bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Past Management Spurs Differential Plant Communities within a Giant Single-Clone Aspen Forest
Authors: Rogers Paul C. , Šebesta Jan
Published: December 2019

Sustainable aspen ecosystems hold great promise for global biodiversity conservation. These forests harbor relatively high species diversity, yet are threatened by fire suppression, land development, timber-focused management, extended droughts, and chronic herbivory. “Pando” is a high-profile quaking aspen (Populus tremuloides) forest in Utah, USA which is putatively the ‘largest living organism on earth.’ Pando comprises an estimated 47,000 genetically identical stems, but is threatened by human impacts. Our interest in the present study is whether changes to the giant organism were affecting understorey vegetation and whether discrete zones are displaying divergent community compositions. For instance, recent research has demonstrated strong herbivory impacts that are affecting portions of Pando differentially. This study consists of 20 randomly distributed vegetation survey plots within three de facto management regimes (hereafter, management group or type) along an herbivory protection gradient: No Fence, 2013 Fence (total protection), and 2014 Fence (imperfect protection). The plant survey was supplemented by previously-established forest and herbivore measurements to test for community assemblage explanatory agents. Sixty-eight species were found across the entire study. Analyses indicated strong links between management group orientation, species assemblages, and tree density/canopy openings. We found distinct evidence that within management group species composition was more similar than across groups for two of the three pairings. However, the other pairing, the most successfully protected area and the completely unprotected area, was not statistically distinct; likely a result a deteriorating overstorey in these two areas, whereas the third management type (2014 Fence) exhibited higher canopy cover. Indicator species analysis found that a small group of plant species had statistical allegiances to specific management groups, suggesting resource preference selection within Pando. Ordination analysis searching for causal factors reached two broad conclusions: (1) aspen regeneration, and therefore long-term resilience, is being negatively affected by chronic animal browsing and (2) current understorey species diversity is highest where forest canopy gaps are abundant. Future research at the massive Pando clone will continue informing linkages between understorey communities and overstorey-driven ecological pathways.
Leaf Physiological Responses to Drought Stress and Community Assembly in an Asian Savanna
Authors: Nguyen Thuy T. , Arndt Stefan K. , Baker Patrick J.
Published: December 2019

Deciduous dipterocarp forest (DDF) is the most extensive forest type in continental Southeast Asia, but across much of its range is functionally more similar to tropical savannas than tropical forests. We investigated water relations and drought responses of the four dominant tree species (two Shorea and two Dipterocarpus species) of the DDF in central Vietnam to determine how they responded to prolonged periods of drought stress. We quantified leaf water relations in nursery- and field-grown seedlings of the four species and conducted a dry-down experiment on 258 seedlings to study leaf water potential and morphological responses of the seedlings following the drought stress. The two Shorea and two Dipterocarpus species differed significantly in leaf water potential at turgor loss point and osmotic potential at full turgor, but they showed similar responses to drought stress. All species shed leaves and suffered from stem loss when exposed to water potentials lower than their turgor loss point (approximately −1.7 MPa for Dipterocarpus and −2.6 MPa for Shorea species). Upon rewatering, all species resprouted vigorously regardless of the degree of leaf or stem loss, resulting in only 2% whole-plant mortality rate. Our results suggest that none of the four deciduous dipterocarp species is drought tolerant in terms of their water relations; instead, they employ drought-adaptive strategies such as leaf shedding and vigorous resprouting. Given that all species showed similar drought avoidance and drought-adaptive strategies, it is unlikely that seasonal drought directly influences the patterns of species assembly in the DDF of Southeast Asia.
Future Climate Change Will Have a Positive Effect on Populus davidiana in China
Authors: Li Jie , Liu Guan , Lu Qi , Zhang Yanru , Li Guoqing , Du Sheng
Published: December 2019

Since climate change significantly affects global biodiversity, a reasonable assessment of the vulnerability of species in response to climate change is crucial for conservation. Most existing methods estimate the impact of climate change on the vulnerability of species by projecting the change of a species’ distribution range. This single-component evaluation ignores the impact of other components on vulnerability. In this study, Populus davidiana (David’s aspen), a tree species widely used in afforestation projects, was selected as the research subject under four future climate change scenarios (representative concentration pathway (RCP)2.6, RCP4.5, RCP6.0, and RCP8.5). Exposure components of range change as well as the degree of fragmentation, degree of human disturbance, and degree of protection were considered simultaneously. Then, a multicomponent vulnerability index was established to assess the effect of future climate change on the vulnerability of P. davidiana in China. The results show that the distribution range of P. davidiana will expand to the northwest of China under future climate change scenarios, which will lead to an increased degree of protection and a decreased degree of human disturbance, and hardly any change in the degree of fragmentation. The multicomponent vulnerability index values of P. davidiana under the four emission scenarios are all positive by 2070, ranging from 14.05 to 38.18, which fully indicates that future climate change will be conducive to the survival of P. davidiana. This study provides a reference for the development of conservation strategies for the species as well as a methodological case study for multicomponent assessment of species vulnerability to future climate change.
Economic Valuation of Conservation of Inholdings in Protected Areas for the Institution of Payments for Ecosystem Services
Authors: Oh Chi-Ok , Lee Sangkwon , Kim Hyun No
Published: December 2019

Ecosystem services, as public goods, are often undersupplied because private markets do not fully take into account the social cost of production. To alleviate the concern about this imbalance situation, payments for ecosystem services (PES) have emerged as a preferable alternative. While temples in Korea have owned a considerable part of the national parks, a PES approach can be used as a viable option to alleviate the conflicts among visitors, non-visitors, and temples. The purpose of this paper is to assess the economic values of ecosystem services provided by temple forests as a compensation mechanism. Using a contingent valuation method, an online survey was conducted with 1000 respondents. Study results showed that the economic benefits of the conservation of temple forests were estimated to be substantial, ranging from ₩5980 (US $5.42) to ₩7709 ($7.08) per household per year. The results also confirmed the effects of social factors such as individuals’ trust in the government’s environmental policies and importance on the conservation of temples’ cultural and religious values on the willingness to pay. With a growing interest in securing ecosystem services through a PES approach, estimating economic benefits of the conservation of inholdings in public protected areas will be a valuable piece of information as an important policy decision-making tool.
A Dual Hollow Core Antiresonant Optical Fiber Coupler Based on a Highly Birefringent Structure-Numerical Design and Analysis
Authors: Stawska Hanna Izabela , Popenda Maciej Andrzej
Published: December 2019

With the growing interest in hollow-core antiresonant fibers (HC-ARF), attributed to the development of their fabrication technology, the appearance of more sophisticated structures is understandable. One of the recently advancing concepts is that of dual hollow-core antiresonant fibers, which have the potential to be used as optical fiber couplers. In the following paper, a design of a dual hollow-core antiresonant fiber (DHC-ARF) acting as a polarization fiber coupler is presented. The structure is based on a highly birefringent hollow-core fiber design, which is proven to be a promising solution for the purpose of propagation of polarized signals. The design of an optimized DHC-ARF with asymmetrical cores is proposed, together with analysis of its essential coupling parameters, such as the extinction ratio, coupling length ratio, and coupling strength. The latter two for the x- and y-polarized signals were ~2 and 1, respectively, while the optical losses were below 0.3 dB/cm in the 1500–1700 nm transmission band.
Dwarf Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) Contains Datable Fire Scars that Complement an Existing Fire History
Authors: Saladyga Thomas
Published: December 2019

Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica) is a “consummate subordinate” hardwood tree species consigned to the mid-canopy of many eastern North American forests. Despite its wide distribution and ecological amplitude, blackgum is an underutilized tree species in fire history reconstructions within its range. In this study, I analyzed cross-section samples collected from 19 fire-scarred blackgum trees at a dry, nutrient-poor ridgetop study area in northeastern Pennsylvania. All but two of these samples were successfully crossdated, each containing between one and six fire scars. Fires recorded by blackgum occurred frequently, with site-level mean fire intervals between approximately three and five years. There was an increase in blackgum growth within two years following fire events, but this increase was not statistically significant and it was dependent on local fire regime characteristics. In addition, the blackgum fire-scar data increased the temporal and spatial resolution of an existing local fire history. These results provide evidence for the potential use of blackgum in fire history reconstructions, but applications may be limited by tree age, complacent growth that prevents crossdating, and the degree of rot resistance after scarring.
Soy Preparations Are Potentially Dangerous Factors in the Course of a Food Allergy
Authors: Jędrusek-Golińska Anna , Piasecka-Kwiatkowska Dorota , Zielińska Paulina , Zielińska-Dawidziak Magdalena , Szymandera-Buszka Krystyna , Hęś Marzanna
Published: December 2019

The special properties of soy preparations make them common additives for food production and can be dangerous for sensitive individuals. Our aim was to check consumers’ awareness of potential risks of soy preparations added to numerous food products, depending on respondents’ education, and to evaluate immunoreactive properties of chosen soy preparations. A personal questionnaire was used. Respondents (n = 251) were aged 23–28 years old, lived in Poland, and were graduates or students in their last year of food technology, medicine, and university of technology. The slot blot and Western blotting methods were used to mark immunoreactivity of soy preparations. It was shown that most respondents often or usually read labels of food products they buy. The surveyed indicated protein is the allergenic component in soy. Almost half of them were of the opinion that hydrolysis removes the allergenic properties of soy. Most of the medical students surveyed thought that people allergic to soy may consume products that contain soy preparations. The analytical results indicated that soy preparation contained protein fractions that were immunoreactive with sera of allergenic patients. It was proven that preparations, even hydrolysates, contain immunoreactive proteins that may be the source of hidden allergens, even though they are not recognized as dangerous by well-educated respondents.
Influence of Zinc Feeding on Nutritional Quality, Oxidative Stability and Volatile Profile of Fresh and Ripened Ewes’ Milk Cheese
Authors: Martino Camillo , Ianni Andrea , Grotta Lisa , Pomilio Francesco , Martino Giuseppe
Published: December 2019

Zinc represents a ubiquitous element in cells with relevant roles in the metabolism of essential nutrients in animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary zinc supplementation on nutritional and aromatic properties of milk and Pecorino cheeses obtained from lactating ewes. Fifty-two commercial ewes were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group was fed with a conventional complete diet, while the experimental group received a daily supplementation of 375 mg/head of zinc oxide. At the end of the trial, which lasted 30 days, samples of milk and related cheese were collected in order to obtain information about the chemical composition and volatile profile. The experimental feeding strategy induced a significant increase in zinc concentration in milk. Furthermore, both in milk and cheese, was observed an increase in vaccenic, rumenic and total polyunsaturated fatty acids, with the consequent significant reduction of atherogenic and thrombogenic indices. The volatile profile of dairy products was also positively affected by dietary zinc intake, with an increase in concentration of hexanoic acid and ethyl esters. The present study suggests interesting possible effects of dietary zinc supplementation of ewes in improving the nutritional characteristics of fresh and ripened dairy products, although more specific and in-depth assessments should be performed on these new products, in order to characterize potential variations on consumers acceptability.
Seasonal Variations in the Chemical Composition of Liangshan Olive Leaves and Their Antioxidant and Anticancer Activities
Authors: Wang Bixia , Qu Jipeng , Feng Shiling , Chen Tao , Yuan Ming , Huang Yan , Liao Jinqiu , Yang Ruiwu , Ding Chunbang
Published: December 2019

The seasonal changes in the chemical composition of Olea europaea leaves from January to December at Liangshan (China) have been investigated. The highest total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and free amino acid content (FAAC) levels were found in May and December, while the lowest levels were detected in April and September. The soluble protein content (SPC) and the soluble sugar content (SSC) were highest in spring but lowest in summer and winter. The levels of major phenolic compounds, including oleuropein, and luteolin-4’-O-glucoside, followed by apigenin-7-O-glucoside, quercetin, rutin, luteolin, and apigenin, increased during spring and winter but decreased during summer and autumn. In addition, phenolic extracts (PEs) showed dose-dependent antioxidant activity using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical and superoxide radical scavenging activity assays; the reducing power was tested. The anticancer activities of PE at various concentrations were assessed by a cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8), and the IC50 (50% effective concentration) to HEK293, HeLa, and S180 cells were 841.48, 7139, and 457.69 μg/mL, respectively. PE-treated S180 cells inhibited proliferation through activation of caspase-3/9 and disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential. Thus, PE in Liangshan olive leaves possessed strong antioxidant and anticancer potential, and spring and winter were determined as optimal harvesting seasons.
Development and Application of InDel Markers for Authentication of the Korean Herbs Zanthoxylum schinifolium and Zanthoxylum piperitum
Authors: Kim Yonguk , Shin Jawon , Cho Seung-Sik , Hwang Yong-Pil , Choi Chulyung
Published: December 2019

Zanthoxylum schinifolium and Zanthoxylum piperitum are the sources of the well-known traditional Korean herbal medicines “sancho” (prickly ash) and “chopi” (Korean pepper), respectively. Sancho and chopi are often indiscriminately mixed due to the similar appearance of the herbal materials when used as spices and herbal medicines. Moreover, commercial sancho and chopi products often contain adulterants, which is insufficient to ensure food efficacy and safety. In this study, we developed hypervariable insertion/deletion (InDel) markers to distinguish between sancho and chopi products by comparing the complete chloroplast genome sequences of four Zanthoxylum species deposited in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) GenBank. Comparative analyses of the nucleotide diversity (Pi) of these Zanthoxylum genomes revealed four hypervariable divergent sites (trnH-psbA, psbZ-trnG, trnfM-rps14, and trnF-ndhK) with Pi > 0.025 among 520 windows. Of these four regions, including two genic and two intergenic regions, only psbZ-trnG yielded accurate PCR amplification results between commercial sancho and chopi products from the Korean herbal medicine market. We therefore selected psbZ-trnG, an InDel-variable locus with high discriminatory powers, as a candidate DNA barcode locus. This InDel marker could be used as a valuable, simple, and efficient tool for identifying these medicinal herbs, thereby increasing the safety of these spices and herbal materials in the food market.
Defining Mental and Behavioural Disorders in Genetically Determined Neurodevelopmental Syndromes with Particular Reference to Prader-Willi Syndrome
Authors: Holland Anthony J. , Aman Lucie C.S. , Whittington Joyce E.
Published: December 2019

Genetically determined neurodevelopmental syndromes are frequently associated with a particular developmental trajectory, and with a cognitive profile and increased propensity to specific mental and behavioural disorders that are particular to, but not necessarily unique to the syndrome. How should these mental and behavioural disorders best be conceptualised given that similar symptoms are included in the definition of different mental disorders as listed in DSM-5 and ICD-10? In addition, a different conceptual framework, that of applied behavioural analysis, has been used to inform interventions for what are termed ‘challenging behaviours’ in contrast to types of interventions for those conditions meeting diagnostic criteria for a ‘mental disorder’. These syndrome-specific developmental profiles and associated co-morbidities must be a direct or indirect consequence of the genetic abnormality associated with that syndrome, but the genetic loci associated with the syndrome may not be involved in the aetiology of similar symptoms in the general population. This being so, should we expect underlying brain mechanisms and treatments for specific psychopathology in one group to be effective in the other? Using Prader-Willi syndrome as an example, we propose that the conceptual thinking that informed the development of the Research Domain Criteria provides a model for taxonomy of psychiatric and behavioural disorders in genetically determined neurodevelopmental syndromes. This model brings together diagnostic, psychological and developmental approaches with the aim of matching specific behaviours to identifiable neural mechanisms.
Effect of Long Working Hours on Depression and Mental Well-Being among Employees in Shanghai: The Role of Having Leisure Hobbies
Authors: Li Zan , Dai Junming , Wu Ning , Jia Yingnan , Gao Junling , Fu Hua
Published: December 2019

Our aim is to examine the associations between long working hours and depression and mental well-being among the working population in Shanghai, as well as to identify the impact of having hobbies on these relationships. A cross-sectional study was conducted in Shanghai, with depression assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scale and mental well-being assessed by the World Health Organization five-item Well-Being Index (WHO-5) scale. The phenomenon of long working hours (69.3%) was quite common among employees in Shanghai, and the rate of working over 60 h was 19.3%. Those who worked over 60 h had the highest prevalence of poorer mental health compared with individuals working ≤40 h per week. After adjustment in the logistic regression model, those who reported weekly working time over 60 h were 1.40 (95%CI: 1.03–1.90) and 1.66 (95%CI: 1.26–2.18) times more likely to have depression and poor mental well-being (PMWB), respectively. Adjusted ORs for having hobbies were 0.78 (95%CI: 0.62–0.97) and 0.62 (95%CI: 0.51–0.75), respectively. Meanwhile, having hobbies could significantly lower the mean score on the PHQ-9 and elevate the mean score on the WHO-5 in each working time group, with no interaction effect. Long working hours could have a significantly negative impact on workers’ psychological health. Importantly, having hobbies in their daily lives might help to mitigate the adverse effects of long working hours on workers’ depression and mental well-being.
Long-Term PTSD Risks in Emergency Medical Technicians Who Responded to the 2016 Taiwan Earthquake: A Six-Month Observational Follow-Up Study
Authors: Hsiao Yin Ying , Chang Wei Hung , Ma I Chun , Wu Chen-Long , Chen Po See , Yang Yen Kuang , Lin Chih-Hao
Published: December 2019

Although several factors associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in disaster rescue workers were identified in previous studies, the results were inconsistent. This study aimed to explore the prognostic factors of PTSD among disaster rescuers using different screening tools. A 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck southern Taiwan on February 6, 2016. Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) who responded to the earthquake were recruited. The initial survey was conducted one month after the earthquake using a standardized, self-reported, paper-based questionnaire. After six months, we re-evaluated the EMTs using the same questionnaire that was used in the baseline survey. A total of 38 EMT-paramedics were enrolled in the final analysis. Significant differences in PTSD scores at baseline existed between EMTs with and without certain risk factors. The interaction between survey time and risk factors was not significant, but several risk factors correlated with a nonsignificant improvement in the PTSD score after the 6-month follow-up. Perfectionism personality characteristics and several specific field experiences (managing injured patients, managing dead victims, managing dead victims who were pregnant, managing emotionally distraught families, or guilty feelings during the missions) might affect different subdomains of PTSD symptom improvement. Disaster rescuers should be followed up after their missions, regardless of their age, gender, or previous experience with disaster response. EMTs with certain personality characteristics or who are involved in specific field operations should be carefully monitored during and after disaster rescue missions.
Effect of Faint Road Traffic Noise Mixed in Birdsong on the Perceived Restorativeness and Listeners’ Physiological Response: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Suko Yasushi , Saito Kaoru , Takayama Norimasa , Warisawa Shin’ichi , Sakuma Tetsuya
Published: December 2019

Many studies have reported that natural sounds (e.g., birdsong) are more restorative than urban noise. These studies have used physiological and psychological indicators, such as the skin conductance level (SCL) and the Perceived Restorativeness Scale (PRS), to evaluate the restorative effect of natural sounds. However, the effect of faint background noise mixed with birdsong on the restorativeness of birdsong has not been described yet. In the current experiment, we examined whether traffic noise affects the perceived restorativeness and the physiological restorativeness of birdsong in a low-stress condition using the SCL and the PRS. The scores of the PRS showed that birdsong significantly increased the perceived restorativeness of the place regardless of the car noise, but no significant difference was found between these two birdsongs. In contrast, physiologically, the birdsong without car noise decreased the participants’ SCL significantly more than the birdsong with car noise did. These results indicate that the SCL would be useful to detect the effect of background noise on natural sound when the noise is too low to affect the perceived restorativeness. This study highlights the importance of measuring the SCL besides assessing perceived restorativeness to describe the characteristics of restorative natural sound in future research.
“What? That’s for Old People, that.” Home Adaptations, Ageing and Stigmatisation: A Qualitative Inquiry
Authors: Bailey Cathy , Aitken Dominic , Wilson Gemma , Hodgson Philip , Douglas Barbara , Docking Rachael
Published: December 2019

Older people, even those living with long-term conditions or poor mobility, can be supported to live well at home, through adapting their home to meet changing need. Installing home adaptations, from grab rails to walk in shower rooms, is cost effective, may prevent falls, reduce social isolation and improve self confidence. Despite austerity cuts to public spending, the UK government increased home adaptations’ funding. However, not much is known about older people’s experiences and understanding of acquiring and living with home adaptations and uptake of home adaptations could be improved. Using wearable camera and face to face interview data, this qualitative study explored a diverse group of older people’s retrospective experiences (n = 30). Focus group discussions were also carried out with a wide range of professionals involved in the provision of home adaptations (n = 39). Findings suggest people may delay having adaptations, because of perceived stigmatising associations with decline and vulnerability. As delaying the installation of home adaptations until crisis point is known to reduce their effectiveness, such associations need to be challenged.
Implementation of Health Promotion Competencies in Ireland and Italy—A Case Study
Authors: Battel-Kirk Barbara , Barry Margaret M.
Published: December 2019

This paper reports on a case study that explored the broader contextual factors influencing the implementation of the CompHP Core Competencies at a country level in Ireland and Italy between 2011 and 2018. The sample comprised key informants who were Health Promotion experts and were knowledgeable about how the competencies had been used in their country. These experts formed National Reference Groups that guided the research process in each country and helped identify additional key informants. Qualitative methods were utilized consisting of a desk review and semi-structured interviews. The data from each country were analyzed separately using a thematic analysis approach, with the findings then compared and reviewed by the National Reference Groups. A total of 26 interviews were completed (13 in each country). The findings show that both the focus and rate of progress of implementing the competencies differed across the two countries and that this reflected their levels of Health Promotion infrastructure and capacity development. A lack of awareness of the competencies was identified as a major limiting factor in implementation in both countries, of particular concern in relation to employers and decision-makers. While the case study focused on implementing the competencies in two European countries, there are insights from their experience that can inform implementation in other countries. The study also begins to address the gap in empirical evidence on the use and impact of Health Promotion competencies and the factors that influence their implementation.
Effects of Ergomotor Intervention on Improving Occupational Health in Workers with Work-Related Neck-Shoulder Pain
Authors: So Billy C. L. , Szeto Grace P. Y. , Lau Rufina W. L. , Dai Jie , Tsang Sharon M. H.
Published: December 2019

(1) Background: Work-related neck and shoulder pain (WRNSP) are common problems, and past occupational research has focused on ergonomic interventions such as adjusting workstations while physiotherapists have traditionally focused on teaching exercises to improve posture and movement control in the clinical setting. The current study aimed to integrate these two approaches and evaluate the immediate and long-term effects of such interventions on occupational exposure outcomes. (2) Methods: A total of 101 patients diagnosed with WRNSP were randomized into 2 groups: Control (CO) group (n = 50) and ergomotor (EM) group (n = 51). Participants in the control group had 12 weeks of usual care (conventional physiotherapy) while participants in the EM group received an integrated program with tailor-made motor control training and ergonomic advice for 12 weeks. (3) Results: Both groups achieved significant improvement in pain and functional outcomes at post-intervention. The EM group also reported significantly improved scores in terms of perceived exertion in the job-related physical demands (JRPD) and the short form workstyle questionnaires compared to the control group. (4) Conclusions: The results suggest that ergomotor intervention may be more effective in producing favorable occupational health outcomes compared to conventional physiotherapy.
Families and Social Media Use: The Role of Parents’ Perceptions about Social Media Impact on Family Systems in the Relationship between Family Collective Efficacy and Open Communication
Authors: Procentese Fortuna , Gatti Flora , Di Napoli Immacolata
Published: December 2019

Communication through social media characterizes modern lifestyles and relationships, including family interactions. The present study aims at deepening the role that parents’ perceptions about social media effects on family systems can exert within their family functioning, specifically referring to the relationship between collective family efficacy and open communications within family systems with adolescents. A questionnaire to detect the openness of family communications, the collective family efficacy and the perceptions about the impacts of social media on family systems was administered to 227 Italian parents who had one or more teenage children, and who use Facebook and WhatsApp to communicate with them. From the results, these perceptions emerge as a mediator in the relationship between the collective family efficacy and the openness of communications, suggesting that it is not only the actual impact of social media on family systems that matters but also parents’ perceptions about it and how much they feel able to manage their and their children’s social media use without damaging their family relationships. Thus, the need to foster parents’ positive perceptions about social media’s potential impact on their family relationships emerges. A strategy could be the promotion of knowledge on how to functionally use social media.
Do Consumer’s Green Preference and the Reference Price Effect Improve Green Innovation? A Theoretical Model Using the Food Supply Chain as a Case
Authors: He Jianhong , Lei Yaling , Fu Xiao
Published: December 2019

Today, complex consumer purchase decisions affect company revolution, especially that dealing with environmental (green) innovation. Consumer preferences and pricing could interact in influencing green innovation. This situation is especially vital in industries that are characterized with many safety concerns that urge collaborative development between consumers and companies, such as the food industry. The aim of this paper is to explore the influence of the change in consumer preference characteristics on the green innovation efforts of the food supply chain, introducing the green preference of consumers and the reference price effect. A differential game model of green innovation in the food supply chain is constructed in this paper and solved. It was found that the change in consumer preference characteristics is an important factor to motivate supply chain members to make green innovation efforts. With the enhancement of consumer preference characteristics, the Pareto improvement effect of cost-sharing contracts on the profits of supply chain enterprises is clearer. Further, manufacturers can stimulate suppliers’ green innovation efforts through cost-sharing contracts. When the marginal profit ratio of food supply chain members reaches a certain threshold, the incentive effect of this cost-sharing contract is more significant, and it is more likely to realize the optimal profit of the food supply chain.
Grey System Theory in Research into Preferences Regarding the Location of Place of Residence within a City
Authors: Gerus-Gościewska Małgorzata , Gościewski Dariusz , Bajerowski Tomasz , Szczepańska Agnieszka
Published: December 2019

Analyses of the correlations between social and economic phenomena are rarely limited to simple evaluations of the relationships that exist between two features. Information about the structure and behaviour of complex phenomena and processes in the natural environment and social systems is usually incomplete and uncertain. Grey relational analysis (GRA) poses an alternative to statistical methods (e.g., correlation analysis, variance analysis, regression analysis and direct comparisons) to evaluate complex phenomena. In GRA, the number of assumptions relating to the size and distribution of samples is far smaller than in statistical methods. The required number of observations in the GRA is n ≥ 4. Therefore, the grey system theory (GST) provides useful tools for analysing limited and imperfect data. GST can be used to predict a system’s future behaviour and to evaluate the relationships between observation vectors. The study aimed to determine the strength of the relationships between the analysed features with the use of GST and to analyse the model’s behaviour for a different number of variables. The main assumptions and definitions relating to GST were presented. The residential preferences of a selected social group were analysed. The proposed approach supports the development of effective decision-making procedures in urban planning.
Animal Models of Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion: From Mouse to Primate
Authors: Washida Kazuo , Hattori Yorito , Ihara Masafumi
Published: December 2019

Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) or vascular dementia occurs as a result of brain ischemia and represents the second most common type of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. To explore the underlying mechanisms of VCI, several animal models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion have been developed in rats, mice, and primates. We established a mouse model of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion by narrowing the bilateral common carotid arteries with microcoils, eventually resulting in hippocampal atrophy. In addition, a mouse model of white matter infarct-related damage with cognitive and motor dysfunction has also been established by asymmetric common carotid artery surgery. Although most experiments studying chronic cerebral hypoperfusion have been performed in rodents because of the ease of handling and greater ethical acceptability, non-human primates appear to represent the best model for the study of VCI, due to their similarities in much larger white matter volume and amyloid β depositions like humans. Therefore, we also recently developed a baboon model of VCI through three-vessel occlusion (both the internal carotid arteries and the left vertebral artery). In this review, several animal models of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, from mouse to primate, are extensively discussed to aid in better understanding of pathophysiology of VCI.
Proteome Alterations in Equine Osteochondrotic Chondrocytes
Authors: Chiaradia Elisabetta , Pepe Marco , Orvietani Pier Luigi , Renzone Giovanni , Magini Alessandro , Sforna Monica , Emiliani Carla , Di Meo Antonio , Scaloni Andrea
Published: December 2019

Osteochondrosis is a failure of the endochondral ossification that affects developing joints in humans and several animal species. It is a localized idiopathic joint disorder characterized by focal chondronecrosis and growing cartilage retention, which can lead to the formation of fissures, subchondral bone cysts, or intra-articular fragments. Osteochondrosis is a complex multifactorial disease associated with extracellular matrix alterations and failure in chondrocyte differentiation, mainly due to genetic, biochemical, and nutritional factors, as well as traumas. This study describes the main proteomic alterations occurring in chondrocytes isolated from osteochondrotic cartilage fragments. A comparative analysis performed on equine osteochondrotic and healthy chondrocytes showed 26 protein species as differentially represented. In particular, quantitative changes in the extracellular matrix, cytoskeletal and chaperone proteins, and in cell adhesion and signaling molecules were observed in osteochondrotic cells, compared to healthy controls. Functional group analysis annotated most of these proteins in “growth plate and cartilage development”, while others were included in “glycolysis and gluconeogenesis”, “positive regulation of protein import”, “cell–cell adhesion mediator activity”, and “mitochondrion nucleoid”. These results may help to clarify some chondrocyte functional alterations that may play a significant role in determining the onset and progression of equine osteochondrosis and, being related, of human juvenile osteochondrosis.
Alternative Strategies to Inhibit Tumor Vascularization
Authors: Brossa Alessia , Buono Lola , Fallo Sofia , Fiorio Pla Alessandra , Munaron Luca , Bussolati Benedetta
Published: December 2019

Endothelial cells present in tumors show different origin, phenotype, and genotype with respect to the normal counterpart. Various mechanisms of intra-tumor vasculogenesis sustain the complexity of tumor vasculature, which can be further modified by signals deriving from the tumor microenvironment. As a result, resistance to anti-VEGF therapy and activation of compensatory pathways remain a challenge in the treatment of cancer patients, revealing the need to explore alternative strategies to the classical anti-angiogenic drugs. In this review, we will describe some alternative strategies to inhibit tumor vascularization, including targeting of antigens and signaling pathways overexpressed by tumor endothelial cells, the development of endothelial vaccinations, and the use of extracellular vesicles. In addition, anti-angiogenic drugs with normalizing effects on tumor vessels will be discussed. Finally, we will present the concept of endothelial demesenchymalization as an alternative approach to restore normal endothelial cell phenotype.
Newly Developed CK1-Specific Inhibitors Show Specifically Stronger Effects on CK1 Mutants and Colon Cancer Cell Lines
Authors: Liu Congxing , Witt Lydia , Ianes Chiara , Bischof Joachim , Bammert Marie-Thérèse , Baier Joana , Kirschner Stefan , Henne-Bruns Doris , Xu Pengfei , Kornmann Marko , Peifer Christian , Knippschild Uwe
Published: December 2019

Protein kinases of the CK1 family can be involved in numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes. Dysregulated expression and/or activity as well as mutation of CK1 isoforms have previously been linked to tumorigenesis. Among all neoplastic diseases, colon and rectal cancer (CRC) represent the fourth leading cause of cancer related deaths. Since mutations in CK1δ previously found in CRC patients exhibited increased oncogenic features, inhibition of CK1δ is supposed to have promising therapeutic potential for tumors, which present overexpression or mutations of this CK1 isoform. Therefore, it is important to develop new small molecule inhibitors exhibiting higher affinity toward CK1δ mutants. In the present study, we first characterized the kinetic properties of CK1δ mutants, which were detected in different tumor entities. Subsequently, we characterized the ability of several newly developed IWP-based inhibitors to inhibit wild type and CK1δ mutants and we furthermore analyzed their effects on growth inhibition of various cultured colon cancer cell lines. Our results indicate, that these compounds represent a promising base for the development of novel CRC therapy concepts.
Connexin 43 Mutations Lead to Increased Hemichannel Functionality in Skin Disease
Authors: Cocozzelli Anthony G. , White Thomas W.
Published: December 2019

Gap junctional channels are specialized components of the cellular membrane that allow the intercellular passage of small metabolites, ions, and second messengers to maintain homeostasis. They are comprised of members of the connexin gene family that encode a wide array of proteins that are expressed in nearly every tissue type. Cx43 is perceived to be the most broadly expressed connexin in humans, with several genetic skin diseases being linked to Cx43 mutations specifically. These mutations, in large, produce a gain of functional hemichannels that contribute to the phenotypes of Erythrokeratoderma Variabilis et Progressiva (EKVP), Palmoplantar Keratodemra Congenital Alopecia-1 (PPKCA1), and others that produce large conductance and increased permselectivity in otherwise quiescent structures. Gaining functional hemichannels can have adverse effects in the skin, inducing apoptosis via Ca2+ overload or increased ATP permeability. Here, we review the link between Cx43 and skin disease. We aim to provide insight into the mechanisms regulating the normal and pathophysiological gating of these essential proteins, as well as address current therapeutic strategies. We also demonstrate that transient transfection of neuro-2a (N2a) cells with mutant Cx43 cDNA resulted in increased hemichannel activity compared to wild-type Cx43 and untransfected cells, which is consistent with other studies in the current literature.
The Diverse Functions of Mutant 53, Its Family Members and Isoforms in Cancer
Authors: Hall Callum , Muller Patricia A.J.
Published: December 2019

The p53 family of proteins has grown substantially over the last 40 years. It started with p53, then p63, p73, isoforms and mutants of these proteins. The function of p53 as a tumour suppressor has been thoroughly investigated, but the functions of all isoforms and mutants and the interplay between them are still poorly understood. Mutant p53 proteins lose p53 function, display dominant-negative (DN) activity and display gain-of-function (GOF) to varying degrees. GOF was originally attributed to mutant p53′s inhibitory function over the p53 family members p63 and p73. It has become apparent that this is not the only way in which mutant p53 operates as a large number of transcription factors that are not related to p53 are activated on mutant p53 binding. This raises the question to what extent mutant p53 binding to p63 and p73 plays a role in mutant p53 GOF. In this review, we discuss the literature around the interaction between mutant p53 and family members, including other binding partners, the functional consequences and potential therapeutics.
Systemic Sclerosis Serum Significantly Impairs the Multi-Step Lymphangiogenic Process: In Vitro Evidence
Authors: Manetti Mirko , Romano Eloisa , Rosa Irene , Fioretto Bianca Saveria , Guiducci Serena , Bellando-Randone Silvia , Pigatto Erika , Cozzi Franco , Ibba-Manneschi Lidia , Matucci-Cerinic Marco
Published: December 2019

In systemic sclerosis (SSc), the possible involvement of lymphatic microcirculation and lymphangiogenesis has traditionally been overshadowed by the greater emphasis placed on dysfunctional blood vascular system and angiogenesis. In the present in vitro study, we explore for the first time whether the SSc microenvironment may interfere with lymphangiogenesis, a complex, multi-step process in which lymphatic microvascular endothelial cells (LMVECs) sprout, migrate, and proliferate to generate new lymphatic capillaries. Normal human adult dermal LMVECs from three donors were treated with serum from SSc patients (n = 8), serum from healthy individuals (n = 8), or recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-C as a positive control for lymphangiogenesis. Cell proliferation, Boyden chamber Matrigel chemoinvasion, wound healing capacity, and lymphatic capillary morphogenesis on Geltrex were assayed. VEGF-C serum levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Gene and protein expression levels of the lymphangiogenic orchestrators VEGF receptor-3 (VEGFR-3)/Flt-4 and neuropilin-2 (NRP-2) were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Conditioning with SSc serum significantly inhibited LMVEC proliferation, Matrigel invasion, and wound healing capacity with respect to healthy serum. The ability of LMVECs to form lymphatic tubes on Geltrex was also severely compromised in the presence of SSc serum. VEGF-C levels were comparable in SSc and healthy sera. Treatment with SSc serum resulted in a significant downregulation of both VEGFR-3/Flt-4 and NRP-2 mRNA and protein levels. In SSc, the pathologic environment severely hampers every lymphangiogenesis step, likely through the reduction of pro-lymphangiogenic VEGFR-3/NRP-2 co-receptor signaling. The impairment of the lymphangiogenic process opens a new scenario underlying SSc vascular pathophysiology, which is worth investigating further.
Ovarian Follicles Rescued 3 Days after Cyclophosphamide Treatment in Adolescent Mice: An Experimental Study Aiming at Maximizing Methods for Fertility Preservation through In Vitro Follicle Culture
Authors: Anastácio Amandine , Waterstone Max , Hao Xia , Poirot Catherine , Rodriguez-Wallberg Kenny A.
Published: December 2019

There is currently a lack of knowledge about the feasibility of performing procedures for fertility preservation after chemotherapy treatment has been initiated. In this experimental controlled study using adolescent mice, we aimed to investigate if the chance of rescuing and growing in vitro secondary follicles (SeF) would be affected three days after a single injection of cyclophosphamide (CPA). The main outcomes included were: (1) The number of SeF with good morphologic quality obtained per ovary 3 days after CPA injection, (2) SeF development in culture, (3) small follicle density (SFD) on histology, and (4) apoptosis markers, including terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL), mRNA expression, and distribution of p 53 upregulated modulator of apoptosis (Puma) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (Pten). We found a 60% reduction of SeF obtained per ovary in all CPA-treated groups vs. controls. However, in vitro survival rates at culture day 12 and antrum formation were similar among all groups. On histology, SFD was only significantly reduced in the high CPA dose group. Apoptotic cells were mainly found in large growing follicles of CPA groups. Our study indicates the feasibility of SeF isolation and in vitro follicle culture 3 days following CPA treatment and a still preserved SFD, particularly following a low-dose CPA treatment.
Citrus Taste Modification Potentials by Genetic Engineering
Authors: Li Li-Jun , Tan Wan-Seng , Li Wen-Jing , Zhu Yan-Bing , Cheng Yi-Sheng , Ni Hui
Published: December 2019

Citrus fruits are mainly consumed as fresh fruit and processed juice products. They serve as nutritional and a tasty diet in our daily life. However, the formidable bitterness and delayed bitterness significantly impact the citrus industry attributable to the two major bitter compounds naringin and limonin. The extremely sour and acidic also negatively affects the sensory quality of citrus products. Citrus breeding programs have developed different strategies to improve citrus quality and a wealth of studies have aimed to uncover the genetic and biochemical basis of citrus flavor. In this minireview, we outline the major genes characterized to be involved in pathways shaping the sweet, bitter, or sour taste in citrus, and discuss briefly about the possible approaches to modify citrus taste by genetic engineering.