bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Insulin‐like receptor substrate gene chico regulates octopamine metabolism in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Adonyeva Natalya V. , Burdina Elena V. , Rauschenbach Inga Yu. , Menshanov Petr N. , Gruntenko Nataly E.
Published: October 2016

Octopamine, one of the main insect biogenic amines, plays an important role in the control of fitness in Drosophila melanogaster Meigen. The present study examines the effects of a null mutation of the gene of the insulin‐like receptor substrate (chico), in the heterozygous state, on octopamine metabolism, heat stress resistance and fecundity of D. melanogaster. A rise in the activity of one of the key enzymes of octopamine synthesis, tyrosine decarboxylase, as well as that of an enzyme of its degradation, octopamine‐dependent N‐acetyl transferase, is observed in chico1/+ females. It is also found that the resistance to heat stress is decreased and fecundity is reduced dramatically in chico1/+ flies. Such changes in these parameters in D. melanogaster females result from a rise in octopamine titre, which suggests that chico affects the octopamine level by regulating the activity of tyrosine decarboxylase.
Progress in the development of subunit vaccines for gastrointestinal nematodes of ruminants
Authors: Matthews J. B. , Geldhof P. , Tzelos T. , Claerebout E.
Published: October 2016

The global increase in anthelmintic resistant nematodes of ruminants, together with consumer concerns about chemicals in food, necessitates the development of alternative methods of control for these pathogens. Subunit recombinant vaccines are ideally placed to fill this gap. Indeed, they are probably the only valid option for the long‐term control of ruminant parasitic nematodes given the increasing ubiquity of multidrug resistance in a range of worm species across the world. The development of a subunit multicellular parasite vaccine to the point of practical application would be a groundbreaking step in the control of these important endemic infections of livestock. This review summarizes the current status of subunit vaccine development for a number of important gastrointestinal nematodes of cattle and sheep, with a focus on the limitations and problems encountered thus far, and suggestions as to how these hurdles might be overcome.
Is the Turnout Function in Democracies and Nondemocracies Alike or Different?
Authors: Stockemer Daniel
Published: October 2016

Are the turnout functions in democracies and nondemocracies different beasts that cannot be compared or are there more similarities than differences in the constituents of electoral turnout in the two universes of cases? Interested in this question, I compare electoral turnout in democracies and nondemocracies. Based on a large‐scale dataset, which includes data for over 540 elections over an 18‐year period (1994–2012), I find distinct patterns in the predictors of turnout across the two regime types. One the one hand, my results indicate that the influence of institutions such as compulsory voting or electoral rules is alike in democracies and nondemocracies. However, the same cannot be said for contextual factors such as corruption or electoral closeness, whose influence fundamentally differs in the two settings.

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Kostadinova, Tatiana. 2009. “.” Politics & Policy 37 (): 691‐714. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2009.00194.x/abstract

Stockemer, Daniel, and
Stephanie Parent. 2014. “.” Politics & Policy 42 (): 221‐245. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12067/abstract

Caillier, James. 2010. “.” Politics & Policy 38 (): 1015‐1035. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2010.00267.x/abstract

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. 2016. http://www.idea.int/vt/viewdata.cfm

Schmitter, Philippe C., and
Terry Lynn Karl. 1991. Short excerpt from “What Democracy Is… and Is Not.” Journal of Democracy (Summer). http://www.bu.edu/washington/files/2015/01/Schmitter-and-Lynn-What-Democracy-Is-and-Is-Not.pdf
The Shadowboxer: The Obama Administration and Foreign Policy Grand Strategy
Authors: Lasher Kevin J. , Sixta Rinehart Christine
Published: October 2016

President Obama's foreign policy grand strategy can be described by the termsshadowboxingorshadowboxer. Shadowboxing is a technique that boxers use to practice, sparring with imaginary opponents or attacking shadows in preparation for the real fight. Similarly, President Obama attacks covert threats but rarely responds to visible or viable threats. Like a practicing boxer, President Obama is fighting the murky shadows while refusing to engage the main stage in the international arena. Obama's foreign policy grand strategy consists of the following five tenets. (1) Modest Retrenchment in Foreign Policy Spending. (2) Rebuilding America's Reputation: The Anti‐Thesis of George W. Bush. (3) Multilateralism. (4) Nonintervention and Avoiding “Boots on the Ground.” (5) Assertive Counterterrorism.

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Haar,Roberta.2010. “.”Politics & Policy38():965–990.

Farnsworth,Stephen, andS. RobertLichter.2013. “.”Politics & Policy41():447–463.

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“The Obama Doctrine: American Grand Strategy Today.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4DJalBPNgc

“Inside the Mind of a President.”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OM8qoXoQhL4

“The New Internationalism: The Case for Restraint – Barry Posen”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NGfvVc3UJUo
State‐Sponsored Health Insurance and State Economic and Employment Growth
Authors: Malloy Liam C. , Pearson‐Merkowitz Shanna , Morris Irwin L.
Published: October 2016

While there is a clear relationship between better health and better economic outcomes, the effects of increasing health insurance on the economy remain understudied. We employ two datasets, one on health insurance coverage in the contiguous 48 U.S. states and one for countries in the Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development, to model the effect of expanding health insurance on state and country economic and employment growth over the last two decades. We find that increased health insurance coverage of the working age population, especially through government programs like Medicaid, is associated with faster gross domestic product and employment growth. However, we also find that these results may be contingent on controlling the per‐enrollee cost of these programs. These findings are informative for future health insurance reforms both federally and in the U.S. states.

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Bernick, Ethan M., and
Nathan Myers. 2012. “.” Politics & Policy 40 (): 131‐159. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111.1747-1346.2011.00340.x/abstract

Kreier, Rachel. 2006. “.” Politics & Policy 34 (): 579‐605. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2006.00029.x/abstract

Mcgrath, Robert J. 2009. “.” Politics & Policy 3 (): 309‐336. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2009.00174.x/abstract

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CBO Report. https://www.cbo.gov/sites/default/files/114th‐congress‐2015‐2016/reports/50252‐Effects_of_ACA_Repeal.pdf

Original CEA Report. http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/CEA_Health_Care_Report.pdf

John Oliver on Medicaid Expansion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5d3nASKtGas

Robert Wood Johnson Foundation on Medicaid Expansion. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fGEU0a75tiw
Temporal and spatial dynamics of begomovirus disease in tomatoes in central Brazil
Authors: Macedo M. A. , Costa T. M. , Barbosa J. C. , Pereira J. L. , Michereff‐Filho M. , Gilbertson R. L. , Inoue‐Nagata A. K. , Bergamin Filho A.
Published: October 2016

Over the last two decades, begomovirus diseases have increased in importance in Brazilian tomato crops. The major management strategy in Brazil is the application of insecticides to control the whitefly vector, but this is often unsuccessful. The objective of this work was to study the spatial and temporal progression of the disease in two processing tomato production areas in Central Brazil. A total of 24 plots (225 plants each) in six fields were evaluated weekly by visual inspection for plants with begomovirus symptoms. The predominant begomovirus in tomato plants with symptoms was Tomato severe rugose virus, and it was also detected in weeds and other crop plants. No correlation between incidence of begomovirus disease and whitefly population was found. The disease progression was rapid, with a slightly aggregated distribution of plants with symptoms. No relevant differences were observed in the temporal and spatial analyses, although an important difference was detected between plots located at the centre (PC) and the edge (PE) of the fields. In the temporal analysis, the begomovirus incidence and area under disease progress curve values were lower in PC than in PE. In the spatial analysis, plants with begomovirus symptoms were more aggregated in PC than in PE. These results suggest that the distribution of plants with symptoms in PC and PE could be a result of three dissemination mechanisms: one random (primary) and two aggregated, a real secondary spread, and a false secondary spread. The implications of these differences on disease management are discussed.
Early molecular signatures of responses of wheat to Zymoseptoria tritici in compatible and incompatible interactions
Authors: Orton E. S. , Rudd J. J. , Brown J. K. M.
Published: October 2016

Zymoseptoria tritici, the causal agent of septoria tritici blotch, a serious foliar disease of wheat, is a necrotrophic pathogen that undergoes a long latent period. Emergence of insensitivity to fungicides, and pesticide reduction policies, mean there is a pressing need to understand septoria and control it through greater varietal resistance. Stb6 and Stb15, the most common qualitative resistance genes in modern wheat cultivars, determine specific resistance to avirulent fungal genotypes following a gene‐for‐gene relationship. This study investigated compatible and incompatible interactions of wheat with Z. tritici using eight combinations of cultivars and isolates, with the aim of identifying molecular responses that could be used as markers for disease resistance during the early, symptomless phase of colonization. The accumulation of TaMPK3 was estimated using western blotting, and the expression of genes implicated in gene‐for‐gene interactions of plants with a wide range of other pathogens was measured by qRT‐PCR during the presymptomatic stages of infection. Production of TaMPK3 and expression of most of the genes responded to inoculation with Z. tritici but varied considerably between experimental replicates. However, there was no significant difference between compatible and incompatible interactions in any of the responses tested. These results demonstrate that the molecular biology of the gene‐for‐gene interaction between wheat and Zymoseptoria is unlike that in many other plant diseases, indicate that environmental conditions may strongly influence early responses of wheat to infection by Z. tritici, and emphasize the importance of including both compatible and incompatible interactions when investigating the biology of this complex pathosystem.
Multiple dimensions of power influencing knowledge integration in supply chains
Authors: Matheus Thomas , Saunders Mark N. K. , Chakraborty Suranjan
Published: October 2016

This study investigates how multiple dimensions of power each facilitate knowledge integration within innovation projects in supply chains and their interrelationships. Adopting a process perspective of knowledge, we offer an alternative to much of the existing debate, which has focussed on the possession of resources. We collected data from four case‐study Original Equipment Manufacturers and six associated suppliers and analysed these using Template Analysis and cross‐case analysis. Our findings reveal how the power of the system, operationalized through relative performance measures, performance measurement mechanisms and the individuals in‐charge of them, provides a facilitative context within which other dimensions of power operate. Here, the power of resources (expert and legitimate power), processes (associated with raising issues, cross‐functional teams, early supplier involvement and reviews) and meaning (creating legitimacy through reviews) interact to support knowledge integration within innovation projects in supply chains. This, we argue, emphasises the plurality of power dimensions deployed and importance of their interrelationships in facilitating knowledge integration within hierarchical supply chain networks.
Abalone growth and associated aspects: now from a metabolic perspective
Authors: Venter Leonie , Loots Du Toit , Vosloo Andre , Jansen van Rensburg Peet , Lindeque Jeremie Zander
Published: October 2016

Worldwide, there are approximately 100 Haliotis species, more commonly known as abalone or ‘Paua’ in New Zealand, ‘Venus's‐ears’ in Greece, ‘Awabi’ in Japan, ‘Perlemoen’ in South Africa and ‘Ormers’ in Europe. Regardless of what they are called in any part of the world, a high monetary value is coupled to this animal, because it is largely considered a seafood delicacy. Subsequently, a great deal of research primarily focused on improving the health and growth rates of abalone were carried out to maximise productivity of the commercial farming efforts in various countries. In this review, we comprehensively describe the most recent available scientific literature on abalone biology, and those aspects related to the growth of this organism; more specifically, those factors related to the uptake and breakdown of metabolic products which ensures long‐term growth. We subsequently discuss this in terms of basic animal design, farming outcomes, feeding, cellular growth mechanisms and the unique metabolic processes that exist in these species. Using this information and the knowledge of the metabolic processes in other organisms, we additionally make a number of new hypotheses regarding how these metabolic processes may function in terms of abalone growth. Based on the information presented in this review, we also identify major research opportunities and gaps in the existing knowledge of abalone metabolism, which when elucidated may not only serve the purpose of better understanding these organisms growth but also could potentially lead to increased productivity of the abalone commercial farming sector.
Form as Structure: It's not so Simple
Authors: Renz Graham
Published: October 2016

Hylomorphism is the theory that objects are composites of form and matter. Recently it has been argued that form is structure, or the arrangement of an object's parts. This paper shows that the principle of form cannot be ontologically exhausted by structure. That is, I deny form should be understood just as the arrangement of an object's parts. I do so by showing that structure cannot play the role form is supposed to in a certain domain of objects, specifically, in mereological simples. Thus, I show that Hylomorphism does not reduce to Structuralism. I also draw out some important consequences from my argument for Hylomorphism in general.
Bronchoscopy assessment of acute respiratory failure in interstitial lung disease
Authors: Arcadu Antonella , Moua Teng
Published: October 2016

ABSTRACT

Background and objective

Acute respiratory failure (ARF) in patients with interstitial lung disease (ILD) is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Recommended assessment for acute exacerbation (AE) of ILD includes exclusion of secondary causes via fibreoptic bronchoscopy. Our aim is to assess the role of bronchoscopy during ARF‐ILD.

Methods

Consecutive ILD patients (2002–2014) hospitalized with ARF who underwent bronchoscopy were included. Baseline demographics, underlying ILD diagnoses and presenting clinical features were reviewed. Characteristics of bronchoscopy including diagnostic findings, management and complications were collated.

Results

One hundred and six patients accounted for 119 unique bronchoscopies. Sixteen (13%) were abnormal (12 infections and 4 haemorrhages). Baseline presenting clinical features did not differ between those with and without abnormal findings. About half were performed in an intensive care unit (ICU) (53%), with 25% of bronchoscopies performed in a general floor setting resulting in ICU transfer; 71% of whom resulted in immediate mechanical ventilation. Overall management of ARF in those with positive bronchoscopy findings was similar to those without, resulting in similar in‐hospital mortality.

Conclusion

Bronchoscopy in the clinical assessment of ARF‐ILD is often performed with only a 13% yield in this large retrospective cohort. As management and in‐hospital mortality were similar, routine diagnostic bronchoscopy in ARF‐ILD should be further studied given its low yield and high procedural risk.
First‐time pregnant women's experiences of their body in early pregnancy
Authors: Bergbom Ingegerd , Modh Carin , Lundgren Ingela , Lindwall Lillemor
Published: October 2016

Background

The body of first‐time pregnant women is affected in many ways, and the women may not know what to expect. Conversations between women and healthcare personnel about women's bodily experience in early pregnancy can contribute to increased body knowledge, which may have a positive impact in later stages of their pregnancy and in relation to delivery. The aim of the study was to describe first‐time pregnant women's experiences of their body in early pregnancy (pregnancy weeks 10–14).

Method

Twelve women were asked to draw pictures and answer questions freely about their experiences of their first pregnant body. Hermeneutical text interpretation was used to obtain an overall view of the experiences.

Findings

A main theme emerged: ‘the body is connected to the cycle of life’. This theme comprised five subthemes: ‘bodily longing and a sense of ambivalence’, ‘being doubtful’, ‘welcoming changes in body and mind’, ‘feeling inner strength and struggle to find strength’ and ‘accepting a different body and mind’. This main theme and the subthemes were further interpreted and were understood as an experience of ‘me and my body’.

Conclusions

The body reminded the women to take care of it and gave rise to positive thoughts. When the body exhibited uncomfortable reactions and sensations, these were taken as evidence of pregnancy, which was also seen positive but it also triggered a sense of dissatisfaction with the body and a feeling of it becoming alien.
The Coniacian–Santonian sedimentary record in southern Tanzania (Ruvuma Basin, East Africa): Planktonic foraminiferal evolutionary, geochemical and palaeoceanographic patterns
Authors: Petrizzo Maria Rose , Jiménez Berrocoso Álvaro , Falzoni Francesca , Huber Brian T. , Macleod Kenneth G.
Published: October 2016

A 101 m thick stratigraphically complete late Coniacian–early Santonian (ca89 to 83 Ma) sedimentary sequence drilled in Tanzania (Tanzania Drilling Project Site 39) allows, for the first time, examination of the planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy and evolution, the depositional history, and geochemical patterns of the subtropical–tropical Indian Ocean region. The sedimentary succession corresponds to an outer shelf to upper slope setting and is dominated by calcareous clayey siltstones and mudstones. The occurrences of Tethyan marker species enable application of the tropical biozonation including identification of theDicarinella concavataandDicarinella asymetricaZones. In addition, Tanzania Drilling Project Site 39 is proposed as reference section for the Coniacian/Santonian boundary in the Indian Ocean with the boundary placed at the lowest occurrence ofGlobotruncana linneianain agreement with the Global Stratotype Section and Point (Spain). The record at Tanzania Drilling Project Site 39 provides a unique opportunity to document the planktonic foraminiferal evolution in a subtropical marginal sea environment during a key period in their evolutionary history characterized by a major radiation among the deep‐dwelling taxa. Combined documentation of lithological and geochemical changes (%CaCO3, %Corg,δ13Ccarbandδ18Ocarb) reveals a setting influenced by continental‐derived nutrients in theDicarinella concavataZone (Lindi Formation) with a change to higher carbonate production and reduced surface water primary productivity in the overlyingDicarinella asymetricaZone (Nangurukuru Formation). Planktonic foraminiferal assemblage changes mirror the depositional and geochemical trends and indicate a progressive shift from a more eutrophic to a more oligotrophic regime through time. At the local scale, this palaeoceanographic scenario is consistent with the deepening of coastal Tanzania in response to the Late Cretaceous marine transgression registered in south‐east Tanzania. Because the tectonic evolution and sea‐level rise along the East Africa continental margin is superimposed on the Coniacian–Campanian global long‐term sea‐level high, this study hypothesizes that the epicontinental invasion of blue waters may have favoured radiation among deep‐dwelling taxa.
Immune Response of Healthy Adults to the Ingested Probiotic Lactobacillus casei Shirota
Authors: Harbige L. S. , Pinto E. , Allgrove J. , Thomas L. V.
Published: October 2016

Daily ingestion of a probiotic drink containing Lactobacillus casei Shirota (LcS; 1.3 × 1010 live cells) by healthy adults for (1) 4‐week LcS, (2) 6‐week discontinuation of LcS and (3) a final 4 weeks of LcS was investigated. There was a significant increase in expression of the T cell activation marker CD3+CD69+ in ex vivo unstimulated blood cells at weeks 10 and 14, and there was a significant increase in the NK cell marker CD3+CD16/56+ in ex vivo unstimulated blood cells at weeks 4, 10 and 14. Expression of the NK cell activation marker CD16/56+CD69+ in ex vivo unstimulated blood cells was 62% higher at week 10 and 74% higher at week 14. Intracellular staining of IL‐4 in ex vivo unstimulated and PMA‐/ionomycin‐stimulated CD3+ β7+ integrin blood cells was significantly lower at weeks 10 and 14. Intracellular staining of IL‐12 in ex vivo unstimulated and LPS‐stimulated CD14+ blood cells was significantly lower at weeks 4, 10 and 14. Intracellular staining of TNF‐α in LPS‐stimulated CD14+ blood cells was significantly lower at weeks 4, 10 and 14. Mucosal salivary IFN‐γ, IgA1 and IgA2 concentrations were significantly higher at week 14, but LcS did not affect systemic circulating influenza A‐specific IgA or IgG and tetanus‐specific IgG antibody levels. In addition to the decrease in CD3+β7+ integrin cell IL‐4 and a reduced CD14+ cell pro‐inflammatory cytokine profile, at week 14 increased expression of activation markers on circulating T cells and NK cells and higher mucosal salivary IgA1 and IgA2 concentration indicated a secondary boosting effect of LcS.
Exercise based interventions for alcohol use disorder: A comment on motivational aspects of participation
Authors: Roessler Kirsten K. , Bramsen Rikke Holm , Dervisevic Ajla , Bilberg Randi
Published: October 2016

Exercise based treatment for alcohol use disorders have shown an impact on mental health (e.g., depression or anxiety), and alcohol outcomes (e.g., craving or abstinence). However, there is a lack of information on the role of motivational aspects of participation in the process of designing exercise interventions for alcohol use disorder. This study aims to examine: (1) whether motivational aspects are taken into account when the type and delivery method of exercise interventions are chosen; (2) whether motivational aspects are taken into account post intervention; and (3) whether there are different traditions regarding payment for participants. A systematic search was conducted to identify eligible studies in order to investigate the impact of motivational aspects including payment for participation. Twelve samples including ten to 620 participants were investigated. Participants were predominantly male and in their 40s, ranging from 20 to 69 years. Aerobic exercise (running, walking, fitness) either in a group or individual condition is the most frequently used exercise form. Two studies included ball games or cycling, while only one study offered the opportunity to choose between a wide range of sports. Motivational aspects are mentioned explicitly in half of the studies, mostly with regard to adherence to participation and social integration as the reason for using a group condition. Achievement is mentioned in two studies but not explicitly with regard to planning the intervention design. Five studies include payment for participation in exercise. Findings of the present study identify that motivational aspects for participation are rarely involved in the planning of an exercise intervention. With regard to the specific psychosocial vulnerability of an alcohol use disorder population, this should be an important aspect of further research studies.
Acute tendon changes in intense CrossFit workout: an observational cohort study
Authors: Fisker F. Y. , Kildegaard S. , Thygesen M. , Grosen K. , Pfeiffer‐Jensen M.
Published: October 2016

CrossFit is a fitness program that has become increasingly popular in the Western world, but as in other sports, the risk of injury is present. Only a few studies have addressed health benefits and injuries in CrossFit. It is known that chronically overloaded tendons will thicken and increase the risk of tendinopathy. However, it remains unknown whether acute overload caused by strenuous, high‐intensity exercise will exert changes in tendons and if these changes can be detected and described by ultrasonography. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of acute overload on tendon thickness using ultrasonography. Standardized ultrasound measurements of the patella, Achilles, and plantaris tendons were performed before and after a specific workout in 34 healthy subjects. Significant increases were observed in patella tendon thickness before (M = 4.5, SD = 0.6) and after (M = 5.0, SD = 0.7) highly intense strenuous exercise, with an estimated mean differences of 0.47 mm (95% CI: 0.35–0.59 mm; P < 0.0001) and in Achilles tendon thickness before (M = 4.4, SD = 0.4) and after (M = 4.5, SD = 0.5) workout, with an estimated difference of 0.17 mm (95% CI: 0.04–0.29 mm; P < 0.01). However, there was no significant difference in fascia plantaris thickness before (M = 3.4, SD = 0.5) and after (M = 3.4, SD = 0.5) workout (P = 0.97). A significant increase in the thickness of the patellar and Achilles tendons was found in response to strenuous, highly intense CrossFit exercises. In order to understand the underlying mechanisms of the findings and possibly utilize this to gain a better understanding, further studies must be conducted.
Changes in upper and lower body muscle involvement at increasing double poling velocities: an ecological study
Authors: Zoppirolli C. , Pellegrini B. , Modena R. , Savoldelli A. , Bortolan L. , Schena F.
Published: October 2016

This study evaluated muscle activity changes in different body compartments during on‐snow double poling at increasing velocities. 21 well‐trained, male cross‐country skiers performed five 3‐min double poling trials on a snowy track at 15, 16.5, 18, 19.5, and 21 km/h (set by an audio‐pace system). A sixth trial was performed by maintaining a constant maximal speed. Actual skiing velocities were verified using a photocell system. Only 11 subjects met the pre‐defined inclusion criteria during the trials and were included in the data analysis. Electromyographical signals from seven muscles, wrist acceleration and heart rate during the last minute of each trial were recorded. Cycle and poling times were measured from acceleration signals; mean muscular activation over a cycle was calculated for each muscle. With increasing double poling velocities from aerobic to maximal intensity (from 65% to 100% of maximal heart rate), upper limb muscles activation was maintained constant (P > 0.05), while trunk and lower limb involvement increased significantly (P < 0.01) with a linear trend. Rectus abdominis and rectus femoris muscles showed the higher rate of change. Trunk and lower limbs provide a progressively greater contribution to the propulsion when increasing double poling velocities are performed, to support the limited capacity of exercise response of upper body muscles. The remarkable rate of involvement of the muscles near the core region of the body becomes strategic to cope with the increased demands of propulsive power.
The Structure of Perception: How Networks Shape Ideas of Norms
Authors: Shepherd Hana R.
Published: October 2016

Perceptions of the behavior of those around us provide important cues as to what our own behavior should be. However, we know relatively little about the source of these perceptions and how they develop in the course of interaction. This article provides a conceptual framework for the relationship between social network structure and perceptions of descriptive social norms—what other people in a group tend to do. Because networks represent (1) whom group members are exposed to, (2) the amount of exposure group members have to others, and (3) the type of exposure group members have to others, they shape individuals' perceptions of descriptive social norms. The article uses original data from a vegetarian co‐op on a university campus as an empirical example of how networks inform perceptions of norms in a group. The evidence demonstrates the utility of a network‐based approach to understanding the formation and change of social norms and the accuracy of perceptions of the behavior of others. I argue that the process by which individuals make inferences about group norms differs based on the type of behavior under consideration and the type of relationship between individuals.
Agro‐Digital Governance and Life Itself: Food Politics at the Intersection of Code and Affect
Authors: Carolan Michael
Published: October 2016

This article seeks to answer the following questions. How are digital platforms encountered and felt by producers and consumers and how do these assemblages shape the foodscapes we imagine and enact? How do elements like digital locks, proprietary code, and ‘open’ code inform how we think about the subject of agrofood governance? Finally, what are the lives being made to live, and left to let die, as a result of digital platforms, from those employing digital locks and proprietary software to those built on open source code? To do this, the paper draws upon two case studies. The first examines London‐area producers and consumers linked to the web‐based distribution platform FarmDrop. This is followed by a case study involving US producers loosely linked to the group Farm Hack; a group that promotes technology that is collectively built and freely shared, and which desires to ‘hack’ that which is not. To conclude, the article turns briefly to Berry's (2001) thoughts on interactivity. While insightful, as the concept helps us think about the less‐than‐overt ways in which code‐based assemblages enable and disable, the aforementioned case studies allow for some refinements to what it means to do and be interactive.
Ethics and Undergraduate Research in the Study of Religion: Place‐Based Pedagogy and Reciprocal Research Relations
Authors: Prideaux Mel
Published: October 2016

In the undergraduate religious studies classroom at the University of Leeds students are introduced to the complexity of religion in locality. One of the most engaging ways to do this is through a place‐based pedagogy utilizing independent fieldwork as part of the learning process. However, undergraduates, like seasoned researchers, must learn to balance and understand the way insider representations influence academic interpretations, and the way their academic interpretations and representations can lead to change in the community being studied. Place‐based pedagogy has, therefore, an important ethical dimension that is not accounted for in the existing literature. Engaging with reciprocal research relations as a way to navigate this terrain introduces students to the human impacts of their research and develops their self‐awareness as researchers and religion specialists. This paper will draw on the Leeds experience to build an understanding of the interaction between place‐based pedagogy and reciprocal research relations which informs both teaching and research in the study of religion, and extends the existing discourse on the ethical dimensions of undergraduate research.
Through Literacy to Fluency: Reading in the Religious Studies Classroom
Authors: Medine Carolyn M. Jones
Published: October 2016

This paper addresses a perennial question of the religious studies and, indeed, of most liberal arts classrooms: How do I get my students to read texts thoroughly and with understanding? After briefly reviewing the National Assessment of Adult Literacy (NAAL) data, I argue that what teachers desire is not just basic literacy, but fluency, which is the capacity to read analytically (and, for me, appreciatively), deploying the strategies of reading in a high process, improvisational mode. I unpack the elements and efficacy of one close reading classroom teaching practice I use, guided annotation, as a strategy for developing fluency. I argue that close analysis of a short, intentionally chosen passage with a guiding question builds towards reading fluency. Annotating short passages, singly and then in relation to other passages, with the author's and disciplinary concerns as the foci, practices the skills that build fluency. Annotation is akin to playing scales in music, repeating a baseline task of reading; working slowly and simply at first, but then with increasing speed and complexity, moving the student towards reading whole texts well.
Improving the screening of blood donors with syphilis rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC)
Authors: Sarkodie F. , Hassall O. , Owusu‐Dabo E. , Owusu‐Ofori S. , Bates I. , Bygbjerg I. C. , Owusu‐Ofori A. , Harritshøj L. H. , Ullum H.
Published: October 2016

Background

Syphilis testing conventionally relies on a combination of non‐treponemal and treponemal tests. The primary objective of this study was to describe the positive predictive value (PPV) of a screening algorithm in a combination of a treponemal rapid diagnostic test (RDT) and rapid plasma reagin (RPR) test at Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital (KATH), Ghana.

Materials and Methods

From February 2014 to January 2015, 5 mL of venous blood samples were taken from 16 016 blood donors and tested with a treponemal RDT; 5 mL of venous blood was taken from 526 consenting initial syphilis sero‐reactive blood donors. These RDT reactive samples were confirmed with an algorithm, applying the Vitros®/Abbott‐Architect® algorithm as gold standard.

Results

A total of 478 of 526 RDT reactive donors were confirmed positive for syphilis, making a PPV of 90·9%. Of the 172 (32·7%) donors who were also RPR positive, 167 were confirmed, resulting in a PPV of 97·1%. The PPV of the combined RDT and RPR (suspected active syphilis) testing algorithm was highest among donors at an enhanced risk of syphilis, family/replacement donors (99·9%), and among voluntary donors above 25 years (98·6%).

Discussion

Screening of blood donors by combining syphilis RDT and RPR with relatively good PPV may provide a reasonable technology for LMIC that has a limited capacity for testing and can contribute to the improvement of blood safety with a minimal loss of donors.
Combined cell index in assessing blood donor iron stores
Authors: Vuk T. , Bingulac‐Popović J. , Očić T. , Mayer L. J. , Milošević M. , Jukić I.
Published: October 2016

SUMMARY

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of using combined cell index (CCI) in the assessment of iron stores in blood donors. This index is calculated by the formula: red blood cell distribution width (RDW) × 104 × mean corpuscular volume (MCV)−1 × mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH)−1.

Background

Ferritin measurement is a reliable method for estimating iron stores in blood donors. The sensitivity of red blood cell (RBC) parameters of complete blood count in detecting non‐anaemic iron deficiency is significantly lower. Consequently, there were several attempts to increase the detection sensitivity by combining these parameters in different indices.

Methods

This study included 1084 male and 792 female whole blood donors accepted for blood donation. For six RBC parameters with the highest level of correlation relative to ferritin [Hgb, MCV, MCH, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), RDW and CCI], diagnostic efficacy in the detection of iron depletion (ferritin <12 µg L−1) was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.

Results

CCI showed the highest degree of correlation with ferritin (r = −0·373 for men and r = −0·590 for women) and the highest area under the curve (0·961 for men and 0·864 for women). Using the cut‐off value of 52·6 for men and 50·6 for women, the corresponding Youden index was the highest for CCI in both genders (0·851 for men and 0·612 for women). The sensitivity and specificity of CCI in the population of male donors were higher in comparison to female donors (0·941 and 0·910 vs 0·851 and 0·761, respectively).

Conclusions

Study results confirmed the satisfactory diagnostic value of CCI in detecting depleted iron stores in blood donors.
Reversal of warfarin anticoagulation using prothrombin complex concentrate at 25 IU kg−1: results of the RAPID study
Authors: Appleby N. , Groarke E. , Crowley M. , Wahab F. A. , McCann A. M. , Egan L. , Gough D. , McMahon G. , O'Donghaile D. , O'Keeffe D. , O'Connell N.
Published: October 2016

Background

Real‐world studies of the emergency reversal of warfarin using 4‐factor prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) report unwarranted delays. The delay to receiving PCC was ≥ 8 h in 46·7% of patients with warfarin‐associated bleeding (PWAB) treated with a variable PCC dosing protocol in our retrospective audit.

Objective

To report the impact of a simplified PCC dosing protocol on the interval to reversal of anticoagulation.

Methods

We developed a PCC dosing protocol standardising the initial PCC dose and simplifying dosing calculations. Study end points were the proportion of PWAB achieving international normalised ratio (INR) ≤1·5 and treated within 8 h of presentation, respectively.

Results

Of 17, 15 (88·2%) PWABs achieved a post‐treatment INR ≤ 1·5; 14 of 17 (82·4%) PWABs were reversed within 8 h. Median intervals between triage and PCC request and PCC request and start of infusion (administration interval) were 126 min (range 39–520) and 30 min (range 5–100), respectively. Compared with the retrospective cohort, RAPID is associated with an improved administration interval (mean 37·7 vs 76 min, P = 0·031) and the proportion of PWABs treated within 30 min (58·8 vs 6·7%, P = 0·009).

Conclusion

The RAPID protocol reduces unwarranted delays without compromising efficacy.
Dysfunction of Arabidopsis MACPF domain protein activates programmed cell death via tryptophan metabolism in MAMP‐triggered immunity
Authors: Fukunaga Satoshi , Sogame Miho , Hata Masaki , Singkaravanit‐Ogawa Suthitar , Piślewska‐Bednarek Mariola , Onozawa‐Komori Mariko , Nishiuchi Takumi , Hiruma Kei , Saitoh Hiromasa , Terauchi Ryohei , Kitakura Saeko , Inoue Yoshihiro , Bednarek Paweł , Schulze‐Lefert Paul , Takano Yoshitaka
Published: October 2016

Plant immune responses triggered upon recognition of microbe‐associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) typically restrict pathogen growth without a host cell death response. We isolated two Arabidopsis mutants, derived from accession Col‐0, that activated cell death upon inoculation with nonadapted fungal pathogens. Notably, the mutants triggered cell death also when treated with bacterial MAMPs such as flg22. Positional cloning identified NSL1 (Necrotic Spotted Lesion 1) as a responsible gene for the phenotype of the two mutants, whereas nsl1 mutations of the accession No‐0 resulted in necrotic lesion formation without pathogen inoculation. NSL1 encodes a protein of unknown function containing a putative membrane‐attack complex/perforin (MACPF) domain. The application of flg22 increased salicylic acid (SA) accumulation in the nsl1 plants derived from Col‐0, while depletion of isochorismate synthase 1 repressed flg22‐inducible lesion formation, indicating that elevated SA is needed for the cell death response. nsl1 plants of Col‐0 responded to flg22 treatment with an RBOHD‐dependent oxidative burst, but this response was dispensable for the nsl1‐dependent cell death. Surprisingly, loss‐of‐function mutations in PEN2, involved in the metabolism of tryptophan (Trp)‐derived indole glucosinolates, suppressed the flg22‐induced and nsl1‐dependent cell death. Moreover, the increased accumulation of SA in the nsl1 plants was abrogated by blocking Trp‐derived secondary metabolite biosynthesis, whereas the nsl1‐dependent hyperaccumulation of PEN2‐dependent compounds was unaffected when the SA biosynthesis pathway was blocked. Collectively, these findings suggest that MAMP‐triggered immunity activates a genetically programmed cell death in the absence of the functional MACPF domain protein NSL1 via Trp‐derived secondary metabolite‐mediated activation of the SA pathway.
Changes in specific protein degradation rates in Arabidopsis thaliana reveal multiple roles of Lon1 in mitochondrial protein homeostasis
Authors: Li Lei , Nelson Clark , Fenske Ricarda , Trösch Josua , Pružinská Adriana , Millar A. Harvey , Huang Shaobai
Published: October 2016

Mitochondrial Lon1 loss impairs oxidative phosphorylation complexes and TCA enzymes and causes accumulation of specific mitochondrial proteins. Analysis of over 400 mitochondrial protein degradation rates using 15N labelling showed that 205 were significantly different between wild type (WT) and lon1‐1. Those proteins included ribosomal proteins, electron transport chain subunits and TCA enzymes. For respiratory complexes I and V, decreased protein abundance correlated with higher degradation rate of subunits in total mitochondrial extracts. After blue native separation, however, the assembled complexes had slow degradation, while smaller subcomplexes displayed rapid degradation in lon1‐1. In insoluble fractions, a number of TCA enzymes were more abundant but the proteins degraded slowly in lon1‐1. In soluble protein fractions, TCA enzymes were less abundant but degraded more rapidly. These observations are consistent with the reported roles of Lon1 as a chaperone aiding the proper folding of newly synthesized/imported proteins to stabilise them and as a protease to degrade mitochondrial protein aggregates. HSP70, prohibitin and enzymes of photorespiration accumulated in lon1‐1 and degraded slowly in all fractions, indicating an important role of Lon1 in their clearance from the proteome.
Polyglutamine toxicity in yeast uncovers phenotypic variations between different fluorescent protein fusions
Authors: Jiang Yuwei , Di Gregorio Sonja E. , Duennwald Martin L. , Lajoie Patrick
Published: October 2016

The palette of fluorescent proteins (FPs) available for live‐cell imaging contains proteins that strongly differ in their biophysical properties. FPs cannot be assumed to be equivalent and in certain cases could significantly perturb the behavior of fluorescent reporters. We employed Saccharomyces cerevisiae to comprehensively study the impact of FPs on the toxicity of polyglutamine (polyQ) expansion proteins associated with Huntington's disease. The toxicity of polyQ fusion constructs is highly dependent on the sequences flanking the polyQ repeats. Thus, they represent a powerful tool to study the impact of fluorescent fusion partners. We observed significant differences on polyQ aggregation and toxicity between commonly used FPs. We generated a novel series of vectors with latest yeast‐optimized FPs for investigation of Htt toxicity, including a newly optimized blue FP for expression in yeast. Our study highlights the importance of carefully choosing the optimal FPs when designing tagging strategies.
How do we mobilize and collect autologous peripheral blood stem cells?
Authors: Yuan Shan , Wang Shirong
Published: October 2016

Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) with mobilized peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) has become a widely applied therapeutic approach for many hematologic and nonhematologic diseases. Adequate PBSC mobilization is critical to the success of ASCT. However, many factors can contribute to poor mobilization. Plerixafor is an effective yet costly adjunct agent that has been increasingly used to improve mobilization in a variety of diagnoses and clinical settings. However, to achieve both optimal cell collection yields and cost‐effectiveness, the role of plerixafor in PBSC mobilization needs to be well defined in terms of triggers for initiating its use and criteria for monitoring response. As one of the largest hematopoietic transplant centers in the country, we have developed an approach to PBSC mobilization and collection that incorporates patient laboratory assessments, monitoring of the collection yields, and judicious use of plerixafor as well as various patient support and education programs. These measures have resulted in an increase in our collection success rate and a decrease in the mean number of collection days. In this article we describe our approach to autologous PBSC mobilization and collection. Pertinent reports in the literature are also reviewed and discussed.
Retrospective evaluation of blood copper stable isotopes ratio 65Cu/63Cu as a biomarker of cancer in dogs
Authors: Chamel G. , Gourlan A. T. , Télouk P. , Sayag D. , Milliard V. , Loiseau C. , Simon M. , Buff S. , Ponce F.
Published: October 2016

Previous studies in humans with breast, colorectal or liver cancer showed that neoplasia was associated with a modification of the blood ratio between 65Cu and 63Cu (∂Cu). The aim of the present study was to compare the blood ∂Cu of dogs with cancer to healthy controls or dogs with non‐oncologic disease. One hundred and seventeen dogs were included in the study (35 dogs with cancer, 33 dogs with non‐neoplastic disease, and 49 healthy controls). The ∂Cu of dogs with cancer was significantly lower than the ratio of healthy controls (P < 0.0001) but not significantly different from dogs with non‐oncologic disease. Six dogs with lymphoma were also evaluated after they achieved clinical remission and five out of six had an increase of ∂Cu. Further studies are warranted but these results suggest that ∂Cu could help in the diagnosis of cancer in a controlled clinical context, and may be a potential biomarker for the follow‐up of cancer.