bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Carbon balance of rewetted and drained peat soils used for biomass production: a mesocosm study
Authors: Karki Sandhya , Elsgaard Lars , Kandel Tanka P. , Lærke Poul Erik
Published: January 2016

Rewetting of drained peatlands has been recommended to reduce CO2 emissions and to restore the carbon sink function of peatlands. Recently, the combination of rewetting and biomass production (paludiculture) has gained interest as a possible land use option in peatlands for obtaining such benefits of lower CO2 emissions without losing agricultural land. This study quantified the carbon balance (CO2, CH4 and harvested biomass C) of rewetted and drained peat soils under intensively managed reed canary grass (RCG) cultivation. Mesocosms were maintained at five different groundwater levels (GWLs), that is 0, 10, 20 cm below the soil surface, representing rewetted peat soils, and 30 and 40 cm below the soil surface, representing drained peat soils. Net ecosystem exchange (NEE) of CO2 and CH4 emissions was measured during the growing period of RCG (May to September) using transparent and opaque closed chamber methods. The average dry biomass yield was significantly lower from rewetted peat soils (12 Mg ha−1) than drained peat soils (15 Mg ha−1). Also, CO2 fluxes of gross primary production (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER) from rewetted peat soils were significantly lower than from drained peat soils, but net uptake of CO2 was higher from rewetted peat soils. Cumulative CH4 emissions were negligible (0.01 g CH4 m−2) from drained peat soils but were significantly higher (4.9 g CH4 m−2) from rewetted peat soils during measurement period (01 May–15 September 2013). The extrapolated annual C balance was 0.03 and 0.68 kg C m−2 from rewetted and drained peat soils, respectively, indicating that rewetting and paludiculture can reduce the loss of carbon from peatlands.
Re‐evaluation of hepatocyte replacement by recipient‐derived cells after allogenic liver transplantation: Discrepancy between clinical observations and a rat model
Authors: Maeda Hiromichi , Okamoto Ken , Namikawa Tsutomu , Tsuda Masayuki , Uemura Sunao , Shiga Mai , Hanazaki Kazuhiro , Kobayashi Michiya
Published: January 2016

Aim

Reports suggest that hepatocyte replacement by recipient‐derived cells is an active phenomenon after allogenic liver transplantation in rats. However, this phenomenon is rarely observed in humans, and further evaluation is necessary to bridge the gap between clinical practice and animal experiment.

Methods

Fifty percent volume of the liver from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic Lewis rats were transplanted into wild‐type Dark Agouti (DA) rats, in which GFP negative hepatocytes were considered as host (DA rat)‐derived cells. The transplanted liver was observed on whole imaging system and fluorescent microscope 7–10 days after transplantation. As a different method from previous reports, hepatocytes isolated from transplanted livers were cultured, and the expression of GFP was examined.

Results

The sliced liver (2 mm) after allogenic transplantation demonstrated decreased intensity of GFP signals compared with the positive control. The hematoxylin–eosin staining of the section revealed abundant infiltration of inflammatory cells, suggesting an immunological rejection reaction. Large polygonal cells with significantly decreased or negative GFP signals were also demonstrated, which was consistent with the results of previous studies. However, cell culturing demonstrated that none of the examined albumin positive large polygonal cells were host‐derived cells. The same results were obtained irrespective of reconstruction of hepatic artery.

Conclusion

Our result implies that rejection reaction does not promote parenchymal replacement by recipient‐derived cells, in contrast to previous reports. If so, the phenomena occurring in rats are consistent with clinical observation of liver transplantation in humans.
How a moderated online discussion forum facilitates support for young people with eating disorders
Authors: Kendal Sarah , Kirk Sue , Elvey Rebecca , Catchpole Roger , Pryjmachuk Steven
Published: January 2016

Introduction

Young people with eating disorders are at risk of harm to their social, emotional and physical development and life chances. Although they can be reluctant to seek help, they may access social media for information, advice or support. The relationship between social media and youth well‐being is an emotive subject, but not clearly understood. This qualitative study aimed to explore how young people used a youth‐orientated, moderated, online, eating disorders discussion forum, run by an eating disorders charity.

Methods

We applied a netnographic approach involving downloading and thematically analysing over 400 messages posted August–November 2012.

Results

Data analysis generated five themes: Taking on the role of mentor; the online discussion forum as a safe space; Friendship within the online forum; Flexible help; and Peer support for recovery and relapse prevention. Forum moderation may have influenced the forum culture.

Discussion

Our findings are consistent with literature about youth preferences for mental health self‐care support. A young person's decision to use this discussion forum can be construed as pro‐active self‐care. A moderated online discussion forum can make a positive contribution to support for youth with eating disorders, countering negative media perceptions of online groups.

Conclusion

This study adds to knowledge about how young people access support via social media. Online discussion forums can be safe and acceptable spaces for youth to access help. Further research could provide insights into the impact of forum moderation.
Translocation of microbes and changes of immunocytes in the gut of rapid‐ and slow‐progressor Chinese rhesus macaques infected with SIVmac239
Authors: Zhang Lin‐Tao , Tian Ren‐Rong , Zheng Hong‐Yi , Pan Guo‐Qing , Tuo Xiao‐Yu , Xia Hou‐Jun , Xia Xue‐Shan , Pang Wei , Zheng Yong‐Tang
Published: January 2016

Human/simian immunodeficiency virus (HIV/SIV) infection can cause severe depletion of CD4+ T cells in both plasma and mucosa; it also results in damage to the gut mucosa barrier, which makes the condition more conducive to microbial translocation. In this study, we used SIV‐infected Chinese rhesus macaques to quantify the extent of microbial translocation and the function of immune cells in the entire gastrointestinal tract and to compare their differences between rapid and slow progressors. The results showed that in the slow progressors, microbial products translocated considerably and deeply into the lamina propria of the gut; the tissue macrophages had no significant differences compared with the rapid progressors, but there was a slightly higher percentage of mucosal CD8+ T cells and a large amount of extracellular microbial products in the lamina propria of the intestinal mucosa of the slow progressors. The data suggested that although microbial translocation increased markedly, the mucosal macrophages and CD8+ T cells were insufficient to clear the infiltrated microbes in the slow progressors. Also, therapies aimed at suppressing the translocation of microbial products in the mucosa could help to delay the progression of SIV disease.
Renationalization in Argentina, 2005–2013
Authors: Manzetti Luigi
Published: January 2016

Since 2002, government nationalizations and contractual breaches in general around the world have surged. South America has witnessed a wave of nationalizations of private enterprises, mostly foreign. Some analysts contend that this trend is shaped by the left-wing ideological orientation of the governments, whereas others argue that a more robust explanation is the combination of economic pressure and constraint factors. This article contributes to the debate by using a nuanced institutional analytical framework based on the concept of company versus government opportunism, applied to the recent nationalization of previously privatized companies. It examines Argentina, a country that in the last two decades has seen radical policy reversals, from sweeping privatization of state-owned enterprises in the 1990s to a renationalization effort with some of the same companies in the early 2000s.
Combining trade data and niche modelling improves predictions of the origin and distribution of non‐native European populations of a globally invasive species
Authors: Cardador Laura , Carrete Martina , Gallardo Belinda , Tella José L.
Published: January 2016

Aim

Although propagule pressure and environmental constraints are among the most important factors determining invasion success, studies considering both factors simultaneously are scarce. Moreover, while recent evidence suggests that the environmental requirements of individuals from different geographical ranges may be different, the role of propagule origin in invasions has been largely overlooked. Our aim was to disentangle the relative role of niche requirements, propagule origin and propagule pressure on the distribution of an invasive bird species.

Location

Europe, Asia and Africa.

Methods

We used species distribution models, niche and deviance partitioning analyses to investigate the relative roles of propagule pressure (international trade), origin of individuals (Asian or African), and environmental constraints in determining the distribution of invasive ring‐necked parakeets across 25 European countries.

Results

Differences between niches of native Asian and African parakeets were found, with the Asian niche matching the European niche more closely. In the invasive European range, distribution of parakeets was mainly explained by the pure effect of year of first importation (as a proxy of time since first introduction), the pure effect of geographical origin of propagules and the joint effect of environmental suitability and year of first importation, but not by overall propagule pressure. Only when taking into account the fraction of individuals whose native niche fitted better the European conditions – Asian parakeets – was the role of propagule pressure highlighted by models.

Main conclusions

While environmental‐based predictions calibrated on native ranges can constitute a useful first‐screening tool, incorporating information about propagule pressure and especially about the variability in its geographical origin may result in a much more thorough assessment of invasion risk. Trade data reveal as a valuable proxy of propagule origin and pressure that can be combined with niche modelling for predicting the fate of trade‐mediated invasions in a variety of organisms.
Which Measurement of Blood Pressure Is More Associated With Albuminuria in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: Central Blood Pressure or Peripheral Blood Pressure?
Authors: Kitagawa Noriyuki , Okada Hiroshi , Tanaka Muhei , Hashimoto Yoshitaka , Kimura Toshihiro , Nakano Koji , Yamazaki Masahiro , Hasegawa Goji , Nakamura Naoto , Fukui Michiaki
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate whether central systolic blood pressure (SBP) was associated with albuminuria, defined as urinary albumin excretion (UAE) ≥30 mg/g creatinine, and, if so, whether the relationship of central SBP with albuminuria was stronger than that of peripheral SBP in patients with type 2 diabetes. The authors performed a cross‐sectional study in 294 outpatients with type 2 diabetes. The relationship between peripheral SBP or central SBP and UAE using regression analysis was evaluated, and the odds ratios of peripheral SBP or central SBP were calculated to identify albuminuria using logistic regression model. Moreover, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of central SBP was compared with that of peripheral SBP to identify albuminuria. Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral SBP (β=0.255, P<.0001) or central SBP (r=0.227, P<.0001) was associated with UAE. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated that peripheral SBP (odds ratio, 1.029; 95% confidence interval, 1.016–1.043) or central SBP (odds ratio, 1.022; 95% confidence interval, 1.011–1.034) was associated with an increased odds of albuminuria. In addition, AUC of peripheral SBP was significantly greater than that of central SBP to identify albuminuria (P=0.035). Peripheral SBP is superior to central SBP in identifying albuminuria, although both peripheral and central SBP are associated with UAE in patients with type 2 diabetes.
Environmental change influences the life history of salmonSalmo salarin the North Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Jonsson B. , Jonsson N. , Albretsen J.
Published: January 2016

Annual mean total length (LT) of wild one‐sea‐winter (1SW) Atlantic salmonSalmo salarof the Norwegian River Imsa decreased from 63 to 54 cm with a corresponding decrease in condition factor (K) for cohorts migrating to sea from 1976 to 2010. The reduction inLTis associated with a 40% decline in mean individual mass, from 2 to 1·2 kg. Hatchery fish reared from parental fish of the same population exhibited similar changes from 1981 onwards. The decrease inLTcorrelated negatively with near‐surface temperatures in the eastern Norwegian Sea, thought to be the main feeding area of the present stock. Furthermore,S. salarexhibited significant variations in the proportion of cohorts attaining maturity after only one winter in the ocean. The proportion ofS. salarspawning as 1SW fish was lower both in the 1970s and after 2000 than in the 1980s and 1990s associated with a gradual decline in post‐smolt growth and smaller amounts of reserve energy in the fish. In wildS. salar, there was a positive association between post‐smolt growth and the sea survival back to the River Imsa for spawning. In addition, among smolt year‐classes, there were significant positive correlations between wild and hatcheryS. salarinLT,Kand age at maturity. The present changes may be caused by ecosystem changes following the collapse and rebuilding of the pelagic fish abundance in the North Atlantic Ocean, a gradual decrease in zooplankton abundance and climate change with increasing surface temperature in the Norwegian Sea. Thus, the observed variation in the life‐history traits ofS. salarappears primarily associated with major changes in the pelagic food web in the ocean.
First record of second‐generation facultative parthenogenesis in a vertebrate species, the whitespotted bambooshark Chiloscyllium plagiosum
Authors: Straube N. , Lampert K. P. , Geiger M. F. , Weiß J. D. , Kirchhauser J. X.
Published: January 2016

In this study, two parthenogenetic events within a family of the whitespotted bambooshark Chiloscyllium plagiosum are reported. A captive female produced multiple parthenogens. Unexpectedly, a single specimen of a total of nine parthenogens displayed external claspers characterizing the male sex in chondrichthyans. Upon dissection, internal sexual organs of this specimen were malformed or absent; however, the presence of claspers in this study challenges the as yet assumed sex determination system in this shark species. Even more remarkable was that one of the female parthenogens reproduced asexually again producing viable offspring. As far as is known, this is the first genetically confirmed evidence for second‐generation facultative parthenogenesis in vertebrates. These results support the evolutionary significance of parthenogenesis as an alternative to sexual reproduction.
Sign‐trackers have elevated myo‐inositol in the nucleus accumbens and ventral hippocampus following Pavlovian conditioned approach
Authors: Fitzpatrick Christopher J. , Perrine Shane A. , Ghoddoussi Farhad , Galloway Matthew P. , Morrow Jonathan D.
Published: January 2016

Pavlovian conditioned approach (PCA) is a behavioral procedure that can be used to assess individual differences in the addiction vulnerability of drug‐naïve rats and identify addiction vulnerability factors. Using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H‐MRS) ex vivo, we simultaneously analyzed concentrations of multiple neurochemicals throughout the mesocorticolimbic system 2 weeks after PCA training in order to identify potential vulnerability factors to addiction in drug‐naïve rats for future investigations. Levels of myo‐inositol (Ins), a 1H‐MRS‐detectable marker of glial activity/proliferation, were increased in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and ventral hippocampus, but not dorsal hippocampus or medial prefrontal cortex, of sign‐trackers compared to goal‐trackers or intermediate responders. In addition, Ins levels positively correlated with PCA behavior in the NAc and ventral hippocampus. Because the sign‐tracker phenotype is associated with increased drug‐seeking behavior, these results observed in drug‐naïve rats suggest that alterations in glial activity/proliferation within these regions may represent an addiction vulnerability factor.

image

Sign‐tracking rats preferentially approach reward cues during Pavlovian conditioning, while goal‐trackers instead approach the location of impending reward. Sign‐trackers are also more prone to cue‐induced drug‐seeking behavior. We used magnetic resonance spectroscopy to show that myo‐inositol levels are higher in the ventral hippocampus and nucleus accumbens of sign‐trackers relative to goal‐trackers. Thus, elevated myo‐inositol may be a vulnerability factor for addiction.
Preparation, in-vitro and in-vivo characterisation of CoQ10 microparticles: electrospraying-enhanced bioavailability
Authors: Fung Wai Yee , Liong Min Tze , Yuen Kah Hay
Published: January 2016

Objectives

This study aimed to prepare Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) microparticles using electrospraying technology, and evaluate the in-vitro properties and in-vivo oral bioavailability.

Key findings

Electrospraying was successfully used to prepare CoQ10 to enhance its solubility and dissolution properties. In-vitro evaluation of the electrosprayed microparticles showed bioavailability-enhancing properties such as reduced crystallinity and particle size. The formulation was evaluated using dissolution study and in-vivo oral bioavailability using rat model. The dissolution study revealed enhanced dissolution properties of electrosprayed microparticles compared with physical mixture and raw material. The absorption profiles showed increasing mean plasma levels CoQ10 in the following order: raw material < physical mixture < electrosprayed microparticles.

Conclusion

Based on the findings in this study, electrospraying is a highly prospective technology to produce functional nano- and micro-structures as delivery vehicles for drugs with poor oral bioavailability due to rate-limiting solubility.
Pre‐industrial landscape composition patterns and post‐industrial changes at the temperate–boreal forest interface in western Quebec, Canada
Authors: Danneyrolles Victor , Arseneault Dominique , Bergeron Yves
Published: January 2016

Questions

What were the pre‐industrial forest landscape composition patterns? Which factors had structured the pre‐industrial landscape patterns? How have pre‐industrial landscape patterns and post‐industrial disturbances controlled composition changes?

Location

An area of 4175 km2 at the temperate–boreal forest interface of southwest Quebec, Canada.

Methods

Reconstruction of the pre‐industrial composition is based on an original early land survey data set (1874–1935). Composition changes were computed by comparing historical data with modern forest inventories. Landscape‐scale patterns and composition changes were assessed through spatially constrained clustering analysis.

Results

Pre‐industrial forest composition was structured across the landscape by the combination of environmental gradients (topography, deposits, drainage, etc.) and recurrence of fire. Frequency and intensity of fires were most likely the main drivers of forest dynamics and composition across the landscape. Black spruce (Picea mariana) and balsam fir (Abies balsamea) dominated hilly areas affected by former fires; aspen (Populus tremuloides) dominated lowlands following recent fire. White cedar (Thuja occidentatlis) and pines (Pinus spp.) dominated areas probably affected by small surface fires. New disturbance regimes that were subsequently incurred by human activities have shifted the pre‐industrial landscape mosaic and have led to the current landscapes. Composition changes included a replacement of conifers by early successional species within settled or burned areas, and the maintenance of conifers and an increase in cedar dominance in areas affected by partial disturbance.

Conclusions

Post‐industrial composition changes must be perceived as complex interactions between pre‐industrial landscape patterns and natural and human disturbances. Such land‐use legacies could be important drivers of future landscape change and should be investigated and considered when predicting future climate‐induced ecological changes.
Seed germination traits can contribute better to plant community ecology
Authors: Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Silveira Fernando A.O. , Fidelis Alessandra , Poschlod Peter , Commander Lucy E.
Published: January 2016

Analyses of functional traits have become fundamental tools for understanding patterns and processes in plant community ecology. In this context, regenerative seed traits play an important, yet overlooked, role because they largely determine the ability of plants to disperse and re‐establish. A survey of recent publications in community ecology suggests that seed germination traits in particular are neglected at the expense of other relevant but overused traits based only on seed morphology. As a response to this bias, we discuss the functional significance of seed germination traits in comparison with morphological and biophysical seed traits, and advocate their use in vegetation science. We also demonstrate how research in community assembly, climate change and restoration ecology can benefit from the inclusion of germination traits, encompassing functions that cannot be explained solely by adult plant traits. Seed germination experiments conducted in the laboratory or field to quantify these traits provide ecologically meaningful and relatively easy‐to‐obtain information about the functional properties of plant communities. We argue that bridging the gap between seed physiologists and community ecologists will improve the prediction of plant assemblages, and propose further perspectives for including seed traits into the research agenda of functional community ecologists.
Why do I treat my patients with mild hepatitis C?
Authors: Calvaruso Vincenza , Craxì Antonio
Published: January 2016

The major advances achieved in the treatment of HCV by the development of new direct‐acting antiviral agents (DAAs) allow treatment of almost the entire spectrum of patients with chornic infection. As a result of the exceedingly high cost of DAAs in many countries, IFN‐free DAA regimens are mostly reserved to patients with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis. Hence, treatment of patients with milder liver disease is often deferred. This could ultimately result in an increased burden of advanced liver disease and in increased long‐term costs of management. Moreover, studies performed during the ‘interferon era’ and the early data on interferon‐free regimens show that patients without severe fibrosis achieve higher rates of sustained virological response with less treatment‐related adverse events. Unfortunately, there is no univocal way to predict the progression of liver fibrosis and therefore to identify the patients with early disease who would require urgent HCV treatment. Many studies have also demonstrated that treatment‐induced HCV clearance reduces all‐cause mortality regardless of the stage of liver fibrosis, pointing to an effect on extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection. Last but not least, pharmacoeconomic studies show that DAA treatment of patients with mild HCV disease is cost‐effective even at high prices of drugs, thus suggesting the opprtunity to treat regardless of the stage of liver disease.
News and challenges in the treatment of hepatitis C in liver transplantation
Authors: Coilly Audrey , Roche Bruno , Duclos‐Vallée Jean‐ Charles , Samuel Didier
Published: January 2016

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is one of the main causes of end‐stage liver disease and indications for liver transplantation (LT) worldwide. HCV infection always recurs on the graft in patients who undergo LT with detectable serum HCV RNA, leading to cirrhosis in 20–30% within 5 years after transplantation. Achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) greatly improves patient and graft survival. Recently, the efficacy of therapy has radically changed and improved based on new direct acting antiviral agents (DAAs) without pegylated‐interferon (PEG‐IFN) and/or ribavirin (RBV), leading to SVR rates of more than 90% in transplanted patients. The safety profile in this population is also good, with limited drug–drug interactions. However, there are very few data on patients on the waiting list. Even when the results of combined DAAs are good (>80%), SVR rates are lower than in patients without cirrhosis. This review reports recent available data on the treatment of HCV infection in the transplant setting and discusses new dilemmas and challenges.
Why I do not treat patients for mild disease
Authors: Hézode Christophe
Published: January 2016

The short‐term prognosis of patients with chronic hepatitis C and mild disease is excellent. Monitoring of the progression of fibrosis is easy to perform with non‐invasive tests. Current all‐oral interferon (IFN)‐ and ribavirin (RBV)‐free regimens offer sustained viral response (SVR) rates of more than 90% as well as 12‐weeks of treatment for most patients with mild disease. Several DAA combinations can be selected to optimize efficacy and safety outcomes. A short treatment duration of 8 weeks could be indicated in most patients with mild disease. However, additional data from clinical trials and real‐life experience are needed to confirm this option. Moreover, current regimens are not cost‐effective for patients with mild disease. In practice, deferral of HCV treatment for a few years and monitoring the progression of fibrosis is a safe option until cheaper, shorter, more effective and more convenient HCV regimens become available.
Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: beyond international guidelines
Authors: Sangiovanni Angelo , Colombo Massimo
Published: January 2016

Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is guided by the tumour stage. The Barcelona clinical liver cancer (BCLC) score endorsed by the European Society of the Liver EASL divides patients into five prognostic categories, each with a distinct treatment indication. Hepatic resection, orthotopic liver transplantation and percutaneous local ablation are strongly indicated in accurately selected patients with very early (BCLC 0) and early stage (BCLC A) tumours providing a survival rate of between 50 and 75% at year five. In patients with a large tumour burden such as those with intermediate stage BCLC B, repeated treatments with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) are advocated with clinical benefits (from 16 to 22 months). Survival may also improve in patients who are in poor condition or who do not respond to TACE and those with an advanced HCC (BCLC C), following oral therapy with the multikinase inhibitor, sorafenib. However, most recommendations are based on uncontrolled studies and expert opinions rather than well‐designed controlled trials, and up to one‐third of patients do not fit recommendations because of advanced age, the presence of significant comorbidities or a strategic location of the nodule. For these patients, treatment of HCC beyond guidelines is often advocated.
Eco‐evolutionary factors drive induced plant volatiles: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Rowen Elizabeth , Kaplan Ian
Published: January 2016

Herbivore‐induced plant volatiles (HIPVs) mediate critical ecological functions, but no studies have quantitatively synthesized data published onHIPVs to evaluate broad patterns. We tested three hypotheses that use eco‐evolutionary theory to predict volatile induction: feeding guild (chewing arthropods > sap feeders), diet breadth (specialist herbivores > generalists), and selection history (domesticated plants < wild species).

To test these hypotheses, we extracted data from 236 experiments that report volatiles produced by herbivore‐damaged and undamaged plants. These data were subjected to meta‐analysis, including effects on total volatiles and major biochemical classes.

Overall, we found that chewers induced more volatiles than sap feeders, for both total volatiles and most volatile classes (e.g. green leaf volatiles, monoterpenes). Although specialist herbivores induced more total volatiles than generalists, this was inconsistent across chemical classes. Contrary to our expectation, domesticated species induced stronger volatile responses than wild species, even when controlling for plant taxonomy.

Surprisingly, this is the first quantitative synthesis of published studies onHIPVs. Our analysis provides support for perceptions in the published literature (chewers > sap feeders), while challenging other commonly held notions (wild > crop). Despite the large number of experiments, we identified several gaps in the existing literature that should guide future investigations.
The microbiome of the leaf surface of Arabidopsis protects against a fungal pathogen
Authors: Ritpitakphong Unyarat , Falquet Laurent , Vimoltust Artit , Berger Antoine , Métraux Jean‐Pierre , L'Haridon Floriane
Published: January 2016

We have explored the importance of the phyllosphere microbiome in plant resistance in the cuticle mutants bdg (BODYGUARD) or lacs2.3 (LONG CHAIN FATTY ACID SYNTHASE 2) that are strongly resistant to the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea.

The study includes infection of plants under sterile conditions, 16S ribosomal DNA sequencing of the phyllosphere microbiome, and isolation and high coverage sequencing of bacteria from the phyllosphere.

When inoculated under sterile conditions bdg became as susceptible as wild‐type (WT) plants whereas lacs2.3 mutants retained the resistance. Adding washes of its phyllosphere microbiome could restore the resistance of bdg mutants, whereas the resistance of lacs2.3 results from endogenous mechanisms. The phyllosphere microbiome showed distinct populations in WT plants compared to cuticle mutants. One species identified as Pseudomonas sp isolated from the microbiome of bdg provided resistance to B. cinerea on Arabidopsis thaliana as well as on apple fruits. No direct activity was observed against B. cinerea and the action of the bacterium required the plant.

Thus, microbes present on the plant surface contribute to the resistance to B. cinerea. These results open new perspectives on the function of the leaf microbiome in the protection of plants.
Regulation of anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin biosynthesis by Medicago truncatula bHLH transcription factor MtTT8
Authors: Li Penghui , Chen Beibei , Zhang Gaoyang , Chen Longxiang , Dong Qiang , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Zhao Jian
Published: January 2016

The MYB‐ basic helix–loop–helix (bHLH)‐WD40 complexes regulating anthocyanin and proanthocyanidin (PA) biosynthesis in plants are not fully understood. Here Medicago truncatula bHLH MtTT8 was characterized as a central component of these ternary complexes that control anthocyanin and PA biosynthesis.

Mttt8 mutant seeds have a transparent testa phenotype with reduced PAs and anthocyanins. MtTT8 restores PA and anthocyanin productions in Arabidopsis tt8 mutant. Ectopic expression of MtTT8 restores anthocyanins and PAs in mttt8 plant and hairy roots and further enhances both productions in wild‐type hairy roots.

Transcriptomic analyses and metabolite profiling of mttt8 mutant seeds and M. truncatula hairy roots (mttt8 mutant, mttt8 mutant complemented with MtTT8, or MtTT8 overexpression lines) indicate that MtTT8 regulates a subset of genes involved in PA and anthocyanin biosynthesis.

MtTT8 is genetically regulated by MtLAP1, MtPAR and MtWD40‐1. Combinations of MtPAR, MtLAP1, MtTT8 and MtWD40‐1 activate MtTT8 promoter in yeast assay. MtTT8 interacts with these transcription factors to form regulatory complexes. MtTT8, MtWD40‐1 and an MYB factor, MtPAR or MtLAP1, interacted and activated promoters of anthocyanidin reductase and anthocyanidin synthase to regulate PA and anthocyanin biosynthesis, respectively. Our results provide new insights into the complex regulation of PA and anthocyanin biosynthesis in M. truncatula.
Does Power Sector Deregulation Promote or Discourage Renewable Energy Policy? Evidence from the States, 1991–2012
Authors: Eun Kim Sung , Yang Joonseok , Urpelainen Johannes
Published: January 2016

Both within the United States and across the world, power sector deregulation has changed the environment in which governments formulate renewable energy policy. Utilizing data from U.S. states for the 1991–2012 period, this article shows that there is no difference in the adoption of new renewable energy policy in states that have and have not already gone through power sector deregulation. However, the evidence also shows that governments formulate renewable energy policy as part of a legislative package for power sector deregulation in a dynamic we call issue linkage. While power sector deregulation is neither an impediment nor an impetus to renewable energy policy, the strategic challenge of passing deregulatory legislation requires concessions to constituencies that prefer renewables. For policy makers, the results are important because they indicate that deeper reforms in electricity generation are consistent with more ambitious renewable energy policy.
Activation of Complement Following Total Hip Replacement
Authors: Thordardottir S. , Vikingsdottir T. , Bjarnadottir H. , Jonsson H. , Gudbjornsson B.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to investigate whether complement activation, via the classical and alternative pathways, occurs following a cemented total hip replacement (THR) surgery due to osteoarthritis. Blood samples were collected systematically from 12 patients – six male and six women, with a median age of 75 (range: 59–90 years) – preoperatively, 6 h post‐operatively and on the first, second and third post‐operative day. Total function of classical (CH50) and alternative pathways (AH50) was evaluated, along with the determination of serum concentrations of the complement proteins C3, C4, C3d, the soluble terminal complement complex (sTCC) sC5b‐9, as well as C‐reactive protein (CRP) and albumin. Measurements of CRP and albumin levels elucidated a marked inflammatory response following the operation. The CH50, AH50 and C3 and C4 levels were significantly lower 6 h after the surgery compared with the preoperative levels, but elevated above the preoperative levels during the following 3 days. The complement activation product C3d levels increased continually during the whole observation period, from 13.5 AU/ml (range: 8–19 AU/ml) preoperative to 20 AU/ml (range: 12–34 AU/ml) on the third post‐operative day. Furthermore, we observed an increase in the sC5b‐9 levels between the preoperative and the third post‐operative day. These results demonstrate a significant activation of the complement system following cemented THR. Further studies are needed to elucidate the time frame and the pathogenic role of this observed complement activation.
A new quantitative evaluation method for age‐related changes of individual pigmented spots in facial skin
Authors: Kikuchi K. , Masuda Y. , Yamashita T. , Sato K. , Katagiri C. , Hirao T. , Mizokami Y. , Yaguchi H.
Published: January 2016

Background

Facial skin pigmentation is one of the most prominent visible features of skin aging and often affects perception of health and beauty. To date, facial pigmentation has been evaluated using various image analysis methods developed for the cosmetic and esthetic fields. However, existing methods cannot provide precise information on pigmented spots, such as variations in size, color shade, and distribution pattern. The purpose of this study is the development of image evaluation methods to analyze individual pigmented spots and acquire detailed information on their age‐related changes.

Methods

To characterize the individual pigmented spots within a cheek image, we established a simple object‐counting algorithm. First, we captured cheek images using an original imaging system equipped with an illumination unit and a high‐resolution digital camera. The acquired images were converted into melanin concentration images using compensation formulae. Next, the melanin images were converted into binary images. The binary images were then subjected to noise reduction. Finally, we calculated parameters such as the melanin concentration, quantity, and size of individual pigmented spots using a connected‐components labeling algorithm, which assigns a unique label to each separate group of connected pixels.

Results

The cheek image analysis was evaluated on 643 female Japanese subjects. We confirmed that the proposed method was sufficiently sensitive to measure the melanin concentration, and the numbers and sizes of individual pigmented spots through manual evaluation of the cheek images. The image analysis results for the 643 Japanese women indicated clear relationships between age and the changes in the pigmented spots.

Conclusion

We developed a new quantitative evaluation method for individual pigmented spots in facial skin. This method facilitates the analysis of the characteristics of various pigmented facial spots and is directly applicable to the fields of dermatology, pharmacology, and esthetic cosmetology.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐A*02:431 allele identified in a Chinese Han individual
Authors: Zhen J.‐X. , Liang H.
Published: January 2016

HLA‐A*02:431 differs from the closest allele HLA‐A*02:03:01 by a nonsynonymous mutation at nucleotide 317 in exon 2.
Central Bank Intervention, Exchange Rate Regime and the Purchasing Power Parity
Authors: Lin Luke , Lee Chun I.
Published: January 2016

Motivated by the argument that central bank intervention leads to non‐linear exchange rate adjustment processes, we examine purchase power parity (PPP) by applying quantile unit root tests to the exchange rates of the New Taiwan Dollar (NTD)vis‐à‐visseven Asian currencies. We show that exchange rate regime matters in determining whetherPPPholds. WhilePPPholds overwhelmingly during the period when theNTDis under the fixed exchange rate regime, it is present only for some exchange rates during the managed floating rate regime. For exchange rates exhibiting mean reversion, the reversion occurs mainly when the shocks are large. In contrast to conclusion in the literature, our test results show little evidence of asymmetric mean reversion between positive and negative shocks.
Conducting Impactful Coaching Science Research: The Forgotten Role of Knowledge Integration and Dissemination
Authors: Gould Dan
Published: January 2016

This review discusses the need for and importance of knowledge integration and dissemination in coaching science. It is argued that researchers are not paying enough attention to knowledge integration and dissemination. Scientists can better conduct coaching research of high impact by carrying out practitioner needs assessments, relating findings of a specific study to a larger take home message so that the value of science is better seen when debriefing participants, educating future coaching science researchers as to how to write for practical audiences, considering practitioner characteristics and context constraints when designing studies, considering practical outlets for research when designing studies, and realizing that dissemination is not easy—it takes considerable time and repeated efforts to occur. Finally, dissemination and translational science models are offered as tools to assist those who are interested in conducting and disseminating research aimed at making a practical difference in sport and coaching settings.
Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Health-Related Quality of Life in School-Aged Children
Authors: Gu Xiangli , Chang Mei , Solmon Melinda A.
Published: January 2016

Purpose:

This study examined the association between physical activity (PA), physical fitness, and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among school-aged children.

Methods:

Participants were 201 children (91 boys, 110 girls; Mage = 9.82) enrolled in one school in the southern US. Students’ PA (self-reported PA, pedometer-based PA) and physical fitness (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular fitness, flexibility, and body composition) were assessed in the fall. The PedsQL4.0 (Varni et al., 2001) was used to assess participants’ HRQOL (physical and mental function) in the spring.

Results:

PA and four components of physical fitness were positively associated with physical and mental function. Path analyses suggested physical fitness mediated the relationship between self-reported PA and HRQOL (95% CI: [.53, 1.48]), as well as between pedometer-based PA and HRQOL (95% CI: [.54, 1.53]).

Discussion:

Results support the conclusion that enhancing children’s physical fitness can facilitate positive outcomes including improved health related quality of life.
Road Cycling Over Forty: Fitness, Friends, and Fondos
Authors: Sirna Karen M.
Published: January 2016

The recent growth in the aging population taking up road cycling and participating in Gran Fondo events has gained attention in popular media. However as of yet, little research exists regarding why, at this time, road cycling is drawing this demographic. This paper explores experiences and perspectives of aging cycling enthusiasts, coaches, and bike store employees as well as content analysis and participant observation to better understand the choice of road cycling and its meaning in their lives. Emergent themes of healthy aging, socializing and networking, and bikes, accessories and gear are presented and discussed using Pierre Bourdieu’s (1984, 2000) habitus, field, and capital to understand them as cultural expressions.
The Uses of an Inner-City Sport-for-Development Program: Dispatches From the (Real) Creative Class
Authors: Scherer Jay , Koch Jordan , Holt Nicholas L.
Published: January 2016

As a result of a rapidly changing global political economy, deindustrialization, and neoliberalism, a new form of racialized urban poverty has become concentrated in the inner cities of innumerable North American urban centers. In response to these material conditions, various nonprofit organizations, corporate-sponsored initiatives,and underfunded municipal recreation departments continue to provide a range of sport-for-development programs for the ‘urban outcasts’ of the global economy. While sport scholars have widely critiqued these initiatives, little is known about how people experience these programs against the backdrop of actually existing neoliberalism (Brenner & Theodore, 2002) and the new conditions of urban poverty. As part of a three-year urban ethnography in Edmonton, Alberta, this paper examines how a group of less affluent and often homeless young men experienced and made use of a weekly, publicly funded floor-hockey program. In so doing, we explore how this sport-for-development program existed as a ‘hub’ within a network of social solidarity and as a crucial site for marginalized individuals to negotiate, and, at times, resist conditions of precarious labor in a divided Western Canadian city.
A recurred subungual glomus tumour of the thumb
Authors: Jalan Divesh , Elhence Abhay , Rathore Devendra Singh , Maley Deepak Kumar
Published: January 2016

Glomus tumours are rare benign neoplasms arising from the glomus body, accounting for 1–5% of all soft-tissue tumours of the hand. The diagnosis of glomus tumour is frequently delayed, varying from 3 to 15 years. We present a case of a recurred glomus tumour of the thumb where symptoms persisted for a period of 6 years after an attempted surgical excision. The patient presented with classical symptoms of localised tenderness, cold sensitivity and excruciating pain on touch. Findings on radiograph, ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced MRI further supported the diagnosis. Complete surgical excision, the only recommended treatment, resulted in complete symptomatic relief to the patient. This case report highlights the importance of meticulous complete excision and clinical awareness of the disease among primary care physicians.
Progressive bilateral ophthalmoparesis—a case of simultaneous autoimmunity: balancing Graves’ ophthalmoparesis and ocular myasthenia
Authors: Canepa Carlo , Venu Maya
Published: January 2016

A 44-year-old woman with no medical history presented with a 1-year history of horizontal diplopia, bilateral exophthalmos and progressive asymmetrical ophthalmoparesis, with no pupillary dysfunction or ptosis. Within 3 months of her initial presentation, she noticed paresis of right eye abduction, followed after 1 month with paresis of left eye abduction. Initial investigations revealed positive antiperoxidase antibodies for Graves’ disease and positive AChR for myasthenia gravis. MRI of the brain showed increased intensity in bilateral inferior rectus muscles and CT of the chest showed thymic hyperplasia. Treatment with carbimazole and pyridostigmine was started, with complete resolution after 1 month.
FPSOLVE: A Generic Solver for Fixpoint Equations Over Semirings
Authors: Esparza Javier , Luttenberger Michael , Schlund Maximilian
Published: January 2016

We introduce FPSOLVE, an implementation of generic algorithms for solving fixpoint equations over semirings. We first illustrate the interest of generic solvers by means of a scenario. We then succinctly describe some of the algorithms implemented in the tool, and provide some implementation details.
Investigations on Automata and Languages Over a Unary Alphabet
Authors: Pighizzini Giovanni
Published: January 2016

The investigation of automata and languages defined over a one letter alphabet shows interesting differences with respect to the case of alphabets with at least two letters. Probably, the oldest example emphasizing one of these differences is the collapse of the classes of regular and context-free languages in the unary case (Ginsburg and Rice, 1962). Many differences have been proved concerning the state costs of the simulations between different variants of unary finite state automata (Chrobak, 1986, Mereghetti and Pighizzini, 2001). We present an overview of these results. Because important connections with fundamental questions in space complexity, we give emphasis to unary two-way automata. Furthermore, we discuss unary versions of other computational models, as probabilistic automata, one-way and two-way pushdown automata, even extended with auxiliary workspace, and multi-head automata.
Large Aperiodic Semigroups
Authors: Brzozowski Janusz , Szykuła Marek
Published: January 2016

We search for the largest syntactic semigroups of star-free languages having n left quotients; equivalently, we look for the largest transition semigroups of aperiodic finite automata with n states. We first introduce unitary semigroups generated by transformations that change only one state. In particular, we study unitary-complete semigroups which have a special structure, and show that each maximal unitary semigroup is unitary-complete. For [Formula: see text] we exhibit a unitary-complete semigroup that is larger than any aperiodic semigroup known to date. We then present even larger aperiodic semigroups, generated by transformations that map a non-empty subset of states to a single state; we call such transformations and semigroups semiconstant. We examine semiconstant tree semigroups which have a structure based on full binary trees. The semiconstant tree semigroups are at present the best candidates for largest aperiodic semigroups.