bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The graceful sigmoid: Johan Hjort's contribution to the theory of rational fishing
Authors: Holt Sidney J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThis historical essay describes the theory behind, and implications of, models of optimum yield from an exploited animal population (in particular for whaling) formulated by Johan Hjort and his colleagues, Per Ottestad and Gunnar Jahn, in the 1930s. The essay places the evolution of fishery science during the 1930s–1940s into context.
Swelling-induced and controlled curving in layered gel beams
Authors: Lucantonio A. , Nardinocchi P. , Pezzulla M. 
Published: September 2014

We describe swelling-driven curving in originally straight and non-homogeneous beams. We present and verify a structural model of swollen beams, based on a new point of view adopted to describe swelling-induced deformation processes in bilayered gel beams, that is based on the split of the swelling-induced deformation of the beam at equilibrium into two components, both depending on the elastic properties of the gel. The method allows us to: (i) determine beam stretching and curving, once assigned the characteristics of the solvent bath and of the non-homogeneous beam, and (ii) estimate the characteristics of non-homogeneous flat gel beams in such a way as to obtain, under free-swelling conditions, three-dimensional shapes. The study was pursued by means of analytical, semi-analytical and numerical tools; excellent agreement of the outcomes of the different techniques was found, thus confirming the strength of the method.
Debtholders’ Demand for Conservatism: Evidence from Changes in Directors’ Fiduciary Duties
Authors: AIER JAGADISON K. , CHEN LONG , PEVZNER MIKHAIL 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTDebtholders’ demand has been widely discussed as a key determinant of conservatism but clear causal evidence is not yet established. Using a natural experiment setting, wherein a Delaware court ruled that the fiduciary duties of directors in near insolvent Delaware companies extend to creditors, we predict and find that firms subject to the ruling significantly increased their accounting conservatism. In addition, our results suggest that the increase in conservatism is more pronounced in near insolvent Delaware firms with stronger boards, confirming that the court ruling takes effect through the channel of the board of directors. Our results are robust to using alternative measures of conservatism and near insolvency status, and controlling for potential confounding factors and other stakeholders’ demand for conservatism. Overall, our study provides empirical evidence to support the causal relation between debtholders’ demand and accounting conservatism previously suggested in the literature, and offers some insights into the role of the board of directors in financial reporting.
New dual therapy for primary treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection: A prospective randomized study in Shanghai, China
Authors: Ren Ling , Lu Hong , Li Hai Yan , Zhu Ling Yin , Xu Xiao Qing , Gu Li Yang , Ge Zhi Zheng , Li Xiao Bo 
Published: September 2014

ObjectiveTo evaluate the eradication rates, side effects and the patient compliance of a dual therapy with rabeprazole and amoxicillin as the first‐line therapy in patients with Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection.MethodsA total of 120 patients diagnosed endoscopically with non‐ulcer dyspepsia with H. pylori infection were randomly assigned into two groups, one treated with amoxicillin 1 g thrice daily plus rabeprazole 10 mg twice daily (R10A group) or 20 mg twice daily (R20A group) for 14 days. H. pylori eradication was evaluated by 13C‐urea breath test (UBT) at 4–6 weeks after the completion of treatment. H. pylori eradication rate was analyzed by per‐protocol (PP) and intention‐to‐treat (ITT) analyses together with 95% confidence interval (CI). Side effects and patients' compliance were also recorded.ResultsOverall, 117 patients (58 in the R10A group and 59 in the R20A group) completed the study, among whom five did not undertake the UBT. H. pylori eradication was achieved in 89.8% of patients in the R20A group by ITT analysis and 93.0% by PP analysis, which was significantly higher than those in the R10A group (75.9% and 80.0%, respectively, P < 0.05). Side effects, including skin rash, abdominal discomfort, headache, insomnia and nausea, were all mild and were treated symptomatically without the need to discontinue the treatment.ConclusionThe modified dual therapy with high doses of rabeprazole and amoxicillin is considered an effective and safe primary therapy for H. pylori eradication and could be recommended as the first‐line eradication regimen for certain patients.
Influence of different image‐guided tracking methods upon the local efficacy of CyberKnife treatment in lung tumors
Authors: Guo Yihang , Zhuang Hongqing , Zhao Lujun , Yuan Zhiyong , Wang Ping 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to explore the influence of image‐guided tumor localization modality (Synchrony tracking vs. Xsight spine‐based localization) on the local efficacy of CyberKnife treatment in lung cancer and lung metastases.MethodsRetrospective analysis of 64 patients with pulmonary metastases and primary tumor cases (72 targets) treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy using CyberKnife was conducted. Synchrony respiratory tracking was used to treat 45 targets, and the remaining 27 targets were treated using Xsight spine (with an extended margin to account for positional uncertainty). The median (80%) isodose line (70–94%) covered the planning target volume at a total dose of 6000 cGy delivered in three fractions. Local efficacy was evaluated by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors, accompanied by the follow‐up of local recurrence cases and analysis of tracking methods.ResultsShort‐term local control was superior for targets tracked with Synchrony than for targets localized with Xsight spine. There was no statistical difference for targets in the upper lung, but for targets in the lower lung Synchrony tracking was better. Small targets (less than 15 mL) were better controlled when Synchrony was used, but there was no difference for treatment volumes larger than 15 mL. Treatment failures were more likely in the lower lung and for small tumors localized with Xsight spine.ConclusionsThe local efficacy of CyberKnife treatment in lung cancer and lung metastases was influenced by image‐guided localization method, target location within the lung, and tumor volume.
Edge effects across boundaries between natural and restored jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forests in south‐western Australia
Authors: Craig Michael D. , Stokes Vicki L. , Hardy Giles E. StJ. , Hobbs Richard J. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractEdge effects are a widespread and ubiquitous ecological phenomenon, yet they remain poorly studied across edges between restored and natural forests. To address this lack of knowledge, we studied vertebrate communities across edges between 3‐year old restored mine‐pits and adjacent unmined forest in the jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) forest of south‐western Australia. We found that mammal communities showed no edge response but reptile communities did. Overall reptile abundance and Morethia obscura abundance were higher in unmined forest along edges, Egernia napoleonis abundance was lower in unmined forest along edges, while Pogona minor abundance was lower in restored mine‐pits along edges. Predictive models were unable to predict species edge responses, due to the lack of knowledge of the ecology of jarrah forest reptiles, but proved useful in identifying potential ecological mechanisms behind observed edge responses and suggested that potential mechanisms were likely different for each species. Our study is the first to show edge responses in both habitats forming the edge between restored and natural forests, emphasizing the importance of studying both habitats forming the edge. Our results also suggest that, despite being poorly studied, edge responses are common across edges between restored and natural forest and result from a variety of ecological mechanisms. An increased understanding of the ecological mechanisms driving edge responses across edges between restored and natural forests will improve our ability to integrate restored areas into cross‐landscape management and, ultimately, improve our ability to manage landscapes for biodiversity conservation.
Stable isotopes reveal regional movement patterns in an endangered bustard
Authors: Shaw Jessica M. , Ryan Peter G. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractStable isotope analysis is a valuable technique to infer animal movement between isotopically distinct landscapes. For birds in terrestrial systems, it is usually only applied at continental scales, often relying on global isotopic patterns. In contrast, we used this technique to investigate movement patterns of Ludwig's bustard (Neotis ludwigii) at a regional scale, where such information is needed to improve the conservation status of this species. We analysed carbon and nitrogen isotopic compositions of feathers from bustards across two biomes of the semi‐arid rangelands of the Karoo, South Africa, to investigate movement and explore sex and age movement strategy differences. We used a linear discriminant function analysis based on growing feathers to classify fully grown feathers to a Succulent or Nama Karoo biome origin. Six of 12 birds for which all primary feathers were analysed had at least one feather classified as having grown in the Succulent Karoo, supporting the theory that these birds are partial migrants. Feathers from two satellite‐tracked bustards broadly supported the conclusions of the analysis, although food base differences resulting from local rainfall variation probably obscured geographic signals at finer scales. There was no apparent difference in movement strategies between the sexes, but juvenile feathers were almost exclusively assigned to the Nama Karoo, suggesting that most breeding occurs in this biome. Adult and juvenile feathers also had significantly different isotope ratios, which could relate to diet or to differing metabolic processes. This study demonstrates that with a good understanding of the system, carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes can be useful to infer general movement patterns of birds at a regional level.
Y chromosome haplotype diversity of domestic sheep (Ovis aries) in northern Eurasia
Authors: Zhang Min , Peng Wei‐Feng , Yang Guang‐Li , Lv Feng‐Hua , Liu Ming‐Jun , Li Wen‐Rong , Liu Yong‐Gang , Li Jin‐Quan , Wang Feng , Shen Zhi‐Qiang , Zhao Sheng‐Guo , Hehua EEr , Marzanov Nurbiy , Murawski Maziek , Kantanen Juha , Li Meng‐Hua 
Published: September 2014

SummaryVariation in two SNPs and one microsatellite on the Y chromosome was analyzed in a total of 663 rams representing 59 breeds from a large geographic range in northern Eurasia. SNPA‐oY1 showed the highest allele frequency (91.55%) across the breeds, whereas SNPG‐oY1 was present in only 56 samples. Combined genotypes established seven haplotypes (H4, H5, H6, H7, H8, H12 and H19). H6 dominated in northern Eurasia, and H8 showed the second‐highest frequency. H4, which had been earlier reported to be absent in European breeds, was detected in one European breed (Swiniarka), whereas H7, which had been previously identified to be unique to European breeds, was present in two Chinese breeds (Ninglang Black and Large‐tailed Han), one Buryatian (Transbaikal Finewool) and two Russian breeds (North Caucasus Mutton‐Wool and Kuibyshev). H12, which had been detected only in Turkish breeds, was also found in Chinese breeds in this work. An overall low level of haplotype diversity (median h = 0.1288) was observed across the breeds with relatively higher median values in breeds from the regions neighboring the Near Eastern domestication center of sheep. H6 is the dominant haplotype in northwestern and eastern China, in which the haplotype distribution could be explained by the historical translocations of the H4 and H8 Y chromosomes to China via the Mongol invasions followed by expansions to northwestern and eastern China. Our findings extend previous results of sheep Y chromosomal genetic variability and indicate probably recent paternal gene flows between sheep breeds from distinct major geographic regions.
CENTRAL PLANNING LEGACIES: THE LINGERING EFFECTS OF THE GREAT LEAP FORWARD IN CHINA
Authors: He Qichun , Sun Meng 
Published: September 2014

ABSTRACTThe Great Leap Forward (GLF) (1958–61) in China was a natural experiment that removed private property rights to achieve rapid growth via central planning, producing immediate famine and death. Using three measures for the GLF, we find that it still exerts a significant negative effect on output per worker in 2004 across Chinese provinces. This result is robust to the use of political factors from the GLF period as instruments. The causal relationship persists after controlling for climate conditions and initial output per capita. Moreover, the causal relationship exists when we change the dependent variable to output per worker in 1978, which refutes the notion that market‐oriented reforms alone explain the difference in income in 2004. Therefore, the GLF has had a lasting, negative effect on output.
The role of hexokinase in cardioprotection – mechanism and potential for translation
Authors: Halestrap Andrew P , Pereira Gonçalo C , Pasdois Philippe 
Published: September 2014

Mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening plays a critical role in cardiac reperfusion injury and its prevention is cardioprotective. Tumour cell mitochondria usually have high levels of hexokinase isoform 2 (HK2) bound to their outer mitochondrial membranes (OMM) and HK2 binding to heart mitochondria has also been implicated in resistance to reperfusion injury. HK2 dissociates from heart mitochondria during ischaemia, and the extent of this correlates with the infarct size on reperfusion. Here we review the mechanisms and regulations of HK2 binding to mitochondria and how this inhibits mPTP opening and consequent reperfusion injury. Major determinants of HK2 dissociation are the elevated glucose‐6‐phosphate concentrations and decreased pH in ischaemia. These are modulated by the myriad of signalling pathways implicated in preconditioning protocols as a result of a decrease in pre‐ischaemic glycogen content. Loss of mitochondrial HK2 during ischaemia is associated with permeabilization of the OMM to cytochrome c, which leads to greater reactive oxygen species production and mPTP opening during reperfusion. Potential interactions between HK2 and OMM proteins associated with mitochondrial fission (e.g. Drp1) and apoptosis (B‐cell lymphoma 2 family members) in these processes are examined. Also considered is the role of HK2 binding in stabilizing contact sites between the OMM and the inner membrane. Breakage of these during ischaemia is proposed to facilitate cytochrome c loss during ischaemia while increasing mPTP opening and compromising cellular bioenergetics during reperfusion. We end by highlighting the many unanswered questions and discussing the potential of modulating mitochondrial HK2 binding as a pharmacological target.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8
Emerging role of hydrogen sulfide in hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Meng Guoliang , Ma Yan , Xie Liping , Ferro Albert , Ji Yong 
Published: September 2014

Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) has traditionally been viewed as a highly toxic gas; however, recent studies have implicatedH2Sas a third member of the gasotransmitter family, exhibiting properties similar toNOand carbon monoxide. Accumulating evidence has suggested thatH2Sinfluences a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, among which blood vessel relaxation, cardioprotection and atherosclerosis have been particularly studied. In the cardiovascular system,H2Sproduction is predominantly catalyzed by cystathionine γ‐lyase (CSE). Decreased endogenousH2Slevels have been found in hypertensive patients and animals, andCSE−/−mice develop hypertension with age, suggesting that a deficiency inH2Scontributes importantly toBPregulation.H2Ssupplementation attenuates hypertension in different hypertensive animal models. The mechanism by whichH2Swas originally proposed to attenuate hypertension was by virtue of its action on vascular tone, which may be related to effects on different ion channels. BothH2SandNOcause vasodilatation and there is cross‐talk between these two molecules to regulateBP. Suppression of oxidative stress may also contribute to antihypertensive effects ofH2S. This review also summarizes the state of research onH2Sand hypertension inChina. A better understanding of the role ofH2Sin hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases will allow novel strategies to be devised for their treatment.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Chinese Innovation in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visithttp://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-23
Extracellular signalling molecules in the ischaemic/reperfused heart – druggable and translatable for cardioprotection?
Authors: Kleinbongard P , Heusch G 
Published: September 2014

In patients with acute myocardial infarction, timely reperfusion is essential to limit infarct size. However, reperfusion also adds to myocardial injury. Brief episodes of ischaemia/reperfusion in the myocardium or on organ remote from the heart, before or shortly after sustained myocardial ischaemia effectively reduce infarct size, provided there is eventual reperfusion. Such conditioning phenomena have been established in many experimental studies and also translated to humans. The underlying signal transduction, that is the molecular identity of triggers, mediators and effectors, is not clear yet in detail, but several extracellular signalling molecules, such as adenosine, bradykinin and opioids, have been identified to contribute to cardioprotection by conditioning manoeuvres. Several trials have attempted the translation of cardioprotection by such autacoids into a clinical scenario of myocardial ischaemia and reperfusion. Adenosine and its selective agonists reduced infarct size in a few studies, but this benefit was not translated into improved clinical outcome. All studies with bradykinin or drugs which increase bradykinin's bioavailability reported reduced infarct size and some of them also improved clinical outcome. Synthetic opioid agonists did not result in a robust infarct size reduction, but this failure of translation may relate to the cardioprotective properties of the underlying anaesthesia per se or of the comparator drugs. The translation of findings in healthy, young animals with acute coronary occlusion/reperfusion to patients of older age, with a variety of co‐morbidities and co‐medications, suffering from different scenarios of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion remains a challenge.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8
Signalling pathways and mechanisms of protection in pre‐ and postconditioning: historical perspective and lessons for the future
Authors: Cohen Michael V , Downey James M 
Published: September 2014

Ischaemic pre‐ and postconditioning are potent cardioprotective interventions that spare ischaemic myocardium and decrease infarct size after periods of myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion. They are dependent on complex signalling pathways involving ligands released from ischaemic myocardium, G‐protein‐linked receptors, membrane growth factor receptors, phospholipids, signalling kinases, NO, PKC and PKG, mitochondrial ATP‐sensitive potassium channels, reactive oxygen species, TNF‐α and sphingosine‐1‐phosphate. The final effector is probably the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and the signalling produces protection by preventing pore formation. Many investigators have worked to produce a roadmap of this signalling with the hope that it would reveal where one could intervene to therapeutically protect patients with acute myocardial infarction whose hearts are being reperfused. However, attempts to date to show efficacy of such an intervention in large clinical trials have been unsuccessful. Reasons for this inability to translate successes in the experimental laboratory to the clinical arena are evaluated in this review. It is suggested that all patients with acute coronary syndromes currently presenting to the hospital and being treated with platelet P2Y12 receptor antagonists, the current standard of care, are indeed already benefiting from protection from the conditioning pathways outlined earlier. If that proves to be the case, then future attempts to further decrease infarction will have to rely on interventions which protect by a different mechanism.Linked ArticlesThis article is part of a themed section on Conditioning the Heart – Pathways to Translation. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue‐8
Preclinical development ofAMG139, a human antibody specifically targetingIL‐23
Authors: Köck K , Pan W J , Gow J M , Horner M J , Gibbs J P , Colbert A , Goletz T J , Newhall K J , Rees W A , Sun Y , Zhang Y , O'Neill J C , Umble‐Romero A N , Prokop S P , Krill C D , Som L , Buntich S A , Trimble M W , Tsuji W H , Towne J E 
Published: September 2014

Background and PurposeAMG139 is a human anti‐IL‐23 antibody currently in a phaseIItrial for treatingCrohn's disease. To support its clinical development in humans,in vitroassays andin vivostudies were conducted in cynomolgus monkeys to determine the pharmacology, preclinical characteristics and safety of this monoclonal antibody.Experimental ApproachThein vitropharmacology, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics and toxicology ofAMG139, after single or weekly i.v. or s.c. administration for up to 26 weeks, were evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys.Key ResultsAMG139 bound with high affinity to both human and cynomolgus monkeyIL‐23 and specifically neutralized the biological activity ofIL‐23 without binding or blockingIL‐12. After a single dose, linearPKwith s.c. bioavailability of 81% and mean half‐life of 8.4–13 days were observed. After weekly s.c. dosing for 3 or 6 months,AMG139 exposure increased approximately dose‐proportionally from 30 to 300 mg·kg−1and mean accumulation between the first and last dose ranged from 2‐ to 3.5‐fold. Peripheral blood immunophenotyping, T‐cell‐dependent antigen responses and bone formation markers were not different betweenAMG139 and vehicle treatment. No adverse clinical signs, effects on body weight, vital signs, ophthalmic parameters, clinical pathology,ECG, organ weights or histopathology were observed in the monkeys with the highest dose ofAMG139 tested (300 mg·kg−1s.c. or i.v.).Conclusions and ImplicationsThein vitropharmacology,PK, immunogenicity and safety characteristics ofAMG139 in cynomolgus monkeys support its continued clinical development for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases.