bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new occurrence of ambient inclusion trails from the ~1900‐million‐year‐old Gunflint Formation, Ontario: nanocharacterization and testing of potential formation mechanisms
Authors: Wacey D. , Saunders M. , Kong C. , Kilburn M. R.
Published: May 2016

Ambient inclusion trails (AITs) are tubular microstructures thought to form when a microscopic mineral crystal is propelled through a fine‐grained rock matrix. Here, we report a new occurrence of AITs from a fossilized microbial mat within the 1878‐Ma Gunflint Formation, at Current River, Ontario. The AITs are 1–15 μm in diameter, have pyrite as the propelled crystal, are infilled with chlorite and have been propelled through a microquartz (chert) or chlorite matrix. AITs most commonly originate at the boundary between pyrite‐ and chlorite‐rich laminae and chert‐filled fenestrae, with pyrite crystals propelled into the fenestrae. A subset of AITs originate within the fenestrae, rooted either within the chert or within patches of chlorite. Sulphur isotope data (34S/32S) obtained in situ from AIT pyrite have a δ34S of −8.5 to +8.0 ‰, indicating a maximum of ~30 ‰ fractionation from Palaeoproterozoic seawater sulphate (δ34S ≈ +20 ‰). Organic carbon is common both at the outer margins of the fenestrae and in patches of chlorite where most AITs originate, and can be found in smaller quantities further along some AITs towards the terminal pyrite grain. We infer that pyrite crystals now found within the AITs formed via the action of heterotrophic sulphate‐reducing bacteria during early diagenesis within the microbial mat, as pore waters were becoming depleted in seawater sulphate. Gases derived from this process such as CO2 and H2S were partially trapped within the microbial mat, helping produce birds‐eye fenestrae, while rapid microquartz precipitation closed porosity. We propose that propulsion of the pyrite crystals to form AITs was driven by two complementary mechanisms during burial and low‐grade metamorphism: firstly, thermal decomposition of residual organic material providing CO2, and potentially CH4, as propulsive gases, plus organic acids to locally dissolve the microquartz matrix; and secondly, reactions involving clay minerals that potentially led to enhanced quartz solubility, plus increases in fluid and/or gas pressure during chlorite formation, with chlorite then infilling the AITs. This latter mechanism is novel and represents a possible way to generate AITs in environments lacking organic material.
Public Statistics and Private Experience: Varying Feedback Information in a Take-or-Pass Game
Authors: Danz David , Jehiel Philippe , Huck Steffen
Published: May 2016

We study how subjects in an experiment use different forms of public information about their opponents’ past behavior. In the absence of public information, subjects appear to use rather detailed statistics summarizing their private experiences. If they have additional public information, they make use of this information even if it is less precise than their own private statistics - except for very high stakes. Making public information more precise has two consequences: It is also used when the stakes are very high and it reduces the number of subjects who ignore any information - public and private. That is, precise public information crowds in the use of own information. Finally, our results shed some light on unraveling in centipede games.
Hemothorax caused by replacement of hemodialysis catheter: A case report
Authors: Zhang Wenbo , Liu Tao , Wang Xinling , Huo Yanhong , Jia Yingmin , Su Li , Liu Yuanyuan
Published: May 2016

Central venous catheters (CVC) are widely used in clinics to gain vascular access, but the risk and prevalence of catheter‐related complications remains a serious issue. We report a long‐term dialysis catheter accidentally inserted into the mediastinum via the right jugular vein in a hemodialysis patient. We also review complications associated with vascular catheterization and propose immediate therapeutic interventions for such cases.
Disrupted trabecular bone micro‐architecture in middle‐aged male HIV‐infected treated patients
Authors: Sellier P , Ostertag A , Collet C , Trout H , Champion K , Fernandez S , Lopes A , Morgand M , Clevenbergh P , Evans J , Souak S , de Vernejoul M‐C , Bergmann J‐F
Published: May 2016

Objectives

HIV‐infected individuals are at increased risk of incident fractures. Evaluation of trabecular bone micro‐architecture is an important tool to assess bone strength, but its use has not yet been reported in middle‐aged HIV‐infected male individuals. The aim of the study was to compare bone micro‐architecture between HIV‐infected and HIV‐uninfected men.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 53 HIV‐infected male individuals with a mean (± standard deviation) age of 49 ± 9 years who had been receiving antiretroviral therapy including tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) for at least 60 months were compared with 50 HIV‐uninfected male controls, matched for age and ethnic origin. We studied the volumetric bone density and micro‐architecture of the radius and tibia using high‐resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR‐p QCT).

Results

Volumetric trabecular bone density was 17% lower in the tibia (P < 10−4) and 16% lower in the radius (P < 10−3) in HIV‐infected patients compared with controls. By contrast, the cortical bone density was normal at both sites. The tibial trabecular micro‐architecture differed markedly between patients and controls: bone volume/total volume (BV/TV) and trabecular number were each 13% lower (P < 10−4 for both). Trabecular separation and inhomogeneity of the network were 18% and 24% higher in HIV‐infected patients than in controls, respectively. The radial BV/TV and trabecular thickness were each 13% lower (P < 10−3 and 10−2, respectively). Cortical thickness was not different between the two groups.

Conclusions

The findings of lower volumetric trabecular bone density and disrupted trabecular micro‐architectural parameters in middle‐aged male HIV‐infected treated patients help to explain bone frailty in these patients.
Preparation and purification of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitory peptides from hydrolysate of shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) shell waste
Authors: Feng Simin , Limwachiranon Jarukitt , Luo Zisheng , Shi Xudan , Ru Qiaomei
Published: May 2016

Angiotensin I‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from the shrimp shell waste (SSW) were isolated using different proteases. The orthogonal test results showed alcalase hydrolysates with ACE inhibitory activity of 67.07% under the optimal hydrolysis conditions of 60 °C hydrolysis temperature, pH = 9.5, 25 g L−1 substrate and 4000 U g−1 of enzyme, whereas neutral protease hydrolysates had an ACE inhibitory activity of 84.04% under the hydrolysis temperature of 50 °C at pH = 7.0 with 25 g L−1 of substrate and in the presence of 2000 U g−1 of enzyme. Neutral protease was more suitable for the production of ACE inhibitory peptides from SSW, where peptides with MW <5 kDa were recommended. The results of this study indicated that peptides obtained from SSW are as beneficial as antihypertension compounds in the functional food resources.
The effects of collaborative research‐based programming on public health nurses and their practice
Authors: Ishimaru Mina , Yamada Yoko , Matsushita Mitsuko , Umezu Mika
Published: May 2016

The study aim was to evaluate a collaborative research‐based program for public health nurses. The program was initiated by a college of nursing to address public health issues. Participants were 33 public health nurses who completed a questionnaire survey; data for 25 respondents were analyzed both quantitatively and qualitatively. To understand the experiences of nurses in depth, three group interviews were conducted with 14 nurses. Qualitative analysis revealed three major themes: (i) opportunities for learning from collaboration; (ii) developing competence of changes in practice; and (iii) openness to continuing practice improvement. Study participants reported practical changes and new openness to continued practice improvement. Thus, schools of nursing and public health nurses should welcome and invite opportunities to collaborate to address practice issues using research‐based information. Because changing practice can only occur step by step, nursing educators and practitioners should cultivate an environment that expands professional development and addresses practice improvement.
Meaning in Life: A conceptual model for disaster nursing practice
Authors: Noviana Uki , Miyazaki Misako , Ishimaru Mina
Published: May 2016

This study aimed to develop a conceptual model for understanding meaning in life (MIL) using respondents' quotations in the primary qualitative studies. The primary studies were selected from the PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES and CINAHL databases using keywords ‘meaning in life’, ‘meaning of life’, ‘purpose in life’ and ‘will to meaning’. Respondents' quotations in the primary studies were analysed interpretatively to identify MIL from the respondents' perspectives. The data were synthesized to integrate findings from 10 selected primary studies. The findings identified (i) six sources of MIL (e.g. having a significant others, having new experiences and performing spiritual activities); (ii) eight components of MIL (e.g. focusing on self, connecting to others, contributing to others and having a sense of direction and purpose); and (iii) the emotional outcomes of having MIL: happiness, satisfaction and joy. Through a discussion of the findings, a conceptual model of MIL emerged.
A reflection on information systems strategizing: the role of power and everyday practices
Authors: Marabelli Marco , Galliers Robert D.
Published: May 2016

We review the IS strategizing literature and highlight its main strengths and weaknesses. Strengths include an account given to the relevance of tensions between planned and executed strategy, and associated tradeoffs such as rigidity and flexibility, formal and informal strategizing and the exploitation of static resources vis à vis the exploration of novel capabilities. Weaknesses relate to a predominant focus on an organizational level of analysis and a lack of power considerations. In this paper we aim to build on these strengths and to ameliorate these weaknesses by proposing a comprehensive IS strategizing framework that uses extant IS strategizing research as a foundation, rejuvenated by insights from the emerging strategy‐as‐practice literature. The paper extends our understanding of IS strategizing in light of the practice perspective by providing a multilevel account and incorporating power considerations.
The roles of mood and conscientiousness in reporting of self‐committed errors on IT projects
Authors: Lee Hyung Koo , Keil Mark , Smith H. Jeff , Sarkar Sumantra
Published: May 2016

Over the past two decades, several studies have investigated the factors that lead to and away from individuals' reporting of truthful status information on IT projects. These studies have typically considered the reporting decisions of an individual who is aware of negative status information that is attributed to others' errors. These previous studies have seldom examined the situation in which the individual is considering whether to report information about his or her own self‐committed error on the project. In this study, we consider this largely unexamined phenomenon. In this context, we focus on the influences that different affective states and a personality trait (conscientiousness) can have on error reporting decisions. Specifically, we investigate how different moods (i.e. positive vs. negative) and conscientiousness can influence error reporting decisions in the context of an IT project. Based on the results from a controlled laboratory experiment, we find that individuals in a negative mood are more willing to report their errors compared to individuals in a positive mood. Conscientiousness also positively influences individuals' willingness to report errors, and it also has an indirect effect through cost–benefit differential (i.e. one's perceptions of benefits relative to costs). Additionally, mood is found to moderate the relationship between conscientiousness and willingness to report. We discuss the implication of our findings and directions for future research and for practice. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Ion‐Exchanged Lithium Aluminosilicate Glass: Strength and Dynamic Fatigue
Authors: Aaldenberg Emily M. , Lezzi Peter J. , Seaman Jared H. , Blanchet Thierry A. , Tomozawa Minoru
Published: May 2016

Sodium for lithium and potassium for lithium ion‐exchanges of a lithium aluminosilicate glass were conducted and the resulting strength and dynamic fatigue characteristics were studied. Four‐point bend mechanical tests revealed that greater strengthening can be achieved by the potassium for lithium ion‐exchange, compared to the sodium for lithium ion‐exchange, and that the dynamic fatigue tendency is strongly suppressed by both exchanges. This suppression of dynamic fatigue characteristics of ion‐exchange strengthened glass was explained by the ability of the surface compressive layer to delay the onset of slow crack growth. Bulk stresses continue to increase in magnitude while the crack is arrested in the surface compressive stress region. Upon offsetting the surface compressive stress, the crack rapidly propagates into a high‐magnitude tensile stress field until the fracture toughness is reached, resulting in minimal crack growth prior to material failure. A slow crack growth model utilizing a fracture mechanics weight function was developed to simulate the experiments. Dynamic fatigue characteristics of the as‐received glass, without ion‐exchange treatment, were also measured and simulated for comparison.
Genetically manipulated Brassica genotypes affect demography and performance of Diadegma semiclausum parasitizing Plutella xylostella
Authors: Nikooei M. , Fathipour Y. , Javaran M. Jalali , Soufbaf M.
Published: May 2016

The performance of Diadegma semiclausum (Hellen) (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) on Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) reared on canola's progenitor (Brassica rapa L.), two cultivated canola cultivars (Opera and RGS003), one hybrid (Hyula401), one gamma‐ray mutant‐RGS003 and one transgenic (PF) genotype was compared using the age‐stage, two‐sex life table parameters. All experiments were carried out in a growth chamber at 25 ± 1°C, 65 ± 5% RH and a photoperiod of 16 : 8 (L : D) h. There were significant differences in duration of different life stages of D. semiclausum on its host larvae reared on different plant genotypes. The shortest (12.27 days) and longest (15.21 days) pre‐adult developmental times were observed on cultivar‐RGS003 and hybrid‐Hyula401, respectively. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) in D. semiclausum ranged between 0.189/day (cultivar‐Opera) and 0.141/day (transgenic‐PF). Moreover, the highest (20.078 offspring) and lowest (12.027 offspring) net reproductive rates (R0) were observed on cultivar‐Opera and hybrid‐Hyula401. The mean generation time (T) of D. semiclausum was the highest (18.34 days) and lowest (15.05 days) on mutant‐RGS003 and cultivar‐RGS003. The maximum and minimum parasitism values of this parasitoid were observed on canola's progenitor (44.28%) and hybrid‐Hyula401 (37.09%). The heaviest pupae (3.82 mg) and females (3.22 mg) of the parasitoid were found on canola's progenitor and cultivar‐Opera, respectively. The results showed that performance of this parasitoid was better on canola's progenitor and cultivated plants known to have higher levels of glucosinolates concentration than others.
The effect of dietary Chlorella vulgaris supplementation on micro‐organism community, enzyme activities and fatty acid profile in the rumen liquid of goats
Authors: Tsiplakou E. , Abdullah M. A. M. , Skliros D. , Chatzikonstantinou M. , Flemetakis E. , Labrou N. , Zervas G.
Published: May 2016

Microalgae might be considered as an alternative source of fat and/or protein for ruminant's diets. However, changes in populations of ruminal micro‐organisms associated with biohydrogenation process, methane and ammonia production in response to microalgae dietary supplementation have not been well characterized. Thus, 16 cross‐bred goats were divided into two groups. Each goat of both groups was fed individually with alfalfa hay and concentrates separately. The concentrates of the control group had no microalgae while those of the treated group were supplemented with 10 g lyophilized Chlorella vulgaris/kg concentrate (chlor). On the 30th experimental day, samples of rumen fluid were collected for microbial DNA extraction, fatty acid profile and enzyme activity analyses. The results showed that the chlor diet compared with the control increased significantly the populations of Methanosphaera stadtmanae, Methanobrevibacter ruminantium and Methanogens bacteria and protozoa in the rumen of goats. A significant reduction in the cellulase activity and in the abundance of Ruminococcus albus, and a significant increase in the protease activity and in the abundance of Clostridium sticklandii in the rumen liquid of goats fed with the chlor diet, compared with the control, were found. Chlorella vulgaris supplementation promoted the formation of trans C18:1, trans‐11 C18:1 and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), while the proportions of C18:0 and long‐chain fatty acids (LCFA) reduced significantly in the rumen liquid of goats. This shift in ruminal biohydrogenation pathway was accompanied by a significant increase in Butyrivibrio fibrisolvens trans C18:1‐producing bacteria. In conclusion, the supplementation of diets with microalgae needs further investigation because it enhances the populations of methane‐producing bacteria and protozoa.
A Quantitative Examination of School Leadership and Response to Intervention
Authors: Maier Michael P. , Pate James L. , Gibson Nicole M. , Hilgert Larry , Hull Karla , Campbell Patti C.
Published: May 2016

This study sought to provide educational researchers, policy‐makers, and professionals with quantitative data on the status of RTI implementation, as well as on which leadership behaviors have been associated with successful implementation. School psychologists and other RTI professionals rated their schools on RTI implementation using the RTI Essential Components Integrity Rubric and rated their school principals on leadership style using the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire 5X. Descriptive data indicate that while schools have made progress, they have fallen far short of having fully implemented the RTI model. Multiple regression analysis identified transformational leadership as the predictive factor for RTI implementation, highlighting the importance of effective school leadership for this model.
Punishing Sex: Sex Offenders and the Missing Punitive Turn in Sexuality Studies
Authors: Hoppe Trevor
Published: May 2016

At precisely the same time that gay and lesbian activists were securing marriage rights for same-sex couples nationwide, courts and “tough on crime” state legislatures were devising new ways to regulate sex. Despite recent estimates that over 750,000 Americans are registered sex offenders, few sexuality scholars have examined the growth of punitive policies regulating sex offenders. In this article, I draw on a unique set of data on the population of sex offenders in the United States to analyze: (1) whether recent trends in sex offender registration mirror those of corrections more generally, and (2) whether these policies disproportionally impact racial minorities. Findings reveal that sex offender registries grew dramatically between 2005 and 2013; that this growth is out of step with concurrent trends in corrections; and that black communities are disproportionately impacted. I conclude by considering whether these data reveal a new mode of “governing through crime” specifically targeting sex.

It might as well be admitted that sex is a disgrace.

Michael Warner (1999)

There is a big secret about sex: most people don't like it.

Leo Bersani (1987)
Achieving behaviour change at scale: Alive & Thrive's infant and young child feeding programme in Bangladesh
Authors: Sanghvi Tina , Haque Raisul , Roy Sumitro , Afsana Kaosar , Seidel Renata , Islam Sanjeeda , Jimerson Ann , Baker Jean
Published: May 2016

The Alive & Thrive programme scaled up infant and young child feeding interventions in Bangladesh from 2010 to 2014. In all, 8.5 million mothers benefited. Approaches – including improved counselling by frontline health workers during home visits; community mobilization; mass media campaigns reaching mothers, fathers and opinion leaders; and policy advocacy – led to rapid and significant improvements in key practices related to breastfeeding and complementary feeding. (Evaluation results are forthcoming.) Intervention design was based on extensive formative research and behaviour change theory and principles and was tailored to the local context. The programme focused on small, achievable actions for key audience segments identified through rigorous testing. Promotion strategies took into account underlying behavioural determinants and reached a high per cent of the priority groups through repeated contacts. Community volunteers received monetary incentives for mothers in their areas who practised recommended behaviours. Programme monitoring, midterm surveys and additional small studies to answer questions led to ongoing adjustments. Scale‐up was achieved through streamlining of tools and strategies, government branding, phased expansion through BRAC – a local non‐governmental implementing partner with an extensive community‐based platform – and nationwide mainstreaming through multiple non‐governmental organization and government programmes.

Key messages

Well‐designed and well‐implemented large‐scale interventions that combine interpersonal counselling, community mobilization, advocacy, mass communication and strategic use of data have great potential to improve IYCF practices rapidly.

Formative research and ongoing studies are essential to tailor strategies to the local context and to the perspectives of mothers, family members, influential community members and policymakers. Continued use of data to adjust programme elements is also central to the process.

Scale‐up can be facilitated through strategic selection of partners with existing community‐based platforms and through mass media, where a high proportion of the target audience can be reached through communication channels such as broadcast media.

Sustaining the impacts will involve commitments from government and capacity building. The next step for capacity building would involve understanding barriers and constraints and then coming up with appropriate strategies to address them. One of the limitations we experienced was rapid transition of staff in key positions of implementing agencies, in government leadership, donors and other stakeholders. There was a need for continued advocacy, orientation and teaching related to strategic programme design, behaviour change, effective implementation and use of data.
Telomere length reveals cumulative individual and transgenerational inbreeding effects in a passerine bird
Authors: Bebbington Kat , Spurgin Lewis G. , Fairfield Eleanor A. , Dugdale Hannah L. , Komdeur Jan , Burke Terry , Richardson David S.
Published: May 2016

Inbreeding results in more homozygous offspring that should suffer reduced fitness, but it can be difficult to quantify these costs for several reasons. First, inbreeding depression may vary with ecological or physiological stress and only be detectable over long time periods. Second, parental homozygosity may indirectly affect offspring fitness, thus confounding analyses that consider offspring homozygosity alone. Finally, measurement of inbreeding coefficients, survival and reproductive success may often be too crude to detect inbreeding costs in wild populations. Telomere length provides a more precise measure of somatic costs, predicts survival in many species and should reflect differences in somatic condition that result from varying ability to cope with environmental stressors. We studied relative telomere length in a wild population of Seychelles warblers (Acrocephalus sechellensis) to assess the lifelong relationship between individual homozygosity, which reflects genome‐wide inbreeding in this species, and telomere length. In juveniles, individual homozygosity was negatively associated with telomere length in poor seasons. In adults, individual homozygosity was consistently negatively related to telomere length, suggesting the accumulation of inbreeding depression during life. Maternal homozygosity also negatively predicted offspring telomere length. Our results show that somatic inbreeding costs are environmentally dependent at certain life stages but may accumulate throughout life.
Chronic kidney disease in Asia: Protocol for a collaborative overview
Authors: Liyanage Thaminda , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Perkovic Vlado , Woodward Mark , Stirnadel‐Farrant Heide , Matsushita Kunihiro , Iseki Kunitoshi , Seong Hooi Lai , Monaghan Helen , Jha Vivekanand
Published: May 2016

Aim

The burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is growing rapidly around the world. However, there is limited information on the overall regional prevalence of CKD, as well as the prognostic implications and treatment patterns in Asian region. We have established the Asian Renal Collaboration (ARC) with the goal of consolidating region‐wide data regarding CKD.

Methods

This collaborative project will synthesize data and perform meta‐analyses of observational studies conducted in Asia. Studies will be identified through a systematic literature search including abstracts, proceedings of meetings, electronic databases such as MEDLINE and EMBASE. Personal enquiry among collaborators and experts in the region will identify additional studies, or other data sources such as registries. Both cross‐sectional and longitudinal studies that describe the prevalence of CKD and its complications will be included, as will longitudinal studies that describe important clinical outcomes for people with CKD. Individual participant data will be sought, where possible, from each of the studies included in the collaboration for baseline parameters and subsequent outcomes, in order to maximize flexibility and consistency of data analyses.

Conclusions

This study is an initiative offering a unique opportunity to obtain information about the prevalence and manifestations of CKD in Asia, as well as its risk factors. The ARC will also provide insights into important outcomes including progression of CKD, CKD complications, cardiovascular disease and death. These findings will improve our understanding of kidney disease in Asia, and thus help inform service provision, preventive care and further research across the region.
Management of iron overload in hemoglobinopathies: what is the appropriate target iron level?
Authors: Coates Thomas D. , Carson Susan , Wood John C. , Berdoukas Vasilios
Published: May 2016

Patients with thalassemia become iron overloaded from increased absorption of iron, ineffective erythropoiesis, and chronic transfusion. Before effective iron chelation became available, thalassemia major patients died of iron‐related cardiac failure in the second decade of life. Initial treatment goals for chelation therapy were aimed at levels of ferritin and liver iron concentrations associated with prevention of adverse cardiac outcomes and avoidance of chelator toxicity. Cardiac deaths were greatly reduced and survival was much longer. Epidemiological data from the general population draw clear associations between increased transferrin saturation (and, by inference, labile iron) and early death, diabetes, and malignant transformation. The rate of cancers now seems to be significantly higher in thalassemia than in the general population. Reduction in iron can reverse many of these complications and reduce the risk of malignancy. As toxicity can result from prolonged exposure to even low levels of excess iron, and survival in thalassemia patients is now many decades, it would seem prudent to refocus attention on prevention of long‐term complications of iron overload and to maintain labile iron and total body iron levels within a normal range, if expertise and resources are available to avoid complications of overtreatment.
Current recommendations for chelation for transfusion‐dependent thalassemia
Authors: Kwiatkowski Janet L.
Published: May 2016

Regular red cell transfusions used to treat thalassemia cause iron loading that must be treated with chelation therapy. Morbidity and mortality in thalassemia major are closely linked to the adequacy of chelation. Chelation therapy removes accumulated iron and detoxifies iron, which can prevent and reverse much of the iron‐mediated organ injury. Currently, three chelators are commercially available––deferoxamine, deferasirox, and deferiprone––and each can be used as monotherapy or in combination. Close monitoring of hepatic and cardiac iron burden is central to tailoring chelation. Other factors, including properties of the individual chelators, ongoing transfusional iron burden, and patient preference, must be considered. Monotherapy generally is utilized if the iron burden is in an acceptable or near‐acceptable range and the dose is adjusted accordingly. Combination chelation often is employed for patients with high iron burden, iron‐related organ injury, or where adverse effects of chelators preclude administration of an appropriate chelator dose. The combination of deferoxamine and deferiprone is the best studied, but increasing data are available on the safety and efficacy of newer chelator combinations, including deferasirox with deferoxamine and the oral‐only combination of deferasirox with deferiprone. The expanding chelation repertoire should enable better control of iron burden and improved outcomes.
Altered metabolite accumulation in tomato fruits by coexpressing a feedback‐insensitive AroG and the PhODO1 MYB‐type transcription factor
Authors: Xie Qingjun , Liu Zhongyuan , Meir Sagit , Rogachev Ilana , Aharoni Asaph , Klee Harry J. , Galili Gad
Published: May 2016

Targeted manipulation of phenylalanine (Phe) synthesis is a potentially powerful strategy to boost biologically and economically important metabolites, including phenylpropanoids, aromatic volatiles and other specialized plant metabolites. Here, we use two transgenes to significantly increase the levels of aromatic amino acids, tomato flavour‐associated volatiles and antioxidant phenylpropanoids. Overexpression of the petunia MYB transcript factor, ODORANT1 (ODO1), combined with expression of a feedback‐insensitive E. coli 3‐deoxy‐D‐arabino‐heptulosonate 7‐phosphate synthase (AroG), altered the levels of multiple primary and secondary metabolites in tomato fruit, boosting levels of multiple secondary metabolites. Our results indicate that coexpression of AroG and ODO1 has a dual effect on Phe and related biosynthetic pathways: (i) positively impacting tyrosine (Tyr) and antioxidant related metabolites, including ones derived from coumaric acid and ferulic acid; (ii) negatively impacting other downstream secondary metabolites of the Phe pathway, including kaempferol‐, naringenin‐ and quercetin‐derived metabolites, as well as aromatic volatiles. The metabolite profiles were distinct from those obtained with either single transgene. In addition to providing fruits that are increased in flavour and nutritional chemicals, coexpression of the two genes provides insights into regulation of branches of phenylpropanoid metabolic pathways.
Comparison of suitable protein measurement for Thalassiosira weissflogii (Bacillariophyta) and Tetraselmis chuii (Chlorophyta)
Authors: Chotipan Ninlawan , Boonrungsiman Suwimon , Direkbusarakom Sataporn
Published: May 2016

To perform effective measurement of the protein contents, it is necessary to apply the most suitable extraction technique. We compared protein extraction techniques for two microalgal species with entirely different cell wall structures, such as diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii and green flagellate Tetraselmis chuii, using mechanical, physical, and chemical extraction methods. Our results showed that in Th. weissflogii, the control treatment without extraction and mechanical disruption using ultrasonication was sufficient to disrupt its brittle cell wall, resulting in the protein yield of 19.03 and 19.46% of dry weight (DW), respectively. In case of Te. chuii, the chemical extraction using 6% trichloroacetic acid at 95°C was the most suitable extraction method, resulting in the protein yield of 23.78% of DW. Therefore, the most suitable extraction technique must be individually selected for each species depending on their cell wall properties.
Reward positivity: Reward prediction error or salience prediction error?
Authors: Heydari Sepideh , Holroyd Clay B.
Published: May 2016

The reward positivity is a component of the human ERP elicited by feedback stimuli in trial‐and‐error learning and guessing tasks. A prominent theory holds that the reward positivity reflects a reward prediction error signal that is sensitive to outcome valence, being larger for unexpected positive events relative to unexpected negative events (Holroyd & Coles, 2002). Although the theory has found substantial empirical support, most of these studies have utilized either monetary or performance feedback to test the hypothesis. However, in apparent contradiction to the theory, a recent study found that unexpected physical punishments also elicit the reward positivity (Talmi, Atkinson, & El‐Deredy, 2013). The authors of this report argued that the reward positivity reflects a salience prediction error rather than a reward prediction error. To investigate this finding further, in the present study participants navigated a virtual T maze and received feedback on each trial under two conditions. In a reward condition, the feedback indicated that they would either receive a monetary reward or not and in a punishment condition the feedback indicated that they would receive a small shock or not. We found that the feedback stimuli elicited a typical reward positivity in the reward condition and an apparently delayed reward positivity in the punishment condition. Importantly, this signal was more positive to the stimuli that predicted the omission of a possible punishment relative to stimuli that predicted a forthcoming punishment, which is inconsistent with the salience hypothesis.
Government Communication Effectiveness and Satisfaction with Police Performance: A Large‐Scale Survey Study
Authors: Ho Alfred Tat‐Kei , Cho Wonhyuk
Published: May 2016

For the last two decades, performance management theories and practices have focused on outcome‐oriented management but have paid little attention to the role of public communication. Using multiple large data sets from Kansas City, Missouri, for 2009–14, this research suggests that the perceived effectiveness of public communication has a more substantial impact on public satisfaction with police protection and crime prevention than neighborhood crime rates and broken windows factors and that perceived effectiveness moderates the negative impact of crime rates. After controlling for residents’ demographic characteristics, the authors find that the perceived effectiveness of communication is associated with public satisfaction with the content and quality of the city website and the government television channel. The implications for public safety management and police–citizen relations as well as directions for future research on public communication strategies and public performance management are presented.
Response of soil microbial biomass and activity in early restored lands in the northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest
Authors: Martucci do Couto Gabriela , Eisenhauer Nico , Batista de Oliveira Everson , Cesarz Simone , Patriota Feliciano Ana Lícia , Marangon Luiz C.
Published: May 2016

Intensive land use of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest accelerated with the rise of sugar cane plantations in the northeastern part of Brazil. Consequently, many ecosystems were destroyed, including riparian forests. The number of studies of riparian restoration has increased but comparative studies on the belowground effects of common reforestation strategies are rare. Here, we compared soil microbial properties among four different land use types: native rainforest, sugar cane plantation, single species reforestation, and mixed species reforestation, each replicated at two spatially independent sites. Soil samples were taken in 2013 and 2014, that is 2 and 3 years after reforestation, respectively. In both years, land use types had a significant effect on basal respiration, microbial biomass, and specific respiration (whereas specific respiration was marginally affected in 2014). In 2013, basal respiration in sugar cane plantations was significantly lower (−65%) when compared to native forests. In 2014, basal respiration (+60%) and soil microbial biomass (+90%) were significantly higher in mixed species reforestation compared to sugar cane, whereas single species reforestation had comparable values as in sugar cane plantations. Our results indicate that soil microbial biomass and activity respond rapidly to land use change when mixed species reforestation is used. Thus, using mixed species reforestation may enhance the provisioning of ecosystem services already in the short term.
Use of shelter tubes, grass‐specific herbicide, and herbivore exclosures to reduce stressors and improve restoration of semiarid thornscrub forests
Authors: Dick Krysten , Alexander Heather D. , Moczygemba Jonathan D.
Published: May 2016

In semiarid south Texas, land conversion has reduced thornscrub forests by greater than 95%, and stressors, including competition with invasive grasses, mammalian herbivory, and drought, threaten the success of restoration efforts. This study assessed the effectiveness of multiple restoration treatments aimed at improving survival and growth of thornscrub forest seedlings planted in old agricultural fields. In January 2013, we treated greater than 1,100 seedlings with grass‐specific herbicide, herbivore exclosures, and shelter tubes, used separately or combined. We further evaluated the effects of shelter tube duration (0, 6, 12, and 18 months). For each seedling, we quantified surrounding invasive grass cover, browse intensity, height, and basal diameter every 4 months until September 2014. Herbicide application decreased invasive grass cover approximately 5‐fold and increased seedling survival (23%) and basal diameter (26%). Shelter tube application for 12 and 18 months increased seedling survival (10%) and height (43 and 74%, respectively), whereas seedlings treated with tubes for only 6 months performed similar to those left untreated. Exclosures had no impact on seedling survival but increased seedling height (23%) and basal diameter (26%). We found no significant interactive effects of treatments. Overall, herbicide most effectively increased seedling survival and basal diameter growth, whereas shelter tubes proved most useful for promoting height growth. Combined, these treatments increased implementation and maintenance costs 2‐fold, but minimized seedling mortality and maximized restoration potential. These findings highlight the necessity of post‐planting seedling management to reduce stress from invasive grasses, mammalian herbivory, and drought and improve restoration potential in semiarid thornscrub forests.
Prestoration: using species in restoration that will persist now and into the future
Authors: Butterfield Bradley J. , Copeland Stella M. , Munson Seth M. , Roybal Carla M. , Wood Troy E.
Published: May 2016

Climate change presents new challenges for selecting species for restoration. If migration fails to keep pace with climate change, as models predict, the most suitable sources for restoration may not occur locally at all. To address this issue, we propose a strategy of “prestoration”: utilizing species in restoration for which a site represents suitable habitat now and into the future. Using the Colorado Plateau, United States, as a case study, we assess the ability of grass species currently used regionally in restoration to persist into the future using projections of ecological niche models (or climate envelope models) across a suite of climate change scenarios. We then present a technique for identifying new species that best compensate for future losses of suitable habitat by current target species. We found that the current suite of species, selected by a group of experts, is predicted to perform reasonably well in the short term, but that losses of prestorable habitat by mid‐century would approach 40%. Using an algorithm to identify additional species, we found that fewer than 10 species could compensate for nearly all of the losses incurred by the current target species. This case study highlights the utility of integrating ecological niche modeling and future climate forecasts to predict the utility of species in restoring under climate change across a wide range of spatial and temporal scales.
Bile acids induce activation of alveolar epithelial cells and lung fibroblasts through farnesoid X receptor‐dependent and independent pathways
Authors: Chen Bi , Cai Hou‐Rong , Xue Shan , You Wen‐Jie , Liu Bin , Jiang Han‐Dong
Published: May 2016

Background and objective

The roles of bile acid microaspiration and bile acid‐activated farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in the pathogenesis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) remain unclear. We hypothesized that bile acids activate alveolar epithelial cells (AECs) and lung fibroblasts, which may be regulated by FXR activation.

Methods

Human AECs and normal or IPF‐derived lung fibroblast cells were incubated with the three major bile acids: lithocholic acid (LCA), deoxycholic acid (DCA) and chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA). The AECs injury indices, epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and lung fibroblast activation were evaluated. FXR expression in IPF lungs and the roles of FXR and FXR‐independent pathways in bile acid‐induced profibrotic effects were also investigated.

Results

LCA, DCA and CDCA reduced cell viability and increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in A549 cells. They all induced EMT, as shown by enhanced α‐SMA and vimentin and decreased E‐cadherin levels. LCA directly induced differentiation of lung fibroblasts to myofibroblasts. All three bile acids promoted cellular migration but not proliferation of lung fibroblasts. FXR expression was upregulated in IPF lungs, and inhibition of FXR restrained the bile acid‐induced EMT and lung fibroblast activation. Differentiation and proliferation were enhanced in lung fibroblasts exposed to conditioned medium from bile acid‐stimulated A549 cells, which contained increased levels of profibrotic factors. TGF‐β/Smad3 signaling was also involved in the bile acid‐induced EMT and lung fibroblast differentiation.

Conclusion

Bile acid microaspiration may promote the development of pulmonary fibrosis by inducing activation of AECs and lung fibroblasts via FXR‐dependent and independent pathways.
Landing strategies focusing on the control of tibial rotation in the initial contact period of one‐leg forward hops
Authors: Chen W.‐L. , Chen Y.‐T. , Huang S.‐Y. , Yang C.‐Y. , Wu C.‐D. , Chang C.‐W.
Published: May 2016

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) surgeries successfully restore anterior tibial translation but not tibial rotation. This study aimed to explore landing strategies focusing on the control of tibial rotation at landing when the ACL is most vulnerable. Three groups of male subjects (50 ACLRs, 26 basketball players, and 31 controls) participated in one‐leg forward hop tests for determining the tibial rotatory landing strategies adopted during the initial landing phase. The differences in knee kinematics and muscle activities between internal and external tibial rotatory (ITR, ETR) landing strategies were examined. A higher proportion of basketball players (34.6%) were found to adopt ITR strategies (controls: 6.5%), exhibiting significantly greater hopping distance and knee strength. After adjusting for hopping distance, subjects adopting ITR strategies were found to hop faster with straighter knees at foot contact and with greater ITR and less knee adduction angular displacement during the initial landing phase. However, significantly greater angular displacement in knee flexion, greater medial hamstring activities, and greater co‐contraction index of hamstrings and medial knee muscles were also found during initial landing. Our results support the importance of the recruitments of medial hamstrings or the local co‐contraction in assisting the rotatory control of the knee during initial landing for avoiding ACL injuries.
Ultraviolet B irradiation in the prevention of alloimmunization in a dog platelet transfusion model
Authors: Slichter Sherrill J. , Abrams Kraig , Gettinger Irena , Christoffel Todd , Gaur Lakshmi , Latchman Yvette , Nelson Karen , Pellham Esther , Bailey S. Lawrence , Bolgiano Doug
Published: May 2016

BACKGROUND

Alloimmune platelet (PLT) refractoriness remains a significant problem for chronically transfused patients with thrombocytopenia.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In a dog PLT transfusion model, we evaluated ultraviolet B irradiation (UV‐B) of donor PLTs—either alone or in combination with centrifuge leukoreduction (C‐LR) or filtration leukoreduction (F‐LR)—to prevent refractoriness to donor PLTs and to induce tolerance to standard (STD) PLTs from the same donor or to tertiary donors.

RESULTS

Recipient acceptance rates for C‐LR donor PLT transfusions were 14%, F‐LR were 33%, and UV‐B irradiated were 45% with no significant differences among the treatments given to the donor's PLTs. Adding UV‐B irradiation to C‐LR or F‐LR PLTs increased acceptance rates to 50 and 68% (p = 0.02 and p = 0.05), respectively, comparing single treatments to the combined treatments. After a recipient had accepted any type of UV‐B–treated donor PLTs, specific tolerance to subsequent transfusions of the same donor's STD PLTs averaged 65%. Nonspecific tolerance to third‐party donor's STD PLTs averaged 36% if they had accepted their initial donor's treated PLTs but was only 4% (p < 0.001) if they had rejected these PLTs.

CONCLUSION

Combining UV‐B irradiation with a method of leukoreduction produces additive effects on prevention of alloimmune PLT refractoriness.