bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Land‐sharing potential of large carnivores in human‐modified landscapes of western India
Authors: Majgaonkar Iravatee , Vaidyanathan Srinivas , Srivathsa Arjun , Shivakumar Shweta , Limaye Sunil , Athreya Vidya 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe current protected area (PA) network is not sufficient to ensure long‐term persistence of wide‐ranging carnivore populations. Within India, this is particularly the case for species that inhabit nonforested areas since PAs disproportionately over‐represent forested ecosystems. With growing consideration of human‐use landscapes as potential habitats for adaptable large carnivores, India provides a model for studying them in densely populated landscapes, where there is little understanding about human‐carnivore interactions in shared spaces. Using key informant interviews and an occupancy modeling framework, we assessed the distribution of three large carnivore species, the leopard Panthera pardus, Indian grey Wolf Canis lupus pallipes, and striped hyena Hyaena hyaena, across a ~89,000 km2 semiarid multiuse landscape in western India, and quantified ecological drivers of their presence. The three species occupied 57% (leopard), 64% (wolf), and 75% (hyena) of the landscape of which only 2.6% area is protected as national parks or wildlife sanctuaries. The presence of the three carnivores was differentially favored by certain types of agriculture, while populations of domestic livestock supported them in this landscape with low densities of large wild prey. Our results demonstrate the adaptability of large carnivores in human‐modified landscapes, and we call for an expansion of the current conservation narratives that currently focus on forested PAs, to include the high potential that anthropogenic landscapes offer as habitats where people and predators can co‐adapt and persist.
Beyond Alternative Food Networks: Understanding Motivations to Participate in Orti Urbani in Palermo
Authors: Migliore Giuseppina , Romeo Pietro , Testa Riccardo , Schifani Giorgio 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCommunity gardens include many benefits, and different motivations seem to underline citizens’ choices to participate. In Italy, political motivations are considered one of the main reasons for participation in community gardens (known as orti urbani). Drawing from the orti urbani experience in Palermo (the largest city in Sicily, Southern Italy), this study aims to understand the main motivations that influence citizens’ participation and to measure the effects of these motivations on fruit and vegetable consumption among participants. Findings reveal that orti urbani attract middle‐class participants who possess high amounts of cultural capital but relatively less financial capital. Among the motivations affecting the citizens’ participation, eating safe food is the most important one. Orti urbani represent a solution to the increasing concerns about the safety of food and the urban environment.
Influence of smoking on CYP2C19 genetic variants and clopidogrel efficacy in patients with minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Wang T. , Pan Y. , Lin J. , Anand R. , Wang D. , Johnston S. C. , Meng X. , Li H. , Zhao X. , Liu L. , Wang Y. , Wang Y. ,   on behalf of the CHANCE investigators
Published: April 2019

Background and purposeStudies suggest that smoking affects clopidogrel efficacy. However, whether it influences the association between CYP2C19 genetic variants and clopidogrel efficacy is not clear.MethodsIn total, 2961 patients from the CHANCE trial were involved in this substudy and were successfully genotyped for two single‐nucleotide polymorphisms of CYP2C19 (*2 and *3). The Cox proportional risk regression model was used to evaluate the interactions between CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 carrier status and clopidogrel efficacy stratified by smoking status.ResultsThere were marginal significant interactions between CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 allele carrier status and antiplatelet treatment regimen for the risk of recurrent stroke and composite events (P = 0.054, P = 0.051, respectively) amongst smokers, but not in non‐smokers. Amongst smokers, clopidogrel plus aspirin decreased the recurrence rate of stroke compared with aspirin alone in non‐carriers (3.8% vs. 11.8%, hazard ratio 0.32, 95% confidence interval 0.15–0.65, P = 0.002), but not in carriers. Similar results were also found for the recurrence rate of composite events in smokers. No significant difference was found for hemorrhage events in any group.ConclusionsAmongst patients with minor stroke or transient ischaemic attack, marginal significant interactions between CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*3 allele carrier status and clopidogrel efficacy were found in smokers but not in non‐smokers. Amongst smokers, clopidogrel plus aspirin might decrease the recurrence rate of stroke in non‐carriers of *2 and *3 alleles of CYP2C19 compared with aspirin alone. However, caution should be taken to interpret our findings in view of several limitations in our study.
Judicial protection of fundamental rights in the transition from the world of atoms to the word of bits: The case of freedom of speech
Authors: Pollicino Oreste 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article underlines the role of Courts in protecting fundamental rights in the atomic and the digital dimension. The main aim of this work is to show how the coming of the Internet has affected the exercise and the judicial protection of freedom of expression in a comparative perspective. In order to answer this research question, this study will focus on the role of Courts as ‘playmakers’ in interpreting and solving issues deriving from interconnected legal regimes affecting the protection of fundamental rights and, especially, free speech. More specifically, the comparative focus will be on the decisions of the European Court of Justice, the European Court of Human Right and the US Supreme Court.
Structural basis for the Target DNA recognition and binding by the MYB domain of phosphate starvation response 1
Authors: Jiang Meiqin , Sun Lifang , Isupov Michail N. , Littlechild Jennifer A. , Wu Xiuling , Wang Qianchao , Wang Qin , Yang Wendi , Wu Yunkun 
Published: April 2019

The phosphate starvation response 1 (PHR1) protein has a central role in mediating the response to phosphate starvation in plants. PHR1 is composed of a number of domains including a MYB domain involved with DNA binding and a coiled‐coil domain proposed to be involved with dimer formation. PHR1 binds to the promoter of phosphate starvation‐induced genes to control the levels of phosphate required for nutrition. Previous studies have shown that both the MYB domain and the coiled‐coil domain of PHR1 are required for binding the target DNA. Here, we describe the crystal structure of the PHR1 MYB domain and two structures of its complex with the PHR1‐binding DNA sequence (P1BS). Structural and isothermal titration calorimetry has been carried out showing that the MYB domain of PHR1 alone is sufficient for target DNA recognition and binding. Two copies of the PHR1 MYB domain bind to the same major groove of the P1BS DNA with few direct interactions between the individual MYB domains. In addition, the PHR1 MYB–P1BS DNA complex structures reveal amino acid residues involved in DNA recognition and binding. Mutagenesis of these residues results in lost or impaired ability of PHR1 MYB to bind to its target DNA. The results presented reveal the structural basis for DNA recognition by the PHR1 MYB domain and demonstrate that two PHR1 MYB domains attach to their P1BS DNA targeting sequence.DatabaseCoordinates and structure factors have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession codes 6J4K (PHR1 MYB), 6J4R (PHR1 MYB‐R‐P1BS), 6J5B (MYB‐CC‐R2‐P1BS).
Development of low‐alcohol isotonic beer by interrupted fermentation
Authors: De Fusco Deborah Oliveira , Madaleno Leonardo Lucas , Del Bianchi Vanildo Luiz , Bernardo Aline da Silva , Assis Rafael Roberto , de Almeida Teixeira Gustavo Henrique 
Published: April 2019

SummaryAlcohol‐free beer with isotonic properties is getting more popular and its production can be carried out by different production strategies; however, interrupted fermentation is still a challenge. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a low‐alcohol isotonic beer (<0.5% v/v) by interrupted fermentation. Moreover, the major objective is to compare the developed product to commercial beverages (sports drinks, ‘Pilsen' regular beer, alcohol‐free beers and low‐alcohol isotonic beer). The beverages were evaluated based on pH, alcohol content (% v/v), total titratable acidity (mEq L−1), osmolality (mOsmol kg−1), bitterness International Bitterness Units, colour European Brewery Convention, total phenolic compounds (mg L−1 gallic acid), reducing and total sugars (%) and Na and K contents (mg L−1). The developed low‐alcohol isotonic beer presented characteristics similar to sports drinks, with the advantage of being richer in phenolic compounds and suitable osmolality. Despite salts were added in its formulation, the grades attributed to all beers employed in the sensory evaluation, as well as the purchase intention did not present significant differences.
Impact of pre‐treatment (soaking or germination) on nutrient and anti‐nutrient contents, cooking time and acceptability of cooked red dry bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) grown in Ethiopia
Authors: Haileslassie Hiwot Abebe , Henry Carol J. , Tyler Robert T. 
Published: April 2019

SummaryPulses are processed in diverse ways prior to consumption. Soaking and germination are among the most common traditional, household‐level food processing strategies. This study was carried out to determine the effects of soaking, germination, cooking and their combinations on the contents of selected nutrients and anti‐nutrients of red dry bean and chickpea. In addition, the effects of pre‐treatment on cooking time and the acceptability of dishes prepared from red dry bean and chickpea were determined. The nutrient compositions (zinc, iron and calcium) of most soaked‐cooked and germinated‐cooked red dry bean and chickpea samples were not significantly different than those of respective controls. However, soaking and germination pre‐treatments significantly lowered the phytate and tannin contents of the red dry bean and chickpea samples, with a few exceptions, and overall, polyphenol contents were lower after soaking‐cooking than after germination‐cooking. Most scores for sensory attributes of bean‐based and chickpea‐based dishes prepared from soaked or germinated samples were not significantly different than those of the controls. For most red dry bean and chickpea samples, longer germination times yielded superior results in terms of reductions in cooking time, tannin content, and phytate:zinc and phytate:iron molar ratio.
Derived esterase activity inDrosophila sechelliacontributes to evolved octanoic acid resistance
Authors: Lanno S. M. , Coolon J. D. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe dietary specialist fruit flyDrosophila sechelliahas evolved resistance to the secondary defence compounds produced by the fruit of its host plant,Morinda citrifolia. The primary chemicals that contribute to lethality ofM. citrifoliaare the medium‐chain fatty acids octanoic acid (OA) and hexanoic acid. At least five genomic regions contribute to this adaptation inD. sechelliaand whereas the fine‐mapped major effect locus for OA resistance on chromosome 3R has been thoroughly analysed, the remaining four genomic regions that contribute to toxin resistance remain uncharacterized. To begin to identify the genetic basis of toxin resistance in this species, we removed the function of well‐known detoxification gene families to determine whether they contribute to toxin resistance. Previous work found that evolution of cytochrome P450 enzymatic activity or expression is not responsible for the OA resistance inD. sechellia. Here, we tested the role of the two other major detoxification gene families in resistance toMorindafruit toxins – glutathione‐S‐transferases and esterases – through the use of the pesticide synergists diethyl maleate and tribufos that inhibit the function of these gene families. This work suggests that one or more esterase(s) contribute to evolved OA resistance inD. sechellia.
Effects of IL‐10‐ and FasL‐overexpressing dendritic cells on liver transplantation tolerance in a heterotopic liver transplantation rat model
Authors: Chen Lihong , Zhang Lina , Zhu Zhu , He Wubing , Gao Lingyun , Zhang Wenmin , Liu Jingfeng , Huang Aimin 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAcute rejection is the major determinant for the long‐term survival of donor liver after liver transplantation (LT). The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic potential of interleukin (IL)‐10‐FasL‐overexpressing immature dendritic cells (imDCs) to induce local immunosuppression in liver grafts. imDCs derived from donors were transduced by lentiviral vectors expressing human IL‐10 and/or Fas ligand (FasL) gene(s), and the expression of surface molecules and the ability to induce T‐cell proliferation were measured. imDCs were intraperitoneally injected into recipient rats as a model of LT to examine the rejection grade [Banff rejection activity index (RAI)], liver functions [Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and total bilirubin (TBIL)] and post‐transplant survival. IL‐10 and FasL co‐transduction of imDCs induced a greater reduction in CD80, CD86 and major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) expression, as well as T‐cell proliferation, but increased levels of IL‐10 and FasL in culture supernatants compared with mono‐transduced or untransduced imDCs (P < 0.05). The infusion of co‐transduced imDCs in LT recipients reduced RAI scores, decreased plasma AST and TBIL, and prolonged survival compared with mono‐transduced or untransduced imDC‐treated liver allografts. These findings demonstrated that the transfusion of IL‐10‐FasL/imDCs enhanced immune tolerance and prolonged the survival of liver allografts after LT. The immunomodulatory activity of IL‐10‐ and FasL‐modified imDCs might be a new therapeutic approach to prevent organ rejection in clinical transplantation.
Remodeling of reactive lymph nodes: Dynamics of stromal cells and underlying chemokine signaling
Authors: Thierry Guilhem R. , Gentek Rebecca , Bajenoff Marc 
Published: April 2019

SummaryLymph nodes (LNs) are secondary immune organs dispersed throughout the body. They are primarily composed of lymphocytes, “transient passengers” that are only present for a few hours. During this time, they extensively interact with a meshwork of stromal cells. Although these cells constitute less than 5% of all LN cells, they are integral to LN function: Stromal cells create a three‐dimensional network that provides a rigid backbone for the transport of lymph and generates “roads” for lymphocyte migration. Beyond structural support, the LN stroma also produces survival signals for lymphocytes and provides nutrients, soluble factors, antigens, and immune cells collectively required for immune surveillance and the generation of adaptive immune responses. A unique feature of LNs is their ability to considerably and rapidly change size: the volume and cellularity of inflamed LNs can increase up to 20‐fold before returning to homeostatic levels. This cycle will be repeated many times during life and is accommodated by stromal cells. The dynamics underlying this dramatic remodeling are subject of this review. We will first introduce the main types of LN stromal cells and explain their known functions. We will then discuss how these cells enable LN growth during immune responses, with a particular focus on underlying cellular mechanisms and molecular cues. Similarly, we will elaborate on stromal dynamics mediating the return to LN homeostasis, a process that is mechanistically much less understood than LN expansion.
Guidance factors orchestrating regulatory T cell positioning in tissues during development, homeostasis, and response
Authors: Mempel Thorsten R. , Marangoni Francesco 
Published: April 2019

SummaryOver their lifetime, regulatory T cells (Treg) recalibrate their expression of trafficking receptors multiple times as they progress through development, respond to immune challenges, or adapt to the requirements of functioning in various non‐lymphoid tissue environments. These trafficking receptors, which include chemokine receptors and other G‐protein coupled receptors, integrins, as well as selectins and their ligands, enable Treg not only to enter appropriate tissues from the bloodstream via post‐capillary venules, but also to navigate these tissues to locally execute their immune‐regulatory functions, and finally to seek out the right antigen‐presenting cells and interact with these, in part in order to receive the signals that sustain their survival, proliferation, and functional activity, in part in order to execute their immuno‐regulatory function by altering antigen presenting cell function. Here, we will review our current knowledge of when and in what ways Treg alter their trafficking properties. We will focus on the chemokine system and try to identify specialized, non‐redundant roles of individual receptors as well as similarities and differences to the conventional T cell compartment.
On the Impacts of Overconfidence under Information Diversity*
Authors: Zhou Deqing , Zhen Fang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis work examines the competition between two groups of overconfident agents when they are informed with different dimensional information. Their strategies could be complementary through a “liquidity improvement effect.” When agents informed in one‐dimension trade more aggressively due to overconfidence, the market liquidity could be improved and agents informed in the other dimension would also trade more aggressively and become better off. In addition, increasing one group's population and information precision could also benefit the other group, while these impacts are mitigated by the overestimation of one's own group population.
Formation of (Al2OC)1−x(AlN)x solid solution starting from Al–Si–Al2O3 powder matrix at 1300°C in flowing nitrogen
Authors: Ma Chenhong , Li Yong , Zhang Lixin , Xue Wendong , Sun Jialin 
Published: April 2019

Abstract(Al2OC)1−x(AlN)x solid solution‐reinforced Si–Al2O3 composite was successfully synthesized by designed heating of the Al–Si–Al2O3 composite to 580°C and held for 8 hours, followed by heating to 1300°C at a rate of 12°C/h in flowing nitrogen. The reaction mechanism is as follows: after the Al–Si–Al2O3 composite is heated to 580°C and held for 8 hours, an AlN cladding is formed on the surface of the Al powder, thus the composite is preconverted into (Al–AlN cladding structure)–Si–Al2O3 system. With increasing temperature, the AlN cladding ruptures and the reactive Al(l) flows out. The Al(l) preferentially undergoes active oxidation to form metastable Al2O(g), which lowers PO2 inside the composite and inhibits the active oxidation of Si. Moreover, ultrafine carbon is produced by the pyrolysis of the phenolic resin binder. Both metastable Al2O(g) and ultrafine carbon are highly reactive. Therefore, under the induction of AlN and N2, (Al2OC)1−x(AlN)x solid solution is formed by the reaction which easily occurs at a relatively low temperature. In the presence of a large amount of Al2O(g), the PO2 in the composite does not satisfy the condition required for both Si nitridation and active oxidation, so the free Si remains stable in the composite, forming a metal‐non‐oxide‐oxide composite. The cold crushing strength of the composites is up to 305 MPa, and the composites do not show hydration after 20 months of storage in the environment.
The phytochemical polydatin ameliorates non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis by restoring lysosomal function and autophagic flux
Authors: Chen Xiaoting , Chan Hung , Zhang Lin , Liu Xiaodong , Ho Idy H. T. , Zhang Xiang , Ho Jeffery , Hu Wei , Tian Yuanyuan , Kou Shanglong , Chan Chee Sam , Yu Jun , Wong Sunny H. , Gin Tony , Chan Matthew T. V. , Sun Xuegang , Wu William K. K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractImpaired autophagic degradation of intracellular lipids is causally linked to the development of non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Pharmacological agents that can restore hepatic autophagic flux could therefore have therapeutic potentials for this increasingly prevalent disease. Herein, we investigated the effects of polydatin, a natural precursor of resveratrol, in a murine nutritional model of NASH and a cell line model of steatosis. Results showed that oral administration of polydatin protected against hepatic lipid accumulation and alleviated inflammation and hepatocyte damage in db/db mice fed methionine‐choline deficient diet. Polydatin also alleviated palmitic acid‐induced lipid accumulation in cultured hepatocytes. In both models, polydatin restored lysosomal function and autophagic flux that were impaired by NASH or steatosis. Mechanistically, polydatin inhibited mTOR signalling and up‐regulated the expression and activity of TFEB, a known master regulator of lysosomal function. In conclusion, polydatin ameliorated NASH through restoring autophagic flux. The polydatin‐regulated autophagy was associated with inhibition of mTOR pathway and restoration of lysosomal function by TFEB. Our study provided affirmative preclinical evidence to inform future clinical trials for examining the potential anti‐NASH effect of polydatin in humans.
Validation and psychometric evaluation of a brief screening questionnaire for psychological distress in patients with psoriasis
Authors: Nearchou F. , D'Alton P. , Donnelly A. , O’Driscoll L. , O’Flanagan S. , Kirby B. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatients with psoriasis are at risk of a co‐morbid diagnosis of depression and/or anxiety. It is therefore essential for dermatologists to have valid and effective instruments that can screen and monitor depression and anxiety symptoms in psoriasis patients.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to validate the Mental Health Inventory (MHI‐5) as a brief measure that can be used to evaluate psychological distress related to anxiety and depression in psoriasis patients.MethodsThe sample included 76 adult dermatological outpatients diagnosed with psoriasis. Participants completed the MHI‐5, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and six subscales of the Self‐Compassion Scale (SCS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was applied to examine the factor structure of MHI‐5. Convergent validity was examined by applying correlations among all measures. Discriminant validity was examined by applying hierarchical regression models. Reliability was examined by calculating Cronbach's alpha coefficient.ResultsConfirmatory factor analysis showed that the proposed one‐factor model has a good fit to the data. The MHI‐5 demonstrated satisfactory convergent validity by yielding significant moderate to strong correlations with the HADS and with the positive and negative subscales of the SCS. Discriminant validity was also evident with being at risk of anxiety predicting MHI‐5 scores above and beyond the effect of gender and age. Hierarchical regressions were not performed because a very small number of participants (n = 3) were classified at risk of depression. The MHI‐5 showed high internal consistency (α = 0.84).ConclusionThis investigation provided evidence that MHI‐5 is a reliable and valid instrument that can be used to effectively capture psychological distress in psoriasis patients.