bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The importance of diurnal and nocturnal activity and interspecific interactions for space use by ants in clear‐cuts
Authors: ŻMIHORSKI MICHAŁ , ŚLIPIŃSKI PIOTR
Published: February 2016

1. Full sunlight conditions in open clear‐cuts may limit the activity of ants as soil surface temperatures reach lethal levels. Therefore, differences may be expected between the diurnal and nocturnal activity of ants, and in the interactions between ant species. These predictions, however, have been poorly investigated so far.

2. The circadian activity of ants in clear‐cuts in managed forests in Poland was investigated. Repeated counts of ants were performed during the day and the following night at the clear‐cut edge and in the clear‐cut interior. Interspecific interactions and the effect of plant coverage were also considered.

3. Abundances of Formica fusca Linnaeus and red wood ants were higher during the day, whereas Myrmica were more common at night. Formica fusca, Lasius and red wood ants were more common at the clear‐cut edge than in the interior. Myrmica showed the opposite pattern, but at night, its numbers increased at the edge. Plant coverage positively affected F. fusca and red wood ants.

4. Red wood ants tended to be negatively associated with Lasius, whereas they were neutral for F. fusca. The negative association of red wood ants and Myrmica was stronger during the day compared to night.

5. The time of day was a strong driver of ant activity in the clear‐cuts, whereas the distribution of red wood ants was of lesser importance. It is concluded that circadian activity may substantially contribute to niche separation between coexisting species, therefore, studies performed exclusively during the day cannot reflect the real structure of the community.
Recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein‐9 potently induces osteogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts
Authors: Fuchigami Sawako , Nakamura Toshiaki , Furue Kirara , Sena Kotaro , Shinohara Yukiya , Noguchi Kazuyuki
Published: February 2016

To accomplish effective periodontal regeneration for periodontal defects, several regenerative methods using growth and differentiation factors, including bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs), have been developed. Bone morphogenetic protein‐9 exhibits the most potent osteogenic activity of this growth factor family. However, it is unclear whether exogenous BMP‐9 can induce osteogenic differentiation in human periodontal ligament (PDL) fibroblasts. Here, we examined the effects of recombinant human (rh) BMP‐9 on osteoblastic differentiation in human PDL fibroblasts in vitro, compared with rhBMP‐2. Recombinant human BMP‐9 potently induced alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, mineralization, and increased expression of runt‐related transcription factor‐2/core binding factor alpha 1 (RUNX2/CBFA1), osterix, inhibitor of DNA binding/differentiation‐1 (ID1), osteopontin, and bone sialoprotein genes, compared with rhBMP‐2. The levels of rhBMP‐9‐induced osterix and ALP mRNA were significantly reduced in activin receptor‐like kinase‐1 and ‐2 small interfering RNA (siRNA)‐transfected human PDL fibroblasts. Recombinant human BMP‐9‐induced ALP activity was not inhibited by noggin, in contrast to rhBMP‐2 induced ALP activity, which was. Phosphorylation of SMAD1/5/8 in human PDL fibroblasts was induced by addition of rhBMP‐9. Recombinant human BMP‐9‐induced ALP activity was suppressed by SB203580, SP600125, and U0126, which are inhibitors of p38, c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), respectively. Our data suggest that rhBMP‐9 is a potent inducer of the differentiation of human PDL fibroblasts into osteoblast‐like cells and that this may be mediated by the SMAD and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (p38, ERK1/2, and JNK) pathways.
Denied Citizens of Turkey: Experiences of Discrimination Among LGBT Individuals in Employment, Housing and Health Care
Authors: Yılmaz Volkan , Göçmen İpek
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this article is to explore experiences of discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans (LGBT) individuals in three domains of social policies: employment, housing and health care — domains in which LGBT individuals are not openly recognized as equal citizens and anti‐discrimination legislation is absent in Turkey. Drawing on qualitative content analysis of the data collected from 14 focus group interviews with 139 LGBT individuals conducted in ten provinces of Turkey in the first half of 2014, this article sheds light on diverse forms of discrimination facing LGBT individuals in employment, housing and health care in a largely under‐researched country. The article concludes that the contemporary understanding of Turkish citizenship and its practice are rooted in heterosexist universalism that does not recognize LGBTs as equal citizens, which, in turn, leads to systematic breaches of LGBTs' social rights in employment, housing and health care. The article shows that even strong and universalistic social policies fail to serve LGBTs on an equal footing with other citizens unless equal citizenship rights of LGBTs and anti‐discrimination principles are recognized and realized.
Pro‐ and anticoagulant factors facilitate thrombin generation and balance the haemostatic response to FEIBA® in prophylactic therapy
Authors: Varadi K. , Tangada S. , Loeschberger M. , Montsch P. , Schrenk G. , Ewenstein B. , Turecek P. L.
Published: February 2016

Introduction

FEIBA® consists of zymogens and traces of activated forms of procoagulant factors II, VII, IX, X, anticoagulants protein C and TFPI, and small amounts of cofactors FV, FVIII and protein S, in a balanced ratio. As shown previously, FII‐FXa complex plays a key role in FEIBA's mode of action (MoA).

Methods

Thrombin generation (TG) was measured by spiking coagulation factors, cofactors and inhibitors to high titer FVIII inhibitor plasma, and in plasma samples from patients in a phase 3 clinical study evaluating the safety and efficacy of FEIBA prophylaxis in haemophilia A patients with inhibitors.

Results

Increasing the FXa/FII ratio improved TG, while adding coagulation enzyme components had a negligible effect. Adding FX, FIX, and FVII increased the peak thrombin and decreased the lag time. The presence of FV and phospholipids led to faster TG, while protein C and protein S reduced the amount of peak thrombin. TFPI appeared to have no effect. Patients on prophylaxis with FEIBA® showed higher peak thrombin and AUC with elevated FII, FX, FIX, FVIIa, and protein C levels, and experienced significantly less bleeding episodes than those receiving on‐demand treatment.

Conclusion

These experiments showed that although the FII‐FXa complex induced immediate thrombin formation on the activated platelet surface, other procoagulant components of FEIBA were necessary to achieve an optimal thrombin burst. The presence of the pro‐ and anti‐coagulants in FEIBA provides a haemostatic balance, and is thus expected to prevent thrombotic events. Recent clinical data verified the postulated MoA of FEIBA in prophylaxis treatment.
Length time bias in surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma and how to avoid it
Authors: Cucchetti Alessandro , Garuti Francesca , Pinna Antonio Daniele , Trevisani Franco ,   for the Italian Liver Cancer (ITA.LI.CA) group
Published: February 2016

Aim

Length time bias is a selection bias which can lead to an overestimation of survival of screening‐detected cases caused by the relative excess of slower‐growing tumors detected with respect to symptomatic cases. This leads to the incorrect perception that screening improves outcomes when it only selects tumors with a favorable biology. Data regarding this bias in surveillance for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have never been provided.

Methods

A semi‐Markov model was developed to investigate this issue. An exponential tumor growth was applied. During its growth, tumor diagnosis “at surveillance appointments” was made when tumor attained a size equal to or above the size of tumors diagnosed in surveilled patients obtained from pertinent published reports, or “in‐between appointments” (due to the development of symptoms) if tumor size attained the size of symptomatic diagnosis, derived from published reports; otherwise the tumor continued to grow until the time horizon had been reached. Tumor doubling time (DT) values were recorded according to the method of diagnosis.

Results

In a theoretical cohort of 1000 patients submitted to semiannual surveillance, 72.5% will be diagnosed at a surveillance appointment and 18% because of symptom development, although under surveillance. Patients diagnosed with HCC at a surveillance appointment had a median tumor DT of 100 days (interquartile range, 68–143 days), whereas those diagnosed because of symptoms had a median DT of 42 days (interquartile range, 29–58 days) although under surveillance.

Conclusion

The surveillance propensity to detect slower‐growth tumors is relevant, and practical suggestions to minimize this bias in longitudinal studies are provided.
Functional properties of protein hydrolysates from Riceberry rice bran
Authors: Thamnarathip Parichart , Jangchud Kamolwan , Jangchud Anuvat , Vardhanabhuti Bongkosh
Published: February 2016

Protein hydrolysate from pigmented Riceberry rice bran has great potential to be used in food products due to its protein content and antioxidative activities. In this study, characteristics, solubility, heat stability and emulsification properties of protein hydrolysates from the bran fraction of two rice cultivars, commercial rice bran (CBH) and Riceberry bran (RBH), were investigated. Both CBH and RBH showed the lowest solubility near their isoelectric point between pH 2 and 3. Solubility of RBH increased with increasing pH as the hydrolysates became more negatively charged; however, solubility of CBH was less dependent on pH. Heating did not significantly affect solubility of both hydrolysates which could be due to reduced aggregation of low‐molecular weight peptides and/or the exposure of charged and polar groups after hydrolysis. Oil‐in‐water emulsions stabilised by RBH were more stable compared to those stabilised by CBH. Maximum stability was achieved with RBH at pH 6 where no creaming was observed after 14 day storage. Higher stability could be due to increased surface protein coverage, more negative charge and higher viscosity of RBH‐stabilised emulsions. In addition, higher carbohydrate content and the presence of flavonoid could also contribute to an increase in stability. These results can be applied in food products using rice bran protein hydrolysate as nutritional ingredients.
The psychometric testing of the Nursing Teamwork Survey in Iceland
Authors: Bragadóttir Helga , Kalisch Beatrice J. , Smáradóttir Sigríður Bríet , Jónsdóttir Heiður Hrund
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to test the psychometric properties of the Nursing Teamwork Survey‐Icelandic (NTS‐Icelandic), which was translated from US English to Icelandic. The Nursing Teamwork Survey, with 33 items, measures overall teamwork and five factors of teamwork: trust, team orientation, backup, shared mental models, and team leadership. The psychometric testing of the NTS‐Icelandic was carried out on data from a pilot study and a national study. The sample for a pilot study included 123 nursing staff from five units, and the sample for a national study included 925 nursing staff from 27 inpatient units. The overall test–retest intraclass correlation coefficient in the pilot study was 0.693 (lower bound = 0.498, upper bound = 0.821) (p < 0.001). The Cronbach's alpha reliability for the total scale and subscales ranged from 0.737 to 0.911. A confirmatory factor analysis indicated a good fit of the data from the national study with the five‐factor model for nursing teamwork. The NTS‐Icelandic tested valid and reliable in this study. Study findings support further use of the Nursing Teamwork Survey internationally.
Parallel effects of the inversion In(3R)Payne on body size across the North American and Australian clines in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Kapun M. , Schmidt C. , Durmaz E. , Schmidt P. S. , Flatt T.
Published: February 2016

Chromosomal inversions are thought to play a major role in climatic adaptation. In D. melanogaster, the cosmopolitan inversion In(3R)Payne exhibits latitudinal clines on multiple continents. As many fitness traits show similar clines, it is tempting to hypothesize that In(3R)P underlies observed clinal patterns for some of these traits. In support of this idea, previous work in Australian populations has demonstrated that In(3R)P affects body size but not development time or cold resistance. However, similar data from other clines of this inversion are largely lacking; finding parallel effects of In(3R)P across multiple clines would considerably strengthen the case for clinal selection. Here, we have analysed the phenotypic effects of In(3R)P in populations originating from the endpoints of the latitudinal cline along the North American east coast. We measured development time, egg‐to‐adult survival, several size‐related traits (femur and tibia length, wing area and shape), chill coma recovery, oxidative stress resistance and triglyceride content in homokaryon lines carrying In(3R)P or the standard arrangement. Our central finding is that the effects of In(3R)P along the North American cline match those observed in Australia: standard arrangement lines were larger than inverted lines, but the inversion did not influence development time or cold resistance. Similarly, In(3R)P did not affect egg‐to‐adult survival, oxidative stress resistance and lipid content. In(3R)P thus seems to specifically affect size traits in populations from both continents. This parallelism strongly suggests an adaptive pattern, whereby the inversion has captured alleles associated with growth regulation and clinal selection acts on size across both continents.
Effect of Nanofiller Loading on Cure Efficiency and Potential Color Change of Model Composites
Authors: de Oliveira Dayane Carvalho Ramos Salles , de Menezes Livia Rodrigues , Gatti Alexandre , Correr Sobrinho Lourenço , Ferracane Jack L. , Sinhoreti Mario Alexandre Coelho
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the effect of nanofiller loading on cure efficiency and potential color change of experimental composites.

Materials and Methods

Four different polymeric materials were produced using the same organic matrix blend. To this matrix, different amounts of 0.05 μm fumed silica filler were added: no filler, 13, 52, and 65wt%. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) for each composite using near‐IR analysis, and spectrophotometry according to CIELab chromatic space was used to evaluate the color change.To induce color change, composites were artificially aged with exposure to cycles of UV‐B light for 300 hours. Trasmission electron microscopy was used to illustrate nanoffiler aglomeration in the resin matrix. Data were analyzed using correlation analysis (α = 0.05).

Results

There was an excellent inverse linear correlation between filler wt% and either DC or color change. Greater changes to red (+Δa) and yellow (+Δb) were observed as the filler wt% increased.

Conclusions

A higher percentage of nano‐sized filler particles in dental resin composites directly affects their cure efficiency and potential for color change.

Clinical Significance

The increase in filler particle loading negatively affected monomer conversion and color stability of resin‐based composites. As reduced filler loading results in poorer mechanical properties, to enhance color stability, resin‐based composites should be formulated by making the refractive index of the polymeric matrix more closely match that of the filler throughout the polymerization process. (J Esthet Restor Dent, 2016)
The Family Diet Study: a cross‐sectional study into the associations between diet, food habits and body weight status in Malay families
Authors: Yang W. Y. , Burrows T. , MacDonald‐Wicks L. , Williams L. T. , Collins C. E. , Chee W. S. S.
Published: February 2016

Background

Childhood obesity is becoming more common as Malaysia experiences rapid nutrition transition. Current evidence related to parental influences on child dietary intake and body weight status is limited. The present study aimed to report, among Malay families, the prevalence of energy mis‐reporting and dietary relationships within family dyads.

Methods

The cross‐sectional Family Diet Study (n = 236) was conducted at five primary schools in central of Peninsular Malaysia. Each family consisted of a Malay child, aged 8–12 years, and their main caregiver(s). Information on socio‐demographics, dietary intake and anthropometry were collected. Correlations and regression analyses were used to assess dietary relationships within family dyads.

Results

Approximately 29.6% of the children and 75.0% parents were categorised as being overweight or obese. Intakes of nutrients and food groups were below the national recommended targets for majority of children and adults. A large proportion of energy intake mis‐reporters were identified: mothers (55.5%), fathers (40.2%) and children (40.2%). Children's body mass index (BMI) was positively associated with parental BMI (fathers, r = 0.37; mothers, r = 0.34; P < 0.01). For dietary intakes, moderate‐to‐strong (0.35–0.72) and weak‐to‐moderate (0.16–0.35) correlations were found between mother–father and child–parent dyads, respectively. Multiple regression revealed that maternal percentage energy from fat (β = 0.09, P < 0.01) explained 81% of the variation in children's fat intake.

Conclusions

Clear parental dietary relationships, especially child–mother dyads, were found. Despite a significant proportion of families with members who were overweight or obese, the majority reported dietary intakes below recommended levels, distorted by energy mis‐reporting. The findings of the present study can inform interventions targeting parent–child relationships to improve family dietary patterns in Malaysia.
Evaluation of oxygen saturation values in different body positions in healthy individuals
Authors: Ceylan Burcu , Khorshid Leyla , Güneş Ülkü Yapucu , Zaybak Ayten
Published: February 2016

Aims and objectives

The research was conducted to evaluate oxygen saturation values measured in healthy individuals in different body positions.

Background

Changes in position affect ventilation‐perfusion rates, oxygen transport and lung volume in normal lungs. There have been few studies and not enough information about which positioning of a healthy individual can increase oxygenation.

Design

A descriptive study.

Methods

A sample of 103 healthy individuals with no chronic disease, anaemia or pain was included in the research. Individuals were positioned in five different positions: sitting upright, supine position, prone position, lying on the left side and lying on the right side. Oxygen saturation and pulse rates were then measured and recorded after the individuals held each position for ten minutes.

Results

It was found that the average oxygen saturation value when measured while sitting in an upright position in a chair was significantly higher than that measured when the individual was lying on the right or left side of the body. Oxygen saturation values measured in the five different body positions were significantly higher in women, in individuals below the age of 35, in those with Body Mass Indexes of below 25 kg/m2, and in nonsmokers.

Conclusion

All of the oxygen saturation values measured in the five different body positions were in the normal range. Although oxygen saturation values were within the normal range in the five different body positions, post hoc analysis showed that the best oxygenation was in the ‘sitting upright’ position while the lowest oxygenation was in the supine position.

Relevance to clinical practice

Based on the results of this research, it can be concluded that the differences among oxygen saturation values according to the different body positions were statistically significant.
Older Adults Developing a Preference for Living Apart Together
Authors: Benson Jacquelyn J. , Coleman Marilyn
Published: February 2016

What is understood about late life partner relationships is largely based on long‐term marriage, with little attention given to understanding the process of forming new partnerships in older adulthood. However, marked growth in cohabitation and greater awareness of living apart together (LAT) suggests a need for further investigation. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore how decisions about LAT are made among later‐life men and women. Twenty‐five participants completed life history calendars and semistructured interviews that examined how their current relationships evolved into LAT. Seven contributing factors were identified: relational and personal goals, age, caregiver burden, partner factors, relationship histories, and shifts in social mores. What participants were “doing” during the process of deciding to live apart together was working to resolve their long‐held and often ingrained beliefs about romantic relationships. Three preferences for LAT emerged from this study: opposing, ambivalent, and advocating. Future directions for research are discussed.
Melatonin prevents cisplatin‐induced primordial follicle loss via suppression of PTEN/AKT/FOXO3a pathway activation in the mouse ovary
Authors: Jang Hoon , Lee Ok‐Hee , Lee Youngeun , Yoon Hyemin , Chang Eun Mi , Park Miseon , Lee Jeong‐Woong , Hong Kwonho , Kim Jung Oh , Kim Nam Keun , Ko Jung Jae , Lee Dong Ryul , Yoon Tae Ki , Lee Woo Sik , Choi Youngsok
Published: February 2016

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is a major side effect of chemotherapy in young cancer patients. To develop pharmaceutical agents for preserving fertility, it is necessary to understand the mechanisms responsible for chemotherapy‐induced follicle loss. Here, we show that treatment with cisplatin, a widely used anticancer drug, depleted the dormant follicle pool in mouse ovaries by excessive activation of the primordial follicles, without inducing follicular apoptosis. Moreover, we show that co‐treatment with the antioxidant melatonin prevented cisplatin‐induced disruption of the follicle reserve. We quantified the various stages of growing follicles, including primordial, primary, secondary, and antral, to demonstrate that cisplatin treatment alone significantly decreased, whereas melatonin co‐treatment preserved, the number of primordial follicles in the ovary. Importantly, analysis of the PTEN/AKT/FOXO3a pathway demonstrated that melatonin significantly decreased the cisplatin‐mediated inhibitory phosphorylation of PTEN, a key negative regulator of dormant follicle activation. Moreover, melatonin prevented the cisplatin‐induced activating phosphorylation of AKT, GSK3β, and FOXO3a, all of which trigger follicle activation. Additionally, we show that melatonin inhibited the cisplatin‐induced inhibitory phosphorylation and nuclear export of FOXO3a, which is required in the nucleus to maintain dormancy of the primordial follicles. These findings demonstrate that melatonin attenuates cisplatin‐induced follicle loss by preventing the phosphorylation of PTEN/AKT/FOXO3a pathway members; thus, melatonin is a potential therapeutic agent for ovarian protection and fertility preservation during chemotherapy in female cancer patients.
Melatonin enhances mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis in rats with carbon tetrachloride‐induced liver fibrosis
Authors: Kang Jung‐Woo , Hong Jeong‐Min , Lee Sun‐Mee
Published: February 2016

Liver fibrosis leads to liver cirrhosis and failure, and no effective treatment is currently available. Growing evidence supports a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and liver fibrogenesis and mitochondrial quality control‐based therapy has emerged as a new therapeutic target. We investigated the protective mechanisms of melatonin against mitochondrial dysfunction‐involved liver fibrosis, focusing on mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis. Rats were treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) dissolved in olive oil (0.5 mL/kg, twice a week, i.p.) for 8 wk. Melatonin was administered orally at 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg once a day. Chronic CCl4 exposure induced collagen deposition, hepatocellular damage, and oxidative stress, and melatonin attenuated these increases. Increases in mRNA and protein expression levels of transforming growth factor β1 and α‐smooth muscle actin in response to CCl4 were attenuated by melatonin. Melatonin attenuated hallmarks of mitochondrial dysfunction, such as mitochondrial swelling and glutamate dehydrogenase release. Chronic CCl4 exposure impaired mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, and melatonin attenuated this impairment, as indicated by increases in mitochondrial DNA and in protein levels of PTEN‐induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1); Parkin; peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐gamma coactivator 1α (PGC‐1α); nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1); and transcription factor A, mitochondrial (TFAM). CCl4‐mediated decreases in mitochondrial fission‐ and fusion‐related proteins, such as dynamin‐related protein 1 (DRP1) and mitofusin 2, were also attenuated by melatonin. Moreover, melatonin induced AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation. These results suggest that melatonin protects against liver fibrosis via upregulation of mitophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis, and may be useful as an anti‐fibrotic treatment.
PROP taster status, food preferences and consumption of high‐calorie snacks and sweet beverages among 6‐year‐old ethnically diverse children
Authors: Wijtzes Anne I. , Jansen Wilma , Bouthoorn Selma H. , Kiefte‐de Jong Jessica C. , Jansen Pauline W. , Franco Oscar H. , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Hofman Albert , Raat Hein
Published: February 2016

A healthy diet is important for optimal growth and development in children. Food preferences are a main determinant of children's intake. The aim of this study was to examine the associations of 6‐n‐propylthiouracil (PROP) taster status (taste sensitivity to PROP) with children's food preferences and consumption of high‐calorie snacks and sweet beverages among ethnically diverse children. We analysed data from 5585 6‐year‐old children enrolled in the Generation R Study, a birth cohort study in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. PROP taster status was evaluated using a suprathreshold screening solution. Food preferences of the children were assessed by a two‐stage protocol using photographs of eight food items (candy, chocolate, mayonnaise, whipped cream, soup, potato chips, carrot and bread), yielding both hedonic ratings (1–3) and rank order scores (1–8). Univariate and multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were performed, using tasters as the reference group. Non‐tasters had a slightly higher preference for carrots (β: −0.07; 95% CI: −0.13, −0.02 and β: −0.15; 95% CI: −0.27, −0.02 for hedonic ratings and rank order scores, respectively) and bread (hedonic ratings; β: −0.06; 95% CI: −0.11, −0.01) compared with tasters. No differences were found in children's preference for sweet, fat or salty food items. Furthermore, there were no associations of PROP taster status with the consumption of high‐calorie snacks ≥ 2 times/day (aOR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.91,1.24) or sweet beverages ≥ 3 glasses/day (aOR: 1.06; 95% CI: 0.92,1.23). Other factors relating to the family food environment may be more important for young children's food preferences and consumption of high‐calorie snacks and sweet beverages than their innate taste sensitivity.
Selection against recombinant hybrids maintains reproductive isolation in hybridizing Populus species despite F1 fertility and recurrent gene flow
Authors: Christe Camille , Stölting Kai N. , Bresadola Luisa , Fussi Barbara , Heinze Berthold , Wegmann Daniel , Lexer Christian
Published: February 2016

Natural hybrid zones have proven to be precious tools for understanding the origin and maintenance of reproductive isolation (RI) and therefore species. Most available genomic studies of hybrid zones using whole‐ or partial‐genome resequencing approaches have focused on comparisons of the parental source populations involved in genome admixture, rather than exploring fine‐scale patterns of chromosomal ancestry across the full admixture gradient present between hybridizing species. We have studied three well‐known European ‘replicate’ hybrid zones of Populus alba and P. tremula, two widespread, ecologically divergent forest trees, using up to 432 505 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from restriction site‐associated DNA (RAD) sequencing. Estimates of fine‐scale chromosomal ancestry, genomic divergence and differentiation across all 19 poplar chromosomes revealed strikingly contrasting results, including an unexpected preponderance of F1 hybrids in the centre of genomic clines on the one hand, and genomically localized, spatially variable shared variants consistent with ancient introgression between the parental species on the other. Genetic ancestry had a significant effect on survivorship of hybrid seedlings in a common garden trial, pointing to selection against early‐generation recombinants. Our results indicate a role for selection against recombinant genotypes in maintaining RI in the face of apparent F1 fertility, consistent with the intragenomic ‘coadaptation’ model of barriers to introgression upon secondary contact. Whole‐genome resequencing of hybridizing populations will clarify the roles of specific genetic pathways in RI between these model forest trees and may reveal which loci are affected most strongly by its cyclic breakdown.
Ancient and modern colonization of North America by hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae (Hemiptera: Adelgidae), an invasive insect from East Asia
Authors: Havill Nathan P. , Shiyake Shigehiko , Lamb Galloway Ashley , Foottit Robert G. , Yu Guoyue , Paradis Annie , Elkinton Joseph , Montgomery Michael E. , Sano Masakazu , Caccone Adalgisa
Published: February 2016

Hemlock woolly adelgid, Adelges tsugae, is an invasive pest of hemlock trees (Tsuga) in eastern North America. We used 14 microsatellites and mitochondrial COI sequences to assess its worldwide genetic structure and reconstruct its colonization history. The resulting information about its life cycle, biogeography and host specialization could help predict invasion by insect herbivores. We identified eight endemic lineages of hemlock adelgids in central China, western China, Ulleung Island (South Korea), western North America, and two each in Taiwan and Japan, with the Japanese lineages specializing on different Tsuga species. Adelgid life cycles varied at local and continental scales with different sexual, obligately asexual and facultatively asexual lineages. Adelgids in western North America exhibited very high microsatellite heterozygosity, which suggests ancient asexuality. The earliest lineages diverged in Asia during Pleistocene glacial periods, as estimated using approximate Bayesian computation. Colonization of western North America was estimated to have occurred prior to the last glacial period by adelgids directly ancestral to those in southern Japan, perhaps carried by birds. The modern invasion from southern Japan to eastern North America caused an extreme genetic bottleneck with just two closely related clones detected throughout the introduced range. Both colonization events to North America involved host shifts to unrelated hemlock species. These results suggest that genetic diversity, host specialization and host phylogeny are not predictive of adelgid invasion. Monitoring non‐native sentinel host trees and focusing on invasion pathways might be more effective methods of preventing invasion than making predictions using species traits or evolutionary history.
Do we need to worry about eating wheat?
Authors: Shewry P. R. , Hey S. J.
Published: February 2016

Wheat is a staple food throughout the temperate world and an important source of nutrients for many millions of people. However, the last few years have seen increasing concerns about adverse effects of wheat on health, particularly in North America and Europe, with the increasing adoption of wheat‐free or gluten‐free diets. This relates to two concerns: that wheat products are disproportionally responsible for increases in obesity and type 2 diabetes and that wheat gluten proteins cause a range of adverse reactions, including allergies, coeliac disease and ‘non‐coeliac gluten sensitivity’. The first concern has been refuted in previous publications, and we therefore focus on the second here. Current evidence indicates that allergy to ingested wheat and coeliac disease (and related intolerances) each occur in up to 1% of the population. The extent to which their prevalence has increased is difficult to quantify due to improved diagnosis and increased awareness. However, neither appears to be increasing disproportionally when compared with other immunologically mediated adverse reactions to food. Other adverse reactions to wheat are more difficult to define as their mechanisms are not understood and they are therefore difficult to diagnose. In particular, ‘non‐coeliac wheat sensitivity’ has been reported to occur in 6% or more of the population in the US. However, the application of more rigorous diagnostic criteria is likely to give substantially lower estimates of prevalence. It is therefore unlikely that the health of more than a small proportion of the population will be improved by eliminating wheat or gluten from the diet. In fact, the opposite may occur as wheat is an important source of protein, B vitamins, minerals and bioactive components.
Parents, portions and potential distortions: Unpicking children's meal size
Authors: McCrickerd K. , Forde C. G.
Published: February 2016

Parents and caregivers play a powerful role in shaping the food environment in which their children learn about appropriate portion sizes. Parents often report just ‘knowing’ the amount of food to serve to their children, but evidence indicates that these decisions are driven by the portions parents pick for themselves. This is potentially problematic because, like adults, young children are susceptible to overeating when served large portions, which raises questions about how and when children develop their own portion knowledge. Understanding the social, emotional and cultural factors that shape children's learning about appropriate portion sizes and self‐regulation will lead to a better understanding of the calories that end up on children's plates and in their mouths, and the eating behaviours that define them as adults.
Primulina suichuanensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) from Danxia landform in Jiangxi, China
Authors: Zhou Da‐Song , Zhou Jian‐Jun , Li Ming , Yu Xun‐Lin
Published: February 2016

Primulina suichuanensis X. L. Yu & J. J. Zhou, a new species of Gesneriaceae from Jiangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species is most similar to P. roseoalba, but differs by entire leaf blade margin, narrowly ovate bracts, reddish–purple or bluish–purple corolla, 3.0–3.4 cm long corolla tube, white filaments, and 3.6 cm long pistil. It flowers from September to November.
Psychosocial environment: definitions, measures and associations with weight status – a systematic review
Authors: Glonti K. , Mackenbach J. D. , Ng J. , Lakerveld J. , Oppert J.‐M. , Bárdos H. , McKee M. , Rutter H.
Published: February 2016

Socio‐ecological models suggest that many elements of the social environment act as upstream determinants of obesity. This systematic review examined definitions, measures and strength of associations between the psychosocial environment and adult weight status. Studies were included if they were conducted on adults, the outcome was weight status, carried out in any developed country and investigated at least one psychosocial environmental construct. Six databases for primary studies were searched: EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library. We restricted our search to studies published in English between January 1995 and February 2015. An adapted ‘Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies’ was used to evaluate risk of bias of included studies. Out of 14,784 screened records, 42 articles were assessed using full text. A total of 19 studies were included. The strongest associations with weight status were found for social capital and collective efficacy, although few studies found significant associations. There was heterogeneity in the definitions and metrics of psychosocial environmental constructs. There is limited evidence that greater social capital and collective efficacy are associated with healthier weight status. The research conducted to date has not robustly identified relations. We highlight challenges to undertaking research and establishing causality in this field and provide recommendations for further research.
The global burden of oral diseases in pediatric HIV‐infected populations: a workshop report
Authors: Arrive E , Meless D , Anaya‐Saavedra G , Gallottini M , Pinzon LM , Ramirez‐Amador V
Published: February 2016

Objectives

To achieve a comprehensive understanding about the global burden of oral diseases in HIV‐infected children and to identify research needs.

Materials and methods

A literature search was conducted in PubMed (2009–2014) to address five questions: (i) prevalence of oral diseases in HIV‐infected compared with uninfected children, (ii) impact of oral diseases on quality of life, (iii) effect of antiretroviral exposure in utero on craniofacial and dental development, (iv) important co‐infections and antiretroviral complications, and (v) value of atraumatic restorative treatment.

Results

Studies showed a high prevalence of dental caries in HIV‐infected children but the relationship between HIV infection and dental caries remains unclear. Also quality of life needs further investigation supported by better study designs and improvement of the instruments used. Up‐to‐date evidence suggested long‐term harms associated with in utero antiretroviral exposure were minor but would require long‐term follow‐up through National Registries. The reviews also revealed the wide spectrum of metabolic disease due to antiretroviral therapy and co‐infections such as tuberculosis. Finally, atraumatic restorative technique appears to be a simple and safe technique to treat dental caries but outcomes need further evaluation.

Conclusions

The impact of antiretroviral therapy in HIV‐infected children has raised novel challenging questions in the field of oral health warranting future research.
Fibroblast growth factor‐23 and chronic allograft injury in pediatric renal transplant recipients: a Midwest Pediatric Nephrology Consortium study
Authors: Seifert Michael E. , Ashoor Isa F. , Chiang Myra L. , Chishti Aftab S. , Dietzen Dennis J. , Gipson Debbie S. , Janjua Halima S. , Selewski David T. , Hruska Keith A.
Published: February 2016

The chronic kidney disease‐mineral bone disorder (CKD‐MBD) produces fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23) and related circulating pathogenic factors that are strongly associated with vascular injury and declining kidney function in native CKD. Similarly, chronic renal allograft injury (CRAI) is characterized by vascular injury and declining allograft function in transplant CKD. We hypothesized that circulating CKD‐MBD factors could serve as non‐invasive biomarkers of CRAI. We conducted a cross‐sectional, multicenter case–control study. Cases (n = 31) had transplant function >20 mL/min/1.73 m2 and biopsy‐proven CRAI. Controls (n = 31) had transplant function >90 mL/min/1.73 m2 and/or a biopsy with no detectable abnormality in the previous six months. We measured plasma CKD‐MBD factors at a single time point using ELISA. Median (range) FGF23 levels were over twofold higher in CRAI vs. controls [106 (10–475) pg/mL vs. 45 (8–91) pg/mL; p < 0.001]. FGF23 levels were inversely correlated with transplant function (r2 = −0.617, p < 0.001). Higher FGF23 levels were associated with increased odds of biopsy‐proven CRAI after adjusting for transplant function, clinical, and demographic factors [OR (95% CI) 1.43 (1.23, 1.67)]. Relationships between additional CKD‐MBD factors and CRAI were attenuated in multivariable models. Higher FGF23 levels were independently associated with biopsy‐proven CRAI in children.
Maternal and Paternal Mental‐state Talk and Executive Function in Preschool Children
Authors: Baptista Joana , Osório Ana , Martins Eva Costa , Castiajo Paula , Barreto Ana Luísa , Mateus Vera , Soares Isabel , Martins Carla
Published: February 2016

The present study examined the relationship between parents’ mental‐state talk and preschoolers’ executive function. Seventy‐two children participated in the present study, as well as their mothers and fathers. When children were enrolled in the second preschool year, mothers’ and fathers’ use of mental‐state references were assessed during a shared picture‐book reading task with the child. Later, four months before admission to the first grade, preschoolers’ executive function was measured. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that maternal, but not paternal, mental‐state talk was a significant predictor of children's executive function composite, even after accounting for child gender, age, verbal ability, and parental education. When looking at each of the EF components, maternal mental‐state talk proved to be a predictor of set‐shifting whereas no significant relations emerged with inhibitory control or working memory. These findings add to prior research on parenting quality and executive function in preschoolers.
An ‘Algorithmic Links with Probabilities’ Concordance for Trademarks with an Application Towards Bilateral IP Flows
Authors: Zolas Nikolas , Lybbert Travis J. , Bhattacharyya Prantik
Published: February 2016

Trademarks (TMs) shape the competitive landscape of markets for goods and services in all countries. As a key element of branding, they can inform consumers about the quality and content of goods and services. Yet, researchers are largely unable to conduct rigorous empirical analysis of TMs in the global economy because TM data and economic data are organised differently and cannot be analysed jointly at the industry or sector level. We propose an ‘algorithmic links with probabilities’ (ALP) approach to match TM data to economic data and enable joint analysis with these data. Specifically, we construct a NICE class‐level concordance that maps TM data into trade and industry categories forward and backward. This concordance allows researchers to analyse differences in TM usage across both economic and TM sectors. We apply this ALP concordance for TMs to characterise patterns in TM registrations across countries and industries and to investigate some key determinants of international technology flows by comparing bilateral TM registrations and bilateral patent grants. We find that international patenting and TM flows are jointly determined by trade‐related influences with significant differences in intellectual property usage across industry sectors and income levels.
The relationship of pulmonary vascular resistance and compliance to pulmonary artery wedge pressure during submaximal exercise in healthy older adults
Authors: Wright Stephen P. , Granton John T. , Esfandiari Sam , Goodman Jack M. , Mak Susanna
Published: February 2016

Key points

A consistent inverse hyperbolic relationship has been observed between pulmonary vascular resistance and compliance, although changes in pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP) may modify this relationship.

This relationship predicts that pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic and mean pressure maintain a consistent relationship relative to the PAWP.

We show that, in healthy exercising human adults, both pulmonary vascular resistance and compliance decrease in relation to exercise‐associated increases in PAWP.

Pulmonary artery systolic, diastolic and mean pressures maintain a consistent relationship with one another, increasing linearly with increasing PAWP.

Increases in PAWP in the setting of exercise are directly related to a decrease in pulmonary vascular compliance, despite small decreases in pulmonary vascular resistance, thereby increasing the pulsatile afterload to the right ventricle.

The resistive and pulsatile components of right ventricular afterload (pulmonary vascular resistance, Rp; compliance, Cp) are related by an inverse hyperbolic function, expressed as their product known as RpCp‐time. The RpCp‐time exhibits a narrow range, although it may be altered by the pulmonary artery wedge pressure (PAWP). Identifying the determinants of RpCp‐time should improve our understanding of the physiological behaviour of pulmonary arterial systolic (PASP), diastolic (PADP) and mean (mPAP) pressures in response to perturbations. We examined the effect of exercise in 28 healthy non‐athletic adults (55 ± 6 years) who underwent right heart catheterization to assess haemodynamics and calculate Rp and Cp. Measurements were made at rest and during two consecutive 8–10 min stages of cycle ergometry, at targeted heart‐rates of 100 beats min–1 (Light) and 120 beats min–1 (Moderate). Cardiac output increased progressively during exercise. PASP, PADP, mPAP and PAWP increased for Light exercise, without any further rise for Moderate exercise. RpCp‐time decreased for Light exercise (0.39 ± 0.08 to 0.25 ± 0.08, P < 0.001) without any further change for Moderate exercise, and the decrease in RpCp‐time was related to changes in PAWP (r2 = 0.26, P < 0.001). Changes in PASP (r2 = 0.43, P < 0.001), PADP (r2 = 0.47, P < 0.001) and mPAP (r2 = 0.50, P < 0.001) were linearly correlated with changes in PAWP, although they were not significantly related to changes in cardiac output. In healthy adults, exercise is associated with decreases in Cp and a resultant decline in RpCp‐time, indicating increased pulsatile right ventricular afterload. Changes in RpCp‐time, PASP, PADP and mPAP were systematically related to increases in PAWP.
Direct Numerical Simulation of Heated Turbulent Pipe Flow at Supercritical Pressure
Authors: Chu Xu , Laurien Eckart
Published: February 2016

For fluids at supercritical pressure, the phase change from liquid to gas does not exist. Meanwhile, the fluid properties change drastically in a narrow temperature range. With supercritical fluid as working fluid in a heated pipe, heat-transfer deterioration and recovery have been observed, which corresponds to the turbulent flow relaminarization and recovery. Direct numerical simulation (DNS) of supercritical carbon dioxide flow in a heated vertical circular pipe is developed with the open-source code OpenFOAM in this study. Forced-convection and mixed-convection cases including upward and downward flow have been considered in the simulation. In the forced convection, flow turbulence is attenuated due to acceleration from thermal expansion, which leads to a peak of the wall temperature. However, buoyancy shows a stronger impact on the flow. In the upward flow, the average streamwise velocity distribution turns into an M-shaped profile because of the external effect of buoyancy. Besides that, negative buoyancy production caused by the density variation reduces the Reynolds shear stress to almost zero, which means that the flow is relaminarized. Further downstream, turbulence is recovered. This behavior of flow turbulence is confirmed by visualization of turbulent streaks and vortex structures.