bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritionalizing Food: A Framework for Capital Accumulation
Authors: Sathyamala C.
Published: July 2016

The food and agricultural industry has long had influence in policy making. However, the active promotion of the private sector as the most viable option for resolving problems of nutrition is a more recent phenomenon. This contribution uses two case studies — the construction of a pure protein deficiency disease in the 1960s and the alleged obesity epidemic in present‐day India — to illustrate how scientific discourses in nutrition are shaped by the needs of capital and how capital determines scientific truths. Under the guise of partnering with the private sector, the boundaries of science and commerce have become blurred and potential conflicts of interest are no longer clearly demarcated. The entry of the pharmaceutical and food industries into functional foods and supplements has created a new epistemic authority for truth claims whose strength lies in the ability to convince through propaganda with little pretence of a scientific base. Thus, the very industry that has been held responsible for several problems in nutrition is now positioning itself as the deliverer of their solution. The reformulation of food needs as nutritional norms has facilitated the emergence of business as a pivotal player with further opportunities for capital accumulation.
Optimisation of triple therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C: a systematic review
Authors: Pecoraro Valentina , Cariani Elisabetta , Villa Erica , Trenti Tommaso
Published: July 2016

Background

Triple therapy with Pegylated‐Interferon α (PEG‐IFNα)/Ribavirin (RBV) and Boceprevir (Boc) or Telaprevir (Tel) significantly improved sustained virological response (SVR) rates for patients with genotype 1 HCV infection compared to PEG‐IFNα/RBV alone (dual therapy). However, less is known about factors associated with rates of SVR and of adverse events (AEs).

Material and Methods

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence regarding the factors affecting response and rate of AEs associated with triple therapy. We performed systematic electronic searches in Medline, Embase, Scopus and Central as well as a list of reference literature. We included randomised controlled trials examining triple therapy compared with dual therapy and reporting data according to patients features and about AEs. Odds ratios (OR) were pooled using either fixed or random effect model, as appropriate.

Results

We included data from 14 studies. Treatment with triple therapy increased SVR rate compared to dual therapy especially in patients previously treated with PEG‐IFNα/RBV and with increased pretreatment alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Higher rate of serious AEs and treatment discontinuation due to AEs was also observed particularly in treatment‐experienced patients.

Conclusions

The present study shows how improved results of triple therapy are mainly observed in some patients’ subsets and are accompanied by increased risk of AEs compared to dual therapy. These results might be useful for optimising treatment of chronic hepatitis C when IFN‐free regimens are unavailable.
Convergence and divergence in a long‐term old‐field succession: the importance of spatial scale and species abundance
Authors: Li Shao‐peng , Cadotte Marc W. , Meiners Scott J. , Pu Zhichao , Fukami Tadashi , Jiang Lin
Published: July 2016

Whether plant communities in a given region converge towards a particular stable state during succession has long been debated, but rarely tested at a sufficiently long time scale. By analysing a 50‐year continuous study of post‐agricultural secondary succession in New Jersey, USA, we show that the extent of community convergence varies with the spatial scale and species abundance classes. At the larger field scale, abundance‐based dissimilarities among communities decreased over time, indicating convergence of dominant species, whereas incidence‐based dissimilarities showed little temporal tend, indicating no sign of convergence. In contrast, plots within each field diverged in both species composition and abundance. Abundance‐based successional rates decreased over time, whereas rare species and herbaceous plants showed little change in temporal turnover rates. Initial abandonment conditions only influenced community structure early in succession. Overall, our findings provide strong evidence for scale and abundance dependence of stochastic and deterministic processes over old‐field succession.
Resting‐state functional MRI distinguishes temporal lobe epilepsy subtypes
Authors: Reyes Anny , Thesen Thomas , Wang Xiuyuan , Hahn Daniel , Yoo Daeil , Kuzniecky Ruben , Devinsky Orrin , Blackmon Karen
Published: July 2016

Objective

We assessed whether presurgical resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) provides information for distinguishing temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with mesial temporal sclerosis (TLE‐MTS) from TLE without MTS (TLE‐noMTS).

Methods

Thirty‐four patients with TLE and 34 sex‐/age‐matched controls consented to a research imaging protocol. MTS status was confirmed by histologic evaluation of surgical tissue (TLE‐MTS = 16; TLE‐noMTS = 18). The fractional amplitude of low‐frequency fluctuations (fALFFs) in the blood oxygen level–dependent (BOLD) resting‐state fMRI signal, a marker of local metabolic demand at rest, was averaged at five regions of interest (ROIs; hippocampus, amygdala, frontal, occipital, and temporal lobe), along with corresponding volume and cortical thickness estimates. ROIs were labeled ipsilateral or contralateral according to seizure lateralization and compared across TLE‐MTS, TLE‐noMTS, and healthy controls (HCs). MTS status was regressed on ipsilateral hippocampal volume and fALFF to test for independent contributions.

Results

The TLE‐MTS group had reduced fALFF in the ipsilateral amygdala and hippocampus; whereas, the TLE‐noMTS group had marginally reduced fALFF in the ipsilateral amygdala but not hippocampus. These results were consistently obtained with and without application of global signal regression (GSR). Ipsilateral hippocampal volume contributed to 37% of the variance in MTS status (p < 0.001) and fALFF contributed an additional 10% (p = 0.021). Two MTS cases were accurately classified with fALFF but not volume, and three were accurately classified with volume but not fALFF. At the lobar level, fALFF (with GSR) was reduced in the ipsilateral temporal and bilateral frontal lobes of patients with TLE‐MTS and bilateral frontal lobes of patients with TLE‐noMTS in the context of normal cortical thickness.

Significance

This study indicates that resting‐state fMRI provides complementary functional information for MTS classification. Findings validate fALFF as a measure of regional brain integrity in TLE and highlight the value of using multi‐modal imaging to provide independent diagnostic information in presurgical epilepsy evaluations.
WONOEP appraisal: Molecular and cellular biomarkers for epilepsy
Authors: Walker Lauren E. , Janigro Damir , Heinemann Uwe , Riikonen Raili , Bernard Christophe , Patel Manisha
Published: July 2016

Peripheral biomarkers have myriad potential uses for treatment, prediction, prognostication, and pharmacovigilance in epilepsy. To date, no single peripheral biomarker has demonstrated proven effectiveness, although multiple candidates are in development. In this review, we discuss the major areas of focus including inflammation, blood–brain barrier dysfunction, redox alterations, metabolism, hormones and growth factors.
Mangroves enhance local fisheries catches: a global meta‐analysis
Authors: Carrasquilla‐Henao Mauricio , Juanes Francis
Published: July 2016

Mangroves are among the most productive ecosystems in tropical and subtropical regions. Historically, mangroves are assumed to support artisanal fisheries, leading decision‐makers to protect mangroves based on this premise. However, this relationship remains unclear, despite positive correlations obtained in different geographical regions. Here, we provide the first meta‐analysis of the mangroves–fisheries linkage at a global level. After conducting a systematic review, 23 publications containing 51 studies estimating the mangrove–fishery linkage were obtained. A random effect model was used to estimate the effect size (Pearson's correlation coefficient) of each individual study as well as the overall effect size. We found strong evidence for the mangrove–fishery linkage with an overall effect size of r = 0.72 (95% CI: 0.61–0.81), and substantial heterogeneity was observed (Q = 143.88, df = 50, P < 0.01). The countries where the studies were carried out were the only significant moderator (QM = 26.07, P < 0.01), while fisheries types (i.e. crab, fish, shellfish, prawn and total) and global regions were not good predictors of the relationship. Our results show that mangrove area is a good predictor of fishery catches overall, confirming the importance of conserving such habitats.
Role of the yeast ribosomal protein L16 in ribosome biogenesis
Authors: Espinar‐Marchena Francisco J. , Fernández‐Fernández José , Rodríguez‐Galán Olga , Fernández‐Pevida Antonio , Babiano Reyes , de la Cruz Jesús
Published: July 2016

Most ribosomal proteins play essential roles in ribosome synthesis and function. In this study, we have analysed the contribution of yeast ribosomal protein L16 to ribosome biogenesis. We show that in vivo depletion of the essential L16 protein results in a deficit in 60S subunits and the appearance of half‐mer polysomes. This phenotype is likely due to the instability and rapid turnover of early and intermediate pre‐60S particles, as evidenced by the reduced steady‐state levels of 27SBS and 7SL/S pre‐rRNA, and the low amounts of de novo synthesized 27S pre‐rRNA and 25S rRNA. Additionally, depletion of L16 blocks nucleocytoplasmic export of pre‐60S particles. Moreover, we show that L16 assembles in the nucleolus and binds to early 90S preribosomal particles. Many evolutionarily conserved ribosomal proteins possess extra eukaryote‐specific amino‐ or carboxy‐terminal extensions and/or internal loops. Here, we have also investigated the role of the eukaryote‐specific carboxy‐terminal extension of L16. Progressive truncation of this extension recapitulates, albeit to a lesser extent, the growth and ribosome biogenesis defects of the L16 depletion. We conclude that L16 assembly is a prerequisite to properly stabilize rRNA structures within early pre‐60S particles, thereby favouring efficient 27S pre‐rRNA processing within the internal transcribed spacer 1 at sites A3 and B1. Upon depletion of L16, the lack of this stabilization aborts early pre‐60S particle assembly and subjects these intermediates to turnover.
Littoral cell angioma of the spleen: a study of 25 cases with confirmation of frequent association with visceral malignancies
Authors: Peckova Kvetoslava , Michal Michael , Hadravsky Ladislav , Suster Saul , Damjanov Ivan , Miesbauerova Marketa , Kazakov Dmitry V , Vernerova Zdenka , Michal Michal
Published: July 2016

Aims

Littoral cell angioma (LCA) is a rare primary splenic tumour that is frequently associated with internal malignancies. Immunohistochemistry can demonstrate a distinct hybrid endothelial–histiocytic phenotype of littoral cells, and is a helpful adjunct for making the correct diagnosis. The aims of this study were to present a series of 25 LCAs, with an emphasis on the frequent association of the neoplasm with visceral malignancies, and to provide a detailed immunohistochemical analysis by employing new markers.

Methods and results

All 25 cases with available tissue blocks were immunohistochemically stained for endothelial and histiocytic markers. Clinical and follow‐up data were retrieved from the respective institutions. The tumours were obtained from 16 males and nine females, whose age ranged from 32 to 86 years (mean 56.2 years). Clinical information was available for 24 of 25 patients, and follow‐up for 11 of 25 patients (range 2–19 years; mean 11.6 years). Immunohistochemically, all cases were positive for LYVE‐1, factor VIII, FLI‐1, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)‐2, VEGFR‐3, claudin‐5, ERG, LMO2, CD31, CD163, lysozyme, and CD4, but negative for D2‐40, CD8, and factor XIIIa. Fifteen of 25 cases were associated with various malignancies, including epithelial, mesenchymal and haematological tumours.

Conclusions

The cohort of 25 patients is the largest series of LCAs published to date. By using antibodies against recently introduced endothelial markers, we have expanded the immunoprofile of LCA. We have further highlighted the clinical significance of LCA, as more than half of the patients in this study also harboured a coexisting visceral malignancy. Therefore, we conclude that the finding of splenic LCA mandates a thorough clinical evaluation for a concomitant malignancy.
Effects of film permeability on reducing pericarp browning, preventing postharvest decay and extending shelf life of modified atmosphere‐retail packaged longan fruits
Authors: Khan Muhammad Rafiullah , Sripethdee Chao , Chinsirikul Wannee , Sane Amporn , Chonhenchob Vanee
Published: July 2016

This study was aimed at understanding the role of film permeability in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) of longan fruits. Fruits were stored at 2 °C in polyethylene (PE) bags of different gas transmission rates (PE‐3000, PE‐6000 and PE‐10000), compared to commercial polypropylene (PP; PP‐1000). PE‐3000 and PE‐6000 maintained the longest shelf life of 46 days. Fruits in the PE‐10000 had the shelf life of 39 days as limited by pericarp browning and decay. The shortest shelf life of 27 days was observed in the PP‐1000 due to fermentative metabolism under anaerobic condition. These retail ready packages can potentially be used as an alternative to or with reduction in SO2 fumigation for longan.
Some results about a conjecture on identifying codes in complete suns
Authors: Hudry Olivier , Lobstein Antoine
Published: July 2016

Consider a graphand, for every vertex, denote bythe set. A subsetis an identifying code if the sets,, are nonempty and distinct. It is a locating–dominating code if the sets,, are nonempty and distinct. Letbe the graph whose vertex set can be partitioned into two sets,and, whereinduces a clique andinduces an independent set, with edgesand,; computations are carried modulo n. This graph is called a complete sun. We prove the conjecture that the smallest identifying code in has size equal to n. We also characterize and count all the identifying codes with size nin . Finally, we determine the sizes of the smallest LD codes in .
Metastable Tantalum Oxide Formation During the Devitrification of Amorphous Tantalum Thin Films
Authors: Donaldson Olivia K. , Hattar Khalid , Trelewicz Jason R.
Published: July 2016

Microstructural evolution during the devitrification of amorphous tantalum thin films synthesized via pulsed laser deposition was investigated using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with ex situ isothermal annealing, bright‐field imaging, and electron‐diffraction analysis. The phases formed during crystallization and their stability were characterized as a function of the chamber pressure during deposition, devitrification temperature, and annealing time. A range of metastable nanocrystalline tantalum oxides were identified following devitrification including multiple orthorhombic oxide phases, which often were present with, or evolved to, the tetragonal TaO2 phase. While the appearance of these phases indicated the films were evolving to the stable form of tantalum oxide—monoclinic tantalum pentoxide—it was likely not achieved for the conditions considered due to an insufficient amount of oxygen present in the films following deposition. Nevertheless, the collective in situ and ex situ TEM analysis applied to thin film samples enabled the isolation of a number of metastable tantalum oxides. New insights were gained into the transformation sequence and stability of these nanocrystalline phases, which presents opportunities for the development of advanced tantalum oxide‐based dielectric materials for novel memristor designs.
Porous Ni/ZrO2 Cermet from Highly Concentrated Composite Colloid
Authors: Tseng Wenjea J. , Tsai Chir‐Jang
Published: July 2016

Rheology and shaping of concentrated cermet suspensions consisting of nickel (Ni) and yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) nanoparticles in water have been examined over a broad range of volumetric solids concentration (ϕ = 0.1–0.4) and Ni fraction (fNi = 0.15–0.45). Preferential adsorption of pyrogallol‐poly(ethylene glycol) polymer (i.e., Gallol‐PEG) on surface of the Ni and YSZ particles imparts steric hindrance between the suspending particles so that fluidity can be obtained under shear stress. The cermet suspensions exhibit shear‐thinning flow behavior under steady‐shear measurement over shear rates of 100–103 s−1. Yield stress and yield strain of the suspensions appear to vary pronouncedly with ϕ and fNi under oscillatory shear over a shear‐strain range of 10−1–103%. With the Gallol‐PEG adsorption, an apparent viscosity less than 6 × 10−1 Pa.s at a shear rate of 102 s−1 has been obtained for the highly concentrated composite suspension with ϕ of 0.40 and fNi of 0.25. A high solids concentration effectively prohibits phase segregation during wet‐shaping processes. Uniform green compacts have been obtained from slip casting of the concentrated cermet mixture (ϕ = 0.30) without use of binder and are then fired at 1200°C under reducing atmosphere to form porous Ni/YSZ compacts. Relative sintered density increases from 65% to 75% of the theoretical value when fNi was increased from 0.15 to 0.45, due mainly to the lower sintering temperature required for the Ni phase.
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of CoNb2O6 Microwave Dielectric Ceramics
Authors: Zhang Yun , Liu Shuya , Zhang Yingchun , Xiang Maoqiao
Published: July 2016

Low‐fired cobalt niobate (CoNb2O6) microwave dielectric ceramics were prepared through a developed sol–gel process using Nb2O5·nH2O as starting source. A metal‐dioxo‐bridged complex precursor was described on the basis of FT‐IR spectrum. The crystalline phases of calcined powders were characterized by X‐ray diffraction. Nanosized CoNb2O6 particles with orthorhombic α‐PbO2‐type structure were obtained above 750°C. There was no subsequent phase change upon sintering, and all compounds sintered to at least 94% of theoretical density. At 1000°C/4 h, CoNb2O6 ceramics exhibited εr ~ 21.9, Q × f ~ 66 140 GHz (at 8.9 GHz) and τf ~ −39.7 ppm/°C, having a good potential for low‐temperature cofired ceramic applications.
On White Ignorance, White Shame, and Other Pitfalls in Critical Philosophy of Race
Authors: Milazzo Marzia
Published: July 2016

This article examines Samantha Vice's essay ‘How Do I Live in This Strange Place?’ (2010), which sparked a storm of controversy in South Africa, as a starting point for interrogating understandings of whiteness and racism that are dominant in critical philosophy of race. I argue that a significant body of philosophical scholarship on whiteness in general and by white scholars in particular obfuscates the structural dimension of racism. The moralisation of racism that often permeates philosophical scholarship reproduces colourblind logics, which provide individualistic explanations for structural problems, thereby sustaining white dominance. In the process, I show that notions of white guilt, white habits, white ignorance, white invisibility, white privilege, and white shame as they are theorised in much critical philosophy of race share a crucial limitation: they minimise white people's active interest in reproducing the racist status quo. Studies, such as Vice's, that frame racism as a moral dilemma while silencing its institutionalisation and the central cause for its existence and longevity – that is, white people's investment in maintaining economic, political, and symbolic power – further naturalise white supremacy.
Facilitation of attitude formation through communication: how perceived source expertise enhances the ability to achieve cognitive closure about complex environmental topics
Authors: Koot Charlotte , Mors Emma ter , Ellemers Naomi , Daamen Dancker D. L.
Published: July 2016

Attitudes on which people have achieved cognitive closure are better predictors of future attitudes and behavior than open attitudes. In two experiments, we found that factors in communication (source identity, source consensus) can enhance people's ability to achieve cognitive closure on complex environmental topics through an increase in perceived source expertise. Results showed that participants perceived higher levels of source expertise and felt better able to achieve cognitive closure on the environmental technology of carbon dioxide capture and storage (CCS) when the information source had an expert identity compared to a non‐expert identity. The communication of consensus by the information source increased the level of expertise ascribed to the non‐expert source, resulting in an enhanced ability to achieve closure.
Dimethyl celecoxib sensitizes gastric cancer cells to ABT‐737 via AIF nuclear translocation
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yan Youyou , Li Yangling , Zhang Dan , Zeng Jianmei , Wang Linling , Wang Mimi , Lin Nengming
Published: July 2016

Gastric cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the world. The clinical applications of both chemotherapy and targeted drugs are limited because of the complexity of gastric cancer. In this study, sulforhodamine B, colony formation assay, 4',6‐diamidino‐2‐phenylindole (DAPI) stain, flow cytometry were used to determine the in vitro cytotoxicity, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential of gastric cancer AGS and HGC‐27 cells before and after treatment. Real‐time PCR and Western blot were used to analyse the mRNA transcription and protein expression respectively. Confocal microscopy was used to determine the localization of target protein within the cells. Treatment with the combination of ABT‐737 and 2,5‐dimethyl‐celecoxib (DMC) showed strong synergistic effect in both AGS and HGC‐27 cells. Moreover, DMC would not influence the intracellular prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) level, thus lacking the toxicity profile of celecoxib. Interestingly, given the significant synergistic effect, combination treatment did not affect the protein expression of BH‐3 proteins including Puma, Noxa and Bim. In combination treatment, cell apoptosis was found independent of caspase‐3 activation. The translocation of apoptosis‐inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondrion to nuclear was responsible for the induced apoptosis in the combination treatment. Taken together, this study provided a novel combination treatment regimen for gastric cancer. Furthermore, the existence of caspase‐independent apoptotic pathway induced by treatment of ABT‐737 was not yet seen until combined with DMC, which shed light on an alternative mechanism involved in Bcl‐2 inhibitor‐induced apoptosis.
Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of Two Poorly Known Species of Protocruzia (Ciliophora: Protocruziida)
Authors: Jiang Jiamei , Huang Jie , Al‐Farraj Saleh A. , Lin Xiaofeng , Hu Xiaozhong
Published: July 2016

The ciliate genus Protocruzia is a highly confused group, which was formerly placed in the class Heterotrichea or Karyorelictea, and is according to the most recent system tentatively assigned to the class Spirotrichea. In the present study, the morphology, ciliary pattern, and molecular phylogeny of two poorly known species, Protocruzia tuzeti Villeneuve‐Brachon, 1940, and Protocruzia granulosa Kahl, 1933, isolated from coastal waters of China, were investigated. Protocruzia tuzeti differs from its congeners mainly in possessing 6 adoral membranelles, 8–11 somatic kineties, and postoral dikinetids. Protocruzia granulosa is characterized by its extremely slender body, three postoral kineties, and 13 or 14 somatic kineties. The morphogenesis of P. granulosa is similar to that of P. tuzeti, especially in the parakinetal mode of stomatogenesis and the reorganization of the parental paroral membrane; however, more than one somatic kinety joins in the formation of the oral primordium in P. granulosa. Phylogenetic analyses based on small subunit ribosomal RNA gene revealed that six Protocruzia species form a fully supported clade that does not belong to any ciliate class; therefore, our data support the establishment of the class Protocruziea Gao et al. (Sci. Rep., 6, 2016, 24874).
Clinicopathological characteristics of serrated polyps as precursors to colorectal cancer: Current status and management
Authors: Okamoto Koichi , Kitamura Shinji , Kimura Tetsuo , Nakagawa Tadahiko , Sogabe Masahiro , Miyamoto Hiroshi , Muguruma Naoki , Takayama Tetsuji
Published: July 2016

Serrated polyps have long been thought to lack malignant potential in the human colorectum. However, identification of the serrated pathway to colorectal cancer based on molecular biology has improved our understanding of the pathogenesis of colorectal cancers. Accordingly, serrated polyps such as traditional serrated adenoma and sessile serrated adenoma/polyps (SSA/P) are now considered to be precursor lesions of the serrated pathway. Recently, serrated polyps were classified into three subtypes, consisting of hyperplastic polyp, SSA/P, and traditional serrated adenoma, according to the World Health Organization classification. It has been suggested that SSA/P in the proximal colon are a precursor lesion of pathogenesis of colorectal cancer and are characterized by BRAF mutation and a CpG island methylator phenotype with or without microsatellite instability. However, SSA/P is more challenging to detect by colonoscopy and is likely to account for some interval cancers, particularly in the proximal colon because it presents flat or sessile, isochroous appearance, and occasionally has a mucous cap. Furthermore, the possibility has been raised that pathologists misclassify SSA/P as hyperplastic polyp. It is important for gastroenterologists to recognize the endoscopic features of serrated polyps to facilitate their detection and removal and also to establish postpolypectomy surveillance guidelines. In this review, we discuss the recent classification of serrated polyps; the molecular characteristics of the serrated pathway; appropriate diagnostic methods using endoscopy, including a new image‐enhanced endoscopic technique; and management of these lesions.
Expression of retinoid‐related orphan receptor (ROR)γt on NK22 cells in the peripheral blood and uterine endometrium of women with unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and unexplained infertility
Authors: Fuchinoue Kohei , Fukui Atsushi , Chiba Hitomi , Kamoi Mai , Funamizu Ayano , Taima Ayako , Fukuhara Rie , Mizunuma Hideki
Published: July 2016

Aim

Recently, NK22 cells, a subset of interleukin (IL)‐22‐producing natural killer (NK) cells, were identified. We have previously reported the higher percentage of NK22 cells in women suffering recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). Moreover, we have also reported lower expression of NKp46, a kind of natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR), on NK cells and the changes of NK cell producing cytokines in women who experience RPL. NK22 cells express NCRs, such as NKp44 or NKp46. Retinoid‐related orphan receptor γt (RORγt) is known as a regulator of NK22 cells; however, in NK22 cells of peripheral blood (PB) and the uterine endometrium (UE), the relationship between NCRs and RORγt is unclear. We investigate RORγt expression NK22 cells in the PB and UE of women with unexplained infertility (uI) or unexplained RPL (uRPL).

Methods

Lymphocytes were extracted from PB and UE, derived from women with uI or uRPL. Expression of RORγt and NCRs in NK cells and NK cell‐produced cytokines were analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

CD56+/NKp46+/RORγt+ cells were positively correlated with CD56+/IL‐22+ cells in both PB and UE. CD56bright/NKp46bright/RORγt+ cells were significantly higher in uRPL than in uI, and endometrial CD56bright/NKp46bright/RORγt+ cells were positively correlated with PB. In UE, CD56bright/RORγt+ cells were negatively correlated with CD56bright/interferon‐γ+ and CD56bright/tumor necrosis factor‐α+ cells of uRPL.

Conclusion

RORγt may be associated with NK22 cells in reproduction. Particularly, higher expression of RORγt may be associated with elevated NK22 cells in uRPL.
Which Resources Matter How and Where? A Meta‐Analysis on Firms’ Foreign Establishment Mode Choice
Authors: Klier Hendrik , Schwens Christian , Zapkau Florian B. , Dikova Desislava
Published: July 2016

Firm resources play an important role in explaining the foreign establishment mode choice. However, a theoretical framework that simultaneously a) differentiates between heterogeneous types of resources, b) provides a rationale that consistently explains how firms adapt their establishment mode choice to their resource base, and c) reflects on contextual factors that intervene in the consistency of the direct relationships is largely missing. The present paper draws on the resource‐based view (RBV) to develop such a framework. More specifically, we study the effect of knowledge‐based and experience‐based resources on a firm's establishment mode choice and the moderating impact of cultural distance on these relationships. We validate our theoretical framework by a meta‐analysis (integrating 31 studies with 13,559 establishment mode choices) and find that knowledge‐based resources enhance a firm's propensity for greenfield investments, while experience‐based resources more likely lead to acquisitions. Further, cultural distance increases knowledge‐intensive firms’ preference for greenfield investments.
Evaluation of the LiveWell@School Food Initiative Shows Increases in Scratch Cooking and Improvement in Nutritional Content
Authors: Schober Daniel J. , Carpenter Leah , Currie Venita , Yaroch Amy L.
Published: July 2016

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this evaluation was to examine the effects of the LiveWell@School Food Initiative (LW@SFI), a Colorado‐based childhood obesity prevention program that partners with school districts to enable them to serve more scratch cooked foods through culinary training, action planning, and equipment grants.

METHODS

This evaluation used a quasi‐experimental design that examined menu cycles prior to entering the LW@SFI and approximately 1 year later. A review of school menus with food service directors from 9 Colorado school districts was conducted.

RESULTS

Data show that districts changed an average of 17.4 entrées and 19.7 side dishes over the course of the year. Changes to serving scratch cooked foods were highest for sauces (an increase of 40.5%). No districts were cooking beans/legumes from scratch during baseline or at follow‐up. Across the 9 districts, 7 observed statistically significant pre‐post reductions in sodium, 4 in fat, 5 in saturated fat, and 3 in calories.

CONCLUSIONS

Within a year of implementing the LW@SFI, school districts increased the proportion of fresh, scratch cooked foods they offered and this was associated with some decreases in calories, fat, saturated fat, and sodium, contributing to healthier school food environments.
Neutral processes and species sorting in benthic microalgal community assembly: effects of tidal resuspension
Authors: Plante Craig J. , Fleer Virginia , Jones Martin L.
Published: July 2016

Benthic microalgae (BMA) provide vital food resources for heterotrophs and stabilize sediments with their extracellular secretions. A central goal in ecology is to understand how processes such as species interactions and dispersal, contribute to observed patterns of species abundance and distribution. Our objectives were to assess the effects of sediment resuspension on microalgal community structure. We tested whether taxa‐abundance distributions could be predicted using neutral community models (NCMs) and also specific hypotheses about passive migration: (i) As migration decreases in sediment patches, BMA α‐diversity will decrease, and (ii) As migration decreases, BMA community dissimilarity (β‐diversity) will increase. Co‐occurrence indices (checkerboard score and variance ratio) were also computed to test for deterministic factors, such as competition and niche differentiation, in shaping communities. Two intertidal sites (mudflat and sand bar) differing in resuspension regime were sampled throughout the tidal cycle. Fluorometry and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis were utilized to investigate diatom community structure. Observed taxa‐abundances fit those predicted from NCMs reasonably well (R2 of 0.68–0.93), although comparisons of observed local communities to artificial randomly assembled communities rejected the null hypothesis that diatom communities were assembled solely by stochastic processes. No co‐occurrence tests indicated a significant role for competitive exclusion or niche partitioning in microalgal community assembly. In general, predictions about relationships between migration and species diversity were supported for local community dynamics. BMA at low tide (lowest migration) exhibited reduced α‐diversity as compared to periods of immersion at both mudflat and sand bar sites. β‐diversity was higher during low tide emersion on the mudflat, but did not differ temporally at the sand bar site. In between‐site metacommunity comparisons, low‐ and high‐resuspension sites exhibited distinct community compositions while the low‐energy mudflats contained higher microalgal biomass and greater α‐diversity. To our knowledge this is the first study to test the relevance of neutral processes in structuring marine microalgal communities. Our results demonstrate a prominent role for stochastic factors in structuring local BMA community assembly, although unidentified nonrandom processes also appear to play some role. High passive migration, in particular, appears to help maintain species diversity and structure communities in both sand and muddy habitats.
Phylogenetic position of two endemic Carthamus species in Algeria and their potential as sources of genes for water use efficiency improvement of safflower
Authors: Mihoub Imane , Robert Thierry , Ghashghaie Jaleh , Vilatersana Roser , Lamy Françoise , Benmrid Reda , Lamothe‐Sibold Marlène , Aid Fatiha
Published: July 2016

Despite the high economic value of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), the potential of several wild related species as genetic resources is still poorly studied, in particular with regards to drought tolerance, a priority in safflower improvement. This situation is partially explained by the numerous and still discussed uncertainties in phylogenetic relationships within the safflower species complex. In this study, we focused on two rare Algerian wild species, Carthamus strictus and Carthamus chouletteanus. We aimed at: (i) clarifying their taxonomic status, and determining their phylogenetic relationships with safflower and other Mediterranean species of Carthamus sensu lato (s.l.) (Carthamus sensu stricto (s.s.) and Carduncellus genera) by using nucleotide diversity within the internal transcribed spacer region (ITS) and (ii) assessing the water use efficiency (WUE) of these species by determining their carbon isotope composition. Our results support the existence of two well supported different clusters among the safflower species complex: Carthamus s.s. including Eastern annual species and the vast Carduncellus group constituted by Western perennial species, including the two studied Algerian species. Also, significant differences for carbon isotopic composition between Carthamus s.s. and Carduncellus were revealed. Carduncellus species displayed significantly higher δ13C values (i.e., higher WUE) than Carthamus s.s. species. Carthamus chouletteanus displayed the highest average value of δ13C (highest WUE) among the species studied. Our data encourage for further studies on the possibility of hybridisations between species of the two genera and suggest that Carduncellus should be considered as potentially more interesting genetic resources to improve the WUE of safflower, rather than Carthamus s.s. species.
Baseline HBsAg and HBcrAg titres allow peginterferon‐based ‘precision medicine’ in HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B patients
Authors: Martinot‐Peignoux M. , Lapalus M. , Maylin S. , Boyer N. , Castelnau C. , Giuily N. , Pouteau M. , Moucari R. , Asselah T. , Marcellin P.
Published: July 2016

Quantitative hepatitis B core‐related antigen (qHBcrAg) has been proposed as an additional marker to quantitative HBsAg (qHBsAg), for management of chronic hepatitis B. Evaluate baseline combination of qHBsAg and qHBcrAg for identification of patients that could benefit from pegylated interferon‐alpha‐2a (PegIFN)‐based therapy. Sixty‐two HBeAg‐negative patients treated with PegIFN or PegIFN plus tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (PegIFN+TDF). HBsAg and HBcrAg titres were evaluated at baseline. Thirty patients received PegIFN and 32 PegIFN+TDF. SR was 10 of 30 and 17 of 32 in PegIFN and PegIFN+TDF patients, respectively. Cut‐offs determined by maximized Youden's index for identifying patients likely to respond to therapy were as follows: 3.141 log10 IU/mL and 3.450 log10 U/mL for HBsAg and HBcrAg, respectively. At the end of 3 years post‐treatment follow‐up, HBsAg loss was observed in 7 of 30 and 6 of 32 in PegIFN and PegIFN+TDF patients, respectively. The AUC was estimated to be 0.716 (95% CI [0.578, 0.855]) for HBsAg and 0.668 (95% CI [0.524, 0.811]) for HBcrAg (P=.5541). PPVs for AUCs(95%CI) were 0.762(0.590–0.947), 0.714(0.533–1.000) and 0.800(0.611–1.000), and NPVs for AUCs(95%CI) were 0.756(0.660–0.899), 0.718(0.630–0.857) and 0.765(0.675–0.889) for qHBsAg, qHBcrAg and the combination of both markers, respectively. Baseline qHBsAg 3.141 log10 IU/mL and qHBcrAg 3.450 log10U/mL thresholds used separately or in combination allow prediction of response, prior to PegIFN‐based therapy, with a PPV of 80.3% and NPV of 76.5%. Baseline qHBsAg is predictive of HBsAg loss. Both markers could be used, separately or in combination, for PegIFN‐based ‘precision therapy’. Our results emphasize that the combination of PegIFN alpha‐2a plus TDF with 53% of SR might be an alternative to finite therapy.
Effect of Dietary Gamma‐irradiated and Fermented Soybean Meal on the Growth Performance, Body Composition, and Digestive Enzymes Activity of Caspian Brown Trout, Salmo trutta caspius, Juvenile
Authors: Sotoudeh Ebrahim , Amiri Moghaddam Jamshid , Shahhosseini Gholamreza , Aramli Mohammad Sadegh
Published: July 2016

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the feasibility of gamma‐irradiated soybean meal (SBM) as a dietary ingredient on the performance, body composition, and digestive enzyme activity of Caspian brown trout, Salmo trutta caspius, juveniles. Five isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets were formulated, in which fish meal was replaced by untreated (untreated SBM), gamma‐ray irradiated at 15 (15ISBM) and 30 (30ISBM) kGy, fermented (FSBM), fermented 15 KGy irradiated soybean meal (FISBM), respectively. Juvenile fish (2.1 ± 0.3 g) were fed with the test diets for 6 wk. Final body weight was significantly affected by dietary SBM treatment with highest values in fish fed FISBM and FSBM (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in hepatosomatic and visceral indexes, condition factor, and survival among experimental groups (P > 0.05). The carcass proximate composition of lipid and protein in Caspian brown trout in FSBM and FISBM groups was higher than that of other groups. Levels of most whole‐body amino acids were not significantly different among Caspian brown trout fed the five diets. Results of this experiment showed that replacing SBM with FSBM and FISBM in the diet significantly increased the activities of proteolytic enzymes activities (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences were observed in both amylase and lipase activities among dietary treatments. Results of this study indicated that the level of gamma radiation used did not work but fermentation of SBM did increase some growth parameters of Caspian brown trout.
Forecasting the Genetic Impacts of Net Pen Failures on Gulf of Mexico Cobia Populations Using Individual‐based Model Simulations
Authors: Darden Tanya L. , Robinson John D. , Strand Allan E. , Denson Michael R.
Published: July 2016

Offshore net pen fish farming provides a cost‐efficient means for production of marine finfish, and there is great interest in development of net pen operations in domestic waters. However, there are concerns over the possible genetic and ecological impacts that escaped fish may have on wild populations. We used individual‐based simulations, with parameter values informed by life history and genetic data, to investigate the short‐term (50 yr) impacts of net pen failures on the genetic composition of cobia, Rachycentron canadum, stocks in the Gulf of Mexico. Higher net pen failure rates resulted in greater genetic impacts on the wild population. Additionally, the use of more genetically differentiated source populations led to larger influxes of non‐native alleles and greater temporal genetic change in the population as a result of net pen failure. Our results highlight the importance of considering the appropriate source population for broodstock collection in net pen aquaculture systems and help to provide a general set of best management practices for broodstock selection and maintenance in net pen aquaculture operations. A thorough understanding of the genetic diversity, stock structure, and population demography of target species is important to determine the impact escapees can have on wild populations.
The Pragmatic Encroachment Debate
Authors: Roeber Blake
Published: July 2016

Does knowledge depend in any interesting way on our practical interests? This is the central question in the pragmatic encroachment debate. Pragmatists defend the affirmative answer to this question while purists defend the negative answer. The literature contains two kinds of arguments for pragmatism: principle‐based arguments and case‐based arguments. Principle‐based arguments derive pragmatism from principles that connect knowledge to practical interests. Case‐based arguments rely on intuitions about cases that differ with respect to practical interests. I argue that there are insurmountable problems for both kinds of arguments, and that it is therefore unclear what motivates pragmatism.
Knockdown of strigolactone biosynthesis genes in Populus affects BRANCHED1 expression and shoot architecture
Authors: Muhr Merlin , Prüfer Nele , Paulat Maria , Teichmann Thomas
Published: July 2016

Plant architecture is modified by a regulatory system that controls axillary bud outgrowth. Key components in this system are strigolactones (SLs) and BRANCHED1, which inhibit bud outgrowth. Their role has been described in herbaceous model systems, including Arabidopsis, rice and pea. However, a role in woody perennial species, including the model tree poplar, has not been unequivocally proven.

In this study, we tested a role for SLs in Populus × canescens by treatment with the synthetic SL GR24. We generated MORE AXILLARY BRANCHING4 (MAX4) knockdown lines to study the architectural phenotype of poplar SL biosynthesis mutants and the expression of SL‐regulated genes.

We show that GR24 is perceived by the model tree poplar. MAX4 knockdown lines exhibit typical SL deficiency symptoms. The observed changes in branching pattern, internode length and plant height can be rescued by grafting. We identified putative poplar BRANCHED1 and BRANCHED2 genes and provide evidence for a regulation of BRANCHED1 by SLs.

Our results suggest a conservation of major regulatory mechanisms in bud outgrowth control in the model tree poplar. This may facilitate further research, pinpointing the role of SLs and BRANCHED1 in the complex regulation of bud outgrowth in trees.
Does leaf shedding protect stems from cavitation during seasonal droughts? A test of the hydraulic fuse hypothesis
Authors: Wolfe Brett T. , Sperry John S. , Kursar Thomas A.
Published: July 2016

During droughts, leaves are predicted to act as ‘hydraulic fuses’ by shedding when plants reach critically low water potential (Ψplant), thereby slowing water loss, stabilizing Ψplant and protecting against cavitation‐induced loss of stem hydraulic conductivity (Ks).

We tested these predictions among trees in seasonally dry tropical forests, where leaf shedding is common, yet variable, among species. We tracked leaf phenology, Ψplant and Ks in saplings of six tree species distributed across two forests.

Species differed in their timing and extent of leaf shedding, yet converged in shedding leaves as they approached the Ψplant value associated with a 50% loss of Ks and at which their model‐estimated maximum sustainable transpiration rate approached zero. However, after shedding all leaves, the Ψplant value of one species, Genipa americana, continued to decline, indicating that water loss continued after leaf shedding. Ks was highly variable among saplings within species and seasons, suggesting a minimal influence of seasonal drought on Ks.

Hydraulic limits appear to drive diverse patterns of leaf shedding among tropical trees, supporting the hydraulic fuse hypothesis. However, leaf shedding is not universally effective at stabilizing Ψplant, suggesting that the main function of drought deciduousness may vary among species.
Coexistence of plant species in a biodiversity hotspot is stabilized by competition but not by seed predation
Authors: Nottebrock Henning , Schmid Baptiste , Treurnicht Martina , Pagel Jörn , Esler Karen J. , Böhning‐Gaese Katrin , Schleuning Matthias , Schurr Frank M.
Published: July 2016

Understanding the mechanisms of species coexistence is a key task for ecology. Recent theory predicts that both competition and predation (which causes apparent competition among prey) can either promote or limit species coexistence. Both mechanisms cause negative interactions between individuals, and each mechanism promotes stable coexistence if it causes negative interactions to be stronger between conspecifics than between heterospecifics. However, the relative importance of competition and predation for coexistence in natural communities is poorly known. Here, we study how competition and apparent competition via pre‐dispersal seed predators affect the long‐term fecundity of Protea shrubs in the fire‐prone Fynbos biome (South Africa). These shrubs store all viable seeds produced since the last fire in fire‐proof cones. Competitive effects on cone number and pre‐dispersal seed predation reduce their fecundity and can thus limit recruitment after the next fire. In 27 communities comprising 49 990 shrubs of 22 Protea species, we measured cone number and per‐cone seed predation rate of 2154 and 1755 focal individuals, respectively. Neighbourhood analyses related these measures to individual‐based community maps. We found that conspecific neighbours had stronger competitive effects on cone number than heterospecific neighbours. In contrast, apparent competition via seed predators was comparable between conspecifics and heterospecifics. This indicates that competition stabilizes coexistence of Protea species, whereas pre‐dispersal seed predation does not. Larger neighbours had stronger competitive effects and neighbours with large seed crops exerted stronger apparent competition. For 97% of the focal plants, competition reduced fecundity more than apparent competition. Our results show that even in communities of closely related and ecologically similar species, intraspecific competition can be stronger than interspecific competition. On the other hand, apparent competition through seed predators need not have such a stabilizing effect. These findings illustrate the potential of ‘community demography’, the demographic study of multiple interacting species, for understanding plant coexistence.