bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soil organic carbon and its fractions estimated by visible–near infrared transfer functions
Authors: Viscarra Rossel R. A. , Hicks W. S.
Published: March 2015

The capture and storage of soil organic carbon (OC) should improve the soil's quality and function and help to offset the emissions of greenhouse gases. However, to measure, model or monitor changes in OC caused by changes in land use, land management or climate, we need cheaper and more practical methods to measure it and its composition. Conventional methods are complex and prohibitively expensive. Spectroscopy in the visible and near infrared (vis–NIR) is a practical and affordable alternative. We used samples from Australia's Soil Carbon Research Program (SCaRP) to create a vis–NIR database with accompanying data on soil OC and its composition, expressed as the particulate, humic and resistant organic carbon fractions, POC, HOC and ROC, respectively. Using this database, we derived vis–NIR transfer functions with a decision‐tree algorithm to predict the total soil OC and carbon fractions, which we modelled in units that describe their concentrations and stocks (or densities). Predictions of both carbon concentrations and stocks were reliable and unbiased with imprecision being the main contributor to the models' errors. We could predict the stocks because of the correlation between OC and bulk density. Generally, the uncertainty in the estimates of the carbon concentrations was smaller than, but not significantly different to, that of the stocks. Approximately half of the discriminating wavelengths were in the visible region, and those in the near infrared could be attributed to functional groups that occur in each of the different fractions. Visible–NIR spectroscopy with decision‐tree modelling can fairly accurately, and with small to moderate uncertainty, predict soil OC, POC, HOC and ROC. The consistency between the decision tree's use of wavelengths that characterize absorptions due to the chemistry of soil OC and the different fractions provides confidence that the approach is feasible. Measurement in the vis–NIR range needs little sample preparation and so is rapid, practical and cheap. A further advantage is that the technique can be used directly in the field.
Nodule excitability in an animal model of periventricular nodular heterotopia: c‐fos activation in organotypic hippocampal slices
Authors: Doisy Emily T. , Wenzel H. Jürgen , Mu Yi , Nguyen Danh V. , Schwartzkroin Philip A.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Aberrations in brain development may lead to dysplastic structures such as periventricular nodules. Although these abnormal collections of neurons are often associated with difficult‐to‐control seizure activity, there is little consensus regarding the epileptogenicity of the nodules themselves. Because one common treatment option is surgical resection of suspected epileptic nodules, it is important to determine whether these structures in fact give rise, or essentially contribute, to epileptic activities.

Methods

To study the excitability of aberrant nodules, we have examined c‐fos activation in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures generated from an animal model of periventricular nodular heterotopia created by treating pregnant rats with methylazoxymethanol acetate. Using this preparation, we have also attempted to assess tissue excitability when the nodule is surgically removed from the culture. We then compared c‐fos activation in this in vitro preparation to c‐fos activation generated in an intact rat treated with kainic acid.

Results

Quantitative analysis of c‐fos activation failed to show enhanced nodule excitability compared to neocortex or CA1 hippocampus. However, when we compared cultures with and without a nodule, presence of a nodule did affect the excitability of CA1 and cortex, at least as reflected in c‐fos labeling. Surgical removal of the nodule did not result in a consistent decrease in excitability as reflected in the c‐fos biomarker.

Significance

Our results from the organotypic culture were generally consistent with our observations on excitability in the intact rat—as seen not only with c‐fos but also in previous electrophysiologic studies. At least in this model, the nodule does not appear to be responsible for enhanced excitability (or, presumably, seizure initiation). Excitability is different in tissue that contains a nodule, suggesting altered network function, perhaps reflecting the abnormal developmental pattern that gave rise to the nodule.
mTOR inhibition suppresses established epilepsy in a mouse model of cortical dysplasia
Authors: Nguyen Lena H. , Brewster Amy L. , Clark Madeline E. , Regnier‐Golanov Angelique , Sunnen C. Nicole , Patil Vinit V. , D'Arcangelo Gabriella , Anderson Anne E.
Published: March 2015

Objective

Hyperactivation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR; also known as mammalian target of rapamycin) pathway has been demonstrated in human cortical dysplasia (CD) as well as in animal models of epilepsy. Although inhibition of mTOR signaling early in epileptogenesis suppressed epileptiform activity in the neuron subset‐specific Pten knockout (NS‐Pten KO) mouse model of CD, the effects of mTOR inhibition after epilepsy is fully established were not previously examined in this model. Here, we investigated whether mTOR inhibition suppresses epileptiform activity and other neuropathological correlates in adult NS‐Pten KO mice with severe and well‐established epilepsy.

Methods

The progression of epileptiform activity, mTOR pathway dysregulation, and associated neuropathology with age in NS‐Pten KO mice were evaluated using video–electroencephalography (EEG) recordings, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. A cohort of NS‐Pten KO mice was treated with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (10 mg/kg i.p., 5 days/week) starting at postnatal week 9 and video–EEG monitored for epileptiform activity. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to evaluate the effects of rapamycin on the associated pathology.

Results

Epileptiform activity worsened with age in NS‐Pten KO mice, with parallel increases in the extent of hippocampal mTOR complex 1 and 2 (mTORC1 and mTORC2, respectively) dysregulation and progressive astrogliosis and microgliosis. Rapamycin treatment suppressed epileptiform activity, improved baseline EEG activity, and increased survival in severely epileptic NS‐Pten KO mice. At the molecular level, rapamycin treatment was associated with a reduction in both mTORC1 and mTORC2 signaling and decreased astrogliosis and microgliosis.

Significance

These findings reveal a wide temporal window for successful therapeutic intervention with rapamycin in the NS‐Pten KO mouse model, and they support mTOR inhibition as a candidate therapy for established, late‐stage epilepsy associated with CD and genetic dysregulation of the mTOR pathway.
Males Benefit from Mating with Outbred Females in Drosophila littoralis: Male Choice for Female Genetic Quality?
Authors: Ala‐Honkola Outi , Laine Lily , Pekkala Nina , Kotiaho Janne S. , Honkola Terhi , Puurtinen Mikael
Published: March 2015

The evolution and expression of mate choice behaviour in either sex depends on the sex‐specific combination of mating costs, benefits of choice and constraints on choice. If the benefits of choice are larger for one sex, we would expect that sex to be choosier, assuming that the mating costs and constraints on choice are equal between sexes. Because deliberate inbreeding is a powerful genetic method for experimental manipulation of the quality of study organisms, we tested the effects of both male and female inbreeding on egg and offspring production in Drosophila littoralis. Female inbreeding significantly reduced offspring production (mostly due to lower egg‐to‐adult viability), whereas male inbreeding did not affect offspring production (despite a slight effect of paternal inbreeding on egg‐to‐adult viability). As inbreeding depressed female quality more than male quality, the benefits of mate choice were larger for males than for females. In mate choice experiments, inbreeding did not affect male mating success (measured as a probability to be accepted as a mate in a large group), suggesting that females did not discriminate among inbred and outbred males. In contrast, female mating success was affected by inbreeding, with outbred females having higher mating success than inbred females. This result was not explained by lower activity of inbred females. Our results show that D. littoralis males benefit from mating with outbred females of high genetic quality and suggest adaptive male mate choice for female genetic quality in this species. Thus, patterns of mating success in mate choice trials mirrored the benefits of choice: the sex that benefited more from choice (i.e. males) was more choosy.
Riparian plant community responses to increased flooding: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Garssen Annemarie G. , Baattrup‐Pedersen Annette , Voesenek Laurentius A. C. J. , Verhoeven Jos T. A. , Soons Merel B.
Published: March 2015

A future higher risk of severe flooding of streams and rivers has been projected to change riparian plant community composition and species richness, but the extent and direction of the expected change remain uncertain. We conducted a meta‐analysis to synthesize globally available experimental evidence and assess the effects of increased flooding on (1) riparian adult plant and seedling survival, (2) riparian plant biomass and (3) riparian plant species composition and richness. We evaluated which plant traits are of key importance for the response of riparian plant species to flooding. We identified and analysed 53 papers from ISI Web of Knowledge which presented quantitative experimental results on flooding treatments and corresponding control situations. Our meta‐analysis demonstrated how longer duration of flooding, greater depth of flooding and, particularly, their combination reduce seedling survival of most riparian species. Plant height above water level, ability to elongate shoots and plasticity in root porosity were decisive for adult plant survival and growth during longer periods of flooding. Both ‘quiescence’ and ‘escape’ proved to be successful strategies promoting riparian plant survival, which was reflected in the wide variation in survival (full range between 0 and 100%) under fully submerged conditions, while plants that protrude above the water level (>20 cm) almost all survive. Our survey confirmed that the projected increase in the duration and depth of flooding periods is sufficient to result in species shifts. These shifts may lead to increased or decreased riparian species richness depending on the nutrient, climatic and hydrological status of the catchment. Species richness was generally reduced at flooded sites in nutrient‐rich catchments and sites that previously experienced relatively stable hydrographs (e.g. rain‐fed lowland streams). Species richness usually increased at sites in desert and semi‐arid climate regions (e.g. intermittent streams).
Intelligent enterprise: wasting, valuing and re‐valuing waste electrical and electronic equipment
Authors: Oteng‐Ababio Martin , Owusu George , Chama Mary
Published: March 2015

The common narrative on e‐waste recycling in contemporary Ghana refers to a sector that is primarily a marginalised, ‘survival entity’ involving excess workers living in poor urban neighbourhoods. Other narratives highlight the environmental health challenges associated with e‐waste recycling management practices. In this paper, we explore how such recycling in Accra, notwithstanding the health and environmental externalities, also involves a vibrant entrepreneurial part of the urban economy. This case‐study‐based article was conducted through community asset mapping and 17 key informants' interviews. The study identified within the e‐waste economy a network of worlds of work that intersect with both formal and international industries. Based on our findings, we propose that when properly nurtured, regularised and managed, e‐waste recycling can foster economic growth and job creation. In conclusion, we highlight three foci that can enrich theory, practice and research, all three of which are in need of broader understandings. These foci will also support progress towards achieving a democratic account of everyday life and work complexities within the informal economy in Ghana.
Does the presence of an arteriovenous fistula alter changes in body water following hemodialysis as determined by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance assessment?
Authors: Panorchan Kwanpeemai , Nongnuch Arkom , El‐Kateb Sally , Goodlad Cate , Davenport Andrew
Published: March 2015

Multifrequency bioelectrical impedance assessments (MFBIAs) aid clinical assessment of hydration status for hemodialysis (HD) patients. Many MFBIA devices are restricted to whole body measurements and as many patients dialyze using arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), we wished to determine whether AVFs affected body water measurements. We reviewed pre‐ and post‐HD segmental MFBIA measurements in 229 patients attending for midweek HD sessions. Up to 144 were dialyzed with a left arm AVF (L‐AVF), 42 with a right arm AVF (R‐AVF), and 43 by central venous access catheter (CVC). Water content and lean tissue were greater in the left compared to right arm in those patients with L‐AVFs both pre and post dialysis (pre 2.1 ± 0.7 vs. 2.0 ± 0.7 L, and post 1.9 ± 0.6 vs. 1.8 ± 0.6 L and pre 2.65 ± 0.9 vs. 2.56 ± 0.8 kg, and post 2.34 ± 0.8 vs. 2.48 ± 0.8 vs. 2.34 ± 0.8 kg, respectively) and were also greater in the right compared to left arm for those patients dialyzing with R‐AVFs (pre‐HD 1.92 ± 0.5 vs. 1.86 ± 0.6 L and post‐HD 1.79 ± 0.5 vs. 1.7 ± 0.5 L, and pre‐HD 2.47 ± 0.6 vs. 2.38 ± 0.7 kg and post‐HD 2.3 ± 0.74 vs. 1.28 ± 0.7 kg, respectively), all Ps < 0.05. There were no significant differences in arm volumes or composition pre or post dialysis in those dialyzing with CVCs. Segmental MFBIA detects differences in arm water and lean mass in patients with AVFs. The presence on an AVF increases the water content in the ipsilateral arm both pre and post HD. This increased water content of the fistula arm will not be detected by whole body bioimpedance devices.
Is There Any Difference in the Eradication Rate of Helicobacter pylori Infection According to the Endoscopic Stage of Peptic Ulcer Disease?
Authors: Seo Seung In , Kim Sung Jun , Kim Hyoung Su , Shin Woon Geon , Kim Kyung Ho , Jang Myoung Kuk , Lee Jin Heon , Kim Hak Yang
Published: March 2015

Background

The eradication rate of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection might be affected by the degree of inflammation of gastric mucosa represented by the endoscopic stage of peptic ulcer disease (PUD). The aims of this study were to evaluate the eradication rates of H. pylori infection according to the endoscopic stage of PUD and to document whether early eradication in the active stage could yield a higher eradication rate in patients with peptic ulcer bleeding (PUB).

Materials and Methods

A total of 1,177 patients with PUD (380 gastric ulcer, 710 duodenal ulcer, and 87 combined ulcer) who received proton‐pump inhibitor (PPI)‐based triple therapy were included, and the eradication rates were compared by ulcer stage. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing eradication rate. In PUB, the eradication rates between the early eradication group (≤7 days) and the late eradication group (>7 days) were compared.

Results

The eradication rates according to endoscopic stage were significantly different in gastric ulcer (active vs healing vs scarring; 84.8% vs 82.7% vs 70.6%, p = .014, respectively), but there were no significant differences in duodenal ulcer (active vs healing vs scarring; 87.6% vs 80.9%% vs 80.9% p = .169, respectively). In multivariate analyses, active ulcer as well as age younger than 50 was a significantly independent predictor of successful eradication (Odds ratio; 2.799, 95% CI; 1.659–4.723, p = .0001). The eradication rate of the early eradication group was significantly higher than the late eradication group in PUB (89.2% vs 71.9%, 95% CI; 1.265–8.269, p = .011).

Conclusions

There was a significant difference in the eradication rate according to the endoscopic stage of gastric ulcer. Active ulcer was an independent predictor of successful eradication. Furthermore, early H. pylori eradication should be considered in patients with PUB to yield a higher eradication rate.
Alpha diversity of mesostigmatid mites associated with the bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) in Poland
Authors: Gwiazdowicz Dariusz J. , Błoszyk Jerzy , Gdula Anna K.
Published: March 2015

The major aim of this study was to establish the role and importance of the spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (L.) in increasing species biodiversity in spruce forests through phoresy of mesostigmatid mites. The study is a close examination of 26 041 specimens of I. typographus, which were carriers of 7210 individuals of mites, classified into 24 species. The most numerous species were Dendrolaelaps quadrisetus, Trichouropoda polytricha, and Urobovella obovata. It is noteworthy that the last two species have not been found so far in other types of microhabitat. Moreover, the analysed material also contained a few extremely rare species such as Amblyseius rademacheri and Uroseius acuminatus.

The spruce bark beetle is regarded by forestry experts as one of the most common pest beetles inhabiting spruce forests of Eurasia. Although this species sometimes causes serious economic damage in some regions, it is also one of those organisms which create favourable conditions for many species of fungi and invertebrates; also, it often serves as a carrier for many other organisms. The results of the study show that both presence and abundance of I. typographus determine occurrence of many species, and for this reason forest management evaluations of the function of this beetle in forest ecosystems should also take into account the importance of the species in increasing biodiversity of forests.
The influence of consumer socialisation in the home on gender differences in financial literacy
Authors: Agnew Stephen , Cameron‐Agnew Trudi
Published: March 2015

The lower level of financial literacy amongst females relative to males has been well documented in the literature. There has however been a less than compelling argument constructed as to why this discrepancy occurs. This article introduces findings showing the influence the home, particularly financial discussions in the home, has on the financial literacy levels of children and young adults. A key finding is that males have their first financial discussion in the home at a younger age than females on average, with this differential statistically significant across students of differing socioeconomic status. For males, the age of the child when they have their first financial discussion in the home influences their financial literacy levels some years later at university, even accounting for other variables such as socioeconomic status. The findings of this article suggest that financial socialisation in the home may be subject to a gender bias, which over time contributes to differential financial literacy knowledge levels between the genders.
Indoctrination or education? Intention of unqualified teachers to transfer consumption norms in home economics teaching
Authors: Håkansson Andreas
Published: March 2015

Almost two thirds of home economics (HE) teachers in Sweden are formally unqualified (FU). Historically, HE has focused more on fostering and prescribing the ‘right’ choices whereas the modern (2011‐) curriculum focuses on teaching consequences of choices and giving students tools for assessing alternatives. Restraining from prescribing norms requires a high degree of professionalism. The objective of this study was to empirically investigate the prevalence of intentions of FU teachers to prescribe consumption norms not supported by the curriculum. Furthermore, to investigate to what extent these intentions are correlated with years of experience as a teacher, personal preferences, or personal consumption. The intention to transfer norms were measured using the concept of intentional misalignment applied to a survey distributed to a sample of FU teachers attending complementary teacher education. A two part survey was used. The first part consisted of multiple choice questions asking the teachers how important they saw it to transfer different consumption norms to their students (e.g. to consume local or organic food). These responses were evaluated quantitatively (Spearman rank correlation, Wilcoxon rank sum test and Kruskal‐Wallis analysis of variance). The second part consisted of an open‐ended question asking teachers to describe what they saw as the most important take‐home message for students in HE. The answers were compared to the national curriculum to identify intentions to transfer unsupported norms. The study indicates that more than a third of the FU HE teachers in Sweden express the intention to prescribe specific types of consumption or to transfer consumption norms that are not supported by the curriculum. The prevalence is correlated to personal preferences and thus indicates difficulties with keeping a professional perspective. These teachers must be given collegial support and opportunities for continued education–to ensure high‐quality HE education for future generations.
Trophic relationships between the larvae of two freshwater mussels and their fish hosts
Authors: Denic Marco , Taeubert Jens‐Eike , Geist Juergen
Published: March 2015

Freshwater mussels of the order Unionoida have life cycles that include larval attachment to and later metamorphosis on suitable host fishes. Information on the trophic relationship between unionoid larvae and their host fishes is scarce. We investigated the trophic interaction between fish hosts and encysted larvae of two species of freshwater mussels, Margaritifera margaritifera and Unio crassus, using stable isotope analyses of larvae and juvenile mussels as well as of host fish gill and muscle tissues before and after infestation. Due to different life histories and durations of host‐encystment, mass and size increase in M. margaritifera during the host‐dependent phase were greater than those of U. crassus. δ13C and δ15N signatures of juvenile mussels approached isotopic signatures of fish tissues, indicating a parasitic relationship between mussels and their hosts. Shifts were more pronounced for M. margaritifera, which had a five‐fold longer host‐dependent phase than U. crassus. The results of this study suggest that stable isotope analyses are a valuable tool for characterizing trophic relationships and life history strategies in host–parasite systems. In the case of unionoid mussels, stable isotopic shifts of the larvae are indicative of the nutritional versus phoretic importance of the host.
Brooding behavior in the shallow‐water brittle star Ophioderma wahlbergii
Authors: Landschoff  Jannes , Griffiths Charles L.
Published: March 2015

Brooding behavior and the brooded young of Ophioderma wahlbergii, a common, large, shallow‐water brittle star from South Africa, are described for the first time. Monthly samples of 20 specimens were collected from June 2013 to May 2014 (n=240 in total). The species was shown to be gonochoric. Females reached maturity at 17 mm disc diameter (dd), and their ovaries contained 5±3 yolky eggs of mean diameter 0.25±0.1 mm. No seasonal trends in reproduction were found, and >50% of females examined in each month were brooding. Brooding individuals contained an average of 7±6 and up to 33 developing young. Small stages were more frequent than larger young, suggesting that juveniles either emerge at different sizes, or more likely suffer mortality during development. Young within individual adults were of different clutches, but those within individual bursae were all of the same stage. No signs of larval stages were found, indicating that development is direct. Given the large size of emerging juveniles, the species is likely to be matrotrophic and hence truly viviparous. Brooding is a recent discovery in Ophioderma and, so far, the only known brooder has about 1000 small embryos. This study shows quite a different reproductive strategy within the genus, with few, large eggs developing into the largest brooded young known from any species of ophiuroid.
Democracy large and small: Reforming the EU to sustain democratic legitimacy on all levels
Authors: Scharpf Fritz
Published: March 2015

Europe is trapped, Fritz Scharpf says, between national democracies undermined by nonpolitical forces and a European democracy paralysed by consensus and veto. Legitimate reform, he argues, must allow democracy to flourish on both levels at the same time, even if ‘European integration’ loses some of its unitary appeal in the process.
Populism in power: Syriza's challenge to Europe
Authors: Stavrakakis Yannis
Published: March 2015

Syriza has increased its domestic popularity even as it confronts deep institutional resistance to its anti‐austerity agenda. Yannis Stavrakakis argues that, in voicing the ‘despair and demands’ of the Greek people, Syriza has been able to convert populism in opposition into charismatic leadership in power.
Between money and morality: How would Northern Ireland's DUP approach post‐election deal‐making?
Authors: Whiting Sophie
Published: March 2015

Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist party, currently the fourth largest in the House of Commons, should not be understood in simple left/right terms, argues Sophie Whiting. In post‐election negotiations the DUP will seek to protect funding but also to block Westminster ‘meddling’ in the region's social and moral affairs.
Back to the future?: How May 2015 could be February 1974 all over again
Authors: Curtice John
Published: March 2015

If the latest opinion polls play out in the general election, argues John Curtice, the ensuing fracas of post‐election negotiations and the real prospect of a minority government filling Downing Street are likely to provoke serious debate about Britain's electoral system and wider constitutional settlement.
Beloved of the people: The popularity and political mastery of Pope Francis
Authors: Glasman Maurice
Published: March 2015

As Catholic ideas about economic life increasingly play into mainstream debates about the impacts of capitalism on workers and communities, Maurice Glasman profiles the first two years of the Pope Francis era. The ambitious reformer, he says, has so far delivered a masterclass in political leadership.
Muslim and modern: Why Turkey's ‘turn to the east’ is no slight to the west
Authors: Dalacoura Katerina
Published: March 2015

Katerina Dalacoura argues that contemporary accounts of a Turkish pivot away from the west are based on a misunderstanding of Turkey's national identity. Ankara's stance on interventions against Isis in Syria, she says, is driven more by Turkey's Kurdish issue than by any Islamist sympathies or anti‐western turn.
Raman Investigation of Interfacial Reaction Product of SiCf/Ti43Al9V Composite
Authors: Xiao Zhiyuan , Yang Yanqing , Luo Xian , Huang Bin
Published: March 2015

Interficial reaction products of 800°C heat‐treated SiCf/Ti43Al9V are studied. EDS mapping indicates two layers existence in the interface with different element enrichment. Raman line scanning along interface also shows two layers with TiCx next to SiC fiber and Ti2AlC next to matrix. Excess carbon throughout the interface and accumulation in TiCx layer is confirmed by Raman. FWHH of both D and G peaks indicate carbon in Ti2AlC layer is more disordered than that in TiCx layer. According to G peak and I(D)/I(G), carbon in interface can be assigned to disordered carbon with perfect graphene units size (La) stays around 0.7–0.9 nm. Raman peaks of Ti2AlC vary with same trend throughout Ti2AlC layer is detected, and Raman spectra of Ti2AlC near TiCx layer is different from that near TiAl matrix, which results from residual stress and TiC intergrowth with Ti2AlC due to lack of Al.
Finding Space for Criminal Prosecutions Post‐Conflict
Authors: Davidovic Jovana
Published: March 2015

Post‐conflict criminal prosecutions for the worst of crimes can play a meaningful role in achieving transitional justice. This once‐common view has recently been the subject of widespread criticism that is rooted in the belief that criminal prosecutions undermine reconciliation. This has lead some scholars to argue that we must either abandon criminal prosecutions post‐conflict or that we ought to use them for more general transitional justice aims, like restorative justice. This article argues against abandoning criminal prosecutions post conflict and against subsuming criminal justice aims under restorative or reconciliatory aims. When post‐conflict criminal prosecutions are properly structured and practiced they can bolster respect for the international, regional and domestic rule of law and in that way limit conflict in a number of important ways.
Is Having Pets Morally Permissible?
Authors: du Toit Jessica
Published: March 2015

In this article, I consider the question of whether having pets is morally permissible. However, I do so indirectly by considering three objections to the practice of having pets — what I shall call the ‘restriction of freedom objection’, the ‘property objection’, and the ‘dependency objection’. The restriction of freedom objection is dismissed relatively easily. The property objection also fails to show that having pets is morally impermissible. However, my consideration of this second objection does lead to the conclusion that we ought to aim at changing existing legal systems and the majority of people's attitudes towards pets such that they (pets) are no longer considered to be the personal property of the humans in whose homes they are kept. But, while it is clear that we ought to aim at ending the practice of owning pets, it is not clear whether we ought to aim at ending the practice of keeping pets. Indeed, I do not to reach a definitive conclusion about the cogency of the dependency objection. However, I argue that this lack of clarity is of little concern at this time as our present moral obligations to pets are quite clear.
Attitudes, Tracing, and Control
Authors: Smith Angela M.
Published: March 2015

There is an apparent tension in our everyday moral responsibility practices. On the one hand, it is commonly assumed that moral responsibility requires voluntary control: an agent can be morally responsible only for those things that fall within the scope of her voluntary control. On the other hand, we regularly praise and blame individuals for mental states and conditions that appear to fall outside the scope of their voluntary control, such as desires, emotions, beliefs, and other attitudes. In order to resolve this apparent tension, many philosophers appeal to a tracing principle to argue that agents are morally responsible (only) for those attitudes whose existence can be traced back, causally, to a voluntary action or omission in the past. My aim in this article is to critically evaluate this tracing strategy and to argue that it gives us a misguided picture of when and why we are morally responsible for our attitudes. I argue that we should accept a ‘judgment sensitivity’ condition of moral responsibility rather than a ‘voluntary control’ condition, and defend this account against various objections.
‘Transitions are Scary for our Kids, and They're Scary for us’: Family Member and Youth Perspectives on the Challenges of Transitioning to Adulthood with Autism
Authors: Cheak‐Zamora Nancy C. , Teti Michelle , First Jennifer
Published: March 2015

Background

Adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face many challenges as they age into adulthood. Because little is known about the perspectives of caregivers and youth during this critical transition, this study explored their social, educational, and vocational needs and experiences.

Method

Two focus groups were conducted with youth with ASD (n = 13) and two focus groups were conducted with their caregivers (n = 19), where theme analysis strategies derived from Grounded Theory were utilized to identify themes.

Results

Both groups experienced fear and anxiety about transitioning, unmet needs were also high, leaving caregivers struggling to fill gaps. Most caregivers and youth reported lacking individualized services. Caregivers faced difficulty in motivating youth and creating opportunities for education and employment. Although youth have future goals, they were unaware of steps needed to accomplish them and hesitant to talk to caregivers.

Conclusions

Findings indicate considerable unmet needs for caregivers and youth with ASD. Perspectives of both groups should be considered when developing programmes and educating providers.
Doing Research Together: A Study on the Views of Advisors with Intellectual Disabilities and Non‐Disabled Researchers Collaborating in Research
Authors: Puyalto Carol , Pallisera Maria , Fullana Judit , Vilà Montserrat
Published: March 2015

Background

Despite an increase in inclusive studies in recent years, research on the views of the people with and without disabilities who have participated in these studies is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions and views of advisors with intellectual disabilities and non‐disabled researchers who collaborated together on a joint project to study transition to adulthood.

Materials and Methods

Two questionnaires were devised, one for advisors and one for researchers; two focus groups were held with people with intellectual disabilities, three focus groups with researchers, and one focus group with all participants together. Thematic analysis was used for the data analysis.

Results

The advisors valued this experience as an opportunity to learn new skills, freely express themselves on matters that affect them, and engage in a socially valued activity. The researchers considered that the participation of people with intellectual disabilities contributed to improving the quality of the research.

Conclusions

The study provides a better understanding of inclusive research processes by taking into account participants' views.
Family Care of People with Intellectual Disability in Rural China: A Magnified Responsibility
Authors: Pan Lu , Ye Jingzhong
Published: March 2015

Background

Welfare for the disabled is becoming an important issue in China and care for people with intellectual disability is challenging because of the inadequacies in formal support and the social service system.

Material and Method

Based on ethnographic research in two villages in North China, this paper analyses the dilemmas of family care for people with intellectual disability. The essential data is the ethnographic record of three cases.

Results

Rural families strive to provide care through a set of arrangements and bear tremendous stress in the process.

Conclusion

Family care for people with intellectual disability in rural China has been increasingly challenged by the forces of labour migration, demographic changes and the ever‐growing processes of commoditization. The role of the state has to be strengthened in welfare provision to balance the weakened family care ethos in transforming societies.
Genetic parameters for different growth scales in GIFT strain of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus)
Authors: He J. , Gao H. , Xu P. , Yang R.
Published: March 2015

Body weight, length, width and depth at two growth stages were observed for a total of 5015 individuals of GIFT strain, along with a pedigree including 5588 individuals from 104 sires and 162 dams was collected. Multivariate animal models and a random regression model were used to genetically analyse absolute and relative growth scales of these growth traits. In absolute growth scale, the observed growth traits had moderate heritabilities ranging from 0.321 to 0.576, while pairwise ratios between body length, width and depth were lowly inherited and maximum heritability was only 0.146 for length/depth. All genetic correlations were above 0.5 between pairwise growth traits and genetic correlation between length/width and length/depth varied between both growth stages. Based on those estimates, selection index of multiple traits of interest can be formulated in future breeding program to improve genetically body weight and morphology of the GIFT strain. In relative growth scale, heritabilities in relative growths of body length, width and depth to body weight were 0.257, 0.412 and 0.066, respectively, while genetic correlations among these allometry scalings were above 0.8. Genetic analysis for joint allometries of body weight to body length, width and depth will contribute to genetically regulate the growth rate between body shape and body weight.
Additive and epistatic genome‐wide association for growth and ultrasound scan measures of carcass‐related traits in Brahman cattle
Authors: Ali A.A. , Khatkar M.S. , Kadarmideen H.N. , Thomson P.C.
Published: March 2015

Genome‐wide association studies are routinely used to identify genomic regions associated with traits of interest. However, this ignores an important class of genomic associations, that of epistatic interactions. A genome‐wide interaction analysis between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using highly dense markers can detect epistatic interactions, but is a difficult task due to multiple testing and computational demand. However, It is important for revealing complex trait heredity. This study considers analytical methods that detect statistical interactions between pairs of loci. We investigated a three‐stage modelling procedure: (i) a model without the SNP to estimate the variance components; (ii) a model with the SNP using variance component estimates from (i), thus avoiding iteration; and (iii) using the significant SNPs from (ii) for genome‐wide epistasis analysis. We fitted these three‐stage models to field data for growth and ultrasound measures for subcutaneous fat thickness in Brahman cattle. The study demonstrated the usefulness of modelling epistasis in the analysis of complex traits as it revealed extra sources of genetic variation and identified potential candidate genes affecting the concentration of insulin‐like growth factor‐1 and ultrasound scan measure of fat depth traits. Information about epistasis can add to our understanding of the complex genetic networks that form the fundamental basis of biological systems.
Convergence and divergence of genetic and modular networks between diabetes and breast cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxu , Zhang Yingying , Yu Yanan , Liu Jun , Yuan Ye , Zhao Yijun , Li Haixia , Wang Jie , Wang Zhong
Published: March 2015

Diabetes mellitus (DM) and breast cancer (BC) can simultaneously occur in the same patient populations, but the molecular relationship between them remains unknown. In this study, we constructed genetic networks and used modularized analysis approaches to investigate the multi‐dimensional characteristics of two diseases and one disease subtype. A text search engine (Agilent Literature Search 2.71) and MCODE software were applied to validate potential subnetworks and to divide the modules, respectively. A total of 793 DM‐related genes, 386 type 2 diabetes (T2DM) genes and 873 BC‐related genes were identified from the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man database. For DM and BC, a total of 99 overlapping genes, 9 modules, 29 biological processes and 7 pathways were identified. Meanwhile, for T2DM and BC, 56 overlapping genes, 5 modules, 20 biological processes and 12 pathways were identified. Based on the Gene Ontology functional enrichment analysis of the top 10 non‐overlapping modules of the two diseases, 10 biological functions and 5 pathways overlapped between them. The glycosphingolipid and lysosome pathways verified molecular mechanisms of cell death related to both DM and BC. We also identified new biological functions of dopamine receptors and four signalling pathways (Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington's disease and long‐term depression) related to both diseases; these warrant further investigation. Our results illustrate the landscape of the novel molecular substructures between DM and BC, which may support a new model for complex disease classification and rational therapies for multiple diseases.
Qiliqiangxin inhibits angiotensin II‐induced transdifferentiation of rat cardiac fibroblasts through suppressing interleukin‐6
Authors: Zhou Jingmin , Jiang Kun , Ding Xuefeng , Fu Mingqiang , Wang Shijun , Zhu Lingti , He Tao , Wang Jingfeng , Sun Aijun , Hu Kai , Chen Li , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo
Published: March 2015

Qiliqiangxin (QL), a traditional Chinese medicine, had long been used to treat chronic heart failure. Recent studies revealed that differentiation of cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) into myofibroblasts played an important role in cardiac remodelling and development of heart failure, however, little was known about the underlying mechanism and whether QL treatment being involved. This study aimed to investigate the effects of QL on angiotensin II (AngII)‐induced CFs transdifferentiation. Study was performed on in vitro cultured CFs from Sprague–Dawley rats. CFs differentiation was induced by AngII, which was attenuated by QL through reducing transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1) and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA). Our data showed that AngII‐induced IL‐6 mRNA as well as typeI and typeIII collagens were reduced by QL. IL‐6 deficiency could suppress TGF‐β1 and α‐SMA, and both IL‐6 siRNA and QL‐mediated such effect was reversed by foresed expression of recombined IL‐6. Increase in actin stress fibres reflected the process of CFs differentiation, we found stress fibres were enhanced after AngII stimulation, which was attenuated by pre‐treating CFs with QL or IL‐6 siRNA, and re‐enhanced after rIL‐6 treatment. Importantly, we showed that calcineurin‐dependent NFAT3 nuclear translocation was essential to AngII‐mediated IL‐6 transcription, QL mimicked the effect of FK506, the calcineurin inhibitor, on suppression of IL‐6 expression and stress fibres formation. Collectively, our data demonstrated the negative regulation of CFs differentiation by QL through an IL‐6 transcriptional mechanism that depends on inhibition of calcineurin/NFAT3 signalling.
The sinus venosus myocardium contributes to the atrioventricular canal: potential role during atrioventricular node development?
Authors: Kelder Tim P. , Vicente‐Steijn Rebecca , Harryvan Tom J. , Kosmidis Georgios , Gittenberger‐de Groot Adriana C. , Poelmann Rob E. , Schalij Martin J. , DeRuiter Marco C. , Jongbloed Monique R.M.
Published: March 2015

The presence of distinct electrophysiological pathways within the atrioventricular node (AVN) is a prerequisite for atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia to occur. In this study, the different cell contributions that may account for the anatomical and functional heterogeneity of the AVN were investigated. To study the temporal development of the AVN, the expression pattern of ISL1, expressed in cardiac progenitor cells, was studied in sequential stages performing co‐staining with myocardial markers (TNNI2 and NKX2‐5) and HCN4 (cardiac conduction system marker). An ISL1+/TNNI2+/HCN4+ continuity between the myocardium of the sinus venosus and atrioventricular canal was identified in the region of the putative AVN, which showed a pacemaker‐like phenotype based on single cell patch‐clamp experiments. Furthermore, qPCR analysis showed that even during early development, different cell populations can be identified in the region of the putative AVN. Fate mapping was performed by in ovo vital dye microinjection. Embryos were harvested and analysed 24 and 48 hrs post‐injection. These experiments showed incorporation of sinus venosus myocardium in the posterior region of the atrioventricular canal. The myocardium of the sinus venosus contributes to the atrioventricular canal. It is postulated that the myocardium of the sinus venosus contributes to nodal extensions or transitional cells of the AVN since these cells are located in the posterior region of the AVN. This finding may help to understand the origin of atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia.
Gene expression modulation in TGF‐β3‐mediated rabbit bone marrow stem cells using electrospun scaffolds of various stiffness
Authors: Guo Qianping , Liu Chen , Li Jun , Zhu Caihong , Yang Huilin , Li Bin
Published: March 2015

Tissue engineering has recently evolved into a promising approach for annulus fibrosus (AF) regeneration. However, selection of an ideal cell source, which can be readily differentiated into AF cells of various regions, remains challenging because of the heterogeneity of AF tissue. In this study, we set out to explore the feasibility of using transforming growth factor‐β3‐mediated bone marrow stem cells (tBMSCs) for AF tissue engineering. Since the differentiation of stem cells significantly relies on the stiffness of substrate, we fabricated nanofibrous scaffolds from a series of biodegradable poly(ether carbonate urethane)‐urea (PECUU) materials whose elastic modulus approximated that of native AF tissue. We cultured tBMSCs on PECUU scaffolds and compared their gene expression profile to AF‐derived stem cells (AFSCs), the newly identified AF tissue‐specific stem cells. As predicted, the expression of collagen‐I in both tBMSCs and AFSCs increased with scaffold stiffness, whereas the expression of collagen‐II and aggrecan genes showed an opposite trend. Interestingly, the expression of collagen‐I, collagen‐II and aggrecan genes in tBMSCs on PECUU scaffolds were consistently higher than those in AFSCs regardless of scaffold stiffness. In addition, the cell traction forces (CTFs) of both tBMSCs and AFSCs gradually decreased with scaffold stiffness, which is similar to the CTF change of cells from inner to outer regions of native AF tissue. Together, findings from this study indicate that tBMSCs had strong tendency to differentiate into various types of AF cells and presented gene expression profiles similar to AFSCs, thereby establishing a rationale for the use of tBMSCs in AF tissue engineering.
Expression of TCR‐Vβ peptides by murine bone marrow cells does not identify T‐cell progenitors
Authors: Abbey Janice L. , Karsunky Holger , Serwold Thomas , Papathanasiou Peter , Weissman Irving L. , O'Neill Helen C.
Published: March 2015

Germline transcription has been described for both immunoglobulin and T‐cell receptor (TCR) genes, raising questions of their functional significance during haematopoiesis. Previously, an immature murine T‐cell line was shown to bind antibody to TCR‐Vβ8.2 in absence of anti‐Cβ antibody binding, and an equivalent cell subset was also identified in the mesenteric lymph node. Here, we investigate whether germline transcription and cell surface Vβ8.2 expression could therefore represent a potential marker of T‐cell progenitors. Cells with the TCR phenotype of Vβ8.2+Cβ− are found in several lymphoid sites, and among the lineage‐negative (Lin−) fraction of hematopoietic progenitors in bone marrow (BM). Cell surface marker analysis of these cells identified subsets reflecting common lymphoid progenitors, common myeloid progenitors and multipotential progenitors. To assess whether the Lin−Vβ8.2+Cβ− BM subset contains hematopoietic progenitors, cells were sorted and adoptively transferred into sub‐lethally irradiated recipients. No T‐cell or myeloid progeny were detected following introduction of cells via the intrathymic or intravenous routes. However, B‐cell development was detected in spleen. This pattern of restricted in vivo reconstitution disputes Lin−Vβ8.2+Cβ− BM cells as committed T‐cell progenitors, but raises the possibility of progenitors with potential for B‐cell development.