bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metabolism of melatonin in the skin: Why is it important?
Authors: Slominski Andrzej T. , Semak Igor , Fischer Tobias W. , Kim Tae‐Kang , Kleszczyński Konrad , Hardeland Ruediger , Reiter Russel J.
Published: September 2016

Melatonin is produced in almost all living taxa and is probably 2‐3 billion years old. Its pleiotropic activities are related to its local concentration that is secondary to its local synthesis, delivery from distant sites and metabolic or non‐enzymatic consumption. This consumption generates metabolites through indolic, kynuric and cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated hydroxylations and O‐demethylation or non‐enzymatic processes, with potentially diverse phenotypic effects. While melatonin acts through receptor‐dependent and receptor‐independent mechanisms, receptors for melatonin metabolites remain to be identified, while their receptor‐independent activities are well documented. The human skin with its main cellular components including malignant cells can both produce and rapidly metabolize melatonin in cell‐type and context‐dependent fashion. The predominant metabolism in human skin occurs through indolic, CYP‐mediated and kynuric pathways with main metabolites represented by 6‐hydroxymelatonin, N1‐acetyl‐N2‐formyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AFMK), N1‐acetyl‐5‐methoxykynuramine (AMK), 5‐methoxytryptamine, 5‐methoxytryptophol and 2‐hydroxymelatonin. AFMK, 6‐hydroxymelatonin, 2‐hydroxymelatonin and probably 4‐hydroxymelatonin can potentially be produced in epidermis through UVB‐induced non‐enzymatic melatonin transformation. The skin metabolites are also the same as those produced in lower organisms and plants indicating phylogenetic conservation across diverse species and adaptation by skin of the primordial defense mechanism. As melatonin and its metabolites counteract or buffer environmental stresses to maintain its homeostasis through broad‐spectrum activities, both melatoninergic and degradative pathways must be precisely regulated, because the nature of phenotypic regulations will depend on local concentration of melatonin and its metabolites. These can be receptor‐mediated or represent non‐receptor regulatory mechanisms.
Proton‐sensing G protein‐coupled receptors as regulators of cell proliferation and migration during tumor growth and wound healing
Authors: Weiß Katharina T. , Fante Matthias , Köhl Gudrun , Schreml Julia , Haubner Frank , Kreutz Marina , Haverkampf Sonja , Berneburg Mark , Schreml Stephan
Published: September 2016

Dysregulation of pH is a feature of both tumor growth and tissue repair. In tumors, microenvironmental changes, like in lactate metabolism, lead to altered intra‐ and extracellular pH (pHi, pHe) and vice versa. In wounds, barrier disruption results in extensive variations in pHe on the wound surface. It is known that altered extracellular proton concentrations have a major impact on cell turnover and migration as well as on the metabolic activity of cells involved in tumor spread and wound closure. The proton‐sensing G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) GPR4, GPR65 (TDAG8), GPR68 (OGR1) and GPR132 (G2A) are activated via a decrease in pHe and transduce this signal to molecular intracellular pathways. Based on the current knowledge, we speculate on the role of proton‐sensing GPCRs in wound healing and on their potential as mechanistic linkers of tumor growth and tissue repair.
Thinking and doing: the effects of dopamine and oxytocin genes and executive function on mothering behaviours
Authors: Tombeau Cost K. , Unternaehrer E. , Plamondon A. , Steiner M. , Meaney M. , Atkinson L. , Kennedy J. L. , Fleming A. S. ,   on behalf of the MAVAN Research Team
Published: September 2016

Animal and human studies suggest that initial expression of maternal behaviour depends on oxytocin and dopamine systems. However, the mechanism by which these systems affect parenting behaviours and the timing of these effects are not well understood. This article explores the role of mothers' executive function in mediating the relation between oxytocin and dopamine gene variants and maternal responsiveness at 48 months post‐partum. Participants (n = 157) were mothers recruited in the Maternal Adversity, Vulnerability and Neurodevelopment Study, which assesses longitudinally two cohorts of mothers and children in Canada. We examined single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) related to the dopamine and oxytocin systems (DRD1rs686,DRD1rs265976,OXTRrs237885 andOXTRrs2254298), assessed mothers' decision‐making at 48 months using the Cambridge Neurological Automated Testing Battery (CANTAB) and evaluated maternal responsiveness from videotaped interactions during the Etch‐A‐Sketch co‐operation task. Mediation analyses showed thatOXTRrs2254298 A‐carriers had an indirect effect on positive parenting which was mediated by mothers' performance on decision‐making task (estimate = 0.115,P < 0.005), whileOXTRrs2254298 A‐carriers had both direct and indirect effects on physically controlling parenting, also mediated through enhanced performance on decision‐making (estimate = −0.059,P < 0.005). DopamineSNPswere not associated with any measure of executive function or parenting (allP > 0.05). While oxytocin has previously been associated with only the early onset of maternal behaviour, we show that anOXTRpolymorphism is involved in maternal behaviour at 48 months post‐partum through mothers' executive function. This research highlights the importance of the oxytocin system to maternal parenting beyond infancy.
Spatial and evolutionary parallelism between shade and drought tolerance explains the distributions of conifers in the conterminous United States
Authors: Rueda Marta , Godoy Oscar , Hawkins Bradford A.
Published: September 2016

Aim

Gymnosperms do not follow a latitudinal diversity gradient across the Northern Hemisphere but are influenced by geography at continental scales. Tolerance to physiological aridity is thought to be the main driver of this distribution, yet through evolutionary time conifers have also faced conditions of frost, shade and fire. We tested four predictions to evaluate how environmental stressors and geographical and evolutionary patterns of traits influence conifer distributions: (1) environmental variables related to aridity are most important in explaining geographical patterns of traits; (2) traits responsible for survival in stressful conditions have evolved under a niche conservatism constraint; (3) phylogenetic correlations among traits as the result of complex evolutionary responses to multiple abiotic stressors are widespread; (4) there are parallelisms between spatial trait associations and correlated trait evolution.

Location

The conterminous United States.

Methods

We combined conifer occurrences with 10 traits related to drought, freezing, shade and fire. The spatial distribution of traits was mapped and the relationship between environment and the geographical patterns of traits was explored. Niche conservatism was assessed comparing patterns of trait evolution against Brownian motion. We computed geographical and phylogenetic correlations among traits to determine the correspondence between spatial and evolutionary trade‐offs.

Results

(1) Maximum temperature followed by precipitation were the environmental variables that best described the geographical distributions of traits. (2) Most traits contain a phylogenetic signal consistent with niche conservatism: major exceptions being fire‐related traits and frost tolerance. (3) Drought and shade tolerances show one of the strongest negative phylogenetic correlations. (4) The drought–shade tolerance trade‐off is mirrored at the biogeographical scale.

Main conclusions

Unlike in angiosperms, cold does not seem to have been a major driver in the evolutionary history of temperate conifers. A strong trade‐off between drought and shade tolerance is the simplest explanation for understanding the current distribution of conifers in North America.
The sign and magnitude of tree–grass interaction along a global environmental gradient
Authors: Mazía Noemí , Moyano Jaime , Perez Luis , Aguiar Sebastián , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Schlichter Tomas
Published: September 2016

Aim

The ecological literature posits that positive interactions are preponderant in stressful environments; however, the net balance between positive and negative interactions at the community level is still under debate. This study analysed the effect of trees on grass biomass in natural and cultivated woody systems distributed along a global aridity index (AI) gradient.

Location

Global.

Methods

We conducted a meta‐analysis including eight natural biomes and tree plantations distributed in five continents. The final database consisted of 93 data pairs across 65 locations spanning a gradient from AI = 0.1 to AI = 2.1, which covered annual precipitation ranging from 70 to 3500 mm. Effect size was calculated as the difference between above‐ground grass biomass beneath and outside the tree canopy. We built linear models to evaluate the importance of different biotic and abiotic variables as potential drivers of the effect size. Multimodel inference, based on the Akaike information criterion (AICc) was used to select the best models.

Results

The whole data set shows a shift from net facilitation to net competition along an increasing AI gradient. AI had the highest relative importance in explaining the sign and magnitude of the effect size. Tree characteristics (deciduous–evergreen and leguminous–non‐leguminous) were the other predictive variables consistently included in almost all the 10 best models. Deciduous and leguminous trees enhanced grass biomass growing beneath them. Increasing soil sand content, C4 grasses and tropical and natural systems all increased the biomass of grasses growing beneath trees, but their relative importance was substantially lower than that of the AI and tree characteristics.

Main conclusions

The results of our global meta‐analysis showed that climatic context and the characteristics of benefactor trees both represent the main drivers of the sign and magnitude of tree–grass interactions. These findings may contribute to advancing knowledge of the mechanisms behind the global patterns.
Outcomes and predictors of response from an optimised, multidisciplinary intervention for chronic fatigue states
Authors: Sandler C. X. , Hamilton B. A. , Horsfield S. L. , Bennett B. K. , Vollmer‐Conna U. , Tzarimas C. , Lloyd A. R.
Published: September 2016

Background

Medically unexplained chronic fatigue states are prevalent and challenging to manage. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and graded exercise therapy (GET) are effective in clinical trials. The evaluation of delivery in a standard healthcare setting is rare. An integrated treatment programme with individualised allocation of resources to patients’ needs was developed and implemented through an academic outpatient clinic. It was hypothesised that the programme would result in similar responses to those observed in the clinical trials.

Aim

To evaluate the outcomes of an integrated, 12‐week CBT and GET programme delivered by exercise physiologists and clinical psychologists.

Methods

Consecutive eligible patients (n = 264) who met the diagnostic criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome or post‐cancer fatigue were evaluated with self‐report measures of fatigue, functional capacity and mood disturbance at baseline, end‐of‐treatment (12 weeks) and follow‐up (24 weeks). A semi‐structured interview recording the same parameters was conducted pre‐ and post‐treatment by an independent clinician. Primary outcome was analysed by repeated measures analysis of variance and predictors of response were analysed by logistic regression.

Results

The intervention produced sustained improvements in symptom severity and functional capacity. A substantial minority of patients (35%) gained significant improvement, with male gender and higher pain scores at baseline predicting non‐response. A small minority of patients (3%) worsened.

Conclusion

The manualised protocol of integrated CBT and GET was successfully implemented, confirming the generally positive findings of clinical trials. Assessment and treatment protocols are available for dissemination to allow standardised management. The beneficial effects described here provide the basis for ongoing studies to optimise the intervention further and better identify those most likely to respond.
Enhancing feedback and improving feedback: subjective perceptions, psychological consequences, behavioral outcomes
Authors: Sedikides Constantine , Luke Michelle A. , Hepper Erica G.
Published: September 2016

Three experiments examined subjective perceptions, psychological consequences, and behavioral outcomes of enhancing versus improving feedback. Across experiments, feedback delivery and assessment were sequential (i.e., at each testing juncture) or cumulative (i.e., at the end of the testing session). Although enhancing feedback was seen as more satisfying than useful, and improving feedback was not seen as more useful than satisfying, perceptions differed as a function of short‐term versus long‐term feedback delivery and assessment. Overall, however, enhancing feedback was more impactful psychologically and behaviorally. Enhancing feedback engendered greater success consistency, overall satisfaction and usefulness, optimism, state self‐esteem, perceived ability, and test persistence intentions; improving feedback, on the other hand, engendered greater state improvement. The findings provide fodder for theory development and applications.
Oceanic currents drove population genetic connectivity of the brown alga Sargassum thunbergii in the north‐west Pacific
Authors: Li Jing‐Jing , Hu Zi‐Min , Gao Xu , Sun Zhong‐Min , Choi Han‐Gil , Duan De‐Lin , Endo Hikaru
Published: September 2016

Aim

Oceanic currents are among the most pervasive hydrodynamic features in shaping community dynamics, population connectivity and phylogeographical structure of intertidal species. Here, we test whether population structure and biogeographical gradients of genetic diversity in the brown alga Sargassum thunbergii are correlated with oceanic currents in the north‐west Pacific (NWP).

Location

North‐west Pacific (25.07°N–43.36°N).

Methods

Nuclear internal transcribed spacer‐2 and mitochondrial cox3 sequences were obtained from 835 and 810 individuals of S. thunbergii respectively. Parsimony networks and phylogenetic trees (maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference) were constructed to evaluate phylogeographical structure. Pairwise FST estimates and analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) at various hierarchical levels (latitude, longitude, marine provinces, biogeographical basins and zoogeographical zones) were conducted to elucidate population genetic differentiation. migrate software was used to estimate the number of migrants between adjacent populations.

Results

Several lines of evidence indicate that S. thunbergii is characterized by shallow population structure. Geographical distances do not correlate with population pairwise genetic differentiations. The corridor/stepping‐stone model‐based coalescent analyses reveal high levels of asymmetric gene flow among S. thunbergii populations, with the numbers of migrants largely corresponding to the directions of oceanic current systems in the NWP. Genetic signatures also indicate that Jeju Island, Korea might act as a transition zone for dispersal of S. thunbergii in the NWP driven by the Kuroshio Current, thus facilitating subsequent transportation northward into the Sea of Japan and the Yellow‐Bohai Sea.

Main conclusions

Population genetic homogeneity in S. thunbergii was mainly structured by oceanic currents rather than palaeoclimatic events. Our study illustrates an important phylogeographical case of how coastal hydrodynamic factors contributed to population connectivity and geographical shifts of genetic diversity for marine organisms without a pelagic stage.
Termite mounds alter the spatial distribution of African savanna tree species: artefacts and real patterns
Authors: Sileshi Gudeta W.
Published: September 2016

In a recent issue (vol. 43) of the Journal of Biogeography, Davies et al. (2015) presented novel analyses of the spatial distribution of tree species around termite mounds in a South African savanna. However, some of their conclusions are not supported by the data. My aim in this correspondence is to point out some limitations of their analyses, stimulate cautious interpretation of their results and suggest better methods for future use.
The “Invisible Hands” in Research: The Critical Roles of Reviewers and Associate Editors
Authors: Zinn Walter , Goldsby Thomas J.
Published: September 2016

In this Editorial, we underscore the critical roles fulfilled by reviewers and associate editors (AEs) in the provision of the journal's review process. The so‐called “invisible hands” of reviewers and AEs not only influence the editorial outcomes of individual works, but, more substantially, the author experience with and research impact of the journal. To that end, we offer observations and guidelines for reviewers and AEs, reinforcing the expectations we maintain for those helping to shape the work that ultimately appears in the journal.
Targeting EP4 downstream c‐Jun through ERK1/2‐mediated reduction of DNMT1 reveals novel mechanism of solamargine‐inhibited growth of lung cancer cells
Authors: Chen Yuqing , Tang Qing , Xiao Qian , Yang LiJun , Hann Swei S.
Published: September 2016

Lung cancer is the most common cancer and the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide. We previously showed that solamargine, one natural phytochemicals from traditional plants, inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells through inhibition of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) receptor EP4. However, the potential downstream effectors of EP4 involving in the anti‐lung cancer effects of solamargine still remained to be determined. In this study, we further verified that solamargine inhibited growth of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells in multiple cell lines. Mechanistically, solamargine increased phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Moreover, solamargine inhibited the protein expression of DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and c‐Jun, which were abrogated in cells treated with MEK/ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) and transfected with exogenously expressed DNMT1 gene, respectively. Interestingly, overexpressed DNMT1 gene antagonized the effect of solamargine on c‐Jun protein expression. Intriguingly, overexpressed c‐Jun blocked solamargine‐inhibited lung cancer cell growth, and feedback resisted the solamargine‐induced phosphorylation of ERK1/2. A nude mouse xenograft model implanted with lung cancer cells in vivo confirmed the results in vitro. Collectively, our results show that solamargine inhibits the growth of human lung cancer cells through reduction of EP4 protein expression, followed by increasing ERK1/2 phosphorylation. This results in decrease in DNMT1 and c‐Jun protein expressions. The inter‐correlations between EP4, DNMT1 and c‐Jun and feedback regulation of ERK1/2 by c‐Jun contribute to the overall responses of solamargine in this process. This study uncovers an additional novel mechanism by which solamargine inhibits growth of human lung cancer cells.
Appearance Differences Between Lots and Brands of Similar Shade Designations of Dental Composite Resins
Authors: Carney Melody N. , Johnston William M.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

The purposes of this study were to investigate differences in two inherent appearance characteristics between lots of an enamel dental composite resin of the same shade and brand, and to further compare these differences to those of similar shade designation of a different brand of dental composite resins.

Methods

Appearance analyses proceeded for three different lots of shades A1, B2, and D3 manufactured by one company and for one lot of shade EA1 manufactured by another. Samples were measured on black, white, and gray backings using spectroradiometry. Kubelka–Munk theory was used to determine reflectivity of each lot studied. CIELAB values and color differences between shades and lots were analyzed. Translucency indicators were compared between lots over thicknesses from 0.5 to 3.0 mm.

Results

Differences in inherent color between some lots of same shade designations within a brand were found to be above the acceptability threshold. Color difference between an enamel composite resin of shade A1 and a composite resin of shade EA1 was also above the acceptability threshold. Statistically significant differences in the translucency were found between some lots of one shade over the entire range of thicknesses studied.

Conclusion

Appearance analyses indicate substantial variation between lots of same shade designations as well as between brands of similar shade designations.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Optical principles applied to important clinical appearance attributes are described which characterize inherent appearance attributes and provide aid in the appearance matching process for dental composite resins used in restorative and operative dental procedures. (J Esthet Restor Dent 29:E6–E14, 2017)
Comparison of clinical features, treatment, and outcomes of collagenous sprue, celiac disease, and collagenous colitis
Authors: Lan Nan , Shen Bo , Yuan Lisi , Liu Xiuli
Published: September 2016

Background

Collagenous sprue (CS) is a rare form of enteropathy that had been reported to be associated with celiac disease (CD) and collagenous colitis (CC). The aim of our study was to compare the clinical features, treatments, and outcomes of CS, CD, and CC.

Methods

All patients with histologic diagnosis of CS, CD, or CC with complete clinical data were extracted from our pathology database between 1990 and 2015. Demographic and clinical features were recorded along with treatments and outcomes.

Results

A total of 21 patients with CS were included. Overall CS patients were more symptomatic with 17 (81.0%) patients with diarrhea and 15 (71.4%) with unintentional weight loss. Positive celiac serology was noted in 5 (23.8%) CS patients. CS patients had higher rates for disease‐related temporary total parenteral nutrition (TPN) use (38.1% vs. 1.1% vs. 1.0%, P < 0.0001) and disease‐related hospitalization (52.4% vs. 3.3% vs. 8.2%, P < 0.0001) than that in CD and CC patients. Twenty CS patients received treatments, including the combination of gluten‐free diet (GFD) and corticosteroids (n = 12), GFD only (n = 2), and corticosteroids only (n = 6). All CS patients showed symptomatic reliefs with treatment. Although CS patients had a higher rate for hospitalization and TPN use, disease‐related death was not observed in all three groups.

Conclusions

Collagenous sprue patients had more severe clinical presentation than patients with CD and CC and therefore had higher demand for temporary TPN and hospitalization. Nevertheless, a prompt use of steroids and/or GFD upon histologic diagnosis of CS may have contributed to an overall excellent prognosis.
Adherence to the Healthy Eating Index and Alternative Healthy Eating Index dietary patterns and mortality from all causes, cardiovascular disease and cancer: a meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Onvani S. , Haghighatdoost F. , Surkan P. J. , Larijani B. , Azadbakht L.
Published: September 2016

Background

This meta‐analysis investigated the association of diet quality indices, as assessed by HEI and AHEI, and the risk of all‐cause, cardiovascular and cancer mortality.

Methods

We used PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Google Scholar to search for eligible articles published before July 2015. A total of 12 cohort studies (38 reports) and one cross‐sectional study (three reports) met the inclusion criteria and were included in our meta‐analysis.

Results

The highest level of adherence to the Healthy Eating Index (HEI) and Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI) was significantly associated with a reduced risk of all‐cause mortality [relative risk (RR) = 0.77, 95% confidence intterval (CI) = 0.76–0.78], cardiovascular mortality (RR = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.74–0.80) and cancer mortality (RR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.81–0.86). Egger regression tests provided no evidence of publication bias.

Conclusions

The present study indicates that high adherence to HEI and AHEI dietary patterns, indicating high diet quality, are associated with reduced risk of all‐cause mortality (as well as cardiovascular mortality and cancer mortality).
Quantum dot‐mediated delivery of siRNA to inhibit sphingomyelinase activities in brain‐derived cells
Authors: Getz Ted , Qin Jingdong , Medintz Igor L. , Delehanty James B. , Susumu Kimihiro , Dawson Philip E. , Dawson Glyn
Published: September 2016

The use of RNAi to suppress protein synthesis offers a potential way of reducing the level of enzymes or the synthesis of mutant toxic proteins but there are few tools currently available for their delivery. To address this problem, bioconjugated quantum dots (QDs) containing a hydrophobic component (N‐palmitate) and a sequence VKIKK designed to traverse across cell membranes and visualize drug delivery were developed and tested on cell lines of brain origin. We used the Zn outer shell of the QD to bind HIS6 in JB577 (W•G•Dap(N‐Palmitoyl)•VKIKK•P9•G2•H6) and by a gel‐shift assay showed that siRNAs would bind to the positively charged KIKK sequence. By comparing many peptides and QD coatings, we showed that the QD‐JB577‐siRNA construct was taken up by cells of nervous system origin, distributed throughout the cytosol, and inhibited protein synthesis, implying that JB577 was also promoting endosome egress. By attaching siRNA for luciferase in a cell line over‐expressing luciferase, we showed 70% inhibition of mRNA after 24–48 h. To show more specific effects, we synthesized siRNA for neutral (NSMase2), acid (lysosomal ASMase) sphingomyelinase, and sphingosine kinase 1 (SK1), we demonstrated a dose‐dependent inhibition of activity. These data suggest that QDs are a useful siRNA delivery tool and QD‐siRNA could be a potential theranostic for a variety of diseases.

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Central Effects of Leptin on Glucose Homeostasis are Modified during Pregnancy in the Rat
Authors: Ladyman S. R. , Grattan D. R.
Published: September 2016

Despite increased leptin concentrations during pregnancy, fat mass and food intake are increased. The satiety response to central leptin is suppressed, indicating a state of leptin insensitivity in the hypothalamus. Although the regulation of food intake is a major function of leptin, this hormone also influences a wide range of functions within the body. These actions include the regulation of glucose homeostasis, which undergoes major adaptation in the maternal body to generate optimal conditions for foetal development and growth. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of central leptin treatment on glucose homeostasis in pregnant rats to determine whether pregnancy‐induced leptin insensitivity is functionally specific, and to further investigate changes in glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. After an overnight fast, nonpregnant and day 14 pregnant rats received an i.c.v. injection of leptin (100 ng or 4 μg) or vehicle then underwent a glucose tolerance test (GTT). Further groups of nonpregnant and day 14 pregnant rats were killed 30 min after leptin (doses ranging from 40 ng–4 μg) or vehicle i.c.v. injections for western blot analysis of phospho‐signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and phospho‐Akt in various hypothalamic nuclei. Central leptin injection prior to a GTT lead to lowered basal insulin concentrations and impaired glucose tolerance in nonpregnant female rats, whereas the same doses of leptin had no significant effect on glucose tolerance in day 14 pregnant rats, indicating that, similar to the satiety actions of leptin, the effects of leptin on glucose homeostasis are suppressed during pregnancy. Furthermore, in the arcuate nucleus and ventromedial and dorsomedial nuclei of the hypothalamus, comprising three leptin‐sensitive areas, there was no evidence that leptin induced Akt phosphorylation despite significant increases in phospho‐STAT3, suggesting that leptin does not act through phospho‐Akt in these areas in female rats.
Evaluating osteological ageing from digital data
Authors: Villa Chiara , Buckberry Jo , Lynnerup Niels
Published: September 2016

Age at death estimation of human skeletal remains is one of the key issues in constructing a biological profile both in forensic and archaeological contexts. The traditional adult osteological methods evaluate macroscopically the morphological changes that occur with increasing age of specific skeletal indicators, such as the cranial sutures, the pubic bone, the auricular surface of the ilium and the sternal end of the ribs. Technologies such as computed tomography and laser scanning are becoming more widely used in anthropology, and several new methods have been developed. This review focuses on how the osteological age‐related changes have been evaluated in digital data. First, the 3D virtual copies of the bones have been used to mimic the appearance of the dry bones and the application of the traditional methods. Secondly, the information directly extrapolated from CT scans has been used to assess qualitatively or quantitatively the changes of the trabecular bones, the thickness of the cortical bones, and to perform morphometric analyses. Lastly, the most innovative approach has been the mathematical quantification of the changes of the pelvic joints, calculating the complexity of the surface. The importance of new updated reference datasets, created thanks to the use of CT scanning in forensic settings, is also discussed.
Evidence of the Value of the Smoking Media Literacy Framework for Middle School Students
Authors: Bier Melinda C. , Zwarun Lara , Sherblom Stephen A.
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Susceptibility to future smoking, positive beliefs about smoking, and perceptions of antismoking norms are all factors that are associated with future smoking. In previous research, smoking media literacy (SML) has been associated with these variables, even when controlling for other known risk factors for smoking. However, these studies were performed with older teenagers, often in high school, not younger teens at a crucial developmental point with respect to the decision to begin smoking.

METHODS

This study uses survey data collected from 656 American public middle school students representing multiple zip codes, schools, and school districts.

RESULTS

Smoking media literacy levels for middle school students were similar to those of high school students in earlier studies. Higher SML levels were associated with lower susceptibility to future smoking and predicted susceptibility to smoke when controlling for other risk factors. This suggests that the same relationships found with teenagers may exist with middle school students.

CONCLUSIONS

Although follow‐up studies using larger and more controlled administrations of the SML scale are warranted, this study suggests the utility of the SML framework and scale in the development and investigation of media literacy as a prevention strategy in students this age.
Mental Health Stigma Prevention: Pilot Testing a Novel, Language Arts Curriculum‐Based Approach for Youth
Authors: Weisman Hannah L. , Kia‐Keating Maryam , Lippincott Ann , Taylor Zachary , Zheng Jimmy
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Researchers have emphasized the importance of integrating mental health education with academic curriculum. The focus of the current studies was Mental Health Matters (MHM), a mental health curriculum that is integrated with English language arts. It is taught by trained community member volunteers and aims to increase knowledge and decrease stigma toward individuals with mental health disorders.

METHODS

In Study 1, 142 sixth graders participated in MHM and completed pre‐ and postprogram measures of mental health knowledge, stigma, and program acceptability. Teachers also completed ratings of acceptability. Study 2 (N = 120 seventh graders) compared participants who had participated in MHM the previous year with those who had not using the same measures.

RESULTS

Sixth grade students and teachers rated the program as highly acceptable. Participants significantly increased their knowledge and decreased their levels of stigma. Seventh graders who had participated in MHM had significantly more mental health knowledge than peers who had not, but there were no differences in stigma.

CONCLUSIONS

The model appears to be acceptable to students and teachers. Future research is needed to assess the long‐term effectiveness of integrating mental health education with other academic curriculum such as language arts or science.
A School‐Based Program for Overweight and Obese Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pbert Lori , Druker Susan , Barton Bruce , Schneider Kristin L. , Olendzki Barbara , Gapinski Mary A. , Kurtz Stephen , Osganian Stavroula
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Given the dramatic increase in adolescent overweight and obesity, models are needed for implementing weight management treatment through readily accessible venues. We evaluated the acceptability and efficacy of a school‐based intervention consisting of school nurse‐delivered counseling and an afterschool exercise program in improving diet, activity, and body mass index (BMI) among overweight and obese adolescents.

METHODS

A pair‐matched cluster‐randomized controlled school‐based trial was conducted in which 8 public high schools were randomized to either a 12‐session school nurse‐delivered cognitive‐behavioral counseling intervention plus school‐based after school exercise program, or 12‐session nurse contact with weight management information (control). Overweight or obese adolescents (N = 126) completed anthropometric and behavioral assessments at baseline and 8‐month follow‐up. Main outcome measures included diet, activity, and BMI. Mixed effects regression models were conducted to examine differences at follow‐up.

RESULTS

At follow‐up, students in intervention compared with control schools were not different in BMI, percent body fat, and waist circumference. Students reported eating breakfast (adjusted mean difference 0.81 days; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.11‐1.52) on more days/week; there were no differences in other behaviors targeted by the intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

While a school‐based intervention including counseling and access to an after‐school exercise program is theoretically promising with public health potential, it was not effective in reducing BMI or key obesogenic behaviors. Our findings are important in highlighting that interventions targeted at the individual level are not likely to be sufficient in addressing the adolescent obesity epidemic without changes in social norms and the environment.
Fitness of Job Type and Management by Objectives: Mediating Effects of Perception of Effectiveness and Goal Commitment and Moderating Effects of Supervisor's Behavior
Authors: Yanagizawa Saori , Furukawa Hisataka
Published: September 2016

Abstract: This study investigated the influence of job type (line or staff) on perceptions of management‐by‐objectives (MBO) effectiveness, goal commitment, and goal‐attainment behavior, as well as mediating effects of perceptions of MBO effectiveness and goal commitment and moderating effects of supervisor behavior. Participants were 152 employees of a factory that manufactures drugs for a Japanese pharmaceutical company. The primary duties of line personnel involved production. The duties of staff personnel who supported production included supplying materials and production planning. Results indicated that line personnel perceived MBO as a more effective system for improving individual performance and showed higher goal commitment and more active behavior related to goals than staff personnel. Although perception of MBO effectiveness was related to goal commitment, it had no mediating effect. Goal commitment mediated between job type and goal‐attainment behavior. Supervisors’ goal‐setting behavior had different positive effects on goal commitment and goal‐attainment behavior for those in line and staff positions. MBO was a better fit for line positions than staff positions. However, supervisor behavior increased goal‐attainment behavior in staff positions. The results indicated that it is important for supervisors in a business organization to operate a management system flexibly.
Development of protein, dietary fiber, and micronutrient enriched extruded corn snacks
Authors: Shah Faiz‐Ul‐Hassan , Sharif Mian Kamran , Butt Masood Sadiq , Shahid Muhammad
Published: September 2016

The study was aimed to develop protein, dietary fiber, and micronutrient enriched corn snacks through extrusion processing. Corn snacks supplemented with chickpea, defatted soy flour (20–40/100 g) and guar gum (7/100 g) were prepared through extrusion processing. Micronutrients (iron, zinc, iodine, and vitamins A, C, and folic acid) at recommended daily values were added in all formulations. Extruded corn snacks were analyzed for physical, textural, and sensory attributes. Results showed that piece density (0.34–0.44 g/cm3), moisture (3.40–5.25%), water activity (0.203–0.361), hardness (64.4–133.2 N), and cohesiveness (0.25–0.44) was increased Whereas, expansion ratio (3.72–2.64), springiness (0.82–0.69), chewiness (1.63–0.42), and resilience (1.37–0.14) was decreased as supplementation with soy and chickpea flour increased from 20 to 40/100 g. Overall corn snack supplemented with 15/100 g of soy and 15/100 g of chickpea flour got the highest acceptance from the sensory panelists.

Practical applications

The article focuses on physical, textural, and sensory attributes of extruded corn snacks enriched with protein, dietary fiber, and micronutrients Awareness about the importance of healthy snacks has grown among the consumers during the last decade. Extruded snacks developed using nutrient rich ingredients with good textural and sensory properties has always remained a challenge for the snack industry. Texture of the extruded snacks varies a lot with high levels of protein and dietary fiber. This study is helpful for the development of healthy snacks especially in developing countries lacking storage infrastructure or tropical environment. Nutrient rich extruded snacks can also be used to alleviate malnutrition by incorporating in school lunch programs.
Effects of slope aspect and topographic position on environmental variables, disturbance regime and tree community attributes in a seasonal tropical dry forest
Authors: Méndez‐Toribio Moisés , Meave Jorge A. , Zermeño‐Hernández Isela , Ibarra‐Manríquez Guillermo
Published: September 2016

Questions

What is the magnitude of the differences in environment and chronic human disturbance between contrasting slope aspects and topographic positions in a seasonally dry tropical forest? What is the effect of such topography‐related differences on composition, structure and diversity attributes of the tree community of this forest?

Location

Tziritzícuaro, Michoacán State, southern Mexico.

Methods

Vegetation was sampled in 36 100‐m2 plots evenly distributed among three topographic positions (lower, middle and upper parts of a slope) and two slope aspects (N‐ and S‐facing). Environment at these sites was described through modelling incoming solar radiation and in situ recording of temperature during 1 yr. Disturbance was visually assessed in the field to calculate a Chronic Disturbance Index. Vegetation structure and diversity were compared among the resulting combinations of slope and topographic position. PERMANOVA and CCA were used to examine the multivariate relationship among vegetation, topography and disturbance.

Results

Slope aspects and topographic positions differed in terms of annual mean temperature, potential energy income and evapotranspiration. Conversely, disturbance was not so clearly related to topography. Regarding vegetation structure, significant differences were only found for individual sizes and abundance; these values increased towards the upper portion of S‐facing slopes, but decreased with elevation in N‐facing slopes. Species diversity (S, Jacknife 1 and Fisherʼs α) was higher in S‐facing slopes and increased from lower to upper topographic positions. PERMANOVA showed that vegetation structure and diversity were influenced by topographic position (12.9%) and the interaction between soil moisture and chronic disturbance with slope aspect (8.2% and 8.3%, respectively). CCA showed that a modest proportion (21%) of variation in species composition is explained by the combination of environmental and disturbance variables.

Conclusions

Slope aspect and topographic position represent axes of environmental and disturbance differentiation. Although vegetation attributes respond to these ecological factors, they do not show homogeneous responses. Floristic composition is clearly linked to environmental heterogeneity, while structural attributes and α‐diversity appear to be more closely related to human disturbance and soil moisture, particularly on S‐facing slopes. Integrating environmental heterogeneity and human disturbance with topographic variability enhances our understanding of large variation in tree community attributes in seasonal dry tropical forests.
Community variation in wood density along a bioclimatic gradient on a hyper‐diverse tropical island
Authors: Ibanez Thomas , Chave Jérôme , Barrabé Laure , Elodie Blanchard , Boutreux Thomas , Trueba Santiago , Vandrot Hervé , Birnbaum Philippe
Published: September 2016

Aims

Analyse the controversial relationship existing between wood density, precipitation, temperature and aridity, and its importance in shaping forest communities facing drought.

Location

New Caledonia (SW Pacific).

Methods

We sampled wood density in 1580 trees belonging to 175 species across nine sites (eight 1‐ha plots) located in dry, mesic and humid forests. We tested whether wood density varied across species, communities and habitats, and depended on mean annual precipitation (MAP), mean annual temperature (MAT) and an aridity index (AI). We also tested whether the variations observed in community mean wood density (WDmean) and in wood density standard deviation differed from those obtained by a randomized species distribution across communities. We constructed a phylogenetic supertree at genus level and tested for the non‐random distribution of WDmean.

Results

We found that WDmean tended to increase with increasing aridity (i.e. decreasing MAP and increasing MAT) and was significantly higher than expected under randomized species distribution at the dry forest site only. However, some species with low wood density grew well at these dry sites. At genus level, wood density was not random within the phylogenetic supertree. Some lineages exhibiting higher wood density than expected by randomization were also the most represented at the dry sites.

Conclusions

Although we did not observe an environmental filter sensu stricto, aridity associated with a low MAP and a high MAT at the dry and mesic forest sites was likely to favour species with a high wood density. Our phylogenetic results suggested that species belonging to a few lineages exhibiting high wood density were likely to be adapted to drought, hence favoured by increasing drought.
Vegetation science in the age of big data
Authors: Collins Scott L.
Published: September 2016

The age of big data is poised to revolutionize vegetation science. As online resources continue to grow, vegetation ecologists will need a growing set of computational skills to advance vegetation science in the digital age. Two papers in this issue of the Journal of Vegetation Science (Wiser 2016, Sandel et al. 2016) illustrate the resources available and use of big data to explore challenging ecological questions.
Cranial morphology and taxonomic resolution of some dolphin taxa (Delphinidae) in Australian waters, with a focus on the genus Tursiops
Authors: Jedensjö Maria , Kemper Catherine M. , Krützen Michael
Published: September 2016

Phylogenetic relationships in the family Delphinidae have been widely debated. We examined 347 skulls of Tursiops, Stenella, Delphinus, Steno, Lagenodelphis, and Sousa in order to resolve the phylogenetic position of Australian species of Tursiops. Five Tursiops type specimens were included. Cranial morphology was described using 2‐dimensional (2‐D) and 3‐dimensional geometric morphometrics (3‐GM), counts and categorical data. Analyses showed a clear morphological separation of Tursiops, including type specimens, from other genera. The three Stenella species did not cluster together. Stenella attenuata clustered with Delphinus delphis, and Stenella coeruleoalba with Lagenodelphis hosei. Length and width of the skull and rostrum were important discriminators in both methods. For 3‐D data, round vs. angular posterior skull shape distinguished some genera. Taxa that overlapped in the multivariate analyses had different mean tooth counts. Our study challenges genetic studies that identified Tursiops as polyphyletic, with T. aduncus closer to S. attenuata.
Antifungal susceptibility of Candida species isolated from patients with candidemia in southern Taiwan, 2007–2012: impact of new antifungal breakpoints
Authors: Chen Yi‐Chun , Kuo Shu‐Fang , Chen Fang‐Ju , Lee Chen‐Hsiang
Published: September 2016

The Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) revised the clinical breakpoints (CBPs) for the azoles and echinocandins against Candida species in 2012. We aimed to report the epidemiology of candidemia and antifungal susceptibility of Candida species and evaluate the impact of new CBPs on antifungal susceptibility in our region. All blood isolates of Candida species were obtained from 2007 to 2012. The minimum inhibitory concentrations of fluconazole, voriconazole, echinocandins and flucytosine against Candida isolates were determined by Sensititre YeastOne system. Differences in susceptibility rates between the CBPs of previous and revised versions of CLSI were examined. Of 709 Candida isolates, the fluconazole‐susceptible rate was 96.5% in Candida albicans, 85.8% in Candida tropicalis and 92.1% in Candida parapsilosis by the revised CBPs. Compared with the susceptibility results by previous CBPs, the marked reductions in susceptibility of C. albicans, C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis to fluconazole, that of C. tropicalis and C. parapsilosis to voriconazole, that of C. tropicalis and Candida glabrata to anidulafungin and that of C. tropicalis, C. glabrata and Candida krusei to caspofungin by revised CBPs were found. In conclusion, Candida albicans and C. parapsilosis remain highly susceptible to fluconazole. The non‐susceptible rates of Candida species to azoles and echinocandins increase with interpretation by the revised CBPs.