bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leveraging Collaborative, Thematic Problem‐Based Learning to Integrate Curricula
Authors: Sroufe Robert , Ramos Diane P.
Published: April 2015

This study chronicles learning from faculty who designed and delivered collaborative, problem‐based learning courses that anchor a one‐year MBA emphasizing sustainability. While cultivating the application of learning across the curriculum, the authors engaged MBA students in solving complex, real‐world sustainability challenges using a pedagogical emphasis on nurturing creativity via double‐looped learning, meaningful self‐directed assessment, and professional development coaching. While such collaborative problem solving offers tangible benefits for all stakeholders, implementing the necessary pedagogy can be challenging. However, the value for students (and faculty) includes improved skills in framing complex problems, first‐hand insight into emerging business challenges, increased cross‐discipline integration. Moreover, it offers a proving ground for applying emerging theories and analytical tools and models in the decision sciences. In addition, instructors gain new perspectives on their disciplines while exploring innovative avenues for cross‐functional research, publication, and the documentation of assurance of learning. For corporate partners, benefits include creative solutions and feasible recommendations for cutting costs, enhancing competitiveness, and applying best practices. We propose directions for integrating curriculum and for gaining institutional support and investment to overcome resistance to changing course content and delivery.
Catecholaminergic contributions to vocal communication signals
Authors: Matheson Laura E. , Sakata Jon T.
Published: April 2015

Social context affects behavioral displays across a variety of species. For example, social context acutely influences the acoustic and temporal structure of vocal communication signals such as speech and birdsong. Despite the prevalence and importance of such social influences, little is known about the neural mechanisms underlying the social modulation of communication. Catecholamines are implicated in the regulation of social behavior and motor control, but the degree to which catecholamines influence vocal communication signals remains largely unknown. Using a songbird, the Bengalese finch, we examined the extent to which the social context in which song is produced affected immediate early gene expression (EGR‐1) in catecholamine‐synthesising neurons in the midbrain. Further, we assessed the degree to which administration of amphetamine, which increases catecholamine concentrations in the brain, mimicked the effect of social context on vocal signals. We found that significantly more catecholaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra (but not the central grey, locus coeruleus or subcoeruleus) expressedEGR‐1 in birds that were exposed to females and produced courtship song than in birds that produced non‐courtship song in isolation. Furthermore, we found that amphetamine administration mimicked the effects of social context and caused many aspects of non‐courtship song to resemble courtship song. Specifically, amphetamine increased the stereotypy of syllable structure and sequencing, the repetition of vocal elements and the degree of sequence completions. Taken together, these data highlight the conserved role of catecholamines in vocal communication across species, including songbirds and humans.
Development of formulations for reduced‐sugar and sugar‐free agar‐based fruit jellies
Authors: Riedel Romy , Böhme Birgit , Rohm Harald
Published: April 2015

Because of the increasing consumer awareness of health‐related issues, there is a rising demand for noncariogenic, reduced‐energy confectionery products. This study was carried out to develop formulations for reduced‐sugar and sugar‐free, agar‐based jelly products. This was obtained by substituting sucrose and glucose syrup through a combination of sugar replacers, fibre, gelling agents and sweeteners. The application of a combination of polydextrose, oligofructose, sucralose and erythritol resulted in a sensory sweetness profile that was comparable to that of a sugar‐containing standard product. Concerning texture and sensory properties, reduced‐sugar and sugar‐free jellies processed using the respective formulations were comparable to the sugar‐containing standard products. Consumer evaluation using the Just‐about‐right technique exhibited satisfactory acceptance of the sugar‐free jellies.
Participation under Lula: Between Electoral Politics and Governability
Authors: Bruera Hernán F. Gómez
Published: April 2015

This article shows how and why the initial attempts of the Lula administration in Brazil to promote innovative counterhegemonic participatory strategies, such as those put in place by the PT in some of its subnational governments, fell by the wayside. It is argued that the implementation and scope of participatory initiatives under Lula were caught between electoral motivations and the need to secure governability. On the one hand, the need to produce quick results in order to maximize vote-seeking strategies hindered attempts to promote counterhegemonic participation, while Lula and his inner circle opted for policies that would score immediate marks with the poorest sectors or influence public opinion. On the other hand, participation also took a back seat because the PT concentrated most of its energies on reaching agreements with strategic actors, such as opposition parties or powerful economic groups.
A Natural Experiment in Political Decentralization: Local Institutions and Citizens' Political Engagement in Uruguay
Authors: Rosenblatt Fernando , Bidegain Germán , Monestier Felipe , Rodríguez Rafael Piñeiro
Published: April 2015

The potential democratizing effect of political decentralization reforms has been a matter of substantial theoretical and empirical debate. This article analyzes the effect of local democratic institution building on the political attitudes and behavior of citizens living in small towns in Uruguay. More specifically, using a natural experiment design, this research seeks to establish the causal impact of recently established elections of local authorities on individuals' political engagement. It develops a comparative case study analyzing the consequences of this institutional innovation in two towns. It shows that individuals from the town where citizens have the opportunity to elect their local authorities have more positive attitudes toward politics than those from the town without such elections.
Three scenarios for industrial relations in Europe
Authors: HYMAN Richard
Published: April 2015

The author outlines three scenarios for the future of industrial relations in Europe. The first – perhaps the most realistic – projects continuing erosion of national industrial relations systems and conditions of employment, in line with current trends. The second envisages that “elite reform” from above will succeed in re‐engineering industrial relations and workers' protection according to an ideal social policy agenda – an unlikely prospect given the overriding importance of financial considerations and globalized competition. The third scenario centres on a counter‐movement from below which presents trade unions with the daunting challenge of mobilizing the discontented far beyond their traditional constituency.
Alternative labour protection movements in the United States: Reshaping industrial relations?
Authors: FINE Janice
Published: April 2015

The United States is one of the developed countries that have experienced the steepest declines of unionization and collective bargaining in recent decades. Its traditional industrial relations institutions, premised on the prevalence of “standard” employment relationships, have long been eroded by restrictive legislation and employer opposition. Meanwhile, precarious employment, sub‐standard conditions and marginalization have become widespread features of the labour market, leading to the spontaneous emergence of alternative, often community‐based initiatives to protect vulnerable workers using highly innovative strategies. “Worker centres”, in particular, have been very active to that end, often teaming up with formal trade unions to pursue their objectives.
Shrinking collective bargaining coverage, increasing income inequality: A comparison of five EU countries
Authors: BOSCH Gerhard
Published: April 2015

Wage‐setting institutions can play a crucial part in containing the socio‐economically destabilizing growth of income inequality. Using an analytical framework that distinguishes between protective and participative standards, the author examines their respective effects on the incidence of low‐paid employment and income inequality under the wage‐setting systems of Belgium, France, Germany, Sweden and the United Kingdom. His comparative focus on the interplay of statutory minimum wages and collective wage bargaining shows that while the latter is more effective than the former at reducing inequality, both require state intervention, with particular emphasis on participative standards to counter the erosion of industrial relations institutions.
Book Review Symposium: The future of the International Labour Organization in the global economy, by Francis Maupain: Introduction
Authors: LANGILLE Brian , MUNDLAK Guy
Published: April 2015

The short papers in this book review symposium are based on the authors' contributions to a workshop held in Montreal in May 2014, where they were invited to comment on Francis Maupain's (2013) book The future of the International Labour Organization in the global economy. The workshop took place within the framework of the International Conference “New frontiers for citizenship at work” organized by the Interuniversity Research Centre on Globalization and Work (CRIMT).

At the heart of this book is a daunting question: how can an organisation whose structure, mandate and resources were developed almost a century ago pretend to retain relevance and effectiveness in the face of realities that have virtually nothing in common with those of its origins?
Screening Sintering Aids for (K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 Ceramics
Authors: Chen Kepi , Zhou Jianqiang , Zhang Fangli , Zhang Xiaowen , Li Cuiwei , An Linan
Published: April 2015

Searching for suitable sintering aids for ceramic materials is important and tedious work. In this study, we introduce a simple and effective method, named liquid phase screening method (LPSM), for rapidly screening sintering aids for KNN ceramics. By measuring the structure and properties, we demonstrated that the suitable sintering aids for KNN can be quickly determined by LPSM. The new sintering aids found by this method, GeO2 and borax which have not been reported before, lead to improved properties.
Functional redundancy of multiple forest taxa along an elevational gradient: predicting the consequences of non‐random species loss
Authors: Mori Akira S. , Shiono Takayuki , Haraguchi Takashi F. , Ota Aino T. , Koide Dai , Ohgue Takayuki , Kitagawa Ryo , Maeshiro Ryo , Aung Toe Toe , Nakamori Taizo , Hagiwara Yusuke , Matsuoka Shunsuke , Ikeda Anzu , Hishi Takuo , Hobara Satoru , Mizumachi Eri , Frisch Andreas , Thor Göran , Fujii Saori , Osono Takashi , Gustafsson Lena
Published: April 2015

Aims

Climate change can substantially alter ecological communities. However, we hypothesized that, even if novel communities emerge, those communities may not be novel in terms of functional composition. To infer the processes associated with rising temperatures, we evaluated elevational taxonomic/functional turnover of plant and invertebrate communities. Because climate change interacts synergistically with other environmental factors, and therefore is not the sole driver of change in ecological communities, we also considered how the taxonomic/functional composition of the communities would be affected by mammalian overgrazing/browsing, which has become prominent in the study region.

Location

Shiretoko National Park, Shiretoko Peninsular, Hokkaido, Japan.

Methods

We investigated the diversity of eight groups of organisms (taxa) in forests of northern Japan, and calculated the distance decay of taxonomic/functional similarity (Sørensen's β‐diversity) along an elevational gradient. A null model was used to separate functional turnover from taxonomic turnover. We then simulated how taxonomic/functional turnover along the gradient would be changed after non‐random loss of species sensitive to mammalian herbivory.

Results

We found that each group showed elevational decay in taxonomic similarity. Along an elevational gradient, species groups structured by stronger dispersal limitation showed faster species turnover. This suggested differences in the process of climate‐induced species reassembly among the groups. We also found that elevational turnover of communities based on functional traits tended to be lower than that based on taxonomic identity for the majority of the groups, supporting our hypothesis of functional redundancy across the elevational gradient. We thus speculated that climate‐induced emergence of taxonomically novel communities may have limited influence on critical ecosystem processes supported by functional diversity. Furthermore, while random species loss did not change functional turnover, non‐random loss of species attributable to mammalian herbivory substantially accelerated elevational functional turnover of the taxa. This suggested a possible loss of the functional redundancy of communities.

Main conclusions

Future communities may be novel not simply because climates are changing at unprecedented rates but also because of the synergetic influences of other environmental changes. Thus ecological processes may be more seriously affected in the future than is generally anticipated based on existing climate‐change scenarios, with possible consequences for ecosystem functioning.
Estimating Protistan Diversity Using High‐Throughput Sequencing
Authors: Hu Sarah K. , Liu Zhenfeng , Lie Alle A. Y. , Countway Peter D. , Kim Diane Y. , Jones Adriane C. , Gast Rebecca J. , Cary S. Craig , Sherr Evelyn B. , Sherr Barry F. , Caron David A.
Published: April 2015

Sequencing hypervariable regions from the 18S rRNA gene is commonly employed to characterize protistan biodiversity, yet there are concerns that short reads do not provide the same taxonomic resolution as full‐length sequences. A total of 7,432 full‐length sequences were used to perform an in silico analysis of how sequences of various lengths and target regions impact downstream ecological interpretations. Sequences that were longer than 400 nucleotides and included the V4 hypervariable region generated results similar to those derived from full‐length 18S rRNA gene sequences. Present high‐throughput sequencing capabilities are approaching protistan diversity estimation comparable to whole gene sequences.
Managing Discretionary Accruals and Book‐Tax Differences in Anticipation of Tax Rate Increases: Evidence from China
Authors: Wong Raymond M. K. , Lo Agnes W. Y. , Firth Michael
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates how firms manage their earnings to trade off various incentives when tax rates increase. We hypothesize and find that firms generally choose to manage their taxable income upward in a book‐tax non‐conforming manner rather than in a book‐tax conforming manner before a tax rate increment, which in turn reduces the detection risk of aggressive financial reporting. These results suggest that firms give more weight to tax incentives and tax audit or regulatory inspection risks than to boosting financial reporting income in tax management. However, when firms have higher book management incentives or lower tunneling incentives (i.e., non‐state‐owned enterprises), we find that they manage their taxable income and book income upward together (i.e., in a book‐tax conforming manner), whereas their counterparts (i.e., state‐owned enterprises) do not. Overall, our paper contributes to the literature by demonstrating the interplay of tax, tunneling and financial reporting incentives in influencing tax management strategies. The findings from our paper should also help government and regulators understand more about firms’ reactions to tax rate increases.
Tamoxifen stimulates calcitonin‐producing thyroid C‐cells and prevents trabecular bone loss in a rat model of androgen deficiency
Authors: Filipović Branko , Šošić‐Jurjević Branka , Ajdžanović Vladimir , Živanović Jasmina , Isenović Esma , Popovska‐Perčinić Florina , Milošević Verica
Published: April 2015

Thyroid C‐cells produce calcitonin (CT), a hypocalcemic hormone, that acts as an inhibitor of bone resorption. In this study, we investigated the effects of tamoxifen (TAM) as a selective estrogen receptor modulator on thyroid C‐cells, trabecular bone and biochemical markers of bone metabolism in an animal model of androgen deficiency, represented by middle‐aged orchidectomized (Orx) rats. Fifteen‐month‐old male Wistar rats were divided into: Orx and sham‐operated (SO) groups. Rats from one Orx group were injected subcutaneously with TAM citrate (Orx + TAM; 0.3 mg kg−1 b.w.), while the rats from SO and a second Orx group received vehicle alone, once a day for 3 weeks. The peroxidase–antiperoxidase method was applied for localization of CT in C‐cells. Thyroid C‐cells were morphometrically and ultrastructurally analyzed. An ImageJ image‐processing program was used to measure bone histomorphometric parameters. Blood serum samples were analyzed for CT, osteocalcin (OC), calcium (Ca2+) and phosphorus (P). Urinary Ca2+ concentrations were measured. TAM treatment significantly increased thyroid C‐cell volume (Vc) and serum CT when compared with vehicle‐treated Orx rats. Analysis of trabecular microarchitecture of the tibia showed that administration of TAM significantly increased cancellous bone area, trabecular thickness and trabecular number, whereas trabecular separation was significantly decreased compared with vehicle‐treated Orx rats. Serum OC and urinary Ca2+ concentrations were significantly lower in comparison with the control Orx group. These results indicate that in our rat model of androgen deficiency, TAM stimulated calcitonin‐producing thyroid C‐cells and increased trabecular bone mass.
Towards the resolution of a long‐standing evolutionary question: muscle identity and attachments are mainly related to topological position and not to primordium or homeotic identity of digits
Authors: Diogo Rui , Walsh Sean , Smith Christopher , Ziermann Janine M. , Abdala Virginia
Published: April 2015

Signaling for limb bone development usually precedes that for muscle development, such that cartilage is generally present before muscle formation. It remains obscure, however, if: (i) tetrapods share a general, predictable spatial correlation between bones and muscles; and, if that is the case, if (ii) such a correlation would reflect an obligatory association between the signaling involved in skeletal and muscle morphogenesis. We address these issues here by using the results of a multidisciplinary analysis of the appendicular muscles of all major tetrapod groups integrating dissections, muscle antibody stainings, regenerative and ontogenetic analyses of fluorescently‐labeled (GFP) animals, and studies of non‐pentadactyl human limbs related to birth defects. Our synthesis suggests that there is a consistent, surprising anatomical pattern in both normal and abnormal phenotypes, in which the identity and attachments of distal limb muscles are mainly related to the topological position, and not to the developmental primordium (anlage) or even the homeotic identity, of the digits to which they are attached. This synthesis is therefore a starting point towards the resolution of a centuries‐old question raised by authors such as Owen about the specific associations between limb bones and muscles. This question has crucial implications for evolutionary and developmental biology, and for human medicine because non‐pentadactyly is the most common birth defect in human limbs. In particular, this synthesis paves the way for future developmental experimental and mechanistic studies, which are needed to clarify the processes that may be involved in the elaboration of the anatomical patterns described here, and to specifically test the hypothesis that distal limb muscle identity/attachment is mainly related to digit topology.
Significance of chorionicity on long‐term outcome of low birthweight infants of <1500g in twin pregnancies
Authors: Kawamura Hiroshi , Ishii Keisuke , Yonetani Naoto , Mabuchi Aki , Hayashi Shusaku , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: April 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the long‐term outcomes of very low birthweight twins by chorionicity and to identify the perinatal predictors for outcomes in the era of laser surgery for twin–twin transfusion syndrome.

Material and Methods

This was a retrospective single‐center cohort study of twin pregnancy infants <1500 g from 2003 through 2010. During the study period, laser surgery was performed on cases of twin–twin transfusion syndrome. The composite of adverse outcomes at 3 years of age was defined, including death, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay. The association between perinatal factors and adverse outcomes was evaluated by multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

A total of 162 infants (79 dichorionic diamniotic twins [DCDA] and 83 monochorionic diamniotic twins [MCDA]) were included in this study. Laser surgery was performed on 11 cases. The rate of adverse outcomes was 13.9% for DCDA and 26.5% for MCDA. The incidence of each outcome for DCDA and MCDA was: cerebral palsy, 1.3% and 4.8%; developmental delay, 8.9% and 9.6%; and death, 3.8% and 14.5%. Gestational age at birth (adjusted odds ratio: 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.57–0.84); and anemia at birth (adjusted odds ratio, 10.64; 95% confidence interval, 1.69–66.9) were independent risk factors, whereas chorionicity did not have significance for outcomes.

Conclusion

The long‐term outcome of very low birthweight MCDA was almost identical to that of DCDA. Gestational age and anemia at birth were independent risk factors for adverse outcomes.
Concentrations of retinol and tocopherols in the milk of cows supplemented with conjugated linoleic acid
Authors: Gessner D. K. , Most E. , Schlegel G. , Kupczyk K. , Schwarz F. J. , Eder K.
Published: April 2015

This study was performed to investigate the hypothesis that supplementation of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) changes the concentrations of retinol and tocopherols in the milk of cows. To investigate this hypothesis, Holstein cows received daily from 3 weeks ante‐partum to 14 weeks post‐partum either 172 g of a CLA‐free rumen‐protected control fat (control group, n = 20) or the same amount of a rumen‐protected CLA fat, supplying 4.3 g of cis‐9, trans‐11 CLA and 3.8 g of trans‐10, cis‐12 CLA per d (CLA group, n = 20). Milk samples (collected at weeks 1, 3, 5, 8 and 11 of lactation) were analysed for retinol, α‐ and γ‐tocopherol concentrations. Milk of cows supplemented with CLA had higher concentrations of retinol (+34%), α‐tocopherol (+44%) and γ‐tocopherol (+21%) than milk of control cows (p < 0.05). The daily output of these vitamins via milk was also greater in cows of the CLA group than in cows of the control group (+36, 50 and 24% for retinol, α‐tocopherol and γ‐tocopherol, respectively, p < 0.05). In agreement with higher concentrations of tocopherols, concentrations of thiobarbituric acid‐reactive substances, determined in milk of week 5, were lower in cows of the CLA group than in control cows, indicative of a lower susceptibility of milk lipids to peroxidation. Plasma concentrations of retinol and α‐tocopherol, determined at 1 and 5 weeks post‐partum, were not different between the two groups of cows. In conclusion, this study shows that supplementing dairy cows with a moderate amount of CLA causes an increase of the concentrations of vitamins A and E in the milk and results in an increased output of those vitamins via milk. These effects might be beneficial with respect to the nutritional value of dairy products and the susceptibility of milk fat to oxidative deterioration.
Presumptive congenital radial head sub‐luxation in a shih tzu: successful management by radial head ostectomy
Authors: Heidenreich D. C. , Fourie Y. , Barreau P.
Published: April 2015

Congenital radial head sub‐luxation was diagnosed in a 7‐month‐old, neutered male shih tzu that presented with a limb deformity and severe lameness of the right fore limb. Radiography revealed a craniolateral sub‐luxation of the right radial head, which was treated by radial head ostectomy, fixation of the radius to the ulna with a screw and joint stabilisation with suture‐anchors and cerclage wire. Surgical treatment followed by physiotherapy resulted in a fully functional, well‐aligned and non‐painful elbow. To the authors’ knowledge this is the first case report of a congenital radial head sub‐luxation in a craniolateral direction in a dog and also one successfully managed with radial head ostectomy and radioulnar synostosis.
Parents' experiences when their child is undergoing an elective colonoscopy
Authors: Vejzovic Vedrana , Bramhagen Ann‐Cathrine , Idvall Ewa , Wennick Anne
Published: April 2015

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose was to illuminate parents' experiences when their children are undergoing an elective colonoscopy performed using polyethylene glycol‐based regimes for bowel preparation.

Design and Methods

Individual interviews with 12 parents were performed and analysed using content analysis.

Results

The parents' experiences were structured into one theme: “Charged with conflicting emotions” with three categories: “Being forced to force,” “Losing one's sense of being a parent” and “Standing without guidance.”

Practice Implications

Understanding parents' experiences can help healthcare staff guide parents in helping their children undergo a colonoscopy.
Cost‐effectiveness of sofosbuvir for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C‐infected patients
Authors: Cure S. , Guerra I. , Dusheiko G.
Published: April 2015

The efficacy of treatment for hepatitis C genotype 1 infection has significantly improved with the introduction of first‐generation protease inhibitors. However, there remains a need for effective treatments for patients infected with other genotypes, for nonresponders and patients unsuitable for interferon. Sofosbuvir is the first nucleotide polymerase inhibitor with pan‐genotypic activity. Sofosbuvir‐based regimens have resulted in >90% sustained virological response across treatment‐naïve genotype 1–6 patients in five phase III clinical trials of sofosbuvir administered with ribavirin or pegylated interferon and ribavirin. This analysis evaluates the cost‐effectiveness of sofosbuvir within the current licensed indication, for genotype 1–6 in the UK. A Markov model followed a cohort of 10 000 patients over lifetime, with approximately 20% initiating treatment for compensated cirrhosis. Sofosbuvir‐regimens were compared to telaprevir, boceprevir, pegylated interferon and ribavirin, or no treatment. Costs and outcomes were discounted at 3.5%. The cost perspective utilized costs applicable to the National Health Service in the UK. Sofosbuvir proved to be cost‐effective in most patient populations with incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) at £11 836/QALY and £7292/QALY against telaprevir and boceprevir, respectively. In genotype 3, sofosbuvir had a weighted ICER of £18 761/QALY. Sofosbuvir‐based regimens are a cost‐effective option for the majority of hepatitis C‐infected patients in the United Kingdom although the incremental cost‐effectiveness varies by genotype and regimen. Sofosbuvir and ribavirin is an alternative regimen for patients unsuitable for interferon.
Social Cultivation of Vaccine Refusal and Delay among Waldorf (Steiner) School Parents
Authors: Sobo Elisa J.
Published: April 2015

U.S. media reports suggest that vastly disproportionate numbers of un‐ and under‐vaccinated children attend Waldorf (private alternative) schools. After confirming this statistically, I analyzed qualitative and quantitative vaccination‐related data provided by parents from a well‐established U.S. Waldorf school. In Europe, Waldorf‐related non‐vaccination is associated with anthroposophy (a worldview foundational to Waldorf education)—but that was not the case here. Nor was simple ignorance to blame: Parents were highly educated and dedicated to self‐education regarding child health. They saw vaccination as variously unnecessary, toxic, developmentally inappropriate, and profit driven. Some vaccine caution likely predated matriculation, but notable post‐enrollment refusal increases provided evidence of the socially cultivated nature of vaccine refusal in the Waldorf school setting. Vaccine caution was nourished and intensified by an institutionalized emphasis on alternative information and by school community norms lauding vaccine refusal and masking uptake. Implications for intervention are explored.
Differences in performance and transcriptome‐wide gene expression associated with Rhagoletis (Diptera: Tephritidae) larvae feeding in alternate host fruit environments
Authors: Ragland Gregory J. , Almskaar Kristin , Vertacnik Kim L. , Gough Harlan M. , Feder Jeffrey L. , Hahn Daniel A. , Schwarz Dietmar
Published: April 2015

Host race formation, the establishment of new populations using novel resources, is a major hypothesized mechanism of ecological speciation, especially in plant‐feeding insects. The initial stages of host race formation will often involve phenotypic plasticity on the novel resource, with subsequent genetically based adaptations enhancing host‐associated fitness differences. Several studies have explored the physiology of the plastic responses of insects to novel host environments. However, the mechanisms underlying evolved differences among host races and species remain poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate a reciprocal larval performance difference between two closely related species of Rhagoletis flies, R. pomonella and R. zephyria, specialized for feeding in apple and snowberry fruit, respectively. Microarray analysis of fly larvae feeding in apples versus snowberries revealed patterns of transcriptome‐wide differential gene expression consistent with both plastic and evolved responses to the different fruit resources, most notably for detoxification‐related genes such as cytochrome p450s. Transcripts exhibiting evolved expression differences between species tended to also demonstrate plastic responses to fruit environment. The observed pattern suggests that Rhagoletis larvae exhibit extensive plasticity in gene expression in response to novel fruit that may potentiate shifts to new hosts. Subsequent selection, particularly selection to suppress initially costly plastic responses, could account for the evolved expression differences observed between R. pomonella and R. zephyria, creating specialized races and new fly species. Thus, genetically based ecological adaptations generating new biodiversity may often evolve from initial plastic responses in gene expression to the challenges posed by novel environments.
Transcriptional dynamics of Phytophthora infestans during sequential stages of hemibiotrophic infection of tomato
Authors: Zuluaga Andrea P. , Vega‐Arreguín Julio C. , Fei Zhangjun , Ponnala Lalit , Lee Sang Jik , Matas Antonio J. , Patev Sean , Fry William E. , Rose Jocelyn K. C.
Published: April 2015

Hemibiotrophic plant pathogens, such as the oomycete Phytophthora infestans, employ a biphasic infection strategy, initially behaving as biotrophs, where minimal symptoms are exhibited by the plant, and subsequently as necrotrophs, feeding on dead plant tissue. The regulation of this transition and the breadth of molecular mechanisms that modulate plant defences are not well understood, although effector proteins secreted by the pathogen are thought to play a key role. We examined the transcriptional dynamics of P. infestans in a compatible interaction with its host tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) at three infection stages: biotrophy; the transition from biotrophy to necrotrophy; and necrotrophy. The expression data suggest a tight temporal regulation of many pathways associated with the suppression of plant defence mechanisms and pathogenicity, including the induction of putative cytoplasmic and apoplastic effectors. Twelve of these were experimentally evaluated to determine their ability to suppress necrosis caused by the P. infestans necrosis‐inducing protein PiNPP1.1 in Nicotiana benthamiana. Four effectors suppressed necrosis, suggesting that they might prolong the biotrophic phase. This study suggests that a complex regulation of effector expression modulates the outcome of the interaction.
Serum antibody levels correlate with oral fungal cell numbers and influence the patients' response to chronic paracoccidioidomycosis
Authors: de Carli Marina Lara , Cardoso Beatriz Cristina Bachião , Malaquias Luiz Cosme Cotta , Nonogaki Suely , Pereira Alessandro Antônio Costa , Sperandio Felipe Fornias , Hanemann João Adolfo Costa
Published: April 2015

Paracoccidioidomycosis (PCM) is a neglected fungal disease that elicits an important granulomatous inflammatory reaction which aims to isolate the fungi and resolve the infection; besides the innate cellular response, the patients' sera may contain different levels of antibodies directed against PCM's pathogenic agent: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb). The aim of the study was to assess the distinct serum antibody levels of 19 chronic PCM patients and to associate these levels to the granulomatous inflammatory response and presence of fungi in oral lesions caused by Pb. The presence of Pb was detected and counted within oral tissues using immunohistochemistry; antibody levels were classified as negative, low‐grade, moderate or high‐grade groups. The Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn's test were used to verify possible associations among the groups. Interestingly, lower antibody titres were associated with lesser numbers of Pb, which favours the cellular response over the humoral response to fight PCM. On the other hand, negative serological results were linked to a higher presence of Pb in the tissues, indicating that a deficient humoral response supports the fungal proliferation. The number of Pb was conveniently associated with the level of serum antibodies, showing that the humoral immune response is required, however, not solely responsible to restrain the dissemination of Pb.
Bottlenecks in carotenoid biosynthesis and accumulation in rice endosperm are influenced by the precursor–product balance
Authors: Bai Chao , Capell Teresa , Berman Judit , Medina Vicente , Sandmann Gerhard , Christou Paul , Zhu Changfu
Published: April 2015

The profile of secondary metabolites in plants reflects the balance of biosynthesis, degradation and storage, including the availability of precursors and products that affect the metabolic equilibrium. We investigated the impact of the precursor–product balance on the carotenoid pathway in the endosperm of intact rice plants because this tissue does not normally accumulate carotenoids, allowing us to control each component of the pathway. We generated transgenic plants expressing the maize phytoene synthase gene (ZmPSY1) and the bacterial phytoene desaturase gene (PaCRTI), which are sufficient to produce β‐carotene in the presence of endogenous lycopene β‐cyclase. We combined this mini‐pathway with the Arabidopsis thaliana genes AtDXS (encoding 1‐deoxy‐D‐xylulose 5‐phosphate synthase, which supplies metabolic precursors) or AtOR (the ORANGE gene, which promotes the formation of a metabolic sink). Analysis of the resulting transgenic plants suggested that the supply of isoprenoid precursors from the MEP pathway is one of the key factors limiting carotenoid accumulation in the endosperm and that the overexpression of AtOR increased the accumulation of carotenoids in part by up‐regulating a series of endogenous carotenogenic genes. The identification of metabolic bottlenecks in the pathway will help to refine strategies for the creation of engineered plants with specific carotenoid profiles.
Assessing potato tuber diel growth by means of X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Pérez‐Torres Eduardo , Kirchgessner Norbert , Pfeifer Johannes , Walter Achim
Published: April 2015

The formation and development of belowground organs is difficult to study. X‐ray computed tomography (CT) provides the possibility to analyse and interpret subtle volumetric changes of belowground organs such as tubers, storage roots and nodules. Here, we report on the establishment of a method based on a voxel dimension of 240 μm and precision (standard deviation) of 30 μL that allows interpreting growth differences among potato tubers happening within 3 h. Plants were not stressed by the application of X‐ray radiation, which was shown both by morphological comparison with control plants and by analysis of lipid peroxidation as a measure of oxidative stress. Diel (24 h) tuber growth fluctuations of three potato genotypes were monitored in soil‐filled pots of 10 L. In contrast to the results from previous reports, most tubers grew at similar rates during day and night. Tuber growth was not related to the developmental stage of plants and tubers. Pronounced differences were observed between average growth rates in different tubers within a plant. These results are discussed in the context of restrictions of past methods to study tuber growth and in the context of their potential for the characterization of the formation and development of other belowground plant organs.
Growth rate hypothesis and efficiency of protein synthesis under different sulphate concentrations in two green algae
Authors: Giordano Mario , Palmucci Matteo , Raven John A.
Published: April 2015

The growth rate hypothesis (GRH) predicts a positive correlation between growth rate and RNA content because growth depends upon the protein synthesis machinery. The application of this hypothesis to photoautotrophic organisms has been questioned. We tested the GRH on one prasinophycean, Tetraselmis suecica, and one chlorophycean, Dunaliella salina, grown at three sulphate concentrations. Sulphate was chosen because its concentration in the oceans increased through geological time and apparently had a role in the evolutionary trajectories of phytoplankton. Cell protein content and P quota were positively related to the RNA content (r = 0.62 and r = 0.74, respectively). The correlation of the RNA content with growth rates (r = 0.95) indicates that the GRH was valid for these species when growth rates were below 0.82 d−1.
Nationwide survey of Cockayne syndrome in Japan: Incidence, clinical course and prognosis
Authors: Kubota Masaya , Ohta Sayaka , Ando Aki , Koyama Akiko , Terashima Hiroshi , Kashii Hirofumi , Hoshino Hideki , Sugita Katsuo , Hayashi Masaharu
Published: April 2015

In the first nationwide survey of Cockayne syndrome (CS) in Japan, the incidence of CS was estimated to be 2.77 per million births (95%CI: 2.19–3.11) and the prevalence was approximately 1 in 2 500 000. A total of 47 CS patients (24 surviving and 23 deceased) were identified. Based on clinical course, these 47 patients were classified into CS type 1 (n = 41; 21 surviving, 20 deceased), CS type 2 (n = 2; all deceased), CS type 3 (n = 3; all surviving), and CS/xeroderma pigmentosum type D (n = 1, deceased). In the 41 CS type 1 patients, seven findings (i.e. failure to thrive; photosensitivity; deafness; characteristic facial appearance of CS [sunken eyes]; foot joint contracture; intellectual disability; and basal ganglia calcification on computed tomography [CT]) were observed in >90% of patients. Of these, failure to thrive, photosensitivity, and intellectual disability (language delays) developed before 2 or 3 years of age, whereas deafness, sunken eyes, and basal ganglia calcification on CT occurred later. Features such as bodyweight and height stagnation, language delay, abnormal nutritional pathways (tube feeding), and renal failure were more prominent in the 20 deceased CS type 1 patients than in the 21 surviving CS type 1 patients. Of the 20 deceased CS type 1 patients, nine developed severe renal failure during the terminal stages of their condition. The present findings suggest that the clinical course of CS includes a diverse range of symptoms, but each type has characteristic symptoms. In addition, the management of renal failure and nutrition are very important for ensuring good quality of life throughout the long‐term course of CS.
Epidemiology, medical genetics, diagnosis and treatment of harlequin ichthyosis in Japan
Authors: Shibata Akitaka , Akiyama Masashi
Published: April 2015

Ichthyoses are a group of disorders marked by whitish, brown or dark‐brown scales on the skin of almost the whole body. Harlequin ichthyosis (HI) is the most severe form. Neonatal death from HI was once common. Due to intensive neonatal care and, probably, to the early introduction of oral retinoids, HI outcome has improved. For definitive diagnosis and the exclusion of other disorders, such as lamellar ichthyosis, which also shows a collodion baby phenotype, it is helpful to refer to electron microscopy of abnormal or absent lamellar granules and a heavy accumulation of lipid droplets in the keratinocytes. ATP‐binding cassette transporter A12 (ABCA12) is known as the causative gene of HI. Severe ABCA12 deficiency results in malformation of intercellular lipid layers in the cornified layers and leads to epidermal lipid barrier disruption. In HI patients, at least one mutation on each allele must be a truncation or deletion mutation to cause serious loss of ABCA12 function. Identification of the gene underlying HI has enabled DNA‐based prenatal diagnosis for HI at the earlier stages of pregnancy with low risk. There are no curative treatments for HI. Abca12‐deficient mice were created as a model of HI. Treatment of the model mice with retinoid or steroid has not been successful.
Young romance in China: Effects of family, attachment, relationship confidence, and problem solving
Authors: DEITZ SHARON L. , ANDERSON JARED R. , JOHNSON MATTHEW D. , HARDY NATHAN R. , ZHENG FUMING , LIU WENLI
Published: April 2015

Guided by the development of early adult romantic relationships (DEARR) model (Bryant & Conger, 2002), this study sought to examine associations between family dysfunction and relationship satisfaction via the mechanisms of anxious and avoidant attachment, relationship confidence, and problem solving in a sample of Chinese young adults (N = 189). Structural equation model results and bootstrap tests of indirect effects indicated several indirect pathways from family dysfunction to relationship satisfaction for Chinese young adults. Follow‐up moderation analyses suggest that men's relationship satisfaction is more intrapersonally driven whereas women's satisfaction is largely determined by interpersonal interaction. The present results provide additional support for the cross‐cultural applicability of DEARR model. Implications of the findings and suggestions for future exploration are discussed.
The Economic Value of Market Information for Farmers in Developing Economies
Authors: Chen Ying‐Ju , Tang Christopher S.
Published: April 2015

In developing countries, farmers lack information for making informed production, manufacturing/selling decisions to improve their earnings. To alleviate poverty, various non‐governmental organizations (NGOs) and for‐profit companies have developed different ways to distribute information about market price, crop advisory and farming technique to farmers. We investigate a fundamental question: will information create economic value for farmers? We construct a stylized model in which farmers face an uncertain market price (demand) and must make production decisions before the market price is realized. Each farmer has an imprecise private signal and an imprecise public signal to estimate the actual market price. By examining the equilibrium outcomes associated with a Cournot competition game, we show that private signals do create value by improving farmers' welfare. However, this value deteriorates as the public signal becomes available (or more precise). In contrast, in the presence of private signals, the public signal does not always create value for the farmers. Nevertheless, both private and public signals will reduce price variation. We also consider two separate extensions that involve non‐identical private signal precisions and farmers' risk‐aversion, and we find that the same results continue to hold. More importantly, we find that the public signal can reduce welfare inequality when farmers have non‐identical private signal precisions. Also, risk‐aversion can dampen the value created by private or public information.
Non-Parametric Inference for Density Modes
Authors: Genovese Christopher R. , Perone-Pacifico Marco , Verdinelli Isabella , Wasserman Larry
Published: April 2015

We derive non-parametric confidence intervals for the eigenvalues of the Hessian at modes of a density estimate. This provides information about the strength and shape of modes and can also be used as a significance test. We use a data-splitting approach in which potential modes are identified by using the first half of the data and inference is done with the second half of the data. To obtain valid confidence sets for the eigenvalues, we use a bootstrap based on an elementary symmetric polynomial transformation. This leads to valid bootstrap confidence sets regardless of any multiplicities in the eigenvalues. We also suggest a new method for bandwidth selection, namely choosing the bandwidth to maximize the number of significant modes. We show by example that this method works well. Even when the true distribution is singular, and hence does not have a density (in which case cross-validation chooses a zero bandwidth), our method chooses a reasonable bandwidth.
The Succession Crisis in European Agriculture
Authors: Burton Rob J.F. , Fischer Heike
Published: April 2015

This article addresses the issues raised by Chiswell and Lobley concerning our publication ‘Understanding Farm Succession as Socially Constructed Endogenous Cycles'. Our response rebuts Chiswell and Lobley's criticisms of the article and assembles evidence from the literature to suggest that in a number of countries and regions of Europe, farm succession failure is at crisis levels. We suggest that the primary source of Chiswell and Lobley's optimism is the international FARMTRANSFERS survey, which they interpret as providing a positive assessment of farm transfer within the family. We present an alternative interpretation of their conclusions.