bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expression of neuropeptide Y and pro‐opiomelanocortin in hypothalamic arcuate nucleus in 17α‐ethinyl estradiol‐induced intrahepatic cholestasis pregnant rat offspring
Authors: Shi Qingyun , Wang Jingjing , Yan Shi , Zhao Jin , Li Hongxia 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimThe purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus of intrahepatic cholestasis pregnant (ICP) offspring.MethodsThe model of ICP rats was established by injecting s.c. 17α‐ethinyl estradiol. The expression of NPY and POMC in female offspring was determined by quantitative real‐time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, western blotting and immunohistochemistry at birthday and 6 months.ResultsICP group offspring had lower bodyweight at birthday. ICP offspring were markedly heavier than control offspring after 6 months. mRNA and protein expression of NPY and POMC significantly increased at 6 months as compared with the birthday among control offspring. Among ICP offspring, mRNA and protein expression of NPY and POMC also were higher at 6 months than at birthday. The mRNA and protein expression of NPY were higher in ICP offspring than that of control offspring at birthday. The mRNA and protein expression of POMC were decreased in ICP offspring than that of control offspring. After 6 months, the mRNA expression and protein expression of NPY also were higher in ICP offspring than that of control offspring. The mRNA expression and protein expression of POMC also were decreased in ICP offspring than that of control offspring. The results were confirmed by immunohistochemistry.ConclusionICP offspring demonstrated evidence of persistent appetite stimulation with significantly upregulated NPY expression and reduced POMC expression at birthday and 6 months. ICP offspring showed a hunger state and then gained weight.
Emergency cerclage versus expectant management for prolapsed fetal membranes: A retrospective, comparative study
Authors: Aoki Shigeru , Ohnuma Emi , Kurasawa Kentaro , Okuda Mika , Takahashi Tsuneo , Hirahara Fumiki 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo compare outcomes after emergency cerclage versus expectant management for prolapsed fetal membranes in women with cervical incompetency.MethodsThe January 2000–December 2012 hospital database was analyzed to identify women managed for prolapsed fetal membranes who did not have premature rupture of membranes, clinically discernible chorioamnionitis, or treatment‐resistant uterine contractions from 15 to 26 weeks of gestation retrospectively. Durations of pregnancy prolongation and numbers of deliveries after 32 and 28 weeks were compared between women undergoing emergency cervical cerclage and those receiving expectant management.ResultsFifteen of the 35 women underwent emergency cervical cerclage (‘cerclage group’), while the other 20 were managed expectantly (‘bedrest group’). In the cerclage group, median gestational ages at procedure and delivery times were 22.6 (15.9–26.1) and 32.4 (19.4–41.6) weeks, respectively. Median gestational ages on admission and at delivery in the bedrest group were 23.4 (21.1–26.4) and 26.0 (23.1–36.4) weeks, respectively. The median duration of pregnancy prolongation was 44 days (4–165) in the cerclage group and 12.5 days (2–93) in the bedrest group (P < 0.01). Numbers of deliveries after 28 and 32 weeks were both significantly higher in the cerclage than in the bedrest group (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn women with prolapsed fetal membranes but no signs of infection or painful uterine contractions, emergency cervical cerclage prolonged pregnancy duration as compared with expectant management.
First Report of Leaf Blight Disease Caused by Fusarium verticillioides (Teleomorph Gibberella moniliformis) in Kentucky Bluegrass
Authors: Lee Jung Han , Oh Sojin , Kim Dong Soo , Kwak Youn‐Sig 
Published: October 2013

AbstractLeaf blight symptom caused by Gibberella moniliformis was observed in the seedlings of Kentucky bluegrass (cv. Perfection) in Jinju, Korea, in January 2013. The symptoms first appeared as brown to yellow lesions on leaves, which later became white and bleached. The pathogen was isolated from turfgrass leaves and identified as G. moniliformis by using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS)1 and ITS4 sequences of rRNA. G. moniliformis was confirmed by a pathogenicity test, and the causal agent was reisolated from infected turfgrass.
Principal climatic and edaphic determinants of Culicoides biting midge abundance during the 2007–2008 bluetongue epidemic in the Netherlands, based on OVI light trap data
Authors: SCOLAMACCHIA F. , VAN DEN BROEK J. , MEISWINKEL R. , HEESTERBEEK J. A. P. , ELBERS A. R. W. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractPalaearctic Culicoides midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) represent a vital link in the northward advance of certain arboviral pathogens of livestock such as that caused by bluetongue virus. The effects of relevant ecological factors on weekly Culicoides vector abundances during the bluetongue virus serotype 8 epidemics in the Netherlands in 2007 and 2008 were quantified within a hurdle modelling framework. The relative role of meteorological parameters showed a broadly consistent association across species, with larger catches linked to temperature‐related variables and lower wind speed. Moreover, vector abundance was found to be influenced by edaphic factors, likely related to species‐specific breeding habitat preferences that differed markedly amongst some species. This is the first study on Culicoides vector species in the Netherlands identified during an entomological surveillance programme, in which an attempt is made to pinpoint the factors that influence midge abundance levels. In addition to providing key inputs into risk‐mitigating tools for midge‐borne pathogens and disease transmission models, the adoption of methods that explicitly address certain features of abundance datasets (frequent zero‐count observations and over‐dispersion) helped enhance the robustness of the ecological analysis.
The use of essential oils in veterinary ectoparasite control: a review
Authors: ELLSE L. , WALL R. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThere is a growing body of evidence indicating the potential value of essential oils as control agents against a range of arthropod ectoparasites, particularly lice, mites and ticks. Toxicity has been demonstrated following immersion and physical contact with treated surfaces, as well as after exposure to the vapour of these oils; the last of these factors implies that there is a neurotoxic, rather than simply a mechanical, pathway in their mode of action. However, the volatile nature of essential oils suggests that their residual activity is likely to be short‐lived. A possible advantage of essential oils over conventional ectoparasite treatments may refer to their reported ovicidal efficacy, although it is unclear whether this results from neurotoxicity or mechanical suffocation. There are many difficulties in comparing the findings of existing studies of essential oil toxicity. One major issue is the wide variation among batches in the relative concentrations of oil constituents. A second issue concerns the fact that many experimental designs make it difficult to confirm that the effect seen is attributable to the oil; in many cases inappropriate controls mean that the effects of the excipient on mortality cannot be distinguished. Hence, it is important that an excipient‐only control is always included in these bioassays. Furthermore, in direct contact assays, when attempting to identify the toxicity pathway of the essential oil tested, it is important to include a hydrophobic control. Without this, it is impossible to distinguish simple mechanical effects from neurological or other cellular toxicity. The use of essential oils in the control of veterinary ectoparasites is an area which holds considerable potential for the future and research into their use is still at an early stage. More extensive field trials, the standardization of components, the standardization of extraction, the standardization of good experimental design, mammalian toxicology profiling and excipient development, as well as further investigation into the residual activities and shelf‐lives of these oils are all required to allow the full realization of their potential.
GENERAL EQUILIBRIUM ECOSYSTEM MODELING WITH ALTERNATIVE PREFERENCE SPECIFICATIONS
Authors: STRONG AARON , OLIVER MATTHEW E. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper reconciles two sets of literature with regard to the interactive ecological and economic impacts of invasive grass species and cattle stocking. We model cattle as optimal foragers, satiation foragers, and proportional foragers in order to understand the impact that each assumption imposes on predicted economic and ecological outcomes. Through this model sensitivity (as opposed to parameter sensitivity) analysis, we are able to identify three main drivers of plant invasions: exogenous forces such as climate change or nitrogen deposition, poor land management decisions, and a misalignment of incentives between cattle and ranchers even when ranchers behave optimally.
How do Migrants Choose Their Destination Country? An Analysis of Institutional Determinants
Authors: Geis Wido , Uebelmesser Silke , Werding Martin 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWe analyze the effects of socio‐economic and institutional determinants, especially labor‐market institutions and features of social protection systems, on migrants’ location choices. Based on micro‐data for France, Germany, the UK, and the USA, we study migration to one of these four countries using a multinomial choice framework. Our estimates confirm conventional results regarding wages, networks, and unemployment rates. In addition, we find that there are indications of “insider–outsider effects” for union coverage and unemployment benefits, while employment protection does not have a clear‐cut impact on migration. Good education and health systems tend to attract migrants, while generous pension systems deter them.
Export Spillovers of FDI on China's Domestic Firms
Authors: Chen Chunlai , Sheng Yu , Findlay Christopher 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper examines the horizontal and vertical export spillovers of foreign direct investment (FDI) on China's manufacturing domestic firms by using firm‐level census data over the period of 2000–03. Based on a Heckman two‐step procedure combining first differencing and instrumental variable regression techniques, it is found that FDI has had a positive impact on the export value of domestic firms mainly through backward technology spillovers and a positive impact on the export‐to‐sales ratio of domestic firms through horizontal export‐related information spillovers. After decomposing FDI by different market orientation and domestic firms by different ownership, the paper finds that the positive impact on domestic firms' export values is mainly from the nonexporting and the exporting foreign‐invested enterprises while the positive impact on domestic firms' export‐to‐sales ratios is mainly from the high‐exporting foreign‐invested enterprises. Both types of export spillovers are mainly diffused to domestic non‐state‐owned enterprises.
A Win–Win–Win Tariff–Tax Reform under Imperfect Competition
Authors: Fujiwara Kenji 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTaking into account non‐constant marginal costs, this paper considers the effects of a tariff cut combined with a consumption tax increase on welfare, government revenue, and market access. We show that welfare, government revenue, and market access can all improve with this policy reform under decreasing marginal costs. This result may provide a theoretical rationale for the above policy reform, which is guided by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Is Corporate Environmentalism Good for Domestic Welfare?
Authors: Jinji Naoto 
Published: October 2013

AbstractMany private firms voluntarily care about the environment and declare that their products and production processes are environmentally friendly. This paper shows that corporate environmentalism may reduce the effectiveness of government policies. A simple third‐market trade model with strategic environmental and trade policy is employed, in which an environmentally conscious domestic firm competes with a profit‐maximizing foreign firm. It is shown that even if emission taxes and export subsidies are both available, corporate environmentalism may reduce domestic welfare when pollution is transboundary. In the realistic situation where export subsidies are prohibited, welfare may fall even if pollution is local.
The Effects of Trade Liberalization in a Vertical Structure
Authors: Liu Yao , Mukherjee Arijit 
Published: October 2013

AbstractDespite the importance of international trade on intermediate goods, the literature did not pay much attention to this aspect in determining the effects of trade liberalization in the presence of a labor union. We take up this issue here and show the effects of trade liberalization on the final goods and/or the intermediate goods, where the domestic firm pays unionized wage and imports intermediate goods. We show that trade liberalization on the intermediate goods (final goods) increases (decreases) the unionized wage, labor union's utility and domestic profit. Trade liberalization on both the final goods and intermediate goods may either increase or decrease the domestic unionized wage, labor union's utility and domestic profit depending on the input coefficients and the initial tariff levels. Our qualitative results are robust with respect to the intermediate goods market structure, the pricing strategy of the intermediate goods producers and the union's objective function.
Technological Constraints, Firm Heterogeneity, and Location Choice of Multinational Enterprises
Authors: Nishiyama Hiroyuki , Yamaguchi Masao 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper aims to examine the relationship between the location choices of multinational enterprises and their productivity considering the North–South differences in regard to technological constraints. We find that home firms with the highest level of productivity choose to undertake foreign direct investment (FDI) in the developed countries and they choose to export to, rather than do FDI in, developing countries. This result explains why not many high tech industries exist in developing countries. Using Japanese firm level data, we also confirm that Japanese high tech firms tend to undertake FDI in developed countries, but hesitate to invest in developing countries empirically.
Trade Liberalization and the Degree of Competition in International Duopoly
Authors: Ashournia Damoun , Svejstrup Hansen Per , Worm Hansen Jonas 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThis paper analyzes how a reduction in trade costs influences the possibility for firms to engage in international cartels, and hence how trade liberalization affects the degree of competition. We consider a particular intra‐industry trade model amended to allow for firms producing differentiated products. Our main finding is that trade liberalization may have an anti‐competitive effect. We find that there is no unique relation between a reduction in trade costs and the degree of competition. When products are differentiated, a lowering of trade costs is pro‐competitive if trade costs are initially high, but anti‐competitive if trade costs initially are low. Hence, trade policy is not necessarily a substitute for competition policy.
Phase‐shifting response to light in older adults
Authors: Kim Seong Jae , Benloucif Susan , Reid Kathryn Jean , Weintraub Sandra , Kennedy Nancy , Wolfe Lisa F. , Zee Phyllis C. 
Published: October 2013

Key points
Ageing is characterized by changes in circadian rhythms.
Reduced light exposure or reduced responsiveness to light in older adults may contribute to age‐related circadian changes.
We hypothesized that the aged circadian clock would exhibit a decreased response to light at a lower intensity (2000 lux) but not to light at a higher intensity (8000 lux). Here, we assessed phase‐shifting responses to 2 h of broad‐spectrum white light at two different intensities in 29 healthy younger and 16 healthy older subjects.
Older subjects had a significantly earlier phase and lower amplitude of melatonin rhythm compared with younger subjects.
There was no evidence of age‐related changes in the magnitude or direction of phase shifts of melatonin midpoint in response to 2 h of broad‐spectrum white light at either 2000 lux or 8000 lux; this indicates that the acute phase‐shifting response to light is not significantly affected by age.
Abstract  Age‐related changes in circadian rhythms may contribute to the sleep disruption observed in older adults. A reduction in responsiveness to photic stimuli in the circadian timing system has been hypothesized as a possible reason for the advanced circadian phase in older adults. This project compared phase‐shifting responses to 2 h of broad‐spectrum white light at moderate and high intensities in younger and older adults. Subjects included 29 healthy young (25.1 ± 4.1 years; male to female ratio: 8: 21) and 16 healthy older (66.5 ± 6.0 years; male to female ratio: 5: 11) subjects, who participated in two 4‐night and 3‐day laboratory stays, separated by at least 3 weeks. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three different time‐points, 8 h before (−8), 3 h before (−3) or 3 h after (+3) the core body temperature minimum (CBTmin) measured on the baseline night. For each condition, subjects were exposed in a randomized order to 2 h light pulses of two intensities (2000 lux and 8000 lux) during the two different laboratory stays. Phase shifts were analysed according to the time of melatonin midpoint on the nights before and after light exposure. Older subjects in this study showed an earlier baseline phase and lower amplitude of melatonin rhythm compared to younger subjects, but there was no evidence of age‐related changes in the magnitude or direction of phase shifts of melatonin midpoint in response to 2 h of light at either 2000 lux or 8000 lux. These results indicate that the acute phase‐shifting response to moderate‐ or high‐intensity broad spectrum light is not significantly affected by age.
Distinctive Origin and Spread Route of Pyrimethamine-Resistant Plasmodium falciparum in Southern China
Authors: Zhang Yilong , Yan He , Wei Guiying , Han Shitong , Huang Yufu , Zhang Qingfeng , Pan Weiqing 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Southeast Asia (the Thailand-Cambodia border) has been considered the primal epicenter for most antimalarial drug resistance; however, numerous molecular epidemiological studies have successively reported multiple independent origins of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine (SP) resistance-associated
Plasmodium falciparum
dhfr
(
pfdhfr
) and
pfdhps
alleles in other areas. To better understand the origin and evolutionary pathway of the SP resistance in Southeast Asia, a total of 374
P. falciparum
field isolates from the Yunnan-Burma border and Hainan Island in southern China have been collected for comprehensive investigations on the mutation patterns of the
pfdhfr
/
pfdhps
genes as well as their microsatellite haplotypes. By comparative analysis of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping and flanking microsatellite haplotypes, we reveal a unique origin of pyrimethamine-resistant mutations in
Pfdhfr
gene in Hainan Island and an oriented spread route of the pyrimethamine resistance from the Thailand-Cambodia border into the Hainan area, which reflects the geographical traits and SP administration histories in the two geographically independent areas. Moreover, genetic linkages between the high-level SP resistance-conferring
pfdhfr
/
pfdhps
alleles have been established in the isolates from the Yunnan-Burma border, raising the concern of a genetic basis in adopting combination chemotherapies against falciparum malaria.
Prevalence of Polymorphisms in Antifolate Drug Resistance Molecular Marker Genes
pvdhfr
and
pvdhps
in Clinical Isolates of Plasmodium vivax from Kolkata, India
Authors: Ganguly Swagata , Saha Pabitra , Chatterjee Moytrey , Maji Ardhendu K. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACT

Sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine has never been recommended for the treatment of
Plasmodium vivax
malaria as the parasite is intrinsically resistant to pyrimethamine. The combination was introduced as a promising agent to treat
Plasmodium falciparum
malaria in many countries but was withdrawn after a few years due to development and spread of resistant strains. Presently, sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is used as a partner drug of artemisinin-based combination therapy to treat uncomplicated falciparum malaria, and a combination of artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine is currently in use in India. In countries like India, where both
P. vivax
and
P. falciparum
are equally prevalent, some proportion of
P. vivax
bacteria is exposed to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine due to misdiagnosis and mixed infections. As reports on the
in vivo
therapeutic efficacy of sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine in
P. vivax
are rare, the study of mutations in the marker genes
P. vivax
dhfr
(
pvdhfr
) and
pvdhps
is important for predicting drug selection pressure and sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine resistance monitoring. We studied the prevalence of point mutations and haplotypes of both the genes in 80
P. vivax
isolates collected from urban Kolkata, India, by the DNA sequencing method. Point mutation rates in both the genes were low. The double mutant
pvdhfr
A
15
N
50
R
58
N
117
I
173
(mutations are in boldface) and the single mutant
pvdhps
genotype S
382
G
383
K
512
A
553
V
585
were more prevalent, while 35% of the isolates harbored the wild-type genotype. The triple mutant AN
RN
I-S
G
KAV was found in 29.9% isolates. No quintuple mutant genotype was recorded. The
P. vivax
parasites in urban Kolkata may still be susceptible to sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine. Hence, a combination of antimalarial drugs like artesunate-sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine introduced for
P. falciparum
infection might be effective in
P. vivax
infection also. Study of the therapeutic efficacy of this combination in
P. vivax
is thus strongly suggested. (The study protocol was registered in the Clinical Trial Registry-India [CTRI] of the Indian Council of Medical Research under registration number CTRI/2011/09/002031.)