bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytol and its metabolites phytanic and pristanic acids for risk of cancer: current evidence and future directions
Authors: Bobe Gerd , Zhang Zhenzhen , Kopp Ryan , Garzotto Mark , Shannon Jackilen , Takata Yumie
Published: August 2019

This review summarizes the current evidence on the potential role of phytol, a microbial metabolite of chlorophyl A, and its metabolites, phytanic and pristanic acids, in carcinogenesis. Primary food sources in Western diets are the nut skin for phytol and lipids in dairy, beef and fish for its metabolites. Phytol and its metabolites gained interest as dietary compounds for cancer prevention because, as natural ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and -γ and retinoid X receptor, phytol and its metabolites have provided some evidence in cell culture studies and limited evidence in animal models of anti-carcinogenic, anti-inflammatory and anti-metabolic-syndrome properties at physiological concentrations. However, there may be a narrow range of efficacy, because phytol and its metabolites at supra-physiological concentrations can cause in vitro cytotoxicity in non-cancer cells and can cause morbidity and mortality in animal models. In human studies, evidence for a role of phytol and its metabolites in cancer prevention is currently limited and inconclusive. In short, phytol and its metabolites are potential dietary compounds for cancer prevention, assuming the challenges in preventing cytotoxicity in non-cancer cells and animal models and understanding phytol metabolism can be mitigated.
Lillian Mary Pickford. 14 August 1902—14 August 2002
Authors: Morrison John F. B. , Russell John A.
Published: August 2019

Mary Pickford was an experimental physiologist who carried out pioneering work on the actions of the hormones (oxytocin and vasopressin [
syn.
antidiuretic hormone, ADH]) secreted by the posterior pituitary gland, which is part of the brain. She provided understanding of how the secretion of these hormones is controlled to regulate body fluid composition, specifically the maintenance, through actions on the kidneys, of normal osmolarity and Na
+
concentration, and hence blood volume and pressure. Using the water-loaded dog model she showed that vasopressin is the only hormone that regulates the excretion of water, by stimulating the kidneys to concentrate urine; she found that oxytocin could stimulate excretion of Na
+
. She showed that acetylcholine is an excitatory neurotransmitter in the hypothalamus, stimulating the neurons that produce vasopressin to secrete—the first evidence for acetylcholine action in the brain. The principles that Mary established have been extensively confirmed; hence, she was important in the establishment of the concepts and discipline of neuroendocrinology, which is about the bidirectional interactions between hormones and the brain. Using human and animal models, in her later work Mary focused on possible roles of interactions between female sex hormones and vasodilating actions of oxytocin in the perimenopausal problem of ‘hot flashes’ (or ‘hot flushes’) experienced by many women. She faced, but overcame, entrenched gender prejudice during her career; she was the first woman to be elected to the Pharmacological Society, and the first woman appointed to a chair in the Edinburgh Medical School.
Alan Cyril Walker. 23 August 1938—20 November 2017
Authors: Hlusko Leslea J. , Ungar Peter S.
Published: August 2019

Colleagues often refer to Alan Walker as the Eric Clapton (one of the most influential musicians of the late twentieth century) of palaeoanthropology in recognition of the artistry of his science. His field discoveries filled major gaps in our knowledge of primate evolution, such as elucidating the Miocene world of
Proconsul
and finding the transitional ‘Black Skull’ of
Australopithecus aethiopicus
and the skeleton of a
Homo erectus
boy. In addition to discovering these remarkable fossils, Alan was essential in bringing a palaeobiological approach to the laboratory interpretation of their bony morphology. He used the relationships between form and function in living species as a baseline for understanding the past, he pioneered dental microwear analysis to infer diet and was an early-adopter of the use of microCT to explore the internal structure of primate ear bones. Beyond these scientific accomplishments, however, it was Alan's grace and generosity that truly set him apart from his peers. As the patriarch of an extensive intellectual family of students, postdocs and colleagues, Alan taught by example how to be intellectually creative, brave, meticulous, generous and kind. His legacy will long be felt in both the science and the culture of palaeoanthropology.
Large-scale cooperation driven by reputation, not fear of divine punishment
Authors: Ge Erhao , Chen Yuan , Wu Jiajia , Mace Ruth
Published: August 2019

Reputational considerations favour cooperation and thus we expect less cooperation in larger communities where people are less well known to each other. Some argue that institutions are, therefore, necessary to coordinate large-scale cooperation, including moralizing religions that promote cooperation through the fear of divine punishment. Here, we use community size as a proxy for reputational concerns, and test whether people in small, stable communities are more cooperative than people in large, less stable communities in both religious and non-religious contexts. We conducted a donation game on a large naturalistic sample of 501 people in 17 communities, with varying religions or none, ranging from small villages to large cities in northwestern China. We found that more money was donated by those in small, stable communities, where reputation should be more salient. Religious practice was also associated with higher donations, but fear of divine punishment was not. In a second game on the same sample, decisions were private, giving donors the opportunity to cheat. We found that donors to religious institutions were not less likely to cheat, and community size was not important in this game. Results from the donation game suggest donations to both religious and non-religious institutions are being motivated by reputational considerations, and results from both games suggest fear of divine punishment is not important. This chimes with other studies suggesting social benefits rather than fear of punishment may be the more salient motive for cooperative behaviour in real-world settings.
Controlling invasive rodents via synthetic gene drive and the role of polyandry
Authors: Manser Andri , Cornell Stephen J. , Sutter Andreas , Blondel Dimitri V. , Serr Megan , Godwin John , Price Tom A. R.
Published: August 2019

House mice are a major ecosystem pest, particularly threatening island ecosystems as a non-native invasive species. Rapid advances in synthetic biology offer new avenues to control pest species for biodiversity conservation. Recently, a synthetic sperm-killing gene drive construct called
t-Sry
has been proposed as a means to eradicate target mouse populations owing to a lack of females. A factor that has received little attention in the discussion surrounding such drive applications is polyandry. Previous research has demonstrated that sperm-killing drivers are extremely damaging to a male’s sperm competitive ability. Here, we examine the importance of this effect on the
t-Sry
system using a theoretical model. We find that polyandry substantially hampers the spread of
t-Sry
such that release efforts have to be increased three- to sixfold for successful eradication. We discuss the implications of our finding for potential pest control programmes, the risk of drive spread beyond the target population, and the emergence of drive resistance. Our work highlights that a solid understanding of the forces that determine drive dynamics in a natural setting is key for successful drive application, and that exploring the natural diversity of gene drives may inform effective gene drive design.
The multi-dimensional nature of information drives prioritization of private over social information in ants
Authors: Czaczkes Tomer J. , Beckwith John J. , Horsch Anna-Lena , Hartig Florian
Published: August 2019

When personally gathered and socially acquired information conflict, animals often prioritize private information. We propose that this is because private information often contains details that social information lacks. We test this idea in an ant model. Ants using a food source learn its location and quality rapidly (private information), whereas pheromone trails (social information) provide good directional information, but lack reliable information about food quality. If this lack is indeed responsible for the choice of memory over pheromone trails, adding information that better food is available should cause foragers to switch their priority to social information. We show it does: while ants follow memory rather than pheromones when they conflict, adding unambiguous information about a better potential food source (a 2 µl droplet of good food) reverses this pattern, from 60% of ants following their memory to 75% following the pheromone trail. Using fluorescence microscopy, we demonstrate that food (and thus information) flows from fed workers to outgoing foragers, explaining the frequent contacts of ants on trails. Ants trained to poor food that contact nest-mates fed with good food are more likely to follow a trail than ants which received information about poor food. We conclude that social information may often be ignored because it lacks certain crucial dimensions, suggesting that information content is crucial for understanding how and when animals prioritize social and private information.
Automated Quantification of Enlarged Perivascular Spaces in Clinical Brain MRI across Sites
Authors: Dubost Florian , Dünnwald Max , Huff Denver , Scheumann Vincent , Schreiber Frank , Vernooij Meike , Niessen Wiro , Skalej Martin , Schreiber Stefanie , Oeltze-Jafra Steffen , de Bruijne Marleen
Published: August 2019

Enlarged perivascular spaces (PVS) are structural brain changes visible in MRI, and are a marker of cerebral small vessel disease. Most studies use time-consuming and subjective visual scoring to assess these structures. Recently, automated methods to quantify enlarged perivascular spaces have been proposed. Most of these methods have been evaluated only in high resolution scans acquired in controlled research settings. We evaluate and compare two recently published automated methods for the quantification of enlarged perivascular spaces in 76 clinical scans acquired from 9 different scanners. Both methods are neural networks trained on high resolution research scans and are applied without fine-tuning the networks parameters. By adapting the preprocessing of clinical scans, regions of interest similar to those computed from research scans can be processed. The first method estimates only the number of PVS, while the second method estimates simultaneously also a high resolution attention map that can be used to detect and segment PVS. The Pearson correlations between visual and automated scores of enlarged perivascular spaces were higher with the second method. With this method, in the centrum semiovale, the correlation was similar to the inter-rater agreement, and also similar to the performance in high resolution research scans. Results were slightly lower than the inter-rater agreement for the hippocampi, and noticeably lower in the basal ganglia. By computing attention maps, we show that the neural networks focus on the enlarged perivascular spaces. Assessing the burden of said structures in the centrum semiovale with the automated scores reached a satisfying performance, could be implemented in the clinic and, e.g., help predict the bleeding risk related to cerebral amyloid angiopathy.
Symbiotic signalling is at the core of an endophyticFusarium solani-legume association
Authors: Vasiliki Skiada , Avramidou Marianna , Bonfante Paola , Genre Andrea , Papadopoulou Kalliope K.
Published: August 2019

Legumes interact with a wide range of microbes in their root system, ranging from beneficial symbionts to pathogens. Symbiotic rhizobia and arbuscular mycorrhizal glomeromycetes trigger a so-called common symbiotic signalling pathway (CSSP), including the induction of nuclear calcium spiking in the root epidermis. In our study, the recognition of an endophyticFusarium solanistrain K inLotus japonicusinduced the expression ofLysMreceptors for chitin-based molecules, CSSP members and CSSP-dependent genes inL. japonicus. InLysMand CSSP mutant/RNAi lines, root penetration and fungal intraradical progression was either stimulated or limited while FsK exudates are perceived in a CSSP-dependent manner, triggering nuclear calcium spiking in epidermal cells ofMedicago truncatulaRoot Organ Cultures. Our results corroborate that the CSSP is a more common pathway than previously envisaged, involved in the perception of signals from other microbes beyond the restricted group of symbiotic interactionssensu stricto.
Synthetic cassettes for pH-mediated sensing, counting and containment
Authors: Stirling Finn , Naydich Alexander , Bramante Juliet , Barocio Rachel , Certo Michael , Wellington Hannah , Redfield Elizabeth , O’Keefe Samuel , Gao Sherry , Cusolito Adam , Way Jeffrey , Silver Pamela
Published: August 2019

Abstract

As pH is fundamental to all biological processes, pH-responsive bacterial genetic circuits enable precise sensing in any environment. Where unintentional release of engineered bacteria poses a concern, coupling pH sensing to expression of a toxin creates an effective bacterial containment system. Here, we present a pH-sensitive kill switch (acidic Termination of Replicating Population; acidTRP), based on theE. coli asrpromoter, with a survival ratio of less than 1 in 106. We integrate acidTRP with cryodeath to produce a two-factor containment system with a combined survival ratio of less than 1 in 1011whilst maintaining evolutionary stability. We further develop a pulse-counting circuit with single cell readout for each administered stimulus pulse. We use this pulse-counter to record multiple pH changes and combine it with acidTRP to make a two-count acid-sensitive kill switch. These results demonstrate the ability to build complex genetic systems for biological containment.
Vertical sleeve gastrectomy lowers kidney SGLT2 expression in the mouse
Authors: Akalestou Elina , Lopez-Noriega Livia , Leclerc Isabelle , Rutter Guy A.
Published: August 2019

Background

Bariatric surgery has been established to improve insulin sensitivity and glucose clearance, but also increases insulin and glucagon secretion. Each of the above effects have also been observed following treatment with sodium glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors.

Aim

To determine whether there is an effect of bariatric surgery (Vertical Sleeve Gastrectomy; VSG) on renal SGLT2 expression in mice.

Methods

Eighteen lean mice underwent VSG (n=8) or sham (n=9) surgery. Glucose tolerance tests with or without treatment with the SGLT2 inhibitor dapagliflozin were performed four weeks post operatively, in order to assess if pharmacological SGLT2 inhibition has the same euglycemic effects after bariatric surgery. Kidneys were harvested from fed mice and SGLT2 expression was analysed using Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR and immunofluorescence.

Results

VSG mice displayed significantly improved glucose tolerance (AUC=103±6.8; AUC=66.6±2.9 in control and VSG mice, respectively; p<0.001), despite an absence of significant weight loss when compared to sham operated mice (p=0.37, Mann-Whitney test). Treatment of sham-operated mice with dapagliflozin (10 mg/kg) improved glucose tolerance. In contrast, dapagliflozin did not further improve glucose tolerance in VSG-operated mice. Moreover, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence analysis on mouse kidneys demonstrated a significant lowering of SGLT2 expression at both the mRNA (n=7, p<0.0001) and protein (n=5, p=0.0007) levels four weeks after VSG.

Conclusions

Vertical sleeve gastrectomy in lean animals causes a significant inhibition of SGLT2 expression in the kidney cortex. These findings are in line with our previous results on the effects of Duodenal Jejunal Bypass in lean rats, and point towards a physiologically-relevant gut-kidney axis. SGLT2 inhibition may thus be an important mechanism through which bariatric surgery improves glucose tolerance in man.
Replication timing networks reveal a link between transcription regulatory circuits and replication timing control
Authors: Rivera-Mulia Juan Carlos , Kim Sebo , Gabr Haitham , Chakraborty Abhijit , Ay Ferhat , Kahveci Tamer , Gilbert David M.
Published: August 2019

DNA replication occurs in a defined temporal order known as the replication timing (RT) program and is regulated during development, coordinated with 3D genome organization and transcriptional activity. However, transcription and RT are not sufficiently coordinated to predict each other, suggesting an indirect relationship. Here, we exploit genome-wide RT profiles from 15 human cell types and intermediate differentiation stages derived from human embryonic stem cells to construct different types of RT regulatory networks. First, we constructed networks based on the coordinated RT changes during cell fate commitment to create highly complex RT networks composed of thousands of interactions that form specific functional subnetwork communities. We also constructed directional regulatory networks based on the order of RT changes within cell lineages, and identified master regulators of differentiation pathways. Finally, we explored relationships between RT networks and transcriptional regulatory networks (TRNs) by combining them into more complex circuitries of composite and bipartite networks. Results identified novel trans interactions linking transcription factors that are core to the regulatory circuitry of each cell type to RT changes occurring in those cell types. These core transcription factors were found to bind cooperatively to sites in the affected replication domains, providing provocative evidence that they constitute biologically significant directional interactions. Our findings suggest a regulatory link between the establishment of cell-type–specific TRNs and RT control during lineage specification.
Do Reputable Companies Produce a High Quality of Financial Statements?
Authors: Harymawan Iman , Nurillah Dewi
Published: August 2019

The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between corporate reputation and earnings quality. This study uses a sample of 1,092 firm year observations from 273 firm listed companies on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2013 to 2016, except for the financial industry. We uses a public measure, “100 Top Emiten” by Investor magazine, as a proxy for corporate reputation, while earnings quality is measured by calculating the absolute value of discretionary accrual. Growth of assets, firm size, leverage and profitability are used as control variables in this study. Multiple linear regression analysis is used to test the research hypothesis. The results of the regression in this study indicate that corporate reputation has a positive and significant relationship with earnings quality. This indicates that a reputable company will be encouraged to produce an earnings quality in an effort for the company to maintain investor confidence in the company, so that the company's image and reputation can be maintained. Earnings management in this study was calculated using cross-sectional method instead of time series method. Cross-sectional method is a method by comparing the financial data of a company with a company or other similar industries, whereas the time series method uses the comparison of financial data in a period with the previous period by analyzing what happens behind the trend figures on a company.
Heritage sites experience design with special needs customers
Authors: Cerdan Chiscano Monica , Binkhorst Esther
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the effect of including customers with special needs in the design of cultural and heritage services before the actual experience takes place.

Design/methodology/approach

Inclusive research through co-creation took place in the city of Barcelona, Spain, in 2017, comparing the effect of including (Route 2) or not including (Route 1) customers with visual and learning difficulties in the service design process of heritage walking routes.

Findings

The results show that the most important encounter in the heritage site context is communication, although the usage and service touchpoints were also significant. In addition, results showed that the ideal encounter or touchpoint should take place before the stay.

Originality/value

This paper contributes to learning about the designing of cultural and heritage experiences and including people with special needs in the service design process before the actual experience takes place.
The impact of extreme weather on mass-participation sporting events
Authors: Giddy Julia Kathryn
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of extreme weather on tourism events through the perceptions of participants, using the case of the 2017 Cape Town Cycle Tour (CTCT).

Design/methodology/approach

This study utilized a survey method to collect data. Questionnaires were distributed online to would-be participants in the cancelled 2017 CTCT. The questionnaire included both fixed-response and open-ended questions.

Findings

The results show that participants experienced mixed emotions to event cancellation. Most felt that the weather conditions warranted cancellation, but some concerns emerged as to how the cancellation was managed. In addition, many felt that the organization of the race needs to be rethought due to numerous negative weather experiences in recent years.

Research limitations/implications

The findings in this study are exploratory. They focus on a single event in one city. However, they provide important initial insight into how sporting event participants react to the negative impacts of extreme weather.

Practical implications

These results have important management implications in addressing the impact of weather on the events sector. They are significant in understanding best practice with regard to managing participants in the case of weather impacts on an event. They also demonstrate interesting results with regard to participant loyalty among active sport events tourists.

Originality/value

The originality of this study is in its extension of the broad discussion of the impact of extreme weather and climate change on tourism to the events sector. The implications of changing weather and climatic patterns on events, particularly mass-participation sporting events, are clear and need to be considered in order to effectively manage future impacts on this important economic sector. This is done by providing insight into how participants respond to these types of circumstances.
FINRA 529 Plan Share Class Initiative encourages firms to self-report violations
Authors: Light Susan , Normile James , Licht Leonard
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To explain FINRA’s new 529 Plan Share Class Initiative, which encourages broker-dealers to self-report violations.

Design/methodology/approach

This article provides an overview of 529 plans, the various fee structures of the underlying investment funds, and guidance that broker-dealers should tailor their recommendations to the needs of the individual customer. The article discusses FINRA’s initiative for broker-dealers to self-report if they have violations in this area. It describes various supervisory failures brokerage firms may experience in connection with recommending 529 plans, eligibility for the self-reporting initiative and benefits of self-reporting.

Findings

This FINRA initiative provides an opportunity for firms to reflect on their supervisory systems and provide restitution to harmed customers. It also provides relevant fee-based investment information to customers.

Practical implications

529 plans are valuable tax-advantaged tools to encourage saving for the future educational expenses of a designated beneficiary. If brokerage firms lack reasonable supervisory procedures to recommend appropriate investments based on the length of the investment horizon, this FINRA initiative provides a unique and limited opportunity for firms to assess their supervisory systems and procedures governing 529 Plan share-class recommendations, to identify and remediate any defects, and to compensate any investors harmed by supervisory failures, while possibly avoiding fines for such conduct.

Originality/value

Expert guidance from experienced financial services regulatory and public finance lawyers.
Cryptoassets consumer research points to ignorance and risky behaviour
Authors: Rice Bradley , Williams Bisola
Published: August 2019

Purpose

To review the findings of the Financial Conduct Authority's consumer research on cryptoassets.

Design/methodology/approach

Summarises the FCA's research and draws on other recent cryptoasset papers/announcements.

Findings

The research finds consumers do not understand crytpoassets well, and not many of them buy them; those that do see them as a fast track to wealth.

Practical implications

This research will further inform the approach the FCA eventually takes in clarifying the regulatory perimeter for cryptoassets.

Originality/value

Summary by experts in the field.
Propensity toward financial risk tolerance: an analysis using behavioural factors
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the influence of six core behavioural factors on financial risk tolerance (FRT). The study also analyses the role of religiosity in the relationship between behavioural factors and FRT.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical data were collected using a survey questionnaire. A total of 1,679 questionnaires were distributed to six public universities in the Klang Valley. However, only 1,204 questionnaires were completed and used for analysis. This study employs structural equation modelling to validate and assess proposed research model.

Findings

The results of the analysis demonstrated some new findings. The findings indicate that propensity for regret, propensity for trust, happiness in life, propensity to attribute success to luck and propensity for overconfidence have a significant influence on FRT while propensity for social interaction does not. The results also provide support for the moderating effects of religiosity in the proposed research model.

Originality/value

The findings highlight the important role of behavioural determinants to assess individuals’ FRT. Understanding FRT is a complex process that goes beyond the exclusive use of behavioural factors. Thus, more research is clearly needed to resolve which additional factors can be used by financial advisors to increase the explained variance in FRT differences.
Review of behavioral explanations of how rank-based incentives influence risk taking by investment managers in mutual fund companies
Authors: Gärling Tommy , Fang Dawei , Holmen Martin
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review behavioral explanations of the empirical observation that investment managers in mutual fund companies increase their risk taking when offered incentives based on how their performance is ranked compared to peers.

Design/methodology/approach

A conceptual model is proposed of how research on social comparison, competition and financial risk taking may explain increased investor risk taking induced by rank-based incentives. Research findings in each of the strands of research are reviewed.

Findings

A proposed main explanation is that an above-average bias in comparing oneself with competitors results in overconfidence that increases risk taking. A complementary proposed explanation is that an anticipated loss when lagging behind increases risk taking, and another proposed complementary explanation the belief that risk taking is a winning strategy.

Originality/value

The results provide a broad framework for directions of research on social comparison processes in the mutual fund industry addressing the difficulties in implementing performance evaluations.
Academic engagement in policy-making and social and environmental reporting
Authors: Garcia-Torea Nicolas , Larrinaga Carlos , Luque-Vílchez Mercedes
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to document and discuss the involvement of a group of Spanish academics in the process of social and environmental reporting regulation to reflect on the role of accounting academics in regulatory processes.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the long-standing engagement of a group of Spanish scholars in social and environmental reporting regulation, with a particular focus on the transposition of the EU Directive 2014/95/EU on non-financial information to the Spanish legislation.

Findings

Despite failures and mistakes in the engagement history of those scholars with different regulatory processes, academics problematized social and environmental reporting regulation, bridged the gap between regulation and practice, and facilitated the debate about social and environmental reporting. This long-term and collective engagement generated the intellectual capital that allowed researchers to provide their perspectives when the Spanish political process was ripe to move such regulation in a progressive direction.

Practical implications

The paper remarks two important aspects that, according to the reported experience, are required for academics to engage in social and environmental reporting regulation: developing long-standing research projects that enable the accumulation of intellectual capital to effectively intervene in regulatory processes when the opportunity arises; and nurturing epistemic communities seeking to promote corporate accountability was fundamental to circulate ideas and foster the connection between academics and policymakers. This long-term and collective perspective is at odds with current forms of research assessment.

Social implications

Academics have a responsibility to intervene in regulatory processes to increase corporate transparency.

Originality/value

The experience reported is unique and the authors have first-hand information. It spans through two decades and extracts some conclusions that could feed further discussions about engagement and, hopefully, encourage scholars to develop significant research projects.
Enforcement mechanisms and governance structures to protect a region of origin lamb product
Authors: van der Merwe Melissa , Kirsten Johann F. , Trienekens Jacques H.
Published: August 2019

Purpose

This paper aims to make an empirical contribution by investigating the enforcement mechanisms and governance structures required to protect and govern a regional food product when public certification fails. As one of the recent additions to South Africa’s repertoire of products with a designated origin, Karoo Lamb made for an interesting case study.

Design/methodology/approach

A conjoint analysis was conducted to elicit the farmers’ preferred enforcement mechanisms to protect the authenticity of the Karoo Lamb product. The investigation, furthermore, draws on survey data collected among 73 farmers, five abattoirs, two processors/packers and five retail outlets to evaluate the governance structures of the Karoo Lamb supply chain.

Findings

The results indicate that due to failed public certification that is governed by market-like structures, Karoo Lamb is better off being governed by hierarchical structures. These structures are expected to allow for a stronger focus on stricter enforcement mechanisms.

Practical implications

At the farm level, the Karoo Lamb supply chain requires better enforcement mechanisms to protect the unique attributes of origin and taste to ensure the authenticity of Karoo Lamb. This change towards stricter enforcement requires more hierarchical structures to allow for private or mutual enforcement mechanisms.

Originality/value

This paper contributes empirically to the governance structure knowledge base by analysing the enforcement mechanisms and governance structures needed to enforce and protect, the quality and origin standards of a region of origin product, Karoo Lamb, in South Africa.
Invasive moth facilitates use of a native food plant by other native and invasive arthropods
Authors: Harvey Jeffrey A. , Gols Rieta , Smith Brittany , Ode Paul J.
Published: August 2019

Organisms that invade new habitats exploit new resources or niches and influence native species. Here, we examine how an invasive moth, the parsnip webworm (Depressaria radiella, formerly D. pastinacella), facilitates interactions with other arthropods in spatially separated populations of native cow parsnip (Heracleum maximum) in the Rocky Mountains (New Mexico and Colorado). We compare this with results on small hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) in the Netherlands, where both the plant and herbivore are native. Larvae of D. radiella feed in webs on ripening fruits of their food plants. Mature caterpillars descend the hollow stems into which they chew a hole, enter the stem and pupate. Other arthropods enter the stems through these holes. Plants in all populations of cow parsnip/hogweed contained either moth pupae and/or webworms mummified by their main parasitoid, Copidosoma sosares that also been introduced into parts of the United States. In both countries, earwigs (Forficula auricularia), which are also invasive in the United States, were the dominant arthropod to utilize webworm‐perforated stems, although there was more within‐site variability in abundance of earwigs in the United States than in the Netherlands. The woodlouse, Porcelio scaber, which is native to Eurasia but also established in the United States, was abundant in stems of Dutch hogweeds but absent in stems of American cow parsnips. Other native herbivores (e.g., mirid bugs), were collected in stems at sites in both continents. Moreover, the number of various arthropods found in perforated stems correlate positively with the number of holes found in these stems.
Simplified Direct PCR Method for Reference Buccal Samples Using a Non‐FTA Card by Omitting the Pretreatment Step
Authors: Jung Ju Yeon , Ryu Ga Hee , Kim Da‐Hye , Kim Joo‐Young , Hwang In Kwan , Kang Pil‐Won , Chun Byung Won , Yoo Seong Yeon
Published: August 2019

When using non‐FTA cards in commercial multiplex STR kits for direct PCR, pretreatment steps with specific buffers are recommended. Here, we designed a rapid direct PCR method utilizing a non‐FTA card, Oral Cell Sampling Kit, by omitting the pretreatment step involving Prep‐n‐Go™ Buffer, and it showed compatibility with the GlobalFiler™ Express PCR Amplification Kit, GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit, and PowerPlex® Fusion system. To optimize the PCR conditions, we tested the method with different final PCR volumes and cycles. Finally, we conducted a performance test using 50 Korean buccal samples and confirmed the high performance of the method, detecting more than 90% of the samples with full profiles when using GlobalFiler™ PCR Amplification Kit and PowerPlex® Fusion system at 29 cycles in a 10 μL final PCR volume. Thus, we report a simple direct PCR set‐up to analyze reference samples collected using a non‐FTA card manufactured in Korea.
Detection and Identification of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and Marijuana (Cannabis sativa) by a Real‐Time Polymerase Chain Reaction High‐Resolution Melt Duplex Assay,
Authors: Cowan Ashley F. , Elkins Kelly M.
Published: August 2019

Mitragyna speciosa (MS), a plant commonly known as kratom, is a widely used “legal high” opiate alternative for pain relief. DNA extracted from MS and 26 additional plant species was amplified by PCR using primers targeting the strictosidine beta‐D‐glucosidase (SGD) and secologanin synthase 2 (SLS2) genes and detected by high‐resolution melt curves using three intercalating dyes. Amplicon sizes were confirmed using agarose gel electrophoresis. The observed melt temperatures for SGD and SLS2 were 77.08 ± 0.38°C and 77.61 ± 0.46°C, respectively, using SYBR® Green I; 80.18 ± 0.27°C and 80.59 ± 0.08°C, respectively, using Radiant™ Green; and 82.19 ± 0.04°C and 82.62 ± 0.13°C, respectively, using the LCGreen® PLUS dye. The SLS2 primers demonstrated higher specificity and identified MS DNA at 0.05 ng/μL. In a duplex reaction, SLS2 and tetrahydrocannabinoic acid synthase gene primers detected and differentiated MS and Cannabis sativa (CS) by melt peaks at 82.63 ± 0.35°C and 85.58 ± 0.23°C, respectively, using LCGreen® PLUS.
How Ireland is Facing the Threat of a ‘No‐deal' Brexit
Authors: Matthews Alan
Published: August 2019

Ireland will be the EU country, after the UK itself, most affected by the economic fall‐out from Brexit. Its agri‐food sector, in particular, has most to fear from the consequences of a disorderly or ‘no‐deal' Brexit. The increased probability of a no‐deal Brexit under Boris Johnson, UK Prime Minister who has succeeded Prime Minister Theresa May, raises three issues for the Irish government. The first is whether to accept some relaxation of the conditions around the backstop in the Withdrawal Agreement if this were the price of UK approval of this Agreement. The second is to prepare for the adverse economic impacts likely from a disorderly Brexit in which the UK leaves without a deal, not least for the agri‐food sector. The third is to work out how to manage the Ireland‐Northern Ireland border in the event of a hard Brexit, given its insistence that it does not plan checks along the land border and nor is it planning for checks in the Irish Sea. This Point de Vue discusses how the Irish government is addressing each of these challenges.
Development of Antibacterial Carboxymethyl Cellulose‐Based Nanobiocomposite Films Containing Various Metallic Nanoparticles for Food Packaging Applications
Authors: Ebrahimi Yadollah , Peighambardoust Seyed Jamaleddin , Peighambardoust Seyed Hadi , Karkaj Sirous Zahed
Published: August 2019

In this study, silver (Ag), zinc oxide (ZnO), and copper oxide (CuO) metallic nanoparticles were used in preparation of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) nanobiocomposite films. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (EDXA), water vapor permeability (WVP), ultraviolet and visible light (UV–Vis) spectroscopy, and mechanical and microbial tests were used to determine the characteristics of the obtained active films. SEM results showed that the CMC nanobiocomposite films had roughness deflection levels and the EDXA test confirmed the presence of Ag, ZnO, and Cuo nanoparticles in the biopolymer tissue. UV–Vis spectroscopy confirmed that with addition of metallic nanoparticles to the pure CMC film, absorption rate increased and WVP decreased. In the mechanical tests, addition of nanoparticles also increased the tensile strength of the films, and the nanobiocomposite films exhibited higher resistance compared to the pure CMC film. Films incorporating metallic nanoparticles showed antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus growth. Thus, nanobiocomposite films can be used as active packaging films and could increase the shelf‐life of the food.
Oxidative stress in the aging substantia nigra and the etiology of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Trist Benjamin G. , Hare Dominic J. , Double Kay L.
Published: August 2019

Parkinson's disease prevalence is rapidly increasing in an aging global population. With this increase comes exponentially rising social and economic costs, emphasizing the immediate need for effective disease‐modifying treatments. Motor dysfunction results from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta and depletion of dopamine in the nigrostriatal pathway. While a specific biochemical mechanism remains elusive, oxidative stress plays an undeniable role in a complex and progressive neurodegenerative cascade. This review will explore the molecular factors that contribute to the high steady‐state of oxidative stress in the healthy substantia nigra during aging, and how this chemical environment renders neurons susceptible to oxidative damage in Parkinson's disease. Contributing factors to oxidative stress during aging and as a pathogenic mechanism for Parkinson's disease will be discussed within the context of how and why therapeutic approaches targeting cellular redox activity in this disorder have, to date, yielded little therapeutic benefit. We present a contemporary perspective on the central biochemical contribution of redox imbalance to Parkinson's disease etiology and argue that improving our ability to accurately measure oxidative stress, dopaminergic neurotransmission and cell death pathways in vivo is crucial for both the development of new therapies and the identification of novel disease biomarkers.
Simulated herbivory counteracts the effects of grass competition on the invasive fireweed (Senecio madagascariensis)
Authors: Fynn Olieve G. , Harvey Kerinne J. , Tedder Michelle , Olckers Terence
Published: August 2019

Competition, herbivory and their interaction play a significant role in determining the competitive ability and survival of individual plant species. Understanding these processes and interactions can improve the efficacy of biocontrol programs against invasive weeds. Senecio madagascariensis (fireweed) is an invasive weed of South African origin that reduces pastoral productivity and poisons livestock in several countries, notably Australia. Although competitive pastures can suppress the weed’s growth in Australia, its competitive nature is poorly understood in relation to its invasion success. This greenhouse study assessed the growth and reproductive yield of fireweed growing in competition with six native and introduced grasses present in both South Africa and Australia. Since fireweed is a target for biocontrol in Australia, we examined whether its response to grass competition changed with herbivory (simulated by 40% leaf removal). The effect of grass competition and herbivory on the weed’s biomass and floral productivity was examined during a 12‐week pot trial in South Africa. Floral numbers were unaffected by both grass competition and herbivory. Biomass was used to calculate Relative Interaction Indices (RII) to quantify the weed’s competitive or facilitative response. This index compares a specific measurable trait, such as biomass, of fireweed growing alone, to fireweed growing with grass to determine the level of competitive suppression or facilitation resulting from the interaction. Despite the lack of species‐specific effects of grass competition, the presence of grass suppressed fireweed’s foliar, root and whole plant biomass the most when herbivory was absent. With herbivory, fireweed did not suffer from any measurable competitive suppression. This lack of competitive suppression may be due to an induced allelopathic response, given the levels of pyrrolizidine alkaloids common in many Senecio species. Since this result may weaken the case for biocontrol, the weed’s competitive responses should be verified in relation to actual insect herbivory.
Giving combined medium‐chain fatty acids and glucose protects against cancer‐associated skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Mori Takuya , Ohmori Hitoshi , Luo Yi , Mori Shiori , Miyagawa Yoshihiro , Nukaga Shota , Goto Kei , Fujiwara‐Tani Rina , Kishi Shingo , Sasaki Takamitsu , Fujii Kiyomu , Kawahara Isao , Kuniyasu Hiroki
Published: August 2019

Skeletal muscle volume is associated with prognosis of cancer patients. Maintenance of skeletal muscle is an essential concern in cancer treatment. In nutritional intervention, it is important to focus on differences in metabolism between tumor and skeletal muscle. We examined the influence of oral intake of glucose (0%, 10%, 50%) and 2% medium‐chain fatty acid (lauric acid, LAA, C12:0) on tumor growth and skeletal muscle atrophy in mouse peritoneal metastasis models using CT26 mouse colon cancer cells and HT29 human colon cancer cells. After 2 weeks of experimental breeding, skeletal muscle and tumor were removed and analyzed. Glucose intake contributed to prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy in a sugar concentration‐dependent way and also promoted tumor growth. LAA ingestion elevated the level of skeletal muscle protein and suppressed tumor growth by inducing tumor‐selective oxidative stress production. When a combination of glucose and LAA was ingested, skeletal muscle mass increased and tumor growth was suppressed. Our results confirmed that although glucose is an important nutrient for the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy, it may also foster tumor growth. However, the ingestion of LAA inhibited tumor growth, and its combination with glucose promoted skeletal muscle integrity and function, without stimulating tumor growth. These findings suggest novel strategies for the prevention of skeletal muscle atrophy.
Factors influencing marginal bone loss at a hydrophilic implant design placed with or without GBR procedures: A 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Zumstein Thomas , Schütz Silvio , Sahlin Herman , Sennerby Lars
Published: August 2019

Background

Ongoing marginal bone loss is a threat to the longevity of implant‐supported prostheses.

Aim

The aim of the present study was to retrospectively evaluate the survival rate and factors affecting marginal bone levels at a hydrophilic implant design after 5 years in function.

Materials and Methods

The study group consisted of 51 consecutive patients previously treated with 159 hydrophilic implants (Neoss Straight Proactive implants) and scheduled for annual check‐ups with clinical and radiographic examinations during 5 years. Data were compiled for the entire study population as well as for two subgroups: one where guided bone regeneration (GBR) was performed (91 implants) and the other where no GBR procedures (68 implants) were performed. Marginal bone levels were measured from peri‐apical radiographs taken at placement and annual follow‐ups. Statistical analyses were applied to evaluate the effect of different factors on marginal bone remodeling.

Results

Two implant failures, one from each subgroup, occurred during the first year of function resulting in an overall cumulative survival rate (CSR) of 98.7% after 5 years of loading. The mean marginal bone loss amounted to 0.7 ± 0.7 mm after 1 year and 0.8 ± 0.6 mm after 5 years. No implants showed more than 3 mm bone loss after 5 years. Age, gender, implant position, biotype, implant diameter, implant length, indication, surgical/loading protocol, and ISQ at prosthesis delivery were found to affect bone remodeling. No significant differences or correlations were seen for smoking, jaw, bone quantity, bone quality, GBR, sinus lift, and ISQ at implant placement.

Conclusions

The present implant design performed well with few failures and minimal marginal bone loss after 5 years of loading. Marginal bone remodeling at implants is a complex phenomenon, which is affected by many patient‐, procedure‐, and implant‐related factors that need to be further investigated.