bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Controlled Relative Humidity Storage on Moisture Sorption and Amylopectin Retrogradation in Gelatinized Starch Lyophiles
Authors: Johnson Kathryn A. , Mauer Lisa J.
Published: February 2019

Water plays a significant role in the gelatinization and retrogradation (crystallization) of starch. Amylopectin crystalline regions can adopt several hydrated polymorphic forms; however, reports differ on the migration of water during retrogradation. The objectives of this study were to determine the moisture sorption patterns of gelatinized starch lyophiles during retrogradation in controlled relative humidity (RH) environments and document the amylopectin polymorph(s) formed. Starches from different botanical sources containing A‐type and B‐type amylopectin polymorphs were studied. Suspensions of starch were heated and then frozen and freeze‐dried to make primarily amorphous matrices. Moisture sorption profiles of the dried samples were collected from 5% RH to 95% RH at 25 °C. To capture the retrogradation event, sample masses were also monitored at constant RHs over time (95%, 92.5%, and 90% RH). Powder X‐ray diffraction was used to document the physical state of the samples, including the amylopectin polymorph formed upon retrogradation, and differential scanning calorimetry was used to determine glass transition temperatures (Tgs). In all lyophiles, water was first absorbed (mass gain), and if a critical water content was reached (at ≥92.5%RH), sample Tgs dropped below room temperature and concurrent retrogradation and water expulsion (mass loss) occurred, regardless of starch botanical source and whether A‐ or B‐type polymorphs were formed. Overall, retrogradation and water expulsion increased as storage RH increased. These results offer further knowledge into the role of water in amylopectin retrogradation and the relationship among starch type, environmental RH, moisture sorption prior to retrogradation, and water redistribution during retrogradation.

Practical Application

Starch gelatinization and retrogradation require molecular mobility, which is facilitated by water. Limited retrogradation occurred in lyophiles in the glassy state (90% RH, 25 °C), but increasing the storage RH (to ≥92.5% RH) resulted in increasing amylopectin retrogradation (note: many baked products have water activities in this range). Regardless of starch type (botanical source and amylose content), when the storage RH was high enough, the starch lyophiles first absorbed water, which depressed the Tg below the storage temperature, and then exhibited concomitant retrogradation and water expulsion. The water expelled during amylopectin retrogradation was not (fully) retained in the amorphous starch fraction, which is why samples lost weight. Water leaving the starch matrix during retrogradation could pose challenges for quality, texture, and shelf‐life of starch‐based products.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)‐assisted intratracheal tumor resection and carina reconstruction: A safer and more effective technique for resection and reconstruction
Authors: Qiu Yang , Chen Qiao , Wu Wei , Zhang Shixin , Tang Meng , Chen Ya , Zhang Chao , Zhou Ni , Jiang Nan , Feng Jianping , Xia Mei , Wang Haidong
Published: February 2019

Carina resection and reconstruction is required when a tracheal tumor invades the tracheal carina. It is a relatively complicated surgical procedure that requires complex reconstruction to maintain airway continuity. The technical difficulty lies in minimizing the influence of anesthetic endotracheal intubation and maintaining good ventilation function during surgery by establishing appropriate ventilation channels, which are contradictory in many cases. Therefore, in order to achieve the optimal surgical outcome, we performed intratracheal tumor resection and carina reconstruction with the help of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation.
Prevalent weeds collected from cucurbit fields in Northeastern Brazil reveal new species diversity in the genus Monosporascus
Authors: Negreiros Andreia M. P. , Júnior Rui S. , Rodrigues Ana P. M. S. , León Maela , Armengol Josep
Published: February 2019

Fungal species belonging to the ascomycete genus Monosporascus have no known asexual morph and the ascocarp is a globose perithecium where asci develop, containing from 1 to 6 spherical ascospores, depending on the species. Monosporascus cannonballus is the most well‐known species of the genus, and an important root pathogen associated with the vine decline of melon and watermelon crops worldwide. The aim of the present study was to characterise a collection of 35 Monosporascus‐like isolates recovered from roots of two weed species prevalent in cucurbit growing fields in Northeastern Brazil: Boerhavia diffusa and Trianthema portulacastrum. These isolates were identified based on DNA sequences of the Internal Transcribed Spacer regions (ITS) of the nuclear rDNA, part of the translation elongation factor gene (tef‐1α), part of the β‐tubulin gene (tub), part of the nuclear small subunit (SSU) rDNA and part of the large subunit (LSU) rDNA. Five Monosporascus species, namely Monosporascus brasiliensis, Monosporascus caatinguensis, Monosporascus mossoroensis, Monosporascus nordestinus and Monosporascus semiaridus, are newly described. Monosporascus brasiliensis, M. nordestinus and M. semiaridus were isolated from both weed species, while M. caatinguensis only from T. portulacastrum and M. mossoroensis only from B. diffusa. The present study confirms that Monosporascus spp. can colonise roots of very diverse hosts, even without causing noticeable disease symptoms, and reveals that the diversity of species in the genus Monosporascus is potentially greater than previously expected.
The influence of sex and estrous cyclicity on cocaine and remifentanil demand in rats
Authors: Lacy Ryan T. , Austin Bridget P. , Strickland Justin C.
Published: February 2019

The application of behavioral economic demand theory in addiction science has proved useful for evaluating individual characteristics underlying abuse liability. Two factors that have received comparably little attention within this literature are sex and gonadal hormones. We determined cocaine and remifentanil demand in male and female rats using a within‐session procedure. Cocaine and remifentanil demand were evaluated for 15 consecutive days using a balanced, crossover design that randomized drug order. This design allowed for the evaluation of temporal and exposure effects on two independent dimensions of demand, unconstrained demand (Q0) and demand elasticity (α). Estrous cyclicity was tracked to determine the contribution of phase to demand. No overall sex differences were observed. Increased unconstrained demand for cocaine and remifentanil was observed in females during periods in which estrogen was high (eg, estrus phase). Unconstrained remifentanil demand escalated over the 15‐day testing period, but escalation was not observed for cocaine or for demand elasticity. A significant exposure effect was also observed in which greater prior remifentanil intake increased unconstrained cocaine demand and reduced cocaine demand elasticity. These effects were directionally specific as no significant effects of prior cocaine exposure were observed on remifentanil demand measures. These data suggest that unconstrained demand and demand elasticity do not differ between male and female subjects; however, that unconstrained demand is associated with estrous cyclicity. These findings also suggest that opioid exposure enhances subsequent demand for psychomotor stimulants, which may be important when considering recent increases in nonmedical prescription opioid use in the United States.
Neuroimmune and epigenetic involvement in adolescent binge ethanol‐induced loss of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons: Restoration with voluntary exercise
Authors: Vetreno Ryan P. , Bohnsack John Peyton , Kusumo Handojo , Liu Wen , Pandey Subhash C. , Crews Fulton T.
Published: February 2019

Binge drinking and alcohol abuse are common during adolescence and cause lasting pathology. Preclinical rodent studies using the adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE; 5.0 g/kg, i.g., 2‐day on/2‐day off from postnatal day [P]25 to P55) model of human adolescent binge drinking report decreased basal forebrain cholinergic (ie, ChAT+) neurons that persist into adulthood (ie, P56‐P220). Recent studies link AIE‐induced neuroimmune activation to cholinergic pathology, but the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to the persistent loss of basal forebrain ChAT+ neurons are unknown. We report here that the AIE‐induced loss of cholinergic neuron markers (ie, ChAT, TrkA, and p75NTR), cholinergic neuron shrinkage, and increased expression of the neuroimmune marker pNF‐κB p65 are restored by exercise exposure from P56 to P95 after AIE. Our data reveal that persistently reduced expression of cholinergic neuron markers following AIE is because of the loss of the cholinergic neuron phenotype most likely through an epigenetic mechanism involving DNA methylation and histone 3 lysine 9 dimethylation (H3K9me2). Adolescent intermittent ethanol caused a persistent increase in adult H3K9me2 and DNA methylation at promoter regions of Chat and H3K9me2 of Trka, which was restored by wheel running. Exercise also restored the AIE‐induced reversal learning deficits on the Morris water maze. Together, these data suggest that AIE‐induced adult neuroimmune signaling and cognitive deficits are linked to suppression of Chat and Trka gene expression through epigenetic mechanisms that can be restored by exercise. Exercise restoration of the persistent AIE‐induced phenotypic loss of cholinergic neurons via epigenetic modifications is novel mechanism of neuroplasticity.
Analysis of 15q11.2 CNVs in an Indian population with schizophrenia
Authors: Saxena Sonal , Kkani Poornima , Ramasubramanian Chellamuthu , Kumar Srinivasan Ganesh , Monisha Raghav , Prasad Rao Gundugurti , Mohan Kommu Naga
Published: February 2019

Copy number variants (CNVs) of 15q11.2 yielded conflicting reports on their association with schizophrenia (SZ), indicating the need for replication studies. Because there are no 15q11.2 CNV studies on Indian patients, we began by testing 307 SZ patients and 359 age‐ and sex‐matched controls from South India. Using an improved multiplex ligation probe amplification, six deletions were found in patients and three in controls (p = 0.31), whereas one duplication was found in patients and three in controls (p = 0.63). Analysis of families of two patients and two controls with deletions indicated that the mutations were de novo. In conclusion, there seems to be no significant difference in the frequencies of 15q11.2 CNVs among the controls and patients studied here. Future studies involving a larger number of controls and patients are expected to provide better clarity on the relationship between 15q11.2 CNVs and SZ patients from India.
Most impactful predictors for hyperoxaemia in exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease managed by Emergency Medical Services and Emergency Department
Authors: Lim Beng Leong , Cheah Si Oon , Goh Hsin Kai , Lee Francis Chun Yue , Ng Yih Yng , Guo Wen Jia , Ong Marcus Eng Hock
Published: February 2019

Introduction

Hyperoxemia in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) leads to adverse outcomes. It remains prevalent in the pre‐hospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and Emergency Department (ED).

Objective

To determine the key predictors for hyperoxemia in AECOPD in EMS and ED.

Methods

This was a prospective observational study of AECOPD patients in EMS and two EDs. Hyperoxemia was defined as PaO2 > 65 mm Hg (corresponds to SpO2 > 92%). We determined apriori candidate factors in Patient, Organization and Staff domains. Primary outcomes were the key predictors for hyperoxemia. Secondary outcomes were in‐hospital mortality and mechanical ventilation rates in hyperoxemic versus non‐hyperoxemic groups. We generated a logistic regression model for each domain. We reported the adjusted odds ratios (AORs), 95% CIs and p values. We selected the output factors using AOR ≥2.0 and ≥2.5 for modifiable and non‐modifiable factors, respectively. These selected factors were fed into a final model with eventual factors selected based on: threshold AORs as stated above and/or 95% CIs including these AORs.

Results

Three hundred and twenty‐six patients were analysed; 60.7% had hyperoxemia. We found three eventual modifiable factors; first, ED SpO2 > 95% [AOR 2.62 (95% CIs: 1.61‐4.33); P < 0.001], EMS non‐rebreathing mask [AOR 2.01 (95% CIs: 1.06‐3.97); P = 0.04]; and ED nasal cannula [AOR 1.69 (95% CIs: 1.05‐2.72); P = 0.03]. Secondary outcomes did not differ between groups.

Conclusion

We identified three key modifiable predictors. We intend to conduct an interventional study using them to reduce hyperoxemia rate in AECOPD.
Context matters: Characteristics of solitary versus social cannabis use
Authors: Spinella Toni C. , Stewart Sherry H. , Barrett Sean P.
Published: February 2019

Introduction and Aims

Given the increase in cannabis availability and use in North America, identification of risk factors for cannabis use and dependence is paramount. One factor that may be associated with various cannabis‐related adverse outcomes is the context in which it is used. This secondary analysis study sought to examine the extent to which the social context of cannabis use is related to patterns of use and associated harms.

Design and Methods

One hundred and eighty‐eight adult cannabis users were community‐recruited in Halifax, Canada. Participants took part in a face‐to‐face structured interview where they provided information about the social context of their most recent cannabis‐using occasion and about their patterns of, and motives for, cannabis use.

Results

Compared to individuals reporting their most recent cannabis‐using occasion as social, solitary users (n = 55) were significantly more likely to screen positive for psychosis, endorse more symptoms of cannabis abuse/dependence, report using cannabis to cope, and use cannabis on more days within the previous 30 days. On the other hand, social users were significantly more likely to report using alcohol in addition to cannabis during their most recent cannabis‐using occasion (all P < 0.05).

Discussion and Conclusions

Results suggest that solitary cannabis use may be associated with specific motives for use and future adverse consequences. Findings from this study serve as a guide for future investigations which could ultimately inform public policy and the development of targeted harm‐reduction strategies.
First human application of a flexible 3‐D endoscope for gastrointestinal endoscopic submucosal dissection
Authors: Isomoto Hajime , Kanda Tsutomu
Published: February 2019

This Editorial refers to the article by P. W. Y. Chiu et al., p 323–328 of this issue.
Lost in authoritarian development: Have global climate deals and the aid community sacrificed the Vietnamese highland population?
Authors: Bruun Ole
Published: February 2019

Motivation

Global climate agreements and associated funding mechanisms tend to ignore the knowledge and experience accumulated in conventional aid interventions over several decades. The consequences are particularly pronounced in authoritarian regimes, where marginal population groups may be subjected to technocratic development plans in the name of global climate goals and social safeguards are difficult to monitor.

Purpose

The article examines the implications of climate‐related interventions for ethnic minority communities in the highlands of Vietnam, as they are caught in the conflicting development logics between the international donor community, vowing to defend their interests, and the Vietnamese government administration.

Approach

The study builds on a comprehensive household survey on REDD+ activities and livelihoods in two districts (three communes) in upland Lao Cai province in northern Vietnam. The survey was supplemented with in‐depth interviews with villagers, extensive talks with governments (People's Committees) at provincial, district and commune level, and various observations and interviews across the province.

Findings

The study finds that embeddedness is of key importance. However well‐intended climate‐related interventions may be, they cannot alter crucial conditions of social organization and governance. In the highlands of Vietnam, climate‐related funding tends to be aligned with a long series of government programmes for their transformation and the assimilation of ethnic minorities that have continued since 1975. Despite the international focus on “social safeguards”, ethnic minority people lose access to forest resources while most are trapped in poverty. The findings add to a growing literature that is critical of REDD+.

Policy implications

Current economic growth priorities have negative social and cultural impacts of such magnitude that they go beyond acceptable trade‐offs, and also threaten the very objective of climate‐mitigation projects. Both the basic safeguard instruments (a rights‐based approach, the Free Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) process, and a broad range of stakeholder engagements) and the global standards enshrined in the Voluntary Guidelines on the Responsible Governance of Tenure (VGGT) are in practice set aside by the authoritarian state. This tends to be commonly available knowledge, and it would seem that international donors observing the mandate of global climate deals have become insensitive to rights. In order to secure continued backing to global climate‐related funding mechanisms, however, improved monitoring is urgently needed.
Efficient sampling for geostatistical surveys
Authors: Wadoux Alexandre M.J.‐C. , Marchant Benjamin P. , Lark Richard M.
Published: February 2019

A geostatistical survey for soil requires rational choices regarding the sampling strategy. If the variogram of the property of interest is known then it is possible to optimize the sampling scheme such that an objective function related to the survey error is minimized. However, the variogram is rarely known prior to sampling. Instead it must be approximated by using either a variogram estimated from a reconnaissance survey or a variogram estimated for the same soil property in similar conditions. For this reason, spatial coverage schemes are often preferred, because they rely on the simple dispersion of sampling units as uniformly as possible, and are similar to those produced by minimizing the kriging variance. If extra sampling locations are added close to those in a spatial coverage scheme then the scheme might be broadly similar to one produced by minimizing the total error (i.e. kriging variance plus the prediction error due to uncertainty in the covariance parameters). We consider the relative merits of these different sampling approaches by comparing their mean total error for different specified random functions. Our results showed the considerable benefit of adding close‐pairs to a spatial coverage scheme, and that optimizing with respect to the total error generally gave a small further advantage. When we consider the example of sampling for geostatistical survey of clay content of the soil, an optimized scheme based on the average of previously reported clay variograms was fairly robust compared to the spatial coverage plus close‐pairs scheme. We conclude that the direct optimization of spatial surveys was only rarely worthwhile. For most cases, it is best to apply a spatial coverage scheme with a proportion of additional sampling locations to provide some closely spaced pairs. Furthermore, our results indicated that the number of observations required for an effective geostatistical survey depend on the variogram parameters.

Highlights

We compared spatial coverage and spatial coverage plus a subset of 10% from the total sample as close‐pairs.

The objective function encompasses variogram uncertainty and prediction error variance.

Spatial coverage schemes always performed poorly because of the lack of information at short distances.

Using a scheme in which 10% of the sampling units are taken at short distances is a robust strategy.
Reconciling ecogeographical rules: rainfall and temperature predict global colour variation in the largest bird radiation
Authors: Delhey Kaspar , Dale James , Valcu Mihai , Kempenaers Bart
Published: February 2019

Ecogeographical rules that associate climate with organismal form and function can reveal patterns of climatic adaptation. Two rules link animal coloration with climate: Gloger's rule (darker coloration where wet and warm), and Bogert's rule (darker coloration where cold). Whereas Gloger's rule was proposed for endotherms, and Bogert's rule for ectotherms, both rules may apply more broadly, despite their seemingly opposing effects. Here, we test this contradiction on a global scale across passerine birds. Consistent with Gloger's rule, birds were darker in wetter areas and, following Bogert's rule, lighter where warm, although birds became lighter again at very low temperatures. Rainfall and temperature had antagonistic or additive effects depending on their pattern of covariation, and this predicted whether birds followed the rules. We integrate both rules into a general framework to explain heterogeneity in climatic effects on coloration, which has implications to understand patterns of diversification, climatic adaptation and climate change impacts.
Should I stay or should I go? Fishers’ ability and willingness to adapt to environmental change in Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake
Authors: KC Krishna Bahadur , Seng Ratha , Fraser Evan
Published: February 2019

The livelihoods of people dependent on the Tonle Sap floodplain ecosystem in Cambodia are expected to be affected by changes in economic conditions, social circumstances, environmental perturbations, demographic shifts and political climates. This study assesses how small‐scale fisheries’ livelihoods are changing in response to social and environmental conditions using the opinions of fishers collected through an intensive family survey of 514 households from Pursat and Battambang Provinces in Cambodia. Probit modelling approach was used to assess whether a fisher would continue fishing or not in the future when subjected to a variety of shifting conditions and identify the factors associated with their response. It was found that in any future condition about 50% of fishers would likely continue to fish, which suggests how much they love their traditional livelihood of fishing. The remaining 50% considered to diversify their livelihood strategy by shifting towards a combination of fishing, farming, and off‐farm jobs. Furthermore, the analysis found that the fishers will change their fishing practices depending on how other sectors in the region develop. The model showed increasing access to agricultural activities decreased the likelihood of continuing to fish, whereas finding an off‐farm job corresponded to increased likelihood of continuing to fish.
Pathways of soil organic matter formation from above and belowground inputs in a Sorghum bicolor bioenergy crop
Authors: Fulton‐Smith Sarah , Cotrufo M. Francesca
Published: February 2019

When aboveground materials are harvested for fuel production, such as with Sorghum bicolor, the sustainability of annual bioenergy feedstocks is influenced by the ability of root inputs to contribute to the formation and persistence of soil organic matter (SOM), and to soil fertility through nutrient recycling. Using 13C and 15N labeling, we traced sorghum root and leaf litter‐derived C and N for 19 months in the field as they were mineralized or formed SOM. Our in situ litter incubation experiment confirms that sorghum roots and leaves significantly differ in their inherent chemical recalcitrance. This resulted in different contributions to C and N storage and recycling. Overall root residues had higher biochemical recalcitrance which led to more C retention in soil (27%) than leaf residues (19%). However, sorghum root residues resulted in higher particulate organic matter (POM) and lower mineral associated organic matter (MAOM), deemed to be the most persistent fraction in soil, than leaf residues. Additionally, the overall higher root‐derived C retention in soil led to higher N retention, reducing the immediate recycling of fertility from root as compared to leaf decomposition. Our study, conducted in a highly aggregated clay‐loam soil, emphasized the important role of aggregates in new SOM formation, particularly the efficient formation of MAOM in microaggregate structures occluded within macroaggregates. Given the known role of roots in promoting aggregation, efficient formation of MAOM within aggregates can be a major mechanism to increase persistent SOM storage belowground when aboveground residues are removed. We conclude that promoting root inputs in S. bicolor bioenergy production systems through plant breeding efforts may be an effective means to counterbalance the aboveground residue removal. However, management strategies need to consider the quantity of inputs involved and may need to support SOM storage and fertility with additional organic matter additions.
Why tree lines are lower on islands—Climatic and biogeographic effects hold the answer
Authors: Karger Dirk Nikolaus , Kessler Michael , Conrad Olaf , Weigelt Patrick , Kreft Holger , König Christian , Zimmermann Niklaus E.
Published: February 2019

Aim

To determine the global position of tree line isotherms, compare it with observed local tree limits on islands and mainlands, and disentangle the potential drivers of a difference between tree line and local tree limit.

Location

Global.

Time period

1979–2013.

Major taxa studied

Trees.

Methods

We modelled the potential climatic tree line based on monthly temperatures and precipitation for the period 1979–2013. We then compared the potential tree line based on climate to observed tree limits at 26 oceanic islands, 55 continental islands and 382 mainland locations. The differences between potential tree line and observed tree limits was then analysed by regression with the islands’ maximum elevation, age, isolation, and area. Additionally, we estimated growing season temperature niches for 16,041 species known to occur in the vicinity of the studied tree lines, and compared them across mainlands, and islands of continental and oceanic origin.

Results

Observed local tree limits differ up to 2,066 m from the potential tree line at the mainland on oceanic islands. Climatic effects are responsible for a difference of up to 1,296 m between tree lines of mainland regions and oceanic islands (but only for 756 m for continental islands). On oceanic islands, a remaining difference of up to 829 m correlates with the isolation and the maximum elevation of an island. Floras of oceanic islands are however depauperate with respect to potential tree line species and species show an affinity to higher growing season temperatures.

Main conclusions

Climate can explain about half of the differences between observed local tree limits and potential tree lines between the mainland and continental and oceanic islands. The remaining difference can be attributed to the higher isolation of oceanic islands, especially in the tropics, and as a consequence, a more depauperate flora and a lack of tree species that are able to grow at the tree line.
CD56bright natural killer cells exhibit abnormal phenotype and function in severe aplastic anemia
Authors: Chen Tong , Liu ChunYan , Li LiJuan , Liu Hui , Wang Ting , Shao ZongHong , Fu Rong
Published: February 2019

Introduction

CD56bright NK cells have been highlighted to serve immunoregulatory functions. However, their roles in severe aplastic anemia (SAA) have not been elucidated.

Methods

Here, we investigated the quantities, phenotypes, cytokine secretion abilities, and the cytotoxicities of peripheral CD56bright NK cells along with CD56dim NK cells obtained from patients with SAA, SAA in remission (R‐SAA), and healthy controls (HC).

Results

We observed the decreased quantities of CD56bright NK cells in SAA compared with in R‐SAA and HC. In SAA, the quantities of CD56bright NK cells correlated with the disease severity. Activating receptors NKp46 and NKp44 on CD56bright NK cells were upregulated while inhibiting receptor NKG2A was downregulated in SAA. CD56bright NK cells obtained from SAA patients produced increased IL‐10 and decreased IFN‐γ in vitro compared with cells obtained from HC, while TNF‐α and IL‐13 productions were not different between two groups. Under a 7‐day prestimulation with IL‐2 and IL‐12, the serum concentrations of which were higher in SAA patients, CD56bright NK obtained from HC also produced increased IL‐10 mRNAs. There were no differences of cytotoxicites between CD56bright NK cells in SAA and in HC.

Conclusion

We discovered that CD56bright NK cells exhibited abnormal receptor expressions and cytokine production in SAA, and they were related with the severity of illness.
Macrophage ERα promoted invasion of endometrial cancer cell by mTOR/KIF5B‐mediated epithelial to mesenchymal transition
Authors: Jing Xuanxuan , Peng Jin , Dou Yu , Sun Jintang , Ma Chao , Wang Qingjie , Zhang Lin , Luo Xia , Kong Beihua , Zhang Yun , Wang Lijie , Qu Xun
Published: February 2019

Tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs) exert tumor‐promoting effects. There have been reports that estrogen receptors (ERs) are expressed on the infiltrating macrophages of endometriosis, ovarian cancer and lung cancer. However, the role of ERs in macrophages is not well characterized. In this study, we identified that ER alpha (ERα) expression on the macrophages of human endometrial cancer was positively correlated with cancer progression. Conditioned medium from selective ERα agonist‐treated M2 macrophages induced the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in endometrial cancer cells. However, this effect can be inhibited by ERα antagonist. Here, we showed that macrophages ERα‐engaged abundantly produced chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 18 (CCL18), and its expression promoted the invasion of endometrial cancer cells by activating the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 pathway, whereas suppressing CCL18 abrogated these effects. Furthermore, we identified that CCL18 derived from TAMs upregulated KIF5B expression to promote EMT via activating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in endometrial cancer. Overall, our findings show how ERα‐engaged infiltrating macrophages initiate chronic inflammation and promote the aggressive progression of endometrial cancer cells. ERα‐positive TAMs act as drivers of endometrial cancer, which may become a potential therapeutic target.
The evolutionary response of mating system to heterosis
Authors: Harkness Alexander , Brandvain Yaniv , Goldberg Emma E.
Published: February 2019

Isolation allows populations to diverge and to fix different alleles. Deleterious alleles that reach locally high frequencies contribute to genetic load, especially in inbred or selfing populations, in which selection is relaxed. In the event of secondary contact, the recessive portion of the genetic load is masked in the hybrid offspring, producing heterosis. This advantage, only attainable through outcrossing, should favour evolution of greater outcrossing even if inbreeding depression has been purged from the contributing populations. Why, then, are selfing‐to‐outcrossing transitions not more common? To evaluate the evolutionary response of mating system to heterosis, we model two monomorphic populations of entirely selfing individuals, introduce a modifier allele that increases the rate of outcrossing and investigate whether the heterosis among populations is sufficient for the modifier to invade and fix. We find that the outcrossing mutation invades for many parameter choices, but it rarely fixes unless populations harbour extremely large unique fixed genetic loads. Reversions to outcrossing become more likely as the load becomes more polygenic, or when the modifier appears on a rare background, such as by dispersal of an outcrossing genotype into a selfing population. More often, the outcrossing mutation instead rises to moderate frequency, which allows recombination in hybrids to produce superior haplotypes that can spread without the mutation's further assistance. The transience of heterosis can therefore explain why secondary contact does not commonly yield selfing‐to‐outcrossing transitions.
Accuracy and Fairness for Juvenile Justice Risk Assessments
Authors: Berk Richard
Published: February 2019

Risk assessment algorithms used in criminal justice settings are often said to introduce “bias.” But such charges can conflate an algorithm's performance with bias in the data used to train the algorithm with bias in the actions undertaken with an algorithm's output. In this article, algorithms themselves are the focus. Tradeoffs between different kinds of fairness and between fairness and accuracy are illustrated using an algorithmic application to juvenile justice data. Given potential bias in training data, can risk assessment algorithms improve fairness and, if so, with what consequences for accuracy? Although statisticians and computer scientists can document the tradeoffs, they cannot provide technical solutions that satisfy all fairness and accuracy objectives. In the end, it falls to stakeholders to do the required balancing using legal and legislative procedures, just as it always has.
Morality, Compensation, and the Contractual Obligation
Authors: Mittlaender Sergio
Published: February 2019

This article presents empirical estimates suggesting that most people do not perceive breach of contract followed by compensation for the promisee as immoral. In the absence of compensation, the article reveals that individuals commonly perceive the moral value of breach depending on the consequences thereof, with the unfairness of the outcome—and not the inefficiency—as the preponderant factor. Contract law reflects observed interpersonal morality and allows courts to rescind the contract on grounds of impossibility, impracticability, or frustration if the breach is fair and the promisor avoids exceptionally high losses, but not if the breach is unfair and the promisor breaches to profit from a substitutive transaction. The law, moreover, does not punish breach, nor inevitably require performance by the promisor, but instead aims at compensating the victim, thereby reflecting how most individuals perceive breach followed by compensation, from a normative standpoint: as not morally wrong.
Prognostic significance of minimal hepatic encephalopathy in patients with liver cirrhosis in Japan: A propensity score‐matching analysis
Authors: Hanai Tatsunori , Shiraki Makoto , Watanabe Satoshi , Imai Kenji , Suetsugu Atsushi , Takai Koji , Moriwaki Hisataka , Shimizu Masahito
Published: February 2019

Background and Aim

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) represents the mildest form of the hepatic encephalopathy spectrum. This study aimed to clarify the prognostic significance of MHE in cirrhotic patients.

Methods

This retrospective study evaluated 357 consecutive patients with liver cirrhosis. MHE was diagnosed using a neuropsychiatric test. A propensity score‐matching analysis was employed to adjust significant differences in the baseline characteristics between patients with and without MHE.

Results

Of 269 eligible patients, 56 patients (21%) were diagnosed as having MHE. The Child–Pugh score, model for end‐stage liver disease score, and serum ammonia levels were significantly increased, while serum albumin levels were reduced in patients with MHE. By contrast, no significant difference was found between the two groups in matched patients. During the median follow‐up period of 13.4 months, 67 patients (24.9%) died. Overall survival rates were significantly lower in patients with MHE (median, 25.4 vs 48.8 months; P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.03–3.18; P = 0.038), stage III/IV hepatocellular carcinoma (HR, 6.32; 95% CI, 3.30–12.79; P < 0.001), the Child–Pugh score (HR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.12–1.62; P = 0.002), and MHE (HR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.09–3.29; P = 0.024) were independently associated with mortality in all patients as well as in matched patients.

Conclusion

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy is associated with an increased risk of mortality in patients with liver cirrhosis, independent of hepatocellular carcinoma stage or Child–Pugh score.
Melasma: How hormones can modulate skin pigmentation
Authors: Filoni Angela , Mariano Maria , Cameli Norma
Published: February 2019

We described—along with a genetic predisposition and exposure to sunlight, as the main factors for melasma development—pregnancy, hormonal therapies, and oral contraceptive pills. Whilst hormonal alteration or therapies are frequently reported in literature in association with melasma, studies analyzing the laboratoristic correlation are limited. We review data published on hormones variations both in women and males with melasma and report some peculiar clinical cases that further demonstrate how the relationship between hormone secretion and melasma development is difficult to be defined.
Investigation of human apoB48 metabolism using a new, integrated non‐steady‐state model of apoB48 and apoB100 kinetics
Authors: Björnson E. , Packard C. J. , Adiels M. , Andersson L. , Matikainen N. , Söderlund S. , Kahri J. , Sihlbom C. , Thorsell A. , Zhou H. , Taskinen M.‐R. , Borén J.
Published: February 2019

Background

Triglyceride‐rich lipoproteins and their remnants have emerged as major risk factors for cardiovascular disease. New experimental approaches are required that permit simultaneous investigation of the dynamics of chylomicrons (CM) and apoB48 metabolism and of apoB100 in very low‐density lipoproteins (VLDL).

Methods

Mass spectrometric techniques were used to determine the masses and tracer enrichments of apoB48 in the CM, VLDL1 and VLDL2 density intervals. An integrated non‐steady‐state multicompartmental model was constructed to describe the metabolism of apoB48‐ and apoB100‐containing lipoproteins following a fat‐rich meal, as well as during prolonged fasting.

Results

The kinetic model described the metabolism of apoB48 in CM, VLDL1 and VLDL2. It predicted a low level of basal apoB48 secretion and, during fat absorption, an increment in apoB48 release into not only CM but also directly into VLDL1 and VLDL2. ApoB48 particles with a long residence time were present in VLDL, and in subjects with high plasma triglycerides, these lipoproteins contributed to apoB48 measured during fasting conditions. Basal apoB48 secretion was about 50 mg day−1, and the increment during absorption was about 230 mg day−1. The fractional catabolic rates for apoB48 in VLDL1 and VLDL2 were substantially lower than for apoB48 in CM.

Discussion

This novel non‐steady‐state model integrates the metabolic properties of both apoB100 and apoB48 and the kinetics of triglyceride. The model is physiologically relevant and provides insight not only into apoB48 release in the basal and postabsorptive states but also into the contribution of the intestine to VLDL pool size and kinetics.
In Dependence: The Paradox of Professional Independence and Taking Seriously the Vulnerabilities of Lawyers in Large Corporate Law Firms
Authors: Oakley Emma , Vaughan Steven
Published: February 2019

In this article, and drawing on the work of Martha Fineman and others, we deploy a vulnerability lens as an heuristic device to push against the concept of professional lawyer independence as enshrined in statute and promoted by legal services regulators. Using interviews with 53 senior partners and others from 20 large corporate law firms, we show how the meaning and practice of independence are profoundly mediated by the contexts, relationships, and interactions of corporate lawyers’ everyday working lives. Vulnerable to competition from other firms, the demands of clients, the shift over time from ‘trusted advisor’ to ‘service provider', regulatory requirements, pressures to make profit, and so on, these corporate lawyers appeared prone to developing and normalizing potentially risky and irresponsible practices. We therefore argue that a debate about corporate legal regulation is better based upon a richly theorized concept of interdependence that takes seriously the causes and effects of practitioner vulnerabilities in particular circumstances.
'Ritual Individualization': Creative Genius at Sentencing, Mitigation, and Conviction
Authors: Tata Cyrus
Published: February 2019

Judges and lawyers must regard themselves as upholding cherished values, including the presumption of innocence; free defendant choice and participation; and attention to the unique individual. Yet, everyday criminal work also demands compliance with a system of perfunctory, mass case disposal. How is this potential contradiction addressed? Conceiving the criminal‐penal process as a tripartite rite of passage, the article originates the concept of ‘Ritual Individualization’ (RI). RI's creative pre‐sentencing casework accomplishes four key transformations in how the person is re‐presented to the court for sentencing. First, the person's unique voice and personal story is revealed, exhibiting her as a freely participating individual. Secondly, in doing so, the pertinence of social disadvantage tends to be minimized. Thirdly, ambiguous admissions of guilt are translated as freely‐given, full, and sincere confessions. Fourthly, the person is manifested as a culpable offender ready for punishment. The article considers new research agendas opened up by the implications of Ritual Individualization.
Social Science and the Governance of Crime: Crime Prevention Policy Making during the 1980s
Authors: Hope Tim
Published: February 2019

As with much else in Britain, the 1980s marked a watershed in the politics of crime control. This article traces the role of criminological research, developed and articulated by governmental social scientists, in the evolution of penal policy around the (then) innovative idea of engaging the community in the prevention of crime. Its central theme is that although the raison d'être for crime prevention policy and practice, then as now, can be found in a concern about the deficiencies of the statutory police in addressing crime, shifting the locus of social control towards the institutions of civil society was, and remains, a contested project.
Sensory analysis of honey using Flash profile: A cross‐cultural comparison of Greek and Chinese panels
Authors: Price Elliott J. , Tang Rishi , El Kadri Hani , Gkatzionis Konstantinos
Published: February 2019

The sensory perception of six monofloral honey (vanilla fir, chestnut, pine, wild flower, orange blossom, wild thyme) was investigated using Flash profile sensory analysis, comparing Greek and Chinese subjects in combination with physicochemical and rheological properties. Chinese judges showed greater consensus agreement than the Greek for all samples except chestnut. The Chinese panel differentiated vanilla honey associated to granular texture and driven by thixotropic behavior. In relation to their familiarity with the product the Greek judges used considerably more terms than Chinese for Flash profile evaluation, despite a similar number of descriptors being generated. The results indicate the differing importance of honey properties in sensory perception between different cultures.

Practical applications

This study is a first attempt at evaluating the sensory perception of honey by Flash profile and influence of culture on the generated vocabulary. It is relevant to situations where existing culture particularities (e.g., culture difference in the perception of sweetness intensity) are associated to food properties and/or differences exist in consumption and familiarity with the product.
Understanding consumer's perception and acceptance of bologna sausages with reduced sodium content and/or omega‐3 addition through conjoint analysis and focus group
Authors: Pires Manoela Alves , de Noronha Regina Lúcia Firmento , Trindade Marco Antonio
Published: February 2019

The objective was to evaluate consumer's perceptions of bologna with reduced sodium content and/or enriched with omega‐3. Two factors were selected, each one with two levels: sodium content (“more” or “less”) and omega‐3 addition (“with” or “without”). Four stimuli of bologna sausages were evaluated by 263 consumers in conjoint analysis (CA). The same stimuli were evaluated by focus group with two groups of eight participants in each one. CA showed that consumers attributed more relative importance to sodium content than omega‐3 addition. In fact, it was also observed in the focus group that consumers demonstrated lower knowledge about health benefits of omega‐3. Both techniques demonstrated that consumers approved and could consume the product with the claims: “less sodium and containing omega‐3.” Furthermore, the different consumer research techniques applied showed similar results regarding consumer's perception and acceptance about healthier meat products.

Practical applications

Bologna sausage is an emulsified processed meat and has high acceptability among Brazilian people, but many consumers believe that it is not healthy. Understanding the perception of healthier bologna sausages is important information to industries that can drive production based on the consumer expectation.
In situ calibration of the Martian cratering chronology
Authors: Werner Stephanie C.
Published: February 2019

Crater densities on planetary surfaces allow assessing relative ages but so far firm calibration of so‐called cratering‐chronology models is available only for the Moon and limited to the past 4.1 billion years. Most planetary geological time scales are still model‐dependent, and essentially constrained by meteorite ages or by comparison to (dynamical) solar system evolution models. Here we describe in situ calibration of the Martian cratering chronology using cosmogenic and radiogenic isotope ages obtained by the NASA Curiosity rover. We determined the cratering‐rate ratio between Moon and Mars for recent times, and extended the calibration of cratering rates to earlier times than those based exclusively on lunar data. Our preferred interpretation supports monotonic flux decay since at least 4.24 Ga and likely since about 4.45 Ga, implying orbital migration of the giant planets, and its direct, transient, dynamical effect on the planetesimal populations was initiated early. But only Martian Sample Return will provide strongly needed capability for distinction of the different models currently available.
DksA–RNA polymerase interactions support new origin formation and DNA repair in Escherichia coli
Authors: Myka Kamila K. , Küsters Kira , Washburn Robert , Gottesman Max E.
Published: February 2019

The formation of new replication origins (cSDR) and repair of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in E. coli share a commonality. We find that the two processes require the RNAP‐associated factor, DksA. However, whereas cSDR also relies on (p)ppGpp, the alarmone molecule is dispensable for the repair of topoisomerase type II (Top II) DNA adducts and associated DSBs. The requirement for DksA in repair of nalidixic acid (Nal)‐induced DSBs or for the formation of new origins is not suppressed by a greA deletion mutation, indicating an active role of DksA rather than competition with GreA for insertion into the RNAP secondary channel. Like dksA mutations, transcription termination factor Rho mutations also confer sensitivity to Nal. The rho and dksA mutations are not epistatic, suggesting they involve different repair pathways. The roles of DksA in DSB repair and cSDR differ; certain DksA and RNAP mutants are able to support the first process, but not the latter. We suggest that new origin formation and DNA repair of protein adducts with DSBs may both involve the removal of RNAP without destruction of the RNA:DNA hybrid.