bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wire Service Journalism
Authors: Boyd‐Barrett Oliver
Published: April 2019

A wire service is defined as a “wholesale” news medium that gathers and distributes news for the primary benefit of multiple news “retailers.” Limitations of this definition are identified. The entry reviews the study of international news agencies by Boyd‐Barrett in 1980 and Boyd‐Barrett and Palmer in 1981, with particular reference to wire service journalism (as opposed to the institutions as such). Recent work on national news agencies is identified. Additionally, major works that shed significant light on wire service journalism are considered. Finally, several topics or issues prominent in news agency research are identified and described.
Advice and Advocacy Columns
Authors: Gudelunas David
Published: April 2019

This entry provides an overview of the history and function of newspaper advice columns. Newspaper advice columns, despite their name, are less about advice and more about serving as a mediated space where individuals with little access to the media and large audiences can have their voice amplified. The columns were also critical in providing a space in newspapers for feminine voices and driving circulation by hailing female readers.
Breaking or Spot News
Authors: Luchsinger Alex , Barnett Brooke
Published: April 2019

This entry discusses breaking news or spot news, its origins and evolution, and current uses and context within global communications. Additionally, a variety of media and live news are discussed, as well as breaking news ethics and implications of breaking news events. Breaking news examples are provided throughout the entry.
Financial, Business, and Economic News Coverage
Authors: Kalogeropoulos Antonis
Published: April 2019

Over the past decade, financial, business, and economic news coverage has been in the spotlight of a public and academic debate. The debate is partly related to the perceived failure of financial journalists to warn the public about the early signs of the global financial crisis of 2007/2008. Given the documented effects of economic news exposure on consumer and political behavior, this entry examines research findings on the content and the production challenges related to financial, business, and economic journalism.
Crime Coverage
Authors: Young Mary Lynn
Published: April 2019

Crime news continues to provide prominent journalism content across media. Numerous studies across time and place show that crime news tells us about changing definitions of journalism and its relationship to how we understand the criminal justice system, control, deviance, and morality/ethics in a particular social, historical, economic, technological, and cultural moment. Emerging areas of interest include crime news content in a global digital media environment.
Technology Coverage
Authors: Metag Julia
Published: April 2019

Since technologies affect many areas of our individual lives and of the societal system, they are frequently covered in the news media. Technology coverage deals with issues such as nuclear energy, biotechnology, nanotechnology, or fracking. These bring about risks and benefits that are discussed in the news media. For journalists, the uncertainty associated with some of these technological developments can pose a particular challenge for their coverage. Technology coverage is mostly cyclical with key events triggering higher amounts of coverage and accidents or damages caused by technologies, for example, nuclear power‐plant accidents, evoking critical coverage. Framing analysis is frequently used to analyze technology coverage. Most of the studies focus on Western countries and print media while non‐Western countries and online media have only been under investigation in a few studies.
Terrorism Coverage
Authors: O'Loughlin Ben
Published: April 2019

Terrorism coverage has traditionally referred to mainstream media coverage of terrorism, but the ability of citizen‐users to upload, share, and report on terrorism themselves expands the phenomenon. This entry maps this change and the way it affects how terrorism coverage is understood and researched. Terrorism is a communicative act, thus terrorism coverage is an important and controversial area in journalism studies and practice. Journalists—and now citizens—face dilemmas about how to report it. New questions are emerging about the time, space, and trajectory of terrorism, media coverage of terrorism, and the effects of both. This entry offers a set of urgent empirical, theoretical, and normative questions.
Consultants: Role in Newsroom
Authors: Allen Craig
Published: April 2019

This entry discusses the process and theories associated with news consultants, paid specialists hired by news organizations for measures that maximize audiences and profits. Consultants are most widely employed in television news, where newsrooms must compete for ratings and audience share. From research, consultants derive and advise on the content, style, and personnel audiences prefer. Traditional theories of news work do not accommodate news consulting; however, newer theories of news production and socialization explain the authority and influence consultants can exert. The first news consultants were sociologists who demonstrated that audience accumulation rests on reaching middle and lower class individuals. An important outcome of news consulting was “Eyewitness News,” a “news for masses” that remains a paradigm of television news presentation.
Diversity in News Organizations
Authors: Bravo Vanessa , Clark Naeemah
Published: April 2019

Through this examination of diversity in U.S. and international newsrooms, it is clear that issues related to representation, ethics, intersectionality, sexual harassment, and advocacy all impact the news media workforce in the United States and around the world. While some advancements have been made in newsrooms since the civil rights movement erupted in the United States in the 1960s, news organizations both in the United States and in most other countries are still dominated by males in their 30s and 40s, both as content producers and media owners. This reality impacts the types of stories covered, the angles emphasized in those stories, and the sources used to tell the stories.
Professional Identity of Journalists
Authors: Cam Florence Le , Pereira Fábio Henrique , Ruellan Denis
Published: April 2019

Scholarly research on journalistic identity revolves around three axes: its historical dimension, its collective dimension, and the materiality of its workplace and work conditions. To study what constitutes identity in the present one must fully grasp its history. To analyze identity also means to study structures of domination, tension, and socialization affecting both the professional group and individuals, and to grasp how these individuals are acted upon by—and act within—society at large. The diversity within the group of actors who produce news must also be examined. One must understand the history of the group; its collective and organizational dimension; how relationships with “the other” are managed; and the production and dissemination of discourse by journalism, on journalism, and on journalists (whether produced by the journalists themselves or not). This plurality of perspectives—of ways of looking at journalistic identities—reveals its inherent heterogeneity, and polysemous and transdisciplinary nature.
Trade and Professional Organizations
Authors: Moore Joseph
Published: April 2019

Professional organizations and trade associations influence both the structure of the journalistic field and the nature of news work. News media trade associations attempt to advance the interests of industry firms through campaign contributions, political lobbying, and public relations activities. They trace their origins back to the founding of state and regional newspaper trade associations in the mid‐nineteenth century. Journalistic professional organizations foster a shared identity among journalists, establish norms of behavior and ethical codes, and engage in political advocacy around issues of press freedom and information access. Unlike professional organizations in more established professions, such as medicine and law, journalistic professional organizations do not control access to the profession and possess little authority to discipline members. This is a result of journalism's semiprofessional status relative to full professions.
Unions of News Workers
Authors: Bekken Jon
Published: April 2019

News workers' unions, like unions more generally, face increased pressure around the world. Particular challenges include technological convergence, growing reliance on part‐time and contract labor, harassment and violence directed against news workers by state and nonstate actors, and economic concentration that has greatly increased the relative power of media employers. Unions are responding by merging, pursuing policies to limit concentration and preserve public media services, and through international campaigns around intellectual property rights, violence against journalists, and the central role of journalism to democracy.
Anchors and Television Presenters
Authors: Meltzer Kimberly
Published: April 2019

This entry traces the development of scholarly research about television news anchors and presenters, and describes the methods and theories used to research anchors and presenters. It also provides information about the origin and history of the television anchor, also known as presenter, and describes the variable roles of TV anchors. The differences in regard for television anchors and presenters between the United States, where the term “anchor” was coined, and other countries are also discussed. Many key historical moments are remembered through the involvement of some of the most notable TV news anchors who were the faces of the broadcast reports about those events. In addition to the aspects ascribed to all journalists, TV news anchors must also excel at visual appearance, performance, and connecting with viewers. As television news evolves amidst changes in the technological, political, and cultural environment and challenges from other forms of news and information, the role of the television news anchor evolves as well.
Hacks and Hackers
Authors: Usher Nikki
Published: April 2019

Hacker journalism is a distinctive term in journalism, whereby journalists who can program as well as programmers interested in journalism embrace foundational ideals of hacker culture and their intersection with journalism. Hacks/Hackers is a distinct movement and grassroots organization that reflects this global impetus, whereby hacks (journalists) and hackers (programmers) come together to innovate journalism. Hacker journalism is distinct from data journalism, though there is terminological confusion and “interactive journalism” may be said to better reflect the convergence of sophisticated programming and editorial initiatives. Hacker journalism reflects an epistemological approach to journalism that is predicated on transparency, iteration, participation, and tinkering.
Eyewitnesses
Authors: Mortensen Mette
Published: April 2019

With the emergence of digital media—and not least mobile media and social media—the eyewitness has gained renewed prominence. The eyewitness has moved behind the camera, and eyewitness images are mass produced and disseminated across platforms. Witnessing invariably raises questions about visibility and recognition: Who is seen, why are they seen, and how are they seen? Accordingly, eyewitness images in today's connective media environment reconfigure the mediated visibility of conflictual situations.
Press Releases/News Releases/
VNRs
Authors: Jackson Daniel
Published: April 2019

This entry provides an introduction to the practice and evolution of press release/news release/VNR writing, some of its research applications and key debates, as well as directions for future research. Above other public communications such as interviews, speeches, and now tweets, press releases are the official version of the company/organizational line on an issue. As such, they are an important artifact to study, and intersect with a number of key theoretical strands of journalism studies that include sourcing practices, information subsidies, frame‐building, political economy, and propaganda. As well as reviewing key strands of research in these fields, this entry examines the claim that journalists are increasingly relying on press releases in the news‐gathering process. We end with a look at the present and future communications ecology that press releases find themselves part of, which has implications for research, theory, and methodology in journalism studies.
Surveillance of Journalists/Encryption Issues
Authors: Thorsen Einar
Published: April 2019

Journalists and their sources across the world are increasingly vulnerable to digital attacks from state and nonstate adversaries, which can threaten source confidentiality and undermine news work. Lack of knowledge about how to integrate defensive measures and digital security such as encryption into everyday routinized news work is a considerable challenge for journalists and has been highlighted by a number of studies. Research has found journalists and their sources do not sufficiently understand data anonymization or digital communication security. They also highlight perceived lack of usability of encryption tools, which hinders their uptake among journalists. Such arguments are widespread in the journalistic community and put at risk the ability of journalists to guarantee the safety of their sources—be they whistleblowers or not—in a complex digital communications landscape.
Editorial Cartoons
Authors: Scully Richard
Published: April 2019

This entry provides an introduction to the editorial (or simply “political”) cartoon, from its origins in the print revolution of the early modern period, through to the digital age. Particular attention is given to key technologies and formats by which the cartoon has been created and disseminated. Important practitioners—“cartoonists” as well as “caricaturists”—are also highlighted; as are the developments in the scholarly appreciation of the cartoon and its value as a form of visual journalism, as well as an art form combining image and text.
Photojournalism and Photojournalists
Authors: Greenwood Keith
Published: April 2019

Photojournalism is the practice of reporting primarily through still and moving images. The creation and presentation of photojournalism has been closely tied to available technologies at different points in history and has evolved as the technologies have improved. Improvements in the ability to create and present news photography have changed the content, but motivations driving photojournalists have remained consistent. Among other purposes, photojournalists have sought to witness the important events of the day and share the evidence with others. They also have sought to use photojournalism to illustrate important social issues and promote dialog about public response. Research in photojournalism has explored the practices of production and distribution of photojournalism, the content of news photographs and video, and viewer reception and interpretation.
Virtual Reality Journalism
Authors: Sirkkunen Esa , Uskali Turo
Published: April 2019

VR journalism (also immersive journalism) differs radically from previous forms of journalism in that it offers not only a presentation, but also a sensory experience of reality. Thus, it provides a uniquely different level of experiencing the news than reading print or watching audiovisual material. VR is often defined via two main features: presence and immersion. To date, the most popular technical format for VR journalism has been 360 video, although this offers a limited experience of presence and immersion. Many bottlenecks are preventing the spread of VR in journalism. Also, many ethical questions require solutions before VR journalism can become mainstream.
Jellyfish‐Based Plastic
Authors: Steinberger Liron Reshef , Gulakhmedova Tamilla , Barkay Zahava , Gozin Michael , Richter Shachar
Published: April 2019

The quest for alternative materials replacing fossil‐based plastics is of great importance due to their damage to the environment. In this context, protein‐based plastic materials may provide an alternative solution to this problem. These can be easily harvested and produced in a biodegradable form and, often produced from renewable resources. In this work, the use of jellyfish (JF)‐based biomass to produce plastics is suggested. This biomass comprises a significant amount of proteins such as Q‐mucin and collage that can be easily extracted by means of green technology. Also, there is a considerable need to use JF as a renewable resource since, during the last decades, JF has become an ecological disturbance worldwide. Here, a new route to exploit JF biomass to form biodegradable bioplastics is demonstrated. These materials are easy to produce, and their mechanical properties can be tuned by blending the JF biomass with biodegradable cross‐linkers that are also generated from renewable resources. Inspection of the plastics morphology reveals that it is composed of an unprecedented pseudospherulitic structure, which affects the materials' mechanical properties.
Silent Pumpers: A Comparative Topical Overview of the Peristaltic Pumping Principle in Living Nature, Engineering, and Biomimetics
Authors: Esser Falk , Masselter Tom , Speck Thomas
Published: April 2019

This synopsis presents the state‐of‐the‐art of peristaltic pump systems in biomimetics and living nature, and allows for a comparison by highlighting the differences in structure and function, as well as advantages and drawbacks for technical implementation. For the first time, data of selected biological examples are collected in one study to give a comprehensive overview of the performance of biological peristaltic pumps. The developed biomimetic pumping systems not only mimic the biological principle and by this inherit its advantages, but also show the usability of the principle in various pumping applications and medical research. A direct comparison of peristaltic pump systems in nature, biomimetics, and technology highlights their similarities, differences, and allows for proposing new fields of application.
A Biomimetic Coordination Nanoplatform for Controlled Encapsulation and Delivery of Drug–Gene Combinations
Authors: Liu Bei , Hu Feng , Zhang Jingfang , Wang Congli , Li Lele
Published: April 2019

Inspired by natural biomineralization processes, a simple and universal strategy is introduced to construct a biomimetic nanoplatform for systemic codelivery of a nucleic acid therapeutic (G3139) and a chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). This codelivery system was synthesized through one‐pot supramolecular self‐assembly of G3139, DOX, and FeII ions through multiple coordination interactions, followed by an adapted surface mineralization with metal–organic frameworks. The resulting core–shell nanoparticles have uniform size, well‐defined nanosphere structure, robust colloidal stability, ultrahigh drug loading efficiency and capacity, and precisely adjustable ratios of two therapeutic agents. The system can efficiently accumulate in the tumor, allowing for sensitive MRI detection and synergistical inhibition of tumor growth without apparent systemic toxicity.
Sequential Photochemical and Prins Reactions for the Diastereoselective Synthesis of Tricyclic Scaffolds
Authors: Donnelly Bethan L. , Elliott Luke D. , Willis Christine L. , Booker‐Milburn Kevin I.
Published: April 2019

Cyclobutene alcohols undergo Prins cyclisations to generate single diastereomers of novel tricyclic heterocycles with five contiguous stereocentres. The reaction times are significantly shorter (ca. 15 min) than with traditional alkene substrates. Stereoselective aza‐Prins cyclisations of cyclobutene amine derivatives give fused aza‐heterocyclic scaffolds. Computational studies provide insight into the observed stereocontrol. The modular approach is flexible, enabling the introduction of a variety of functional groups (including amides, nitriles, alkynes, and arenes) into the sp3‐rich heterocyclic scaffolds.
Molecular and functional properties of two Spodoptera exigua acetylcholinesterase genes
Authors: Zhao Jing , Hao Dejun , Xiao Liubin , Tan Yongan , Jiang Yiping , Bai Lixin , Wang Kai
Published: April 2019

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is a vital enzyme that hydrolyzes acetylcholine. Here, full‐length complementary DNAs (cDNAs) of two acetylcholinesterase genes (SeAce1 and SeAce2) were obtained from Spodoptera exigua, a widespread phytophagous pest in agriculture. The complete SeAce1 cDNA comprised 5447 nucleotides including an open reading frame (ORF) encoding 694 amino acids, while SeAce2 cDNA encompassed a 1917‐bp ORF which would likely yield 638 amino acids. Both SeAce1 and SeAce2 contained specific characteristics of functional AChE. A phylogenetic tree of all lepidopteran insect Aces showed S. exigua clustered with S. litura, Helicoverpa assulta, and H. armigera, all of which are Noctuidae. In S. exigua, SeAce1 gene expression levels (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction [RT‐PCR] and quantitative RT‐PCR) were markedly increased compared with SeAce2 in all developmental phases and tissue types. Both genes were down regulated by inserting the corresponding dsRNAs in 5th instar larvae, which resulted in 56.7% (SeAce1) and 24.6% (SeAce2) death. Downregulation of both SeAce1 and SeAce2 significantly reduced fecundity and vitellogenin gene expression in S. exigua. These results revealed the biological functions of the two Ace genes (SeAce1 and SeAce2), providing novel insights into the development of strategies for controlling insect pests.
Change processes in school‐based humanistic counselling
Authors: McArthur Katherine , Cooper Mick , Berdondini Lucia
Published: April 2019

Background

Recent research has indicated that school‐based humanistic counselling (SBHC) is effective for young people in reducing psychological distress and facilitating achievement of personal goals. However, the processes by which this form of counselling brings about change are not yet understood.

Aim

This study aims to clarify the dynamic processes of change that young people go through when they attend SBHC, in order inform school counselling practice, training and further research.

Method

This is a qualitative interview study with 14 participants who had recently completed between two and nine sessions of SBHC as part of a randomised controlled trial (RCT). Interviews were transcribed and analysed using a grounded theory approach resulting in the development of five change process models.

Results

Multiple change processes were evident for individual clients; and were labelled relief, increasing self‐worth, developing insight, enhancing coping strategies and improving relational skills.

Implications

The data indicate that multiple pathways of change are possible, and that change processes associated with different theories of personality change are not mutually exclusive. The study is limited by a small, selective sample and low testimonial validity, and further qualitative research is needed to understand change processes in SBHC more fully.
Deciding what belongs: How psychotherapists in New Zealand attend to religion and/or spirituality in psychotherapy
Authors: Florence Helen Jane , McKenzie‐Green Barbara , Tudor Keith
Published: April 2019

Background

The research presented in this paper aimed to explain how psychotherapists in New Zealand attended to religion and/or spirituality (RS) in the therapeutic process. Thirty‐three in‐depth interviews were conducted with 28 psychotherapists throughout New Zealand, exploring their thoughts about RS in psychotherapy.

Method and Methodology

Grounded dimensional analysis (a variant of grounded theory), underpinned by symbolic interactionism, was used to collect and analyse data.

Findings

The study found that participants made decisions about what belonged to psychotherapy regarding RS based on three perspectives; that psychotherapy is secular, that psychotherapy and RS are inextricably connected, and that psychotherapy and RS intersect episodically. Participants’ perspectives influenced their level of engagement of RS material when working with clients. The professional and personal outcomes of this process included expanding practice, maintaining the status quo and being seen to present as “legitimate.”

Discussion

Deciding what belongs is an iterative process and many participants adjusted their responses when faced with changing contexts and conditions.

Implications

This study was significant since it found that it was participants, namely the psychotherapists themselves, who actually decided what belonged at all stages of the process of attending to RS in therapeutic engagement.
Soluble CXCL16 promotes TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis in DLBCL via the AMAD10‐NF‐κB regulatory feedback loop
Authors: Yang Hua , Qiu Bo , Chen Shaoying , Xun Yang , Pan Yu , Chen Minmin , Li Wen‐Xing , Liao Wanqin , El‐Ashram Saeed , Yang Anping , Liu Fang
Published: April 2019

We had previously identified that the co‐expression of transmembrane CXCL16 (TM‐CXCL16) and its receptor CXCR6 is an independent risk factor for poor survival in patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). However, the impact of the soluble form of CXCL16 (sCXCL16) on the pathogenesis of DLBCL remains unknown. In the present study, the synergistic effect of sCXCL16 and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) on apoptosis in DLBCL cell lines (OCI‐LY8 and OCI‐LY10) was investigated in vitro. sCXCL16 reinforced TNF‐α‐mediated inhibition of DLBCL cell proliferation, as determined by the cell counting kit‐8 assay. The results of annexin V staining showed that sCXCL16 enhanced TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis in OCI‐LY8 and OCI‐LY10 cells through a death receptor‐caspase signaling pathway. The results of gene microarray suggested a significant upregulation of differentially expressed genes in the TNF signaling pathway. sCXCL16 increased the concentration of extracellular TNF‐α by binding to CXCR6 to activate the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. TNF‐α also induced the secretion of sCXCL16 by increasing the expression of ADAM10, which is known to cleave TM‐CXCL16 to yield sCXCL16. Moreover, bioinformatics analysis revealed that elevated TNF‐α and ADAM10 expression levels in tumor tissues predicted better survival in patients with DLBCL. Thus, our study suggests that sCXCL16 enhances TNF‐α‐induced apoptosis of DLBCL cells, which may involve a positive feedback loop consisting of TNF‐α, ADAM10, sCXCL16, and members of the NF‐κB pathway. sCXCL16 and TNF‐α may be used as prognostic markers in the clinic, and their combinational use is a promising approach in the context of DLBCL therapy.
Integrated Theoretical and Empirical Studies for Probing Substrate–Framework Interactions in Hierarchical Catalysts
Authors: Chapman Stephanie , O'Malley Alexander J. , Miletto Ivana , Carravetta Marina , Cox Paul , Gianotti Enrica , Marchese Leonardo , Parker Stewart F. , Raja Robert
Published: April 2019

Soft templating with siliceous surfactant is an established protocol for the synthesis of hierarchically porous silicoaluminophosphates (HP SAPOs) with improved mass transport properties. Motivated by the enhanced performance of HP SAPOs in the Beckmann rearrangement of cyclohexanone oxime to the nylon 6 precursor ϵ‐caprolactam, an integrated theoretical and empirical study was carried out to investigate the catalytic potential of the siliceous mesopore network. Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) studies, in particular, provided unique insight into the substrate‐framework interactions in HP (Si)AlPOs and allowed reactive species to be studied independent of the catalyst matrix. The spectroscopic (INS, FTIR spectroscopy, MAS NMR spectroscopy) and computational analyses revealed that in the organosilane‐templated SAPO, the interconnectivity of micro‐ and mesopores permits cooperativity between their respective silanol and Brønsted acid sites that facilitates the protonation of cyclohexanone oxime in a physical mixture at ambient temperature.
H2 Adsorption on Wurtzite ZnO and on ZnO/M(111) (M=Cu, Ag and Au) Bilayer Films
Authors: Thang Ho Viet , Pacchioni Gianfranco
Published: April 2019

The dissociative adsorption of H2 on the wurtzite ZnO (10
0) surface and on ZnO/M(111) (M=Cu, Ag and Au) bilayer films has been investigated by mean of DFT+U calculations. On ZnO wurtzite and free‐standing ZnO bilayer, H2 prefers to dissociate heterolytically, forming a proton adsorbed on an O atom and an hydride atom sitting on a Zn cation. While this adsorption mechanism is exothermic on the wurtzite ZnO (10
0) surface, an endothermic process is observed on a free‐standing, unsupported ZnO bilayer. The trend is completely reversed when H2 is adsorbed and dissociated on a metal supported ZnO bilayer. Here the homolytic dissociation mechanism is exothermic and preferred over the heterolytic dissociation. This is due to the effect of the metal support which acts as an electron reservoir to accept extra electrons accompanied to homolytic dissociation of H2 molecule (two electrons are transferred to the metal support with formation of two H+ ions). The study of the reaction pathway for dissociative adsorption of H2 on ZnO/Cu(111) shows that the reaction occurs via (a) heterolytic splitting and (b) the displacement of an H atom from a Zn site to the neighboring O site, forming the final product of homolytic dissociation.
Genetic diversity estimation of Yunnan indigenous goat breeds using microsatellite markers
Authors: E Guang‐Xin , Hong Qiong‐Hua , Zhao Yong‐Ju , Ma Yue‐Hui , Chu Ming‐Xing , Zhu Lan , Huang Yong‐Fu
Published: April 2019

Background

To assess the genetic diversity of seven Yunnan indigenous goat populations (Fengqing hornless goat, Mile red‐bone goat, Longling goat, Ninglang black goat, Black‐bone goat, Yunling black goat, and Zhaotong goat), their population structures were investigated using 20 microsatellite markers.

Results

The results indicated that the genetic diversity of these goats was rich. The observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.4667 ± 0.0243 to 0.5793 ± 0.0230, and the mean number of alleles ranged from 4.80 ± 1.61 and 4.80 ± 1.64 to 6.20 ± 2.93. The population structure analysis showed that these seven goat populations were separated into two clusters, consistent with the results from phylogenetic networks, pairwise differences, and STRUCTURE analyses. We speculate that this may have been caused by natural geographical isolation, human migration and economic and cultural exchanges. We suggest removing CSRD247 and ILSTS005, two loci identified to be under positive selection in the present study, from the microsatellite evaluation system of goats.

Conclusions

The present study may provide a scientific basis for the conservation and utilization of Yunnan indigenous goats.
Induction of the sticky plant defense syndrome in wild tobacco
Authors: Karban Richard , LoPresti Eric , Pepi Adam , Grof‐Tisza Patrick
Published: April 2019

Many plants engage in protective mutualisms, offering resources such as extrafloral nectar and shelters to predatory arthropods in exchange for protection against herbivores. Recent work indicates that sticky plants catch small insects and provide this carrion to predators who defend the plants against herbivores. In this study, we investigated whether wild tobacco,Nicotiana attenuata,fits this sticky plant defense syndrome that has been described for other sticky plants. We developed a bioassay for stickiness involving the number of flies that adhered to flowers, the stickiest tissues. In surveys conducted over three field seasons at four sites, we found that the number of carrion that adhered to a plant was positively correlated with the number of predators that we observed foraging over its surfaces. The number of predators was positively correlated with the number of seed capsules that the plant produced, a measure of lifetime female reproductive success. Structural equation modeling indicated strong support for the causal path linking carrion numbers to predator numbers to capsule production. We investigated whether stickiness was an inducible trait and examined two potential cues. We found that experimental clipping of rosette leaves induced greater stickiness, although clipping of neighboring sagebrush leaves did not. Damage to leaf tissue is likely to be a more reliable predictor of risk than is damage to a neighboring plant. The sticky plant defense syndrome is a widespread protective mutualism; its strength and ecological relevance can adjust as risk of herbivory changes.
Cross-sex genetic correlations for fitness and fitness components: Connecting theoretical predictions to empirical patterns
Authors: Connallon Tim , Matthews Genevieve
Published: April 2019

Sex differences in morphology, physiology, development, and behavior are widespread, yet the sexes inherit nearly identical genomes, causing most traits to exhibit strong and positive cross-sex genetic correlations. In contrast to most other traits, estimates of cross-sex genetic correlations for fitness and fitness components (rW fm ) are generally low and occasionally negative, implying that a substantial fraction of standing genetic variation for fitness might be sexually antagonistic (i.e., alleles benefitting one sex harm the other). Nevertheless, while low values of rW fm are often regarded as consequences of sexually antagonistic selection, it remains unclear exactly how selection and variation in quantitative traits interact to determine the sign and magnitude of rW fm , making it difficult to relate empirical estimates of cross-sex genetic correlations to the evolutionary processes that might shape them. We present simple univariate and multivariate quantitative genetic models that explicitly link patterns of sex-specific selection and trait genetic variation to the cross-sex genetic correlation for fitness. We show that rW fm provides an unreliable signal of sexually antagonistic selection for two reasons. First, rW fm is constrained to be less than the cross-sex genetic correlation for traits affecting fitness, regardless of the nature of selection on the traits. Second, sexually antagonistic selection is an insufficient condition for generating negative cross-sex genetic correlations for fitness. Instead, negative fitness correlations between the sexes (rW fm <0) can only emerge when selection is sexually antagonistic and the strength of directional selection on each sex is strong relative to the amount of shared additive genetic variation in female and male traits. These results imply that empirical tests of sexual antagonism that are based on estimates of rW fm will be conservative and underestimate its true scope. In light of these theoretical results, we revisit current data on rW fm and sex-specific selection and find that they are consistent with the theory.
Extended haplodiploidy hypothesis
Authors: Rautiala Petri , Helanterä Heikki , Puurtinen Mikael
Published: April 2019

Evolution of altruistic behavior was a hurdle for the logic of Darwinian evolution. Soon after Hamilton formalized the concept of inclusive fitness, which explains how altruism can evolve, he suggested that the high sororal relatedness brought by haplodiploidy could be why Hymenopterans have a high prevalence in eusocial species, and why helpers in Hymenoptera are always female. Later it was noted that in order to capitalize on the high sororal relatedness, helpers would need to direct help toward sisters, and this would bias the population sex ratio. Under a 1:3 males:females sex ratio, the inclusive fitness valuation a female places on her sister, brother, and an own offspring are equal—apparently removing the benefit of helping over independent reproduction. Based on this argumentation, haplodiploidy hypothesis has been considered a red herring. However, here we show that when population sex ratio, cost of altruism, and population growth rate are considered together, haplodiploidy does promote female helping even with female-biased sex ratio, due the lowered cost of altruism in such populations. Our analysis highlights the need to re-evaluate the role of haplodiploidy in the evolution of helping, and the importance of fully exploring the model assumptions when comparing interactions of population sex ratios and social behaviors.
Forecasting price delay and future stock returns: The role of corporate social responsibility
Authors: Gong Yujing , Ho Kung‐Cheng , Lo Chia‐Chun , Karathanasopoulos Andreas , Jiang I‐Ming
Published: April 2019

This paper investigates the role of corporate social responsibility (CSR) performance in forecasting companys' stock prices and future returns. The forecasting analysis identifies a negative association between CSR performance and proxies of price delay. The negative CSR–delay association is weak for state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) because of their politically oriented motivation of CSR activities, but significantly strong for non‐SOEs. Furthermore, we find that forecasting delayed firms is expected to have higher future returns. In particular, the returns premium is most attributable to the CSR component of delay, compared with the non‐CSR component. Taken together, these results suggest that CSR performance plays a positive role in enhancing stock price efficiency, and a potential explanation is that CSR performance can be considered as additional information for equity predictions.
Aspects of astrocytic cAMP signaling with an emphasis on the putative power of compartmentalized signals in health and disease
Authors: Reuschlein Ann‐Kathrin , Jakobsen Emil , Mertz Christoffer , Bak Lasse K.
Published: April 2019

This review discusses aspects of known and putative compartmentalized 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling in astrocytes, a cell type that has turned out to be a key player in brain physiology and pathology. cAMP has attracted less attention than Ca2+ in recent years, but could turn out to rival Ca2+ in its potential to drive cellular functions and responses to intra— and extracellular cues. Further, Ca2+ and cAMP are known to engage in extensive crosstalk and cAMP signals often take place within subcellular compartments revolving around multi‐protein signaling complexes; however, we know surprisingly little about this in astrocytes. Here, we review aspects of astrocytic cAMP signaling, provide arguments for an increased interest in this subject, suggest possible future research directions within the field, and discuss putative drug targets.
Astrocyte‐to‐astrocyte contact and a positive feedback loop of growth factor signaling regulate astrocyte maturation
Authors: Li Jiwen , Khankan Rana R. , Caneda Christine , Godoy Marlesa I. , Haney Michael S. , Krawczyk Mitchell C. , Bassik Michael C. , Sloan Steven A. , Zhang Ye
Published: April 2019

Astrocytes are critical for the development and function of the central nervous system. In developing brains, immature astrocytes undergo morphological, molecular, cellular, and functional changes as they mature. Although the mechanisms that regulate the maturation of other major cell types in the central nervous system such as neurons and oligodendrocytes have been extensively studied, little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control astrocyte maturation. Here, we identified molecular markers of astrocyte maturation and established an in vitro assay for studying the mechanisms of astrocyte maturation. Maturing astrocytes in vitro exhibit similar molecular changes and represent multiple molecular subtypes of astrocytes found in vivo. Using this system, we found that astrocyte‐to‐astrocyte contact strongly promotes astrocyte maturation. In addition, secreted signals from microglia, oligodendrocyte precursor cells, or endothelial cells affect a small subset of astrocyte genes but do not consistently change astrocyte maturation. To identify molecular mechanisms underlying astrocyte maturation, we treated maturing astrocytes with molecules that affect the function of tumor‐associated genes. We found that a positive feedback loop of heparin‐binding epidermal growth factor‐like growth factor (HBEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling regulates astrocytes maturation. Furthermore, HBEGF, EGFR, and tumor protein 53 (TP53) affect the expression of genes important for cilium development, the circadian clock, and synapse function. These results revealed cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying astrocytes maturation with implications for the understanding of glioblastoma.
Connexin 43 hemichannels and pannexin‐1 channels contribute to the α‐synuclein‐induced dysfunction and death of astrocytes
Authors: Díaz Esteban F. , Labra Valeria C. , Alvear Tanhia F. , Mellado Luis A. , Inostroza Carla A. , Oyarzún Juan E. , Salgado Nicole , Quintanilla Rodrigo A. , Orellana Juan A.
Published: April 2019

Diverse studies have suggested that cytoplasmic inclusions of misfolded α‐synuclein in neuronal and glial cells are main pathological features of different α‐synucleinopathies, including Parkinson's disease and dementia with Lewy bodies. Up to now, most studies have focused on the effects of α‐synuclein on neurons, whereas the possible alterations of astrocyte functions and neuron–glia crosstalk have received minor attention. Recent evidence indicates that cellular signaling mediated by hemichannels and pannexons is critical for astroglial function and dysfunction. These channels constitute a diffusional route of communication between the cytosol and the extracellular space and during pathological scenarios they may lead to homeostatic disturbances linked to the pathogenesis and progression of different diseases. Here, we found that α‐synuclein enhances the opening of connexin 43 (Cx43) hemichannels and pannexin‐1 (Panx1) channels in mouse cortical astrocytes. This response was linked to the activation of cytokines, the p38 MAP kinase, the inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase 2, intracellular free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i), and purinergic and glutamatergic signaling. Relevantly, the α‐synuclein‐induced opening of hemichannels and pannexons resulted in alterations in [Ca2+]i dynamics, nitric oxide (NO) production, gliotransmitter release, mitochondrial morphology, and astrocyte survival. We propose that α‐synuclein‐mediated opening of astroglial Cx43 hemichannels and Panx1 channels might constitute a novel mechanism involved in the pathogenesis and progression of α‐synucleinopathies.
Tumor‐derived exosomal lncRNA GAS5 as a biomarker for early‐stage non‐small‐cell lung cancer diagnosis
Authors: Li Chuling , Lv Yanling , Shao Chenye , Chen Cen , Zhang Tianli , Wei Yuqing , Fan Hang , Lv Tangfeng , Liu Hongbin , Song Yong
Published: April 2019

Diagnosis and treatment at an early stage may improve survival of non‐small‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Previous studies have found that long noncoding RNA growth arrest‐specific transcript 5 (GAS5) is essential to cancer progression. However, the expression and diagnostic value of GAS5 in exosomes (Exo‐GAS5) remain unclear. One hundred and four participants were enrolled, including subjects with NSCLC (n = 64) and healthy subjects (
n = 40). The total Exosome Isolation Kit was applied to isolate exosomes from serum. Total RNA was extracted and the AS5 expression was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was applied to evaluate the diagnostic value of Exo‐GAS5 in NSCLC. Our data indicated that the Exo‐GAS5 was downregulated in patients with NSCLC compared with healthy controls (
p < 0.001). Furthermore, patients with NSCLC with larger tumor size (
p = 0.025) and advanced TNM (T: extent of the primary tumor; N: lymph node involvement; M: metastatic disease) classification (
p = 0.047) showed lower Exo‐GAS5 expression. ROC curve analysis using Exo‐GAS5 combined with carcinoembryonic antigen showed an area under curve (AUC) of 0.929. Exo‐GAS5 could be used to distinguish patients with Stage I NSCLC with an AUC of 0.822. In conclusion, Exo‐GAS5 may function as an ideal noninvasive serum‐based marker for identifying patients with early NSCLC.
P2Y14 receptor is functionally expressed in satellite glial cells and mediates interleukin‐1β and chemokine CCL2 secretion
Authors: Lin Jiu , Liu Fei , Zhang Yan‐yan , Song Ning , Liu Meng‐ke , Fang Xin‐yi , Liao Da‐qing , Zhou Cheng , Wang Hang , Shen Jie‐fei
Published: April 2019

Satellite glial cells (SGCs) activation in the trigeminal ganglia (TG) is critical in various abnormal orofacial sensation in nerve injury and inflammatory conditions. SGCs express several subtypes of P2 purinergic receptors contributing to the initiation and maintenance of neuropathic pain. The P2Y14 receptor, a G‐protein‐coupled receptor activated by uridine diphosphate (UDP)‐glucose and other UDP sugars, mediates various physiologic events such as immune, inflammation, and pain. However, the expression, distribution, and function of P2Y14 receptor in SGCs remains largely unexplored. Our study reported the expression and functional identification of P2Y14 receptor in SGCs. SGCs were isolated from TG of rat, and the P2Y14 receptor expression was examined using immunofluorescence technique. Cell proliferation and viability were examined via cell counting kit‐8 experiment. Immunofluorescence demonstrated the presence of P2Y14 receptor in SGCs. Immunofluorescence and western blot showed that UDP‐glucose treatment upregulated glial fibrillary acid protein, a common marker for glial activation. Extracellular UDP‐glucose enhanced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK), and p38, which were both abolished by the P2Y14 receptor inhibitor (PPTN). Furthermore, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that extracellular UDP‐glucose significantly enhanced interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and chemokine CCL2 (CCL2) release, which was abolished by PPTN and significantly decreased by inhibitors of MEK/ERK (U0126) and p38 (SB202190). Our findings directly proved the functional presence of P2Y14 receptor in SGCs. It was also verified that P2Y14 receptor activation was involved in activating SGCs, phosphorylating MAPKs, and promoting the secretion of IL‐1β and CCL2 via ERK and p38 pathway.
Effect of foliar application with sodium selenate on selenium biofortification and fruit quality maintenance of ‘Starking Delicious’ apple during storage
Authors: Babalar Mesbah , Mohebbi Sheida , Zamani Zabihollah , Askari Mohammad A
Published: April 2019

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient due to its anticarsinogenic properties and positive influence on human immune system. Fortification of some fruits based on their rates of consumption and availability all year round appears to be an effective way to supplement Se in the human diet. In this study the possibility of augmenting Se content in ‘Starking Delicious’ apple fruit during two growing seasons was investigated. In 2016, the impact of 0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 mg Se L−1 by foliar application on Se accumulation and fruit ripening as well as quality attributes was investigated. In 2017, the effects of 1.5 mg Se L−1 foliar application on fruit Se content and changes in the antioxidant system and storability were studied with a 30‐day interval during 6 months storage at 0 ± 1 °C.

RESULTS

Foliar application of Se significantly increased both leaf and fruit Se concentration. The increase in Se content enhanced the flesh firmness, titrable acidity, and soluble solid content of the fruit. The activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were markedly amplified by Se treatments as compared to the control, resulting in lower superoxide anion radical (O2−•) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents, correspondingly higher membrane integrity as revealed by lower ion leakage and malondialdehyde accumulation and the fruit with lower water core.

CONCLUSION

Application of Se was efficient in increasing fruit Se content and nutraceutical properties, retarding the flesh firmness reduction, and postponing fruit ripening resulting from lower ethylene biosynthesis rate, thereby positively affecting apple fruit quality and storability. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry