bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Retention of sterically and electrosterically stabilized silver nanoparticles by soil minerals
Authors: Hoppe M. , Mikutta R. , Kaufhold S. , Utermann J. , Duijnisveld W. , Wargenau E. , Fries E. , Guggenberger G.
Published: August 2016

Engineered silver nanoparticles (Ag ENP) enter the environment and lead to concerns about their environmental effects. Clay‐sized particles are assumed to govern the environmental mobility and bioavailability of ENP, although little is known about their interaction with pedogenic minerals. The interactions of sterically (AgNM–300k, OECD standard) and electrosterically (AgCN30) stabilized Ag ENP with iron and clay minerals were investigated at a range of pH values from 4 to 7. The Ag ENP were separated from mineral suspensions by filtration at <7 and <0.45 µm and by ultracentrifugation at <0.003 µm. The colloidal stable Ag ENP were analysed by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The retention of AgNM–300k (pH adjusted to 6, Ag content ≈ 8 mg l−1) was greater than 85% for all minerals except silica and showed the tendency to increase in the following order: ferrihydrite, smectite, illite, kaolinite, goethite and allophane. The retention of AgCN30 (Ag content ≈ 8 mg l−1) was less than for AgNM–300k, except for silica at pH 6, and showed the tendency to increase in the following order: goethite, smectite, allophane, kaolinite, illite and silica. The zeta potential in the fraction <0.45 µm was not sufficient to explain the difference in stability of colloidal Ag ENP in the Ag ENP–mineral suspensions. However, the retention increased for Ag ENP with decreasing pH, most probably because of homo‐ and hetero‐aggregation, but it was not necessarily related to dissolution of the Ag ENP. In general, iron and clay minerals showed clearly the potential to retain Ag ENP under relevant environmental conditions even though the retention was incomplete.

Highlights

Interaction of different Ag ENP with soil minerals was tested in short‐term batch experiments.

Ag ENP showed hetero‐aggregation with minerals, but the retention was incomplete.

Hetero‐aggregation between minerals and Ag ENP was favoured by acidic conditions (pH ≤ 5).

Iron and clay minerals showed the potential to retain Ag ENP in the environment.
Environmental processes driving anchovy and sardine distribution in a highly variable environment: the role of the coastal structure and riverine input
Authors: Bonanno A. , Barra M. , Basilone G. , Genovese S. , Rumolo P. , Goncharov S. , Popov S. , Buongiorno Nardelli B. , Iudicone D. , Procaccini G. , Aronica S. , Patti B. , Giacalone G. , Ferreri R. , Fontana I. , Tranchida G. , Mangano S. , Pulizzi M. , Gargano A. , Di Maria A. , Mazzola S.
Published: August 2016

Engraulis encrasicolus and Sardina pilchardus stocks are highly variable in terms of recruitment, biomass and spatial distribution. Changes in habitat conditions may influence both the survival of the early life stages and the adult stages. Detailed studies on the spatial distribution and habitat selection of such species have been performed in different areas of the world, highlighting the importance of environmental processes. The present study analyzes the spatial distribution of anchovy and sardine in the Tyrrhenian Sea in relation to environmental heterogeneity. Four acoustic surveys were carried out in this area in the period 2009–2014. Analysis of the environmental dataset permitted identification, in two specific areas, of a pattern of variables driving enrichment processes and impacting on the habitat suitability of the two species. In the northern and central parts of the study area, both anchovy and sardine showed a marked preference for shallower areas characterized by lower salinity. In these areas, PCA results on an environmental dataset highlighted a strong link between primary production, particulate organic carbon, distance from the mouth of the river, salinity and depth. A less clear picture was obtained for the southern part of the Tyrrhenian sea, characterized by a narrow continental shelf, moderately complex coastline morphology and the presence of very small rivers. Most of the anchovy biomass was found to be located in enclosed areas (gulfs) under the influence of relatively small rivers. This finding, taking into account that the surveys were carried out during the anchovy spawning period, highlights for such species a positive effect of the interaction between coastal morphology and riverine input, probably favoring food supply and retention of spawning products.
Irrigating grazed pasture decreases soil carbon and nitrogen stocks
Authors: Mudge Paul L. , Kelliher Francis M. , Knight Trevor L. , O'Connell Denis , Fraser Scott , Schipper Louis A.
Published: August 2016

The sustainability of using irrigation to produce food depends not only on the availability of sufficient water, but also on the soil's ‘response’ to irrigation. Stocks of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) are key components of soil organic matter (SOM), which is important for sustainable agricultural production. While there is some information about the effects of irrigation on soil C stocks in cropping systems, there is a paucity of such studies in pastoral food production systems. For this study, we sampled soils from 34 paired, irrigated and unirrigated pasture sites across New Zealand (NZ) and analysed these for total C and N. On average, irrigated pastures had significantly (P < 0.05) less soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) than adjacent unirrigated pastures, with differences of 6.99 t C ha−1 and 0.58 t N ha−1 in the uppermost 0.3 m. Differences in C and N tended to occur throughout the soil profile, so the cumulative differences increased with depth, and the proportion of the soil C lost from deeper horizons was large. There were no relationships between differences in soil C and N stocks and the length of time under irrigation. This study suggests SOM will decrease when pastures under a temperate climate are irrigated. On this basis, increasing the area of temperate pasture land under irrigation would result in more CO2 in the atmosphere and may directly and indirectly increase N leaching to groundwater. Given the large and increasing area of land being irrigated both in NZ and on a global scale, there is an urgent need to determine whether the results found in this study are also applicable in other regions and under different land management systems (e.g. arable).
Projected gains and losses of wildlife habitat from bioenergy‐induced landscape change
Authors: Tarr Nathan M. , Rubino Matthew J. , Costanza Jennifer K. , McKerrow Alexa J. , Collazo Jaime A. , Abt Robert C.
Published: August 2016

Domestic and foreign renewable energy targets and financial incentives have increased demand for woody biomass and bioenergy in the southeastern United States. This demand is expected to be met through purpose‐grown agricultural bioenergy crops, short‐rotation tree plantations, thinning and harvest of planted and natural forests, and forest harvest residues. With results from a forest economics model, spatially explicit state‐and‐transition simulation models, and species–habitat models, we projected change in habitat amount for 16 wildlife species caused by meeting a renewable fuel target and expected demand for wood pellets in North Carolina, USA. We projected changes over 40 years under a baseline ‘business‐as‐usual’ scenario without bioenergy production and five scenarios with unique feedstock portfolios. Bioenergy demand had potential to influence trends in habitat availability for some species in our study area. We found variation in impacts among species, and no scenario was the ‘best’ or ‘worst’ across all species. Our models projected that shrub‐associated species would gain habitat under some scenarios because of increases in the amount of regenerating forests on the landscape, while species restricted to mature forests would lose habitat. Some forest species could also lose habitat from the conversion of forests on marginal soils to purpose‐grown feedstocks. The conversion of agricultural lands on marginal soils to purpose‐grown feedstocks increased habitat losses for one species with strong associations with pasture, which is being lost to urbanization in our study region. Our results indicate that landscape‐scale impacts on wildlife habitat will vary among species and depend upon the bioenergy feedstock portfolio. Therefore, decisions about bioenergy and wildlife will likely involve trade‐offs among wildlife species, and the choice of focal species is likely to affect the results of landscape‐scale assessments. We offer general principals to consider when crafting lists of focal species for bioenergy impact assessments at the landscape scale.
Pervasive but Neglected: Conceptualising Services and Global Production Networks
Authors: Kleibert Jana Maria
Published: August 2016

Services account for a very large share of employment and economic growth across the globe. In recent years, a global shift in service delivery has occurred through the relocation, or offshoring, of ICT‐enabled service employment to countries in the Global South. Despite the pervasiveness of services in the global economy, empirical research employing the global production network (GPN) framework has not fully engaged with services and continues to be characterised by a ‘productionist bias’ (Coe and Yeung , p. 24). This article addresses the neglected function of services in GPNs and global value chain research and interrogates the potential of the globalisation of service delivery for regional economic development. Services in GPNs are conceptualised using three lenses: a services‐within‐manufacturing networks lens (seeing services as intermediaries), a dedicated services networks lens (seeing services as independent service production networks), and a local support services networks lens (focusing on the rise of local service networks in regions). This conceptualisation is explored empirically drawing on research on the information technology and business process outsourcing sector in the Philippines and India. Employing a local support services networks lens makes visible otherwise hidden territorial processes and reveals a rising local service‐sector nexus, which is relevant for understanding regional economic development implications.
Why the New Maritime Geographies Matter
Authors: Antonopoulos Constantinos N.
Published: August 2016

The maritime logistics industry is a field of key importance for research in the global economy. With links to trade, transportation and infrastructures development, the industry plays a central role in processes of material flows and circulation. This article maps the main discussions on maritime logistics along the interdisciplinary literature strands in globalisation studies, economic geography, transportation studies and urban studies, with the aim to identify drawbacks and opportunities for further research. Drawing on recent empirical studies of global value chains/global production networks, maritime cities and industry clusters, the article distills key challenges for research with relation to current socio‐technical and political shifts in the global space economy. Conclusions are twofold: first, renewed—critical—attention to the geographies of maritime logistics can improve our understanding of the industry's role in contemporary spatial economies; second, overcoming conceptual boundaries through research openness and imagination will enable critical dialogue concerning contemporary processes of market making and specifically industrial and environmental transitions, which is of relevance to urban, regional and national policy.
Japan Society of Hepatology guidelines for sarcopenia in liver disease (1st edition): Recommendation from the working group for creation of sarcopenia assessment criteria
Authors: Nishikawa Hiroki , Shiraki Makoto , Hiramatsu Akira , Moriya Kyoji , Hino Keisuke , Nishiguchi Shuhei
Published: August 2016

Sarcopenia is defined by muscle loss and muscle dysfunction. Sarcopenia is classified into primary and secondary types, based on the cause. Primary sarcopenia is mainly aging‐related sarcopenia, whereas secondary sarcopenia is the reduced muscle mass and strength that accompanies an underlying disease. Given the essential role of the liver in metabolism, secondary sarcopenia due to nutritional disorders or other factors can frequently occur in liver disease. In 2015, the Japan Society of Hepatology (JSH) decided to establish its own assessment criteria for sarcopenia in liver disease because the number of liver disease patients with sarcopenia is expected to increase and there is cumulative evidence to indicate sarcopenic patients have poor clinical outcomes. A working group to create assessment criteria for sarcopenia has thus been established by the JSH. In this article, we summarize the current knowledge with regard to sarcopenia and present the assessment criteria for sarcopenia in liver disease proposed by the JSH (1st edition). To the best of our knowledge, this is globally the first proposed assessment criteria for sarcopenia specializing in liver disease.
Celebrating the Memory of Corrado Gini: a Personality Out of the Ordinary
Authors: Giorgi Giovanni M. , Gubbiotti Stefania
Published: August 2016

Corrado Gini was one of the most brilliant and internationally recognized scientists of the Italian School of Statistics. This paper, written on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of his death, recalls the key aspects of his life and his extraordinary scientific contributions. In describing his impressive mind, interdisciplinary interests, his long and significant academic life, his immense scientific production, and his commitment to official statistics, we must also take into account the particular historical period that Gini lived in. But the most relevant and honourable of his acknowledgements is the impact he undeniably had and still has on the international scientific community of statisticians and non‐statisticians.
Visiting the Ruins of Detroit: Exploitation or Cultural Tourism?
Authors: Scarbrough Elizabeth
Published: August 2016

Are Detroit ruin tours a form of morally permissible cultural tourism, or do these tours amount to a form of exploitation? To answer this question I compare Detroit ruin tours with ‘slum tours’ – guided tours of slums in the world's major cities. I argue that exploitation of the sort we find in slum tourism also exists, to a lesser extent, in Detroit ruin tours. To show this I detail two different accounts of exploitation and argue that Ruth Sample's account best captures what is most morally problematic with slum tours and ruin tours. I then identify the similarities and differences between slum tours and ruin tours, and provide suggestions for how ruin tours could be retooled to avoid some (but not all) of the worries of exploitation. Finally, I suggest that with the proper framing Detroiters could embrace photographic tours as a new form of cultural tourism.
Incipient periodontitis and salivary molecules among Korean adults: association and screening ability
Authors: Kim Hyun‐Duck , Shin Myung‐Seop , Kim Hyun‐Tae , Kim Mi‐Sun , Ahn Yoo‐Been
Published: August 2016

Aim

This study aims to evaluate the association of salivary matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) and interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) with periodontitis and its screening ability on periodontitis.

Material and Methods

We selected 693 participants from the Yanypyeong Cohort: 577 participants with periodontitis and 116 participants without periodontitis. Periodontitis was assessed by dentists using a panoramic radiograph. Salivary MMP‐9 and IL‐8 were assayed using multiplexed bead immunoassay (Luminex). MMP‐9 and IL‐8 were categorized into low, medium and high. Age, sex, income, smoking, drinking, exercise, obesity and metabolic syndrome were confounders. Logistic regression analysis was applied to evaluate the association between MMP‐9, IL‐8 and periodontitis. Receiver operating characteristic curve was applied for sensitivity, specificity and c‐statistics.

Results

High MMP‐9 and medium IL‐8 were associated with periodontitis: adjusted odds ratio were 2.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.3–3.7] for MMP‐9 and 1.9 (95% CI: 1.1–3.4) for IL‐8. The final screening model using salivary MMP‐9 for periodontitis had a sensitivity of 0.46, specificity of 0.77 and c‐statistic of 0.63 (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our data show that salivary MMP‐9 and IL‐8 could be potential markers for periodontitis. The screening model for periodontitis could be useful in clinics and home. A future prospective study is indicated for predicting the occurrence of periodontitis.
Excretory and Secretory Proteins of Naegleria fowleri Induce Inflammatory Responses in BV‐2 Microglial Cells
Authors: Lee Jinyoung , Kang Jung‐Mi , Kim Tae Im , Kim Jong‐Hyun , Sohn Hae‐Jin , Na Byoung‐Kuk , Shin Ho‐Joon
Published: August 2016

Naegleria fowleri, a free‐living amoeba that is found in diverse environmental habitats, can cause a type of fulminating hemorrhagic meningoencephalitis, primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), in humans. The pathogenesis of PAM is not fully understood, but it is likely to be primarily caused by disruption of the host's nervous system via a direct phagocytic mechanism by the amoeba. Naegleria fowleri trophozoites are known to secrete diverse proteins that may indirectly contribute to the pathogenic function of the amoeba, but this factor is not clearly understood. In this study, we analyzed the inflammatory responses in BV‐2 microglial cells induced by excretory and secretory proteins of N. fowleri (NfESP). Treatment of BV‐2 cells with NfESP induced the expression of various cytokines and chemokines, including the proinflammatory cytokines IL‐1α and TNF‐α. NfESP‐induced IL‐1α and TNF‐α expression in BV‐2 cells were regulated by p38, JNK, and ERK MAPKs. NfESP‐induced IL‐1α and TNF‐α production in BV‐2 cells were effectively downregulated by inhibition of NF‐kB and AP‐1. These results collectively suggest that NfESP stimulates BV‐2 cells to release IL‐1α and TNF‐α via NF‐kB‐ and AP‐1‐dependent MAPK signaling pathways. The released cytokines may contribute to inflammatory responses in microglia and other cell types in the brain during N. fowleri infection.
Prison officers’ views about hepatitis C testing and treatment: a qualitative enquiry
Authors: Jack Kathryn , Islip Natalie , Linsley Paul , Thomson Brian , Patterson Anne
Published: August 2016

Aims and objectives

To explore the views of prison officers in an English category B male prison about people in prison being tested and treated for hepatitis C.

Background

Hepatitis C testing and treatment in English prisons remain low with the reasons being poorly understood. Prison officers are in continuous contact with prisoners so might observe factors that may influence people in prisons’ choice in whether to accept hepatitis C testing and treatment.

Design

A qualitative design within an interpretative framework was employed.

Methods

Semistructured interviews were conducted with 10 prison officers at an English male category B prison. The interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed at the prison.

Results

Four themes emerged Safeguarding, Stigma, Confidentiality and Education. Hepatitis C testing and treatment were supported in principle but if a person in prison poses a threat to the overall security of a prison, any health issues that are not immediately life threatening will be overridden, irrespective of the financial or health consequences. The prison officers respected people in prisons’ confidentiality regarding health matters, but this could be compromised during violent incidents. All of the prison officers displayed limited knowledge about hepatitis C.

Conclusions

This qualitative enquiry illustrates that prison security transcends health. This suggests that health providers may need to offer greater flexibility and collaboration across the network of National Health Service hospitals to maintain continuity in treatment if a prisoner is moved to a different establishment or liberated.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study introduces the notion that prison security staff may have a potential role in promoting or discouraging hepatitis C testing and treatment by the ways in which their knowledge impacts on their interactions with people in prison. Engaging this staff group in educational opportunities should be a component of commissioned hepatitis service delivery in prisons.
Digital Versus Conventional Impressions in Fixed Prosthodontics: A Review
Authors: Ahlholm Pekka , Sipilä Kirsi , Vallittu Pekka , Jakonen Minna , Kotiranta Ulla
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To conduct a systematic review to evaluate the evidence of possible benefits and accuracy of digital impression techniques vs. conventional impression techniques.

Materials and Methods

Reports of digital impression techniques versus conventional impression techniques were systematically searched for in the following databases: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Web of Science. A combination of controlled vocabulary, free‐text words, and well‐defined inclusion and exclusion criteria guided the search.

Results

Digital impression accuracy is at the same level as conventional impression methods in fabrication of crowns and short fixed dental prostheses (FDPs). For fabrication of implant‐supported crowns and FDPs, digital impression accuracy is clinically acceptable. In full‐arch impressions, conventional impression methods resulted in better accuracy compared to digital impressions.

Conclusions

Digital impression techniques are a clinically acceptable alternative to conventional impression methods in fabrication of crowns and short FDPs. For fabrication of implant‐supported crowns and FDPs, digital impression systems also result in clinically acceptable fit. Digital impression techniques are faster and can shorten the operation time. Based on this study, the conventional impression technique is still recommended for full‐arch impressions.
Production and characterization of spray-dried theophylline powders prepared from fresh milk for potential use in paediatrics
Authors: Aguiar João P , Fernandes Tânia A P , Nese Carlotta , Fernandes Ana I , Pinto João F
Published: August 2016

Objective

This work evaluates the potential of using fresh milk to deliver theophylline to children.

Methods

Theophylline–fresh milk systems were prepared using different solids ratios (0 : 1–1 : 0) and three fat contents in commercial milks (low, medium and high), which were spray-dried at different inlet air temperatures (Tinlet – 105, 130 and 150 °C). The process was evaluated for yield and the resulting powders for moisture content (MC), particle size and shape, density and wettability. Theophylline–milk potential interactions (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and FT-IR) and chemical (theophylline content) and microbiological stability of powders (shelf and in-use) were also evaluated.

Key Findings

The production yield (13.6–76.0%), MC (0.0–10.3%) and contact angles in water (77.29–93.51°) were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by Tinlet, but no differences were found concerning the mean particle size (3.0–4.3 μm) of the different powders. The milk fat content significantly (P < 0.05) impacted on the density (1.244–1.552 g/cm3). Theophylline content remained stable after 6 months of storage, before extemporaneous reconstitution. After reconstitution in water, low-fat milk samples (stored at 4 °C) met the microbial pharmacopoeia criteria for up to 7 days. No theophylline–milk components interaction was observed.

Conclusion

Spray-dried milk-composed powders may be used as vehicles for theophylline delivery in paediatrics following further characterization and in-vivo evaluation.
Semen characteristics and biochemical composition of cloacal foam of male Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix Japonica) fed diet incorporated with selenium
Authors: Biswas A. , Mohan J. , Mandal A. B. , Lal N.
Published: August 2016

An attempt was made to investigate the effect of dietary selenium (Se) on physical and cloacal gland size, foam production, biochemical composition of foam and semen biochemical characteristics of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix Japonica). Two hundred twenty‐five (225)‐day‐old male Japanese quail were randomly distributed to three dietary treatment groups for a period of 20 weeks. Each treatment comprised of three replicates, each containing 25 chicks. Three experimental diets were supplemented with 0, 0.5 and 1.0 mg Se/kg (T1, T2 and T3, respectively), and diet T1 was considered as control. Sodium selenite was used as the source of selenium. All the birds were provided with feed and water ad libitum. Cloacal foam characteristics, that is cloacal gland index and foam weight, were significantly higher in T2 group. However, body weight, frequency of foam discharge and testes weight (left and right) did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Physical characteristics of semen, that is semen volume and sperm concentration, did not differ (p > 0.05) among the Se‐treated groups. The sperm motility, live–dead count and abnormality improved significantly (p < 0.05) in 0.5 mg/Se‐supplemented group compared to 0 or 1.0 mg/Se‐supplemented groups. Similarly, fertility and hatchability percentages were higher (p < 0.05) in 0.5 mg/Se‐supplemented group than in control or 1.0 mg/Se‐supplemented counterparts. The biochemical characteristics of foam in terms of total protein, acid phosphatase (ACP) and nitric oxide did not differ (p > 0.05), while the concentration of glucose was higher (p < 0.05) in 0.5 mg/Se‐supplemented diet. On the other hand, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were lower (p < 0.05) in 0.5 mg/Se‐supplemented group compared to control or 1.0 mg/Se‐supplemented groups. From this study, it was concluded that supplementation of 0.5 mg Se/kg diet was beneficial for foam variables, biochemical composition of foam, semen characteristics and fertility in male Japanese quail.
Hypothermia in Uremic Dogs and Cats
Authors: Kabatchnick E. , Langston C. , Olson B. , Lamb K.E.
Published: August 2016

Background

The prevalence of uremic hypothermia (UH) and the effects of improving uremia on body temperature have not been determined in veterinary patients.

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of UH and correlations between uremia and body temperature in patients undergoing intermittent hemodialysis (IHD).

Animals

Uremic dogs (n = 122) and cats (n = 79) treated by IHD at the Bobst Hospital of the Animal Medical Center from 1997 to 2013.

Methods

Retrospective review of medical records.

Results

The prevalence of hypothermia was 38% in azotemic cats and 20.5% in azotemic dogs. Statistically significant temperature differences were observed between uremic and nonuremic dogs (nonuremic: mean, 100.8°F; range, 91.2–109.5°F; uremic: mean, 99.9°F; range, 95.6–103.8°F; P < .0001) and cats (nonuremic: mean, 100.6°F; range, 94.0–103.8°F; uremic: mean, 99.3°F; range, 92.3–103.4°F; P < .0001). In dog dialysis patients, significant models included (1) timing (pre‐dialysis versus post‐dialysis) with weight class (small [P < .0001], medium [P = .016], and large breed [P = .033] dogs), (2) timing with serum creatinine concentration (P = .021), and (3) timing with BUN concentration (P < .0001). In cat dialysis patients, there was a significant interaction between timing and weight as a categorical variable (<5 kg and ≥5 kg).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Uremic hypothermia appears to be a clinical phenomenon that occurs in cats and dogs. Uremic patients are hypothermic compared to ill nonuremic patients and body temperatures increase when uremia is corrected with IHD in dogs and in cats >5 kg. In cats, UH seems to be a more prevalent phenomenon driven by uremia. Uremic hypothermia does occur in dogs, but body weight is a more important predictor of body temperature.
The Effect of Fasting Duration on Baseline Blood Glucose Concentration, Blood Insulin Concentration, Glucose/Insulin Ratio, Oral Sugar Test, and Insulin Response Test Results in Horses
Authors: Bertin F.R. , Taylor S.D. , Bianco A.W. , Sojka‐Kritchevsky J.E.
Published: August 2016

Objectives

Published descriptions of the oral sugar test (OST) and insulin response test (IRT) have been inconsistent when specifying the protocol for fasting horses before testing. The purpose of our study was to examine the effect of fasting duration on blood glucose concentration, blood insulin concentration, glucose/insulin ratio,OST, andIRTresults in horses.

Animals

Ten healthy adult horses.

Procedures

BothOSTandIRTwere performed on horses without fasting and after fasting for 3, 6, and 12 hours. Thus, 8 tests were performed per horse in a randomized order. Blood collected at the initial time point of theOSTwas analysed for both blood glucose and serum insulin concentrations so that baseline concentrations and the glucose/insulin ratio could be determined. Unless fasted, horses had free‐choice access to grass hay.

Results

There was no effect of fasting and fasting duration on blood glucose concentration, serum insulin concentration, glucose/insulin ratio, or theOST. Response to insulin in theIRTwas decreased in fasted horses. The effect increased with fasting duration, with the least response to insulin administration after a 12‐hour fast.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

These data indicate that insulin sensitivity is not a fixed trait in horses. Fasting a horse is not recommended for a glucose/insulin ratio orIRT, and fasting a horse for 3 hours is recommended for theOST.
Changes in ectomycorrhizal fungal community composition and declining diversity along a 2‐million‐year soil chronosequence
Authors: Albornoz Felipe E. , Teste François P. , Lambers Hans , Bunce Michael , Murray Dáithí C. , White Nicole E. , Laliberté Etienne
Published: August 2016

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungal communities covary with host plant communities along soil fertility gradients, yet it is unclear whether this reflects changes in host composition, fungal edaphic specialization or priority effects during fungal community establishment. We grew two co‐occurring ECM plant species (to control for host identity) in soils collected along a 2‐million‐year chronosequence representing a strong soil fertility gradient and used soil manipulations to disentangle the effects of edaphic properties from those due to fungal inoculum. Ectomycorrhizal fungal community composition changed and richness declined with increasing soil age; these changes were linked to pedogenesis‐driven shifts in edaphic properties, particularly pH and resin‐exchangeable and organic phosphorus. However, when differences in inoculum potential or soil abiotic properties among soil ages were removed while host identity was held constant, differences in ECM fungal communities and richness among chronosequence stages disappeared. Our results show that ECM fungal communities strongly vary during long‐term ecosystem development, even within the same hosts. However, these changes could not be attributed to short‐term fungal edaphic specialization or differences in fungal inoculum (i.e. density and composition) alone. Rather, they must reflect longer‐term ecosystem‐level feedback between soil, vegetation and ECM fungi during pedogenesis.
Body mass‐corrected molecular rate for bird mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Nabholz Benoit , Lanfear Robert , Fuchs Jérome
Published: August 2016

Mitochondrial DNA remains one of the most widely used molecular markers to reconstruct the phylogeny and phylogeography of closely related birds. It has been proposed that bird mitochondrial genomes evolve at a constant rate of ~0.01 substitution per site per million years, that is that they evolve according to a strict molecular clock. This molecular clock is often used in studies of bird mitochondrial phylogeny and molecular dating. However, rates of mitochondrial genome evolution vary among bird species and correlate with life history traits such as body mass and generation time. These correlations could cause systematic biases in molecular dating studies that assume a strict molecular clock. In this study, we overcome this issue by estimating corrected molecular rates for birds. Using complete or nearly complete mitochondrial genomes of 475 species, we show that there are strong relationships between body mass and substitution rates across birds. We use this information to build models that use bird species’ body mass to estimate their substitution rates across a wide range of common mitochondrial markers. We demonstrate the use of these corrected molecular rates on two recently published data sets. In one case, we obtained molecular dates that are twice as old as the estimates obtained using the strict molecular clock. We hope that this method to estimate molecular rates will increase the accuracy of future molecular dating studies in birds.
The active microbial diversity drives ecosystem multifunctionality and is physiologically related to carbon availability in Mediterranean semi‐arid soils
Authors: Bastida Felipe , Torres Irene F. , Moreno José L. , Baldrian Petr , Ondoño Sara , Ruiz‐Navarro Antonio , Hernández Teresa , Richnow Hans H. , Starke Robert , García Carlos , Jehmlich Nico
Published: August 2016

Biogeochemical processes and ecosystemic functions are mostly driven by soil microbial communities. However, most methods focus on evaluating the total microbial community and fail to discriminate its active fraction which is linked to soil functionality. Precisely, the activity of the microbial community is strongly limited by the availability of organic carbon (C) in soils under arid and semi‐arid climate. Here, we provide a complementary genomic and metaproteomic approach to investigate the relationships between the diversity of the total community, the active diversity and ecosystem functionality across a dissolved organic carbon (DOC) gradient in southeast Spain. DOC correlated with the ecosystem multifunctionality index composed by soil respiration, enzyme activities (urease, alkaline phosphatase and β‐glucosidase) and microbial biomass (phospholipid fatty acids, PLFA). This study highlights that the active diversity (determined by metaprotoemics) but not the diversity of the whole microbial community (evaluated by amplicon gene sequencing) is related to the availability of organic C and it is also connected to the ecosystem multifunctionality index. We reveal that DOC shapes the activities of bacterial and fungal populations in Mediterranean semi‐arid soils and determines the compartmentalization of functional niches. For instance, Rhizobales thrived at high‐DOC sites probably fuelled by metabolism of one‐C compounds. Moreover, the analysis of proteins involved in the transport and metabolism of carbohydrates revealed that Ascomycota and Basidiomycota occupied different nutritional niches. The functional mechanisms for niche specialization were not constant across the DOC gradient.
Connecting polyphosphate translocation and hyphal water transport points to a key of mycorrhizal functioning
Authors: Bitterlich Michael , Franken Philipp
Published: August 2016

This article is a commentary on Kikuchi et al., 211: 1202–1208.
‘Hide and seek’ is no game in a specialized ant–plant interaction
Authors: Bronstein Judith L.
Published: August 2016

This article is a commentary on Chomicki et al., 211: 1358–1370.
INTEGER PROGRAMMING APPROACH TO CONTROL INVASIVE SPECIES SPREAD BASED ON CELLULAR AUTOMATON MODEL
Authors: YOSHIMOTO ATSUSHI , ASANTE PATRICK , KONOSHIMA MASASHI , SUROVÝ PETER
Published: August 2016

We propose a new optimization model that captures the spatial dynamics of invaders by a cellular automaton model and finds the optimal solution to control its spread within a 0–1 integer programming framework. The model seeks a solution by minimizing the total costs to implement treatments for preventing the spread and damage caused by invaders’ colonization. By incorporating a cellular automaton model governed by state‐ and distance‐dependent probability rule of colonization, the model is transformed into a linear model, so that a 0–1 integer programming formulation is used to evaluate and compare an optimal allocation of treatments on colonized and uncolonized areas. The study uses a hypothetical map to show that treatments on colonized cells are more effective when implemented at the front line of the invaders, while treatments on uncolonized areas are effective when conducted with some distance or buffer zone away from the front line. These buffer zones are likely to be colonized regardless of treatment. Under annual budget limits, treatments on colonized cells are implemented first. With heterogeneity in the invaders’ dynamics, the proposed optimization model provides an optimal allocation of treatments much different from the solution with homogeneous environment. However, treatment at the front line of the invading species is always recommended.
Expression pattern of matrix metalloproteinases changes during folliculogenesis in the cat ovary
Authors: Fujihara M , Yamamizu K , Wildt DE , Songsasen N
Published: August 2016

Contents

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) has been implicated as having roles in ovarian folliculogenesis. Here, we determined the expression pattern of six MMPs (MMP1, MMP2, MMP3, MMP7, MMP9 and MMP13) and their endogenous tissue inhibitor, TIMP1, during cat follicle growth. Different developmental stage follicles were mechanically isolated and gene expression analysed by real‐time qPCR while MMP1, 2, 9 and 13 localization was determined by immunohistochemistry. With the exception of MMP13, the amount of MMP mRNA was lowest in primordial follicles and increased thereafter. Peak levels were detected in early antral follicles for MMP1 (72.2‐fold increase above primordial follicle amount), MMP2 (10‐fold), MMP3 (57‐fold) and MMP9 (2.8‐fold). MMP7 transcripts increased 2‐fold by the primary follicle stage and then plateaued. MMP13 mRNA peaked in primary follicles (2.5‐fold) and was lower in more advanced counterparts. TIMP1 sharply increased (6‐fold) in secondary follicles and gradually declined in the later stages. MMP1 and MMP9 expression were expressed in the granulosa cells of all follicle stages. MMP2 was immunoreactive in early and antral follicles, especially at granulosa cells adjacent to the antral cavity. By contrast, the MMP13 was weakly detected in primary follicles onward. In summary, there are distinctive and consistent changes in MMPs and TIMP1 expression during follicle development, suggesting that these enzymes play one or more roles in cat folliculogenesis. In particular, high mRNA and protein expression levels of MMP1 and MMP2, especially at the antral stage, indicate that these enzymes likely are involved in antrum formation and expansion.
It's a Sin—Contraceptive Use, Religious Beliefs, and Long‐run Economic Development
Authors: Prettner Klaus , Strulik Holger
Published: August 2016

This study presents a novel theory on the interaction of social norms, fertility, education, and their joint impact on long‐run economic development. The theory takes into account that sexual intercourse is utility enhancing and that the use of modern contraceptives potentially conflicts with prevailing social norms (religious beliefs). The theory motivates the existence of two steady states. At the traditional steady state, the economy stagnates, fertility is high, education is minimal, and the population sustains a norm according to which modern contraceptives are not used. At the modern steady state, the population has abandoned traditional beliefs, modern contraceptives are used, fertility is low and education and economic growth are high. Social dynamics explain why both equilibria are separated by a saddlepoint‐equilibrium (a separatrix), i.e. why it is so hard to transit from the traditional regime to the modern regime.
More‐than‐Active Food Citizens: A Longitudinal and Comparative Study of Alternative and Conventional Eaters
Authors: Carolan Michael
Published: August 2016

This article has multiple aims: (1) to understand, with the help of descriptive statistics, how eaters engaged within various alternative foodscapes compare to more conventional eaters when asked questions about things like their interest in local politics, whether they volunteer, and their reasons for buying local foods; (2) to map, with the help of descriptive statistics, changes in how individuals respond to questions after being “exposed” to certain alternative foodscape experiences; (3) and to understand, with the help of practice theory and qualitative data, why individuals might think and behave differently after being exposed to these alternative doings and sayings, findings that lead to a discussion about how aspects of these alternative foodscapes engender the making of more‐than‐active citizens. A research team studied individuals in Colorado who had recently begun participating in one of the following practices: (1) drop‐off community‐supported agriculture (CSA), (2) CSA volunteer membership, (3) farmers’ market, and (4) member‐owned food cooperative. Researchers surveyed participants and resurveyed them two years later, at which time sampled eaters were also engaged in an extensive qualitative interview, with a total of 119 personal interviews conducted. In addition, the team conducted a phone survey (n = 106) of randomly selected residents in Colorado to represent conventional eaters.
Effect of floorball training on blood lipids, body composition, muscle strength, and functional capacity of elderly men
Authors: Vorup J. , Pedersen M. T. , Melcher P. S. , Dreier R. , Bangsbo J.
Published: August 2016

Floorball training consists of intense repeated exercise and may offer a motivating and social stimulating team activity in elderly individuals. However, the effect of floorball training in elderly adults on physiological adaptations important for health is not known. Thus, this study examined the effect of floorball training on blood lipids, muscle strength, body composition, and functional capacity of men aged 65–76 years. Thirty‐nine recreational active men were randomized into a floorball group (FG;n = 22) or petanque group (PG;n = 17), in which training was performed 1 h twice a week for 12 weeks. InFGandPG, average heart rate (HR) during training was 80% and 57%, respectively, of maximalHR. InFG, plasma low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides were 11% and 8% lower (P < 0.05), respectively. Insulin resistance determined by homeostatic model assessment (HOMA‐IR) was reduced (P < 0.05) by 18%.HRduring submaximal cycling was 5% lower (P < 0.05), and maximal voluntary contraction force was 8% higher (P < 0.05). Total and visceral fat content was lowered (P < 0.05) by 5% and 14%, respectively,HRat rest was 8% lower (P < 0.05) and performance in four different functional capacity tests were better (P < 0.05) after compared to before the training period. No changes were observed inPG. In conclusion, 12 weeks of floorball training resulted in a number of favorable effects important for health and functional capacity, suggesting that floorball training can be used as a health‐promoting activity in elderly men.
On the Importance of Family, Morality, Masculine, and Feminine Honor for Theory and Research
Authors: Rodriguez Mosquera Patricia M.
Published: August 2016

This paper presents an approach to honor as multifaceted. In this approach, honor is defined as having four different facets, or honor codes: morality‐based honor, family honor, masculine honor, and feminine honor. The honor‐as‐multifaceted approach has generated much psychological research examining the importance of each honor code across different cultural and social groups. An overview of this research shows that that the different honor codes exert a powerful influence on a variety of group processes, including collective action, in‐group identification, the definition of gendered roles within the family, in‐group responses to threats to collective honor, intergroup attitudes, and value change within groups. The paper discusses how defining and measuring honor as multifaceted ‐rather than as an unitary construct‐ provides a fuller understanding of honor's role in group life.
Understanding summary statistics and graphical techniques to compare Michael Jordan versus LeBron James
Authors: Williams Immanuel James , Williams Kelley Kim
Published: August 2016

Understanding summary statistics and graphical techniques are building blocks to comprehending concepts beyond basic statistics. Its known that motivated students perform better in school. Using examples that students find engaging allows them to understand the concepts at a deeper level.
Comparison of two apheresis systems during hematopoietic progenitor stem cell collections at a tertiary medical center
Authors: Li Yanchun , Li Jie , Reeves Hollie M. , Reyes Ramil , Maitta Robert W.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

The Spectra Optia is a newer apheresis system developed based on the COBE Spectra platform. COBE Spectra requires more manual control, while Spectra Optia offers greater automation. The purpose of this study was to compare the two systems during hematopoietic progenitor stem cell (HPSC) collections.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A retrospective review of 41 collections performed in 26 subjects at a tertiary medical center between June 1, 2013, and December 31, 2013, was conducted, 11 with the Spectra Optia and 30 with the COBE Spectra. Six patients underwent two consecutive daily collections, first on the Spectra Optia followed by the COBE Spectra.

RESULTS

Procedure run time with the Spectra Optia was considerably longer than with the COBE Spectra (283 ± 11 min vs. 217 ± 2 min, respectively; p < 0.01). Mean CD34+ cell yields with the Spectra Optia were comparable with those of the COBE Spectra. Products collected with the Spectra Optia had less red blood cell contamination. However, platelet (PLT) attrition was greater with the Spectra Optia. Similar results were obtained in patients who were collected on consecutive days in both systems.

CONCLUSION

Collections with the Spectra Optia take longer and lead to greater PLT losses during HPSC collections.
RT‐qPCR for the diagnosis of dermatophilosis in horses
Authors: Frank Linda A. , Kania Stephen A. , Weyant Ellie
Published: August 2016

Background

Dermatophilus congolensis causes a crusting dermatitis that affects horses. Diagnosis requires the identification of the organism with cytological evaluation of crust samples. This method can lack sensitivity in chronic cases.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To develop a probe‐based real time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR) test to assist with the diagnosis of dermatophilosis in horses.

Animals

Twenty six privately owned horses and seven horses from a research colony were used.

Methods

Crust samples, collected from 14 horses with suspected dermatophilosis and 12 horses with crusting skin disease not characteristic of dermatophilosis, were evaluated by cytological evaluation and RT‐qPCR; the latter was also performed on hair samples collected from seven healthy horses.

Results

Cytological evaluation revealed organisms consistent with Dermatophilus congolensis from nine horses with suspected dermatophilosis, with only a few organisms seen from five samples. Cytological evaluation of all other crusts was negative for Dermatophilus. Other bacterial organisms were detected on cytological evaluation from 15 samples. RT‐qPCR for Dermatophilus was positive from 11 crusts, whereas all other samples were negative. Two samples were cytologically negative but RT‐qPCR positive for Dermatophilus. No samples were cytologically positive but RT‐qPCR negative for Dermatophilus.

Conclusion

Results of this study show that RT‐qPCR may be a more sensitive and easier method than cytological evaluation for the diagnosis of dermatophilosis in horses.