This paper reveals a central flaw in this New Evidentialist project: their arguments rely on overly demanding necessary conditions for a consideration to count as a genuine reason. In particular, their conditions rule out the possibility of pragmatic reasons for action. Since the existence of genuine pragmatic reasons for action is common ground between the Evidentialist and the Pragmatist, this problem for the New Evidentialist arguments is fatal. The upshot is that the deadlock between these two positions is restored: neither side can claim to be in possession of an argument that could convince the other. As it happens, I myself favor Pragmatism about reasons for belief, and although I don't claim to be able to convince a committed Evidentialist, I do make a prima facie case for Pragmatism by describing particular scenarios in which it seems to be true. I then go on to develop my own preferred version of the view: Robust Pragmatism, according to which a consideration never constitutes a reason for believing a proposition purely in virtue of being evidence for it.
Causes and Triggers of Coups d'état: An Event History Analysis
Authors: Hiroi Taeko , Omori Sawa 
Published: October 2015

What explains the propensities of countries to experience coups d'état? This article tests various, at times competing, theories of coups using event history analysis by modeling coups as repeatable events. We highlight the different roles that political regimes play in inducing or deterring coups, and argue that political regimes that are not clearly democratic or autocratic are the most vulnerable to coups. Features of hybrid regimes increase their underlying coup vulnerability and the impact of coup‐triggering events. While existing literature has noted higher coup frequency in nondemocratic regimes than in democratic regimes, we note the impact of differences within the nondemocratic regimes, with particular emphasis on the timing of a coup event. Contributing to growing research on variations in nondemocratic regimes and their consequences, our analysis of global coup data in 152 countries indicates that very autocratic regimes are much less vulnerable to coups than hybrid regimes.Related Articles
Kim, Hae S. “.” Politics & Policy 37 (): 395‐414. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2009.00177.x/abstract

Rhoads Jr., James C., and Tung‐wen Sun. 1994. “.” Southeastern Political Review 22 (): 159‐170. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.1994.tb00325.x/abstract

Boehmer, Charles. 2007. “.” Politics & Policy 35 (): 774‐809. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00084.x/abstract
Strengthening Legislatures: Some Lessons from the Pacific Region
Authors: Kinyondo Abel , Pelizzo Riccardo 
Published: October 2015

There is universal agreement among development stakeholders that parliaments play a crucial role in enhancing good governance, economic growth, and development as well as the general quality of democracy. It follows from this fact that several international organizations (IOs) have embarked in activities that seek to strengthen legislative capacity. However, we note that there is a lack of consensus—among IOs and in key literature—on the right approach to strengthen parliaments. Consequently, IOs have been offering varying legislative‐strengthening exercises that have inevitably produced significantly different and, at times, disappointing outcomes. Using a multicase study design that includes five Pacific countries, we show that to attain positive and significant outcomes, legislative capacity‐building initiatives need to be country specific and informed by local needs assessment. We further reassert that no amount of legislative capacity‐building effort can enhance parliamentary performance in the absence of local political will.Related Articles
Nohlen, Dieter. 2009. “.” Politics & Policy 37 (): 3‐30. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008.00159.x/abstract

Legler, Thomas F. 2012. “.” Politics & Policy 40 (): 848‐870. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00382.x/abstract

Pelizzo, Riccardo. 2008. “.” Politics & Policy 36 (): 474‐498. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008.00117.x/abstract
Related Media
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Nano‐Industry Operationalizations of “Responsibility”: Charting Diversity in the Enactment of Responsibility
Authors: Shelley‐Egan Clare , Davies Sarah R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe Collingridge dilemma—the problem of reacting to emerging technology either “too early” or “too late”—is one that is readily recognized by developers and promoters of nanotechnologies. One response can be found in the rise of a discourse of “responsible development” in the science and innovation policy landscape. While a number of commentators have discussed the potential of such initiatives, it remains unclear how responsible development is actually being configured “on the ground,” in private sector nanotechnology. This paper addresses this question by analyzing empirical engagements in Europe and the United States in order to map industry operationalizations of “responsibility” in these contexts. We show that a number of different articulations of “responsibility” are present, including as a response to public lack of trust and perceived public pressure, and as the management of risk. We close by relating these findings to the theoretical literature on responsibility, other contemporary accounts of the ways in which responsible development can be operationalized, and the possibilities that these articulations of responsibility may open up.
Older peoples' narratives of use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs
Authors: Johannessen Aud , Helvik Anne‐Sofie , Engedal Knut , Sørlie Venke Marion 
Published: October 2015

BackgroundStudies revealed that misuse of drugs and alcohol is an increasing phenomenon among older people (aged 65 years and above), and we know that such misuse is a risk factor for mortality and morbidity. Furthermore, we do not know to what extent older people have experiences, understanding and knowledge about the use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs.AimTo investigate older peoples' experiences with and reflections on the use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs among older people.MethodQualitative interviews with 16 older people were performed during 2013 and 2014. The sample included informants aged from 65 to 92 years from 11 municipalities. The data were analysed by using the phenomenological hermeneutic method.FindingsThe first theme that arose from the informants' narratives wasto be a part of a culture in changethat details the informants' experiences with and reflections on the cultural changes regarding the use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs. This theme is divided into three subthemes:to use and attitudes toward use, to trivialise use and risks of use, and to disclaim responsibility for use and misuse. The second theme,to explain use and misuseinvolved reasons for the use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs. It included the subthemes:to be afraid, to be lonely, and to be informed.ConclusionThe study revealed that most informants had experiences with the use of alcohol and psychotropic drugs, but disclaimed any challenges with their use. The use was trivialised and seen as something older people just do. They disclaimed responsibility for their own psychotropic use as their general practitioners were defined as the responsible persons. Moreover, the study showed that the informants had poor knowledge about the risk of use and misuse of alcohol and psychotropic drugs.
Economic Vulnerability and Political Responses to International Pressure: Liechtenstein, Switzerland and the Struggle for Banking Secrecy
Authors: Eggenberger Katrin , Emmenegger Patrick 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAfter doggedly opposing any increase in exchange of information on tax matters for several decades, both Liechtenstein and Switzerland have made significant concessions over recent years. However, the two countries have reacted rather differently to international pressure: while Liechtenstein has adopted a more proactive approach, offering far‐reaching bilateral deals to several major economies, Switzerland has been slow to react to international pressure, despite calls for a more proactive strategy by its financial services industry. We suggest that these differences have a range of causes; in Liechtenstein, in particular, the pressure was more evenly distributed, thus allowing the financial services industry to close ranks and use its privileged access to the government to shape the government's response decisively. By contrast, there was internal division in the Swiss financial services industry and it was soon on the back foot in public debate, eventually losing control over the issue.
Implementation of 350–2500 nm diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and High‐Performance Thin‐Layer Chromatography to rapidly assess manufacturing consistency and quality of cotrimoxazole tablets in Tanzania
Authors: Kaale Eliangiringa , Hope Samuel M. , Jenkins David , Layloff Thomas 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the quality of cotrimoxazole tablets produced by a Tanzanian manufacturer by a newly instituted quality assurance programme.MethodsTablets underwent a diffuse reflectance spectroscopy procedure with periodic quality assessment confirmation by assay and dissolution testing using validated HPTLC techniques (including weight variation and disintegration evaluations).ResultsBased on results from the primary test methods, the first group of product was <80% compliant, whereas subsequent groups reached >99% compliance.ConclusionsThis approach provides a model for rapidly assuring product quality of future procurements of other products that is more cost‐effective than traditional pharmaceutical testing techniques.
RopGEF2 is involved in ABA‐suppression of seed germination and post‐germination growth of Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhao Shujuan , Wu Yuxuan , He Yuqing , Wang Yarui , Xiao Jun , Li Lin , Wang Yanping , Chen Xi , Xiong Wei , Wu Yan 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe involvement of Rho of Plants (ROP) GTPases in abscisic acid (ABA) signalling in Arabidopsis has been demonstrated in many studies. However, the roles of RopGEFs (Rop guanine nucleotide exchange factors), which modulate ROP activities in ABA signalling, are poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate that RopGEF2 may play a negative role in ABA‐suppressed seed germination and post‐germination growth. We show that disruption of RopGEF2 enhances sensitivity to exogenous ABA in seed germination assays and that RopGEF2pro‐GUS is mainly expressed in developing embryos and germinating seeds. Interestingly, YFP‐RopGEF2 is located in both the cytoplasmic region and in mitochondria. Notably, the PRONE2 (plant‐specific ROP nucleotide exchanger 2) domain of RopGEF2 is detected in mitochondria, whereas the N‐terminus of RopGEF2 is shown to be in the cytosol. After ABA treatment, degradation of RopGEF2 is triggered in the cytosol through the ubiquitin‐26S proteasome system. The binding of RopGEF2 to ROP2, ROP6 or ROP10, which has been demonstrated to be involved in ABA signalling, not only alters the localization of RopGEF2 but also enables RopGEF2 to escape degradation in the cell. Thus, in this study, we deduce a sophisticated mechanism of ABA‐mediated RopGEF2‐ROP signalling, which potentially implicates the inactivation of ROPs in responsiveness to ABA.
Estimates of Ad Valorem Equivalents of Barriers Against Foreign Suppliers of Services in Eleven Services Sectors and 103 Countries
Authors: Jafari Yaghoob , Tarr David G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA new database on the barriers faced by foreign suppliers of services has been produced by the World Bank. Data for 103 countries are available on eleven of the most important services sectors in international trade. To date, however, these data have not been converted into ad valorem equivalents. Based on these data, and building on the methodology and publications supported by the Australian Productivity Commission, we produce estimates of the ad valorem equivalents of the barriers for all these sectors and countries. Compared with estimates available in the literature that are based on assessments of country and sector‐specific barriers to services providers, our estimates expand the set of sectors and more than triple the set of countries for which estimates of the ad valorem equivalents of the services barriers are available.
Sex‐based differences in endurance exercise muscle metabolism: impact on exercise and nutritional strategies to optimize health and performance in women
Authors: Devries Michaela C. 
Published: October 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?
The topic is how sex influences carbohydrate and fat metabolism during exercise and whether this influences adaptation to nutritional and exercise regimens aiming to improve health and performance.

What advances does it highlight?
Women respond differently to certain nutritional and training regimens aimed at improving health and performance. Few studies have included women in trials and thus we are unsure how women respond to nutritional and training strategies aimed at improving health and performance.

Sex‐based differences in substrate metabolism during moderate‐intensity endurance exercise (END) have been well established. Specifically, during END of the same relative intensity women have a lower respiratory exchange ratio than men, indicative of a lesser reliance on carbohydrate oxidation to support fuel requirements for exercise. In fact, compared with men, women show a lesser reliance on both liver and muscle glycogen during END. Sex‐based differences in intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) utilization during END are controversial. However, women have a larger depot of IMCL available to support END fuel needs and a greater percentage of IMCL in contact with mitochondria after a bout of END compared with men, suggestive of a greater capacity to use IMCL. These sex‐based differences in metabolism during END are known to be mediated by oestrogen. Despite the well‐recognized sexual dimorphisms in substrate metabolism during END, there is a paucity of research examining the effects of exercise and nutritional regimens aimed to enhance performance and/or health in women. Furthermore, the evidence that does exist is suggestive of discordance in the effectiveness of nutritional and exercise regimens between the sexes. The focus of this review is to provide an overview of the well‐established sex‐based differences in metabolism during END and how they relate to the physiological responses to nutritional and exercise strategies intended to improve exercise performance and/or health.