bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and application of environmental DNA surveillance for the threatened crucian carp (Carassius carassius)
Authors: Harper Lynsey R. , Griffiths Nathan P. , Lawson Handley Lori , Sayer Carl D. , Read Daniel S. , Harper Kirsten J. , Blackman Rosetta C. , Li Jianlong , Hänfling Bernd
Published: November 2018

The crucian carp (Carassius carassius) is one of few fish species associated with small ponds in the UK. These populations contain genetic diversity not found in Europe and are important to conservation efforts for the species which has declined across its range in Europe. Detection and monitoring of extant crucian carp populations are crucial for conservation success. Environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis could be very useful in this respect as a rapid, cost‐efficient monitoring tool.

We developed a species‐specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay for eDNA surveillance of crucian carp to enable non‐invasive, large‐scale distribution monitoring. We compared fyke netting and eDNA analysis at ponds with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) crucian carp for presence–absence detection. We examined biotic (crucian carp density represented by catch‐per‐unit‐effort [CPUE] estimate) and abiotic influences on eDNA detection probability using a hierarchical occupancy model, and eDNA quantification using a mixed‐effects model.

eDNA analysis achieved 90% detection for crucian carp (n = 10), failing in only one pond where presence was known. CPUE estimate and conductivity had positive and negative influences on eDNA detection probability in qPCR replicates respectively. Similarly, conductivity had a negative effect on DNA copy number, whereas copy number increased with CPUE estimate.

Our results demonstrate that eDNA analysis could enable detection of crucian carp populations in ponds and benefit ongoing conservation efforts, but imperfect species detection in relation to biotic and abiotic factors and eDNA workflow requires further investigation. Nonetheless, we have established an eDNA framework for the crucian carp as well as sources of imperfect detection which future investigations can build upon.
Mutualism or parasitism: Partner abundance affects host fitness in a fish reproductive interaction
Authors: Silknetter Samuel , Kanno Yoichiro , Kanapeckas Métris Kimberly L. , Cushman Elizabeth , Darden Tanya L. , Peoples Brandon K.
Published: November 2018

Mutualisms are ubiquitous in nature but are understudied in freshwater ecosystems. Mutualisms can be unstable, shifting to commensal or even negative outcomes with context. Quantifying context dependency in mutualisms is critical for understanding how biotic interactions will shift along disturbance gradients in freshwater systems.

A common reproductive interaction among stream fishes, nest association occurs when individuals of one species spawn in nests constructed by a host fish. Hosts benefit from a dilution effect: high proportions of associate eggs decrease the odds of host brood predation. Thus, partner abundance can be an important source of biotic context influencing the outcome of an association.

We conducted a large in situ experiment manipulating abundance of partner yellowfin shiner (Leuciscidae: Notropis lutipinnis) (absent, low, high) at constant abundance of host bluehead chub (Leuciscidae: Nocomis leptocephalus), and quantified chub reproductive success using genetic tools.

Evidence suggests that the nest association switched from mutualistic to parasitic outcomes as shiner abundance decreased. Chub reproductive success was highest at high shiner abundances. However, chub reproductive success was actually higher in the complete absence of shiners than at low shiner densities.

This study shows that outcomes of biotic interactions in freshwater systems are context‐dependent, and that partner abundance can be a key source of context‐dependency in nest associations. We encourage future studies on freshwater mutualisms, which are thus far largely overlooked, relative to competition and predation.
Reduced carbon use efficiency and increased microbial turnover with soil warming
Authors: Li Jianwei , Wang Gangsheng , Mayes Melanie A. , Allison Steven D. , Frey Serita D. , Shi Zheng , Hu Xiao‐Ming , Luo Yiqi , Melillo Jerry M.
Published: November 2018

Global soil carbon (C) stocks are expected to decline with warming, and changes in microbial processes are key to this projection. However, warming responses of critical microbial parameters such as carbon use efficiency (CUE) and biomass turnover (rB) are not well understood. Here, we determine these parameters using a probabilistic inversion approach that integrates a microbial‐enzyme model with 22 years of carbon cycling measurements at Harvard Forest. We find that increasing temperature reduces CUE but increases rB, and that two decades of soil warming increases the temperature sensitivities of CUE and rB. These temperature sensitivities, which are derived from decades‐long field observations, contrast with values obtained from short‐term laboratory experiments. We also show that long‐term soil C flux and pool changes in response to warming are more dependent on the temperature sensitivity of CUE than that of rB. Using the inversion‐derived parameters, we project that chronic soil warming at Harvard Forest over six decades will result in soil C gain of <1.0% on average (1st and 3rd quartiles: 3.0% loss and 10.5% gain) in the surface mineral horizon. Our results demonstrate that estimates of temperature sensitivity of microbial CUE and rB can be obtained and evaluated rigorously by integrating multidecadal datasets. This approach can potentially be applied in broader spatiotemporal scales to improve long‐term projections of soil C feedbacks to climate warming.
Microalgae for integrated food and fuel production
Authors: Rösch Christine , Roßmann Max , Weickert Sebastian
Published: November 2018

Microalgae have a great potential for the sustainable production of food and fuel for a growing world population with increasing demands and changing habits. Since they are cultivated in technical systems, they do not contribute to land use competition, loss of biodiversity, and environmental pollution like other food and energy crops. Despite these advantages, the commercialization of algae technology is still in an infant stage. Algae fuel production has so far failed due to low oil prices and lack of economic viability. However, integrated food and fuel production is considered promising because the food market is more diversified and open to new and innovative products than the energy market. Integrated food and fuel production from microalgae can not only achieve higher returns on investment but also greater acceptance than fuel production alone. From the sociotechnical point of view, it is however crucial that the integrated algae production system will fulfill the promises of health and sustainability. To achieve this, a codesign approach is used, considering public perception and the views, knowledge and values of citizens and stakeholders already at an early stage in the research and innovation process.
Genetic structure among Charadrius plovers on the African mainland and islands of Madagascar and St Helena
Authors: Dos Remedios Natalie , Küpper Clemens , Székely Tamás , Zefania Sama , Burns Fiona , Bolton Mark , Lee Patricia L. M.
Published: November 2018

Colonization of islands by long‐distance dispersers has great impact on genetic diversification among populations and may spearhead speciation events. We investigated intra‐ and interspecific divergence in Charadrius plovers with populations on mainland Africa, Madagascar and St Helena. We analysed microsatellite loci and sequence data from four nuclear and two mitochondrial gene regions. Charadrius plovers are shorebirds with high dispersal and mobility. Our results confirmed genetic differentiation between Madagascar and mainland populations of three plover species (White‐fronted Plover Charadrius marginatus, Kittlitz's Plover Charadrius pecuarius and, based on sequence data only, Three‐banded Plover Charadrius tricollaris) but highlight substantial variation in levels of intraspecific divergence among the three species. Namely, the Kittlitz's Plover, a dispersive habitat generalist with a polygamous mating system, exhibited lower island–mainland differentiation (0.05% COI sequence divergence) compared with the two monogamous species, the White‐fronted Plover (0.6% COI divergence) and Three‐banded Plover (1.6% COI divergence). In addition, past colonization of the islands of St Helena and Madagascar by ancestors of today's Kittlitz's Plover has led to the evolution of two endemic island species, the Madagascar Plover Charadrius thoracicus and the more closely‐related St Helena Plover Charadrius sanctaehelenae. We discuss the factors driving species differences in island–mainland divergence and highlight the importance of conserving genetically unique island populations and island habitats to safeguard future evolutionary potential.
A pilot randomized controlled trial examining the impact of a sleep intervention targeting home routines on young children's (3–6 years) physical activity
Authors: Yoong S. L. , Grady A. , Stacey F. , Polimeni M. , Clayton O. , Jones J. , Nathan N. , Wyse R. , Wolfenden L.
Published: November 2018

Background

Given evidence suggesting that sleep impacts on metabolic processes, interventions targeting sleep may improve child physical activity (PA).

Objectives

To describe the potential effect of an intervention to increase sleep on young children's (3–6 years) moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) and total PA. To determine adherence to the intervention, impact on sleep duration as well as feasibility, uptake and acceptability was also assessed.

Methods

Pilot randomized controlled trial with 76 parent–child dyads randomly allocated to an intervention (n = 38) or control group (n = 38). Parents in the intervention group received a 3‐month theory‐informed intervention consisting of an online video, a telephone call and two text messages. Child PA was assessed using accelerometers at baseline and approximately 3 months. Parents also completed a sleep log and a telephone interview.

Results

The consent rate was 41% (76/186). Estimated effect size for the intervention relative to control was 10.8 min/day for MVPA, 2.7 min/day for PA and 0.9 h for sleep. Sixteen (44%) parents accessed the video, and 18 (50%) received the telephone call. Over 40% of parents found the video and telephone call useful/very useful.

Conclusions

This study reports promising effects that an intervention targeting sleep may improve child MVPA and sleep duration. Some modifications to data collection methods and intervention delivery are needed.
A checklist for facilitating training transfer in organizations
Authors: Hughes Ashley M , Zajac Stephanie , Spencer Jacqueline M , Salas Eduardo
Published: November 2018

Organizations leverage training as a means of improving the knowledge, skills, and attitudes of trainees; but, effective training requires that this learning is transferred from the training environment to the actual performance of the work (that is, training transfer). Unfortunately, despite billions of dollars invested in learning each year, the ‘transfer problem’ represents a persistent challenge for organizations who wish to reap the benefits of training in that trained skills are often not used on‐the‐job post‐training. In order to address this issue, we have surveyed the existing research, identified practical considerations for maximizing training transfer, and organized them in the form of a checklist for those who design and deliver training. The checklist provides evidence‐based, actionable guidance for practitioners before, during, and after training program implementation to increase utilization of trained knowledge and skills on the job.
Examining prevalence of urinary incontinence and risk factors in women in third postpartum month
Authors: Dinç Ayten , Oymak Sibel , Çelik Merve
Published: November 2018

Are pregnancy and birth‐related parameters important risk factors in the development of urinary incontinence (UI)? The aim of this study is to examine the prevalence of UI and associated risk factors in Turkish women in the third postpartum month. Incontinence after childbirth is a common problem. A cross‐sectional study that included 370 women in third postpartum month in Çanakkale is presented in this paper. Wagner's quality of life scale questionnaire exploring the risk factors for UI was used as the principle data collection tool. All women gave consent prior to inclusion in the study. Chi‐square, t test, Mann‐Whitney U test and Binary logistic regression were used for comparison. The prevalence of self‐reported postpartum UI was 35.9%. In this study; age, educational level, parity, number of normal birth, nocturia and constipation were determined to be the associated risk factors for postpartum UI in univariate analysis. When examining these risk factors by using logistic regression, it was found that the number of birth being 2 increased UI 2.7 times (P = 0.002, 95% CI:1.434‐5.324), the number of birth being 3 or more increased UI 20.3 times (P = 0.001, 95% CI:7.130‐58.332) and nocturia being 3 times and more increased UI 2.6 times (P = 0.041, 95% CI:1.042‐6.790). Pregnancy and birth‐related parameters are important risk factors in development of UI. It would be useful to increase the awareness in women in pregnancy and the postpartum period, by providing health training and consultancy services about UI protection and the reduction of risk factors.
Functions of adipose‐resident immune subsets and the impact on metabolic syndrome
Authors: Altmann Daniel M.
Published: November 2018

There is a growing appreciation of the role in the aetiology of metabolic syndrome that is played by the interplay of diet, microbiota and the interactions of immune cells and adipose cells in visceral adipose tissue. Recent studies have highlighted the programmes, properties and roles of the specialized, resident immune subsets that are abundant in adipose tissue, which may be considered a newly identified lymphoid compartment for immunology research. The findings indicate important roles for resident T effector and regulatory cells, innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and macrophages, among others. Immunologists are at the very beginning of trying to narrate a story of complex interactions, with the need to unravel cause from effect. The enterprise will require studies in humans as well as mice, and needs to bring together the collaborative efforts of scientists and clinicians from diverse spheres including metabolic disease, diet and microbiology.
Pricing Defaultable Bonds Using a Lévy Jump‐Diffusion Model
Authors: Chiang Shu L. , Tsai Ming S.
Published: November 2018

This paper uses a reduced‐form approach to derive a closed‐form pricing formula for defaultable bonds. The authors specify the default hazard rate as an affine function of multiple variables which follow the Lévy jump‐diffusion processes. Because such specification allows greater flexibility in the generation of a valid probability of default, their pricing model should be more accurate than the valuation models in traditional studies, which ignore the jump effects. This paper also proposes a new method for estimating the parameters in a Lévy Jump‐diffusion process. The real data from the Taiwanese bond market are used to illustrate how their model can be applied in practical situations. The authors compare the pricing results for the influential variables with no jump effects, with jump magnitudes following the normal distribution, and with jump magnitudes following the gamma distribution. The results reveal that the predictive ability is the best for the model with the jump components. The valuation model shown in this paper should help portfolio managers more accurately price defaultable bonds and more effectively hedge their portfolio holdings.
Physiology of growth in typical and transversus echinopluteus larvae
Authors: Rendleman Annie Jean , Pace Douglas A.
Published: November 2018

Marine invertebrate larvae are diverse in size and shape. Understanding the functional differences among these larvae and their ecological consequences is critical for understanding the evolution of larval forms and predicting responses to varying environmental conditions. This study compared the growth physiology of two morphologically distinct feeding larvae of echinoid echinoderms: the typical echinopluteus of Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, and the less well‐known echinopluteus transversus larva of Centrostephanus coronatus. Larvae of both types were reared at 16°C with 20,000 algal cells/ml of food. Despite striking differences in morphology (with late larvae of the two species bearing eight or two arms, respectively), ciliary band length grew at similar rates in both types of larvae. Significant differences between larval types were observed in growth in midline body length and stomach size. Physiologically, the typical echinopluteus larvae of S. purpuratus exhibited higher rates of protein growth, daily ingestion of algae, and aerobic respiration than did the echinopluteus transversus larvae of C. coronatus. The relationships between ingestion rate and ciliary band length or stomach size differed as well, with ingestion rate in larvae of S. purpuratus increasing much more rapidly than that of larvae in C. coronatus in relation to both morphological features. The higher physiological rates in S. purpuratus were not at the expense of increased physiological efficiency: larvae of S. purpuratus had digestive and growth efficiencies that were up to threefold higher than those in larvae of C. coronatus. Taken together, these results demonstrate fundamental differences in performance that go beyond the readily observable differences in morphology of these two larval forms. The reduced physiological capacity and growth efficiency of transversus larvae of C. coronatus provide a physiological basis for their long planktonic duration and possible teleplanktonic dispersal capabilities. The high physiological capacity and efficiency of the typical larvae of S. purpuratus may be adaptive for growing in areas of high seasonal algal abundance.
Unravelling the genetic loci for growth and carcass traits in Chinese Bamaxiang pigs based on a 1.4 million SNP array
Authors: Gong Huanfa , Xiao Shijun , Li Wanbo , Huang Tao , Huang Xiaochang , Yan Guorong , Huang Yizhong , Qiu Hengqing , Jiang Kai , Wang Xiaopeng , Zhang Hui , Tang Jianhong , Li Lin , Li Yiping , Wang Chenbin , Qiao Chuanmin , Ren Jun , Huang Lusheng , Yang Bin
Published: November 2018

Bamaxiang pig is from Guangxi province in China, characterized by its small body size and two‐end black coat colour. It is an important indigenous breed for local pork market and excellent animal model for biomedical research. In this study, we performed genomewide association studies (GWAS) on 43 growth and carcass traits in 315 purebred Bamaxiang pigs based on a 1.4 million SNP array. We observed considerable phenotypic variability in the growth and carcass traits in the Bamaxiang pigs. The corresponding SNP based heritability varied greatly across the 43 traits and ranged from 9.0% to 88%. Through a conditional GWAS, we identified 53 significant associations for 35 traits at p value threshold of 10−6. Among which, 26 associations on chromosome 3, 7, 14 and X passed a genomewide significance threshold of 5 × 10−8. The most remarkable loci were at around 30.6 Mb on chromosome 7, which had growth stage‐dependent effects on body lengths and cannon circumferences and showed large effects on multiple carcass traits. We discussed HMGA1 NUDT3, EIF2AK1, TMEM132C and AFF2 that near the lead SNP of significant loci as plausible candidate genes for corresponding traits. We also showed that including phenotypic covariate in GWAS can help to reveal additional significant loci for the target traits. The results provide insight into the genetic architecture of growth and carcass traits in Bamaxiang pigs.
Zbed3 promotes proliferation and invasion of lung cancer partly through regulating the function of Axin‐Gsk3β complex
Authors: Shi Xiuying , Zhao Yang , Fan Chuifeng
Published: November 2018

Our previous work showed that Zbed3 is overexpressed in nonsmall cell lung cancer and that down‐regulation of Zbed3 inhibited β‐catenin expression and cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness. Here, we investigated Zbed3's ability to promote lung cancer cell proliferation and invasion and the involvement of the Axin/TPC/glycogen synthase kinase 3β (Gsk‐3β) complex to the response. Coimmunoprecipitation assays showed that wild‐type Zbed3 bound to Axin but a Zbed3 mutant lacking the Axin binding site did not. In A549 and H1299 lung cancer cells, Zbed3 overexpression promoted cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness, as well as Wnt signalling and expression of downstream mediators, including β‐catenin, cyclin D1 and MMP7 (P < 0.05). In contrast, the Zbed3 mutant failed to enhance β‐catenin expression (P > 0.05), and its ability to promote cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness was much less than wild‐type Zbed3 (P < 0.05). The ability of Zbed3 to increase β‐catenin levels was abolished by Axin knockdown in A549 cells (P > 0.05). Similarly, treating the cells with a GSK‐3β inhibitor abolished Zbed3's ability to increase β‐catenin levels and Wnt signalling. These results indicate that Zbed3 enhances lung cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness at least in part by inhibiting Axin/adenomatous polyposis coli/GSK‐3β‐mediated negative regulation of β‐catenin levels.
Developmental stress and telomere dynamics in a genetically polymorphic species
Authors: Grunst Andrea S. , Grunst Melissa L. , Gonser Rusty A. , Tuttle Elaina M.
Published: November 2018

A central objective of evolutionary biology is understanding variation in life‐history trajectories and the rate of aging, or senescence. Senescence can be affected by trade‐offs and behavioural strategies in adults but may also be affected by developmental stress. Developmental stress can accelerate telomere degradation, with long‐term longevity and fitness consequences. Little is known regarding whether variation in developmental stress and telomere dynamics contributes to patterns of senescence during adulthood. We investigated this question in the dimorphic white‐throated sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), a species in which adults of the two morphs exhibit established differences in behavioural strategy and patterns of senescence, and also evaluated the relationship between oxidative stress and telomere length. Tan morph females, which exhibit high levels of unassisted parental care, display faster reproductive senescence than white females, and faster actuarial senescence than all of the other morph–sex classes. We hypothesized that high oxidative stress and telomere attrition in tan female nestlings could contribute to this pattern, since tan females are small and potentially at a competitive disadvantage even as nestlings. Nestlings that were smaller than nest mates had higher oxidative stress, and nestlings with high oxidative stress and fast growth rates displayed shorter telomeres. However, we found no consistent morph–sex differences in oxidative stress or telomere length. Results suggest that oxidative stress and fast growth contribute to developmental telomere attrition, with potential ramifications for adults, but that developmental oxidative stress and telomere dynamics do not account for morph–sex differences in senescence during adulthood.
Door‐to‐balloon time and factors associated with delayed door‐to‐balloon time in ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction at Thailand's largest tertiary referral centre
Authors: Tungsubutra Wiwun , Ngoenjan Deachart
Published: November 2018

Objective

To analyse door‐to‐balloon (DTB) time and to identify factors significantly associated with delayed DTB in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) at Thailand's largest tertiary referral centre.

Background

DTB time is considered an important measure of performance quality.

Methods

This observational study analysed DTB time in patients with STEMI who presented to our institute's emergency department and underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) during June 2008 to May 2011. DTB time greater than 90 minutes was considered delayed. Data were collected to determine which clinical variables were associated with delays.

Results

One hundred thirty‐three patients were included. The mean age of patients was 61.1 ± 13.2 years, and 71.4% were male. Delayed DTB was observed in 70.7% of patients. Median DTB time was 117 (interquartile range [IQR], 86‐168), 66 (IQR, 58‐84), and 135 (IQR, 112‐194) minutes in all patients, in nondelayed patients, and in delayed patients, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed triage to urgent care (P = 0.001) and presentation during on‐call hours (P < 0.001) to be significantly associated with delayed DTB. Patients who were triaged to urgent care had a DTB time of 184 vs 105 minutes for triage to the emergency room. Patients who presented during on‐call hours had a DTB time of 128 vs 86 minutes for work hour presentation. Presentation during on‐call hours was the only significant predictor of DTB time >90 minutes in multivariate analysis (odds ratio [OR], 7.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 3.39‐18.22; P < 0.001). All patients that were triaged to urgent care were delayed; thus, association between urgent care triage and on‐call hour service could not be determined.

Conclusions

Delayed DTB time occurred in 70.7% of patients. Two key factors that significantly contributed to delayed DTB were patient mistriage to urgent care and presentation during on‐call hours.
Effects of plasmin and plasminogen on textural biochemical and microbiological properties of clotted cream
Authors: Şimşek Bedia , Gün İlhan , Ekinci Melike Baran
Published: November 2018

In this study, clotted cream was produced by adding plasmin (25 μL/L) and plasminogen (75 μg/L) to raw cow milk. The purpose of the study was to determine the effect of plasmin and plasminogen enzymes on some properties of clotted cream during 10‐day storage period. β‐Casein was hydrolyzed by plasmin and plasminogen in samples during storage. In sensory evaluation, appearance and structure scores of clotted cream samples containing plasmin and plasminogen were higher than the control sample during storage. Total aerobic mesophilic microorganism, proteolytic and lipolytic bacteria count in all samples were identified as 2.451–3.320 logcfu/g, 1.929–1.977 logcfu/g, 1.312–1.736 logcfu/g on the 10th day of storage, but psychrophilic bacteria count were determined below 1 logcfu/g during storage. Statistically the difference between samples for plasmin activity, α‐casein, β‐casein, hardness, and spreadability was found to be significant (P<0.05). Plasmin and plasminogen may affect positively on texture of clotted cream.

Practical applications

Clotted cream is a breakfast dairy product consumed in many countries. The effect of plasmin, the natural enzymes of milk, on the quality of the cream is important. This information would be useful, especially to individuals who produce and consume clotted cream.
Influence of the crosstalk on the intensity of HAADF‐STEM images of quaternary semiconductor materials
Authors: BALADÉS N. , HERRERA M. , SALES D.L. , GUERRERO M.P. , GUERRERO E. , GALINDO P.L. , MOLINA S.I.
Published: November 2018

The influence of the neighbouring atomic‐columns in determining the composition at atomic column scale of quaternary semiconductor compounds, using simulated HAADF‐STEM images is evaluated. The InAlAsSb alloy, a promising material in the photovoltaic field, is considered. We find that the so called ‘crosstalk’ effect plays an important role for the aimed compositional determination. The intensity transfer is larger from neighbouring atomic columns with higher average Z, and towards atomic columns with smaller Z. Our results show that in order to obtain precise information on the column composition, the HAADF‐STEM intensities of both columns need to be taken into account simultaneously.
Glycyrrhizin, an HMGB1 inhibitor, exhibits neuroprotective effects in rats after lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus
Authors: Li Ya-jun , Wang Lin , Zhang Bei , Gao Fei , Yang Chun-Mei
Published: November 2018

Objectives

It has been proven that extracellular HMGB1 is involved in progression of neurologic disorders, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, meningitis and epilepsy. Glycyrrhizin (GL) is a direct inhibitor of HMGB1, and blocks HMGB1 release into the extracellular. We aim in this study to investigate the neuroprotective effects of GL in a rat model after lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE).

Methods

Adult male SD rats were divided into three groups: Sham group, SE-group and (SE + GL)-treated group. The HMGB1 expression in serum and hippocampus, the damage extent of blood brain barrier (BBB) and hippocampal neuronal damage were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry, western blot and nissl's staining.

Key findings

Glycyrrhizin markedly reduced HMGB1 expression in serum and hippocampus, prevented HMGB1 translocation from nucleus to cytoplasm in hippocampal CA1, CA3 and hilus areas of SE rats. Meanwhile, GL significantly ameliorated neuronal damage in the CA1, CA3 and hilus areas of hippocampus, and protected BBB disruption after SE. The administration of GL significantly decreased the mortality from 25 to 8.9% in rats.

Conclusions

Glycyrrhizin may exert neuroprotective effects via inhibiting HMGB1 and protect BBB permeability in lithium-pilocarpine-induced rats with SE.
Efficacy and safety of antiviral treatment on blocking the mother‐to‐child transmission of hepatitis B virus: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Song Jiahui , Yang Fan , Wang Shuo , Tikande Sakinatou , Deng Yang , Tang Weina , Cao Guangwen
Published: November 2018

Nucleo(t)side analogues (NAs) have been administered as adjunctive therapy to interrupt the mother‐to‐child transmission (MTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV). The efficacy and safety of this method remain controversial. A meta‐analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of NAs treatment during pregnancy. The differences among different agents and initiation trimesters were analysed. A total of 9228 mother‐infant pairs in 59 studies (32 RCTs and 27 non‐RCTs) were included in this meta‐analysis. NAs significantly reduced the risk of MTCT, as indicated by seropositivity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) (risk ratio (RR) = 0.51, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.45‐0.57) and HBV DNA in newborns (RR = 0.22, 95% CI 0.18‐0.26). No differences in the efficacy of interrupting HBV MTCT were evident among lamivudine, telbivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. NA was more effective when administered from the second than from the third trimester as indicated by HBV DNA (RR: the second vs the third 0.08 vs 0.22, P = 0.010), but this effect was not evident as indicated by HBsAg (RR: the second vs the third 0.46 vs 0.53, P = 0.596). Antiviral treatment initiated from the second trimester did not confer a higher risk of safety problems in the newborns compared with treatment from the third trimester, as indicated by weight (P = 0.064), length (P = 0.491) and malformation rate (P = 0.635) of newborns.

Conclusions

Lamivudine, telbivudine and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate are equally effective in blocking HBV MTCT. Antiviral treatment can be applied from the second trimester, without obvious safety concerns.
Floating ability, shoot length and abundance facilitate hydrochorous dispersal of moss and liverwort fragments
Authors: Boedeltje Ger , Sollman Philip , Lenssen John P. M.
Published: November 2018

Question

Vegetative diaspores are pivotal to the ability of bryophytes to colonize new areas, but life‐history traits and other factors facilitating vegetative hydrochorous dispersal are largely unknown. Here, we ask whether hydrochorous dispersal of vegetative bryophyte fragments can be predicted by specific traits in addition to discharge and abundance of species in the vegetation.

Location

The Twentekanaal, a navigation canal in the Netherlands.

Methods

Over a one‐year period, viable bryophyte fragments dispersed in the canal were quantified using a 200‐μm net and related to five potentially predicting variables. These variables are fragment buoyancy, shoot length, growth form, abundance in the vegetation and discharge. Buoyancy of fragments including regeneration was determined experimentally for all species found; other traits were derived from the literature. A Generalized Linear Mixed Model approach was adopted to identify the traits and trait–discharge interactions best explaining the presence of fragments in water.

Results

Of the 144 samples collected, 77% contained bryophyte fragments. A total of 54,514 fragments were counted, representing 18 species. The free‐floating Riccia fluitans was the most abundant species, followed by Brachythecium rutabulum. In total, 55% of the variation in diaspore presence of sessile species could be explained by abundance in the vegetation, buoyancy and shoot length. Of the sessile species of which fragments were trapped, mean floating time (T50) was 5.9 days and mean shoot length 79 mm. Species that occurred in the vegetation, but were not found in the water had a significantly lower buoyancy and shoot length.

Conclusions

We conclude that abundance in the vegetation, buoyancy and shoot length are significant predictors for vegetative hydrochorous dispersal of aquatic and riparian bryophytes. As fragments of species found are able to regenerate after being in water for weeks, they may contribute to colonization of new favourable substrate patches along water bodies after being dispersed.
Clinical outcomes and management of patients with chronic hepatitis B and liver stiffness measurement in the grey zone
Authors: Liu Ken , Wong Vincent W. S. , Liang Lilian Y. , Lui Grace C. Y. , Chan Henry L. Y. , Wong Grace L. H.
Published: November 2018

Background

A significant number of patients have liver stiffness measurements in the grey zone where liver biopsy is recommended.

Aims

To study chronic hepatitis B patients with initial liver stiffness measurements in the grey zone with regards to rates of liver biopsy, repeat liver stiffness measurements and outcomes.

Methods

Consecutive chronic hepatitis B patients who underwent transient elastography from August 2006 to July 2017 were retrospectively studied. Liver‐related events were defined as hepatocellular carcinoma or cirrhotic complications. Grey zone was defined as liver stiffness measurements: 6.1‐9.0 kPa (normal ALT) or 7.6‐12.0 kPa (ALT 1‐5 × upper limit of normal) on M‐probe and 6.9‐10.0 kPa on XL‐probe.

Results

Of the 3212 patients analysed, 837 (26%) had initial liver stiffness measurements in grey zone. Only 3.6% of grey zone patients proceeded to liver biopsy within 6 months of transient elastography, of which 33% had METAVIR F3‐4 fibrosis. Repeat liver stiffness measurements was performed in 44% of grey zone patients. Liver biopsy and repeat liver stiffness measurements prompted change in management in 47% and 31% of patients respectively. Independent predictors for liver‐related events in grey zone patients included increased age, low albumin and low platelet count. Liver‐related events rates were increased (9%‐17%) in patients with METAVIR > F2 fibrosis on biopsy or repeat liver stiffness measurements which did not improve.

Conclusions

Chronic hepatitis B patients with initial liver stiffness measurements in the grey zone rarely proceed to a clarifying liver biopsy which would reveal advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis in one‐third of patients. Both liver biopsy and repeat liver stiffness measurements in grey zone patients have clinical utility in prompting changes in management and providing prognostic information.
Information Hazards in Biotechnology
Authors: Lewis Gregory , Millett Piers , Sandberg Anders , Snyder‐Beattie Andrew , Gronvall Gigi
Published: November 2018

With the advance of biotechnology, biological information, rather than biological materials, is increasingly the object of principal security concern. We argue that both in theory and in practice, existing security approaches in biology are poorly suited to manage hazardous biological information, and use the cases of Mousepox, H5N1 gain of function, and Botulinum toxin H to highlight these ongoing challenges. We suggest that mitigation of these hazards can be improved if one can: (1) anticipate hazard potential before scientific work is performed; (2) consider how much the new information would likely help both good and bad actors; and (3) aim to disclose information in the manner that maximally disadvantages bad actors versus good ones.
An Inclusive Treadmill? Expansion of Industrial Maize Farming and Simple‐Commodity Producers in Turkey
Authors: Borlu Yetkin , Matthews Stephen A.
Published: November 2018

The growth of industrial maize farming in Turkey during the first decade of this century points to the primacy of economic development over ecological concerns at a time when global nitrogen and phosphorus flows already exceeded safe limits. In this article we focus on the relations of production as the driver of an economic sector that not only has ecological but also social costs. Through a trend analysis of maize yields as our ecological indicator, we explain how relations of production influence industrial maize farming in this period and how different modes of production (e.g., simple‐commodity producers) participate in a corporate market. A “treadmill of production” perspective argues that simple commodity producers are excluded from industrial treadmills. Our findings indicate that provinces with predominantly simple commodity production experienced significant increases in maize yields and adapted to the industrial maize treadmill. However, there is a significant difference between simple‐commodity producers and large farms that widens over the decade. Our results suggest that simple‐commodity producers are included in ecologically harmful economic practices with significant obstacles. We call for a revision of the assumed relationship between the size of economic operations and their ecological impacts in the critical sociology literature and policy approaches.
Teachers’ views on and preferences for meeting their professional development needs in STEM
Authors: Owens David C. , Sadler Troy D. , Murakami Christopher D. , Tsai Chia‐Lin
Published: November 2018

While much is known about the characteristics that researchers deem valuable for professional development (PD), teachers’ perceptions of their PD needs are less understood. In this study, we sought to explore teachers’ perceptions of their PD needs, including PD format, time frame, and topics covered, and how those perceptions varied by teachers’ district size, grade level, subject area, and years of experience. Participants included a statewide representative sample of 800 elementary and secondary STEM teachers with a wide range of teaching experience and from small to large school districts across Missouri. Each participant responded to the MO‐STEM PD Needs Assessment, a 61‐item Likert scale survey. We found teachers to be most interested in learning about real‐world issues and problem‐based learning to teach STEM content. Teachers’ participation in PD positively correlated with district size and the manner in which PD is valued in their community of practice, while years of teaching experience was negatively correlated with interest in virtually all categories of the survey, including formats of PD delivery and the majority of PD topics. We conclude with a discussion of the ways in which teachers’ expressed preferences for PD ran contrary to what the literature suggests as best practices for PD.
Gender and inequality in a postcolonial context of large‐scale capitalist projects in the Markham Valley, Papua New Guinea
Authors: Beer Bettina
Published: November 2018

This article historicises gender relations among Wampar speakers in New Guinea (PNG). It analyses three interconnected female biographies to show how historical background interacts with current large‐scale capitalist projects to exacerbate social inequalities. One biography exemplifies linkages between Christianisation, education and political representation; the second focuses on inheritance, access to land, and dogmas about patriliny; the third describes a woman's unfavourable position within a sibling set and her access to benefits from land leases. Support by their social network, sibling relations, birth order and, today, marital alliances, are key factors in women's success in the running of businesses, negotiating land disputes, and obtaining representation in political fora set up to deal with social problems. I demonstrate how older differentiations are reproduced as novel inequalities in political representation and in access to land and wealth. These result in new forms of exclusion that differentiate men and women, but which also differentiate life‐chances among women.
Integrating self‐determination theory and the theory of planned behaviour to predict intention to donate blood
Authors: Williams L. A. , Sun J. , Masser B.
Published: November 2018

Objectives

The aim of this research was to test a model integrating self‐determination theory (SDT) and the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) to predict intention to donate blood.

Background

Social science research suggests that motivational orientations outlined by SDT can be usefully integrated with constructs from the TPB to collectively predict intention and behaviour. Such analysis has not yet been undertaken in the context of blood donation.

Methods

A total of 458 currently eligible donors completed measures of blood donor motivations, attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control (PBC) and intention. Path analyses modelled the direct and indirect effects (via TPB constructs) of motivational orientations on intention.

Results

SDT motivational orientations explained an additional 14% of the variance in blood donation intention, compared to a TPB‐only model. Amotivation had a negative direct effect on intention; external regulation had no overall effect on intention; introjected regulation had positive direct and indirect effects on intention; and autonomous motivation predicted intention both directly as well as via attitudes, subjective norms and PBC.

Conclusion

This research provides the first evidence that integrating SDT and the TPB is a useful approach in donor research, particularly for specifying plausible pathways through which motivational orientations impact intention to donate blood.
High‐resolution insight into recombination events at the SD1 locus in rice
Authors: Jia Xianqing , Zhang Yadong , Zhang Qijun , Zhao Qingyong , Traw Milton Brian , Wang Long , Tian Dacheng , Wang Cailin , Yang Sihai
Published: November 2018

Recombination during meiosis plays an important role in genome evolution by reshuffling existing genetic variations into fresh combinations with the possibility of recovery of lost ancestral genotypes. While crossover (CO) events have been well studied, gene conversion events (GCs), which represent non‐reciprocal information transfer between chromosomes, are poorly documented and difficult to detect due to their relatively small converted tract size. Here, we document these GC events and their phenotypic effects at an important locus in rice containing the SD1 gene, where multiple defective alleles contributed to the semi‐dwarf phenotype of rice in the ‘Green Revolution’ of the 1960s. Here, physical separation of two defects allows recombination to generate the wild‐type SD1 gene, for which plant height can then be used as a reporter. By screening 18 000 F2 progeny from a cross between two semi‐dwarf cultivars that carry these different defective alleles, we detected 24 GC events, indicating a conversion rate of ~3.3 × 10−4 per marker per generation in a single meiotic cycle in rice. Furthermore, our data show that indels and single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) do not differ significantly in GC rates, at least at the SD1 locus. Our results provide strong evidence that GC by itself can regain an ancestral phenotype that was lost through mutation. This GC detection approach is likely to be broadly applicable to natural or artificial alleles of other phenotype‐related functional genes, which are abundant in other plant genomes.
The Kanji Learning Website for EPA Care Worker Candidates, "Kaigo-no-Kanji Supporter” (Learning Support for Kanji Vocabulary in the Caregiving Field)
Authors: Nakagawa Kenji , Hashimoto Yosuke , Sunami Hokuto , Saito Mami , Nunoo Katsuichiro , Nomura Ai
Published: November 2018

Care worker candidates under the Economic Partnership Agreements (EPA) must pass the Japanese State Examination for Certified Care Workers within four years to continue working in Japan. The Japanese language, especially kanji (Chinese characters), used in the examinations is a significant barrier for the candidates and there is a need for Japanese language learning support designed specifically to focus on kanji used in the examinations. The Authors developed “Kaigo-no-Kanji Supporter” (Learning Support Website for Kanji Vocabulary in the Caregiving Field) and “Kaigo-no-Kotoba Search" – Online Search Tool for Specialized Vocabulary in the Caregiving Field. “Kaigo-no-Kanji Supporter” is a website to learn kanji, two-kanji morphemes and technical terms used in the caregiving field interrelatedly. This website is a useful study tool for learning the technical terms that are likely to appear in the State Examination for Care Workers. This site consists of information in three main parts:1) Tan-kanji (single kanji) that frequently come up in the exam, 2) Two-kanji morphemes that include single kanji terms, and 3) Technical terms that include two-kanji words. English and Indonesian translations for each single kanji and two-kanji words, as well as technical terms, are provided. The other learning website, “Kaigo-no-Kotoba Search” has been designed so that candidates can look up words using kanji, hiragana, katakana, English and Indonesian. This means that if a candidate comes across a word they do not understand, there are multiple ways for them to look up the word and higher possibility they will find the meaning. We have evaluated the actual usage of this website from two perspectives – through access data analysis and through interviews with website users. According to these resources, we found that the website is used in various ways both online and offline.
Revisiting the Writing Competencies Expected by Industries in an Exit Test
Authors: Attan Anie , Ali Nor Liza , Habil Hadina , Stapa Mahani , Md Saleh Zanariah , Abdul Raof Abdul Halim
Published: November 2018

The writing component of the Test of English Communication Skills for Graduating Students (UTM-TECS) measures competencies of understanding of task and situation, critical creative thinking, analysis and evaluation of task, choice of lexis, accuracy and clarity of expressions and coherent flow of ideas. Five years into its implementation, a revisit of the requirements was made to reassess the validity of this measurement. The methodology comprises two stages. First, it involved test design, assessment of scripts and sampling of the different levels by the language practitioners  as had previously been established. Second, interviews with the workplace professionals from diverse specialisations. The procedure involved showing selected scripts to workplace professionals for them to evaluate the adequacy of the test and to assess the quality of the writing as they deem satisfactory and acceptable in their work settings. Interviews were then conducted after the evaluation session to elicit the workplace professionals’ views and expectations of writing competencies in their respective organisation. Qualitative analysis of the data revealed adequacy of the test but recommendation were used to re-design the UTM-TECS Test of Writing to meet the new expectation of the workplace professionals.