bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant species richness negatively affects root decomposition in grasslands
Authors: Chen Hongmei , Mommer Liesje , van Ruijven Jasper , de Kroon Hans , Fischer Christine , Gessler Arthur , Hildebrandt Anke , Scherer‐Lorenzen Michael , Wirth Christian , Weigelt Alexandra 
Published: August 2016

SummaryPlant diversity enhances many ecosystem functions, including root biomass production, which drives soil carbon input. Although root decomposition accounts for a large proportion of carbon input for soil, little is known about plant diversity effect on this process. Plant diversity may affect root decomposition in two non‐exclusive ways: by providing roots of different substrate quality (e.g. root chemistry) and/or by altering the soil environment (e.g. microclimate).To disentangle these two pathways, we conducted three decomposition experiments using a litter‐bag approach in a grassland biodiversity experiment. We hypothesized that: (i) plant species richness negatively affects substrate quality (indicated by increased C:N ratios), which we tested by decomposing roots collected from each experimental plot in one common plot; (ii) plant species richness positively affects soil environment (indicated by increased soil water content), which we tested by decomposing standardized roots in all experimental plots; (iii) the overall effect of plant species richness on root decomposition, due to the contrast between quality and environmental effects, is neutral, which we tested by decomposing community roots in their ‘home’ plots.Plant species richness negatively affected root decomposition in all three experiments. The negative effect of plant species richness on substrate quality was largely explained by increased root C:N ratios along the diversity gradient. Functional group presence explained more variance in substrate quality than species richness. Here, the presence of grasses negatively affected substrate quality and root C:N ratios, while the presence of legumes and small herbs had positive effects. Plant species richness had a negative effect on soil environment despite its positive effect on soil water content which is known to stimulate decomposition. We argue that – instead of soil water content – a combined effect of soil temperature and seasonality might drive environmental effect of plant diversity on decomposition in our plant communities, but this remains to be tested.Synthesis. Our results demonstrate that both substrate quality and soil environment contribute to the net negative effect of plant diversity on root decomposition. This study promotes our mechanistic understanding of increased soil carbon accumulation in more diverse grassland plant communities.
Characterization of the Bread Made with Durum Wheat Semolina Rendered Gluten Free by Sourdough Biotechnology in Comparison with Commercial Gluten‐Free Products
Authors: Rizzello Carlo Giuseppe , Montemurro Marco , Gobbetti Marco 
Published: August 2016

AbstractDurum wheat semolina was fermented with sourdough lactic acid bacteria and fungal proteases aiming at a complete gluten hydrolysis. The gluten‐free (GF) semolina, added with naturally GF ingredients and structuring agents, was used to produce bread (rendered GF bread; rGFB) at industrial level. An integrated approach including the characterization of the main chemical, nutritional, structural, and sensory features was used to compare rGFB to a gluten‐containing bread and to 5 commercial naturally GF breads. High‐performance liquid chromatography was used for free amino acids (FAAs), organic acids, and ethanol analysis. A methanolic extract was used for determining total phenols and antioxidant activity. The bread characterization also included the analysis of dietary fibers, mycotoxins, vitamins, and heavy metals. Beyond chemical analysis, nutritional profile was evaluated considering the in vitro protein digestibility and the predicted glycemic index, while the instrumental texture profile analysis was performed to investigate the structure and the physical/mechanical properties of the baked goods. Beyond the huge potential of market expansion, the main advantages of durum wheat semolina rendered GF can be resumed in the high availability of FAAs, the high protein digestibility, the low starch hydrolysis index, and the better technological properties of bread compared to the commercial GF products currently present on the market. Vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber profiles are comparable to those of gluten‐containing wheat bread. Also the sensory profile, determined by a panel test, can be considered the most similar to those of conventional baked goods, showing all the sourdough bread classic attributes.
Randomized trial assessing the safety and efficacy of sitagliptin in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus inadequately controlled on sulfonylurea alone or combined with metformin
Authors: Ba Jianming , Han Ping , Yuan Guoyue , Mo Zhaohui , Pan Changyu , Wu Fan , Xu Lei , Hanson Mary E. , Engel Samuel S. , Shankar R. Ravi 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundType 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a significant burden in China, where approximately 114 million patients have been diagnosed with diabetes. Chinese patients present with prominent β‐cell failure, with resulting deficiency in insulin secretion, particularly early phase insulin secretion leading to postprandial hyperglycemia. Sitagliptin, a selective once‐daily oral dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitor, has been shown to improve glycemic control as monotherapy and in combination with other antihyperglycemic agents, including sulfonylureas and metformin.MethodsThis was a multicenter randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled study conducted in China. The study assessed the safety and efficacy of the addition of sitagliptin 100 mg once daily versus placebo on changes from baseline at Week 24 in HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and 2‐h post‐meal glucose (PMG). Patients were aged 18–79 years, had T2DM with inadequate glycemic control, and were taking a sulfonylurea, with or without metformin.ResultsAfter 24 weeks, sitagliptin reduced HbA1c, FPG, and 2‐h PMG significantly more than placebo (between‐treatment differences: −0.61 %, −16.8 mg/dL, and −32.9 mg/dL, respectively; P < 0.001 for all). The addition of sitagliptin was generally well tolerated, with a comparable incidence of adverse events and drug‐related adverse events in both treatment groups. The sitagliptin group had a higher incidence of symptomatic hypoglycemia than the placebo group (25/248 [10.1 %] vs 13/249 [5.2 %], respectively; P = 0.042).ConclusionsSitagliptin 100 mg once daily significantly improved glycemic control in Chinese patients with T2DM who had inadequate glycemic control with sulfonylurea, with or without metformin therapy. The addition of sitagliptin was generally well tolerated. (clinicaltrials.gov: NCT01590771).
High‐throughput microsatellite genotyping in ecology: improved accuracy, efficiency, standardization and success with low‐quantity and degraded DNA
Authors: De Barba M. , Miquel C. , Lobréaux S. , Quenette P. Y. , Swenson J. E. , Taberlet P. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractMicrosatellite markers have played a major role in ecological, evolutionary and conservation research during the past 20 years. However, technical constrains related to the use of capillary electrophoresis and a recent technological revolution that has impacted other marker types have brought to question the continued use of microsatellites for certain applications. We present a study for improving microsatellite genotyping in ecology using high‐throughput sequencing (HTS). This approach entails selection of short markers suitable for HTS, sequencing PCR‐amplified microsatellites on an Illumina platform and bioinformatic treatment of the sequence data to obtain multilocus genotypes. It takes advantage of the fact that HTS gives direct access to microsatellite sequences, allowing unambiguous allele identification and enabling automation of the genotyping process through bioinformatics. In addition, the massive parallel sequencing abilities expand the information content of single experimental runs far beyond capillary electrophoresis. We illustrated the method by genotyping brown bear samples amplified with a multiplex PCR of 13 new microsatellite markers and a sex marker. HTS of microsatellites provided accurate individual identification and parentage assignment and resulted in a significant improvement of genotyping success (84%) of faecal degraded DNA and costs reduction compared to capillary electrophoresis. The HTS approach holds vast potential for improving success, accuracy, efficiency and standardization of microsatellite genotyping in ecological and conservation applications, especially those that rely on profiling of low‐quantity/quality DNA and on the construction of genetic databases. We discuss and give perspectives for the implementation of the method in the light of the challenges encountered in wildlife studies.
Diagnostic accuracy of Japanese posttraumatic stress measures after a complex disaster: The Fukushima Health Management Survey
Authors: Suzuki Yuriko , Yabe Hirooki , Horikoshi Naoko , Yasumura Seiji , Kawakami Norito , Ohtsuru Akira , Mashiko Hirobumi , Maeda Masaharu ,   on behalf of the Mental Health Group of the Fukushima Health Management Survey
Published: August 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Checklist (PCL) has been widely used among traumatized populations to screen people with PTSD; however, the Japanese version of the PCL has yet to be validated. We examined the diagnostic accuracy of the Japanese version PCL‐Specific (PCL‐S) and the abbreviated versions of the PCL‐S among the evacuees of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident.MethodsFifty‐one participants were recruited from an evacuee and clinical sample. The PCL‐S, Impact of Event Scale‐Revised (IES‐R), and World Health Organization Composite International Diagnostic Interview were administered. Screening properties of the PCL‐S, IES‐R, and abbreviated PCL‐S against PTSD diagnosis, including sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic efficiency, were calculated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were drawn, and optimal cutoff points were examined.ResultsThe sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic efficiency of the PCL‐S were 66.7%, 84.9%, and 79.2%, respectively (at 52, the area under the curve was 0.83). The cutoff point method for the PCL‐S performed better than did the symptom cluster method. The screening properties of the abbreviated versions were comparable with those of the full version.ConclusionsThe Japanese version of the PCL‐S showed moderate diagnostic accuracy and improved performance over the IES‐R for PTSD diagnosis based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition. The Japanese version of the PCL‐S was a reliable and valid measure, and its diagnostic accuracy was reasonable for both full and abbreviated versions.
HEDGING AND THE COMPETITIVE FIRM UNDER AMBIGUOUS PRICE AND BACKGROUND RISK
Authors: Osaki Yusuke , Wong Kit Pong , Yi Long 
Published: August 2016

ABSTRACTThis paper examines the optimal production and hedging decisions of the competitive firm that possesses smooth ambiguity preferences and faces ambiguous price and background risk. The separation theorem holds in that the firm's optimal output level depends neither on the firm's attitude towards ambiguity nor on the incident to the underlying ambiguity. We derive necessary and sufficient conditions under which the full‐hedging theorem holds and thus options are not used. When these conditions are violated, we show that the firm optimally uses options for hedging purposes if ambiguity is introduced to the price and background risk by means of mean‐preserving spreads. We as such show that options play a role as a hedging instrument over and above that of futures.
Cognitive Flexibility in Young Children: Beyond Perseveration
Authors: Carroll Daniel J. , Blakey Emma , FitzGibbon Lily 
Published: August 2016

AbstractCognitive flexibility (CF) is the ability to rapidly adjust our thoughts and behaviors in response to changes around us. Although studies of preschoolers have contributed to our understanding of how this ability emerges, progress has slowed in recent years because of methodological and conceptual issues. In this article, we outline recent developments that address these issues and that have led to a more nuanced understanding of CF—particularly regarding the role of perseveration. We propose that CF is a diverse and multifaceted skill that involves more than just overcoming perseverative errors.
Weight gain in insulin‐treated patients by body mass index category at treatment initiation: new evidence from real‐world data in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Paul S. K. , Shaw J. E. , Montvida O. , Klein K. 
Published: August 2016

AimsTo evaluate, in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) treated with insulin, the extent of weight gain over 2 years of insulin treatment, and the dynamics of weight gain in relation to glycaemic achievements over time according to adiposity levels at insulin initiation.Materials and methodsPatients with T2DM (n = 155 917), who commenced insulin therapy and continued it for at least 6 months, were selected from a large database of electronic medical records in the USA. Longitudinal changes in body weight and glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) according to body mass index (BMI) category were estimated.ResultsPatients had a mean age of 59 years, a mean HbA1c level of 9.5%, and a mean BMI of 35 kg/m2 at insulin initiation. The HbA1c levels at insulin initiation were significantly lower (9.2‐9.4%) in the obese patients than in patients with normal body weight (10.0%); however, the proportions of patients with HbA1c >7.5% or >8.0% were similar across the BMI categories. The adjusted weight gain fell progressively with increasing baseline BMI category over 6, 12 and 24 months (p < .01). The adjusted changes in HbA1c were similar across BMI categories. A 1% decrease in HbA1c was associated with progressively less weight gain as pretreatment BMI rose, ranging from a 1.24 kg gain in those with a BMI <25 kg/m2 to a 0.32 kg loss in those with a BMI > 40 kg/m2.ConclusionsDuring 24 months of insulin treatment, obese patients gained significantly less body weight than normal‐weight and overweight patients, while achieving clinically similar glycaemic benefits. These data provide reassurance with regard to the use of insulin in obese patients.
Gender and Disability in Male‐Dominated Occupations: A Social Relational Model
Authors: Sang Katherine J.C. , Richards James , Marks Abigail 
Published: August 2016

Evidence from male‐dominated sectors points to high levels of disability and the disabling nature of working environments. However, research of this nature assumes a medical model of disability that does not account for the social construction of disability or the lived experiences of disabled employees. Using data from seven focus groups (n = 44) and semi‐structured interviews with professional transport employees with life‐long hidden ‘impairments’, including dyslexia, dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADD/ADHD and Asperger syndrome (n = 22), this paper explores the lived experiences of men and women working in a sector traditionally dominated by men, the transport industry. Key themes include homosociality, public–private divide and the impact of changing work practices. Further, the data revealed how those with hidden ‘impairments’ in part construct their identities in relation to both non‐disabled colleagues and those considered stereotypically representing disability (wheelchair users). This study furthers understandings of the relationality of gender and disability in the workplace, and the lived experiences of disabled employees.
Interactions of two odorant‐binding proteins influence insect chemoreception
Authors: Sun X. , Zeng F.‐F. , Yan M.‐J. , Zhang A. , Lu Z.‐X. , Wang M.‐Q. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIt is well known that the odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) play crucial roles in insect olfactory detection. To explore if interactions of OBPs affect olfactory coding in the rice leaffolder Cnaphalocrocis medinalis ligand‐binding experiments, molecular docking, RNA interference and electrophysiological recording were performed. The binding activity of two C. medinalis OBPs (CmedOBPs) to rice plant volatiles showed wide flexibility depending on the structure of ligands and interactions of CmedOBPs involved. The binding sites of CmedOBP2 and CmedOBP3 to rice plant volatiles were well predicted by three‐dimensional structure modelling and molecular docking experiments. In addition, the interactions of these two CmedOBPs in the perception of rice volatiles were demonstrated by RNA interference experiments. When a single double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA)‐CmedOBP2 was injected, the expression of CmedOBP2 was significantly reduced and the expression of CmedOBP3 was significantly increased, and vice versa. When both dsRNA‐CmedOBP2 and 3 were injected together, greater reduction of electroantennogram responses to rice plant volatiles was induced than that seen with individual injection of either dsRNA‐CmedOBP2 or dsRNA‐CmedOBP3. These results clearly indicate that the interactions of CmedOBP2 and CmedOBP3 have significant effects on C. medinalis during the detection of host plant volatiles.
Raising a Child with Respect
Authors: Richards Norvin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractParents whose children will become adults are expected to help them do so, as opposed to only keeping them alive while they manage it on their own. The parental help must respect the child's standing as a separate individual: our children aren't ours to shape to our design, even if our aim is to help them flourish. But then how are we to raise our children with respect for their individuality?According to Matthew Clayton, doing so requires refraining from attempting to provide our child with any values that reasonable persons would dispute. According to Harry Brighouse and Adam Swift, it doesn't require that: parents have a right to try to instil values, including disputable ones, because they must have this right if families are to enjoy ‘family relationship goods’. I argue against Clayton's position, and against Brighouse and Swift's. I introduce a different approach, and flesh it out in light of a difficulty it faces. I then return to the initial problem, identifying some ways in which the approach I've offered explains how to raise one's child with respect.
MicroRNA‐203 mimics age‐related aortic smooth muscle dysfunction of cytoskeletal pathways
Authors: Nicholson Christopher J. , Seta Francesca , Lee Sophie , Morgan Kathleen G. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIncreased aortic stiffness is a biomarker for subsequent adverse cardiovascular events. We have previously reported that vascular smooth muscle Src‐dependent cytoskeletal remodelling, which contributes to aortic plasticity, is impaired with ageing. Here, we use a multi‐scale approach to determine the molecular mechanisms behind defective Src‐dependent signalling in an aged C57BL/6 male mouse model. Increased aortic stiffness, as measured in vivo by pulse wave velocity, was found to have a comparable time course to that in humans. Bioinformatic analyses predicted several miRs to regulate Src‐dependent cytoskeletal remodelling. qRT‐PCR was used to determine the relative levels of predicted miRs in aortas and, notably, the expression of miR‐203 increased almost twofold in aged aorta. Increased miR‐203 expression was associated with a decrease in both mRNA and protein expression of Src, caveolin‐1 and paxillin in aged aorta. Probing with phospho‐specific antibodies confirmed that overexpression of miR‐203 significantly attenuated Src and extracellular signal regulated kinase (ERK) signalling, which we have previously found to regulate vascular smooth muscle stiffness. In addition, transfection of miR‐203 into aortic tissue from young mice increased phenylephrine‐induced aortic stiffness ex vivo, mimicking the aged phenotype. Upstream of miR‐203, we found that DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) 1, 3a, and 3b are also significantly decreased in the aged mouse aorta and that DNMT inhibition significantly increases miR‐203 expression. Thus, the age‐induced increase in miR‐203 may be caused by epigenetic promoter hypomethylation in the aorta. These findings indicate that miR‐203 promotes a re‐programming of Src/ERK signalling pathways in vascular smooth muscle, impairing the regulation of stiffness in aged aorta.
Comparative analyses within Gyrodactylus (Platyhelminthes: Monogenea) mitochondrial genomes and conserved polymerase chain reaction primers for gyrodactylid mitochondrial DNA
Authors: Ye F , Easy R H , King S D , Cone D K , You P 
Published: August 2016

AbstractIn this study, we describe the complete mitochondrial genomes of Gyrodactylus brachymystacis and Gyrodactylus parvae infecting rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and the invasive topmouth gudgeon (Pseudorasbora parva), respectively. The two circular genomes have a common genome organization found in other Gyrodactylus species. Comparative analyses of mitochondrial genomes from six Gyrodactylus species were carried out to determine base composition, codon usage, transfer RNA and ribosomal RNA genes, major non‐coding regions, and nucleotide diversity within the genus. We also provide the first universal models of the secondary structures of rrnS and rrnL for this group thereby promoting utilization of these genetic markers. Universal primers provided herein can be used to obtain more mitochondrial information for pathogen identification and may reveal different levels of molecular phylogenetic inferences for this lineage.
Microwave dehydration of apple fruit: Investigation of drying efficiency and energy costs
Authors: Hazervazifeh Amin , Moghaddam Parviz A. , Nikbakht Ali M. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe main incentive in processing fruits such as apple is reduction of losses and gaining added value. In this research, drying kinetics and drying efficiency of Golden Delicious apple slices are investigated using hot air flow and uniform microwave drying. Microwave power levels, 500, 1,000, 1,500, and 2,000 W, air temperatures, 40, 50, 60, and 70°C and air velocities, 0.5, 1, 1.5, and 2 ms−1 were selected. Results revealed that microwave dehydration is highly time‐efficient with 80% reduction of processing time, compared to hot air method. Highest value of drying efficiency was found in microwave method and it was reduced by 99% in the case of hot air drying. Energy costs to cover the drying process were decreased by 60% when the microwave method was used. Technically speaking, microwave drying resolves insufficiency of hot air method along with a significant enhancement of drying rate, drying efficiency and energy economy.Practical applicationsDrying of agricultural commodities is known as a main challenge in the processing industry regarding the waste reduction, longer shelf time, easier transportation, and storage. The main technique in this regard is currently hot air convection method which suffers energy consumption and surface hardening. Reduction of drying time and energy consumption with simultaneous enhancement of drying efficiency and energy economy are well known features in modern drying technologies such as microwave method. However, microwave systems are rarely utilized in industry, because of lack of operating information and high‐tech hardware issues. Application of microwave technology in dehydration of apple fruits can result in significant improvement in the processing economy. Volumetric and uniform heating as the primary benefit of microwave drying can be mentioned as an undeniable incentive to producers, processors and industrialists. Additionally, investigation of kinetics of drying is the first step for dryer design or scale‐up.