bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Catalyst-like modulation of transition states for CFTR channel opening and closing: New stimulation strategy exploits nonequilibrium gating
Authors: Csanády László , Töröcsik Beáta
Published: January 2014

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is the chloride ion channel mutated in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. It is an ATP-binding cassette protein, and its resulting cyclic nonequilibrium gating mechanism sets it apart from most other ion channels. The most common CF mutation (ΔF508) impairs folding of CFTR but also channel gating, reducing open probability (Po). This gating defect must be addressed to effectively treat CF. Combining single-channel and macroscopic current measurements in inside-out patches, we show here that the two effects of 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoate (NPPB) on CFTR, pore block and gating stimulation, are independent, suggesting action at distinct sites. Furthermore, detailed kinetic analysis revealed that NPPB potently increases Po, also of ΔF508 CFTR, by affecting the stability of gating transition states. This finding is unexpected, because for most ion channels, which gate at equilibrium, altering transition-state stabilities has no effect on Po; rather, agonists usually stimulate by stabilizing open states. Our results highlight how for CFTR, because of its unique cyclic mechanism, gating transition states determine Po and offer strategic targets for potentiator compounds to achieve maximal efficacy.
Rapid Prediction of Rice Quality Characteristics by Near‐Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for Breeding Programs
Authors: Sun Chengxiao , Yu Yonghong , Duan Bingwu , Zhu Zhiwei
Published: January 2014

Breeding of high‐quality rice requires quick methods to evaluate the quality characteristics such as milling, grain appearance, nutritional, eating, and cooking qualities. Because routine measurements of these quality traits are time consuming and expensive, a rapid predictive method based on near‐infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can be applied to measure these quality parameters. In this study, calibration models for measurement of grain quality were developed using a total of 570 brown and milled rice samples. The results indicated that the models developed from the spectra of brown rice for all the quality traits had the coefficient of determination for external validation (R2) larger than 0.64 except for gel consistency. The best model was developed for the protein content, with R2 of 0.94 for external validation. The model for the total score of physicochemical characteristics (TSPC), a comprehensive index reflecting all other traits, had R2 of 0.70 and SD/SEP of 1.70, which indicates that high or low TSPC for a given rice could be discriminated by NIRS. The models developed from brown rice were as accurate as those from milled rice. Results suggest that NIRS‐based predictions for rice quality traits may be used as indicator traits to improve rice quality in breeding programs.
Effects of Genotype and Environment on Phenolic Acids Content and Total Antioxidant Capacity in Durum Wheat
Authors: Martini Daniela , Taddei Federica , Nicoletti Isabella , Ciccoritti Roberto , Corradini Danilo , D'Egidio Maria Grazia
Published: January 2014

In cereals, phenolic acid (PA) content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) may have a wide range of variability, probably because of several factors influencing the occurrence of grain antioxidants, which include genotype, environment, and their possible interactions. However, only a few studies have investigated the influence of these factors on durum wheat. In the present study, we investigated the impact of the genetic and environmental factors on the profile and content of PAs occurring as soluble free, soluble conjugated, and insoluble bound compounds, as well as on the TAC level, in three genotypes of durum wheat grown in three different Italian agroclimatic areas during two crop years. The results show that genotype, environment, and crop year have highly significant effects on TAC levels and on PA contents. In particular, TAC and free PAs are most influenced by year, whereas conjugated and bound PAs are most influenced by environment × year and genotype, respectively. Therefore, it is evidenced that genetic and environmental factors affect the antioxidant activity and the content of the three forms of PAs in durum wheat to different extents.
Recent Introduction and Recombination inColletotrichum acutatumPopulations Associated with Citrus Postbloom Fruit Drop Epidemics in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Ciampi-Guillardi Maisa , Baldauf Cristina , Souza Anete Pereira , Silva-Junior Geraldo José , Amorim Lilian
Published: January 2014

Citrus crops in São Paulo State, Brazil, have been severely affected by postbloom fruit drop disease (PFD), which is caused by Colletotrichum acutatum. This disease leads to the drop of up to 100% of young fruits. Previous studies have assumed that this pathogen exhibits a clonal reproductive mode, although no population genetic studies have been conducted so far. Thus, the genetic structure of six C. acutatum populations from sweet orange orchards showing PFD symptoms was determined using nine microsatellite markers, enabling inference on predominant mode of reproduction. C. acutatum populations exhibit a nearly panmictic genetic structure and a high degree of admixture, indicating either ongoing contemporary gene flow at a regional scale or a recent introduction from a common source, since this pathogen was introduced in Brazil only very recently. Sharing haplotypes among orchards separated by 400 km suggests the natural dispersal of fungal propagules, with the possible involvement of pollinators. A significant population expansion was detected, which was consistent with an increase in host density associated with crop expansion toward new areas across the state. Findings of moderate to high levels of haplotypic diversity and gametic equilibrium suggest that recombination might play an important role in these pathogen populations, possibly via parasexual reproduction or a cryptic sexual cycle. This study provides additional tools for epidemiological studies of C. acutatum to improve prevention and management strategies for this disease.
Genetic Diversity of Transcriptional Activator-Like Effector Genes in Chinese Isolates of Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola
Authors: Ji Zhi-Yuan , Zakria Muhammad , Zou Li-Fang , Xiong Li , Li Zheng , Ji Guang-Hai , Chen Gong-You
Published: January 2014

Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola causes bacterial leaf streak (BLS), a devastating disease of rice in Asia countries. X. oryzae pv. oryzicola utilizes repertoires of transcriptional activator-like effectors (TALEs) to manipulate host resistance or susceptibility; thus, TALEs can determine the outcome of BLS. In this report, we studied genetic diversity in putative tale genes of 65 X. oryzae pv. oryzicola strains that originated from nine provinces of southern China. Genomic DNAs from the 65 strains were digested with BamHI and hybridized with an internal fragment of avrXa3, a tale gene originating from the related pathogen, X. oryzae pv. oryzae, which causes bacterial leaf blight (BLB). Southern blot analysis indicated that the strains contained a variable number (9 to 22) of avrXa3-hybridizing fragments (e.g., putative tale genes). Based on the number and size of hybridizing bands, strains were classified into 14 genotypes (designated 1 to 14), and genotypes 3 and 10 represented 29.23 and 24.64% of the total, respectively. A high molecular weight BamHI fragment (HMWB; ≈6.0 kb) was present in 12 of the 14 genotypes, and sequence analysis of the HMWB revealed the presence of a C-terminally truncated tale, an insertion element related to IS1403, and genes encoding phosphoglycerate mutase and endonuclease V. Primers were developed from the 6.0-kb HMWB fragment and showed potential in genotyping X. oryzae pv. oryzicola strains by polymerase chain reaction. Virulence of X. oryzae pv. oryzicola strains was assessed on 23 rice cultivars containing different resistance genes for BLB. The X. oryzae pv. oryzicola strains could be grouped into 14 pathotypes (I to XIV), and the grouping of strains was almost identical to the categories determined by genotypic analysis. In general, strains containing higher numbers of putative tale genes were more virulent on rice than strains containing fewer tales. The results also indicate that there are no gene-for-gene relationships between the tested rice lines and X. oryzae pv. oryzicola strains. To our knowledge, this is the first description of genetic diversity of X. oryzae pv. oryzicola strains based on tale gene analysis.
Phenotypic Stability and Genome-Wide Association Study of Late Blight Resistance in Potato Genotypes Adapted to the Tropical Highlands
Authors: Lindqvist-Kreuze Hannele , Gastelo Manuel , Perez Willmer , Forbes Gregory A. , de Koeyer David , Bonierbale Merideth
Published: January 2014

Potato genotypes from a breeding population adapted to tropical highlands were analyzed for the stability of late blight resistance and also for marker-phenotype association. We harmonized the historical evaluation data, consisting of observations spanning 6 years from two field sites utilizing a resistance scale constructed by comparing the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) values of 172 genotypes with that of susceptible control ‘Yungay’. In total, 70 potato genotypes had a coefficient of variability <0.5 and were considered stable across the environments tested. A principal component analysis demonstrated that the ensemble of experiments formed two distinct groups that reflect the stability of genotype resistance to late blight. Phytophthora infestans isolates present in the experimental fields belonged to the EC-1 clonal lineage and showed variation in virulence beyond the concept of the avirulence determined by the conventionally used R1-R11 differential set. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) marker on chromosome 9 was associated with late blight resistance and linked to instability. Genotypes with either AACC or AAAC combinations for this SNP were highly resistant only in some environments, while the genotypes with the AAAA combination had more moderate levels of resistance but were stable across environments.
Role Reversal Method for Treatment of Food Refusal Associated With Infantile Feeding Disorders
Authors: Segal Idit , Tirosh Anat , Sinai Tali , Alony Sari , Levi Anat , Korenfeld Lia , Zangen Tsili , Mizrachi Avi , Boaz Mona , Levine Arie
Published: January 2014

Objectives:

Infantile feeding disorders (IFDs) are common causes of food refusal and failure to thrive, and are frequently encountered by primary care physicians and specialists. We have published the Wolfson criteria for IFD, which have eased the approach to the diagnosis of IFDs. Along with and complementary to the Wolfson criteria, we have also developed the role reversal treatment method for IFD, which has been briefly described earlier. The aim of this study was to validate the role reversal treatment method on a cohort of infants diagnosed as having IFD and to present a detailed description of this method for the first time.

Methods:

Parents of infants and children diagnosed as having IFD were invited to participate in the study; they were handed over a questionnaire comprising 6 categories of questions related to patient and parents behaviors, attitudes, and perceptions, which was completed at initiation and at the end of treatment. Full response was defined as improved normative feeding, cessation of abnormal parental feeding, and improved or normal growth patterns. A partial response was defined as success with two‐third categories.

Results:

We enrolled 38 patients, and 32 patients completed the study. Improved feeding occurred in 78%, full recovery was documented in 53% of infants by 6 months, and partial response was observed in another 25%. All forms of pathological feeding improved significantly (mechanistic, nocturnal, persecutory, forced feeding, and distraction).

Conclusions:

The role reversal treatment method is a simple and effective approach to the treatment of food refusal associated with IFD.
Electric field control of ferromagnetism using multi-ferroics: the bismuth ferrite story
Authors: Ramesh R.
Published: January 2014

Since the re-emergence of multi-ferroics and magnetoelectrics almost a decade ago, bismuth ferrite has been among the most heavily studied model system. It is a multi-ferroic with robust ferroelectricity and antiferromagnetism, in conjunction with weak ferromagnetism arising primarily from spin–orbit coupling effects. This material system has generated a significant amount of discussion in the community, because many of the physical properties measured in thin films are different from the bulk. This paper summarizes some of the key observations in this versatile materials system, with a particular focus on thin films, heterostructures and interfacial phenomena.
Control of ferroelectricity and magnetism in multi-ferroic BiFeO
3
by epitaxial strain
Authors: Sando D. , Agbelele A. , Daumont C. , Rahmedov D. , Ren W. , Infante I. C. , Lisenkov S. , Prosandeev S. , Fusil S. , Jacquet E. , Carrétéro C. , Petit S. , Cazayous M. , Juraszek J. , Le Breton J.-M. , Bellaiche L. , Dkhil B. , Barthélémy A. , Bibes M.
Published: January 2014

Recently, strain engineering has been shown to be a powerful and flexible means of tailoring the properties of ABO
3
perovskite thin films. The effect of epitaxial strain on the structure of the perovskite unit cell can induce a host of interesting effects, these arising from either polar cation shifts or rotation of the oxygen octahedra, or both. In the multi-ferroic perovskite bismuth ferrite (BiFeO
3
–BFO), both degrees of freedom exist, and thus a complex behaviour may be expected as one plays with epitaxial strain. In this paper, we review our results on the role of strain on the ferroic transition temperatures and ferroic order parameters. We find that, while the Néel temperature is almost unchanged by strain, the ferroelectric Curie temperature strongly decreases as strain increases in both the tensile and compressive ranges. Also unexpected is the very weak influence of strain on the ferroelectric polarization value. Using effective Hamiltonian calculations, we show that these peculiar behaviours arise from the competition between antiferrodistortive and polar instabilities. Finally, we present results on the magnetic order: while the cycloidal spin modulation present in the bulk survives in weakly strained films, it is destroyed at large strain and replaced by pseudo-collinear antiferromagnetic ordering. We discuss the origin of this effect and give perspectives for devices based on strain-engineered BiFeO
3
.
Strain response of magnetic order in perovskite-type oxide films
Authors: Herklotz A. , Biegalski M. D. , Christen H. M. , Guo E.-J. , Nenkov K. , Rata A. D. , Schultz L. , Dörr K.
Published: January 2014

The role of elastic strain for magnetoelectric materials and devices is twofold. It can induce ferroic orders in thin films of otherwise non-ferroic materials. On the other hand, it provides the most exploited coupling mechanism in two-phase magnetoelectric materials and devices today. Complex oxide films (perovskites, spinels) are promising for both routes. The strain control of magnetic order in complex oxide films is a young research field, and few
ab initio
simulations are available for magnetic order in dependence on lattice parameters and lattice symmetry. Here, an experimental approach for the evaluation of how elastic strain in thin epitaxial films alters their magnetic order is introduced. The magnetic films are grown epitaxially in strain states controlled by buffer layers onto piezoelectric substrates of 0.72Pb(Mg
1/3
Nb
2/3
)O
3
–0.28PbTiO
3
(001). As an example, the strain dependence of the ordered magnetic moment of SrRuO
3
has been investigated. At a tensile strain level of approximately 1%, SrRuO
3
is tetragonal, and biaxial elastic strain induces a pronounced suppression of the ordered magnetic moment. As a second example, a strain-driven transition from a ferromagnetic to a magnetically disordered phase has been observed in epitaxial La
0.8
Sr
0.2
CoO
3
films.
Chitinophaga costaii sp. nov., an endophyte of Pinus pinaster, and emended description of Chitinophaga niabensis
Authors: Proença Diogo Neves , Nobre Maria Fernanda , Morais Paula V.
Published: January 2014

Bacterial strain A37T2T was isolated from the endophytic microbial community of a Pinus pinaster tree trunk and characterized. Strain A37T2T was Gram-stain-negative, formed rod-shaped cells, and grew optimally at 26–30 °C and at pH 5.5–7.5. The G+C content of the DNA was 46.6 mol%. The major respiratory quinone was menaquinone 7 (MK-7) and the major fatty acids were C16 : 1ω5c and iso-C15 : 0, representing 61.7 % of the total fatty acids. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylethanolamine, four unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified phospholipid, two unidentified aminolipids and three unidentified lipids. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain A37T2T belonged to the family

Chitinophagaceae

, forming a distinct branch with

Chitinophaga niabensis

JS13-10T within the genus

Chitinophaga

. Strain A37T2T shared between 92.7 and 95.1 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strains of species of the genus

Chitinophaga

. The phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data presented indicate that strain A37T2T represents a novel species of the genus

Chitinophaga

, for which the name Chitinophaga costaii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is A37T2T ( = CIP 110584T = LMG 27458T). An emended description of

Chitinophaga niabensis

JS13-10T is also proposed.
Arboretum and Puerto Almendras viruses: two novel rhabdoviruses isolated from mosquitoes in Peru
Authors: Vasilakis Nikos , Castro-Llanos Fanny , Widen Steven G. , Aguilar Patricia V. , Guzman Hilda , Guevara Carolina , Fernandez Roberto , Auguste Albert J. , Wood Thomas G. , Popov Vsevolod , Mundal Kirk , Ghedin Elodie , Kochel Tadeusz J. , Holmes Edward C. , Walker Peter J. , Tesh Robert B.
Published: January 2014

Arboretum virus (ABTV) and Puerto Almendras virus (PTAMV) are two mosquito-associated rhabdoviruses isolated from pools of Psorophora albigenu and Ochlerotattus fulvus mosquitoes, respectively, collected in the Department of Loreto, Peru, in 2009. Initial tests suggested that both viruses were novel rhabdoviruses and this was confirmed by complete genome sequencing. Analysis of their 11 482 nt (ABTV) and 11 876 (PTAMV) genomes indicates that they encode the five canonical rhabdovirus structural proteins (N, P, M, G and L) with an additional gene (U1) encoding a small hydrophobic protein. Evolutionary analysis of the L protein indicates that ABTV and PTAMV are novel and phylogenetically distinct rhabdoviruses that cannot be classified as members of any of the eight currently recognized genera within the family Rhabdoviridae, highlighting the vast diversity of this virus family.
Human polyomaviruses 6, 7, 9, 10 and Trichodysplasia spinulosa-associated polyomavirus in HIV-infected men
Authors: Wieland Ulrike , Silling Steffi , Hellmich Martin , Potthoff Anja , Pfister Herbert , Kreuter Alexander
Published: January 2014

Recently, several novel human polyomaviruses (HPyVs) have been detected. HPyV6, 7, 9 and 10 are not associated with any disease so far. Trichodysplasia spinulosa (TS)-associated polyomavirus (TSPyV) can cause the rare skin disease TS. We have evaluated cutaneous DNA prevalence and viral loads of five HPyVs in HIV-infected men compared to healthy male controls. 449 forehead swabs were analysed by HPyV-specific real-time PCR. HPyV6, HPyV7, TSPyV and HPyV10 were found significantly more frequently on the skin of 210 HIV-infected compared to 239 HIV-negative men (HPyV6, 39.0 vs 27.6 %; HPyV7, 21.0 vs 13.4 %; TSPyV, 3.8 vs 0.8 %; HPyV10, 9.3 vs 3.4 %; P<0.05, respectively). HPyV9 was not detected. Multiple infections were more frequent in HIV-positive men, but HPyV-DNA loads did not differ significantly in both groups. In contrast to HPyV6, 7 and 10, TSPyV and HPyV9 do not seem to be a regular part of the human skin microbiome.
Trithorax Group Protein Oryza sativa Trithorax1 Controls Flowering Time in Rice via Interaction with Early heading date3
Authors: Choi Sang Chul , Lee Shinyoung , Kim Sung-Ryul , Lee Yang-Seok , Liu Chunyan , Cao Xiaofeng , An Gynheung
Published: January 2014

Trithorax group proteins are chromatin-remodeling factors that activate target gene expression by antagonistically functioning against the Polycomb group. In Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), Arabidopsis Trithorax protein1 (ATX1) regulates flowering time and floral organ identity. Here, we observed that suppression of Oryza sativa Trithorax1 (OsTrx1), an ortholog of ATX1, delayed flowering time in rice (Oryza sativa). Because the delay occurred only under long-day conditions, we evaluated the flowering signal pathways that specifically function under long-day conditions. Among them, the OsMADS50 and Heading date1 pathways were not affected by the mutation. However, the Grain number, plant height, and heading date7 (Ghd7) pathway was altered in ostrx1. Transcript levels of OsGI, phytochrome genes, and Early heading date3 (Ehd3), which function upstream of Ghd7, were unchanged in the mutant. Because Trx group proteins form a complex with other proteins to modify the chromatin structure of target genes, we investigated whether OsTrx1 interacts with a previously identified protein that functions upstream of Ghd7. We demonstrated that the plant homeodomain motif of OsTrx1 binds to native histone H3 from the calf thymus and that OsTrx1 binds to Ehd3 through the region between the plant homeodomain and SET domains. Finally, we showed that the SET domain at the C-terminal end of OsTrx1 has histone H3 methyltransferase activity when incubated with oligonucleosomes. Our results suggest that OsTrx1 plays an important role in regulating flowering time in rice by modulating chromatin structure.
7-Nitro-2-phenylimidazo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole
Authors: Bunev Alexander S. , Sukhonosova Elena V. , Statsyuk Vladimir E. , Ostapenko Gennady I. , Khrustalev Victor N.
Published: January 2014

In the title molecule, C15H9N3O2S, the central imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole heterotricyclic unit is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.021 Å). The terminal phenyl ring and nitro group are twisted by 9.06 (1) and 11.02 (4)°, respectively, from the mean plane of the heterotricycle. In the crystal, molecules are linked by π–π stacking interactions into columns along [100]; the interplanar distance between neighboring imidazo[2,1-b][1,3]benzothiazole planes within the columns is 3.370 (2) Å. Furthermore, the columns interact with each other by secondary S...O [2.9922 (10) and 3.1988 (11) Å] interactions, forming a three-dimensional framework.
(E)-4-Methoxy-N′-(2,4,5-trimethoxybenzylidene)benzohydrazide hemihydrate
Authors: Chantrapromma Suchada , Boonnak Nawong , Horkaew Jirapa , Quah Ching Kheng , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: January 2014

The title compound crystallizes as a hemihydrate, C18H20N2O5·0.5H2O. The molecule exists in anEconformation with respect to the C=N imine bond. The 4-methoxyphenyl unit is disordered over two sets of sites with a refined occupancy ratio of 0.54 (2):0.46 (2). The dihedral angles between the benzene rings are 29.20 (9) and 26.59 (9)°, respectively, for the major and minor components of the 4-methoxy-substituted ring. All methoxy substituents lie close to the plane of the attached benzene rings [the Cmethyl—O—C—C torsion angles range from −4.0 (12) to 3.9 (2)°]. In the crystal, the components are linked into chains propagating along [001]viaN—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C—H...O interactions.
Appraisal of a new 1D weighted joint inversion of ground based and helicopter‐borne electromagnetic data
Authors: Sudha  , Tezkan Bülent , Siemon Bernhard
Published: January 2014

In order to couple spatial data from frequency‐domain helicopter‐borne electromagnetics with electromagnetic measurements from ground geophysics (transient electromagnetics and radiomagnetotellurics), a common 1D weighted joint inversion algorithm for helicopter‐borne electromagnetics, transient electromagnetics and radiomagnetotellurics data has been developed. The depth of investigation of helicopter‐borne electromagnetics data is rather limited compared to time‐domain electromagnetics sounding methods on the ground. In order to improve the accuracy of model parameters of shallow depth as well as of greater depth, the helicopter‐borne electromagnetics, transient electromagnetics, and radiomagnetotellurics measurements can be combined by using a joint inversion methodology. The 1D joint inversion algorithm is tested for synthetic data of helicopter‐borne electromagnetics, transient electromagnetics and radiomagnetotellurics. The proposed concept of the joint inversion takes advantage of each method, thus providing the capability to resolve near surface (radiomagnetotellurics) and deeper electrical conductivity structures (transient electromagnetics) in combination with valuable spatial information (helicopter‐borne electromagnetics). Furthermore, the joint inversion has been applied on the field data (helicopter‐borne electromagnetics and transient electromagnetics) measured in the Cuxhaven area, Germany.

In order to avoid the lessening of the resolution capacities of one data type, and thus balancing the use of inherent and ideally complementary information content, a parameter reweighting scheme that is based on the exploration depth ranges of the specific methods is proposed. A comparison of the conventional joint inversion algorithm, proposed by Jupp and Vozoff (), and of the newly developed algorithm is presented. The new algorithm employs the weighting on different model parameters differently. It is inferred from the synthetic and field data examples that the weighted joint inversion is more successful in explaining the subsurface than the classical joint inversion approach. In addition to this, the data fittings in weighted joint inversion are also improved.
Still a ‘Force for Good’? Good International Citizenship in British Foreign and Security Policy
Authors: Gilmore Jonathan
Published: January 2014

Research Highlights and Abstract

Through an analysis of recent foreign policy discourse, in particular the UK approach to stabilisation, the article identifies distinctive similarities and continuities in the patterns of ethically-minded foreign policy, employed by the 1997–2010 Labour government and the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition. The article makes a fresh engagement with the concept of Good International Citizenship, arguing for a much more overt engagement, by policymakers, with the concept, to help address some of the shortcomings associated with both Labour and the Coalition's attempts to incorporate ethical obligations into British foreign policy.

This article examines the interaction between the idea of Good International Citizenship and the recent evolution of UK foreign and security policy. Good International Citizenship centres on the mediation of ethical commitments to national interest, to the promotion international order, and to the wellbeing of vulnerable non-citizen populations. Whilst ethical commitments to non-citizens have become overt components of British foreign policy, recent UK governments have struggled to reconcile these with commitments to the national interest and a stable international order. The article argues that the more direct affirmation of Good International Citizenship as a narrative and ethos of practice for UK foreign policy might help further the increasingly open discussion on the ethics and UK foreign policy. As a framework for dialogue and public debate, the concept provides a means by which ethical commitments in the traditionally closed world of foreign policy might be opened up to wider critical scrutiny.
Beyond Quotas: Strategies to Promote Gender Equality in Elected Office
Authors: Krook Mona Lena , Norris Pippa
Published: January 2014

Gender equality in elected office has become a commitment of national governments and international organizations around the globe. To date, much of the discussion has revolved around electoral gender quotas – policies that set aside seats in political assemblies for women or require that political parties nominate a certain percentage of female candidates. Focusing exclusively on quotas, however, obscures the broader range of efforts around the world to bring more women into political office. This article surveys non-quota strategies used globally, developing an analytic framework for theorizing potential interventions into candidate selection and election processes. Whether used in conjunction with, or as an alternative to, quotas, the diversity of these measures points to a wide array of creative solutions, engaging a variety of actors, which might be pursued to enhance women's political representation. Future research should focus on evaluating the effects of these policies, both alongside and separately from quota policies.
Effects of solvent fractions of Allomyrina dichotoma larvae through the inhibition of in vitro BACE1 and β‐amyloid(25–35)‐induced toxicity in rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells
Authors: Kim Minji , Youn Kumju , Yun Eun‐Young , Hwang Jae‐Sam , Ahn Mok‐Ryeon , Jeong Woo‐Sik , Jun Mira
Published: January 2014

Amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ) generation initiated by β‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 BACE1 is a critical cause of Alzheimer's disease. In the course of our ongoing investigation of natural anti‐dementia resources, the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction exerted strong BACE1‐specific inhibition with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of 9.2 × 10−5 μg/mL. Furthermore, Aβ(25–35)‐induced cell death was predominantly prevented by the EtOAc fraction of Allomyrina dichotoma larvae through diminishing of cellular oxidative stress and attenuating apoptosis by inhibiting caspase‐3 activity. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that A. dichotoma larvae possess novel neuroprotective properties not only via the selective and specific inhibition of BACE1 activity but also through the alleviation of Aβ(25–35)‐induced toxicity, which may raise the possibility of therapeutic application of A. dichotoma larvae for preventing and/or treating dementia.
The Antecedents of Creativity Revisited: A Process Perspective
Authors: Caniëls Marjolein C.J. , De Stobbeleir Katleen , De Clippeleer Inge
Published: January 2014

This study invokes a process view on employee creativity to uncover how the different stages of the creative process are associated with different antecedents. Specifically, we explore the role of five previously identified antecedents of organizational creativity in the different phases of the creative process within organizations: (1) personality; (2) rewards; (3) the role of co‐workers; (4) leadership; and (5) organizational resources. In an analysis of 22 case studies we found that antecedents of creativity indeed have different roles in different stages of the creative process and that antecedents that are helpful in one stage of the creative process, can be detrimental for another stage. Such results highlight the importance of conceptualizing creativity as a process, rather than as an outcome variable.
Difference in apical and basal growth of the frontal bone primordium in Foxc1ch/ch mice
Authors: Machida Akihiko , Okuhara Shigeru , Harada Kiyoshi , Iseki Sachiko
Published: January 2014

The frontal and parietal bones form the major part of the calvarium and their primordia appear at the basolateral region of the head and grow apically. A spontaneous loss of Foxc1 function mutant mouse, congenital hydrocephalus (Foxc1ch/ch), results in congenital hydrocephalus accompanied by defects in the apical part of the skull vault. We found that during the initiation stage of apical growth of the frontal bone primordium in the Foxc1ch/ch mouse, the Runx2 expression domain extended only to the basal side and bone sialoprotein (Bsp) and N‐cadherin expression domains appeared only in the basal region. Fluorescent dye (DiI) labeling of the frontal primordium by ex‐utero surgery confirmed that apical extension of the frontal bone primordium of the mouse was severely retarded, while extension to the basal side underneath the brain was largely unaffected. Consistent with this observation, decreased cell proliferation activity was seen at the apical tip but not the basal tip of the frontal bone primordium as determined by double detection of Runx2 transcripts and BrdU incorporation. Furthermore, expression of the osteogenic‐related genes Bmp4 and‐7 was observed only in the basal part of the meninges during the initiation period of primordium growth. These results suggest that a loss of Foxc1 function affects skull bone formation of the apical region and that Bmp expression in the meninges might influence the growth of the calvarial bone primordium.
Voting Systems for Environmental Decisions
Authors: BURGMAN MARK A. , REGAN HELEN M. , MAGUIRE LYNN A. , COLYVAN MARK , JUSTUS JAMES , MARTIN TARA G. , ROTHLEY KRIS
Published: January 2014

Voting systems aggregate preferences efficiently and are often used for deciding conservation priorities. Desirable characteristics of voting systems include transitivity, completeness, and Pareto optimality, among others. Voting systems that are common and potentially useful for environmental decision making include simple majority, approval, and preferential voting. Unfortunately, no voting system can guarantee an outcome, while also satisfying a range of very reasonable performance criteria. Furthermore, voting methods may be manipulated by decision makers and strategic voters if they have knowledge of the voting patterns and alliances of others in the voting populations. The difficult properties of voting systems arise in routine decision making when there are multiple criteria and management alternatives. Because each method has flaws, we do not endorse one method. Instead, we urge organizers to be transparent about the properties of proposed voting systems and to offer participants the opportunity to approve the voting system as part of the ground rules for operation of a group.

Sistemas de Votación para Decisiones Ambientales
Occupancy Patterns of Regionally Declining Grassland Sparrow Populations in a Forested Pennsylvania Landscape
Authors: HILL JASON M. , DIEFENBACH DUANE R.
Published: January 2014

Organisms can be affected by processes in the surrounding landscape outside the boundary of habitat areas and by local vegetation characteristics. There is substantial interest in understanding how these processes affect populations of grassland birds, which have experienced substantial population declines. Much of our knowledge regarding patterns of occupancy and density stem from prairie systems, whereas relatively little is known regarding how occurrence and abundance of grassland birds vary in reclaimed surface mine grasslands. Using distance sampling and single‐season occupancy models, we investigated how the occupancy probability of Grasshopper (Ammodramus savannarum) and Henslow's Sparrows (A. henslowii) on 61 surface mine grasslands (1591 ha) in Pennsylvania changed from 2002 through 2011 in response to landscape, grassland, and local vegetation characteristics . A subset (n = 23; 784 ha) of those grasslands were surveyed in 2002, and we estimated changes in sparrow density and vegetation across 10 years. Grasshopper and Henslow's Sparrow populations declined 72% and 49%, respectively from 2002 to 2011, whereas overall woody vegetation density increased 2.6 fold. Henslow's Sparrows avoided grasslands with perimeter–area ratios ≥0.141 km/ha and woody shrub densities ≥0.04 shrubs/m2. Both species occupied grasslands ≤13 ha, but occupancy probability declined with increasing grassland perimeter–area ratio and woody shrub density. Grassland size, proximity to nearest neighboring grassland (= 0.2 km), and surrounding landscape composition at 0.5, 1.5, and 3.0 km were not parsimonious predictors of occupancy probability for either species. Our results suggest that reclaimed surface mine grasslands, without management intervention, are ephemeral habitats for Grasshopper and Henslow's Sparrows. Given the forecasted decline in surface coal production for Pennsylvania, it is likely that both species will continue to decline in our study region for the foreseeable future.

Patrones de Ocupación de Poblaciones Regionalmente Declinantes de Gorriones de Pastizales en un Paisaje Boscoso de Pennsylvania
Understanding the Apothecaries Within: The Necessity of a Systematic Approach for Defining the Chemical Output of the Human Microbiome
Authors: Beebe Kirk , Sampey Brante , Watkins Steven M. , Milburn Michael , Eckhart Andrea D.
Published: January 2014

The human microbiome harbors a massive diversity of microbes that effectively form an “organ” that strongly influences metabolism and immune function and hence, human health. Although the growing interest in the microbiome has chiefly arisen due to its impact on human physiology, the probable rules of operation are embedded in the roots of microbiology where chemical communication (i.e., with metabolites) is a dominant feature of coexistence. Indeed, recent examples in microbiome research offer the impression that the collective microbiome operates as an “apothecary,” creating chemical concoctions that influence health and alter drug response. Although these principles are not unappreciated, the majority of emphasis is on metagenomics and research efforts often omit systematic efforts to interrogate the chemical component of the complex equation between microbial community and host phenotype. One of the reasons for this omission may be due to the inaccessibility to high‐breadth, high‐throughput, and scalable technologies. Since these technologies are now available, we propose that a more systematic effort to survey the host–microbiota chemical output be embedded into microbiome research as there is strong likelihood, and growing precedence, that this component may often be integral to developing our understanding of these ultimate apothecaries and how they impact human health.
Influence of Elevated Levels of C‐Reactive Protein on Circulating Endothelial Progenitor Cell Function
Authors: Fasing Kevin A. , Nissan Benjamin J. , Greiner Jared J. , Stauffer Brian L. , DeSouza Christopher A.
Published: January 2014

In vitro, C‐reactive protein (CRP) impairs endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) function; however, the influence of CRP on EPCs in vivo is unclear. We determined whether EPC function is impaired in adults with elevated plasma CRP concentrations, independent of other risk factors. EPCs were harvested from 75 adults (43 males, 32 females): 25 with low CRP (<1.0 mg/L); 25 with moderate CRP (1.0–3.0 mg/L); and 25 with high CRP (>3.0 mg/L). The capacity of EPCs to form colonies (colony assay), migrate (Boyden chamber), release angiogenic growth factor (ELISA) and resist apoptosis (active caspase‐3) was determined. There were no significant differences between the CRP groups in EPC colony formation (CFU), migration (AU) or the ability to release vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF; pg/mL): low (13 ± 3 CFU; 1255 ± 100 AU; 126 ± 24 pg/mL); moderate (11 ± 3 CFU; 1137 ± 85 AU; 97 ± 14 pg/mL); and high (13 ± 4 CFU; 1071 ± 80 AU; 119 ± 22 pg/mL) CRP. Staurosporine‐stimulated activation of caspase‐3 was also similar between the low (2.3 ± 0.2 ng/mL), moderate (2.1 ± 0.3 ng/mL), and high (2.2 ± 0.2 ng/mL) CRP groups. These results indicate that elevations in plasma CRP are not associated with impaired EPC function. EPC dysfunction may not play a role in CRP‐related cardiovascular risk.
On the effects and implications of UK Border Agency involvement in higher education
Authors: Jenkins Matt
Published: January 2014

This Commentary outlines the requirements that the UK Border Agency (UKBA) makes of universities if they wish to be permitted to teach non‐EU students. It argues that these requirements amount to a devolution of responsibility for border control from the UKBA to the university. The classroom is made a border site, and the border‐crossing student is subjected to continual monitoring. This has far‐reaching consequences for the character, ethos and life of the institution. These consequences are considered in light of research around the everyday spaces of neoliberal border control. It is argued that changes in the university mirror those found outside it and that resistance to such changes at the level of our institutions connect with resistance to border policies more generally.
Climate variation is filtered differently among lakes to influence growth of juvenile sockeye salmon in an Alaskan watershed
Authors: Griffiths Jennifer R. , Schindler Daniel E. , Ruggerone Gregory T. , Bumgarner Joseph D.
Published: January 2014

The physical landscape filters regional climate variation such that the environmental conditions an organism experiences are unique to the characteristics of local habitat features. While it has become apparent that populations may show watershed‐specific responses to changing climate within a geographic region, the population dynamics of Pacific salmon Oncorhynchus spp. suggest that within watershed climate filtering is also important. Growth provides an integrated measure of habitat quality capturing the overall response of individuals to climate as filtered by their habitat and their response to the biological interactions in the ecosystem. We used two different long‐term datasets, scales from returning adults and juvenile length measurements, to assess the response of sockeye salmon O. nerka growth during their juvenile life phase to single and integrated measures of climate within a watershed between 1950 and 2010. Scale growth showed evidence for differences among stocks rearing in different lake habitats within the same Alaska Peninsula watershed. These lakes have substantially different morphometry and showed opposite responses to changes in spring and fall air temperatures. Juvenile length data were also available for one of these stocks and indicated that density effects were relatively weak in contrast to the effects of temperature. While direct measures of juvenile length and measures derived from adult scales showed some similarity in their trends over time, they indicated opposite effects of air temperature. Throughout the range of Pacific salmon, climate change is altering freshwater ecosystems through changes to temperature, precipitation and associated variables. These data suggest that sockeye salmon populations are experiencing climate filtering at a sub‐watershed scale. Maintaining connected, heterogeneous landscapes will therefore likely be important for providing productive habitat for sockeye salmon across a range of climate conditions that they are going to experience under new climate regimes.
Effects of HHP on Microorganisms, Enzyme Inactivation and Physicochemical Properties of Instant Oats and Rice
Authors: Gao Jiaqi , Yang Haixia , Rong A , Bao Xiaolan , Zhang Meili
Published: January 2014

Oats and rice grains were subjected to high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment at 300∼600 MPa at different times, and changes in the microorganism counts, inactivation of enzymes and selected physicochemical properties were investigated. HHP treatment (600 MPa, 5 min) resulted in a significant decrease of total bacterial count. With pressure of 300∼500 MPa for 0∼15 min, lipase activity (LA) was inhibited and the reaction by HHP fitted a first‐order kinetics model. HHP treatment (600 MPa, 5 min) inactivated 97.5% LA and 92.0% catalase activity of oats. Additionally, the pasting rate of rice and oats treated with 600 MPa for 5 min increased by 75% and 68%, respectively. Meanwhile, the time of pasting degree up to 85% were decreased by 46%, and heat absorption capacities were decreased by 36% and 43%, respectively.

Practical Applications

As a convenient food source, instant rice has many advantages that make them popular to people, such as being easy to carry, affordable, healthy, having a long shelf life, etc. With the development of modern food processing, refined flour and milled rice became the new type of health destroyer, sometimes leading people to nutrient imbalance and malnutrition. Oat is introduced into the diet as an alternative crop because of its nutritive and health‐promoting value. Therefore, we studied oats and rice as raw material compounds to novel instant rice. This study was based on high pressure treatment on oats and rice, for which we investigated changes on organisms, enzyme inactivation and physicochemical properties. We hope to provide a theoretical basis for rice and oats industrial development and to facilitate their production.
Print News Coverage of School‐Based Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Mandates
Authors: Casciotti Dana M. , Smith Katherine C. , Andon Lindsay , Vernick Jon , Tsui Amy , Klassen Ann C.
Published: January 2014

BACKGROUND

In 2007, legislation was proposed in 24 states and the District of Columbia for school‐based human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine mandates, and mandates were enacted in Texas, Virginia, and the District of Columbia. Media coverage of these events was extensive, and media messages both reflected and contributed to controversy surrounding these legislative activities. Messages communicated through the media are an important influence on adolescent and parent understanding of school‐based vaccine mandates.

METHODS

We conducted structured text analysis of newspaper coverage, including quantitative analysis of 169 articles published in mandate jurisdictions from 2005 to 2009, and qualitative analysis of 63 articles from 2007. Our structured analysis identified topics, key stakeholders and sources, tone, and the presence of conflict. Qualitative thematic analysis identified key messages and issues.

RESULTS

Media coverage was often incomplete, providing little context about cervical cancer or screening. Skepticism and autonomy concerns were common. Messages reflected conflict and distrust of government activities, which could negatively impact this and other youth‐focused public health initiatives.

CONCLUSIONS

If school health professionals are aware of the potential issues raised in media coverage of school‐based health mandates, they will be more able to convey appropriate health education messages and promote informed decision‐making by parents and students.
From the Exclusion of Women to the Transformation of Philosophy: Reclamation and its Possibilities
Authors: Tyson Sarah
Published: January 2014

In the mid‐1980s, feminist philosophers began to turn their critical efforts toward reclaiming women in the history of philosophy who had been neglected by traditional histories and canons. There are now scores of resources treating historical women philosophers and reclaiming them for philosophical history. This article explores the four major argumentative strategies that have been used within those reclamation projects. It argues that three of the strategies unwittingly work against the reclamationist end of having women engaged as philosophers. The fourth type, the one that seeks to transform philosophical practice and reconstruct its history, is the only strategy that will result in that engagement because it is the only strategy that pays sufficient attention to the mechanisms by which women have been excluded from philosophy and its history.