bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Fed is Ready to Raise Rates: Will Past be Prologue?
Authors: Clarida Richard 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe Fed is likely to commence hiking its policy rate in 2015. It is unlikely, however, that this rate‐hike cycle will feature a predictable 25 basis‐point rise at each and every meeting once it begins. Instead, the Fed will, I believe, opt to deliver a path of policy normalization even more gradual than the path it delivered in 2004–06. This will be owed, at least in part, to the difficulty it will confront in estimating the neutral policy rate with any precision, as well as to the fact that this cycle is likely to begin with an inflation rate that will have been running below its 2% target since that target was first announced in 2012. The Fed will nonetheless begin to hike because it is forecasting that inflation will rise as unemployment falls to – or even below – its estimate of the non‐accelerating inflation rate of unemployment (NAIRU). Because of the slowdown in the United States and global potential growth, however, as well as a persistent excess of global saving relative to desired investment opportunities, I expect that, for at least the next couple of years and likely for some time beyond, the neutral Fed policy rate consistent with mandate‐implied levels of unemployment and inflation will lie in the range of 2–3% in nominal terms, well below the pre‐crisis estimates of 4%.
Small‐for‐gestational‐age birth and maternal plasma antioxidant levels in mid‐gestation: a nested case–control study
Authors: Cohen JM , Kahn SR , Platt RW , Basso O , Evans RW , Kramer MS 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo assess whether maternal plasma antioxidant levels in mid‐pregnancy are associated with small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) birth.DesignCase–control study nested within a population‐based cohort study.SettingFour hospitals in Montreal, Canada.PopulationPregnant women recruited before 24 weeks of gestation, whose pregnancies were not complicated by pre‐eclampsia or preterm delivery.MethodsBlood samples were obtained at 24–26 weeks and assayed for nutritionally derived antioxidant levels in SGA cases (n = 324) and randomly selected controls with birthweights between the 25th and 75th centiles (n = 672). We performed logistic regression analyses using the standardised z‐score of each antioxidant as the main independent variable, after summing highly correlated antioxidants or combining via principle component analysis. We adjusted for risk factors for SGA that were associated with antioxidant levels.Main outcome measuresSGA, birthweight <10th centile for gestational age and sex.ResultsRetinol was positively associated with risk of SGA (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 1.41; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.22–1.63, per SD increase). Carotenoids (log of the sum of β‐carotene, lutein/zeaxanthin, α‐ and β‐cryptoxanthin) were negatively associated with SGA (adjusted OR 0.64; 95% CI 0.54–0.78, per SD increase). We found no significant associations between SGA and lycopene or any of the forms of vitamin E assessed, including α‐tocopherol, corrected α‐tocopherol (per nmol/l of low‐density lipoprotein articles), or γ‐tocopherol.ConclusionsElevated retinol may be associated with an increased risk of SGA, whereas elevated carotenoid levels may reduce the risk. A better understanding of the nature of these associations is required, however, before recommending specific nutritional interventions in an attempt to prevent SGA birth.
The Aftermath of the Financial Crisis: Continuity and Little Change
Authors: Keaney Michael 
Published: February 2015

Academic literature on the global ﬁnancial crisis (GFC) continues unabated, prompted in large part by the lack of any profound changes arising in its aftermath. In addition to the sifting of evidence, researchers are using the opportunity to test theories and apply new meta-theoretical tools. Unfortunately, particularly in the case of the latter, the claims made on their behalf are insufﬁciently supported by the results of their application. The most insightful and revealing of the studies under review here are the most conventional with respect to methodology and theory. Grant, W. and Wilson, G. K. (eds) (2012) The Consequences of the Global Financial Crisis: The Rhetoric of Reform and Regulation. Oxford: Oxford University Press. McKeen-Edwards, H. and Porter, A. (2013) Transnational Financial Associations and the Governance of Global Finance:Assembling Wealth and Power. London: Routledge. Rethel, L. and Sinclair, T. J. (2012) The Problem with Banks. London: Zed Books. Thompson, G. F. (2012) The Constitutionalization of the Global Corporate Sphere? Oxford: Oxford University Press.
In Situ Identification of Semen Stains on Common Substrates via Raman Spectroscopy,,
Authors: McLaughlin Gregory , Lednev Igor K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe spectroscopic identification of body fluids in situ is a major objective in forensic science. This approach offers the confirmatory, nondestructive, rapid, and on‐scene identification of various body fluids. Although Raman spectroscopy has shown tremendous promise toward this goal in prior proof‐of‐concept experiments, a significant challenge which still remains is substrate interference. Here, an approach for detecting semen stains in situ on various substrates using Raman spectroscopy is explored. Simulated semen evidence was prepared on skin, glass, and various fabrics. Raman data were accumulated from stains without any pretreatment using a common confocal mapping spectrometer using 785 nm laser excitation. The results demonstrate that the spectroscopic interferences encountered by substrates can be reduced and eliminated using a combination of existing subtraction techniques and chemometric models. Heterogeneous substrates proved most challenging, however, automatic subtraction treatment, and location of fluid hotspots was able to elucidate a clear spectroscopic signature of semen in every instance.
Gregarious pupation act as a defensive mechanism against cannibalism and intraguild predation
Authors: Roberge Claudia , Fréchette Bruno , Labrie Geneviève , Dumont François , Lucas Eric 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCoccinellid pupae use an array of defensive strategies against their natural enemies. This study aims to assess the efficiency of gregarious pupation as a defensive mechanism against intraguild predators and cannibals in coccinellid. The study was designed specifically (i) to determine the natural occurrence of gregarious pupation in the field for different coccinellid species, and (ii) to evaluate the adaptive value of gregarious pupation as a defensive mechanism against 2 types of predators (i.e., cannibals and intraguild predators). In the field, gregarious pupation consisted of a group of 2–5 pupae. The proportion of gregarious pupation observed varied according to species, the highest rate being observed with Harmonia axyridis Pallas (Coccinellidae; 14.17%). Gregarious pupation had no impact on the probability that intraguild predators and cannibals locate pupae. Intraguild predation occurred more often in site with gregarious pupation, while cannibalism occurred as often in site with gregarious pupation as in site with isolated pupa. However, for a specific pupa, the mortality rate was higher for isolated pupae than for pupae located in a gregarious pupation site both in the presence of intraguild predators and in the presence of cannibals. The spatial location of pupae within the group had no impact on mortality rate. Since it reduces the risk of predation, it is proposed that gregarious pupation act as a defensive mechanism for H. axyridis pupae.
Effect of Maceration Time on Free and Bound Volatiles of Red Wines from cv. Karaoğlan (Vitis vinifera L.) Grapes Grown in Arapgir, Turkey
Authors: Yilmaztekin Murat , Kocabey Nimet , Hayaloglu Ali Adnan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractSkin maceration is an essential winemaking technique that affects sensory properties and aroma of red wines. The aim of this study was to investigate aroma profiles of red wines made from cv. Karaoğlan, a grape variety grown in Arapgir (Malatya, Turkey) and the effect of maceration time (5, 10, and 15 d) on free and bound aroma compounds and sensory properties. Three maceration times were applied in durations of 5, 10, and 15 d. Free and glycosidically bound aroma compounds were analyzed using gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS) in Karaoğlan wines, and the effect of different maceration times on aroma composition were evaluated. Results indicate that extended maceration time significantly influenced the aroma composition of wines both qualitatively and quantitatively. A total of 59 free and 22 bound aroma compounds were identified in the final wines. The maximum of free aroma content was achieved with 5 d of maceration, while 15 d of maceration gave the highest amount of glycosidically bound aroma compounds. From sensorial point of view, the wine produced with 10 d of maceration had the best panel score compared to wines with 5 and 15 d of maceration. This is the first study referring to the composition of aroma compounds of red wines made from cv. Karaoğlan. It was concluded that this cultivar resulted in a good quality wine in terms of bound and free aroma compounds. This information of vinification practices that influence the chemical properties of wine is useful for grape growers and winemakers.
New‐onset diabetes after liver transplantation and its impact on complications and patient survival
Authors: Lv Chaoyang , Zhang Yao , Chen Xianying , Huang Xiaowu , Xue Mengjuan , Sun Qiman , Wang Ting , Liang Jing , He Shunmei , Gao Jian , Zhou Jian , Yu Mingxiang , Fan Jia , Gao Xin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of new‐onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) in liver transplant recipients and the influence of NODAT on complications and long‐term patient survival.MethodsWe examined 438 patients who underwent liver transplantation between April 2001 and December 2008 and were not diabetic before transplantation.ResultsThe mean (± SD) follow‐up duration was 2.46 ± 1.62 years. The incidence of NODAT 3, 6, 9, 12, 36, and 60 months after transplantation was 44.24%, 25.59%, 23.08%, 25.17%, 17.86%, and 18.18%, respectively. Multifactor analysis indicated that preoperative fasting plasma glucose (FPG) levels and donor liver steatosis were independent risk factors for NODAT, whereas administration of an interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R) antagonist reduced the risk of NODAT. Compared with the no NODAT group (N‐NODAT), the NODAT group had a higher rate of sepsis and chronic renal insufficiency. Mean survival was significantly longer in the N‐NODAT than NODAT group. Cox regression analysis showed that pre‐ and/or postoperative FPG levels, tumor recurrence or metastasis, and renal insufficiency after liver transplantation were independent risk factors of mortality. Pulmonary infection or multisystem failure were specific causes of death in the NODAT group, whereas patients in both groups died primarily from tumor relapse or metastasis.ConclusionsPreoperative FPG levels and donor liver steatosis were independent risk factors for NODAT, whereas administration of an IL‐2R antagonist reduced the risk of NODAT. Patients with NODAT had reduced survival and an increased incidence of sepsis and chronic renal insufficiency. Significant causes of death in the NODAT group were pulmonary infection and multisystem failure.
Increased T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing 4 (TIM‐4) is negatively correlated with serum concentrations of interleukin‐1β in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Zhao Peiqing , Wang Hongxing , Li Tao , Lei Chengbin , Xu Xiaoyan , Wang Wei , Liang Xiaohong , Ma Chunhong , Gao Lifen 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackgroundT cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain containing 4 (TIM‐4), a novel immune regulator, is selectively expressed on antigen‐presenting cells, especially macrophages and mature dendritic cells. Although TIM‐4 plays key roles in mutiple immune diseases, whether it is involved in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) remains unknown. The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of TIM‐4 in T2D and determine its significance in disease progression.MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were isolated from T2D patients and healthy controls to measure TIM‐4 mRNA expression by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and sera were collected to determine interleukin (IL)‐1β concentrations and other clinical indicators (high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein [hsCRP], total cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol [LDL‐C], high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglyceride, fasting glucose, HbA1c, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase).ResultsExpression of TIM‐4 mRNA was increased significantly in PBMCs from T2D patients compared with healthy controls. There was a positive correlation between TIM‐4 mRNA expression and serum concentrations of hsCRP. However, there was a negative correlation between TIM‐4 mRNA expression and IL‐1β concentrations, indicating the potential role for TIM‐4 to negatively regulate IL‐1β production. In addition, TIM‐4 mRNA expression was negatively correlated with lowLDL‐C, and there was a tendency for a negative relationship between TIM‐4 mRNA expression and HbA1c.ConclusionsThe results of the present study indicate that TIM‐4 contributes, at least in part, to the pathogenesis of T2D, possibly by regulating IL‐1β.
Clumpak: a program for identifying clustering modes and packaging population structure inferences across K
Authors: Kopelman Naama M. , Mayzel Jonathan , Jakobsson Mattias , Rosenberg Noah A. , Mayrose Itay 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe identification of the genetic structure of populations from multilocus genotype data has become a central component of modern population‐genetic data analysis. Application of model‐based clustering programs often entails a number of steps, in which the user considers different modelling assumptions, compares results across different predetermined values of the number of assumed clusters (a parameter typically denoted K), examines multiple independent runs for each fixed value of K, and distinguishes among runs belonging to substantially distinct clustering solutions. Here, we present Clumpak (Cluster Markov Packager Across K), a method that automates the postprocessing of results of model‐based population structure analyses. For analysing multiple independent runs at a single K value, Clumpak identifies sets of highly similar runs, separating distinct groups of runs that represent distinct modes in the space of possible solutions. This procedure, which generates a consensus solution for each distinct mode, is performed by the use of a Markov clustering algorithm that relies on a similarity matrix between replicate runs, as computed by the software Clumpp. Next, Clumpak identifies an optimal alignment of inferred clusters across different values of K, extending a similar approach implemented for a fixed K in Clumpp and simplifying the comparison of clustering results across different K values. Clumpak incorporates additional features, such as implementations of methods for choosing K and comparing solutions obtained by different programs, models, or data subsets. Clumpak, available at http://clumpak.tau.ac.il, simplifies the use of model‐based analyses of population structure in population genetics and molecular ecology.
Coronary Artery Ectasia in Atherosclerotic Coronary Artery Disease, Inflammatory Disorders, and Sickle Cell Disease
Authors: Dahhan Ali 
Published: February 2015

SummaryCoronary artery ectasia (CAE) or aneurysm is usually defined as dilation ≥1.5‐fold the normal vessel diameter. It has an incidence of 1.4–5.3% and is associated with a wide variety of etiologies—mainly congenital, atherosclerotic, and inflammatory ones. CAE is very common in sickle cell disease, and possibly sickle cell trait, with an incidence of 17.7%. It is likely related to the inflammatory process associated with hemoglobin S. Prognosis depends mainly on the underlying etiology. Atherosclerotic CAE does not carry additional risks compared to atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (ACAD) without ectasia. However, isolated CAE in the absence of ACAD carries an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI) due to vasospasm, slower coronary blood flow, and thrombosis, typically within the dilated segments. Due to lack of studies and guidelines, management recommendations are based on personal experiences. Therapy should be tailored to each individual case after assessment of severity, history of complications, underlying etiology, and comorbidities. Treatment of underlying condition and avoidance of exacerbating factors are essential. Medical therapy in general may include antiplatelets, β‐blockers, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors statins, and dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. In severe CAE or history of MI, the addition of anticoagulation therapy after assessing bleeding risk may be warranted. In acute MI, the large thrombus burden in the dilated segment makes the percutaneous approach very challenging. Aspiration attempts can result in distal thromboembolization. Survival is better in bypass grafting than with medical therapy. Nonetheless, bypass grafting does not improve survival in atherosclerotic CAE. Depending on the physical characteristics of aneurysm, different surgical approaches can be sought; however, the ideal one is unclear.
Chronic Pantoprazole Administration and Ischemia–Reperfusion Arrhythmias In Vivo in Rats—Antiarrhythmic or Arrhythmogenic?
Authors: Abdel‐kawy Hala Salah 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundThe safety of all proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) in patients with intrinsic cardiac disease has not been well studied. In the present study, the effect of PPI pantoprazole on ventricular arrhythmias induced by either ischemia or ischemia–reperfusion (I/R) was studied.MethodsThe left main coronary artery (LAD) was ligated for 30 or 10 min followed by a 30‐min reperfusion in anesthetized rats. Rats were pretreated with pantoprazole (1.3 mg/kg) or vehicle by gastric gavage (daily for 3 weeks) before ligation. Serum electrolytes levels were measured by the end of the third week before coronary ligation. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and nitric oxide (NO) concentrations were measured at the end of the ischemia and IR injury.ResultsPantoprazole caused significant hyperkalemia by the end of third week compared with vehicle‐treated rats. After LAD ligation (30 min), ventricular premature contractions (VPC), ventricular tachycardia (VT) and ventricular fibrillation (VF) were recorded in rats of the vehicle ischemia group. Pantoprazole pretreatment aggravate these arrhythmias and increased mortality. A 10‐min period of ischemia followed by a 30‐min reperfusion induced high incidence of VT (100%) and VF (80%) in the vehicle‐treated group. The group of rats administered pantoprazole had significantly lower incidence and durations of VT and VF together with reduction of mortality rate. Pantoprazole significantly reduced serum LDH activity and NO release from myocardial tissue after both ischemia and I/R injury.ConclusionPantoprazole aggravated ischemia‐induced arrhythmias but had a significant antiarrhythmic effect on I/R‐induced ventricular arrhythmias.
Impact of High Loading Dose of Atorvastatin in Diabetic Patients with Renal Dysfunction Undergoing Elective Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Shehata Mohamed , Hamza Mohamed 
Published: February 2015

SummaryIntroductionThe effectiveness of statin pretreatment in reducing the incidence of contrast‐induced nephropathy (CIN) has been examined in some observational and randomized studies, yielding controversial results.AimThis study sought to evaluate the role of atorvastatin in prevention of CIN in diabetic patients with mild‐to‐moderate chronic kidney disease (CKD), undergoing elective percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods130 patients with mean glomerular filtration rate of 48.5 ± 16 mL/min/1.73 m were prospectively enrolled, then randomly (double blind) assigned in 1:1 ratio to receive atorvastatin (80 mg daily for 48 h) or placebo. Serum creatinine and glomerular filtration rate were measured preintervention, 72 h and 10 days thereafter. An increase in serum creatinine by >0.5 mg/dL (44.2 μmol/L) or >25% of baseline value was considered as CIN.ResultsMean age of the study cohort was 56 ± 5 years (males: 62%). Mean serum creatinine level in the placebo group increased significantly 3 days after coronary intervention and declined on the 10th day to a level that did not differ significantly from the baseline level, but still higher. However, in atorvastatin group, mean serum creatinine level showed a nonsignificant rise on the third day and then decreased to a level close to the baseline one, on the 10th day. Incidence of CIN was 7.7% in atorvastatin group and 20% in the placebo group (P < 0.05).ConclusionAtorvastatin dose of 80 mg per day for 48 h is associated with decreased incidence of CIN in diabetic patients with CKD undergoing PCI.
Contrasting effects of pine plantations on two skinks: results from a large‐scale ‘natural experiment’ in Australia
Authors: Mortelliti A. , Michael D. R. , Lindenmayer D. B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe conversion of agricultural land to forest plantations is a major driver of global land‐use change, and considering that large portions of the planet are covered by forest plantations, understanding their impact on biodiversity is a research priority. The aim of our study was to quantify the long‐term response of two lizard species to the transformation of the matrix surrounding remnant habitat patches (from agricultural land to pine plantations). We used a large‐scale (115 sites), long‐term (16 years) fully replicated and controlled landscape scale ‘natural experiment’ (the ‘Nanangroe experiment’,Australia) to compare the response of lizard populations to plantation establishment. The study entailed detailed surveys of reptiles in 50 eucalypt patches surrounded by maturing pinePinus radiataplantations (treatments) and populations inhabiting 55 eucalypt patches surrounded by grazing land (controls). We found that the eastern three‐toed earless skinkHemiergis talbingoensiswas advantaged by the establishment of the pine plantations (increasing colonization of eucalypt patches embedded within plantations). In contrast, we found that the southern rainbow skinkCarlia tetradactylawas negatively affected by surrounding areas of maturing plantations. Thus, our results show that plantations acted as a barrier for one species and increased connectivity for the other. We suggest that leaving areas of land devoid of pines between remnant eucalypt patches may enhance the connectivity for species that respond negatively to plantation establishment while maintaining the beneficial increase in connectivity for others.