bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy and safety of secukinumab in Taiwanese patients with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis: Subanalysis from ERASURE phase III study
Authors: Wu Nan‐Lin , Hsu Chih‐Jung , Sun Fang‐Ju , Tsai Tsen‐Fang
Published: May 2017

The efficacy and safety of secukinumab, a fully human anti‐interleukin‐17A monoclonal antibody, has been evaluated for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in global trials which have included a low proportion of Asian subjects. We analyzed the efficacy and safety of secukinumab in Taiwanese patients in a phase III global clinical trial (ERASURE). Fifty‐one Taiwanese patients were randomized into s.c. placebo, 150 and 300 mg secukinumab treatment groups. The proportions of patients who achieved 75% or more improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI‐75) at week 12 were 87.5% with 300 mg secukinumab, 70% with 150 mg secukinumab, 0% with placebo. Of the patients receiving 300 mg secukinumab, 68.8% achieved PASI‐90 at week 12. Analysis of overall patients receiving 300 mg secukinumab for 12 weeks showed that the proportion of PASI‐75 responders was less in patients with body mass index of 25 or more than less than 25. During the entire 52 weeks, the incidence of adverse events (AE) was consistent with the overall population in ERASURE. The most common AE (cases/per 100 patient‐year) during the entire treatment period were upper respiratory tract infection and pruritus. The duration of upper respiratory tract infection per 100 patient‐year was approximately 399 days in placebo, 1261 days in 150 mg secukinumab and 1805 days in 300 mg secukinumab. The safety and efficacy of secukinumab in Taiwanese patients was compatible with the global phase III study in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
Mapping of magnetic basement in Central India from aeromagnetic data for scaling geology
Authors: Kumar Raj , Bansal A.R. , Anand S.P. , Rao V.K. , Singh Upendra K.
Published: May 2017

The Central Indian region has a complex geology covering the Godavari Graben, the Bastar Craton (including the Chhattisgarh Basin), the Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt, the Mahanadi Graben and some part of the Deccan Trap, the northern Singhbhum Orogen and the eastern Dharwar Craton. The region is well covered by reconnaissance‐scale aeromagnetic data, analysed for the estimation of basement and shallow anomalous magnetic sources depth using scaling spectral method. The shallow magnetic anomalies are found to vary from 1 to 3 km, whereas magnetic basement depth values are found to vary from 2 to 7 km. The shallowest basement depth of 2 km corresponds to the Kanker granites, a part of the Bastar Craton, whereas the deepest basement depth of 7 km is for the Godavari Basin and the southeastern part of the Eastern Ghat Mobile Belt near the Parvatipuram Bobbili fault. The estimated basement depth values correlate well with the values found from earlier geophysical studies. The earlier geophysical studies are limited to few tectonic units, whereas our estimation provides detailed magnetic basement mapping in the region. The magnetic basement and shallow depth values in the region indicate complex tectonic, heterogeneity, and intrusive bodies at different depths, which can be attributed to different thermo‐tectonic processes since Precambrian.
Microbial nitrous oxide emissions in dryland ecosystems: mechanisms, microbiome and mitigation
Authors: Hu Hang‐Wei , Trivedi Pankaj , He Ji‐Zheng , Singh Brajesh K.
Published: May 2017

Globally, drylands represent the largest terrestrial biome and are projected to expand by 23% by the end of this century. Drylands are characterized by extremely low levels of water and nutrients and exhibit highly heterogeneous distribution in plants and biocrusts which make microbial processes shaping the dryland functioning rather unique compared with other terrestrial ecosystems. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a powerful greenhouse gas with ozone depletion potential. Despite of the pivotal influences of microbial communities on the production and consumption of N2O, we have limited knowledge of the biological pathways and mechanisms underpinning N2O emissions from drylands, which are estimated to account for 30% of total gaseous nitrogen emissions on Earth. In this article, we describe the key microbial players and biological pathways regulating dryland N2O emissions, and discuss how these processes will respond to emerging global changes such as climate warming, extreme weather events and nitrogen deposition. We also provide a conceptual framework to precisely manipulate the dryland microbiome to mitigate N2O emissions in situ using emerging technologies with great specificity and efficacy. These cross‐disciplinary efforts will enable the development of novel and environmental‐friendly microbiome‐based solutions to future mitigation strategies of climate change.
Innovation and networks in New Zealand farming
Authors: Brown Philip , Roper Simon
Published: May 2017

The New Zealand government seeks to dramatically increase the value of agricultural exports while concurrently protecting the natural environment. Thus, farmers are expected to adopt pro‐environmental management practices and novel farm technologies. We show that farmers are more likely to adopt new practices and technologies after seeing them demonstrated, but earlier evidence indicates that demonstration is most effectively undertaken within farmer networks. We use multivariate regression to identify the traits of livestock farmers who are innovative by focusing on adoption of pro‐environmental management practices (managing nutrients, soils and pugging) and novel farm technologies (e.g., windmills, computer‐based management systems, automatic sensors and specialised grasses), considering both numbers adopted and timing. We find that dairy farmers are more innovative than other livestock farmers and that higher education levels and stronger environmental norms within the family are strongly associated with innovativeness. In addition, we find that innovators and early adopters have larger networks than other farmers. Moreover, the composition of these networks is much more varied than the networks of less innovative farmers. These findings imply that innovative farmers in New Zealand may also act as connectors for the diffusion of new ideas in farming.
Should the shady steal thunder? The effects of crisis communication timing, pre‐crisis reputation valence, and crisis type on post‐crisis organizational trust and purchase intention
Authors: Beldad Ardion D. , van Laar Ester , Hegner Sabrina M.
Published: May 2017

A scenario‐based 2 (communication timing: stealing thunder vs. thunder) × 2 (pre‐crisis reputation valence: positive vs. negative) × 2 (crisis type: product‐harm vs. moral‐harm) between‐subjects experiment was implemented with 273 Dutch participants to address the question of whether or not the positive effects of stealing thunder depend on pre‐crisis reputation valence and crisis type. Statistical analyses reveal that stealing thunder by an organization with a positive pre‐crisis reputation results in higher post‐crisis trust and purchase intention levels than stealing thunder by an organization with a negative pre‐crisis reputation. Moreover, crisis type interacts with crisis communication timing in influencing post‐crisis trust and purchase intention, as stealing thunder works better than thunder during a product‐harm crisis.
Use of Tanacetum tomentosum and Ta. dolichophyllum essential oils as botanical repellents and insecticidal agents against storage pest Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Haider S. Zafar , Mohan Manindra , Pandey Abhay K. , Singh Pooja
Published: May 2017

In this study, repellent and fumigant activities of Tanacetum tomentosum and Ta. dolichophyllum essential oils were investigated against Tribolium castaneum. Results showed that both oils had effective fumigant and repellent activities. Tanacetum tomentosum oil emerged as more potent than Ta. dolichophyllum oil with LC50 values of 6.85 and 4.32 μL/0.25 L air after 24 and 48 h of exposure, respectively. Ta. tomentosum oil also showed more repellent activity than Ta. dolichophyllum oil by exhibiting repellent activity in the range of 38.70–82.35%. Chemical analysis of both oils revealed that β‐bisabolene (50.0%) was the major component of Ta. tomentosum oil and that β‐eudesmol (31.4%) and α‐bisabolol (10.7%) were the major components of Ta. dolichophyllum oil. Doses of 40 and 80 μL/0.5 L air of both oils significantly protected 500 g of wheat grains for up to 6 months from insect infestation, without causing any side effects in the germination rates; the order of germination rates was Ta. tomentosum (89.45%) > Ta. dolichophyllum (86.78%). Thus, this study suggests that essential oils from Ta. tomentosum and Ta. dolichophyllum can be used as potential alternative botanical fumigants for controlling Tr. castaneum.
Fine‐scale analysis of heavily invaded Italian freshwater fish assemblages
Authors: NOCITA Annamaria , TRICARICO Elena , BERTOLINO Sandro
Published: May 2017

Inland waters are highly vulnerable to the introduction and spread of non‐native species, due to heavy human use of aquatic ecosystems and the natural linkages among streams and lakes. This is particularly noticeable in freshwater fish communities. To better evaluate how these communities are affected by non‐native species introductions, we conducted a fine‐scale analysis of the changes in Italian freshwater fish assemblages after species introduction. For this analysis, we collected information on fish species present in 44 basins. The present Italian freshwater fish fauna is composed of 48 native and 41 established introduced species, while a further 15 introduced species have been reported but are not yet considered naturalized. The changes in the fish assemblages mostly took place in the past 2 centuries and have increased recently, with nearly 60% of the species introduced in the past 3 decades. The number of species introduced per basin ranged from 0 to 35 (mean 10.85 ± 7.77 species/basin), and in 10 basins the number of species introduced is now equal to or even higher than the number of native species. In the past, introduced species mainly originated from America, but over the past three decades, an increase of introductions from other parts of Europe and Asia has been recorded. Our results show that basins already rich in native species tend to become even richer as a consequence of the establishment of introduced species. This confirms the trend toward a biotic homogenization of ecosystems even at a local scale, due to an increase in the human‐mediated spread of generalist species.
Length–mass allometries in amphibians
Authors: SANTINI Luca , BENÍTEZ‐LÓPEZ Ana , FICETOLA Gentile Francesco , HUIJBREGTS Mark A. J.
Published: May 2017

Body mass is rarely recorded in amphibians, and other body measurements (e.g. snout to vent length, SVL) are generally collected instead. However, length measurements, when used as proxies of body mass in comparative analyses, are problematic if different taxa and morphotypes are included. We developed allometric relationships to derive body mass from SVL measurements. We fitted phylogenetic generalized least square models for frogs (Anura) and salamanders (Caudata) and for several families separately. We tested whether allometric relationships differed between species with different habitat preferences and between morphs in salamanders. Models were fitted with SVL–mass measurements for 88 frog and 42 salamander species. We assessed the predictive performance of the models by cross‐validation. Overall, the models showed high explained variance and low forecasting errors. Models differed among semi‐aquatic, terrestrial and arboreal frogs, and between paedomorphic and non‐paedomorphic salamanders. Body mass estimates derived from our models allow for comparability of studies on multiple taxa and can be used for testing theories built upon evolutionary and ecological processes which are directly related to body mass.
Adverse Events With Ketamine Versus Ketofol for Procedural Sedation on Adults: A Double‐blind, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lemoel Fabien , Contenti Julie , Giolito Didier , Boiffier Mathieu , Rapp Jocelyn , Istria Jacques , Fournier Marc , Ageron François‐Xavier , Levraut Jacques
Published: May 2017

Objectives

The goal of our study was to compare the frequency and severity of recovery reactions between ketamine and ketamine‐propofol 1:1 admixture (“ketofol”).

Methods

We performed a multicentric, randomized, double‐blind trial in which adult patients received emergency procedural sedations with ketamine or ketofol. Our primary outcome was the proportion of unpleasant recovery reactions. Other outcomes were frequency of interventions required by these recovery reactions, rates of respiratory or hemodynamic events, emesis, and satisfaction of patients as well as providers.

Results

A total of 152 patients completed the study, 76 in each arm. Compared with ketamine, ketofol determined a 22% reduction in recovery reactions incidence (p < 0.01) and less clinical and pharmacologic interventions required by these reactions. There was no serious adverse event in both groups. Rates in hemodynamic or respiratory events as well as satisfaction scores were similar. Significantly fewer patients experienced emesis with ketofol, with a threefold reduction in incidence compared with ketamine.

Conclusion

We found a significant reduction in recovery reactions and emesis frequencies among adult patients receiving emergency procedural sedations with ketofol, compared with ketamine.
Ophthalmic nepafenac use in the Netherlands and Denmark
Authors: Margulis Andrea V , Houben Eline , Hallas Jesper , Overbeek Jetty A , Pottegård Anton , Torp‐Pedersen Tobias , Perez‐Gutthann Susana , Arana Alejandro
Published: May 2017

Purpose

To describe nepafenac use in the Netherlands and Denmark with reference to its approved indications. For context, we also describe the use of ketorolac and diclofenac.

Methods

We identified users in the PHARMO Database Network (the Netherlands, 2008–2013) and the Danish national health registers (Denmark, 1994–2014). We described prevalence of cataract surgery and duration of use in patients with cataract surgery with and without diabetes.

Results

In the Netherlands, 9530 nepafenac users (mean age, 71 years; 60% women) contributed 12 691 therapy episodes, of which 21% had a recently recorded cataract surgery. Of 2266 episodes in adult non‐diabetic patients with cataract surgery, 60% had one bottle dispensed (treatment duration ≤21 days). Of 441 episodes in adult diabetic patients with cataract surgery, 90% had up to two bottles dispensed (≤60 days).

Denmark had 60 403 nepafenac users (mean age, 72 years; 58% women) and 73 648 episodes (41% had recorded cataract surgery). Of 26 649 nepafenac episodes in adult non‐diabetic patients with cataract surgery, 92% had one bottle dispensed. Of 3801 episodes in adult diabetic patients with cataract surgery, 99.8% had up to two bottles dispensed.

Use patterns of nepafenac, ketorolac and diclofenac were roughly similar in the Netherlands, but not in Denmark.

Conclusion

Less than half of therapy episodes were related to cataract surgery; around 90% of episodes with surgery were within the approved duration. Underrecording of ophthalmic conditions and procedures was a challenge in this study.
Age‐related endothelial dysfunction in human skeletal muscle feed arteries: the role of free radicals derived from mitochondria in the vasculature
Authors: Park S.‐Y. , Kwon O. S. , Andtbacka R. H. I. , Hyngstrom J. R. , Reese V. , Murphy M. P. , Richardson R. S.
Published: May 2017

Aim

This study sought to determine the role of free radicals derived from mitochondria in the vasculature in the recognized age‐related endothelial dysfunction of human skeletal muscle feed arteries (SMFAs).

Methods

A total of 44 SMFAs were studied with and without acute exposure to the mitochondria‐targeted antioxidant MitoQ and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) blockade. The relative abundance of proteins from the electron transport chain, phosphorylated (p‐) to endothelial (e) NOS ratio, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and the mitochondria‐derived superoxide () levels were assessed in SMFA. Endothelium‐dependent and endothelium‐independent SMFA vasodilation was assessed in response to flow‐induced shear stress, acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP).

Results

MitoQ restored endothelium‐dependent vasodilation in the old to that of the young when stimulated by both flow (young: 68 ± 5; old: 25 ± 7; old + MitoQ 65 ± 9%) and ACh (young: 97 ± 4; old: 59 ± 10; old + MitoQ: 98 ± 5%), but did not alter the initially uncompromised, endothelium‐independent vasodilation (SNP). Compared to the young, MitoQ in the old diminished the initially elevated mitochondria‐derived levels and appeared to attenuate the breakdown of MnSOD. Furthermore, MitoQ increased the ratio of p‐eNOS to NOS and the restoration of endothelium‐dependent vasodilation in the old by MitoQ was ablated by NOS blockade.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that MitoQ reverses age‐related vascular dysfunction by what appears to be an NO‐dependent mechanism in human SMFAs. These findings suggest that mitochondria‐targeted antioxidants may have utility in terms of counteracting the attenuated blood flow and vascular dysfunction associated with advancing age.
Granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor, a potent adjuvant for polarization to Th‐17 pattern: an experience on HIV‐1 vaccine model
Authors: Mahdavi Mehdi , Tajik Amir Hossein , Ebtekar Massoumeh , Rahimi Roghieh , Adibzadeh Mohammad Mehdi , Moozarmpour Hamid Reza , Beikverdi Mohammad Sadegh , Olfat Soophie , Hassan Zuhair Mohammad , Choopani Mohammad , Kameli Morteza , Hartoonian Christine
Published: May 2017

Cytokines are mediators for polarization of immune response in vaccines. Studies show that co‐immunization of DNA vaccines with granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) can increase immune responses. Here, experimental mice were immunized with HIV‐1tat/pol/gag/env DNA vaccine with GM‐CSF and boosted with recombinant vaccine. Lymphocyte proliferation with Brdu and CTL activity, IL‐4, IFN‐γ, IL‐17 cytokines, total antibody, and IgG1 and IgG2a isotypes were assessed with ELISA. Results show that GM‐CSF as adjuvant in DNA immunization significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation and IFN‐γ cytokines, but CTL response was tiny increased. Also GM‐CSF as adjuvant decreased IL‐4 cytokine vs mere vaccine group. IL‐17 in the group that immunized with mixture of DNA vaccine/GM‐CSF was significantly increased vs DNA vaccine group. Result of total antibody shows that GM‐CSF increased antibody response in which both IgG1 and IgG2a increased. Overall, results confirmed the beneficial effect of GM‐CSF as adjuvant to increase vaccine immunogenicity. The hallmark result of this study was to increase IL‐17 cytokine with DNA vaccine/GM‐CSF immunized group. This study for the first time provides the evidence of the potency of GM‐CSF in the induction of IL‐17 in response to a vaccine, which is important for control of infection such as HIV‐1.
First case of bacteremia caused by Janibacter hoylei
Authors: Lim Yong Kwan , Kweon Oh Joo , Kim Hye Ryoun , Kim Tae Hyoung , Lee Mi‐Kyung
Published: May 2017

Janibacter hoylei has previously been isolated only from an air sample in the upper atmosphere and clinical significance of J. hoylei was not yet established. Herein, we report a case of bacteremia caused by J. hoylei. An 8‐week‐old previously healthy male infant presented to the emergency room with fever. Blood culture yielded growth of Gram‐positive bacilli and this microorganism could not be identified with conventional phenotypic methods. The isolate was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and the patient was successfully treated with vancomycin. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the recovery of J. hoylei in humans. This case shows that J. hoylei can be a potential pathogen in young children.
Does multicultural education affect bachelor of social work students' attitudes? The Taiwanese case of female Southeast Asian marriage immigration
Authors: Lee Shou‐Lu
Published: May 2017

In the past two decades, intra‐Asia cross‐border marriage immigration has become a significant phenomenon. This study collected questionnaire data from Bachelor of Social Work students (n = 1,232) in Taiwan to explore the influences of multicultural education, intergroup contact experience, and demographic characteristics on students' attitudes toward female Southeast Asian marriage migrants. Regression analysis revealed that students' attitudes are improved by direct contact with female Southeast Asian marriage migrants but are not correlated with students' demographic characteristics. Although pre‐college multicultural education improves students' attitudes, college‐level multicultural education adversely affects the attitudes of students who perform poorly in multicultural courses. These findings have valuable implications for social work educators.
Downscaling: Understanding the influence of open data initiatives in smaller and mid‐sized cities in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Gill Mark , Corbett Jon
Published: May 2017

Key Messages

Current open data evaluation tools do not pay enough attention to the usability of open data portals.

Access to open data is hindered by the design, usability, and content of open data websites.

Population size is not a factor in determining the efficacy of open data initiatives.
Unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm mimicking as right atrial tumor
Authors: Khanna Roopali , Shah Pujan , Dey Mousam , Goel Pravin K. , Goyal Puneet , Pandey Shantanu
Published: May 2017

Sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is a rare congenital cardiac abnormality and is usually diagnosed when it ruptures. An asymptomatic 55‐year‐old male of unruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm of noncoronary cusp was on medical follow‐up. At 2‐year follow‐up, there was thrombus formation in the aneurysm, mimicking right atrium tumor on 2D transthoracic echocardiography. Cardiac computed tomography showed filling defect in the aneurysm suggestive of thrombus. Considering the high risk of systemic emboli surgery was performed, and aneurysm was repaired with Dacron patch.
Integrating transport pressure data and species distribution models to estimate invasion risk for alien stowaways
Authors: Tingley Reid , García‐Díaz Pablo , Arantes Carla Rani Rocha , Cassey Phillip
Published: May 2017

The number of alien species transported as stowaways is steadily increasing and new approaches are urgently needed to tackle this emerging invasion pathway. We introduce a general framework for identifying high‐risk transport pathways and receiving sites for alien species that are unintentionally transported via goods and services. This approach combines the probability of species arrival at transport hubs with the likelihood that the environment in the new region can sustain populations of that species. We illustrate our approach using a case study of the Asian black‐spined toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus in Australia, a species that is of significant biosecurity concern in Australasia, Indonesia, and Madagascar. A correlative model fitted to occurrence data from the native geographic range of D. melanostictus predicted high environmental suitability at locations where the species has established alien populations globally. Applying the model to Australia revealed that transport hubs with the highest numbers of border interceptions and on‐shore detections of D. melanostictus were environmentally similar to locations within the species’ native range. Numbers of D. melanostictus interceptions and detections in Australia increased over time, but were unrelated to indices of air and maritime trade volume. Instead, numbers of interceptions and detections were determined by the country of origin of airplanes (Thailand) and ships (Indonesia). Thus, the common assumption that transport pressure is correlated with invasion risk does not hold in all cases. Our work builds on previous efforts to integrate transport pressure data and species distribution models, by jointly modelling the number of intercepted and detected stowaways, while incorporating imperfect detection and the environmental suitability of receiving hubs. The approach presented here can be applied to any system for which historical biosecurity data are available, and provides an efficient means to allocate quarantine and surveillance efforts to reduce the probability of alien species establishment.
Species sorting and stoichiometric plasticity control community C:P ratio of first‐order aquatic consumers
Authors: Teurlincx Sven , Velthuis Mandy , Seroka Dominika , Govaert Lynn , van Donk Ellen , Van de Waal Dedmer B. , Declerck Steven A. J.
Published: May 2017

Ecological stoichiometry has proven to be invaluable for understanding consumer response to changes in resource quality. Although interactions between trophic levels occur at the community level, most studies focus on single consumer species. In contrast to individual species, communities may deal with trophic mismatch not only through elemental plasticity but also through changes in species composition. Here, we show that a community of first‐order consumers (e.g. zooplankton) is able to adjust its stoichiometry (C:P) in response to experimentally induced changes in resource quality, but only to a limited extent. Furthermore, using the Price equation framework we show the importance of both elemental plasticity and species sorting. These results illustrate the need for a community perspective in ecological stoichiometry, requiring consideration of species‐specific elemental composition, intraspecific elemental plasticity and species turnover.
Residential mobility and moving home
Authors: Buckle Caitlin
Published: May 2017

This review traces the changing conceptualizations of “mobility,” “place,” and “home” under the new mobilities paradigm, and the effect of this reconceptualization on residential mobility research. The “new mobilities paradigm” describes the (re)conceptualization of the relationship between place and mobility among mobilities scholars (Cresswell, ; Sheller & Urry, ). The reconceptualization of place as linked to mobility led to a more dynamic and inclusive perception of home as a lived experience that can be moved from place to place (Gillespie, ). This review will trace how residential mobilities—or internal (re)locations within one nation state—are discussed as alternate, lived experiences of home by scholars within the paradigm. In the second part of this review, I discuss how the lived experience of home is currently integrated in theoretical and methodological approaches to residential mobility research. In particular, I consider the incorporation of longitudinal, ethnographic, narrative and biographical methods, and emerging geographical research that utilizes life course methodological frameworks to explore the dynamic and lived experience of home. By progressing the understanding of the “mobility of home,” residential mobility researchers can contribute to wider discussions on the influence of mobility on place experiences.
Rethinking Court‐Sanctioned Reintegration Processes: Redemption Rituals as an Alternative to the Drug Court Graduation
Authors: WILLIAMS IZAAK L. , MEE‐LEE DAVID , GALLAGHER JOHN R. , IRWIN KATHERINE
Published: May 2017

This research‐based position paper offers critical examination and critique of the drug court (DC) graduation model and outlines an alternative approach. To enhance reconfiguration of the current DC graduation system, we propose a redemption‐oriented framework that we believe is better aligned with the rehabilitation literature and reintegrative shaming theory. These conceptual underpinnings cohere with restorative justice and together represent a useful interpretive perspective for examining current DC practices in the United States. They also align with the goals we believe redemption rituals should elevate. This is based on four main elements of redemption rituals: achievement; co‐ordination of care; status elevation; and moral inclusion. We operationalise these elements by identifying two constituent factors of each. The article concludes with a discussion of the implications for DC practice and recommendations for future research in this area.
Assessing the scope for genetic rescue of an endangered butterfly: the case of the Eltham copper
Authors: Roitman Maria , Gardner Michael G. , New Timothy R. , Nguyen Thuy T. T. , Roycroft Emily J. , Sunnucks Paul , Yen Alan L. , Harrisson Katherine A.
Published: May 2017

Genetic rescue is an under‐utilised conservation strategy used to boost the genetic diversity and/or fitness of small, isolated populations through the introduction of novel genes. Effective implementation of genetic rescue requires an understanding of the evolutionary history and genetic distinctiveness of populations.

The Eltham copper butterfly (ECB) is an endangered subspecies that exists as small, isolated populations across four disjunct regions in Victoria, Australia.

Mitochondrial and nuclear sequence data were used to assess the genetic distinctiveness of ECB from its nearest relative: the fiery dull copper butterfly (FDC), explore the evolutionary history and population structure of ECB across its contemporary distribution, and assess the scope for genetic rescue of the most‐threatened ECB population in Eltham‐Greensborough.

Findings support the current status of ECB and FDC as distinct evolutionary units, which should continue to be managed separately given current knowledge.

Modest population genetic structure across the range of ECB was detected. However, low levels of historical gene flow and shared haplotypes between Eltham‐Greensborough and the northern regions suggest relatively recent divergence.

Given relatively recent divergence, low population numbers and low genetic diversity, the population located in the Eltham‐Greensborough region is a strong candidate for genetic rescue.

Using established criteria, explicit recommendations are made for the implementation of genetic rescue via translocations. Genetic rescue, together with ongoing habitat management, should improve genetic diversity, fitness and persistence of the ECB in the region most threatened by urban disturbance.

Any risks associated with genetic rescue in conservation should be weighed against extinction risk as a result of inaction.
Graphene oxide/fluorhydroxyapatite composites with enhanced chemical stability, mechanical, and biological properties for dental applications
Authors: Shi Li , Bai Yu , Su Juan , Ma Wen , Jia Rui‐lin
Published: May 2017

A novel graphene oxide‐based fluorhydroxyapatite (GO/FHA) composite is prepared using an in situ chemical synthesis method. The mechanical properties, chemical stability, in vitro bioactivity, and antibacterial properties of the as‐synthesized GO/FHA composites with different GO amounts are reported. The result shows that the mechanical properties of the composites are strongly dependent on the adding amount of GO. The result of chemical stability indicates that the substitution of fluorine (F) into the hydroxyapatite (HA) crystal has a positive effect on the dissolution resistance. The in vitro bioactivity assessment shows that the osteoblast proliferation and differentiation ability on GO/FHA composites are improved.
Transcription factor RBP‐J‐mediated signalling regulates basophil immunoregulatory function in mouse asthma model
Authors: Qu Shuo‐Yao , He Ya‐Long , Zhang Jian , Wu Chang‐gui
Published: May 2017

Basophils (BA) play an important role in the promotion of aberrant T helper type 2 (Th2) immune responses in asthma. It is not only the effective cell, but also modulates the initiation of Th2 immune responses. We earlier demonstrated that Notch signalling regulates the biological function of BAin vitro. However, whether this pathway plays the same role in vivo is not clear. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of Notch signalling on BA function in the regulation of allergic airway inflammation in a murine model of asthma. Bone marrow BA were prepared by bone marrow cell culture in the presence of recombinant interleukin‐3 (rIL‐3; 300 pg/ml) for 7 days, followed by isolation of the CD49b+ microbeads. The recombination signal binding protein J (RBP‐J−/−) BA were co‐cultured with T cells, and the supernatant and the T‐cell subtypes were examined. The results indicated disruption of the capacity of BA for antigen presentation alongside an up‐regulation of the immunoregulatory function. This was possibly due to the low expression of OX40L in the RBP‐J−/− BA. Basophils were adoptively transferred to ovalbumin‐sensitized recipient mice, to establish an asthma model. Lung pathology, cytokine profiles of brobchoalveolar fluid, airway hyperactivity and the absolute number of Th1/Th2 cells in lungs were determined. Overall, our results indicate that the RBP‐J‐mediated Notch signalling is critical for BA‐dependent immunoregulation. Deficiency of RBP‐J influences the immunoregulatory functions of BA, which include activation of T cells and their differentiation into T helper cell subtypes. The Notch signalling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for BA‐based immunotherapy against asthma.
Suicide prevention in mental health services: A qualitative analysis of coroners’ reports
Authors: Manuel Jenni , Crowe Marie , Inder Maree , Henaghan Mark
Published: May 2017

Suicide is a major concern for mental health nurses because of its clear correlation with mental illness. In New Zealand, coroners investigate all deaths that appear to be a result of suicide, and provide reports to mental health services (MHS). The aim of the present study was to investigate coronial recommendations to MHS in relation to suicide prevention and to examine clinical and family responses to these. The present study was a three‐phase design: (i) analysis of coroners’ recommendations related to suicide in MHS; (ii) interviews with clinicians for their response to the recommendations; and (iii) interviews with individuals working with families of consumers of MHS for their responses in relation to family‐related recommendations. A qualitative content analysis was conducted on the recommendations from coroners, the interviews with clinical leaders, and the focus group for family workers. Coroners recommended that MHS should implement suicide‐prevention strategies that would facilitate improved communication, risk containment, service delivery, and family involvement. Clinicians agreed with most recommendations, apart from those related to risk containment. Family workers endorsed the coronial perspective that family inclusion in MHS was suboptimal. Coroners, MHS, and mental health nurses need to consider the latest clinical evidence for suicide prevention. However, given the complexity of factors that influence suicide, it is important to be realistic about MHS role in preventing suicide, but ensure that MHS provide interventions for which there is evidence, including facilitating family participation and providing access to psychotherapies.
Pansteatitis in polluted Olifants River impoundments: nutritional perspectives on fish in a eutrophic lake, Lake Loskop, South Africa
Authors: Huchzermeyer K D A , Woodborne S , Osthoff G , Hugo A , Hoffman A C , Kaiser H , Steyl J C A , Myburgh J G
Published: May 2017

This study compares the aetiology of pansteatitis in Lake Loskop, relative to two other impoundments along the Olifants River. Macroscopic and microscopic pathology, age determination and analysis of stomach content, fatty acids and stable isotopes explain the high prevalence of pansteatitis in Oreochromis mossambicus (Peters) and several other species in Lake Loskop. All the dietary indicator comparisons between pansteatitis‐affected and healthy fish fail to support a systemic cause. Pansteatitis in Lake Loskop was linked to size and weight of O. mossambicus, but not to ontogenic age. Fish in Lake Loskop showed abnormally high omega‐3 to omega‐6 fatty acid ratios normally only found in marine fish with no significant difference in degree of assimilation of these fatty acids between pansteatitis‐affected and healthy fish. This explains the vulnerability to, but not the occurrence of, pansteatitis. As a cause for the pansteatitis, these results point towards sporadic vitamin E‐depleting trigger events, known sporadic fish die‐off occurrences that provide surviving fish with a rich source of rancid fats on which to scavenge. The mechanism ties pansteatitis to eutrophication and trophic cascade effects, the intrinsic drivers of the disease and suggests an adaptive management strategy that might be applied by relevant conservation authorities.
Effects of combined pulsed electric fields and mild temperature pasteurization on microbial inactivation and physicochemical properties of cloudy red apple juice (Malus pumila Niedzwetzkyana (Dieck))
Authors: Katiyo Wendy , Yang Ruijin , Zhao Wei
Published: May 2017

The influence of combined pulsed electric fields (PEF) and mild temperature on the inactivation of Escherichia coli, Salmonella enteritidis, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae suspended in a novel cloudy red apple juice (Malus pumila Niedzwetzkyana (Dieck)) was investigated to define treatment conditions that meet the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulation for fruit juice pasteurization. There was significant microbial inactivation (p < .05) with increased experimental treatment conditions (electric field strength: 25–35 kV/cm, treatment time: 86–258 µs, post‐treatment temperature: 30–50 °C). The highest level of inactivation for E. coli, S. enteritidis, and S. cerevisiae was 5.21, 6.02, and 5.49 log reduction, respectively. PEF treatment at 35 kV/cm for 258 µs combined with heating at 50 °C was selected as pasteurization conditions. Pasteurization did not cause significant changes (p < .05) in pH, titratable acidity, total soluble solids, conductivity, and particle size of cloudy red apple juice, in comparison with conventional treatment.

Practical applications

Red‐fleshed apples are increasingly becoming a subject of interest in the fruit industry due to their remarkable anthocyanin content. However, mere identification or development of novel fruits is insufficient for the fruit juice industry to cater for consumer demand. There is need to combine this with novel processing technologies that ensure preservation of the desired unique quality attributes. This study indicated that combined PEF and mild heat can be successfully applied for the pasteurization of a novel cloudy red apple juice without significantly affecting important juice properties such as pH, acidity, conductivity, and particle size. This work provides a basis for new product development as numerous red‐fleshed apple cultivars are being developed and PEF technology is progressing toward industrial application.
Role of ethylene signalling in growth and systemic resistance induction by the plant growth‐promoting fungus Penicillium viridicatum in Arabidopsis
Authors: Hossain Md. Motaher , Sultana Farjana , Hyakumachi Mitsuro
Published: May 2017

The plant growth‐promoting fungi (PGPF) have long been known to improve plant growth and suppress plant diseases. The PGPF Penicillium viridicatum GP15‐1 elicited plant growth and induced systemic resistance (ISR) in Arabidopsis thaliana against Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst), leading to a restriction of pathogen growth and disease development. Examination of local and systemic genes indicated that GP15‐1 did not modulate the expression of any of the tested defence‐related marker genes involved in salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA) and ethylene signalling pathways. Subsequent challenge of GP15‐1‐colonized plants with Pst bacterium primed Arabidopsis plants for enhanced activation of the JA‐inducible Atvsp (vegetative storage protein) gene at a later stage of infection. To assess the contribution of different signalling pathways in GP15‐1‐elicited plant growth and ISR, Arabidopsis genotypes implicated in SA signalling expressing the nahG transgene (NahG) or carrying disruption in NPR1 (npr1), JA signalling (jar1) and ethylene signalling (ein2) were tested. The GP15‐1‐induced plant growth and ISR were fully compromised in an ein2 mutation. Root colonization assay revealed that the inability of the ein2 mutant to express GP15‐1‐induced plant growth and ISR was not associated with reduced root colonization by GP15‐1. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the ethylene signalling pathway is involved in plant growth promotion and ISR elicitation by the PGPF P. viridicatum GP15‐1 in Arabidopsis. These results provide evidence that ethylene signalling has a substantial role in plant growth and disease resistance.
Under the Wide Umbrella of Open Innovation
Authors: Stanko Michael A. , Fisher Gregory J. , Bogers Marcel
Published: May 2017

See virtual issue: Open Innovation
Topological Structure Matching Measure between Two Graphs
Authors: Jiang Kai‐Zhong , Zheng Zhong‐Tuan , Li Lu
Published: May 2017

There have been a plethora of algorithms and techniques for the one‐to‐one correspondence matching between two small graphs at the element level. However, it is a daunting task for large graphs. It is necessary to design an aggregate statistical measurement to measure the degree of matching at the coarse grained level between two large graphs. This work presents a novel contribution with the proposal of an aggregate statistical measurement of the matching between two large networks at the macro topological structure level. In the viewpoint of strategic planning application, decision makers want to know whether the road infrastructure network meets the traffic flow network at the macro level rather than the micro level. The macro topological structure of the graph is described by a partition of all the vertices by the singular value decomposition based on the weighted vertex‐path incidence matrix. The topological structure matching measurement (TSMM) of the two graphs is defined as the degree of similarity between two partitions. As a case study, the TSMM is considered between the road network and the traffic flow network for Shanghai. The result is 0.2129, which shows that the two networks mismatch to a certain degree. This, agreeing with the current situation of the traffic congestion in Shanghai, suggests the improvement in the urban traffic.
Investigating niche partitioning of ectomycorrhizal fungi in specialized rooting zones of the monodominant leguminous tree Dicymbe corymbosa
Authors: Smith Matthew E. , Henkel Terry W. , Williams Gwendolyn C. , Aime M. Catherine , Fremier Alexander K. , Vilgalys Rytas
Published: May 2017

Temperate ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi show segregation whereby some species dominate in organic layers and others favor mineral soils. Weak layering in tropical soils is hypothesized to decrease niche space and therefore reduce the diversity of ectomycorrhizal fungi.

The Neotropical ECM tree Dicymbe corymbosa forms monodominant stands and has a distinct physiognomy with vertical crown development, adventitious roots and massive root mounds, leading to multi‐stemmed trees with spatially segregated rooting environments: aerial litter caches, aerial decayed wood, organic root mounds and mineral soil. We hypothesized that these microhabitats host distinct fungal assemblages and therefore promote diversity.

To test our hypothesis, we sampled D. corymbosa ectomycorrhizal root tips from the four microhabitats and analyzed community composition based on pyrosequencing of fungal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) barcode markers.

Several dominant fungi were ubiquitous but analyses nonetheless suggested that communities in mineral soil samples were statistically distinct from communities in organic microhabitats. These data indicate that distinctive rooting zones of D. corymbosa contribute to spatial segregation of the fungal community and likely enhance fungal diversity.
Distressed Selling by Farmers: Model, Analysis, and Use in Policy‐Making
Authors: Gupta Shivam , Dawande Milind , Janakiraman Ganesh , Sarkar Ashutosh
Published: May 2017

Among the various governmental schemes that support agriculture, support prices have been adopted by many developing countries. A support price for an agricultural crop is a guaranteed price at which a governmental entity agrees to purchase that crop from farmers. Despite this surety, a surprising practice of “distressed” selling 1 has been widely observed in practice: Farmers sell a significant portion of their crops to outside agents at prices much lower than the support price. We build a tractable stochastic dynamic programming model that captures the salient features of the ground realities—limited as well as uncertain procurement capacity, high holding costs for the farmers, and lack of affordable credit—that conspire to induce distressed selling and, consequently, a significant loss of welfare of the farmers. Using real data on procurement under a support‐price program, we establish the accuracy of our model's prediction on the volume of distressed sales. Finally, we show how our model and its solution can serve as a simple and useful tool for policy‐makers to assess the relative impact of the improvements in the main determinants of distressed sales.
Plant response to biochar, compost, and mycorrhizal fungal amendments in post‐mine sandpits
Authors: Ohsowski Brian M. , Dunfield Kari , Klironomos John N. , Hart Miranda M.
Published: May 2017

Extreme growing conditions inhibit restoration in sandpit mines. Co‐amendment of soil conditioners such as biochar, compost, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may alleviate these stresses and lead to a more successful restoration. We conducted a multiyear restoration experiment in a sandpit in Southern Ontario, Canada, following industrial‐scale grassland restoration protocols. The sandpit substrate was sand with low carbon (C) and nutrients. We tested the effect of biochar, compost, and AMF inoculum in two experiments (plant plugs vs. seed application). In the plant plug trial, we investigated the treatment effects on the growth of eight grassland plant species and colonization of plant roots by AMF over two growing seasons. We found that co‐amending soils with compost plus biochar (20 T/ha + 10 T/ha) was more beneficial than other amendment combinations. Amendments including AMF were not more beneficial to plant growth than those without AMF. In the seed application trial, direct inoculation of AMF in the field combined with high compost addition (20 T/ha or 40 T/ha) resulted in the highest plant cover compared to other treatment combinations. Our results indicate that co‐amending sandpit substrates with biochar, compost, and AMF are practical restoration tools that enhance grassland restoration.
Gene expression profiling of skeletal muscle after volumetric muscle loss
Authors: Nuutila Kristo , Sakthivel Dharaniya , Kruse Carla , Tran Peter , Giatsidis Giorgio , Sinha Indranil
Published: May 2017

Volumetric muscle loss (VML), usually occurring following traumatic injury, results in a composite loss of muscle mass. These injuries manifest as decreased strength and functional impairments. Clinically, these injuries often heal with fibrosis, as opposed to skeletal muscle regeneration. This study examines the healing patterns of a skeletal muscle following VML in a murine model. Eight‐week old male C57BL/6J mice used in the study underwent either bilateral VML injury or cryoinjury, a widely used model known to induce skeletal muscle regeneration. Skeletal muscle was harvested at 2 and 4 weeks following injury and subjected to histological analysis. H&E staining demonstrated skeletal muscle regeneration following cryoinjury, but not VML, at either timepoint post‐injury. Additionally, samples were analyzed using a wound‐healing PCR array to identify differentially regulated genes of interest in VML and cryoinjury, as compared to noninjured controls. The gene array data further demonstrated prolonged inflammation and increased pro‐fibrotic activity in the VML injured muscles, as compared to cryoinjury. In addition, IGF1, a known myogenic factor, was significantly decreased following VML, as compared to cryoinjury, in both ELISA and PCR. This study offers an insight into the pathophysiology of VML injury and reveals a gene profile of a nonregenerating skeletal muscle.