bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Condition analysis of the Brazilian sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon lalandii: evidence of maternal investment for initial post‐natal life
Authors: Corsso Jessica T. , Gadig Otto B. F. , Barreto Rodrigo R. P. , Motta Fabio S.
Published: August 2018

The present study analysed the condition factor (K) and the hepato‐somatic index (I
H) of the Brazilian sharpnose shark Rhizoprionodon lalandii during its entire life cycle. Discontinuity of liver growth was observed after sexual maturity. High condition values were recorded in the length classes of 300–350 mm (neonates), when the livers represented about 8% of total mass, decreasing until the length classes of 400–450 and 450–500 mm in females and males, respectively. Seasonal analysis exhibited low I
H values in the summer, while for K, low values were in spring, indicating greater investment for body growth during spring and for gonad maturation in summer. Such findings indicate that this small coastal shark species accumulates reserve substances in the liver that will be used during reproduction. The decline in I
H values in juveniles suggests that reserves provisioned by the mother to the neonate liver can be used in the first months of life.
Unique predictive power of other‐rated personality: An 18‐year longitudinal study
Authors: Luan Ziyan , Poorthuis Astrid M. G. , Hutteman Roos , Denissen Jaap J. A. , Asendorpf Jens B. , van Aken Marcel A. G.
Published: August 2018

Objective

What is gained by having others report on one's personality? Research on adult samples has suggested that informant reports are especially informative regarding traits that are highly visible and evaluative (i.e., socially desirable/undesirable instead of neutral), such as Openness, Conscientiousness, and Agreeableness. This 18‐year longitudinal study aims to demonstrate the unique predictive power of other‐rated personality in adolescence, using life outcomes and personality in adulthood as trait criteria.

Method

We examined the unique predictive power of self‐ and other‐rated Big Five personality traits at age 12 and 17 on self‐rated life outcomes and personality at age 29 (e.g., educational achievement, work income, depression, moral transgressions, and relationship satisfaction). Participants were 186 German adolescents (53% boys), their parents and friends at age 12, and their mothers and fathers at age 17.

Results

Other‐ratings showed unique predictive power beyond self‐ratings for all Big Five traits, with the most consistent results for Openness, Conscientiousness, and Agreeableness.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate the added value of including other‐reports on adolescent personality when predicting future life outcomes and personality, especially for highly visible and evaluative traits. The present study sheds light on the predictive power of self‐ versus other‐rated personality and personality–outcome associations.
The Intersection of Racial–Ethnic Socialization and Adolescence: A Closer Examination at Stage‐Salient Issues
Authors: Stein Gabriela L. , Coard Stephanie I. , Kiang Lisa , Smith Ruth K. , Mejia Yesenia C.
Published: August 2018

The literature on parental racial–ethnic socialization (RES) has established the multiple protective effects of RES on developmental outcomes. Although the majority of this literature examines RES processes in adolescence, with the exception of identity processes this literature has not specifically tackled how these messages intersect with specific adolescent developmental processes. We review the literature on RES processes in non‐White adolescents with a focus on the parent–adolescent relationship, risk‐taking behaviors, romantic relationships, and different contexts (i.e., extracurricular, work, and social media settings). We propose that developmental science needs to account for how parental RES may not only change in adolescence, but in particular responds to the perceived risks associated with this developmental period and interacts with normative developmental tasks and milestones.
The Increasing Diversity and Complexity of Family Structures for Adolescents
Authors: Pearce Lisa D. , Hayward George M. , Chassin Laurie , Curran Patrick J.
Published: August 2018

The structure of adolescents’ families, and thus parental forms, in the United States, have become more heterogeneous and fluid over the past several decades. These changes are due to increases in never‐married, single parents, divorce, cohabitation, same‐sex parenting, multipartnered fertility, and co‐residence with grandparents. We document current diversity and complexity in adolescents’ families as important context for rethinking future parenting theory and research. We also discuss how understandings of adolescents’ families are somewhat limited by current methods used to measure characteristics of families. We recommend social network and profile‐based methods as alternatives to capturing key dimensions of family structure and processes. Understanding the diversity of households and families in which adolescents are raised can improve theory and research on parenting.
Parent–Adolescent Socialization of Social Class in Low‐Income White Families: Theory, Research, and Future Directions
Authors: Jones Deborah J. , Loiselle Raelyn , Highlander April
Published: August 2018

The formative role of social class in the United States has long been a focus of fields such as economics, history, and political science. Yet, little psychological theory or data are available to guide our understanding of what messages regarding social class are transmitted within and across generations and how those transmissions are most likely to occur. As a launching point for such work, we focus this initial contextual and largely theoretical review on parent–adolescent socialization of social class in low‐income, White families of adolescents in particular. To this end, our goal was to raise potential hypotheses about the implicit and explicit ways that White low‐income parents may shape adolescent views of class, as well as the meaning and implications of status socialization for adolescent health and well‐being.
Synthesizing a Special Issue on Parenting Adolescents in an Increasingly Diverse World
Authors: Hussong Andrea , Jones Deborah J. , Jensen Michaeline
Published: August 2018

Our goal is to identify integrative themes in this special issue on “Parenting Adolescents in an Increasingly Diverse World”. Specifically, we identify themes that may generalize largely from studies of marginalized families to guide American families more broadly as youth navigate an increasingly diverse world. We describe three broad diversity socialization goals that may foster greater intercultural maturity in youth. These include helping youth find their place and value in a multicultural world, increase the value that they place on others and decrease their fears of difference, and prepare to respond to biased or perceived rejection. And we offer five directions for future research to help build a path forward in this important area of study.
A Commentary on the Parenting of Adolescents in Diverse and Multicultural Contexts
Authors: Maholmes Valerie
Published: August 2018

This commentary on the Special Issue on Parenting Adolescents in Multicultural Contexts discusses key concepts addressed by the authors in this special issue. The connecting themes of parenting styles, relationships, and the need for relevant research methods and measures are discussed. The commentary concludes with reflections on these themes for the field of developmental science and important questions for developmental scientists to ponder to advance the research in this important area of inquiry.
Neuropsychiatric symptoms in hepatitis C patients resemble those of patients with autoimmune liver disease but are different from those in hepatitis B patients
Authors: Dirks Meike , Haag Kim , Pflugrad Henning , Tryc Anita B. , Schuppner Ramona , Wedemeyer Heiner , Potthoff Andrej , Tillmann Hans L. , Sandorski Kajetan , Worthmann Hans , Ding Xiaoqi , Weissenborn Karin
Published: August 2018

Chronic fatigue, mood alterations and cognitive impairment are frequent accessory symptoms of HCV infection. Fatigue and mood alterations have also been observed in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) and primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), but not in hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infection, thus indicating an autoimmune response as possible cause of HCV infection‐associated encephalopathy. Data, however, are sparse. This study aimed to prove that HCV patients feature similar to those with autoimmune liver disease but contrary to HBV patients regarding neuropsychiatric symptoms. A total of 132 noncirrhotic patients (HCV: 46, HBV: 22, AIH: 27, PBC: 29, AIH/PBC: 8) completed questionnaires addressing the domains mentioned above. Eighty‐eight underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Patient groups were compared among each other and to 33 healthy controls. Fatigue, anxiety and depression scores were significantly increased, and the SF‐36 mental score significantly decreased in all patient groups compared to controls. Fatigue was significantly more pronounced in HCV than in HBV patients. HCV patients scored significantly worse than HBV patients but not AIH and PBC patients in the SF‐36. HCV, AIH and PBC but not HBV patients did significantly worse than controls in word learning. Recognition of words was impaired in HCV, AIH and PBC patients and recognition of figures in HCV patients, exclusively (P ≤ 0.002). HCV patients did also worse than controls and HBV patients concerning alertness and working memory (P ≤ 0.001). The neuropsychiatric profiles of HCV patients are similar to those of AIH and PBC patients but differ from those of HBV patients, suggesting an autoimmune response as a possible cause for these differences.
Skeletal muscle interstitial O2 pressures: bridging the gap between the capillary and myocyte
Authors: Hirai Daniel M. , Colburn Trenton D. , Craig Jesse C. , Hotta Kazuki , Kano Yutaka , Musch Timothy I. , Poole David C.
Published: August 2018

The oxygen transport pathway from air to mitochondria involves a series of transfer steps within closely integrated systems (pulmonary, cardiovascular, and tissue metabolic). Small and finite O2 stores in most mammalian species require exquisitely controlled changes in O2 flux rates to support elevated ATP turnover. This is especially true for the contracting skeletal muscle where O2 requirements may increase two orders of magnitude above rest. This brief review focuses on the mechanistic bases for increased microvascular blood‐myocyte O2 flux (V̇O2) from rest to contractions. Fick's law dictates that V̇O2 elevations driven by muscle contractions are produced by commensurate changes in driving force (ie, O2 pressure gradients; ΔPO2) and/or effective diffusing capacity (DO2). While previous evidence indicates that increased DO2 helps modulate contracting muscle O2 flux, up until recently the role of the dynamic ΔPO2 across the capillary wall was unknown. Recent phosphorescence quenching investigations of both microvascular and novel interstitial PO2 kinetics in health have resolved an important step in the O2 cascade between the capillary and myocyte. Specifically, the significant transmural ΔPO2 at rest was sustained (but not increased) during submaximal contractions. This supports the contention that the blood‐myocyte interface provides a substantial effective resistance to O2 diffusion and underscores that modulations in erythrocyte hemodynamics and distribution (DO2) are crucial to preserve the driving force for O2 flux across the capillary wall (ΔPO2) during contractions. Investigation of the O2 transport pathway close to muscle mitochondria is key to identifying disease mechanisms and develop therapeutic approaches to ameliorate dysfunction and exercise intolerance.
LncRNA‐FENDRR mediates VEGFA to promote the apoptosis of brain microvascular endothelial cells via regulating miR‐126 in mice with hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Dong Baizhuo , Zhou Bin , Sun Zhigang , Huang Shengming , Han Liang , Nie Honghua , Chen Guohui , Liu Shibing , Zhang Yanna , Bao Ning , Yang Xiaolong , Feng Hongwei
Published: August 2018

Background

LncRNA‐FENDRR is a kind of endothelial genes critical for vascular development. Moreover, miR‐126 and vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) are also involved in the physiological process of vascular endothelial cells. This study aimed to the underlying mechanism of FENDRR involving miR‐126 and VEGFA in hypertensive intracerebral hemorrhage (HICH).

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were chosen to establish HICH model. The expression of FENDRR, miR‐126, and VEGFA at mRNA level was determined by qRT‐PCR. The protein expression of VEGFA was assessed using Western blot. RIP assay and RNA pull‐down assay were used to the relationship between FENDRR and miR‐126. Flow cytometry was used to analyze cell apoptosis.

Results

The levels of FENDRR and VEGFA were increased, and miR‐126 expression was decreased in vascular endothelial cells (VECs) from the right brain of model mice and human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs) treated by thrombin. Overexpression of FENDRR promoted the apoptosis of HBMECs. FENDRR regulating VEGFA participated in HBMECs apoptosis through targeting miR‐126. Downregulation of FENDRR was indicated to relieve the HICH in mice.

Conclusions

FENDRR could promote the apoptosis of HBMECs via miR‐126 regulating VEGFA in HICH.
A touch of awe: crafting meaning from the wonder of the cosmos
Authors: Paulson Steve , Davies Paul , Louis Ard , Walkowicz Lucianne
Published: August 2018

From the birth of galaxies to the self‐organizing dynamics of our planet to the ongoing expansion of the universe, the more we discover about the evolution of the cosmos, the more acutely we realize the enormity of what remains to be known. Just this year astrophysicists at the University of Nottingham confirmed that there are at least two trillion galaxies in the cosmos, 10 times more than had been previously thought. What guidance or wisdom can the study of cosmology and astrophysics offer us in our search for meaning and purpose? In conversation with Steve Paulson, executive producer and host of To the Best of Our Knowledge, theoretical physicists Paul Davies and Ard Louis, and astrophysicist Lucianne Walkowicz share their perceptions based on years of gazing upward and beyond our own intimate planet.
Impact of recent and future climate change on vector‐borne diseases
Authors: Caminade Cyril , McIntyre K. Marie , Jones Anne E.
Published: August 2018

Climate change is one of the greatest threats to human health in the 21st century. Climate directly impacts health through climatic extremes, air quality, sea‐level rise, and multifaceted influences on food production systems and water resources. Climate also affects infectious diseases, which have played a significant role in human history, impacting the rise and fall of civilizations and facilitating the conquest of new territories. Our review highlights significant regional changes in vector and pathogen distribution reported in temperate, peri‐Arctic, Arctic, and tropical highland regions during recent decades, changes that have been anticipated by scientists worldwide. Further future changes are likely if we fail to mitigate and adapt to climate change. Many key factors affect the spread and severity of human diseases, including mobility of people, animals, and goods; control measures in place; availability of effective drugs; quality of public health services; human behavior; and political stability and conflicts. With drug and insecticide resistance on the rise, significant funding and research efforts must to be maintained to continue the battle against existing and emerging diseases, particularly those that are vector borne.
Petrol exhaust pollution impairs honey bee learning and memory
Authors: Leonard Ryan J. , Vergoz Vanina , Proschogo Nicholas , McArthur Clare , Hochuli Dieter F.
Published: August 2018

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) serve as important infochemicals, mediating several ecological interactions including herbivory and pollination. Atmospheric pollutants including traffic‐related air pollution may impair the detection of VOCs used by insects in insect–plant interactions. We investigated the indirect effect of petrol exhaust pollution on olfactory learning and memory (short and long term) in honey bees. Using appetitive olfactory conditioning, we trained bees to learn one of four floral VOC profiles; linalool, dipentene, myrcene and geranium. VOCs were unpolluted or polluted with exhaust collected from a petrol generator. Exhaust emissions included concentrations of CO (246.07 + 17 ppm), NO (20.50 + 6.90 ppb) and NO2 (20.93 + 0.05 ppb) consistent with those typically encountered in urban areas and near roads. Once bees had learnt the training VOC, we tested whether they could recognise that VOC 1 h, 24 h and 48 h post‐training. Bees took significantly longer to learn polluted VOCs and forgot them faster than unpolluted ones. We also tested the ‘masking’ potential of pollution on floral VOCs. Using gas chromatography mass spectroscopy we noted differences in the chemical profile of polluted versus unpolluted VOCs and tested whether bees could recognise polluted VOCs if trained using unpolluted ones. For several VOCs tested, bees could distinguish between polluted and unpolluted VOCs. Ultimately, our results show that air pollution changes the recognition and retention of floral VOCs by bees which may consequently impact foraging efficiency.
Increase in light interception cost and metabolic mass component of leaves are coupled for efficient resource use in the high altitude vegetation
Authors: Thakur Dinesh , Rathore Nikita , Chawla Amit
Published: August 2018

Global syntheses of leaf trait scaling relationships report an increase in light interception costs or ‘diminishing returns’ with increase in leaf area. However, variation in light interception costs across ecological gradients and plant strategies to cope up with these costs are not adequately understood. We analyzed leaf area (A) – leaf dry mass (M), leaf water mass (W) – M and W – A scaling relationships in plants occurring in a high altitude region of western Himalaya across environmental gradients to understand changes in light interception cost and metabolic mass component. M represents light interception cost, whereas, W is considered as a proxy of metabolic mass component for liquid phase being the ultimate source of metabolic activity. Trait values were measured from 9278 leaves belonging to 136 dominant species occurring at different sites, slope aspects, elevations and habitat types. Overall, light interception cost increased with increasing A (scaling exponent (α) < 1 in A–M relationship) and metabolic mass component increased disproportionately high with increasing M and A. We found significant differences in scaling exponents of leaf trait relationship between sites, elevations, slope aspects and habitat types, indicating that increase in light interception cost was more evident at higher elevations, southern slopes and open habitats. Further, with increase in light interception cost, metabolic mass component also increased (α > 1 in W–M and W–A relationships). The changes in scaling exponents of various leaf trait relationships across ecological gradients indicated that vegetation of different regions have differences in light interception cost and metabolic mass component. Moreover, increasing light interception cost (increase in mechanical and hydraulic tissues) with increasing A and increasing metabolic mass (leaf thickness) with increasing A and M are favored in high altitude vegetation. This could be a key strategy of high altitude plants for efficient resource capture and use in harsh environments.
Just what is the thermal niche?
Authors: Gvoždík Lumír
Published: August 2018

The term ‘thermal niche’ is frequently used in ecology. Using the Web of Science database, I reviewed how the term has been used in current literature (2000–2015). While the use of ‘thermal niche’ has increased notably over the last 15 years, its meaning differs between studies. Only 10% of studies measured thermal niche directly as the range of body temperatures enabling non‐zero population growth. Indirect thermal niche estimates were based on distributional data (47%), thermal reaction norms (36%) and preferred body temperatures (7%). Here, I present a new conceptual unification model for the term in which I propose that the choice of commonly used thermal physiology traits for indirect thermal niche estimates depends on behavioural ability to buffer variation in thermal environments during both activity and inactivity (diel or seasonal). The resulting body temperature distribution determines the relative importance of key thermal physiology traits, thermal tolerance, thermal preferenda and temperature dependence of metabolic rate. This framework provides a guide for using the term ‘thermal niche’ in ecological literature and identifies key areas for further research.
Words in edgewise
Authors: Hart Heidi
Published: August 2018

Monicka Rinck's translation of Magnus William‐Olsson's collection Homullus absconditus (2013) is more than a Swedish‐to‐German rendering of already multilayered text. As an experimental poet working under hypnosis, Rinck engages with a language she does not know, intentionally misreading homophones, cutting lines, adding small‐print comments in the margins, and translating titles left in Greek, as she interrogates her source's words from within and without. Rather than making an earnest effort to “correct” a male‐authored text, Rinck gets her words in edgewise on each page, in a playfully parasitic mode that also upends age‐old ideas of the passive, hypnotized woman. Paradoxically, her new text, subtitled [HYPNO‐HOMULLUS], becomes more readily comprehensible as it forces a back‐and‐forth reading of source and adaptation, and as it gives the reader words for what she or he may lack in knowledge of Greek or Spanish, in William‐Olsson's citation‐heavy verse. This small, square book full of irruptions and strange marginalia reveals the act of writing to be slippery, hypnotic as it often is, and critical at the same time. It also renews familiar words in two related languages, as it breaks open literary conventions to address not only the gendered but also the intercultural crises of our time.
Expression of the Arabidopsis thaliana immune receptor EFR in Medicago truncatula reduces infection by a root pathogenic bacterium, but not nitrogen‐fixing rhizobial symbiosis
Authors: Pfeilmeier Sebastian , George Jeoffrey , Morel Arry , Roy Sonali , Smoker Matthew , Stransfeld Lena , Downie J. Allan , Peeters Nemo , Malone Jacob G. , Zipfel Cyril
Published: August 2018

Interfamily transfer of plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) represents a promising biotechnological approach to engineer broad‐spectrum, and potentially durable, disease resistance in crops. It is however unclear whether new recognition specificities to given pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) affect the interaction of the recipient plant with beneficial microbes. To test this in a direct reductionist approach, we transferred the Brassicaceae‐specific PRR ELONGATION FACTOR‐THERMO UNSTABLE RECEPTOR (EFR), conferring recognition of the bacterial EF‐Tu protein, from Arabidopsis thaliana to the legume Medicago truncatula. Constitutive EFR expression led to EFR accumulation and activation of immune responses upon treatment with the EF‐Tu‐derived elf18 peptide in leaves and roots. The interaction of M. truncatula with the bacterial symbiont Sinorhizobium meliloti is characterized by the formation of root nodules that fix atmospheric nitrogen. Although nodule numbers were slightly reduced at an early stage of the infection in EFR‐Medicago when compared to control lines, nodulation was similar in all lines at later stages. Furthermore, nodule colonization by rhizobia, and nitrogen fixation were not compromised by EFR expression. Importantly, the M. truncatula lines expressing EFR were substantially more resistant to the root bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum. Our data suggest that the transfer of EFR to M. truncatula does not impede root nodule symbiosis, but has a positive impact on disease resistance against a bacterial pathogen. In addition, our results indicate that Rhizobium can either avoid PAMP recognition during the infection process, or is able to actively suppress immune signaling.
The “Enseki” sandbath: A novel, safe and effective far‐infrared bathing procedure for health
Authors: Aragane Yoshinori , Higashino Hideaki
Published: August 2018

Background

Far‐infrared (FIR) is well known with various therapeutic benefits. Recently, we have developed a novel FIR bathing system called the Enseki sandbath. In this regard, we focused on physical nature of ceramic to radiate FIR rays when heated adequately.

Methods

A bathtub was filled with ceramic beads and was equipped with computerized system which enabled to supply hot water over the ceramic beads and to drain out when beads were sufficiently heated. This system was used like sandbathing. Healthy volunteers were laid in bathtubs, covered in heated ceramic beads and were bathed for 15 minutes. Microbiological analysis was done in samples obtained from the skin surface, ceramic beads, or drained water. Furthermore, various physiological parameters were monitored, including blood pressure, heart rates, oral temperature, body weight, and blood viscosity. Blood samples were simultaneously collected and subjected to biochemical analysis, including blood glucose, HbA1c, uric acid, lactate, fatty acid, and others.

Results

All data showed no physiological overload for tested individuals, and any biochemical analysis did not present abnormal score. Bacteriological culture grew no pathogens. Results of questionnaires demonstrated that 90% of the participants answered the comfort and wished to further repeat the bathing.

Limitations

This is a nonrandomized prospective case study.

Conclusion

We concluded that the Enseki method is a safe and well‐tolerated FIR bathing procedure for regeneration and relaxation.
Agency, Teleological Control and Robust Causation
Authors: Usher Marius
Published: August 2018

I propose a compatibilist theory of agency and responsibility, according to which an agent is responsible for an effect, if and only if, she is the earliest source of robust causation over it, via an action she carried out in the service of her long term interests. This theory deploys a notion of teleological control, which is a type of guidance‐control of the agent over the effect and it involves action plans and means‐end reasoning. The theory makes room for degrees of responsibility, and accounts for the distinction between compulsion and determination. The teleological control view is informed by neuroscience and cognitive theory, and while it is indifferent to the distinction between determinism and indeterminism, it contends that the property of natural laws relevant to agency is the presence of successive stages of attractor and bifurcation dynamics. While the former grounds robust causation over effects of actions, the latter limits the temporal range of robustness, allowing us to characterize responsibility in terms of the earliest sources of robust causation.
Use of VHH antibodies for the development of antigen detection test for visceral leishmaniasis
Authors: Abeijon Claudia , Dilo Julia , Tremblay Jacqueline M. , Viana Agostinho G. , Bueno Lilian L. , Carvalho Silvio F. G. , Fujiwara Ricardo T. , Shoemaker Charles B. , Campos‐Neto Antonio
Published: August 2018

We have recently developed a sensitive and specific urine‐based antigen detection ELISA for the diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). This assay used rabbit IgG and chicken IgY polyclonal antibodies specific for the Leishmania infantum proteins iron superoxide dismutase 1 (Li‐isd1), tryparedoxin1 (Li‐txn1) and nuclear transport factor 2 (Li‐ntf2). However, polyclonal antibodies have limitations for upscaling and continuous supply. To circumvent these hurdles, we began to develop immortalized monoclonal antibodies. We opted for recombinant camelid VHHs because the technology for their production is well established and they do not have Fc, hence providing less ELISA background noise. We report here an assay development using VHHs specific for Li‐isd1 and Li‐ntf2. This new assay was specific and had analytical sensitivity of 15‐45 pg/mL of urine. The clinical sensitivity was comparable to that obtained with the ELISA assembled with conventional rabbit and chicken antibodies to detect these two antigens. Therefore, similar to our former studies with conventional antibodies, the future inclusion of VHH specific for Li‐txn1 and/or other antigens should further increase the sensitivity of the assay. These results confirm that immortalized VHHs can replace conventional antibodies for the development of an accurate and reproducible antigen detection diagnostic test for VL.
Rapid evolution in native plants cultivated for ecological restoration: not a general pattern
Authors: Nagel R. , Durka W. , Bossdorf O. , Bucharova A.
Published: August 2018

The growing number of restoration projects worldwide increases the demand for seed material of native species. To meet this demand, seeds are often produced through large‐scale cultivation on specialised farms, using wild‐collected seeds as the original sources. However, during cultivation, plants experience novel environmental conditions compared to those in natural populations, and there is a danger that the plants in cultivation are subject to unintended selection and lose their adaptation to natural habitats. Although the propagation methods are usually designed to maintain as much natural genetic diversity as possible, the effectiveness of these measures have never been tested.

We obtained seed of five common grassland species from one of the largest native seed producers in Germany. For each species, the seeds were from multiple generations of seed production. We used AFLP markers and a common garden experiment to test for genetic and phenotypic changes during cultivation of these plants.

The molecular markers detected significant evolutionary changes in three out of the five species and we found significant phenotypic changes in two species. The only species that showed substantial genetic and phenotypic changes was the short‐lived and predominantly selfing Medicago lupulina, while in the other, mostly perennial and outcrossing species, the observed changes were mostly minor.

Agricultural propagation of native seed material for restoration can cause evolutionary changes, at least in some species. We recommend caution, particularly in selfing and short‐lived species, where evolution may be more rapid and effects may thus be more severe.
Seed traits and germination behaviour of four Sardinian populations of Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum (Asteraceae) along an altitudinal gradient
Authors: Picciau R. , Serra S. , Porceddu M. , Bacchetta G.
Published: August 2018

Helichrysum microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum (Asteraceae) is an endemic taxon of Sardinia and Corsica, where it grows at different altitudes. The objective of this study was to investigate the seed traits and germination behaviour of four Sardinian populations of this taxon located at different altitudes.

Seed traits were evaluated, and germination tests were carried out by incubating seeds at a range of constant (5–30 °C) and alternating (25/10 °C) temperatures. The dry after‐ripening (DAR) pre‐treatment was also applied by storing seed in dry conditions for 3 months at 25 °C. Seed traits and germination behaviour data were statistically analysed to identify if there was a correlation with altitude.

Differences in seed size, area and mass among populations were recorded, however, no relationship was found with altitude. High germination percentages were obtained in all populations, both in untreated and DAR seeds, and were positively affected by alternating temperatures. The final germination percentage and time required to reach 50% final germination (T50) showed no relationship with altitude.

The differences in seed traits and germination detected among the studied populations of H. microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum were not correlated with altitude. This study provides new and important knowledge for this taxon. H. microphyllum subsp. tyrrhenicum is characterised by high germination percentages and low T50 values and does not seem to require any dormancy‐breaking treatment. This species represents a high‐potential native plant species that should be considered within environmental management plans.
Interaction between the signaling molecules hydrogen sulfide and hydrogen peroxide and their role in vacuolar H+‐ATPase regulation in cadmium‐stressed cucumber roots
Authors: Kabała Katarzyna , Zboińska Magdalena , Głowiak Dorota , Reda Małgorzata , Jakubowska Dagmara , Janicka Małgorzata
Published: August 2018

Vacuolar H+‐ATPase (V‐ATPase; EC 3.6.3.14) is the main enzyme responsible for generating a proton gradient across the tonoplast. Under cadmium (Cd) stress conditions, V‐ATPase activity is inhibited. In the present work, hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) cross‐talk was analyzed in cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) seedlings exposed to Cd to explain the role of both signaling molecules in the control of V‐ATPase. V‐ATPase activity and gene expression as well as H2S and H2O2 content and endogenous production were determined in roots of plants treated with 100 μM CdCl2 and different inhibitors or scavengers. It was found that H2S donor improved photosynthetic parameters in Cd‐stressed cucumber seedlings. Cd‐induced stimulation of H2S level was correlated with the increased activities of the H2S‐generating desulfhydrases. Increased H2O2 and lowered H2S contents in roots were able to reduce V‐ATPase activities similar to Cd. H2O2 and H2S‐induced modulations in V‐ATPase activities were not closely related to the transcript level of encoding genes, suggesting posttranslational modifications of enzyme protein. On the other hand, exogenous H2O2 raised H2S content in root tissues independently from the desulfhydrase activity. Although treatment of control plants with H2S significantly stimulated NADPH oxidase activity and gene expression, H2S did not affect H2O2 accumulation in roots exposed to Cd. The results suggest the existence of two pathways of H2S generation in Cd‐stressed cucumber roots. One involves desulfhydrase activity, as was previously demonstrated in different plant species. The other, the desulfhydrase‐independent pathway induced by H2O2/NADPH oxidase, may protect V‐ATPase from inhibition by Cd.
Ascorbic acid–cyclodextrin complex alters the expression of genes associated with lipid metabolism in bovine in vitro produced embryos
Authors: Torres Viviana , Hamdi Meriem , Maillo Veronica , Urrego Rodrigo , Echeverri Jose Julian , López‐Herrera Albeiro , Gutiérrez‐Adán Alfonso , Rizos Dimitrios , Sánchez‐Calabuig Maria Jesús
Published: August 2018

Contents

Ascorbic acid (AC) used as antioxidant in embryo culture is very sensitive and degrades unavoidably in aqueous solution. Methyl‐β‐cyclodextrin (CD) improved the stability of AC in solution to elevated temperature, light, humidity and oxidation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the complex AC‐CD during in vitro maturation (IVM) or in vitro culture (IVC) on oocyte developmental competence and subsequent embryo development and quality. AC‐CD (100 µM) was added to IVM media, and maturation level and embryo development were examined. Matured oocytes, their cumulus cells and produced blastocysts were snap‐frozen for gene expression analysis by RT‐qPCR. Besides, in vitro‐produced zygotes were cultured with 100 µM of AC‐CD and blastocysts were as well snap‐frozen for gene expression analysis. A group without AC‐CD (control−) and other with CD (control+) were included. No differences were found on maturation, cleavage or blastocyst rates. However, in matured oocytes, AC‐CD downregulated BAX, GPX1 and BMP15. In cumulus cells, AC‐CD downregulated BAX/BCL2 and GSTA4 while upregulated BCL2 and CYP51A1. The expression of SL2A1, FADS1, PNPLA and MTORC1 was downregulated in blastocysts derived from oocytes matured with AC‐CD, while in blastocysts derived from zygote cultured with AC‐CD, CYP51A1 and IGF2R were downregulated and PNPLA2 was upregulated. In conclusion, AC‐CD in both IVM and IVC media may reduce accumulated fat by increasing lipolysis and suppressing lipogenesis in blastocysts derived from both oocytes and zygotes cultured with AC‐CD, suggesting that CD improves the quality of embryos and bioavailability of AC during IVM and IVC.
Expression and localization of follicle‐stimulating hormone receptor in the yak uterus during different stages of the oestrous cycle
Authors: Abudureyimu Ayimuguli , Cai Yong , Huo Shengdong , Ren Rui , Zang Rongxin , Yang Jutian , Ma Zhongren , Cui Yan
Published: August 2018

Contents

Morphological changes of the uterus and alterations in its secretory activity under the influence of steroid hormones been well documented. The oestrous cycle is also associated with significant changes in plasma follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), whose effects are mediated through its receptor (FSHR). Reports showed that in many mammals, FSHR was expressed in gonadal and extragonadal tissues including cervix, female reproductive tract, and pituitary gland. Follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH) signals through endothelial FSHR directly stimulate angiogenesis and involved in the timing of birth in human, and the presence of FSHR in the placenta is essential for normal pregnancy in mice. But little is known about FSHR expression in the yak uterus. The main objective of the present study was to determine the expression and localization of FSHR in the yak uterus during different phases of the oestrous cycle. Results showed that FSHR protein was localized in the surface and glandular epithelial cells, stroma cells, myometrial smooth muscle cells and blood vessel endothelial cells. The expression of FSHR protein peaked at oestrus, significantly decreased at dioestrus (p < 0.05) and increased again at proestrus. FSHR mRNA was highly expressed at both proestrus and oestrus, and decreased at metestrus with the lowest values at dioestrus (p < 0.05). In conclusion, FSHR expression in the yak uterus changed with the stage of the oestrous cycle suggesting that FSHR plays an essential role in regulating the endometrial and myometrial functions during the oestrus cycle in the yak.
Look down—there is a gap—the need to include soil data in Atlantic Forest restoration
Authors: Mendes Maiara S. , Latawiec Agnieszka E. , Sansevero Jerônimo B. B. , Crouzeilles Renato , Moraes Luiz F. D. , Castro Ana , Alves-Pinto Helena N. , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Rodrigues Ricardo R. , Chazdon Robin L. , Barros Felipe S. M. , Santos Juliana , Iribarrem Alvaro , Mata Stella , Lemgruber Luisa , Rodrigues Aline , Korys Katarzyna , Strassburg Bernardo B. N.
Published: August 2018

Consideration of soil quality indicators is fundamental for understanding and managing ecosystems. Despite the evidence regarding the importance of soil for provision of local and global ecosystem services, such as water regulation and carbon sequestration, soil remains an under‐investigated and undermined aspect of the environment. Here we evaluate to what extent soil indicators are taken into account in restoration. We focused on the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a highly fragmented biome and a global biodiversity hotspot. We conducted a systematic literature review and we showed that the majority (59%) of the studies on restoration did not consider any soil indicator. Studies that demonstrated the importance of soil indicators most commonly reported soil pH (71%, n = 44), followed by potassium content (66%, n = 41) and phosphorus (64.5%, n = 40), while the least reported indicator was water retention (6.5%, n = 4). Only 40% of the retrieved studies included information about reference sites or project baseline information. We complement our literature review with a case study on restoration in two areas of the Atlantic Forest. We found a relation between soil indicators such as soil organic matter, nitrogen, sodium and sand content, and aboveground indicators, confirming a necessity to include soil screening in restoration. Moreover, we found that prior to restoration none of these soil indicators were analyzed. This study highlights the gap that exists in soil data in restoration in studies on the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We urge scientists and practitioners to include basic soil analysis to maximize the successful outcomes of restoration.
Joint Modelling of a Binary and a Continuous Outcome Measured at Two Cycles to Determine the Optimal Dose
Authors: Ezzalfani Monia , Burzykowski Tomasz , Paoletti Xavier
Published: August 2018

The optimal dose of targeted treatment in oncology may not be the maximal tolerated dose. Evaluating jointly toxicity and efficacy data is then desirable. We propose an adaptive dose finding approach to identify a dose based on repeated binary toxicity and continuous efficacy outcomes from the first two cycles. Probit and linear Gaussian models are used for the toxicity and efficacy at each cycle respectively. The correlation between toxicity and efficacy outcome is modelled via a latent Gaussian variable. Maximum likelihood estimators are used. Two steps in this design are defined: dose escalation with decision rules based only on toxicity observed at the first cycle; the expansion cohort with decision rules based on both repeated toxicity and efficacy outcomes by using the joint model. We perform simulation studies to assess the operating characteristics of our design. The design has good performance for different scenarios. The percentage of correct selection dose varies from 54% to 84%. There is no effect on the estimation parameters with missing data of toxicity or efficacy at cycle 2. The design then has similar performance. Using repeated toxicity and efficacy data in dose finding trials provides more reliable information to estimate the optimal dose for further trials.
Functional performance tests identify lateral ankle sprain risk: A prospective pilot study in adolescent soccer players
Authors: Ko Jupil , Rosen Adam B. , Brown Cathleen N.
Published: August 2018

Determining the clinical utility of functional performance tests (FPTs) and establishing cutoff scores could be useful in identifying those athletes who could benefit from effective injury prevention interventions. Our purpose was to determine the accuracy of FPTs in identifying adolescent athletes who go on to experience lateral ankle sprain(s) and establish specific cutoff scores capable of identifying those who sustain a lateral ankle sprain in the near future. Sixty‐four participants (age = 15.5 ± 1.3 years; height = 161.7 ± 7.7 cm; mass = 57.1 ± 8.4 kg) were recruited from a junior soccer club and tracked for 10 months. Participants performed the anterior (AN), posterior‐medial (PM), and posterior‐lateral (PL) reach directions of the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) and the Single‐Leg Hop Test (SLHT) in pre‐season, and then were followed for the 10‐month competitive season (12 injured, 52 uninjured). Significant Area Under the Curve (AUC) values and cutoff scores were found for the PM (AUC = 0.78; 95% CI 0.61‐0.95; P = 0.003; Sn = 0.83; Sp = 0.77; cutoff = 76%) and the PL (AUC = 0.82; 95% CI 0.71‐0.94; P = 0.001; Sn = 0.92; Sp = 0.65; cutoff = 70%) reach directions of the SEBT and the SLHT (AUC = 0.77; 95% CI 0.60‐0.95; P = 0.003; Sn = 0.67; Sp = 0.94; cutoff = 15.4 seconds). The PM and PL reach directions of the SEBT and the SLHT may be useful as pre‐season screening measures to help clinicians identify adolescents who will go on to experience a lateral ankle sprain.
Hamstring and other thigh injuries in children and young athletes
Authors: Valle Xavier , Malliaropoulos Nikolaos , Párraga Botero Juan Diego , Bikos Georgios , Pruna Ricard , Mónaco Mauricio , Maffulli Nicola
Published: August 2018

Background

In adults, hamstring injuries may lead to long periods of rehabilitation and carry a definite risk of recurrence. However, no studies detail how these injuries affect young athletes.

Objective

To describe and analyze injuries in the hamstring area in young athletes. To identify risk factors for injuries to the hamstring area in this age group, which will make it possible to design and optimize prevention plans.

Methods

The study population consisted of 1157 young athletes with an average age of 13.56 years, all members of the Barcelona Football Club. Injuries to the hamstring area over three consecutive seasons (from July 2007 to June 2010) were analyzed.

Results

The 50 injuries in the hamstring muscle complex included 14 injuries to the biceps femoris, 17 to the semitendinosus‐semimembranosus complex, 10 cases of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and nine avulsion of the ischial tuberosity. Hamstring injuries were first identified in young athletes starting from age nine, with an age‐related increased rate up to the age of 15, and a lower incidence at age 14, 16, and 18. The average time lost following an hamstring injury was 21 days and 43.4 days following avulsion from the ischium. The highest incidence of injuries occurred in football players.

Conclusions

Hamstring injuries in this group of young athletes are less prevalent than in adults.
Enabling collaborative GeoVisual analytics: Systems, techniques, and research challenges
Authors: García‐Chapeton Gustavo Adolfo , Ostermann Frank Olaf , de By Rolf A. , Kraak Menno‐Jan
Published: August 2018

Collaboration across disciplines is recognized as one of the great challenges for research in visual analysis of geographic information (GeoVisual Analytics, GVA). Considering the increasing availability of geodata and the complexity of analytical problems, the need to advance the support for collaborative work is becoming more pressing and prominent. This article contributes to this objective by reviewing the state‐of‐the‐art of the support for collaborative work in GVA systems and by identifying research challenges and proposing strategies to address them. We conducted a systematic review, resulting in the identification of 13 collaborative systems, 6 distinct collaborative techniques, and 3 research challenges. We conclude that GVA is moving toward more effective support of multidisciplinary and cross‐domain collaborative analysis. However, to materialize this potential, research is needed to improve the support for hybrid collaborative scenarios, cross‐device collaboration, and support for time‐critical and long‐term analysis.
Extraction of spatio‐temporal data about historical events from text documents
Authors: Abraham Susanna , Mäs Stephan , Bernard Lars
Published: August 2018

Often, we are faced with questions regarding past events and the answers are hidden in the historical text archives. The growing developments in geographic information retrieval and temporal information retrieval techniques have given new ways to explore digital text archives for spatio‐temporal data. The question is how to retrieve the answers from the text documents. This work contributes to a better understanding of spatio‐temporal information extraction from text documents. Natural language processing techniques were used to develop an information extraction approach using the GATE language processing software. The developed framework uses gazetteer matching, spatio‐temporal relationship extraction and pattern‐based rules to recognize and annotate elements in historical text documents. The extracted spatio‐temporal data is used as input for GIS studies on the time–geography context of the German–Herero resistance war of 1904 in Namibia. Related issues when analyzing the historical data in current GIS are discussed. Particularly problematic are movement data in small scale with poor temporal density and trajectories that are short or connect very distant locations.