bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Immunomodulatory Factors Control the Fate of Melanoma Tumor Initiating Cells
Authors: Tuccitto Alessandra , Tazzari Marcella , Beretta Valeria , Rini Francesca , Miranda Claudia , Greco Angela , Santinami Mario , Patuzzo Roberto , Vergani Barbara , Villa Antonello , Manenti Giacomo , Cleris Loredana , Giardiello Daniele , Alison Malcolm , Rivoltini Licia , Castelli Chiara , Perego Michela
Published: June 2016

Melanoma is a highly heterogeneous tumor for which recent evidence supports a model of dynamic stemness. Melanoma cells might temporally acquire tumor-initiating properties or switch from a status of tumor-initiating cells (TICs) to a more differentiated one depending on the tumor context. However, factors driving these functional changes are still unknown. We focused on the role of cyto/chemokines in shaping TICs isolated directly from tumor specimens of two melanoma patients, namely Me14346S and Me15888S. We analyzed the secretion profile of TICs and of their corresponding melanoma differentiated cells and we tested the ability of cyto/chemokines to influence TIC self-renewal and differentiation. We found that TICs, grown in vitro as melanospheres, had a complex secretory profile as compared to their differentiated counterparts. Some factors, such as CCL-2 and IL-8, also produced by adherent melanoma cells and melanocytes did not influence TIC properties. Conversely, IL-6, released by differentiated cells, reduced TIC self-renewal and induced TIC differentiation while IL-10, produced by Me15888S, strongly promoted TIC self-renewal through paracrine/autocrine actions. Complete neutralization of IL-10 activity by gene silencing and antibody-mediated blocking of the IL-10Rα was required to sensitize Me15888S to IL-6-induced differentiation. For the first time these results show that functional heterogeneity of melanoma could be directly influenced by inflammatory and suppressive soluble factors, with IL-6 favoring TIC differentiation, and IL-10 supporting TIC self-renewal. Thus, understanding the tumor microenvironment (TME) role in modulating melanoma TIC phenotype is fundamental to identifying novel therapeutic targets to achieve long-lasting regression of metastatic melanoma.
Regulation of WNT Signaling by VSX2 During Optic Vesicle Patterning in Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Capowski Elizabeth E. , Wright Lynda S. , Liang Kun , Phillips M. Joseph , Wallace Kyle , Petelinsek Anna , Hagstrom Anna , Pinilla Isabel , Borys Katarzyna , Lien Jessica , Min Jee Hong , Keles Sunduz , Thomson James A. , Gamm David M.
Published: June 2016

Few gene targets of Visual System Homeobox 2 (VSX2) have been identified despite its broad and critical role in the maintenance of neural retina (NR) fate during early retinogenesis. We performed VSX2 ChIP-seq and ChIP-PCR assays on early stage optic vesicle-like structures (OVs) derived from human iPS cells (hiPSCs), which highlighted WNT pathway genes as direct regulatory targets of VSX2. Examination of early NR patterning in hiPSC-OVs from a patient with a functional null mutation in VSX2 revealed mis-expression and upregulation of WNT pathway components and retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) markers in comparison to control hiPSC-OVs. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of WNT signaling rescued the early mutant phenotype, whereas augmentation of WNT signaling in control hiPSC-OVs phenocopied the mutant. These findings reveal an important role for VSX2 as a regulator of WNT signaling and suggest that VSX2 may act to maintain NR identity at the expense of RPE in part by direct repression of WNT pathway constituents.
Cryopreserved Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Are Susceptible to T-Cell Mediated Apoptosis Which Is Partly Rescued by IFNγ Licensing
Authors: Chinnadurai Raghavan , Copland Ian B. , Garcia Marco A. , Petersen Christopher T. , Lewis Christopher N. , Waller Edmund K. , Kirk Allan D. , Galipeau Jacques
Published: June 2016

We have previously demonstrated that cryopreservation and thawing lead to altered Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) functionalities. Here, we further analyzed MSC's fitness post freeze-thaw. We have observed that thawed MSC can suppress T-cell proliferation when separated from them by transwell membrane and the effect is lost in a MSC:T-cell coculture system. Unlike actively growing MSCs, thawed MSCs were lysed upon coculture with activated autologous Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) and the lysing effect was further enhanced with allogeneic PBMCs. The use of DMSO-free cryoprotectants or substitution of Human Serum Albumin (HSA) with human platelet lysate in freezing media and use of autophagy or caspase inhibitors did not prevent thaw defects. We tested the hypothesis that IFNγ prelicensing before cryobanking can enhance MSC fitness post thaw. Post thawing, IFNγ licensed MSCs inhibit T cell proliferation as well as fresh MSCs and this effect can be blocked by 1-methyl Tryptophan, an Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor. In addition, IFNγ prelicensed thawed MSCs inhibit the degranulation of cytotoxic T cells while IFNγ unlicensed thawed MSCs failed to do so. However, IFNγ prelicensed thawed MSCs do not deploy lung tropism in vivo following intravenous injection as well as fresh MSCs suggesting that IFNγ prelicensing does not fully rescue thaw-induced lung homing defect. We identified reversible and irreversible cryoinjury mechanisms that result in susceptibility to host T-cell cytolysis and affect MSC's cell survival and tissue distribution. The susceptibility of MSC to negative effects of cryopreservation and the potential to mitigate the effects with IFNγ prelicensing may inform strategies to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of MSC in clinical use.
Characterization of the Epigenetic Changes During Human Gonadal Primordial Germ Cells Reprogramming
Authors: Eguizabal C. , Herrera L. , De Oñate L. , Montserrat N. , Hajkova P. , Izpisua Belmonte J. C.
Published: June 2016

Epigenetic reprogramming is a central process during mammalian germline development. Genome-wide DNA demethylation in primordial germ cells (PGCs) is a prerequisite for the erasure of epigenetic memory, preventing the transmission of epimutations to the next generation. Apart from DNA demethylation, germline reprogramming has been shown to entail reprogramming of histone marks and chromatin remodelling. Contrary to other animal models, there is limited information about the epigenetic dynamics during early germ cell development in humans. Here, we provide further characterization of the epigenetic configuration of the early human gonadal PGCs. We show that early gonadal human PGCs are DNA hypomethylated and their chromatin is characterized by low H3K9me2 and high H3K27me3 marks. Similarly to previous observations in mice, human gonadal PGCs undergo dynamic chromatin changes concomitant with the erasure of genomic imprints. Interestingly, and contrary to mouse early germ cells, expression of BLIMP1/PRDM1 persists in through all gestational stages in human gonadal PGCs and is associated with nuclear lysine-specific demethylase-1. Our work provides important additional information regarding the chromatin changes associated with human PGCs development between 6 and 13 weeks of gestation in male and female gonads.
Anterior–Posterior Patterning of Definitive Endoderm Generated from Human Embryonic Stem Cells Depends on the Differential Signaling of Retinoic Acid, Wnt-, and BMP-Signaling
Authors: Davenport Claudia , Diekmann Ulf , Budde Insa , Detering Nora , Naujok Ortwin
Published: June 2016

As known from model organisms, such as frog, fish, mouse, and chicken, the anterior–posterior patterning of the definitive endoderm (DE) into distinct domains is controlled by a variety of signaling interactions between the DE and its surrounding mesoderm. This includes Wnt/FGFs and BMPs in the posterior half and all-trans-retinoic acid, TGF-β-ligands, Wnt-, and BMP-inhibitors in the anterior half of the DE sheet. However, it is currently unclear how these embryonic tissue interactions can be translated into a defined differentiation protocol for human embryonic stem cells. Activin A has been proposed to direct DE into a SOX2-positive foregut-like cell type. Due to the pleiotropic nature of SOX2 in pluripotency and developing cells of the foregut, we purified DE-cells by magnetic cell sorting and tested the effects of anteriorizing and posteriorizing factors on pure endoderm. We show in contrast to previous studies that the generation of the foregut marked by SOX2/FOXA2 double-positive cells does not depend on activin A/TGF-β-signaling but is mediated by the inhibition of Wnt- and BMP-signaling. Retinoic acid can posteriorize and at the same time dorsalize the foregut toward a PDX1-positive pancreatic duodenal cell type whereas active Wnt/beta-catenin signaling synergistically with FGF-2, BMP-4, and RA induces the formation of CDX2-positive posterior endoderm. Thus, these results provide new insights into the mechanisms behind cell specification of human DE derived from pluripotent stem cells.
Cytoarchitecture, Proliferative Activity and Neuroblast Migration in the Subventricular Zone and Lateral Ventricle Extension of the Adult Guinea Pig Brain
Authors: Jara Nery , Cifuentes Manuel , Martínez Fernando , Salazar Katterine , Nualart Francisco
Published: June 2016

In the mouse brain, neuroblasts generated in the subventricular zone (SVZ) migrate to the olfactory bulb (OB) through the rostral migratory stream (RMS). Although the RMS is not present in the human brain, a migratory pathway that is organized around a ventricular cavity that reaches the OB has been reported. A similar cavity, the lateral ventricle extension (LVE), is found in the adult guinea pig brain. Therefore, we analyzed cytoarchitecture, proliferative activity and precursor cell migration in the SVZ and LVE of 1-, 6- and 12-month-old guinea pigs. In young animals, we used confocal spectral and transmission electron microscopy to identify neuroblasts, astrocytes, and progenitor cells in the SVZ and LVE. Analysis of peroxidase diffusion demonstrated that the LVE was a continuous cavity lined by ependymal cells and surrounded by neuroblasts. Precursor cells were mostly located in the SVZ and migrated from the SVZ to the OB through the LVE. Finally, analysis of 6- and 12-month-old guinea pigs revealed that the LVE was preserved in older animals; however, the number of neurogenic cells was significantly reduced. Consequently, we propose that the guinea pig brain may be used as a new neurogenic model with increased similarity to humans, given that the LVE connects the LV with the OB, as has been described in humans, and that the LVE works a migratory pathway.
Evaluation of 3-hydroxypropionate biosynthesis in vitro by partial introduction of the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle fromMetallosphaera sedula
Authors: Ye Ziling , Li Xiaowei , Cheng Yongbo , Liu Zhijie , Tan Gaoyi , Zhu Fayin , Fu Shuai , Deng Zixin , Liu Tiangang
Published: June 2016

The chemical 3-hydroxypropionate (3HP) is an important starting reagent for the commercial synthesis of specialty chemicals. In this study, a part of the 3-hydroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate cycle from Metallosphaera sedula was utilized for 3HP production. To study the basic biochemistry of this pathway, an in vitro-reconstituted system was established using acetyl-CoA as the substrate for the kinetic analysis of this system. The results indicated that 3HP formation was sensitive to acetyl-CoA carboxylase and malonyl-CoA reductase, but not malonate semialdehyde reductase. Also, the competition between 3HP formation and fatty acid production was analyzed both in vitro and in vivo. This study has highlighted how metabolic flux is controlled by different catalytic components. We believe that this reconstituted system would be valuable for understanding 3HP biosynthesis pathway and for future engineering studies to enhance 3HP production.
A Security and Defence Union
Authors: Riekeles Georg Emil
Published: June 2016

Security and defence have become the new front lines of the European project. The time has come to build a Security and Defence Union capable of delivering security to Europe's citizens and the wider continent in a challenging international environment. It should be based on five qualitative leaps: a security strategy for Europe, an institutional revamp, renewed military ambition, integration of defence capabilities and a new partnership with NATO. With the forthcoming Global Strategy on Foreign and Security Policy, the follow-up ‘white book'–process and the Commission's defence action plan, 2016 offers the strategic sequence necessary for the Union to move forward.
Public Perceptions and Knowledge of the Ebola Virus, Willingness to Vaccinate, and Likely Behavioral Responses to an Outbreak
Authors: Petrie Keith J , Faasse Kate , Thomas Mark G
Published: June 2016

Objective

We examined public perceptions of the risk of an Ebola outbreak, knowledge about transmission, and the factors associated with planned protective behavior, including willingness to vaccinate.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey using random digit dialing of 750 members of the New Zealand public between February 12 and 19, 2015.

Results

Most of the sample (72%) reported that they had been following news of the outbreak closely and 28% were concerned that there would be a large outbreak in New Zealand. High rates of planned protective behavior, in terms of avoiding contact with other people, were reported, with 23% reporting they would avoid going to work, 49% reporting they would avoid using public transport, 42% reporting they would avoid sending children to school, and 52% reporting they would avoid public events. A younger age, a higher concern, and lower confidence in the ability of hospitals to contain the outbreak were significantly associated with both a greater willingness to vaccinate and a larger number of protective behaviors.

Conclusions

An Ebola outbreak would have large social and economic consequences owing to the large proportion of the population who intended to avoid social contact in order to protect their health. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:674–680)
The Intersection of Care Seeking and Clinical Capacity for Patients With Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) Virus in Indonesia: Knowledge and Treatment Practices of the Public and Physicians
Authors: Kreslake Jennifer M. , Wahyuningrum Yunita , Iuliano Angela D. , Storms Aaron D. , Lafond Kathryn E. , Mangiri Amalya , Praptiningsih Catharina Y. , Safi Basil , Uyeki Timothy M. , Storey J. Douglas
Published: June 2016

Background

Indonesia has the highest human mortality from highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A (H5N1) virus infection in the world.

Methods

A survey of households (N=2520) measured treatment sources and beliefs among symptomatic household members. A survey of physicians (N=554) in various types of health care facilities measured knowledge, assessment and testing behaviors, and perceived clinical capacity.

Results

Households reported confidence in health care system capacity but infrequently sought treatment for potential HPAI H5N1 signs/symptoms. More clinicians were confident in their knowledge of diagnosis and treatment than in the adequacy of related equipment and resources at their facilities. Physicians expressed awareness of the HPAI H5N1 suspect case definition, yet expressed only moderate knowledge in questioning symptomatic patients about exposures. Self-reported likelihood of testing for HPAI H5N1 virus was high after learning of certain exposures. Knowledge of antiviral treatment was moderate, but it was higher among clinicians in puskesmas. Physicians in private outpatient clinics, the most heavily used facilities, reported the lowest confidence in their diagnostic and treatment capabilities.

Conclusions

Educational campaigns can encourage recall of possible poultry exposure when patients are experiencing signs/symptoms and can raise awareness of the effectiveness of antivirals to drive people to seek health care. Clinicians may benefit from training regarding exposure assessment and referral procedures, particularly in private clinics. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:838–847)
The Whitbread Umbrella: A Structural Response to Shareholder Activism
Authors: BOWER JULIE
Published: June 2016

This article investigates a structural ownership model that is used to protect firms from unwelcome capital market intrusion: a multiple-share arrangement. It details the evolution of one of the United Kingdom’s most successful former family firms, Whitbread, in the post-World War II era. In investigating the formation and operation of the so-called Whitbread Umbrella, the study poses the question of whether it was a positive factor in long-term strategic decision making at Whitbread. The emerging popularity of multiple-share ownership structures in the United States, as well as their endurance in other jurisdictions, positions this historic analysis in wider debates on structure, ownership, and corporate governance in the finance, economics, and general management literature.
A new catostomid fish (Ostariophysi, Cypriniformes) from the Eocene Kishenehn Formation and remarks on the North American species of †AmyzonCope, 1872
Authors: Liu Juan , Wilson Mark V.H. , Murray Alison M.
Published: June 2016

Fossil catostomids were very rare prior to the Eocene. After the Eocene, they suddenly decreased in diversity in Asia while becoming common fishes in the North American fauna. Knowledge of the taxonomy, diversity, and distribution of Eocene catostomids is critical to understanding the evolution of this fish group. We herein describe a new catostomid species of the genus †AmyzonCope, 1872 from the Eocene Kishenehn Formation in Montana, USA. The new species, †Amyzon kishenehnicum, differs from known species of †Amyzonin having hypurals 2 and 3 consistently fused to the compound centrum proximally, and differs from other Eocene catostomids in that the pelvic bone is intermediately forked. All our phylogenetic analyses suggest that the new species is the sister group of †A.aggregatumWilson, 1977 and that †Amyzonis the most basal clade of the Catostomidae. We reassessed the osteological characters of the North American species of †Amyzonfrom a large number of well-preserved specimens of the new species, as well as †A.gosiutenseGrande et al., 1982 and †A.aggregatum. Osteological characters newly discovered indicate that †A.gosiutenseis not a junior synonym of †A.aggregatum, but should be retained as a distinct species.
Water Stress and Grape Physiology in the Context of Global Climate Change
Authors: Gambetta Gregory A.
Published: June 2016

Plant adaptation to global climate change has become one of the most pressing and important topics in biology. Changes in climate that lead to increased crop water use or decreases in water availability will increase the frequency and magnitude of plant water stress. Water stress reduces plant growth and crop yield, and for perennial crops like grape, there is an added consideration: their long-term ability to tolerate and recover from this stress. This primer introduces plant water relations basics, explaining how grape physiology is affected by water stress and discussing the physiological foundations for the development of drought-tolerant cultivars and rootstocks. (JEL Classifications: Q13, Q54)
Climate Change and Wine: A Review of the Economic Implications
Authors: Ashenfelter Orley , Storchmann Karl
Published: June 2016

In this article, we provide an overview of the extensive literature on the impact of weather and climate on grapes and wine with the goal of describing how climate change is likely to affect their production. We start by discussing the physical impact of weather on vine phenology, berry composition, and yields and then survey the economic literature measuring the effects of temperature on wine quality, prices, costs, and profits and how climate change will affect these. We also describe what has been learned so far about possible adaptation strategies for grape growers that would allow them to mitigate the economic effects of climate change. We conclude that climate change is likely to produce winners and losers, with the winners being those closer to the North and South Poles. There are also likely to be some substantial short-run costs as growers adapt to climate change. Nevertheless, wine making has survived through thousands of years of recorded history, a history that includes large climate changes. (JEL Classifications: Q54, Q13)
UK pension changes in 2015: some mathematical considerations
Authors: Stubbs John , Adetunji Jacob
Published: June 2016

Since April 2015 there has been no legal requirement in the UK to purchase an annuity with pension savings [1] while for those who reach state pension age on or after 6th April 2016 the UK Government changed the state pension deferral arrangements [2]. The latter refers to an arrangement whereby a pensioner can receive an enhanced state pension by deferring its uptake for an arbitrary number of years. These two changes raise certain questions for prospective pensioners which are worthy of some mathematical consideration.

An annuity is a guaranteed income for life in exchange for a certain sum of money: the pension pot. An alternative to the annuity since April 2015 is a ‘draw down scheme’ in which the pension pot can be used almost like an ordinary bank account and money periodically withdrawn. These two choices arise from ‘defined contribution’ pension arrangements. By contrast ‘defined benefit’ work-based (company) pensions allow no such choice and are not considered further here apart from the special case of the UK state pension. With an annuity a further option to consider, and one which predates the 2015 changes, is whether to take payments that are fixed or index-linked to inflation. Only the UK state pension offers a late retirement enhanced pension if its uptake is deferred.
Properties of Pythagorean quadrilaterals
Authors: Josefsson Martin
Published: June 2016

There are many named quadrilaterals. In our hierarchical classification in [1, Figure 10] we included 18, and at least 10 more have been named, but the properties of the latter have only scarcely (or not at all) been studied. However, only a few of all these quadrilaterals are defined in terms of properties of the sides alone. Two well-known classes are the rhombi and the kites, defined to be quadrilaterals with four equal sides or two pairs of adjacent equal sides respectively. The orthodiagonal quadrilaterals are defined to have perpendicular diagonals, but an equivalent defining condition is quadrilaterals where the consecutive sides a, b, c, d satisfy a2 + c2 = b2 + d2. Then it is possible to prove that the diagonals are perpendicular and that no other quadrilaterals have perpendicular diagonals (see [2, pp. 13-14]). In the same way tangential quadrilaterals can be defined to be convex quadrilaterals where a + c = b + d. Starting from this equation, it is possible to prove that these and only these quadrilaterals have an incircle (since this equation is a characterisation of tangential quadrilaterals, see [3, pp. 65-67]).
An alternative recursive formula for the sums of powers of integers
Authors: Cereceda José Luis
Published: June 2016

The sums of powers of the first n positive integers Sp(n) = 1p + 2p + …+np, (p = 0, 1, 2, … )satisfy the fundamental identity

(1)

from which we can successively compute S0 (n), S1 (n), S2 (n), etc. Identity (1) can easily be proved by using the binomial theorem; see e.g. [1, 2]. Several variations of (1) are also well known [3, 4, 5].

In this note, we derive the following lesser-known recursive formula for Sp (n):

(2)

where denote the (unsigned) Stirling numbers of the first kind, also known as the Stirling cycle numbers (see e.g. [6, Chapter 6]). Table 1 shows the first few rows of the Stirling number triangle. Although the recursive formula (2) is by no means new, our purpose in dealing with recurrence (2) in this note is two-fold. On one hand, we aim to provide a new algebraic proof of (2) by making use of two related identities involving the harmonic numbers.
Circles in areals
Authors: Smith Geoff C.
Published: June 2016

August Möbius introduced the system of barycentric or areal coordinates in 1827 [1, 2]. The idea is that one may attach weights to points, and that a system of weights determines a centre of mass. Given a triangle ABC, one obtains a coordinate system for the plane by placing weights x, y and z at the vertices (with x + y + z = 1) to describe the point which is the centre of mass. The vertices have coordinates A = (1, 0, 0), B = (0, 1, 0) and C = (0, 0, 1). By scaling so that triangle ABC has area [ABC] = 1, we can take the coordinates of P to be ([PBC], [PCA], [PBA]), provided that we take area to be signed. Our convention is that anticlockwise triangles have positive area.

Points inside the triangle have strictly positive coordinates, and points outside the triangle must have at least one negative coordinate (we are allowed negative masses). The equation of a line looks like the equation of a plane in Cartesian coordinates, but note that the equation lx + ly + lz = 0 (with l ≠ 0) is not satisfied by any point (x, y, z) of the Euclidean plane. We use such equations to describe the line at infinity when doing projective geometry.
An infinite product of nested radicals for log x from the Archimedean algorithm
Authors: Osler Thomas J. , Jacob Walter , Nishimura Ryo
Published: June 2016

The so-called Archimedean iterative algorithm for calculating π uses a method involving the two equations

(1)

and

(2)

(Note that (1) is the harmonic mean.) Imagine two regular polygons each with the same number of sides, circumscribed and inscribed to a circle of diameter one. The larger one has perimeter a0, the smaller has perimeter b0. (Archimedes used hexagons with and b0 = 3, but regular polygons of any number of sides can begin the iterations.) Since the perimeter of the circle is π we have b0 < π < a0. Now consider regular polygons with twice the number of sides that circumscribe and inscribe the circle and call their perimeters a1 and b1 respectively. These can be calculated, from (2) and (3). (See [1] for a derivation or many explanations on the web.) Continuing in this way we generate the perimeters of inscribed and circumscribed regular polygons, and in each case the number of sides is twice the sides of the previous polygon.
Plains lubber grasshopper (Brachystola magna) as a potential intermediate host for Oxyspirura petrowi in northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus)
Authors: KISTLER WHITNEY M. , HOCK SABRINA , HERNOUT BEATRICE , BRAKE EVAN , WILLIAMS NIKKI , DOWNING CARSON , DUNHAM NICHOLAS R. , KUMAR NAVEEN , TURAGA UDAY , PARLOS JULIE A. , KENDALL RONALD J.
Published: June 2016

Oxyspirura petrowiis a heteroxenous parasitic nematode that has been reported in high prevalences from birds in the Order Galliformes experiencing population declines in the USA. There is a paucity of information regarding the natural historyO. petrowi, including the life cycle and effects of infection on wild bird populations. In order to study the life cycle of this parasite, we collected plains lubber grasshoppers (Brachystola magna) from a field location in Mitchell County, Texas. We found third-stage larvae (L3) in 37.9% (66/174)B. magna. We determined that they wereO. petrowithrough morphological comparison of L3 from experimentally infectedAcheta domesticusand by sequence analysis. Then, we showed thatB. magnaare a potential intermediate hosts forO. petrowiinfections in northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus) in a laboratory setting by experimental infection. We first detected shedding of eggs in feces using a fecal float technique 52 days post infection. In addition, we recovered 87O. petrowifrom experimentally infected northern bobwhites. Although we detected shedding in feces, recovery of eggs was low (>5 eggs/g). Future work is needed to understand shedding routes and shedding patterns of northern bobwhites infected withO. petrowi.
Investigating the validity of the species status of the false codling moth in South African deciduous fruit orchards using mating studies andmtDNA
Authors: Mgocheki N. , Addison P.
Published: June 2016

The false codling moth is a polyphagous pest of various kinds or fruit, and it has expanded its geographical distribution and host range. The expanding host range could result in subspecies requiring varied pest management options. Laboratory no-choice cross-mating tests were conducted to establish whetherThaumatotibia leucotretaindividuals from six areas and three host species, in South Africa, share mating characteristics and belong to the same subspecies or strain. The no-choice cross-mating tests indicated that all individuals in self- and out-crosses readily mated within 24 h with those derived from different hosts and areas. ThemtDNA results confirmed that all individuals formed one group or clade. Overall, the results indicate thatT. leucotretaindividuals from the six areas and three host species in the Western Cape Province and two other provinces in South Africa represent a single genetical species. The results imply that similar control options can be effective across host ranges and distribution areas.
Host preference, population growth and injuries assessment ofPolyphagotarsonemus latus(banks) (ACARI: Tarsonemidae) onCapsicum annuumL. Genotypes
Authors: Breda M.O. , de Oliveira J.V. , Esteves Filho A.B. , Barbosa D.R.S. , de Santana M.F.
Published: June 2016

Despite the continued efforts on the search for different genotypes,Capsicum annuum(L.) is quite susceptible to attack by pest arthropods, especially the broad mitePolyphagotarsonemus latusBanks. Thus, the host preference, population growth and the injuries assessment ofP. latuswas studied on sixC. annuumgenotypes used in Brazil (Atlantis, California Wonder, Impact, Palloma, Rubia and Tendence). Host preference was accessed in choice tests, pairing the several genotypes, and the population growth was observed through non-choice tests in laboratory. The injuries assessments were evaluated in the greenhouse, comparing the injury level among the six genotypes. The results indicate that California Wonder and Palloma genotypes were more preferred byP. latus, and Impact and Tendence were less preferred.P. latuspresented positive population growth rates (ri) on all the genotypes, however, Palloma and California Wonder showed the highest values of population growth rate (ri = 0.344 and ri = 0.340, respectively), while Impact had the lowest value (ri = 0.281). All the evaluatedC. annuumgenotypes showed low tolerance toP. latusand exhibited several injuries, but there was no statistical difference between them. California Wonder had the highest average number of mites/leaf (57.15), while Impact and Tendence obtained the lowest values (36.67 and 35.12, respectively) at the end of the evaluation period. The total average of injuries notes at the end of the bioassay did not differ between the genotypes. The number of mites/leaf was growing for the injury scale to the note 3.0, but when the injury scale approached the note 4.0, there was observed a decrease in the number of mites/leaf for all the genotypes.
Effects of microalgae as diets on the survival, development and fecundity of a pelagic cyclopoid copepod Apocyclops borneoensis
Authors: Wang Guizhong , Xu Jie , Jia Qilong , Zeng Chaoshu , Wu Lisheng , Wu Dingxun
Published: June 2016

It has been proposed that the feeding habit of cyclopoids is different from that of calanoid copepods in that they feed mainly on microalgae during early development but become carnivorous later. However, a different view also exists, believing that microalgae are the prime food for some cyclopoid copepods. In the present study, microalgae from various taxonomic groups, including a dinoflagellate (Prorocentrum micans), three diatoms (Chaetoceros muelleri, Skeletonema costatum and Nitzschia closterium f. minutissima), and a prymnesiod (Isochrysis galbana), were offered at different concentrations to the cyclopoid copepod, Apocyclops borneoensis, with survival, development and reproduction of the copepod closely monitored. The results showed that A. borneoensis is capable of utilizing any of the microalgae species tested for development and reproduction, but significant differences in survival, development rates of both nauplii and copepodites, and fecundity were detected among species. The results also showed that within a same algal species, food concentration also significantly affected various biological parameters measured. Overall, C. muelleri and I. galbana were the better diets for A. borneoensis and their optimal food concentration ranged from 8.50 to 17.00 µg C ml−1. The optimal food concentration of P. micans was also found to be 8.50–17.00 µg C ml−1, however for the other two algae, S. costatum and N. closterium f. minutissima, it was lower at 1.70–8.50 µg C ml−1. The present study provides novel information on the feeding habit of A. borneoensis and the effects of both quality and quantity of microalgae diets on a range of biological parameters are described.
Prolonged exposure and EMDR for PTSDv. a PTSD waiting-list condition: effects on symptoms of psychosis, depression and social functioning in patients with chronic psychotic disorders
Authors: de Bont P. A. J. M. , van den Berg D. P. G. , van der Vleugel B. M. , de Roos C. , de Jongh A. , van der Gaag M. , van Minnen A. M.
Published: June 2016

Background

In patients with psychotic disorders, the effects of psychological post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment on symptoms of psychosis, depression and social functioning are largely unknown

Method

In a single-blind randomized controlled trial (RCT) 155 outpatients in treatment for psychosis (61.3% schizophrenic disorder, 29% schizoaffective disorder) were randomized to eight sessions prolonged exposure (PE;n= 53) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) (n= 55), or a waiting-list condition (WL,n= 47) for treatment of their co-morbid PTSD. Measures were performed on (1) psychosis: severity of delusions (PSYRATS-DRS), paranoid thoughts (GPTS), auditory verbal hallucinations (PSYRATS-AHRS), and remission from psychotic disorder (SCI-SR-PANSS); (2) depression (BDI-II); (3) social functioning (PSP). Outcomes were compared at baseline, post-treatment, 6-month follow-up and over all data points.

Results

Both PE and EMDR were significantly associated with less severe paranoid thoughts post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up, and with more patients remitting from schizophrenia, at post-treatment (PE and EMDR) and over time (PE). Moreover, PE was significantly associated with a greater reduction of depression at post-treatment and at 6-month follow-up. Auditory verbal hallucinations and social functioning remained unchanged.

Conclusions

In patients with chronic psychotic disorders PE and EMDR not only reduced PTSD symptoms, but also paranoid thoughts. Importantly, in PE and EMDR more patients accomplished the status of their psychotic disorder in remission. Clinically, these effects are highly relevant and provide empirical support to the notion that delivering PTSD treatment to patients with psychotic disorders and PTSD deserves increasing recognition and acceptance among clinicians.
Fragmenting the Nation: Divisible Sovereignty and Travancore's Quest for Federal Independence
Authors: Pillai Sarath
Published: June 2016

Speaking at the Travancore legislative assembly on February 2, 1938, Sir C.P. Ramaswamy Aiyar said: “The federation contemplated in the Government of India Act (1935) was founded on the recognition of the fundamental idea that the Ruler alone represents his state and that the Ruler is the government of the state.” Travancore was one of the oldest princely states in India, which antedated the British occupation and claimed a dynastic rule uninterrupted by any foreign or domestic powers. Its history of constitutional reforms and economic advancement enabled it to occupy a pivotal position in colonial India. As the Dewan (prime minister) of Travancore, Sir C.P. played a crucial role in the constitutional debates on the political form of postcolonial India, especially federation, in the last two decades of the British Empire in India. He argued that Indian states were inherently sovereign, and that the only locus of sovereignty in the states was their rulers. In doing so, he imagined a future Indian federation predicated on the idea of divisible sovereignty, which was given constitutional effect by the Government of India (GOI) Act (1935). Sir C.P.'s expositions on the sovereignty of the states and Travancore's constitutionalism offer analytical lenses to recuperate a history of imperial constitutionalism and the grand political project it enabled: Indian federation.
Effect of water availability and seed source on physical dormancy break of Vicia villosa ssp. villosa
Authors: Renzi Juan P. , Chantre Guillermo R. , Cantamutto Miguel A.
Published: June 2016

Physical dormancy (PY) plays a crucial role in the control of the reseeding process of Vicia villosa Roth, a winter annual species cultivated for pasture and hay, naturalized in several semi-arid temperate agroecosystems. As PY is considered a seed trait modulated by natural selection, populations from different origins are expected to show different responses to environmental regulatory factors. The present study aimed to determine the effect of: (1) water availability on PY-break dynamics of a naturalized population from Argentina (ASC) under both laboratory and field conditions; (2) the seed source on initial PY and dormancy release rate (wet storage at 20°C) of ASC compared to 45 other populations of V. villosa, including wild, naturalized, landraces and cultivars. Water availability increased PY loss rate under both storage and field conditions. ASC PY-break dynamics was adequately described by a Gompertz model with a lower thermal-time requirement estimated for dormancy break under fluctuating soil water conditions compared to seeds buried inside impermeable bags. During the field burial experiment, a considerable proportion of seeds (~70%) became water permeable during the summer season after dispersal, and retained low levels of residual PY for soil seed bank replenishment. Improved populations (i.e. breeding cultivars) showed the lowest percentages of initial PY compared to landraces, naturalized and wild populations. Naturalized populations of Argentina showed similar initial PY compared to landraces, although PY release rate was lower in the former and might be attributed to local environmental selection. Wild types showed the lowest PY release rates.
EFFECT OF PUBLIC HEALTH INVESTMENT ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT VIA SAVINGS AND FERTILITY
Authors: Nakamura Hideki , Mihara Yuko
Published: June 2016

This study considers adult mortality and analyzes the effect of public health investment on economic development, whereby investment increases savings but decreases fertility through a decrease in adult mortality. As the labor force increases, investment temporarily decreases capital per unit of labor. However, the decrease in fertility increases capital per unit of labor in subsequent periods. By considering these two opposing effects of decreasing fertility, we clarify the conditions required for investment to improve economic development via increasing savings and decreasing fertility. We examine panel estimation and present some weak evidence for our model.
AGING, RETIREMENT, AND PAY-AS-YOU-GO PENSIONS
Authors: Cipriani Giam Pietro
Published: June 2016

In this paper, we consider the effects of population aging on a pay-as-you-go financed defined contributions pension scheme. We show that when retirement decisions are endogenous, aging increases the retirement age and the steady-state level of capital. The effect on pension payouts is in general ambiguous, except for the solution of full retirement, when this effect is unambiguously negative.
Pester power and its consequences: do European children’s food purchasing requests relate to diet and weight outcomes?
Authors: Huang Christina Y , Reisch Lucia A , Gwozdz Wencke , Molnár Dénes , Konstabel Kenn , Michels Nathalie , Tornaritis Michalis , Eiben Gabriele , Siani Alfonso , Fernández-Alvira Juan M , Ahrens Wolfgang , Pigeot Iris , Lissner Lauren
Published: June 2016

Objective

Children may influence household spending through ‘pester power’. The present study examined pestering through parent–child food shopping behaviours in relation to children’s diet and weight status.

Design

Cross-sectional and prospective analyses drawn from the IDEFICS study, a cohort study of parents and their children. Children’s height and weight were measured and their recent diets were reported by parental proxy based on the Children’s Eating Habits Questionnaire-FFQ at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Parents also completed questionnaires at both time points about pestering, including whether the child goes grocery shopping with them, asks for items seen on television and is bought requested food items.

Setting

Participants were recruited from eight European countries for the IDEFICS study (non-nationally representative sample).

Subjects

Study participants were children aged 2–9 years at enrolment and their parents. A total of 13 217 parent–child dyads were included at baseline. Two years later, 7820 of the children were re-examined.

Results

Most parents (63 %) at baseline reported ‘sometimes’ acquiescing to their children’s requests to purchase specific foods. Pestering was modestly associated with weight and diet. At baseline, children whose parents ‘often’ complied consumed more high-sugar and high-fat foods. Children who ‘often’ asked for items seen on television were likely to become overweight after 2 years (OR=1·31), whereas ‘never’ asking protected against overweight (OR=0·72).

Conclusions

Pestering was modestly related to diet and weight in cross-sectional, but not longitudinal analyses. Asking for items seen on television had the most robust relationships across child outcomes and over time.
Freizeitaktivitäten, Resilienz und psychische Gesundheit von Jugendlichen
Authors: Karpinski Norbert , Popal Narges , Plück Julia , Petermann Franz , Lehmkuhl Gerd
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Bislang ist unzureichend geklärt, welche Faktoren in unterschiedlichen Entwicklungsphasen des Jugendalters zur Resilienzförderung entscheidend beitragen können. Die vorliegende Studie untersucht u. a. die Bedeutung außerschulischer Aktivitäten auf die Resilienz. Methode: Die Untersuchungsstichprobe umfasst 413 Jugendliche (w = 214) im Alter von 11 bis 19 Jahren (M = 14.8), die aktuell von persönlichen Problemen (Stimmungslage, Konzentrationsschwächen, Verhalten im Umgang mit anderen) berichten. Die Wirkung von außerschulischen Freizeitaktivitäten auf die Resilienz (erfasst mit dem RS25) wurde anhand von linearen (hierarchischen) Regressionsmodellen analysiert. Neben den außerschulischen Aktivitäten (Sport, Hobbys, Mitgliedschaft in Organisationen, häusliche Pflichten) wurden die Subskalen des SDQ (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire) und die besuchte Schulform der Jugendlichen berücksichtigt. Aufgrund von Varianzinhomogenität bei den Werten der abhängigen Variablen (RS25-Gesamtwert) wurden zwei unterschiedliche Modelle (Modell_A: Real- u. Gymnasialschüler; Modell_B: Hauptschüler) spezifiziert. Ergebnisse: Die beiden Modelle haben mit R = .516 (Modell_A) und R = .643 eine zufriedenstellende Varianzaufklärung. Bei beiden Modellen ergeben sich signifikante positive Einflüsse des prosozialen Verhaltens (Model A: b = 2.815; Modell_B: b = 3.577). Negative Auswirkungen ergeben sich bei beiden Modellen für emotionale Probleme (Modell_A: b = –1.697; Modell_B: b = –2.596). Bei Modell_A ergibt sich ein weiterer negativer Einfluss für die Hyperaktivität (SDQ) mit b = –1.078 und ein positiver Einfluss für sportliche Aktivitäten (b = 16.314). Bei Modell_B wirken „Probleme mit Gleichaltrigen“ (SDQ) mit b = 1.508 und die Mitgliedschaft in Organisationen mit b = 15.775 positiv auf die Resilienz. Schlussfolgerung: Die vorliegenden Befunde verweisen auf eine wichtige Rolle von prosozialem Verhalten und emotionaler Kompetenz bei der Ausprägung von Resilienz. Die Wirkung von außerschulischen Aktivitäten muss in Anbetracht der hier vorgestellten Ergebnisse offensichtlich in Abhängigkeit vom sozialen Umfeld (hier die Schulform) gesehen werden. Insofern könnten diese Ergebnisse die Grundlage für spezifische Förderungsprogramme bilden.
Die Ohnmacht der Gedanken – Metakognitive Therapie für Kinder und Jugendliche
Authors: Simons Michael
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Die Metakognitive Therapie (MCT) ist eine Weiterentwicklung der Kognitiven Therapie und wurde von Adrian Wells in den 1990ern für Erwachsene mit Angststörungen und Depression entwickelt. Die vorliegende Arbeit stellt erstmals eine transdiagnostische Adaptation der MCT für Kinder und Jugendliche vor. Die Behandlung zielt darauf ab, negative perseverierende Denkprozesse, maladaptive Aufmerksamkeitsstrategien und Lösungsversuche zu reduzieren, während im Unterschied zur Kognitiven Therapie Gedankeninhalte und Überzeugungen nicht fokussiert werden. Die empirische Überprüfung der MCT für Kinder und Jugendliche steht noch ganz am Anfang.
Schematherapie bei Kindern und Jugendlichen – eine konzeptuelle und evidenzbasierte Übersicht
Authors: Loose Christof , Pietrowsky Reinhard
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Der Artikel beleuchtet die wesentlichen Säulen der Schematherapie und skizziert die Grundzüge von frühen maladaptiven Schemata, Domänen, seelischen Bedürfnissen sowie des Modus-Modells. Wichtige Merkmale der Schematherapie, wie eine besondere schematherapeutische Beziehungsarbeit, Fokussierung auf emotionale Prozesse, bedürfnisorientierte Biografiearbeit, altersgerechte Psychoedukation, und „Schema-Coaching für Eltern“ werden herausgestellt. Nach der Darstellung der bisherigen Evidenz werden klinische Empfehlungen gegeben.
Differenzialdiagnose zwischen primärer Rechenstörung und sekundärer Rechenschwäche: Hinweise aus dem Basis-Math 4–8
Authors: Krinzinger Helga
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Fragestellung: Viele mathematische Defizite und Fehlerarten, die häufig als spezifisch für eine primäre Rechenstörung angesehen werden (z. B. Fingerrechnen, Probleme beim Faktenabruf, Zählen im mehrstelligen Bereich, Rechenaufgaben mit Übertrag, Selbstkorrekturen) sind auch bei Kindern mit AD(H)S ohne Rechenstörung zu beobachten und deshalb von geringem Nutzen für die Differenzialdiagnose zwischen Rechenstörung und sekundärer Rechenschwäche. Der Gesamtpunktwertwert im Dyskalkulietest Basis-Math 4–8 ( Moser Opitz et al., 2010 ) sowie unplausible Subtraktionsfehler wurden als kognitiver Marker für eine Rechenstörung, die Anzahl der Selbstkorrekturen als Marker für AD(H)S vorgeschlagen. Methodik: In der vorliegenden Studie wurden anhand einer klinischen Stichprobe von 51 Kindern mit durchschnittlichem IQ und Schwierigkeiten im Rechnen explorativ hierarchische Clusteranalysen berechnet, in welche die Klassenstufe, der IQ, der Basis-Math-Gesamtwert und die Anzahl der Selbstkorrekturen als Variablen mit eingingen. Ergebnisse: Es konnten eine Subgruppe mit Rechenstörung sowie vier Subgruppen mit sekundärer Rechenschwäche (zwei mit Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit, eine mit Depression und eine sehr kleine Subgruppe mit hohem IQ) getrennt werden. Schlussfolgerung: Der Dyskalkulietest Basis-Math 4–8 ( Moser Opitz et al., 2010 ) kann wertvolle Hinweise für die Differenzialdiagnose von primärer Rechenstörung und sekundärer Rechenschwäche liefern, um die Entscheidung für weiterführende Behandlungen zu optimieren.