bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Closing the 30 Million Word Gap: Next Steps in Designing Research to Inform Practice
Authors: Hindman Annemarie H. , Wasik Barbara A. , Snell Emily K.
Published: April 2016

Recent attention to the word gap has renewed public interest in the striking vocabulary disparities between children in poverty and their higher income peers during the 1st years of life. Children's outcomes—and the nation's well‐being—could be improved by additional research into the mechanisms of vocabulary learning, as well as translational research that produces effective, feasible early‐education practices in homes and schools. In this review, we first explain the nature and extent of the word gap and then briefly describe research on how children learn words during the early years. Next, we summarize limits of available interventions. Finally, we detail pressing questions that demand additional study and suggest research that could provide answers. Ultimately, we call for new research on word‐learning experiences at home and in school that will support reading and academic success for children at risk.
Etiology of molar incisor hypomineralization – A systematic review
Authors: Silva Mihiri J. , Scurrah Katrina J. , Craig Jeffrey M. , Manton David J. , Kilpatrick Nicky
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) is a common developmental dental defect of permanent teeth, which can increase the risk of dental caries, infection and hospitalization. The etiology is currently unclear although prenatal or early childhood health factors are suspected. The aim of this systematic review was to assess the strength of evidence linking etiological factors withMIH.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted using the Medline and Embase electronic databases for studies investigating environmental etiological factors ofMIH. Two reviewers assessed the eligibility of studies. The level of evidence and bias was determined for all eligible studies according to Australian National Health and Medical Research Council guidelines for systematic reviews of etiology and the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale.

Results

From a total of 2254 studies identified through electronic and hand searching, 28 were eligible for inclusion. Twenty‐five of these investigatedMIHand three investigated a related condition in primary teeth, hypomineralized second primary molars (HSPM), and these were analysed separately. A limited number of studies reported significant associations betweenMIHand pre‐ and perinatal factors such as maternal illness and medication use in pregnancy, prematurity and birth complications. Early childhood illness was implicated as an etiological factor inMIHin several studies, in particular fever, asthma and pneumonia. The studies investigatingHSPMrevealed an association with maternal alcohol consumption, infantile fever and ethnicity. However, the validity of these findings is impaired by study design, lack of adjustment for confounders, lack of detail and consistency of exposures investigated and poor reporting.

Conclusions

Childhood illness is likely to be associated withMIH. Further prospective studies of the etiology ofMIH/HSPMare needed.
Clinical and radiographic evaluation of implants placed by means of inferior alveolar nerve lateralization: a 5‐year follow‐up study
Authors: Martínez‐Rodríguez Natalia , Barona‐Dorado Cristina , Cortés‐Breton Brinkmann Jorge , Martín Ares María , Calvo‐Guirado José Luis , Martínez‐González José María
Published: April 2016

Objective

To evaluate clinical and radiological responses of implants placed in combination with inferior alveolar nerve lateralization, analyzing survival and success rates over 5 years functional loading.

Materials and methods

This prospective, longitudinal, single‐center study recruited 40 patients with mandibular atrophy in the posterior sectors, who underwent lateralization of the inferior alveolar nerve. Three months after surgery and implant placement, the implants were loaded by means of screw‐retained implant‐supported partial prostheses or fixed complete prostheses. Clinical and radiographic examinations were performed immediately after implant placement and at 12, 24, 36, 48 and 60‐month follow‐up visits.

Results

The 40 patients received a total of 129 implants (Phibo TSA™, Phibo Dental Solutions, Sentmenat, Barcelona, Spain). Two implants were lost in the first month after surgery, generating an implant cumulative survival rate (CSR) of 98.44%. The success rate after 5 years of loading was 98.44%. No intra‐operative or postoperative soft tissue or prosthetic complications occurred during the 5‐year follow‐up.

Conclusions

Inferior alveolar nerve lateralization performed to allow placement of (Phibo TSA™) implants in patients with mandibular atrophy obtained predictable clinical and radiological results over five years of functional loading.
Outcome measures evaluating hand function in children with bilateral cerebral palsy: a systematic review
Authors: Elvrum Ann‐Kristin G , Sæther Rannei , Riphagen Ingrid I , Vik Torstein
Published: April 2016

Aim

To review outcome measures used to evaluate hand function, with emphasis on manual capacity and performance, in children with bilateral cerebral palsy (CP), to describe the content and measurement properties of such measures, and to investigate the quality of the studies that have examined these properties.

Method

Embase, MEDLINE, PubMed, and CINAHL were searched. The COSMIN‐criteria (COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments) were used to assess the quality of studies and the Terwee criteria were used to assess the result of the studies.

Results

Five hand function measures were identified from 16 papers. The strongest level of evidence for aspects of validity and reliability was found for the Melbourne Assessment 2, assessing unimanual capacity, and for the questionnaire ABILHAND‐Kids, assessing perceived manual ability in daily activities. However, evidence for the responsiveness of these measures is missing.

Interpretation

Further high‐quality studies providing evidence for responsiveness, as well as for additional aspects of validity and reliability of the Melbourne Assessment 2 and the ABILHAND‐Kids, are needed. Furthermore, there is a need to develop appropriate outcome measures evaluating how children with bilateral CP use their hands when handling objects in bimanual tasks.
Insect science – a vulnerable discipline?
Authors: Loxdale Hugh D.
Published: April 2016

Insects are the most biodiverse terrestrial eukaryotic organisms on earth, representing around 75% of the world's recorded fauna. As such, they are central players in most of the major biomes of the world, notably the tropics where they display an enormous species richness and range of specialisations, although they are largely absent from high polar and marine ecosystems. Because of their abundance and diversity, they often come into direct competition with humans, as pests threatening our crops and stored products, attacking our clothes and paper products, including books, and as vectors transmitting diseases, some deadly, to ourselves, livestock, crops, and to wildlife. Meanwhile, many species are highly beneficial as pollinators and as biological control agents used to protect our crops and products. Others still are of conservation importance. For centuries, pest species have been combatted using a variety of approaches, mainly chemical during the 19th into the 21st centuries, but problems have arisen due to the evolution of insecticide resistance. Resistance has even recently evolved against such novel bio‐pesticides as Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner) toxins. This is perhaps not surprising considering the often short life cycles of many pest insects, their powers of dispersal, and ability to adapt and evolve in the face of novel ecological challenges. Humankind has responded by developing strategies, including the use of natural biological control agents. Mark Jervis was an expert on the deployment of these agents, especially parasitic Hymenoptera, in the control of insect pests, both from a theoretical and applied standpoint. Here, I briefly outline, with special reference to the UK, how cutbacks in research funding threaten the vital entomological research base, while highlighting some of the main ways pest insect populations have been, and are being, studied and controlled. Last, as Mark was a keen, long‐term Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society, I also outline the role of the Society in advancing the understanding and dissemination of insect science to a national and international audience.
National Parliaments and EU Fiscal Integration
Authors: Jančić Davor
Published: April 2016

This article analyses the impact of the euro crisis on national parliaments and examines their response to the deepening of EU fiscal integration and the correspondent limitation of their budgetary autonomy. It argues that the sovereign debt crisis has provoked the emergence of new channels of parliamentary involvement in EU economic governance. National parliaments have acquired various rights of approval in the European Semester, strengthened the accountability of national governments, reinforced their scrutiny over budgeting, improved their access to information, and created domestic and supranational avenues for deliberation and political contestation of European integration. In these respects, they have undergone further Europeanisation. While these reforms do not outweigh the centralisation of EU powers, they represent an embryonic step in the parliamentary adaptation to the nascent EU fiscal regime. Yet they are unlikely substantially to influence EMU policy‐making processes, because of the democratic disconnect inherent in the EU's multilevel constitution.
Divided by Loyalty: The Debate Regarding Loyalty Provisions in the National Defense Education Act of 1958
Authors: Maher Brent D.
Published: April 2016

The National Defense Education Act (NDEA) of 1958 was the first federal investment in low-interest student loans and became a precedent for expansion of student loans in the Higher Education Act of 1965. In its controversial loyalty provisions, the NDEA required loan recipients to affirm loyalty to the U.S. government. Between 1958 and 1962, thirty-two colleges and universities refused to participate or withdrew from the NDEA loan program, arguing that the loyalty provisions unfairly targeted students and violated principles of free inquiry. This essay argues that debate over the loyalty provisions fractured a partnership between progressives who favored general aid to education and conservatives who supported short-term investment for defense purposes. Although debates over the NDEA loyalty requirements seem specific to the Cold War, a close examination of the arguments illuminates their alignment with long-standing ideological conflicts over legitimacy of federal aid to higher education.
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act at Fifty: A Changing Federal Role in American Education
Authors: Nelson Adam R.
Published: April 2016

For this first History of Education Quarterly Policy Forum, we invited participants in the special Plenary Session at the 2015 Annual Meeting of the History of Education Society (HES) in St Louis to publish their remarks on the historical significance of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) at fifty. Organized and introduced by HES vice-president and program chair Adam R. Nelson, the session consisted of presentations by three expert panelists from the fields of History and African American Studies, American Law and Politics, and Political Science and Public Policy: Crystal Sanders of Penn State University, Doug Reed of Georgetown University, and Susan Moffitt of Brawn University, respectively. What follows are the texts of Adam Nelson's introductory remarks—including his introduction of the three panelists—followed by the panelists' remarks.
GROUP DECISION MAKING WITH UNCERTAIN OUTCOMES: UNPACKING CHILD–PARENT CHOICE OF THE HIGH SCHOOL TRACK
Authors: Giustinelli Pamela
Published: April 2016

Predicting group decisions under uncertainty requires disentangling individual members' utilities over the consequences of choice, their expectations for uncertain outcomes, and their choice process as a group. I estimate simple Bayesian models of child–parent choice of high school track with subjective risk and unilateral or bilateral, nonstrategic decisions, by combining families' actual choices with novel survey information about children's and parents' subjective probabilities over choice consequences, their individually preferred choices, and their decision roles. A set of policy counterfactuals confirms the importance of introducing the beliefs and decision roles of individual members in models and policy analysis of group decisions.
ORDINARY LEAST SQUARES ESTIMATION OF A DYNAMIC GAME MODEL
Authors: Miessi Sanches Fabio A. , Silva Daniel Junior , Srisuma Sorawoot
Published: April 2016

Estimation of dynamic games is known to be a numerically challenging task. A common form of the payoff functions employed in practice takes the linear‐in‐parameter specification. We show a least squares estimator taking a familiar OLS/GLS expression is available in such a case. Our proposed estimator has a closed form. It can be computed without any numerical optimization and always minimizes the least squares objective function. We specify the optimally weighted GLS estimator that is efficient in the class of estimators under consideration. Our estimator appears to perform well in a simple Monte Carlo experiment.
Polyphenolic and phytochemical content of Cucumis sativus seeds and study on mechanism of preservation of nutritional and quality outcomes in enriched mayonnaise
Authors: Azhagu Saravana Babu Packirisamy , Vajiha Aafrin Basheer , Archana Ganesan , Sabina Kalleary , Sudharsan Kasirajan , Radha Krishnan Kesavan , Babuskin Srinivasan , Sivarajan Meenatchisundaram , Sukumar Muthusamy
Published: April 2016

Oxidative rancidity in food emulsions leads to a reduction in shelf life. Synthetic antioxidants are widely used in food industry to prevent the development of rancidity. The present study was focussed on investigating the antioxidant potential of Cucumis sativus seeds (CSS) and correlates these findings with mayonnaise enrichment and extends its shelf life. CSS exhibited the highest abundance in phenolic compounds (93.5 ± 0.1 mgGAE g−1), flavonoids (57.4 ± 0.1 mgQE g−1), β‐carotene (19.46 ± 0.4 mg carotenoids per 100 g) and high free radical scavenging activity. CSS (200 ppm) and butylated hydroxyanisole (200 ppm) were incorporated in mayonnaise and the oxidative stability was evaluated by peroxide, p‐anisidine and TBARS values during storage at different temperatures. Organoleptic evaluations indicated that CSS enriched sample was recorded the highest overall acceptability. The results from our study will provide scientific basis for CSS as natural preservative against lipid oxidation or food enrichment while developing functional foods.
Effects of Novel Finishing and Polishing Systems on Surface Roughness and Morphology of Nanocomposites
Authors: Aytac Fatma , Karaarslan Emine Sirin , Agaccioglu Merve , Tastan Emine , Buldur Mehmet , Kuyucu Emre
Published: April 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate the effects of different finishing/polishing techniques on the surface roughness of nanocomposites after thermocycling aging.

Materials and Methods

Five contemporary resin‐based composites (Clearfil Majesty ES‐2, Filtek Z550, Estelite∑Quick, Zenit, Filtek Z250) were tested. For each resin‐based composite, 50 disc‐shaped specimens were prepared and groups were divided into five subgroups according to the finishing/polishing methods (n = 10): control, finishing/polishing brush, finishing/polishing disc, and two different finishing/polishing wheels. Before and after aging, the surface roughness of specimens was measured. For each treatment method two samples were analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. Two‐way analysis of variance and paired samples t‐tests were used to evaluate the data and the means were compared by Bonferroni tests (p ≤ 0.05).

Results

Before aging, the Filtek Z250 resin with the Mylar strip group showed the lowest surface roughness (Ra) value (0.13 ± 0.03 µm, p < 0.05) and the Clearfil Majesty ES 2 resin with Occlubrush finishing/polishing system showed the highest (0.7 ± 0.13 µm, p < 0.05). After aging, the Clearfil Majesty ES 2 resin with the Mylar strip group showed the highest surface roughness (Ra) value (0.96 ± 0.4 µm) and the Clearfil Majesty ES 2 resin with the Sof‐Lex aluminum oxide disc finishing/polishing system showed the lowest surface roughness (Ra) value (0.25 ± 0.06 µm, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

Composite type and finishing/polishing method significantly affected the surface roughness of composites before and after thermocycling aging.

Clinical Significance

There were significant interactions between finishing/polishing methods and composite types for surface roughness. The results give clinicians some flexibility in choosing appropriate finishing/polishing techniques for each resin composite material. (J Esthet Restor Dent 28:247–261, 2016)
Topical application of the Wnt/β‐catenin activator methyl vanillate increases hair count and hair mass index in women with androgenetic alopecia
Authors: Tosti Antonella , Zaiac Martin N. , Canazza Agnese , Sanchis‐Gomar Fabian , Pareja‐Galeano Helios , Alis Rafael , Lucia Alejandro , Emanuele Enzo
Published: April 2016

Background

Activation of the WNT/β‐catenin pathway has emerged as a potential therapeutic target in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Methyl vanillate (MV) − a safe plant‐derived ingredient – has been recently shown to activate the WNT/β‐catenin signaling.

Objectives Two distinct substudies were conducted. First, we designed a 6‐month, uncontrolled, open‐label clinical study to investigate whether topically applied MV may increase hair count and hair mass index (HMI) in female AGA. Second, we conducted a molecular study on the effect of MV on WNT10B mRNA expression in scalp biopsies of women with AGA.

Methods

A total of 20 Caucasian women (age range: 25−57 years) with AGA (Sinclair grade 1−2) were included. The research product was an alcohol‐free formulation supplied in the form of a spray containing 0.2% MV as the active ingredient.

Results

In the clinical study, hair count and HMI were found to increase at 6 months by 6% (P < 0.01) and 12% (P < 0.001), respectively, compared with baseline. No participant discontinued treatment due to adverse effects, and the overall patient satisfaction was good. At the molecular level, the topical application of the research product resulted in a 32% increase in WNT10B mRNA expression levels in the temporal scalp area (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our pilot data suggest that topical MV can increase hair count and HMI by inducing WNT10B expression in the scalp, potentially serving as a novel treatment strategy for female AGA.
Differences in autonomic neural activity during exercise between the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Authors: Nakagaki Akemi , Inami Takayuki , Minoura Tetsuji , Baba Reizo , Iwase Satoshi , Sato Motohiko
Published: April 2016

Aim

To test the hypothesis that autonomic neural activity in pregnant women during exercise varies according to gestational age.

Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved 20 healthy women in their second (n = 13) or third (n = 7) trimester of pregnancy. Incremental cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed with an electromagnetic cycle ergometer. Heart rate variability was analyzed by frequency analysis software.

Results

The low‐frequency to high‐frequency (LF/HF) ratio, an indicator of the sympathetic nervous system, was significantly higher in third trimester than in second trimester subjects (P < 0.05) at 1, 2, and 3 min of incremental exercise testing. In contrast, the HF/total power ratio, an indicator of rapidly acting parasympathetic activity, was significantly higher in second trimester than in third trimester subjects (P < 0.05) at 2 and 3 min. In addition, a negative correlation was found between gestational age and the ‘accumulation half‐time’ of the LH/HF ratio, the time point at which the sum of the LF/HF ratio reached 50% of that accumulated in the total 6 min of exercise testing (r = −0.49, P = 0.028).

Conclusions

The autonomic response to exercise in pregnant women differs between the second and third trimesters. These differences should be considered when prescribing exercise to pregnant women.
School Health Promotion Policies and Adolescent Risk Behaviors in Israel: A Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Tesler Riki , Harel‐Fisch Yossi , Baron‐Epel Orna
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND

Health promotion policies targeting risk‐taking behaviors are being implemented across schools in Israel. This study identified the most effective components of these policies influencing cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption among adolescents.

METHODS

Logistic hierarchical linear model (HLM) analysis of data for 5279 students in 95 Jewish public schools from the Health Behavior in School‐Aged Children (HBSC) 2010‐2011 survey in Israel enabled simultaneous estimation of the relationship between student‐ and school‐level variables (health promotion policy) to alcohol consumption and smoking behavior. Principals of participating schools also were interviewed to ascertain their degree of adoption and implementation of a health promotion policy.

RESULTS

Most of the variance in adolescent risk behaviors is explained by student‐level variables: negative perceptions of school, lack of parental support for school issues, and more time spent with friends. Among the school‐level policy measures, parental participation in health promotion intervention programs was repeatedly associated with lower rates of risk behaviors, over and above student characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

School health promotion policies should focus on parents' involvement in intervention programs and should seek to improve students' perceptions of school and their sense of well‐being to promote resilience. Further research is needed to identify additional factors that may increase the effectiveness of school health promotion policies.
Systematic Review of School‐Based Interventions to Modify Dietary Behavior: Does Intervention Intensity Impact Effectiveness?
Authors: Racey Megan , O'Brien Charlene , Douglas Sabrina , Marquez Olivia , Hendrie Gilly , Newton Genevieve
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Owing to the associations between diet and health, it is important that effective health promotion strategies establish healthful eating behaviors from an early age. We reviewed the intensity of school‐based interventions aimed to modify dietary behavior in preadolescent and adolescents and related intervention characteristics to effectiveness.

METHODS

Our systematic literature search of 8 databases sought to identify interventions measuring dietary intake in school settings to students aged 9 to 18. We evaluated these studies for effectiveness, intensity, intervention category, and follow‐up measures.

RESULTS

Of the 105 interventions 81 were found to be effective immediately postintervention, irrespective of intensity. Studies that were 6 weeks to 5 months in duration, targeted students' environment or group (alone or in combination), and reached students only in schools were more effective. Only one‐fifth of interventions conducted a follow‐up measure, and a majority showed a loss of effectiveness from postintervention to follow‐up.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified characteristics of effective interventions. These findings may inform the development of future interventions targeting dietary behavior in preadolescents and adolescents in the school‐based setting.
Association Between Markers of Classroom Environmental Conditions and Teachers' Respiratory Health
Authors: Claudio Luz , Rivera Glory A. , Ramirez Olivia F.
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Studies have assessed health in schoolchildren. Less is known about the environmental and occupational health of teachers.

METHODS

A cross‐sectional survey of teachers was conducted in 24 randomly selected public elementary schools. Questionnaire included sociodemographic information, healthcare, school conditions, and health outcomes. Chi‐square and logistic regression were used to analyze bivariate relationships. Multivariable logistic regression model was created for each health outcome, adjusted for sex and smoking to calculate estimates of association (OR) for variables that were significant in bivariate analysis.

RESULTS

Response rate was 71.2 % (N = 797). Classroom conditions significantly associated with respiratory symptoms included having no windows or windows that do not open were associated with asthma or colds (OR 2.0); carpeting was associated with having asthma, itchy eyes, and eye irritation (OR 1.9); mold or water damage was associated with respiratory infections, eye irritation (OR 2.1), nasal congestion (OR 2.4), and sore throat (OR 2.7); visible dust was associated with frequent colds (OR 2.2), nasal congestion (OR 1.7), and sore throat (1.9).

CONCLUSIONS

Asthma, respiratory infections, colds, eye irritation, nasal congestion, and sore throat were associated with the classroom environment. Results indicate that the school environment could affect teachers' respiratory health. Further assessments are necessary to establish causation.
Dietary levels of protein and free amino acids affect pancreatic proteases activities, amino acids transporters expression and serum amino acid concentrations in starter pigs
Authors: Morales A. , Buenabad L. , Castillo G. , Vázquez L. , Espinoza S. , Htoo J. K. , Cervantes M.
Published: April 2016

The dietary contents of crude protein and free amino acids (AA) may affect the protein digestion and AA absorption in pigs. Trypsin and chymotrypsin activities, AA serum concentrations and expression of AA transporters in the small intestine of pigs fed a low protein, AA‐supplemented (19.2%, LPAA) or a high protein (28.1%, HP), wheat‐soybean meal diet were measured in two 14‐d trials. The LPAA diet contained free L‐Lys, L‐Thr, DL‐Met, L‐Leu, L‐Ile, L‐Val, L‐His, L‐Trp and L‐Phe. All pigs were fed the same amount of feed (890 and 800 g/d for trial 1 and 2 respectively). In trial 1, samples of mucosa (duodenum, jejunum and ileum) and digesta (duodenum and jejunum) were collected from 14 pigs (17.2 ± 0.4 kg); in trial 2, blood samples were collected from 12 pigs (12.7 ± 0.3 kg). The trypsin and chymotrypsin activities in both intestinal segments were higher in pigs fed the HP diet (p < 0.01). Trypsin activity was higher in jejunum than in duodenum regardless the dietary treatment (p < 0.05). Pigs fed the LPAA diet expressed more b0,+AT in duodenum, B0AT1 in ileum (p < 0.05), and tended to express more y+LAT1 in duodenum (p = 0.10). In pigs fed the LPAA diet, the expression of b0,+AT was higher in duodenum than in jejunum and ileum (p < 0.01), but no difference was observed in pigs fed the HP diet. Ileum had the lowest b0,+AT expression regardless the diet. The serum concentrations of Lys, Thr and Met were higher in LPAA pigs while serum Arg was higher in HP pigs (p < 0.05). Serum concentrations of AA appear to reflect the AA absorption. In conclusion, these data indicate that the dietary protein contents affect the extent of protein digestion and that supplemental free AA may influence the intestinal site of AA release and absorption, which may impact their availability for growth of young pigs.
L1 Grammar Instruction and Writing: Metalinguistic Activity as a Teaching and Research Focus
Authors: Fontich Xavier
Published: April 2016

Some authors have noted a lack of conceptual clarity in the field of L1 grammar instruction for writing. Here ‘metalinguistic activity’ is proposed as a concept that can contribute conceptual clarity by relating metalinguistic activity both to the reflexivity that languages afford (i.e., using language to refer to language itself) and to a sociocultural approach to languages (i.e., languages consist of semiotic tools that underpin our psychological development). I discuss how this notion is approached by Grup de Recerca sobre Ensenyament i Aprenentatge de Llengües (GREAL), the Research Group on Teaching and Learning Languages at the Autonomous University of Barcelona (Spain), and describe their seminal study of secondary students' metalinguistic activity in the context of writing. Results show that metalinguistic activity emerges at different levels (procedural, with common language, and with metalanguage). While it may not lead to students automatically writing better texts, metalinguistic activity does help them to engage in sustained discussion about text choices in the context of text production, something considered of utmost importance in educating good writers. In conclusion, I indicate the theoretical relevance of this concept and suggest the need for more research on how to implement it effectively in the classroom.
Unmanned aerial vehicles and Geographical Information System integrated analysis of vegetation in Trasimeno Lake, Italy
Authors: Venturi Sara , Di Francesco Silvia , Materazzi Filippo , Manciola Piergiorgio
Published: April 2016

This study examined the potential of using high‐resolution image data acquired by micro‐UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) for analysing large‐scale environmental and hydraulic parameters. A procedure based on image data acquisition and processing is discussed and applied to a test case, Trasimeno Lake. This lake was selected for this study because of its importance in cultural, environmental and social context. This study focused on the temporal and spatial scale extension of reed beds (Common Reed). The Common Reed can strongly influence the ecological balance of the lake and particularly its evapotranspiration levels, which significantly influence the lake's water balance. Moreover, the lake provides valuable ecosystem services, including phytoremediation water treatment and the absorption of carbon (carbon sink). A presentation of the study area from a geographical and morphological perspective is provided; then, the platform (UAV and sensors) and the processing system of the images are discussed. The results concerning the accuracy of the method for the construction of georeferenced orthophotographs, and the preliminary results obtained from flights performed at different times and growing seasons of reed beds of Trasimeno Lake, are presented. This study also provides convincing evidence that the orthophotographs obtained with a low‐cost UAV system can be used to analyse changes in the extension of the Phragmites australis (Common Reed) of Trasimeno Lake, and the alteration of some environmental parameters of the vegetation, in a temporal and spatial scale. It also highlights that this system can be used to facilitate analyses performed by traditional remote sensing method.
On the role of hydrological processes on the water balance of Lake Bolsena, Italy
Authors: Di Francesco Silvia , Biscarini Chiara , Montesarchio Valeria , Manciola Piergiorgio
Published: April 2016

Lakes or reservoirs are complex environmental systems, and the sustainable management of their water resources requires advanced hydrological modelling techniques of the main state parameters (water levels and volumes, temperature, pollution level, etc.) to forecast the impacts of human activities on their natural context. Bolsena Lake in northern Lazio is a typical Italian lake environment, being a source of both environmental and economic wealth for the neighbouring area, drawing tourists and providing drinking and irrigation water. The complexity of this hydrogeological and anthropogenic system, and the current technical/scientific relevance of the several water emergencies that have occurred at the lake over the past decade, highlighted the need for a solid plan to manage the possible extreme scenarios that can affect the lake basin, including mitigation of decreases in the lake levels and for controlling lake water quality and water flow rates. The objective of this study was to assess the water budget of Lake Bolsena, accounting for the various jointly involved components, in order to model the lake levels, and to examine possible future scenarios that consider both natural and anthropogenic basin factors. Hydrometeorological data are analysed for setting such scenarios. An open‐source computational model (CEQUEAU) was calibrated with the available data and then used to evaluate possible outcomes. The model simulation results demonstrated the developed hydrological model is capable of predicting water‐level fluctuations with a good accuracy for both drought and flood events, identifying it as a valuable tool for basin/lake and lake/river management and simulations.
The genetic diversity of SMLS (Sitobion miscanthi L type symbiont) and its effect on the fitness, mitochondrial DNA diversity and Buchnera aphidicola dynamic of wheat aphid, Sitobion miscanthi (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Li Tong , Wu Xu‐Jin , Jiang Yue‐Li , Zhang Li , Duan Yun , Miao Jin , Gong Zhong‐Jun , Wu Yu‐Qing
Published: April 2016

SMLS (Sitobion miscanthi L type symbiont) is a recently discovered aphid secondary symbiont. Using evidence extracted from 16S rRNA sequences, previous studies indicate that SMLS is the most widely distributed and most recently transferred secondary symbiont in Chinese Sitobion miscanthi populations. Here, we further investigated genetic diversity among SMLS geographic strains with multiloci data. Furthermore, the influence of SMLS on S. miscanthi was uncovered with ecological and evolutionary evidence. The results indicated that there was limited influence of infection with SMLS on variation and evolutionary patterns of S. miscanthi mitochondrial DNA. By hemolymph injection, the SMLS‐infected and SMLS‐uninfected S. miscanthi clones with the identical genetic background were built in this study. Although similar Buchnera aphidicola dynamics were observed between SMLS‐infected and SMLS‐uninfected S. miscanthi population, B. aphidicola density of SMLS‐infected S. miscanthi population was always significantly higher than SMLS‐uninfected ones. The results of fitness measurements indicated that under laboratory rearing conditions, transfection of SMLS could confer modest advantages to some fitness components of S. miscanthi, that is, total number of offspring, longevity, age of first reproduction and weight of adult. However, as SMLS is not strictly associated with S. miscanthi, further investigations are needed to uncover the mechanisms responsible for this inconceivable association.
A new piperidinol derivative targeting mycolic acid transport in Mycobacterium abscessus
Authors: Dupont Christian , Viljoen Albertus , Dubar Faustine , Blaise Mickaël , Bernut Audrey , Pawlik Alexandre , Bouchier Christiane , Brosch Roland , Guérardel Yann , Lelièvre Joël , Ballell Lluis , Herrmann Jean‐Louis , Biot Christophe , Kremer Laurent
Published: April 2016

The natural resistance of Mycobacterium abscessus to most commonly available antibiotics seriously limits chemotherapeutic treatment options, which is particularly challenging for cystic fibrosis patients infected with this rapid‐growing mycobacterium. New drugs with novel molecular targets are urgently needed against this emerging pathogen. However, the discovery of such new chemotypes has not been appropriately performed. Here, we demonstrate the utility of a phenotypic screen for bactericidal compounds against M. abscessus using a library of compounds previously validated for activity against M. tuberculosis. We identified a new piperidinol‐based molecule, PIPD1, exhibiting potent activity against clinical M. abscessus strains in vitro and in infected macrophages. Treatment of infected zebrafish with PIPD1 correlated with increased embryo survival and decreased bacterial burden. Whole genome analysis of M. abscessus strains resistant to PIPD1 identified several mutations in MAB_4508, encoding a protein homologous to MmpL3. Biochemical analyses demonstrated that while de novo mycolic acid synthesis was unaffected, PIPD1 strongly inhibited the transport of trehalose monomycolate, thereby abrogating mycolylation of arabinogalactan. Mapping the mutations conferring resistance to PIPD1 on a MAB_4508 tridimensional homology model defined a potential PIPD1‐binding pocket. Our data emphasize a yet unexploited chemical structure class against M. abscessus infections with promising translational development possibilities.
A pulse‐chase strategy for EdU labelling assay is able to rapidly quantify cell division orientation
Authors: Yin Xiaofeng , Tsukaya Hirokazu
Published: April 2016

Measurement of the direction of cell division is an important, yet difficult, task to analyse how a plant organ acquires its final shape from an initially small group of cells. We introduce a method that rapidly and easily quantifies cell division direction and is applicable to all plant species.

A pulse‐chase strategy for 5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine (EdU) labelling assay was established and was shown to be successful for leaves of Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) and Juncus prismatocarpus.

By optimization of the pulse and chase periods, most of the signals obtained were sets of daughter nuclei. For Arabidopsis, the optimal time was a 45‐min pulse and a 7‐h chase. For J. prismatocarpus, the optimal time was a 2‐h pulse and a 13.5‐h chase. The positions of the daughter nuclei were used to quantify cell division direction in the Arabidopsis leaf primordia. Overall, cell division along the proximal–distal axis was more frequent than along the medial–lateral axis. In petiole, major vein, minor vein and margin areas, the major cell division direction seemed to be coincident with the direction of auxin flow.

The advantages of our method over the few methods used previously are discussed. We anticipate that it will provide opportunities to study plant development in the near future.
Prasiola (Prasiolales, Trebouxiophyceae) in Japan: a survey of freshwater populations and new records of marine taxa
Authors: Sutherland Judy E. , Miyata Masahiko , Ishikawa Motoyasu , Nelson Wendy A.
Published: April 2016

Recent collections from marine and freshwater locations have enabled the investigation of diversity of Prasiola in Japan. Sequence data from the rbc
L and tuf
A markers revealed the presence of three marine species and one freshwater species. Prasiola delicata was confirmed to occur on Daikokujima, Prasiola calophylla was found for the first time in Japan from Hokkaido, and a species within the P. meridionalis/linearis/stipitata complex was found on both Hokkaido and Daikokujima. Collections from a range of populations of freshwater Prasiola, identified here as P. japonica, were found to be conspecific and identical in rbc
L and tuf
A sequences to freshwater collections from Nepal, Korea, and China.
A long and winding road: 40 years of R&D Management
Authors: Rigby John
Published: April 2016

Established in 1970, R&D Management is today one of the leading journals of the technology and innovation management (TIM) field that spans the business and management subject areas. It publishes innovative research with high academic interest. This paper reviews the journal's history and the major contributions of its first 40 years, examines its present position in the context of TIM literature, and then looks at the factors which might affect the journal in the future. Descriptive and nonparametric bibliometric methods are used to examine the historic performance of the journal and the field, its current position, and the factors shaping future development.
Characterization of a new HLA‐DRB1 allele: DRB1*14:172
Authors: Cappuzzo V. , Ingrassia F. , Bavetta R. , Mistretta S. , Marcenò R.
Published: April 2016

DRB1*14:172 homologous to DRB1*14:01 has been found with a variation in 314 A > G.
The Restorer‐of‐fertility‐like 2 pentatricopeptide repeat protein and RNase P are required for the processing of mitochondrial orf291 RNA in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fujii Sota , Suzuki Takamasa , Giegé Philippe , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Koizuka Nobuya , Shikanai Toshiharu
Published: April 2016

Eukaryotes harbor mitochondria obtained via ancient symbiosis events. The successful evolution of energy production in mitochondria has been dependent on the control of mitochondrial gene expression by the nucleus. In flowering plants, the nuclear‐encoded pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) superfamily proteins are widely involved in mitochondrial RNA metabolism. Here, we show that an Arabidopsis nuclear‐encoded RNA‐binding protein, Restorer‐of‐fertility‐like PPR protein 2 (RFL2), is required for RNA degradation of the mitochondrial orf291 transcript via endonucleolytic cleavage of the transcript in the middle of its reading frame. Both in vivo and in vitro, this RNA cleavage requires the activity of mitochondrial proteinaceous RNase P, which is possibly recruited to the site by RFL2. The site of RNase P cleavage likely forms a tRNA‐like structure in the orf291 transcript. This study presents an example of functional collaboration between a PPR protein and an endonuclease in RNA cleavage. Furthermore, we show that the RFL2‐binding region within the orf291 gene is hypervariable in the family Brassicaceae, possibly correlated with the rapid evolution of the RNA‐recognition interfaces of the RFL proteins.
RNA‐directed DNA methylation efficiency depends on trigger and target sequence identity
Authors: Dalakouras Athanasios , Dadami Elena , Wassenegger Michèle , Krczal Gabi , Wassenegger Michael
Published: April 2016

RNA‐directed DNA methylation (RdDM) in plants has been extensively studied, but the RNA molecules guiding the RdDM machinery to their targets are still to be characterized. It is unclear whether these molecules require full complementarity with their target. In this study, we have generated Nicotiana tabacum (Nt) plants carrying an infectious tomato apical stunt viroid (TASVd) transgene (Nt‐TASVd) and a non‐infectious potato spindle tuber viroid (PSTVd) transgene (Nt‐SB2). The two viroid sequences exhibit 81% sequence identity. Nt‐TASVd and Nt‐SB2 plants were genetically crossed. In the progeny plants (Nt‐SB2/TASVd), deep sequencing of small RNAs (sRNAs) showed that TASVd infection was associated with the accumulation of abundant small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) that mapped along the entire TASVd but only partially matched the SB2 transgene. TASVd siRNAs efficiently targeted SB2 RNA for degradation, but no transitivity was detectable. Bisulfite sequencing in the Nt‐SB2/TASVd plants revealed that the TASVd transgene was targeted for dense cis‐RdDM along its entire sequence. In the same plants, the SB2 transgene was targeted for trans‐RdDM. The SB2 methylation pattern, however, was weak and heterogeneous, pointing to a positive correlation between trigger–target sequence identity and RdDM efficiency. Importantly, trans‐RdDM on SB2 was also detected at sites where no homologous siRNAs were detected. Our data indicate that RdDM efficiency depends on the trigger–target sequence identity, and is not restricted to siRNA occupancy. These findings support recent data suggesting that RNAs with sizes longer than 24 nt (>24‐nt RNAs) trigger RdDM.
Solanum pennelliibackcross inbred lines (BILs) link small genomic bins with tomato traits
Authors: Ofner Itai , Lashbrooke Justin , Pleban Tzili , Aharoni Asaph , Zamir Dani
Published: April 2016

We present a resource for fine mapping of traits derived from the wild tomato speciesSolanum pennellii(LA0716). The population of backcross inbred lines (BILs) is composed of 446 lines derived after a few generations of backcrosses of the wild species with cultivated tomato (cultivar M82;LA3475), followed by more than seven generations of self‐pollination. TheBILs were genotyped using the 10KSOL‐CAPsingle nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) ‐Chip, and 3700 polymorphic markers were used to map recombination break points relative to the physical map ofSolanum lycopersicum. TheBILs carry, on average, 2.7 introgressions per line, with a mean introgression length of 11.7 Mbp. Whereas the classic 76 introgression lines (ILs) partitioned the genome into 106 mapping bins, theBILs generated 633 bins, thereby enhancing the mapping resolution of traits derived from the wild species. We demonstrate the power of theBILs for rapid fine mapping of simple and complex traits derived from the wild tomato species.
Cerebrovascular disorders caused by hyperfibrinogenaemia
Authors: Muradashvili Nino , Tyagi Reeta , Tyagi Neetu , Tyagi Suresh C. , Lominadze David
Published: April 2016

Key points

Hyperfibrinogenaemia (HFg) results in vascular remodelling, and fibrinogen (Fg) and amyloid β (Aβ) complex formation is a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. However, the interconnection of these effects, their mechanisms and implications in cerebrovascular diseases are not known.

Using a mouse model of HFg, we showed that at an elevated blood level, Fg increases cerebrovascular permeability via mainly caveolar protein transcytosis.

This enhances deposition of Fg in subendothelial matrix and interstitium making the immobilized Fg a readily accessible substrate for binding Aβ and cellular prion protein (PrPC), the protein that is thought to have a greater effect on memory than Aβ.

We showed that enhanced formation of Fg–Aβ and Fg–PrPC complexes are associated with reduction in short‐term memory.

The present study delineates a new mechanistic pathway for vasculo‐neuronal dysfunctions found in inflammatory cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases associated with an elevated blood level of Fg.

Many cardiovascular diseases are associated with inflammation and as such are accompanied by an increased blood level of fibrinogen (Fg). Besides its well‐known prothrombotic effects Fg seems to have other destructive roles in developing microvascular dysfunction that include changes in vascular reactivity and permeability. Increased permeability of brain microvessels has the most profound effects as it may lead to cerebrovascular remodelling and result in memory reduction. The goal of the present study was to define mechanisms of cerebrovascular permeability and associated reduction in memory induced by elevated blood content of Fg. Genetically modified, transgenic hyperfibrinogenic (HFg) mice were used to study cerebrovascular transcellular and paracellular permeability in vivo. The extent of caveolar formation and the role of caveolin‐1 signalling were evaluated by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Western blot (WB) analysis in brain samples from experimental animals. Formation of Fg complexes with amyloid β (Aβ) and with cellular prion protein (PrPC) were also assessed with IHC and WB analysis. Short‐term memory of mice was assessed by novel object recognition and Y‐maze tests. Caveolar protein transcytosis was found to have a prevailing role in overall increased cerebrovascular permeability in HFg mice. These results were associated with enhanced formation of caveolae. Increased formation of Fg–PrPC and Fg–Aβ complexes were correlated with reduction in short‐term memory in HFg mice. Using the model of hyperfibrinogenaemia, the present study shows a novel mechanistic pathway of inflammation‐induced and Fg‐mediated reduction in short‐term memory.
Scandal clouds China's global vaccine ambitions
Authors: McLaughlin Kathleen
Published: April 2016

Porous regulation of private preparations threatens to undermine vaccinemakers' bid to boost exports.
Adding efficiency to general lab equipment
Authors: May Mike
Published: April 2016

Sometimes the latest equipment in a laboratory, say a next-generation sequencer, grabs lots of attention, but it's the workhorses—centrifuges, hoods, freezers, incubators, and more—that keep experiments and workflows moving. These general lab tools often determine how smoothly andcost effectively a lab runs. In large part, the results can be measured in one word—efficiency. In this case, efficiency means saving energy and time.

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