bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-Wide Association in Tomato Reveals 44 Candidate Loci for Fruit Metabolic Traits
Authors: Sauvage Christopher , Segura Vincent , Bauchet Guillaume , Stevens Rebecca , Do Phuc Thi , Nikoloski Zoran , Fernie Alisdair R. , Causse Mathilde
Published: June 2014

Genome-wide association studies have been successful in identifying genes involved in polygenic traits and are valuable for crop improvement. Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is a major crop and is highly appreciated worldwide for its health value. We used a core collection of 163 tomato accessions composed of S. lycopersicum, S. lycopersicum var cerasiforme, and Solanum pimpinellifolium to map loci controlling variation in fruit metabolites. Fruits were phenotyped for a broad range of metabolites, including amino acids, sugars, and ascorbate. In parallel, the accessions were genotyped with 5,995 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers spread over the whole genome. Genome-wide association analysis was conducted on a large set of metabolic traits that were stable over 2 years using a multilocus mixed model as a general method for mapping complex traits in structured populations and applied to tomato. We detected a total of 44 loci that were significantly associated with a total of 19 traits, including sucrose, ascorbate, malate, and citrate levels. These results not only provide a list of candidate loci to be functionally validated but also a powerful analytical approach for finding genetic variants that can be directly used for crop improvement and deciphering the genetic architecture of complex traits.
Influence of electrosynthesis conditions and Al2O3 nanoparticles on corrosion protection effect of polypyrrole films
Authors: Ehsani Ali , Ghasem Mahjani Mohammad , Nasseri Maryam , Jafarian Majid
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to investigate the anti-corrosion behavior of polypyrrole (PPy) films in different states and presence of alumina nanoparticles synthesized by galvanostatic electropolymerization on stainless steel (SS) electrodes in an artificial seawater solution using potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS).

Design/methodology/approach

– The electrochemical measurements were used to examine the effects of PPy and its nanocomposite on the corrosion behavior of SS type 316L in artificial seawater. A standard electrochemical cell with three electrodes was used for the measurements. The electrochemical response of the coated electrodes in the doped and the undoped state was compared with that of a bare electrode. Corrosion rate information was obtained by the Tafel extrapolation method, where the intersection point of a cathodic and an anodic polarization curve provides both the corrosion potential and the corrosion current. EIS measurements confirmed the potentiodynamic and open circuit potential (OCP) results. The microstructure of the obtained films was investigated by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

– The results showed that the coated polymer films shifted the electrode potential toward more positive potentials, but this shift did not lead to passivation. However, a notable synergy was observed between PPy undoped film, oxygen reduction and iron dissolution. The potential of the SS remained in the active dissolution region, and it was not possible to produce a passive oxide layer in this region. PPy separates the metal dissolution process from the oxygen reduction process. This would prevent the local pH increase at the metal surface and subsequent delamination. The polarization curves, EOCP and impedance measurements showed that PPy undoped/Al2O3 layers show promise as good candidates for the corrosion protection of reactive metals.

Originality/value

– This paper presents that electrodes coated with undoped PPy synthesized in the presence of dodecyl sulfate anions and Al2O3 nanoparticles offered a noticeable enhancement of protection against corrosion processes.
Contractual arrangements and commitment in the Indonesian supermarket channel
Authors: Sahara Sahara , Gyau Amos
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to examine the nature of contractual relationships between farmers and buyers in the traditional and supermarket channels, and to explore determinants of farmers' commitment in the two channels.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reports the results of a field study of 602 chili farmers in the largest chilli production area in Indonesia, West Java Province. The contractual arrangements were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while determinants of farmers' commitment were examined using factor analysis and Ordinary Least square (OLS) regression.

Findings

– The contractual arrangements between farmers and traders in both traditional and supermarket channels are characterized by verbal agreements. Price is the main aspect of the contract in the traditional channel, while grading aspects are the most important aspects in the supermarket channel. Trust and satisfaction have significant influence on farmers' commitment in the two channels, while the actual price has no influence.

Practical implications

– To improve farmers' commitment, traders should not only focus on absolute price, but also on building trust and satisfaction. Trust can be improved by providing payments on time and following through with their promises. Satisfaction can be improved by offering fair prices for farmers' products and providing quicker responses in handling farmers' concerns.

Originality/value

– This study compares the trade relationships between traditional and supermarket channels. It incorporates actual price and behaviour variables in the analysis of farmers' commitment.
The use of health risk scores and classification in food service
Authors: Thimoteo Da Cunha Diogo , Stedefeldt Elke , Vera De Rosso Veridiana
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this study was to evaluate the good manufacturing practices in meal services in public schools and day care centres in Baixada Santista, Brazil using a health risk classification.

Design/methodology/approach

– A total of 59 public schools and day care centres in nine municipalities of Baixada Santista – Brazil were randomly selected. The sanitary conditions were evaluated by applying a validated checklist specific to school meal service. The questions were scored according to the health risks detected. A percentage of conformity to good manufacturing practices was calculated, than schools and day care centres were classified according to health risk in relation to the scores obtained for each thematic area addressed in the checklist and in relation to the overall score.

Findings

– It was observed that 62 per cent of the schools were classified as average health risk failing to comply with Brazilian legislation on food safety rules. The thematic areas that showed lower percentage of conformity to good manufacturing practices were: hand hygiene (33.9 per cent), pest control (3.4 per cent), food handlers (62.4 per cent) and food hygiene (65.4 per cent). The school meal service of day care centres presented higher conformity in the hand hygiene (p<0.01) and the environmental sanitation (p<0.05) than elementary schools.

Practical implications

– The data observed in our study highlight the need of an effective system to monitor and evaluate the hygienic sanitary conditions in Brazil. The implementation of HACCP system may be an option with good potential to produce safer meals in school environment, nevertheless, the prerequisite program must be implemented first. Professionals with expertise in food safety can act as consultants to the school meal service and may use the data from this study as a benchmark for interventions.

Originality/value

– This paper contain new information related the state food safety practices of Brazilian school meal service. It also presents the use of scores to determine risk. The use of health risk is a novel way to evaluate the food safety practices in school meals facilitating the implementation of corrective measures.
Consumer satisfaction and loyalty in private-label food stores
Authors: Pilar Martínez-Ruiz María , Ruiz-Palomino Pablo , Martinez-Canas Ricardo , José Blázquez-Resino Juan
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to determine which factors underlie the store attributes that contribute to a particular food store image. Furthermore, heightened recent attention to private labels in the food retailing industry creates the need to assess whether the factors vary, depending on customers' brand proneness and their impact on key marketing performance variables (satisfaction, attitudinal loyalty, behavioural loyalty).

Design/methodology/approach

– The proposed analysis features 211 questionnaires out of a sample of 391 consumers surveys gathered in four different store formats; 137 of which were completed by consumers who admitting being private label prone, and 74 pertaining to consumers who considered themselves national brand prone. The underlying food store factors were identified using factorial analysis of principal components, and their influence on consumers' satisfaction and loyalty was evaluated with linear parametric regression models.

Findings

– Store attributes related to providing sufficiently convenient purchasing experiences and a special atmosphere are most important for private label brand-prone consumers and enhance their satisfaction, attitudinal loyalty and behavioural loyalty. For national brand-prone consumers, attributes related to quality are more important for enhancing marketing performance variables.

Research limitations/implications

– The results enable a clear identification of food store factors that vary with the consumer segment being considered (private label prone consumers vs. national brand prone), as well as their differential impacts on key marketing performance variables.

Practical implications

– To appeal to private label-prone consumers, food retailers should put particular emphasis on the attributes of the store itself, especially those that enhance convenience and the pleasantness of the store atmosphere. To attract national brand-prone consumers, they primarily need to highlight aspects related to quality.

Originality/value

– This research emphasises the importance of building competitive strategies in food retailing based on: an increased knowledge about the attributes and factors that food consumers value more highly; and brand type preferences.
Convergence or difference? Western European household food expenditure
Authors: Erbe Healy Amy
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This research examines convergence theory in terms of food expenditure patterns within and across a sample of Western European countries, specifically Italy, Ireland, France and the UK.

Design/methodology/approach

– Household budget survey data from Italy, the UK, France and Ireland (1985-2005) have been analysed comparing average food budgets and change in coefficient of variations for common food groupings and through cluster analysis for all four countries to determine whether or not countries are becoming more or less alike.

Findings

– Unlike the average food budgets in Ireland, the UK and France, Italian food budgets are still made up of a high percentage of foods to prepare and eat at home, similar to food budgets in the other countries for socio-demographic groups that either have chosen to eat traditionally or cannot afford to eat out (food poverty households). Modern households within France, the UK and Ireland are spending a higher percentage on foods away from home with some households, specifically those with a head of household who is young, employed and single, spending, on average, two-thirds of their household food budget dining away from home.

Originality/value

– Previous research into convergence theory has generally analysed national summary level data. This research uses household level data, allowing for both an analysis of convergence across countries and within countries, specifically looking at socio-demographic groups that share similar food budgets and food lifestyles.
Stakeholder voices through rich pictures
Authors: Walker Derek , Steinfort Paul , Maqsood Tayyab
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to illustrate, through an example taken from a recent research project, how rich pictures could be used to more effectively evaluate the delivery of projects. It has as its focus a detailed account of the process of identifying, interviewing and co-developing rich pictures with research respondents.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper reports on research that undertook a soft systems methodology (SSM) combined with an action learning approach.

Findings

– The authors provided, one of eight rich pictures developed as part of a PhD study that used rich pictures as part of wider SSM study into understanding project management best practice. Key findings pertaining to this paper are summarised as follows: rich pictures provide a sound and holistic means to capture context, meaning and impact of situations that are often very difficult to document; use of the more use of artistic and cultural flow of colour, diagrams and symbols in the rich pictures presented a significantly improved resolution of such intangible aspects on a physical artefact such as a picture simply because colour, flow, models and symbols can act as suitable proxy to understanding and resolution; and researcher needs to have an open mind and be rigorous in questioning and interacting with interviewees.

Research limitations/implications

– This was based on one study only and serves to illustrate the value of an approach rather than a template to be generally used.

Practical implications

– This provides practical “how to” guidance on developing rich pictures within a SSM research approach.

Social implications

– The paper illustrates how to portray participants in a particularly sensitive case resulting from a natural disaster. This approach may help people to better express their experiences and to give them a clearer voice in telling their story.

Originality/value

– The major new contribution that the paper stress this paper makes is one of not only demonstrating that rich picture development is a powerful sensemaking tool but the paper also illustrates how it can be implemented and the authors demonstrated how it allows stakeholders to have a strong and influential voice in project conception and delivery. In reflecting on the use of this tool the paper suggests that it can be effectively applied or adapted for use in a range of disaster recovery situations and even wider in the resolution of purposeful programme development for all range of challenging projects.
Role satisfaction and entrepreneurship
Authors: Sangar Ruby , Rangnekar Santosh
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– It has been believed that entrepreneurship involves a lot of risk nowadays, yet it is assumed that not being entrepreneurial can be a bigger risk. Enhancement in entrepreneurial behaviour can improve performance of the individual as well as that of the organization. This paper aims to propose a conceptual model that empirically examines the relationship of role satisfaction and its dimensions with entrepreneurial behaviour in an Indian context.

Design/methodology/approach

– Three hundred and thirty three executives/managers from many organizations in India were approached. Cronbach'sα, factor analysis, correlation and regression analyses were applied to check the research hypotheses.

Findings

– It was found that most of the variables in the study were having significant relationship. All the hypotheses were supported. Furthermore, achievement, influence, control and affiliation were found to be important predictors of entrepreneurial behaviour.

Research limitations/implications

– This paper would help researchers and practitioners to work on these variables in some other cultures and nations also.

Practical implications

– Improvement in role satisfaction will enhance the entrepreneurial behaviour among Indian business executives/managers which will improve the overall performance of the organization.

Originality/value

– It is an innovative attempt to utilize role satisfaction to improve entrepreneurial behaviour in an Indian framework.
Environmental health indicators: a review of initiatives worldwide
Authors: Tisch Catherine , L. Pearson Amber , Kingham Simon , Borman Barry , Briggs David
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The extent to which research into the design and development of environmental health indicators (EHIs) has translated into operational programmes is unclear. The purpose of this paper is to identify EHI initiatives worldwide, distil the EHIs and draw lessons from the experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– A systematic internet-based review was undertaken. Programmes were selected for inclusion if they: first, had the ability to monitor both the physical environment and associated health outcomes; and second, the parent agency had the ability to influence policies related to the environment and health.

Findings

– The small number of eligible programmes indicates EHI initiatives are not yet well established, especially in developing countries. The use of indicators was also limited by uncertainties in the exposure-response relationships that they implied, and the consequent inability to translate the indicators into a common measure of health impact. In addition, there is no information on the extent to which the indicators have been applied in decision making, nor on the policy implications of using indicators.

Practical implications

– More effort is needed to encourage the development and use of more balanced and informative sets of indicators, and to evaluate their use and outcomes in terms of health benefits.

Originality/value

– The time is right for a substantial review paper on EHIs as they are now being used by a number of organisations and to the knowledge this is the first review of operational EHI programmes worldwide.
Getting the Balance Right? Party Competition on Immigration and Conflicting Ideological ‘Pulls’
Authors: Odmalm Pontus , Super Betsy
Published: June 2014

Will a plurality of cleavages ‘pull’ parties in different directions? Are these strains particularly troublesome when competing on issues that lack an obvious dimensional fit? Are some parties more likely than others to experience these tensions? And does it matter? While the essence of the party‐political space has received substantial coverage, less attention is paid to the effects that multidimensionality may have on issue competition. Comparing British and Swedish parties, this article analyses how any contradictory positions have been negotiated, and when such tensions are likely to emerge.
Dynamics of Change in the Aftermath of the 2001 UK Foot and Mouth Crisis: Were Lessons Learned?
Authors: Connolly John
Published: June 2014

This article investigates the UK animal health sector in the aftermath of the 2001 foot and mouth crisis. The article draws together perspectives from crisis management, policy and institutional change literatures in order to assess the extent of reforms since the epidemic. Interviews with government officials and parliamentarians and the analyses of official documentation indicate that lessons have been learned and there are successes in many areas; yet, there remains key aspects of crisis management that have yet to change, which leave the government vulnerable in the event of more wide‐scale foot and mouth outbreaks. The results of the study serve to suggest that post‐crisis change research should consider making more explicit links with the institutional literature on change dynamics.
Determination of Calcium Mobility in Alkaline‐Cooked Grounded Corn in Presence of a Magnetic Field
Authors: Vargas S. , Rangel D. , Quintanilla F. , Rodriguez R.
Published: June 2014

The mobility of calcium ions in corn dough prepared using commercial powder of alkaline‐cooked grounded‐corn kernel was determined in presence of a magnetic field. The ionic conduction was determined using 2 electrodes placed at 2 consecutives corners of the square samples: the excitation line was along one edge. Three different calcium concentrations [Ca] and 3 different magnetic field B conditions (B0, B−, B+) were analyzed; in all cases, the same amount of water was used. The relaxation times τ were determined by measuring the ionic current with and, immediately after, without excitation voltage. An empirical model, based on the obstruction effect characteristic of the ionic conduction and on the effect of the magnetic field B on the motion of the ions, was developed to explain the dependence of τ with [Ca] and B. The threshold concentration at which the Ca ions are not longer linked chemically to the starch molecules and move freely in the dough interior was obtained.
Isoflavone Aglycone Content and the Thermal, Functional, and Structural Properties of Soy Protein Isolates Prepared from Hydrothermally Treated Soybeans
Authors: Wally‐Vallim Ana Paula , Vanier Nathan Levien , Zavareze Elessandra da Rosa , Zambiazi Rui Carlos , de Castro Luis Antônio Suita , Schirmer Manoel Artigas , Elias Moacir Cardoso
Published: June 2014

Soybeans were hydrothermally treated at 2 different temperatures (40 °C and 60 °C) and for 4 different hydration times (4, 8, 12, and 16 h) to (i) increase the isoflavone aglycone content in a soy protein isolate and (ii) evaluate the changes in thermal, functional, and structural properties of a soy protein isolate as a function of hydrothermal treatment conditions. Our study is the first to evaluate aglycone content, extraction yield, β‐glucosidase activity, differential scanning calorimetry, protein digestibility, scanning electron microscopy, water absorption capacity (WAC), foaming capacity (FC), and foaming stability of soy protein isolates prepared from hydrothermally treated soybeans. For aglycone enhancement and the extraction yield maintenance of soy protein isolates, the condition of 40 °C for 12 h was the best soybean hydrothermal treatment. The structural rearrangement of proteins that occurred with the hydrothermal treatment most likely promoted the capacity of proteins to bind to aglycone. Moreover, the structure shape and size of soy protein isolates verified by scanning electron microscopy appears to be related to the formation of hydrophobic surfaces and hydrophobic zones at 40 °C and 60 °C, respectively, affecting the protein digestibility, WAC, and FC of soy protein isolates.
Anesthetic practice for Caesarean section and factors influencing anesthesiologists' choice of anesthesia: a population‐based study
Authors: LAI H.‐Y. , TSAI P.‐S. , FAN Y.‐C. , HUANG C.‐J.
Published: June 2014

Background

We examined the change in anesthetic practice for Caesarean section (CS) during the past decade and determined factors influencing anethesiologists' decisions.

Methods

The cases were identified from data retrieved from Longitudinal Health Insurance Database released by the Taiwan National Health Research Institute in 2008. Trend analysis was performed using logistic regression models. The decision tree analysis was performed using the chi‐squared automatic interaction detector method and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify predictors of general anesthesia.

Results

A total of 25,606 women undergoing CS were studied. Logistic regression analyses revealed an upward trend of spinal anesthesia from 2000 to 2008 [57.8–67.5%, adjusted odds ratio (OR) = 1.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.05–1.07, P < 0.001] and a decreasing trend across time for both general and epidural anesthesia (5.5–3.9% and 36.7–28.6%; both OR < 1, both P < 0.001). Patterns of change in anesthetic practice across time for emergency and non‐emergency CS were similar (all P < 0.05). Our data further demonstrated that early or threatened labor, a history of preeclampsia, antepartum hemorrhage, emergency CS, and previous CS were important predictors that influenced the anesthesiologists' choice of general anesthesia versus neuraxial anesthesia for women undergoing CS.

Conclusions

Spinal anesthesia was the most common mode of anesthesia for CS deliveries in Taiwan during the past decade. Early or threatened labor, antepartum hemorrhage, emergency CS, previous CS, and preeclampsia are significant determinants of general anesthesia in CS deliveries.
Risk Interpretation of the CAPM's Beta: Evidence from a New Research Method
Authors: Bilinski Pawel , Lyssimachou Danielle
Published: June 2014

This study tests the validity of using the CAPM beta as a risk control in cross‐sectional accounting and finance research. We recognize that high‐risk stocks should experience either very good or very bad returns more frequently compared to low‐risk stocks, that is, high‐risk stocks should cluster in the tails of the cross‐sectional return distribution. Building on this intuition, we test the risk interpretation of the CAPM's beta by examining if high‐beta stocks are more likely than low‐beta stocks to experience either very high or very low returns. Our empirical results indicate that beta is a strong predictor of large positive and large negative returns, which confirms that beta is a valid empirical risk measure and that researchers should use beta as a risk control in empirical tests. Further, we show that because the relation between beta and returns is U‐shaped, that is, high betas predict both very high and very low returns, linear cross‐sectional regression models, for example, Fama–MacBeth regressions, will fail on average to reject the null hypothesis that beta does not capture risk. This result explains why previous studies find no significant cross‐sectional relation between beta and returns.
When man got his mtDNA deletions?
Authors: Popadin Konstantin , Safdar Adeel , Kraytsberg Yevgenya , Khrapko Konstantin
Published: June 2014

Somatic mtDNA mutations and deletions in particular are known to clonally expand within cells, eventually reaching detrimental intracellular concentrations. The possibility that clonal expansion is a slow process taking a lifetime had prompted an idea that founder mutations of mutant clones that cause mitochondrial dysfunction in the aged tissue might have originated early in life. If, conversely, expansion was fast, founder mutations should predominantly originate later in life. This distinction is important: indeed, from which mutations should we protect ourselves – those of early development/childhood or those happening at old age? Recently, high‐resolution data describing the distribution of mtDNA deletions have been obtained using a novel, highly efficient method (Taylor et al., ). These data have been interpreted as supporting predominantly early origin of founder mutations. Re‐analysis of the data implies that the data actually better fit mostly late origin of founders, although more research is clearly needed to resolve the controversy.
Assessing carnivore distribution from local knowledge across a human‐dominated landscape in central‐southeastern Madagascar
Authors: Kotschwar Logan M. , Gerber B. D. , Karpanty S. M. , Justin S. , Rabenahy F. N.
Published: June 2014

Carnivores are often sensitive to habitat loss and fragmentation, both of which are widespread in Madagascar. Clearing of forests has led to a dramatic increase in highly disturbed, open vegetation communities dominated by humans. In Madagascar's increasingly disturbed landscape, long‐term persistence of native carnivores may be tied to their ability to occupy or traverse these disturbed areas. However, how Malagasy carnivores are distributed in this landscape and how they interact with humans are unknown, as past research has concentrated on populations within continuous and fragmented forests. We investigated local ecological knowledge of carnivores using semi‐structured interviews in communities 0 to 20 km from the western edge of continuous rainforest in central‐southeastern Madagascar. Responses from 182 interviews in 17 different communities indicated distinct distribution patterns for two native and two exotic carnivore species, suggesting a range of tolerances to the human‐dominated landscape. The largest extant native carnivore, the fossa Cryptoprocta ferox, does not persist in much of this landscape; they were only observed in communities < 5 km from the continuous forest within the last five years. In contrast, the ring‐tailed mongoose Galidia elegans was observed by most communities (82%), but was observed by a higher proportion of interviewees from communities in close proximity to continuous forest. The exotic small Indian civet Viverricula indica was ubiquitous, while the exotic/feral cat (Felis sp.) was observed by a higher proportion of interviewees in communities farther from continuous forest. Over 20% of interviewees had experienced loss of poultry to wild carnivores in the last year and negative perceptions of carnivores were common. We found the human‐dominated landscape to provide little conservation value to native carnivores, emphasizing the need for adequate protected areas and increased engagement of local communities to sustain Madagascar's carnivore species. This information is critical to multitaxon conservation planning in Madagascar.
Widening educational inequalities in adolescent smoking following national tobacco control policies in the Netherlands in 2003: a time–series analysis
Authors: Kuipers Mirte A. G. , Nagelhout Gera E. , Willemsen Marc C. , Kunst Anton E.
Published: June 2014

Background and Aims

In 2003, the Netherlands introduced tobacco control policies, including bans on tobacco sales to minors, advertising and sponsoring and tobacco sales in government institutions. We examined the extent to which these policies were associated with a change in educational inequalities in adolescent smoking.

Design

Repeated cross‐sectional survey.

Setting

The Netherlands, 1992–2011.

Participants

A total of 43 527 14–19‐year‐old adolescents.

Measurements

Data were obtained from the national Youth Smoking Monitor. We used logistic regression analyses to model the immediate change in daily smoking prevalence in 2003, the trends and the changes in trends. Models included interactions between educational level (high versus low, based on the educational track of the respondent) and, respectively, period (after versus before 2003), time and time × period.

Findings

Before 2003 the smoking trend declined slightly, and the decline was comparable for students of both high and low educational levels. Immediately after tobacco policies were introduced, daily smoking prevalence dropped for the total population [regression coefficient (β) = −0.340, 95% confidence interval (CI) = −0.445; −0.236]. This drop was larger for high educational level compared to low educational level (β interaction = −0.400, 95% CI = −0.623; −0.176). After 2003, trends in educational inequalities in smoking stabilized.

Conclusions

Following the introduction of new tobacco control policies in the Netherlands in 2003, smoking prevalence rates decreased among adolescents of both higher and lower educational levels. However, socio‐economic inequalities in adolescent smoking increased.
Bis(Methylpyridine)‐EDTA Derivative as a Potential Ligand for PET Imaging: Synthesis, Complexation, and Biological Evaluation
Authors: Singh Pooja , Aggarwal Swati , Tiwari Anjani K. , Kumar Vikas , Pratap Ramendra , Chuttani Krishna , Mishra Anil K.
Published: June 2014

A novel transitional metal ligand derivatized from EDTA‐conjugated 2‐amino‐4‐methyl pyridine, an acyclic vehicle (EDTA‐Mepy2) was designed, synthesized, and characterized for PET imaging with 68Ga. The drug likeliness and appropriate lipophilicity were first analyzed by molecular docking studies which shows interactive property of ligand with serum albumin protein (HSA: PDB 1E78), at Lys199, Arg257, and His242 residues, which make it more appropriate in transportation as a specific ligand for PET imaging. As a confirmation, binding constant of the ligand with human serum albumin was calculated at λex = 350 nm which was found to be 4.9 × 103 m−1. The pharmacokinetics of 68Ga‐EDTA‐Mepy2 was analyzed by blood kinetics (t1/2 slow: 3 h 56 min and t1/2 fast: 32 min) and biodistribution (maximum%ID/g was found in kidney at 1 h). Further the capability of this ligand was analyzed as optical marker also, by recording λex = 380 nm, RFU = 8000; 710 nm, RFU = 1000 units at fixed λem = 280 nm. Additionally, in physiological conditions where its stability was calculated, suggests 15–20 times selectivity over the endogenously present metal ions (KGaL/KZnL = 14.3, KGaL/KCuL = 18.1).
Further Insights Into the Pharmacology of the Human Trace Amine‐Associated Receptors: Discovery of Novel Ligands for TAAR1 by a Virtual Screening Approach
Authors: Cichero Elena , Espinoza Stefano , Franchini Silvia , Guariento Sara , Brasili Livio , Gainetdinov Raul R. , Fossa Paola
Published: June 2014

Trace Amine‐Associated Receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a G protein‐coupled receptor that is expressed in brain and periphery and responds to a class of compounds called trace amines, such as β‐phenylethylamine (β‐PEA), tyramine, tryptamine, octopamine. The receptor is known to have a very rich pharmacology and could be also activated by different classes of compounds, including dopaminergic, adrenergic and serotonergic ligands. It is expected that targeting hTAAR1 could provide a novel pharmacological approach for several human disorders, such as schizophrenia, depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Parkinson's disease and metabolic diseases. Only recently, a small number of selective hTAAR1 agonists (among which RO5166017 and T1AM) and antagonist (EPPTB), have been reported in literature. With the aim to identify new molecular entities able to act as ligands for this target, we used an homology model for the hTAAR1 and performed a virtual screening procedure on an in‐house database of compounds. A number of interesting molecules were selected and by testing them in an in vitro assay we found several agonists and one antagonist, with activities in the low micromolar range. These compounds could represent the starting point for the development of more potent and selective TAAR1 ligands.
Idiopathic intracranial hypertension: new insights, new definitions but the same old problems
Authors: Singh Rahul R , Lim Ming
Published: June 2014

This commentary is on the original article by Krishnakumar et al. on pages 749–755 of this issue.
Discovery and development of a new semiochemical biopesticide for cotton pest management: assessment of extract effects on the cotton pest Helicoverpa spp.
Authors: Mensah Robert , Moore Christopher , Watts Nick , Deseo Myrna A. , Glennie Peter , Pitt Angela
Published: June 2014

The Australian cotton production system is dominated by transgenic Bt (Bollgard II®) cotton varieties, Gossypium hirsutum L. (Malvaceae). These provide good control of lepidopteran pests (Helicoverpa spp.; Noctuidae) but are not effective against sucking pests. Recent trends in the frequency of resistance alleles in Helicoverpa spp. indicate the threat of pest resistance. Therefore, new technologies are required to manage the development of resistance and the resurgence of sucking pests. Consequently, the study was aimed to develop a semiochemical product able to deter feeding and oviposition of Helicoverpa spp., as well as cause direct mortality to the pest on transgenic and non‐transgenic crops. Plants including sorghum, sweet corn, pigeon pea, and lucerne (used as refuge crops in cotton), various cotton genotypes (MHR11, Lumein, and Sicala VII), and the native plant Clitoria ternatea L. (Fabaceae) were cultivated within cotton crops and in cages, and assessed for the occurrence of oviposition by Helicoverpa spp. and survival of the pest larvae. The results indicated that pigeon pea, cotton, sorghum, and sweet corn were most preferred for Helicoverpa spp. oviposition and feeding, whereas C. ternatea was least preferred. We used a solid phase extraction technique to obtain six fractions of an extract of C. ternatea, which we assessed for bioactivity against Helicoverpa spp. We found that fractions 2, 3, 4, and 6 had oviposition and feeding deterrence as well as direct toxicity to Helicoverpa spp. Clitoria ternatea fractions 2, 3, 4, and 6 have been developed into a product (Sero‐X®) that is effective against Helicoverpa spp. and sucking pests, and is in an advanced stage of commercialisation.
Environmental and spatial processes: what controls the functional structure of fish assemblages in tropical rivers and headwater streams?
Authors: Carvalho Rodrigo A. , Tejerina‐Garro Francisco L.
Published: June 2014

In this study, we investigated functional structure patterns of tropical headwater and river fish assemblages. We hypothesised that environmental conditions are primarily structuring headwater streams leading to functionally clustered assemblages, whereas processes that favour functional overdispersion would guide river assemblages. For 27 headwater streams and 22 rivers, we used eight functional traits for calculating two functional indexes: mean pairwise distance (MPD) and net relatedness index (NRI). We performed linear regressions between indexes and species richness, a multiple regression between NRI and eight environmental variables and a variation partitioning to disentangle the role of environment and space on NRI. Our findings indicate that fish assemblages of headwaters are structured by environmental conditions as most assemblages in this habitat displayed a tendency to clustering and MPD/NRI were not correlated with species diversity, whereas the opposite pattern was observed for river habitat. Four environmental variables (channel depth, water velocity, dissolved oxygen and turbidity) explain 56% of functional structure variation. These variables seem to function as selective filters in headwaters, whereas channel depth may be determinant for functional overdispersion of river fish assemblages. Components associated with space are also influencing the functional structure. Limitations of species dispersal through space (between both habitat types) appear as a possible cause to this. In this sense, both environmental conditions and processes linked with space are capable of influencing the functional structure of tropical headwater streams and river fish assemblages.
Ontogenetic variability of maternal effects in an iteroparous fish
Authors: Andree Sara R. , Feiner Zachary S. , Bledsoe Jacob W. , Cragun Aaron M. , Höök Tomas O.
Published: June 2014

Maternal effects have been observed to interact with genotypic and environmental influences to structure offspring phenotypes across a wide variety of taxa. In fishes, maternal effects may be especially important due to their potential influence on development and survival during early ontogeny – a period with high potential for population regulation. While previous studies have confirmed that maternal effects on offspring phenotype are common in fishes, the consistency with which they positively affect offspring fitness throughout early ontogeny remains largely unknown. We examined maternal effects on offspring fitness by quantifying relationships between maternal (length, mass and age), egg (diameter, mass and density) and larval traits (length, yolk‐sac volume and survival) in yellow perch (Perca flavescens). Consistent with several past studies, positive relationships among maternal and egg traits were evident. While egg mass was positively related to larval size at hatching, direct relationships between maternal and larval metrics were not apparent. Larval survival appeared to have two critical periods; in contrast with expectations, survival in the first 5 days posthatch was strongly negatively related to female size and age, while survival over the following 9 days was unrelated to maternal traits. Throughout the study, survival was positively related to yolk‐sac volume. Our unexpected observation of a negative relationship between maternal size and age and initial larval survival indicates that maternal effects may not be consistent throughout larval ontogeny. In fact, maternal effects appear to be dynamic influences on offspring fitness, and may have complex effects on individual‐ and population‐level reproductive success.
Whither Famology? Department Name Trends Across Four Decades
Authors: Hans Jason D.
Published: June 2014

Inconsistent naming of academic departments has been a cause and symptom of an identity issue that has persisted in the family field for decades. Department name trends were examined across nearly four decades to consider whether the family field is beginning to converge on a common label. Results indicate that the problem persists – 103 different names existed among 217 academic units examined – but that convergence seems to be on two terms: family studies and family science. A survey of 752 faculty members in those academic units found that 78% believed the variation in department names within the family field was somewhat or very problematic. Discussion and implications center on key issues for understanding and addressing the problem.
Understanding historical and current patterns of species richness of babblers along a 5000‐m subtropical elevational gradient
Authors: Wu Yongjie , Colwell Robert K. , Han Naijian , Zhang Ruiying , Wang Wenjuan , Quan Qing , Zhang Chunlan , Song Gang , Qu Yanhua , Lei Fumin
Published: June 2014

Aim

To understand the causes of historical and current elevational richness patterns of Leiothrichinae babblers, a diverse and mostly endemic group of birds.

Location

A 5000‐m elevational gradient in the Hengduan Mountains, China.

Methods

By means of a dated phylogenetic tree and reconstructed ancestral states, we estimated elevation‐specific diversification rate, applied a new method to estimate colonization frequency and age and, for the first time, modelled historical species richness patterns that take account of temporal patterns of palaeotemperature. As explanations for current richness patterns, we assessed area, geometric constraints, temperature, precipitation, seasonality and productivity.

Results

The current elevational pattern of species richness is a hump‐shaped curve with a peak at about 1000–2500 m. The reconstructed palaeopatterns of species richness suggest that babblers, as a clade, first occupied the Hengduan Mountains at low to mid‐elevations, although the method of ancestral state reconstruction cannot conclusively reject origins outside the current elevational distribution of the group. Diversification rates varied little along the elevational gradient, and thus cannot explain the richness pattern, but historical colonization frequency and colonization age were highly correlated with present‐day species richness. Seasonality and productivity had greater power than area and geometric constraints in explaining the present‐day richness pattern of babblers along the elevational gradient.

Conclusions

Historical and modern factors have both played important roles in shaping species richness patterns. Reconstructed historical richness patterns suggest that babblers first diversified in the Hengduan Mountains at low to mid elevations, but richness patterns almost certainly shifted substantially under changing climates of the past 10 Myr. The current richness patterns of babblers are associated with seasonality and productivity, but they are also a product of historical evolutionary and ecological dynamics. The methods we introduce for assessing historical colonization rates and past patterns of richness offer promise for understanding other elevational richness gradients.
The correlation between endoscopic and histopathological measurements in colorectal polyps
Authors: Levene Yasmin , Hutchinson John M , Tinkler‐Hundal Emma , Quirke Philip , West Nicholas P
Published: June 2014

Aims

Colorectal adenomas measuring 10 mm or more are at increased neoplastic risk and therefore undergo more rigorous follow‐up. Currently there is no standardized method of assessing polyp size. We aimed to examine the correlation between endoscopic and histopathological measurements to determine the most appropriate method for clinical use.

Methods and results

Colorectal polyps removed between November 2008 and January 2009 were identified. Routine endoscopic and histopathological measurements were determined retrospectively from the reports. Glass slide measurements using a ruler and magnified graticule were performed prospectively on all cases. Fifty cases also underwent high‐resolution digital scanning and tissue morphometry. After exclusions, 352 polyps from 210 patients were identified, including 235 adenomas, 107 hyperplastic polyps and 10 other lesions. Only 89% of adenomas had a documented endoscopic measurement and 22% a histopathological measurement. The median endoscopic measurement was significantly greater, resulting in 13% of patients being misclassified as high or low risk.

Conclusions

There are significant differences between endoscopic and histopathological measurement, and currently histopathologists frequently fail to accurately measure adenomas. Histopathological measurement should still be considered as the gold standard; however, there must be a hierarchy of measurements to take account of the practical limitations of sample fragmentation.
Charting Cognitive and Volumetric Trajectories after Stroke: Protocol for the Cognition and Neocortical Volume after Stroke (CANVAS) Study
Authors: Brodtmann Amy , Werden Emilio , Pardoe Heath , Li Qi , Jackson Graeme , Donnan Geoffrey , Cowie Tiffany , Bradshaw Jennifer , Darby David , Cumming Toby
Published: June 2014

Rationale

Globally, stroke and dementia are leading causes of disability and mortality. More than one third of stroke patients will develop dementia, but mechanisms are unclear.

Aims

The study aims to establish whether brain volume change is associated with poststroke dementia, and to elucidate potential causal mechanisms, including genetic markers, amyloid deposition and vascular risk factors. An understanding of whether – and in whom – stroke is neurodegenerative is critical for the strategic use of potential disease-modifying therapies.

Hypotheses

That stroke patients will exhibit greater brain volume loss than comparable cohorts of stroke-free controls; and that those who develop dementia will exhibit greater brain volume loss than those who do not.

Design

Advanced brain imaging techniques are used to longitudinally measure brain volume and cortical thickness in 135 stroke patients. Concurrent neuropsychological testing will correlate clinical profile with these measures.

Primary outcomes

Primary imaging end-point is brain volume change between three-months and three-years poststroke; primary clinical outcome is the presence of dementia at three-years.

Secondary outcomes

We will examine the correlations with the following variables: dementia subtype; physical activity levels; behavioral dysfunction as measured by patient and caregiver-reported scales; structural and functional brain connectivity disruption; apolipoprotein E; and specific neuropsychological test scores.

Discussion

Magnetic resonance imaging markers of structural brain aging and performance on neuropsychological tests are powerful predictors of dementia. We need to understand the trajectory of regional brain volume change and cognitive decline in patients after stroke. This will allow future risk stratification for prognostic counseling, service planning, and early therapeutic intervention.
Instructional skills for on‐the‐job training and experiential learning: an empirical study of Japanese firms
Authors: Matsuo Makoto
Published: June 2014

Despite the effectiveness of on‐the‐job training (OJT), few systematic empirical studies have been conducted on how OJT trainers instruct trainees in firms. The primary goal of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the trainer's instructional skills for OJT using survey data collected from 715 employees covering 22 firms. Results indicate that excellent OJT trainers use four types of instructional skills: (1) stretching trainee objectives, (2) monitoring their progress, (3) providing positive feedback, and (4) promoting reflection on results. The findings suggest that excellent OJT trainers facilitate trainees' experiential learning by promoting deliberate practice and reflective practice. Theoretical and managerial implications are also discussed.