bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasound as a Pretreatment Method to Improve Drying Kinetics and Sensory Properties of Dried Apple
Authors: Fijalkowska Aleksandra , Nowacka Małgorzata , Wiktor Artur , Sledz Magdalena , Witrowa‐Rajchert Dorota
Published: April 2015

The effect of ultrasound pretreatment on drying kinetics and physical properties as color and rehydration rate of dried apple slices was investigated. Apple samples var. Idared were submitted to ultrasonic treatment using 21 and 35 kHz for 30 min in an ultrasound bath securing sound intensity of 3 and 4 W/cm2, respectively. After pretreatment, the material was dried in a convective oven at 70C and at an air velocity of 2 m/s. The sonication reduced drying time by 13–17% in comparison with the untreated sample. Ultrasound treatment changed the color of apples tissue by decreasing the value of a* parameter and increasing the dried material lightness, chromaticity and the value of b* coefficient. Moreover, obtained results showed that there was a significant effect of pretreatment on rehydration properties as compared with untreated apple tissue.

Practical Applications

The most energy‐consuming processes existing in the food technologies are the processes based on heat and/or mass transfer, for instance drying. Thus, a lot of attention is paid by researchers to conserve the energy and minimally change the physicochemical properties of food, which shape its quality. Additionally, increasing growth of consumers' expectations and their nutritional knowledge stimulate to seek some new solutions even more. Aforementioned is a reason why nonthermal technologies as ultrasound seem to be the one of the most interesting propositions.
The Microbiota and Microbiome in Aging: Potential Implications in Health and Age‐Related Diseases
Authors: Zapata Heidi J. , Quagliarello Vincent J.
Published: April 2015

Advances in bacterial deoxyribonucleic acid sequencing allow for characterization of the human commensal bacterial community (microbiota) and its corresponding genome (microbiome). Surveys of healthy adults reveal that a signature composite of bacteria characterizes each unique body habitat (e.g., gut, skin, oral cavity, vagina). A myriad of clinical changes, including a basal proinflammatory state (inflamm‐aging), that directly interface with the microbiota of older adults and enhance susceptibility to disease accompany aging. Studies in older adults demonstrate that the gut microbiota correlates with diet, location of residence (e.g., community dwelling, long‐term care settings), and basal level of inflammation. Links exist between the microbiota and a variety of clinical problems plaguing older adults, including physical frailty, Clostridium difficile colitis, vulvovaginal atrophy, colorectal carcinoma, and atherosclerotic disease. Manipulation of the microbiota and microbiome of older adults holds promise as an innovative strategy to influence the development of comorbidities associated with aging.
Improving Access to Noninstitutional Long‐Term Care for American Indian Veterans
Authors: Kramer Betty Jo (Josea) , Creekmur Beth , Cote Sarah , Saliba Debra
Published: April 2015

Home‐based primary care (HBPC) is an effective model of noninstitutional long‐term care developed in the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide ongoing care to homebound persons. Significant rural populations of American Indians have limited access to services designed for frail older adults. Fourteen Veterans Affairs Medical Centers (VAMCs) initiated efforts to expand access to HBPC in concert with local tribes and Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities. This study characterizes the resulting emerging models of HBPC and co‐management. Using an observational design, key respondent telephone interviews (n = 37) were conducted with stakeholders representing the 14 VAMCs to describe these HBPC programs, and HBPC models were evaluated in relation to VAMC organizational culture as revealed on the annual VA All Employee Survey. Twelve VAMCs independently developed HBPC expansion programs for American Indian veterans, and six different program models were implemented. Two models were unique to collaborations between VAMCs and tribes; in these collaborations, the tribes retained primary care responsibilities. VAMC used the other four models for delivery of care in remote rural areas to all veteran populations, American Indians and non‐Indians alike. Strategies to improve access by reducing geographic barriers occur in all models. Comparing mean VAMC organizational culture ratings, as defined in the Competing Values Framework, revealed significant group differences for one of these six models. Findings from this study illustrate the flexibility of the HBPC program and opportunities for co‐management and expansion of healthcare access for American Indians and non‐Indians, particularly in rural areas.
Is There an Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Cognitive Function in Very Old Adults? The Newcastle 85+ Study
Authors: Harrison Stephanie L. , Stephan Blossom C. M. , Siervo Mario , Granic Antoneta , Davies Karen , Wesnes Keith A. , Kirkwood Thomas B. L. , Robinson Louise , Jagger Carol
Published: April 2015

Objectives

To determine, using data from the Newcastle 85+ Study, whether there is an association between modern diagnostic criteria for metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cognitive function in very old adults (≥85) and whether inflammation, physical activity, or diabetes mellitus status affects this association.

Design

Longitudinal, population‐based cohort study.

Setting

Newcastle and North Tyneside, United Kingdom.

Participants

Community‐dwelling and institutionalized men and women recruited through general practices (N = 845).

Measurements

MetS was defined according to the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria. Cross‐sectional and prospective (up to 5 years of follow‐up) associations between MetS and global cognitive function (assessed using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE)) and between MetS and attention and episodic memory (assessed using the Cognitive Drug Research battery) were performed.

Results

MetS was not associated with cognitive function at baseline or cognitive change over time. Lack of association was not because MetS was predictive of subsequent mortality. Of the individual components of the MetS criteria, high blood pressure was associated with better cognitive function at baseline (MMSE: β (standard error (SE)) = −0.716 (0.152), P < .001), and low high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol was associated with poorer global cognitive function at baseline (MMSE: 0.436 (0.131), P = .001).

Conclusion

The association between MetS and cognitive decline, which has been described in younger populations (<75), was not apparent in this population of individuals aged 85 and older at baseline.
Using Nested Average Electricity Allocation Protocols to Characterize Electrical Grids in Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Colett Joseph S. , Kelly Jarod C. , Keoleian Gregory A.
Published: April 2015

This study explored the impacts of electricity allocation protocols on the life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions of electricity consumption. The selection of appropriate electricity allocation protocols, methodologies that assign pools of electricity generators to electricity consumers, has not been well standardized. This can lead to very different environmental profiles of similar, electricity‐intensive processes. In an effort to better represent the interconnected nature of the U.S. electrical grid, we propose two new protocols that utilize inter‐regional trade information and localized emission factors to combine generating pools that are sub‐ or supersets of one another. This new nested approach increases the likelihood of capturing important inter‐regional electricity trading and the appropriate assignment of generator emissions to consumers of local and regional electricity. We applied the new and existing protocols to the U.S. primary aluminum industry, an industry whose environmental impact is heavily tied to its electricity consumption. Our analysis found GHG emission factors that were dramatically different than those reported in previous literature. We calculated production‐weighted average emission factors of 19.0 and 19.9 kilograms carbon dioxide equivalent per kilogram of primary aluminum ingot produced when using our two nested electricity allocation protocols. Previous studies reported values of 10.5 and 11.0, at least 42% lower than those found by our study.
Treatment targets in emergency departments: nurses’ views of how they affect clinical practice
Authors: Hoyle Louise , Grant Aimee
Published: April 2015

Aims and objectives

To understand nurses' views and experiences of four‐hour treatment targets in the emergency department and how this impacts clinical decision‐making throughout acute secondary care hospitals.

Background

In many countries, national treatment targets in the emergency department have been introduced. However, research and a recent enquiry into poor clinical care in one hospital in the UK have highlighted that patient care may be compromised by the need to meet these targets.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study as part of a case study approach.

Methods

Semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 31 nurses working in UK secondary care hospitals which had an emergency department. Nurses were purposively sampled from three specialties: emergency arenas (emergency department, n = 5; medical assessment n = 4 surgical receiving n = 2) (n = 11), surgical wards (n = 11) and medical wards (n = 9).

Results

Nurses in emergency arenas reported considerable burden, in terms of a very high workload and pressure from senior staff to meet the target. Respondents reported that negative impact on patient care for the majority of patients, excluding the most sick, for whom emergency arena nurses reported that they ensured received appropriate treatment, regardless of breaching treatment targets. Around half of the nurses working outside emergency arenas felt pressure and amended their work practices to enable colleagues in emergency arenas to meet treatment targets.

Conclusions

Four‐hour targets were not viewed as clinically helpful by the majority of nurses, some of whom questioned their appropriateness for patient care.

Relevance to clinical practice

Policy makers and senior managers should consider the suitability of treatment targets in the emergency department, particularly in relation to working conditions for nurses and other health professionals and its potential for negative impacts on patient care. While targets remain in place, senior nurses and managers should support nurses who breach the target to provide optimum clinical care.
Development and optimisation of 3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid loaded poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid-nanoparticles with enhanced oral bioavailability and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats
Authors: Bairwa Khemraj , Jachak Sanjay Madhukar
Published: April 2015

Objectives

3-Acetyl-11-keto-β-boswellic acid (AKBA) is a potent anti-inflammatory compound of Boswellia serrata. However, anti-inflammatory activity of AKBA is impeded by poor oral bioavailability due to its poor aqueous solubility. In this context, we aimed to develop poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA)-based nanoparticle formulation of AKBA (AKBA-NPs) in order to improve its oral bioavailability and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.

Methods

AKBA-NPs were prepared and characterised by analysing particle size and zeta potential using zeta sizer, surface morphology by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy, and physical property using differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction techniques. The optimised nanoparticles were evaluated for in-vitro drug release and oral bioavailability studies, and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method.

Key findings

The optimised AKBA-NPs showed the particle size of 179.6 nm with 0.276 polydispersity index and entrapment efficiency of 82.5%. AKBA-NPs showed increased in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity as compared with AKBA. Bioavailability study revealed about six times higher peak plasma concentration of AKBA in AKBA-NPs. Moreover, t1/2 and total area under the curve of AKBA were also enhanced by two and ninefold, respectively, in AKBA-NPs as compared with corresponding AKBA.

Conclusions

The promising results of improved oral bioavailability and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity of AKBA suggested the successful nanoparticle formulation of AKBA.
A Gini Autocovariance Function for Time Series Modelling
Authors: Carcea Marcel , Serfling Robert
Published: April 2015

In stationary time series modelling, the autocovariance function (ACV) through its associated autocorrelation function provides an appealing description of the dependence structure but presupposes finite second moments. Here, we provide an alternative, the Gini ACV, which captures some key features of the usual ACV while requiring only first moments. For fitting autoregressive, moving‐average and autoregressive–moving‐average models under just first‐order assumptions, we derive equations based on the Gini ACV instead of the usual ACV. As another application, we treat a nonlinear autoregressive (Pareto) model allowing heavy tails and obtain via the Gini ACV an explicit correlational analysis in terms of model parameters, whereas the usual ACV even when defined is not available in explicit form. Finally, we formulate a sample Gini ACV that is straightforward to evaluate.
Repeatability, ephemerality and inconvenient truths in the speciation process
Authors: Cutter Asher D.
Published: April 2015

Everyone appreciates the happy fiction that species conform to the simple theoretical convenience of a single panmictic population. In speciation genetics, a further standard simplification is that it is only those genetic differences that are fixed between diverging populations that need concern us in order to understand the accumulation of intrinsic barriers to reproduction. To a first approximation, of course, both of these assumptions are appropriate and theory based on them provides compelling insights into diverse evolutionary phenomena (Orr & Turelli ). But what else can we learn about the begetting of biodiversity, speciation, by considering explicitly some less convenient realities of natural populations? Specifically, how does genetic variation at incompatibility loci within a species influence interspecies hybridization upon secondary contact? And, in nature, how repeatable among distinct bouts of secondary contact are the genomic outcomes of hybridization? Mandeville et al. () tackle exactly this question in their new study in Molecular Ecology on five species of suckers, fish of the genus Catostomus, that overlap sympatrically in different portions of their subdivided ranges that occupy different rivers. They document substantial genomic heterogeneity in realized hybridization in nature, both among species pairs and among the source populations for hybrids of a given species pair. This imperfect repeatability of episodes of hybridization implies greater permeability of species barriers in some parts of their range, with intriguing consequences for how the integrity of species as independently evolving units could be susceptible to collapse.
Experience and Life as Ever‐Present Constraints on Knowledge
Authors: Champagne Marc
Published: April 2015

This essay argues that acknowledging the existence of mind‐independent facts is a matter of vital importance, in that acquiescence before the layout of the world is something demanded of knowing agents from the most elementary empirical deliverance to the most abstract construct. Building on the idea that normativity requires the presence of more than one option to choose from, the essay shows how the cessation of one's life is the disjunctive alternative of any experiential episode. This much has been missed, it argues, because of a generalized failure to appreciate how even the simplest atomic contents embroil their subjects in acts of assent. Its account thus casts a new light on relativism and skepticism, revealing them to be provisional luxuries supported only by the cognitive labor of others.
The Plasmodium falciparum exportome contains non‐canonical PEXEL/HT proteins
Authors: Schulze Jana , Kwiatkowski Marcel , Borner Janus , Schlüter Hartmut , Bruchhaus Iris , Burmester Thorsten , Spielmann Tobias , Pick Christian
Published: April 2015

The pathogenicity of Plasmodium falciparum is partly due to parasite‐induced host cell modifications. These modifications are facilitated by exported P. falciparum proteins, collectively referred to as the exportome. Export of several hundred proteins is mediated by the PEXEL/HT, a protease cleavage site. The PEXEL/HT is usually comprised of five amino acids, of which R at position 1, L at position 3 and E, D or Q at position 5 are conserved and important for export. Non‐canonical PEXEL/HTs with K or H at position 1 and/or I at position 3 are presently considered non‐functional. Here, we show that non‐canonical PEXEL/HT proteins are overrepresented in P. falciparum and other Plasmodium species. Furthermore, we show that non‐canonical PEXEL/HTs can be cleaved and can promote export in both a REX3 and a GBP reporter, but not in a KAHRP reporter, indicating that non‐canonical PEXEL/HTs are functional in concert with a supportive sequence environment. We then selected P. falciparum proteins with a non‐canonical PEXEL/HT and show that some of these proteins are exported and that their export depends on non‐canonical PEXEL/HTs. We conclude that PEXEL/HT plasticity is higher than appreciated and that non‐canonical PEXEL/HT proteins cannot categorically be excluded from Plasmodium exportome predictions.
Light‐induced plasticity in leaf hydraulics, venation, anatomy, and gas exchange in ecologically diverse Hawaiian lobeliads
Authors: Scoffoni Christine , Kunkle Justin , Pasquet‐Kok Jessica , Vuong Christine , Patel Amish J. , Montgomery Rebecca A. , Givnish Thomas J. , Sack Lawren
Published: April 2015

Leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) quantifies the capacity of a leaf to transport liquid water and is a major constraint on light‐saturated stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic rate (Amax). Few studies have tested the plasticity of Kleaf and anatomy across growth light environments. These provided conflicting results.

The Hawaiian lobeliads are an excellent system to examine plasticity, given the striking diversity in the light regimes they occupy, and their correspondingly wide range of Amax, allowing maximal carbon gain for success in given environments. We measured Kleaf, Amax, gs and leaf anatomical and structural traits, focusing on six species of lobeliads grown in a common garden under two irradiances (300/800 μmol photons m−2 s−1). We tested hypotheses for light‐induced plasticity in each trait based on expectations from optimality.

Kleaf, Amax, and gs differed strongly among species. Sun/shade plasticity was observed in Kleaf, Amax, and numerous traits relating to lamina and xylem anatomy, venation, and composition, but gs was not plastic with growth irradiance. Species native to higher irradiance showed greater hydraulic plasticity.

Our results demonstrate that a wide set of leaf hydraulic, stomatal, photosynthetic, anatomical, and structural traits tend to shift together during plasticity and adaptation to diverse light regimes, optimizing performance from low to high irradiance.
In pursuit of neuroimaging biomarkers to guide treatment selection in major depressive disorder: a review of the literature
Authors: Lener Marc S. , Iosifescu Dan V.
Published: April 2015

Over the last few decades, neuroimaging techniques have advanced the identification of structural, functional, and neurochemical brain abnormalities that are associated with the increased risk, clinical course, and treatment outcomes of major depressive disorder (MDD). This paper reviews specific neuroimaging abnormalities that, on the basis of early studies, may discriminate between MDD patients who do or do not respond to current therapeutic modalities, such as antidepressants, cognitive behavioral therapy, or novel therapies. Differences in gray matter volume, white matter coherence, brain activity via structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging techniques, and concentrations of specific brain metabolites (as measured with magnetic resonance spectroscopy), are potential biomarkers discussed in this review. Given the heterogeneity of MDD, larger, multisite studies with increased statistical power will be needed to identify more precise imaging biomarkers of treatment response in MDD.
Recovery of Ventriculo‐Atrial Conduction after Adrenaline in Patients Implanted with Pacemakers
Authors: CISMARU GABRIEL , GUSETU GABRIEL , MURESAN LUCIAN , ROSU RADU , ANDRONACHE MARIUS , MATUZ ROXANA , PUIU MIHAI , MESTER PETRU , MICLAUS MARIA , POP DANA , MIRCEA PETRU ADRIAN , ZDRENGHEA DUMITRU
Published: April 2015

Background

Ventriculo‐atrial (VA) conduction can have negative consequences for patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators. There is concern whether impaired VA conduction could recover during stressful situations. Although the influence of isoproterenol and atropine are well established, the effect of adrenaline has not been studied systematically. The objective of this study was to determine if adrenaline can facilitate recovery of VA conduction in patients implanted with pacemakers.

Methods

A prospective study was conducted on 61 consecutive patients during a 4‐month period (April–July 2014). The presence of VA conduction was assessed during the pacemaker implantation procedure. In case of an impaired VA conduction, adrenaline infusio was used as a stress surrogate to test conduction recovery.

Results

The indications for pacemaker implantation were: sinus node dysfunction in 18 patients, atrioventricular (AV) block in 40 patients, binodal dysfunction (sinus node+ AV node) in two patients and other (carotid sinus syndrome) in one patient. In the basal state, 15/61 (24.6%) presented spontaneous VA conduction and 46/61 (75.4%) had no VA conduction. After administration of adrenaline, there was VA conduction recovery in 5/46 (10.9%) patients.

Conclusions

Adrenaline infusion produced recovery of VA conduction in 10.9% of patients with absent VA conduction in a basal state. Recovery of VA conduction during physiological or pathological stresses could be responsible for the pacemaker syndrome, PMT episodes, or certain implantable cardiac defibrillator detection issues.
Concurrent Cardioversion of Atrial Fibrillation during ICD Shock Testing
Authors: VISCHER ANNINA S. , MUTSCHELKNAUSS MARCUS , KÜHNE MICHAEL S. , OSSWALD STEFAN , STICHERLING CHRISTIAN , SCHAER BEAT A.
Published: April 2015

Background

Many patients receiving an implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) also have atrial fibrillation (AF). Shock testing during ICD implantation carries a potential risk of cardioversion to sinus rhythm (SR) and thrombembolic events. We aimed to analyze the recurrence of AF after cardioversion to SR during ICD shock testing.

Methods

A total of 555 consecutive patients referred to a tertiary hospital in Switzerland for ICD implantation or generator exchange between 02/2002 and 03/2010 were screened for AF. Fifty‐seven patients who were in AF at the time of ICD shock testing were included.

Results

Forty‐four patients (77%) were successfully cardioverted from AF to SR. Type of AF (persistent, not permanent 64 vs 31% of cardioverted patients) was the only predictor. Thirty‐nine patients (89%) experienced a recurrence of AF/atrial flutter after a median of 54 days (interquartile range 35–251 days). The only predictor for recurrence of AF was previous AF declared as permanent. No ischemic stroke occurred during hospitalization for the procedure.

Conclusions

For patients in AF undergoing shock testing at the time of ICD implant, there is a high chance of cardioversion from AF to SR, but there is also a high risk of early recurrence. Decisions regarding long‐term anticoagulation should not be based on the heart rhythm immediately following shock testing.
China's Monetary Power: Internationalization of the Renminbi
Authors: Kwon Edward
Published: April 2015

This paper sheds light on the Chinese government's recent efforts to internationalize the Renminbi (RMB). China's standing as the world's second largest economy and its more than $3.9 trillion in foreign exchange reserves could greatly leverage China's monetary power. As the United States has become heavily dependent on Chinese financial support in the wake of the recent financial crisis, China has sought to exploit this financial advantage. China may seek to influence decision‐making on matters relating to future reorganization of the international monetary system. Were the RMB to become a global currency, the status of the dollar as the world's top currency would be undermined and US hegemony in the international political economy potentially challenged. However, the intent of Chinese policy‐makers is not to replace the top currency status of the United States, but rather to increase Chinese policy autonomy. Since internationalization of the RMB requires a massive financial liberalization of China's domestic economy and further might threaten the vested interests of domestic groups, China has pursued internationalization of the RMB by a two‐track global and regional strategy in a gradual manner.
Ecological Modernization and the Development of Emissions Trading Schemes in Australia and South Korea
Authors: Hermanns Heike
Published: April 2015

Ecological modernization has become a popular policy choice to mitigate negative effects on the environment. Rather than promoting radical changes, ecological modernization combines economic development with the limitation of environmental damage through technological advances. Such ideas are reflected in emissions trading schemes, which take a market approach to offer incentives to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This paper compares the development of emissions trading schemes in Australia and South Korea to explore the factors that contribute to the adaptation of ecological modernization policies. The two countries share a dependence on energy‐intensive industries for economic growth, but the debate on emission policies is dominated by different actors, offering alternative scenarios for the adaptation of ecological modernization in domestic policies. The role of business interests and civil society as well as priorities on the political agenda also differentiate the two cases, highlighting the role of political networks in the process of ecological modernization and the depth of such policies.
Japan's Regional Inequality in Hard Times
Authors: Song Jiyeoun
Published: April 2015

The widening economic gap between Japan's major urban centers and its rural regions has been regarded as one of the country's most serious political and social concerns since the early 2000s. This article examines the politics of regional inequality in Japan over the past decade, focusing on the driving force of the growing divide between the urban and rural economies and the strategies of political parties to redress the problem. In this article, I argue that the Koizumi cabinet's fiscal decentralization and neoliberal economic reform contributed to the rapid rise of regional inequality. While the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan attempted to respond to this problem in the post‐Koizumi period, the urban‐based Democratic Party of Japan strategically made people's growing concern over regional economic disparity a key part of its electoral agenda in order to court the rural vote.
Maternal obesity alters immune cell frequencies and responses in umbilical cord blood samples
Authors: Wilson Randall M. , Marshall Nicole E. , Jeske Daniel R. , Purnell Jonathan Q. , Thornburg Kent , Messaoudi Ilhem
Published: April 2015

Background

Maternal obesity is one of the several key factors thought to modulate neonatal immune system development. Data from murine studies demonstrate worse outcomes in models of infection, autoimmunity, and allergic sensitization in offspring of obese dams. In humans, children born to obese mothers are at increased risk for asthma. These findings suggest a dysregulation of immune function in the children of obese mothers; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between maternal body weight and the human neonatal immune system.

Methods

Umbilical cord blood samples were collected from infants born to lean, overweight, and obese mothers. Frequency and function of major innate and adaptive immune cell populations were quantified using flow cytometry and multiplex analysis of circulating factors.

Results

Compared to babies born to lean mothers, babies of obese mothers had fewer eosinophils and CD4 T helper cells, reduced monocyte and dendritic cell responses to Toll‐like receptor ligands, and increased plasma levels of IFN‐α2 and IL‐6 in cord blood.

Conclusion

These results support the hypothesis that maternal obesity influences programming of the neonatal immune system, providing a potential link to increased incidence of chronic inflammatory diseases such as asthma and cardiovascular disease in the offspring.
Unconditional and conditional QTL underlying the genetic interrelationships between soybean seed isoflavone, and protein or oil contents
Authors: Han Yingpeng , Teng Weili , Wang Yan , Zhao Xue , Wu Lin , Li Dongmei , Li Wenbin
Published: April 2015

Selection for soybean (Glycine max L. Merr.) rich in isoflavones, protein and oil has been difficult due to negative genetic interrelationships. In this study, genetic interrelationships among seed isoflavones and protein and oil contents were evaluated using both unconditional and conditional QTL mapping. Daidzein (DZ), genistein (GT), glycitein (GC) and total isoflavone (TI) contents were analysed in F5:6, F5:7 and F5:8 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between ‘Zhongdou 27’(TI 3791 μg/g; protein content 42.84%; oil content 18.73%) and ‘Jiunong 20’ (TI 2061 μg/g; protein content 34.05%; oil content 21.42%). When DZ, GT, GC and TI were analysed for their genetic relationships with protein or oil contents, eight conditional QTL were detected, which included DZ|pro, GC|pro, GT|pro, TI|pro, DZ|oil, GC|oil, GT|oil and TI|oil. Seventeen QTL that had significant genetic associations between seed isoflavone, and seed protein or oil contents were found, including two for DZ conditioned on protein (qDZ|proK‐1, qDZ|proF‐2); one for GC conditioned on protein (qGC|proM‐1); three for GT conditioned on protein (qGT|proM‐1, qGT|proA2‐1, qGT|proL‐1); three for TI conditioned on protein (qTI|proM‐1, qTI|proA2‐1, qTI|proF‐2); one for DZ conditioned on oil (qDZ∣oil K_1); one for GC conditioned on oil (qGC∣oilI_1); four for GT conditioned on oil (qGT∣oil A2_1, qGT∣oil F_1, qGTF_2, qGT∣oilD2_1); three for TI conditioned on oil (qTI∣oilA2‐1, qTI∣oilE‐1, qTI∣oilL‐1). Few epistatic interactions among loci were detected. These loci may be valuable for improving seed isoflavone, protein and oil contents.
Wheat spike fertility: inheritance and relationship with spike yield components in early generations
Authors: Martino Diana L. , Abbate Pablo E. , Cendoya María G. , Gutheim Florencia , Mirabella Nadia E. , Pontaroli Ana C.
Published: April 2015

In wheat, grain number is considered as the product of spike dry weight (SDW) and the number of grains per unit of SDW, that is an indicator of spike fertility (SF). The aim of this study was to determine the heritability of SF and the effect of early selection for high SF on its relationship with other spike yield components. Two field experiments were conducted in the south‐eastern Pampas (Argentina) with 400 F2 and F2:3 families obtained from two crosses between varieties with contrasting SF (PIG/SSN and B10/KCJ). Heritability estimates in PIG/SSN and B10/KCJ were, respectively, 0.60 and 0.51 by variance component analysis, 0.43 and 0.43 by F2 : F3 parent–offspring regression and 0.30 and 0.28 by realized heritability analysis. The existence of transgressive segregation (i.e. the occurrence of families with SF values that were more extreme than those of the parents) was observed. The top 25% F3 families with the highest SF had 12% more grains per spike, despite a 13% and 5% decrease in SDW per spike and weight per grain, respectively, than the remaining families. These results give support to the application of early selection for high SF.
Fine mapping of qSS‐9, a major and stable quantitative trait locus, for seed storability in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Lin Qiuyun , Jiang Yimei , Sun Ailing , Cao Penghui , Li Linfang , Liu Xi , Tian Yunlu , He Jun , Liu Shijia , Chen Liangming , Jiang Ling
Published: April 2015

Seed storability in rice (Oryza sativa L.) is an important agronomic trait. We previously showed a quantitative trait locus of seed storability, qSS‐9, on chromosome 9 in a backcross population of ‘Koshihikari’ (japonica) / ‘Kasalath’ (indica) // ‘Koshihikari’. In this study, fine mapping of the chromosomal location of qSS‐9 was performed. Effect of ‘Kasalath’ allele of qSS‐9 was validated using a chromosome segment substitution line, SL36, which harboured the target quantitative trait loci (QTL) from ‘Kasalath’ in the genetic background of ‘Nipponbare’ under different ageing treatments in different environments. Subsequently, an F2 population from a cross between ‘Nipponbare’ and SL36 was used for fine mapping of qSS‐9. Simultaneously, four subnear isogenic lines (sub‐NILs) that represented different recombination breakpoints across the qSS‐9 region were developed from F3 progeny. Finally, the qSS‐9 locus was located between the Indel markers Y10 and Y13, which delimit a region of 147 kb in the ‘Nipponbare’ genome. These results provide a springboard for map‐based cloning of qSS‐9 and possibilities for breeding rice varieties with strong seed storability.
When Does the United States Intervene Militarily for Humanitarian Reasons?
Authors: Haar Roberta
Published: April 2015

Although the end of the Cold War meant fewer constraints on humanitarian intervention, U.S. leaders continue to shy away from protecting innocents outside of the United States from harm. This is despite the fact that presidential candidates often campaign on restoring America's moral lead in the world and, in particular, on U.S. responsibilities to avert mass atrocities. Hagan's Logic of Political Explanation aids in understanding why, once in office, a president's initial response is to avoid the controversy of a risky involvement. When this strategy fails, he shifts to a strategy of legitimating a policy of intervention and/or to a strategy that insulates his foreign policy choice from domestic political pressures. Hagan's model facilitates in understanding the role of the domestic environment, especially regarding political opposition and the public's attitude toward a crisis, in shaping presidential decision making on humanitarian intervention.

Related Articles

Dolan, Chris J. 2008. “.” Politics & Policy 36 (): 542–585. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2007.00121.x/abstract

Harris, Paul G. 2008. “.” Politics & Policy 36 (): 914–943. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2008.00145.x/abstract

Anda, Michael O. 1993. “.” Southeastern Political Review 21 (): 593–611. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.1993.tb00379.x/abstract

Related Media

Obama, Barak. 2007. “.” November 26. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QEd583‐fA8M
Social Distrust and Immigrant Access to Welfare Programs in the American States
Authors: Butz Adam M. , Kehrberg Jason E.
Published: April 2015

Social trust ameliorates collective action problems by allowing multicultural societies to adopt more inclusive and equitable public policies directed toward newly arriving immigrants. However, existing research warns that increasing ethnic diversity from immigrant populations can undermine levels of social trust, hindering mass support for redistributive policies that empower low‐income minority populations. This article examines the relationship between U.S. state‐level social trust and immigrant access to social welfare programs using multilevel regression with post‐stratification to estimate state‐level attitudes of distrust. Distrust is found to be associated with reduced immigrant access to redistributive social programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Supplemental Security Income, and Medicaid. Interestingly, patterns of distrust and strict immigrant welfare exclusion are more pronounced among low immigrant Southern states, while high immigrant states exhibit relatively inclusive and accommodative policies.

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Turner,Robert C., andWilliamSharry.2012. “.”Politics & Policy40():983–1018.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00392.x/abstractByrne,Jennifer, andGregory C.Dixon.2013. “.”Politics & Policy41():83–116.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12002/abstractWagle,Udaya R.2013. “.”Politics & Policy41():947–984.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12053/abstract

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.2015. “” January 15.http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/have‐the‐danes‐really‐found‐the‐secret‐formula‐to‐contentment‐9978699.htmlGelman,Andrew.2014. “.”Statistical Modeling, Causal Interference, and Social Science. November 11.http://andrewgelman.com/2014/11/11/history‐mrp‐highlights‐differences‐political‐science‐epidemiology/.2014. “.” November 18.http://www.nationaljournal.com/next‐america/population‐2043/how‐california‐is‐making‐life‐easier‐for‐undocumented‐immigrants‐20141118
Determinants of elite‐level air rifle shooting performance
Authors: Ihalainen S. , Kuitunen S. , Mononen K. , Linnamo V.
Published: April 2015

This study focused on identifying the most important factors determining performance in elite‐level air rifle shooting technique. Forty international‐ and national‐level shooters completed a simulated air rifle shooting competition series. From a total of 13 795 shots in 319 tests, shooting score and 17 aiming point trajectory variables were measured with an optoelectronic device and six postural balance variables were measured with force platform. Principal component analysis revealed six components in the air rifle shooting technique: aiming time, stability of hold, measurement time, cleanness of triggering, aiming accuracy, and timing of triggering. Multiple regression analysis identified four of those, namely stability of hold, cleanness of triggering, aiming accuracy, and timing of triggering as the most important predictors of shooting performance, accounting for 81% of the variance in shooting score. The direct effect of postural balance on performance was small, accounting for less than 1% of the variance in shooting score. Indirectly, the effect can be greater through a more stable holding ability, to which postural balance was correlated significantly (R = 0.55, P < 0.001). The results of the present study can be used in assessing athletes' technical strengths and weaknesses and in directing training programs on distinct shooting technical components.
Incidence and severity of reported acute sports injuries in 35 sports using insurance registry data
Authors: Åman M. , Forssblad M. , Henriksson‐Larsén K.
Published: April 2015

Acute injuries in sport are still a problem where limited knowledge of incidence and severity in different sports at national level exists. In Sweden, 80% of the sports federations have their mandatory injury insurance for all athletes in the same insurance company and injury data are systematically kept in a national database. The aim of the study was to identify high‐risk sports with respect to incidence of acute and severe injuries in 35 sports reported to the database. The number and incidences of injuries as well as injuries leading to permanent medical impairment (PMI) were calculated during 2008–2011. Each year approximately 12 000 injuries and 1 162 660 licensed athletes were eligible for analysis. Eighty‐five percent of the injuries were reported in football, ice hockey, floorball, and handball. The highest injury incidence as well as PMI was in motorcycle, handball, skating, and ice hockey. Females had higher risk of a PMI compared with males in automobile sport, handball, floorball, and football. High‐risk sports with numerous injuries and high incidence of PMI injuries were motorcycle, handball, ice hockey, football, floorball, and automobile sports. Thus, these sports ought to be the target of preventive actions at national level.
Interventions to Promote Sun Protection Behaviors: What Do We Know About the Efficacy of Health‐ and Appearance‐based Messages and the Role of Cognitions and Emotions?
Authors: Mahler Heike I. M.
Published: April 2015

Human behavior has been implicated as a critical component in the development of a number of diseases, including skin cancer. More than 85% of all skin cancers are attributed to over‐exposure to the sun, and two primary types of interventions have been utilized to motivate sun protection practices – those that focus on the health consequences (i.e., skin cancer) and those that highlight the negative appearance consequences (i.e., wrinkles and age spots) of sun exposure. Both health‐based and appearance‐based interventions have been demonstrated to increase awareness of sun exposure dangers and of recommended risk reduction behaviors. Much of the literature examining the efficacy of appearance‐based interventions also contains evidence ofbehaviorchange in response to such interventions. The role of consciously accessible attitudes and perceptions as mechanisms of behavior change has been extensively examined, and there is evidence that sun protection interventions may promote behavior change in part by altering various health‐related cognitions (e.g., perceived susceptibility to skin damage). However, the role of nonconscious mechanisms in the efficacy of sun protection interventions has received little empirical attention. A growing body of literature, primarily in other health contexts, has demonstrated that behavior is sometimes more strongly predicted by emotions than cognitions, and that processes outside of conscious awareness may affect behavior change. It is suggested that both future sun protection interventions, and health promotion theories in general, could benefit from a thorough examination of the role that emotions and autonomic reactions may play in intervention efficacy.
An in vitro study comparing two dose regimes of fresh frozen plasma on conventional and thromboelastographic tests of coagulation after major hepatic resection
Authors: Schofield N. , Sugavanam A. , Henley M. , Thompson K. , Riddell A. , Mallett S. V.
Published: April 2015

Background

After hepatic resection, post‐operative increases in international normalised ratio (INR) are frequent, but rarely associated with bleeding complication. Coagulation as assessed by thrombin generation may be normal, despite the increased INR. This study tests the hypothesis that viscoelastic tests (VET) of coagulation remain normal, despite mild elevations in INR, examines the efficacy of fresh frozen plasma (FFP) in reversing prolongation of INR in such patients and determines the effect of FFP on VET.

Methods

A prospective cohort study of 47 patients undergoing major hepatectomy. In vitro spiking with FFP (7·5 and 15 mL kg−1) was carried out if post‐operative day 2 (POD2) INR levels were ≥1·5. Thromboelastography (TEG®) and INR were measured before and after FFP spiking.

Results

Blood from patients with an INR  ≥ 1·5 on POD2 was spiked with FFP. There was a significant reduction in the INR from 1·94 [standard deviation (SD): 0·59] to 1·46 (SD: 0·27, P = 0·005) and 1·36 (SD: 0·18, P = 0·0007) with FFP 7·5 or 15 mL kg−1, respectively. At baseline, the TEG R‐time [6·17 min (NR, 9–27 min)] and maximum amplitude (MA) [66·9 mm (NR, 44–64 mm)] were hypercoagulable, and remained so on POD2 for the R‐time (6·7 min), but fell to within the normal range for the MA (54·0 mm). FFP spiking had no significant effect on TEG variables.

Conclusions

Despite the rise in INR after hepatectomy, VET do not show evidence of hypocoagulability. In vitro addition of FFP had no significant effect on TEG parameters. Clinical use of FFP in this situation is questionable.
Administration of fenoldopam in critically ill small animal patients with acute kidney injury: 28 dogs and 34 cats (2008–2012)
Authors: Nielsen Lindsey K. , Bracker Kiko , Price Lori Lyn
Published: April 2015

Objective

To describe the clinical features and outcomes of critically ill dogs and cats with acute kidney injury (AKI) receiving fenoldopam infusions compared to patients with AKI that did not receive fenoldopam.

Design

Retrospective clinical study from May 1, 2008 until June 1, 2012.

Setting

Private emergency and specialty referral hospital.

Animals

Client‐owned dogs (28) and cats (34) with AKI that received fenoldopam compared with similar patients with AKI (30 dogs and 30 cats) that did not.

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

The medical records of 62 critically ill dogs and cats with AKI that received fenoldopam were reviewed. Presenting clinical signs, physical examination findings, and primary and secondary disease processes were identified in all patients. The mean number of days on fenoldopam was 1.5 days (range 0.3–4.0 days) for dogs and 1.9 days (range 1.0–4.0 days) for cats. Eleven of 28 (39%) dogs survived to discharge and 13 of 34 (38%) of the cats survived to discharge. Of the animals in the group receiving fenoldopam that died, the majority (84%) were euthanized. Potential adverse reactions were evaluated, with hypotension being the most commonly encountered adverse effect (7% of fenoldopam group [FG] dogs and 23% of FG cats). When compared with patients with AKI that did not receive fenoldopam, no significant differences were found between the groups with regards to survival, length of hospital stay, adverse effects, or changes in creatinine, BUN, or sodium concentrations except that patients receiving fenoldopam were significantly more likely to have received other renally active medications.

Conclusions

In this study of patients with AKI, fenoldopam administration at 0.8 μg/kg/min in dogs and 0.5 μg/kg/min in cats appeared relatively safe but was not associated with improvement in survival to discharge, length of hospital stay, or improvement in renal biochemical parameters when compared to patients with AKI not receiving fenoldopam.