bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of changes in county public health expenditures on general health in the population
Authors: Brown Timothy T. , Martinez-Gutierrez Maria S. , Navab Bahar 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe estimate the effect of changes in the per capita expenditures of county departments of public health on county-level general health status. Using panel data on 40 counties in California (2001–2009), dynamic panel estimation techniques are combined with the Lewbel instrumental variable technique to estimate an aggregate demand for health function that measures the causal cumulative impact that per capita public health expenditures have on county-level general health status. We find that a $10 long-term increase in per capita public health expenditures would increase the percentage of the population reporting good, very good or excellent health by 0.065 percentage points. Each year expenditures were increased would result in ∼24,000 individuals moving from the ‘poor or fair health’ category to the ‘good, very good or excellent health’ category across these 40 counties. In terms of the overall impact of county public health departments on general health status, at current funding levels, each annual expenditure cycle results in over 207,000 individuals being in the ‘good, very good or excellent’ categories of health status rather than the ‘poor or fair’ categories.
Global constitutionalism in historical perspective: Towards refined tools for international constitutional histories
Authors: MÜLLER THOMAS 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis article raises the question of how the evolution of constitutional structures in international history can be conceptualized and narrated. This question is nurtured by the divergent historical accounts found in the literature on global constitutionalism and the historical-comparative literature on international societies. Although both literatures have so far largely ignored each other, they share a number of common conceptual problems and should therefore engage in a dialogue. The article sketches out the contours of such a dialogue to reveal the insufficient sensitivity of both literatures to the historicity of constitutional structures as well as their inherent political dimension. This article proposes to conceptualize constitutional structures as a set of fundamental and prioritized principles and rules that serves as a framework for the self-ordering of relations between polities. It thereby differentiates between a meta-constitutional and a legal-constitutional dimension and proposes seven analytical tools for more nuanced and empirically sensitive constitutional histories of interpolity relations. Such a historical perspective helps to account for the conditions of emergence as well as to delineate the novelty of contemporary global constitutionalism.
Bacteria, phages and pigs: the effects of in-feed antibiotics on the microbiome at different gut locations
Authors: Looft Torey , Allen Heather K , Cantarel Brandi L , Levine Uri Y , Bayles Darrell O , Alt David P , Henrissat Bernard , Stanton Thaddeus B 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Disturbance of the beneficial gut microbial community is a potential collateral effect of antibiotics, which have many uses in animal agriculture (disease treatment or prevention and feed efficiency improvement). Understanding antibiotic effects on bacterial communities at different intestinal locations is essential to realize the full benefits and consequences of in-feed antibiotics. In this study, we defined the lumenal and mucosal bacterial communities from the small intestine (ileum) and large intestine (cecum and colon) plus feces, and characterized the effects of in-feed antibiotics (chlortetracycline, sulfamethazine and penicillin (ASP250)) on these communities. 16S rRNA gene sequence and metagenomic analyses of bacterial membership and functions revealed dramatic differences between small and large intestinal locations, including enrichment of Firmicutes and phage-encoding genes in the ileum. The large intestinal microbiota encoded numerous genes to degrade plant cell wall components, and these genes were lacking in the ileum. The mucosa-associated ileal microbiota harbored greater bacterial diversity than the lumen but similar membership to the mucosa of the large intestine, suggesting that most gut microbes can associate with the mucosa and might serve as an inoculum for the lumen. The collateral effects on the microbiota of antibiotic-fed animals caused divergence from that of control animals, with notable changes being increases in Escherichia coli populations in the ileum, Lachnobacterium spp. in all gut locations, and resistance genes to antibiotics not administered. Characterizing the differential metabolic capacities and response to perturbation at distinct intestinal locations will inform strategies to improve gut health and food safety.
A thermodynamic theory of microbial growth
Authors: Desmond-Le Quéméner Elie , Bouchez Théodore 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Our ability to model the growth of microbes only relies on empirical laws, fundamentally restricting our understanding and predictive capacity in many environmental systems. In particular, the link between energy balances and growth dynamics is still not understood. Here we demonstrate a microbial growth equation relying on an explicit theoretical ground sustained by Boltzmann statistics, thus establishing a relationship between microbial growth rate and available energy. The validity of our equation was then questioned by analyzing the microbial isotopic fractionation phenomenon, which can be viewed as a kinetic consequence of the differences in energy contents of isotopic isomers used for growth. We illustrate how the associated theoretical predictions are actually consistent with recent experimental evidences. Our work links microbial population dynamics to the thermodynamic driving forces of the ecosystem, which opens the door to many biotechnological and ecological developments.
Bilateral Suprazygomatic Maxillary Nerve Block for Cleft Palate Repair in Children
Authors: Chiono Julien , Raux Olivier , Bringuier Sophie , Sola Chrystelle , Bigorre Michèle , Capdevila Xavier , Dadure Christophe 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background:
The authors investigated the efficacy of bilateral suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block (SMB) for postoperative pain relief in infants undergoing cleft palate repair.

Methods:
In this prospective, double-blind, single-site, randomized, and parallel-arm controlled trial, 60 children were assigned to undergo bilateral SMB with general anesthesia with either 0.15 ml/kg of 0.2% ropivacaine (Ropi group) or 0.15 ml/kg of isotonic saline (Saline group) on each side. The primary endpoint was total postoperative morphine consumption at 48 h. Pain scores and respiratory- and SMB-related complications were noted.

Results:
The overall dose of intravenous morphine after 48 h (mean [95% CI]) was lower in the Ropi group compared with that in the Saline group (104.3 [68.9 to 139.6] vs. 205.2 [130.7 to 279.7] μg/kg; P = 0.033). Continuous morphine infusion was less frequent in the Ropi group compared with that in the Saline group (1 patient [3.6%] vs. 9 patients [31%]; P = 0.006). Three patients in the Saline group had an episode of oxygen desaturation requiring oxygen therapy. There were no technical failures or immediate complications of the SMB. Intraoperative hemodynamic parameters, doses of sufentanil, pain scores, and postoperative hydroxyzine requirements were not different between the two groups.

Conclusion:
Bilateral SMB is an easy regional anesthesia technique that reduces total morphine consumption at 48 h after cleft palate repair in children and the use of continuous infusion of morphine and may decrease postoperative respiratory complications.
Endothelial Barrier Protection by Local Anesthetics
Authors: Piegeler Tobias , Votta-Velis E. Gina , Bakhshi Farnaz R. , Mao Mao , Carnegie Graeme , Bonini Marcelo G. , Schwartz David E. , Borgeat Alain , Beck-Schimmer Beatrice , Minshall Richard D. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background:
Pulmonary endothelial barrier dysfunction mediated in part by Src-kinase activation plays a crucial role in acute inflammatory disease. Proinflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), activate Src via phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase/Akt-dependent nitric oxide generation, a process initiated by recruitment of phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase regulatory subunit p85 to TNF-receptor-1. Because amide-linked local anesthetics have well-established anti-inflammatory effects, the authors hypothesized that ropivacaine and lidocaine attenuate inflammatory Src signaling by disrupting the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase–Akt–nitric oxide pathway, thus blocking Src-dependent neutrophil adhesion and endothelial hyperpermeability.

Methods:
Human lung microvascular endothelial cells, incubated with TNFα in the absence or presence of clinically relevant concentrations of ropivacaine and lidocaine, were analyzed by Western blot, probing for phosphorylated/activated Src, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, Akt, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and caveolin-1. The effect of ropivacaine on TNFα-induced nitric oxide generation, co-immunoprecipitation of TNF-receptor-1 with p85, neutrophil adhesion, and endothelial barrier disruption were assessed.

Results:
Ropivacaine and lidocaine attenuated TNFα-induced Src activation (half-maximal inhibitory concentration [IC50] = 8.611 × 10−10 M for ropivacaine; IC50 = 5.864 × 10−10 M for lidocaine) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase phosphorylation (IC50 = 7.572 × 10−10 M for ropivacaine; IC50 = 6.377 × 10−10 M for lidocaine). Akt activation (n = 7; P = 0.006) and stimulus-dependent binding of TNF-receptor-1 and p85 (n = 6; P = 0.043) were blocked by 1 nM of ropivacaine. TNFα-induced neutrophil adhesion and disruption of endothelial monolayers via Src-dependent intercellular adhesion molecule-1- and caveolin-1-phosphorylation, respectively, were also attenuated.

Conclusions:
Ropivacaine and lidocaine effectively blocked inflammatory TNFα signaling in endothelial cells by attenuating p85 recruitment to TNF-receptor-1. The resultant decrease in Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase, and Src phosphorylation reduced neutrophil adhesion and endothelial hyperpermeability. This novel anti-inflammatory “side-effect” of ropivacaine and lidocaine may provide therapeutic benefit in acute inflammatory disease.
Genomic V-gene repertoire in reptiles
Authors: Olivieri David N. , von Haeften Bernardo , Sánchez-Espinel Christian , Faro Jose , Gambón-Deza Francisco 
Published: February 2014

AbstractReptiles and mammals diverged over 300 million years ago, creating two parallel evolutionary lineages amongst terrestrial vertebrates. In reptiles, two main evolutionary lines emerged, one gave rise to Squamata, while the other gave rise to Testudines, Crocodylia and birds. In this study, we determined the genomic variable (V)-gene repertoire in reptiles corresponding to the three main immunoglobulin (Ig) loci and the four main T-cell receptor (TCR) loci. We show that squamata lack the TCRγ/δgenes and snakes lack the Vκgenes. In representative species of testudines and crocodiles, the seven major Ig and TCR loci are maintained. As in mammals, genes of the Ig loci can be grouped into well-defined clans through a multi-species phylogenetic analysis. We show that the reptile VH and Vλgenes are distributed amongst the established mammalian clans, while their Vκgenes are found within a single clan, nearly exclusive from the mammalian sequences. The reptile and mammal V-genes of the TRA locus cluster into six common evolutionary clans. In contrast, the reptile V-genes from the TRB locus cluster into three clans, which have few mammalian members. In this locus, the V-gene sequences from mammals appear to have undergone different evolutionary diversification processes that occurred outside these shared reptile clans.
Elements Required for an Efficient NADP-Malic Enzyme Type C4 Photosynthesis
Authors: Wang Yu , Long Stephen P. , Zhu Xin-Guang 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
C4 photosynthesis has higher light, nitrogen, and water use efficiencies than C3 photosynthesis. Although the basic anatomical, cellular, and biochemical features of C4 photosynthesis are well understood, the quantitative significance of each element of C4 photosynthesis to the high photosynthetic efficiency are not well defined. Here, we addressed this question by developing and using a systems model of C4 photosynthesis, which includes not only the Calvin-Benson cycle, starch synthesis, sucrose synthesis, C4 shuttle, and CO2 leakage, but also photorespiration and metabolite transport between the bundle sheath cells and mesophyll cells. The model effectively simulated the CO2 uptake rates, and the changes of metabolite concentrations under varied CO2 and light levels. Analyses show that triose phosphate transport and CO2 leakage can help maintain a high photosynthetic rate by balancing ATP and NADPH amounts in bundle sheath cells and mesophyll cells. Finally, we used the model to define the optimal enzyme properties and a blueprint for C4 engineering. As such, this model provides a theoretical framework for guiding C4 engineering and studying C4 photosynthesis in general.
Pathway-Level Acceleration of Glycogen Catabolism by a Response Regulator in the Cyanobacterium Synechocystis Species PCC 6803
Authors: Osanai Takashi , Oikawa Akira , Numata Keiji , Kuwahara Ayuko , Iijima Hiroko , Doi Yoshiharu , Saito Kazuki , Hirai Masami Yokota 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Response regulators of two-component systems play pivotal roles in the transcriptional regulation of responses to environmental signals in bacteria. Rre37, an OmpR-type response regulator, is induced by nitrogen depletion in the unicellular cyanobacterium Synechocystis species PCC 6803. Microarray and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed that genes related to sugar catabolism and nitrogen metabolism were up-regulated by rre37 overexpression. Protein levels of GlgP(slr1367), one of the two glycogen phosphorylases, in the rre37-overexpressing strain were higher than those of the parental wild-type strain under both nitrogen-replete and nitrogen-depleted conditions. Glycogen amounts decreased to less than one-tenth by rre37 overexpression under nitrogen-replete conditions. Metabolome analysis revealed that metabolites of the sugar catabolic pathway and amino acids were altered in the rre37-overexpressing strain after nitrogen depletion. These results demonstrate that Rre37 is a pathway-level regulator that activates the metabolic flow from glycogen to polyhydroxybutyrate and the hybrid tricarboxylic acid and ornithine cycle, unraveling the mechanism of the transcriptional regulation of primary metabolism in this unicellular cyanobacterium.
A Calcium-Independent Activation of the Arabidopsis SOS2-Like Protein Kinase24 by Its Interacting SOS3-Like Calcium Binding Protein1
Authors: Lin Huixin , Du Wenming , Yang Yongqing , Schumaker Karen S. , Guo Yan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The salt stress-induced SALT-OVERLY-SENSITIVE (SOS) pathway in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) involves the perception of a calcium signal by the SOS3 and SOS3-like CALCIUM-BINDING PROTEIN8 (SCaBP8) calcium sensors, which then interact with and activate the SOS2 protein kinase, forming a complex at the plasma membrane that activates the SOS1 Na+/H+ exchanger. It has recently been reported that phosphorylation of SCaBP proteins by SOS2-like protein kinases (PKSs) stabilizes the interaction between the two proteins as part of a regulatory mechanism that was thought to be common to all SCaBP and PKS proteins. Here, we report the calcium-independent activation of PKS24 by SCaBP1 and show that activation is dependent on interaction of PKS24 with the C-terminal tail of SCaBP1. However, unlike what has been found for other PKS-SCaBP pairs, multiple amino acids in SCaBP1 are phosphorylated by PKS24, and this phosphorylation is dependent on the interaction of the proteins through the PKS24 FISL motif and on the efficient activation of PKS24 by the C-terminal tail of SCaBP1. In addition, we show that Thr-211 and Thr-212, which are not common phosphorylation sites in the conserved PFPF motif found in most SCaBP proteins, are important for this activation. Finally, we also found that SCaBP1-regulated PKS24 kinase activity is important for inactivating the Arabidopsis plasma membrane proton-translocating adenosine triphosphatase. Together, these results suggest the existence of a novel SCaBP-PKS regulatory mechanism in plants.
The dangers of the day of birth
Authors: Walker KF , Cohen AL , Walker SH , Allen KM , Baines DL , Thornton JG 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo compare the risk of fetal death on the day of childbirth, with the risk of death at other ages, and with the risks of some hazardous activities, on a common scale of risk per day.DesignReview of publicly available data.SettingUK.SampleData extracted from the Office of National Statistics and other sources.MethodsData from the Office of National Statistics and other sources were used to calculate death rates at different ages expressed as rates per day of life. Death rates for different activities were also calculated as risks per day, or risks per activity, as appropriate. All risks were expressed in micromorts, the number of one in a million chances of dying. Figures on life expectancy (LE) were used to compare potential life years lost.Main outcome measuresDaily, or unit of activity, risk of dying for different activities compared with the risk of dying on the day of childbirth.ResultsThe risk of dying on the day of birth (0.43 per 1000, or 430 micromorts) exceeds that of any other average day of life until the 92nd year. It is comparable with other apparently more dangerous activities, such as undergoing major surgery. For comparison, the average risk of non‐natural death per day and the increased risk from smoking one cigarette or travelling 200 miles by car are all about 1 micromort.ConclusionsThe lifetime risk of death in childbirth is low, but is concentrated in a short period, making being born a high‐risk activity. Parents considering interventions to reduce these risks should be made aware of this.
Differential expression of natural killer activating and inhibitory receptors in patients with newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ye Zhuang , Ma Ning , Zhao Ling , Jiang Zhen‐Yu , Jiang Yan‐Fang 
Published: February 2014

AbstractAimSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) presents as the abnormal activation and over‐proliferation of immune competent cells. Few studies have characterized the role of natural killer (NK) and NK T (NKT) cells in the pathogenesis of SLE, and therefore a consensus has not been reached as yet.MethodThirty‐two patients with new‐onset SLE and 15 healthy controls were recruited. Activated and inhibitory NK and NKT cells in peripheral blood were quantified by flow cytometry. The proportions of spontaneous and stimulated interferon (IFN)‐γ+ NK and NKT cells and CD107a+ NK cells was examined. Finally, the potential relationship between the cell subsets and clinical indexes was analyzed.ResultsThe proportions of NK and NKT cells (P = 0.002 and 0.004, respectively) as well as the proportions of NKG2C+ NK cells, inhibitory NK and NKT cell subsets (P = 0.016, P = 0.019, P = 0.049, and P = 0.028, respectively) in SLE patients were significantly lower than those in controls. In contrast, the proportions of activated NK cells and NKT cell subsets were significantly higher (P = 0.036, P = 0.034, P = 0.005, and P = 0.007, respectively). Moreover, the proportions of stimulated IFN‐γ+ NKT cells were significantly higher than in the controls, and the proportions of stimulated CD107a+ NKT cells in SLE patients were significantly lower than in the controls (P = 0.032 and P = 0.02, respectively).ConclusionLower proportions of NK and NKT cells, higher proportions of activated NK cells and activated NKT cells, lower proportions of inhibitory NK and NKT cells, higher NKT cell activity, and lower NKT cell degranulation may induce the autoimmune reaction involved in the pathogenesis of SLE.
Factors associated with winged forms of soybean aphid and an examination of North American spatial dynamics of this species in the context of migratory behaviour
Authors: Bahlai Christine A. , Schaafsma Arthur W. , Lagos Doris , Voegtlin David , Smith Jocelyn L. , Andrew Welsman J. , Xue Yingen , DiFonzo Christina , Hallett Rebecca H. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Soybean aphid is a severe invasive pest of soybeans in North America. From 2005 onward, a network of 47 suction traps in North America, each approximately 7 m in height, has monitored aerial populations of this species.
Suction trap captures of alate viviparous Aphis glycines in summer, and gynoparae and males in the autumn, were subjected to negative binomial regressions with environmental parameters. Models were ranked by using information‐theoretic methods to determine which parameters best explained aerial density of aphids. Multiparameter models incorporating the best parameters were constructed.
Best‐fit models were used to compute peak values of each parameter, where a quadratic relationship between captures and that parameter occurred. Data were subjected to non‐metric multidimensional scaling and analysis of similarity to observe patterns in the geographical and temporal distribution of captures.
Summer flight activity A. glycines was explained best by the level of aphid infestation in fields local to the trapping site, although the autumn female flight activity peak and male activity was best explained by photoperiod.
Seven‐metre tall suction traps are useful for determining when flight activity of A. glycines occurs within a region.
Development and validation of a model forecasting the phenology of European tarnished plant bug Lygus rugulipennis in the U.K
Authors: Xu Xiang‐Ming , Jay Chantelle N. , Fountain Michelle T. , Linka Judit , Fitzgerald Jean D. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

The European tarnished plant bug Lygus rugulipennis has caused significant economic damage to strawberry production in the U.K. in recent years.
Laboratory experiments were conducted to study L. rugulipennis development under fluctuating low temperatures. The results indicated that L. rugulipennis can develop at an appreciable rate at 10 °C.
We have developed a model predicting the phenology of L. rugulipennis in the U.K. The model assumes that adults overwinter and uses temperature from the first day of a calendar year to simulate pest development. The model was validated against field observations of L. rugulipennis population dynamics monitored under both open‐field and protected conditions on weeds and strawberry plants. Predicted L. rugulipennis population patterns from the model agreed well with the observed data.
The L. rugulipennis model can be used in practice to enable growers to identify the timing of the first generation of L. rugulipennis adult dispersal into strawberry, or other crops, from weeds. The model will also assist growers with the timing of the deployment of pheromone traps and interpreting the importance of trap catches. This will allow growers to better time and target applications of insecticides against damaging life stages of the pest.