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Throughout the Confessions, Augustine repeatedly complains about heresy with a special focus on the heresy he once belonged to, Manicheanism. To those of us who live in a culture in which respectable people rarely, if ever, care about religious orthodoxy to such a degree, these complaints seem rather bizarre. Despite this initial appearance, Augustine presents in the Confessions several plausible reasons for thinking heresy is sinful and, therefore, detrimental to a person's sanctity and ultimate salvation. In this paper, I argue that Augustine considers heresy sinful because it involves as many as three kinds of idolatry: loving a lie/false conception of God instead of the true God, loving one's own beliefs more than the Truth, which is God, and loving the worldly praise one receives from developing novel opinions more than God. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There have been numerous calls for improved pedagogical practices in biological education, and there is a clear need for such improvements in ecology and related curricula. Most ecology‐related texts lack pedagogy and are designed to be content‐rich. National initiatives, such as Vision & Change, provide guidance on undergraduate biology education, including increasing use of evidence‐based active learning, and taking a more conceptual and science practice skills approach. Biology education research is rich with evidence‐based teaching practices, which reveal that active learning approaches implemented in thoughtful ways lead to strong learning gains relative to lecture‐based course delivery. CREATE (Consider, Read, Elucidate the hypothesis, Analyze and interpret data, Think of the next Experiment) integrates evidence‐based active pedagogical practices into one approach to STEM education that focuses heavily on the process of science and science practice skills rather than content delivery by replacing the textbook with selected journal articles. The approach focuses on deep reading and analysis of primary literature; immersing students in the literature is an advantage of the pedagogy. CREATE was developed and tested in other biological disciplines (genetics and molecular biology) that have long been at the forefront of pedagogical best practices in biology. We transformed two upper‐level undergraduate ecological courses (Conservation Biology, and Biodiversity and Ecology) into CREATE courses. We provide examples of assignments, student work, and assessments of the approach, illustrating the various ways CREATE can be successfully implemented. The approach can be adopted in part, to ease into it and test it out, or in whole. We recommend that ecology teachers consider making their courses more active, if they have not already done so; adopting pedagogical practices embedded within CREATE can be a way to achieve active learning. The CREATE approach and other evidence‐based pedagogical best practices lead to strong learning gains and more inclusive learning environments. National initiatives, such as Vision & Change, provide guidance on undergraduate biology education, including increasing use of evidence‐based active learning. CREATE (Consider, Read, Elucidate the hypothesis, Analyze and interpret data, Think of the next Experiment) integrates evidence‐based active pedagogical practices into one approach that focuses on the process of science, science practice skills, and deep reading of the primary literature. We transformed two upper‐level undergraduate ecological courses (Conservation Biology, and Biodiversity and Ecology) into CREATE courses and provided examples of assignments, student work, and assessments, illustrating the various ways in which CREATE can be successfully implemented. The CREATE approach and other evidence‐based pedagogical best practices lead to strong learning gains and more inclusive learning environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reflects on ideas of tacit knowledge in order to examine the nature of planners' expertise. It investigates the shifting knowledge and power dynamics between and within the public and private sectors, as a means of determining how tacit expertise is transferred and re‐appropriated in new domains and geographies of practice. Tacit understanding of what facilitates successful permissions and what impedes the approval process helps planners navigate the plan‐led system and avoid inertia. Findings are two‐fold. First, public sector planners transfer their own expert tacit knowledge to influence and direct local development planning. Second, the findings illustrate that public sector planners feel their tacit expertise is increasingly undervalued and traditional networks of knowledge transference have been dismantled due to the erosion of networks of peer support. This results in a disruptive counter narrative based in private planning practice where public sector experts are re‐emerging in commercial practice due to a range of factors, including: budgets cuts; demoralisation; and seeking greater job security in the private sector. This leads to new geographies of tacit knowledge, as local government planners transfer their knowledge into new professional environments. This can result in reconfigurations of locally embedded knowledge as expertise is repurposed and used to bolster the likelihood of development applications succeeding, often for profit motives rather than the broader public good. Furthermore, it can also lead to local knowledge being uprooted and spatially diffused across wider geographies as private sector planners frequently work across broader domains of practice than public sector counterparts. In conclusion, we outline gaps in our current understanding of the evolution of planning practice and outline future research opportunities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cocoa butter equivalents (CBEs) are formulated by mixing palm mid fraction (PMF) with silica‐treated hard stearin fractions produced via enzymatic acidolysis of high oleic sunflower oil with various mixtures of stearic and palmitic acids. The CBE blends always contain ≈30% 1,3‐distearoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycerol, but vary in 1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐sn‐glycerol (POP; 40–45%) and rac‐1‐palmitoyl‐2‐oleoyl‐3‐stearoyl glycerol (POSt; 10‐16%) content. Overall symmetric disaturated monounsaturated (Sat‐O‐Sat) levels range from 81–86%. The effects of varying POP/POSt content on the non‐isothermal and isothermal crystallization (at 20 °C) of the CBEs are then studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), stop and return DSC, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and compared with CB. Four polymorphs (I/sub‐α, II/α, IV/β′, and V/β) are identified which appear at different stages. The addition of PMF (raising POP levels) slows crystallization rates compared to the original stearins, but higher levels of POP also produce a small amount of V/β in under 4 h at 20 °C via apparent transformation from II/α. This does not occur with (high POSt) CB samples. However, after storage at 20 °C for 7 days, CB demonstrates greater transformation to V/β (from IV/β′) as confirmed via XRD. Solid fat contents of CBE blends are higher than CB due to higher Sat‐O‐Sat levels. Practical applications: The paper demonstrates a new route for formulating CBEs. The relative proportions of StOSt, POSt and POP in the formulation can be controlled by changing the proportions of palmitic and stearic acid used in the enzymatic acidolysis and the blend ratio with the PMF. This can then be used to fine‐tune the crystallization behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Preclinical studies of MR309, a selective sigma‐1 receptor (σ1R) antagonist, support a potential role in treating neuropathic pain. We report 2 studies that provide insight into the pharmacokinetics (PK) and brain σ1R binding of MR309. Methods: Steady‐state PK of MR309 (400 mg once daily and 200 mg twice‐daily [BID] for 10 days; EudraCT 2015–001818‐99 [PK study]) and the relationship between MR309 plasma exposure and brain σ1R occupancy (EudraCT 2017–000670‐11 [positron emission tomography study]) were investigated in healthy volunteers. Positron emission tomography using the σ1R ligand [11C]SA4503 was conducted at baseline, and 2 and 8 hours after a single dose of MR309 (200–800 mg). The relationship between brain σ1R occupancy and MR309 exposure was explored using data‐driven model fitting. Results: MR309 was well tolerated, brain σ1R occupancy ranged between 30.5 and 74.9% following single‐dose MR309 (n = 7). MR309 BID provided a plasma PK profile with less fluctuation than once daily dosing (n = 16). MR309 200 mg BID yielded average steady state plasma concentrations between 2000 and 4000 ng/mL in the PK study, which corresponded to an estimated brain σ1R occupancy of 59–74%. Conclusion: MR309 200 mg BID dose was below the 75% σ1R occupancy threshold expected to elicit maximal antinociceptive effect as observed in neuropathic pain models. Further investigations of MR309 for neuropathic pain will require higher brain σ1R occupancy, and establish the optimal dose by elucidating the clinical impact of a broad range of brain σ1R occupancy across different neuropathic pain indications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The year 2020 marks the 75th edition of Grass and Forage Science. From its beginnings as the Journal of the British Grassland Society, the journal has grown to be the major international journal with a primary emphasis on grasslands society. In this paper, to mark this anniversary we note the contributions of the editorial team, past and present, and the legacy of the journal by noting some of the highly cited papers published over the years and discuss the changing trends in science published in recent years. This includes an emphasis on the changing role of grasslands across the globe and the challenges that changing climate and altered production systems place on grazing agriculture. It is through the adoption of science that is being published now that the industries that we serve will be able to respond to these challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We prove local Calabi and higher order estimates for solutions to the continuity equation introduced by La Nave–Tian and extended to Hermitian metrics by Sherman–Weinkove. We apply the estimates to show that on a compact complex manifold, the Chern scalar curvature of a solution must blow up at a finite‐time singularity. Additionally, starting from certain classes of initial data on Oeljeklaus–Toma manifolds, we prove Gromov–Hausdorff and smooth convergence of the metric to a particular nonnegative (1,1)‐form as t→∞$t\rightarrow \infty$. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Painful left bundle branch block syndrome is a rare disorder in which patients develop typical angina‐like pain without identifiable ischemia. To date, there have been few published cases of effective treatment. In this case report, we describe successful implementation of His bundle pacing for durable symptom resolution in this disorder. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Focusing on present‐day possibilities raised by existing technology, I consider the normative aspects of genetically modifying the human germline from a utilitarian standpoint. With reference to a hypothetical case, I examine the probable consequences of permitting a well‐conceived attempt to correct a disease‐associated gene in the human germline using current CRISPR gene‐editing technology. I consider inter alia the likely effects on utility of creating healthy new lives, of discouraging adoption, and of kickstarting a revolution in human germline genetic modification (HGGM). I reject various objections to HGGM, including claims that the risks of genetic harm outweigh the likely benefits. From this utilitarian analysis, I conclude that strong grounds exist to support intervening in the human germline using current technology. Delay in commencing such work will impose a utility cost, because the longer we wait until commencing the HGGM revolution and moving towards a world of increased utility, the greater will be the quantity of suffering accrued meantime through genetically influenced disease. Nevertheless, considering residual safety concerns and the negative publicity engendered by an ethically problematic recent (2018) first attempt at HGGM, it seems prudent—and ultimately generative of the greatest amount of utility—to delay implementing HGGM for a modest period of time, in the order of 1–2 years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A key challenge in conservation biology is that not all species are equally likely to go extinct when faced with a disturbance, but there are multiple overlapping reasons for such differences in extinction probability. Differences in species extinction risk may represent extinction selectivity, a non‐random process by which species' risks of extinction are caused by differences in fitness based on traits. Additionally, rare species with low abundances and/or occupancies are more likely to go extinct than common species for reasons of random chance alone, that is, bad luck. Unless ecologists and conservation biologists can disentangle random and selective extinction processes, then the prediction and prevention of future extinctions will continue to be an elusive challenge.We suggest that a modified version of a common null model procedure, rarefaction, can be used to disentangle the influence of stochastic species loss from selective non‐random processes. To this end we applied a rarefaction‐based null model to three published data sets to characterize the influence of species rarity in driving biodiversity loss following three biodiversity loss events: (a) disease‐associated bat declines; (b) disease‐associated amphibian declines; and (c) habitat loss and invasive species‐associated gastropod declines. For each case study, we used rarefaction to generate null expectations of biodiversity loss and species‐specific extinction probabilities.In each of our case studies, we find evidence for both random and non‐random (selective) extinctions. Our findings highlight the importance of explicitly considering that some species extinctions are the result of stochastic processes. In other words, we find significant evidence for bad luck in the extinction process.Policy implications. Our results suggest that rarefaction can be used to disentangle random and non‐random extinctions and guide management decisions. For example, rarefaction can be used retrospectively to identify when declines of at‐risk species are likely to result from selectivity, versus random chance. Rarefaction can also be used prospectively to formulate minimum predictions of species loss in response to hypothetical disturbances. Given its minimal data requirements and familiarity among ecologists, rarefaction may be an efficient and versatile tool for identifying and protecting species that are most vulnerable to global extinction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moral judgment is politically situational—people are more forgiving of transgressive copartisans and more likely to behave punitively and unethically toward political opponents. Such differences are widely observed, but not fully explained. If moral values are nonnegotiable first‐principle beliefs about right and wrong, why do similar transgressions elicit different moral judgment in the personal and political realm? We argue this pattern arises from the same forces intuitionist frameworks of moral psychology use to explain the origins of morality: the adaptive need to suppress individual behavior to ensure ingroup success. We hypothesize ingroups serve as moral boundaries, that the relative tight constraints morality exerts over ingroup relations loosen in competitive group environments because doing so also serves ingroup interests. We find support for this hypothesis in four independent samples and also find that group antipathy—internalized dislike of the outgroup—pushes personal and political moral boundaries farther apart. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the genetic variance among progeny from a cross—prior to making said cross—would be a valuable metric for plant breeders to discriminate among possible parent combinations. The use of genomewide markers and simulated populations is one proposed method for making such predictions. Our objective was to assess the predictive ability of this method for three relevant quantitative traits within a breeding program regularly using genomewide selection. Using a training population of two‐row barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) lines, we predicted the mean (μ), genetic variance (VG), and superior progeny mean (μSP, mean of the best 10% of lines) of 330,078 possible parent combinations for Fusarium head blight (FHB) severity, heading date, and plant height. Twenty‐seven of these combinations were chosen to develop biparental populations, which were subsequently phenotyped for the same traits. We found that the predictive abilities (rMP) for μ and μSP were moderate to high (rMP = 0.46–0.69), whereas those for VG were lower (rMP = 0.01–0.48). Unsurprisingly, predictive ability was likely a function of trait heritability, as rMP estimates for heading date (the most heritable trait) were highest, and rMP estimates for FHB severity (the least heritable trait) were lowest. We observed strong negative bias when predicting VG (on average −83 to −96%), but the relative consistency of this bias across validation families indicates that it may have little impact when selecting crosses. We concluded that accurate predictions of VG and μSP are feasible, but as with any implementation of genomewide selection, reliable phenotypic data are critical. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing crops with improved N use efficiency (NUE) could decrease fertilizer inputs and the negative environmental effects of N overuse. We measured nine agronomic and yield component traits under N-limiting and nonlimiting treatments for 250 two-row and 250 six-row barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) breeding lines. We calculated four stress indices to approximate NUE. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs), we conducted association mapping (AM) for these phenotypic data with 3072 single nucleotide polymorphism markers. All traits and two stress indices--the geometric mean and the stress tolerance index--exhibited significant genetic variation within the two-row and six-row panels. Of the 25 QTLs identified in the two-row panel and 31 identified in the six-row panel, only four were common to both. Four of the QTLs detected in the two-row panel and 10 detected in the six-row panel were identified under the N-limiting treatment or for a stress index, but not under the nonlimiting treatment, signaling that they may be associated with NUE. We detected a QTL for grain protein concentration (GPC) on chromosome 6H that has been mapped previously in barley and is collinear with the well-characterized Gpc-B1 locus in wheat. Groups of lines defined by marker haplotypes at this locus exhibited significant differences in GPC but not in grain yield. These results support that breeding strategies for improving NUE include crossing between two- and six-row parents with complementary alleles, phenotypic selection based on stress indices, marker-assisted selection for desirable alleles, and genomic selection to capture small-effect loci. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetic phase behavior and phase transformation paths of pure tripalmitoylglycerol (PPP), 1‐palmitoyl‐2,3‐distearoyl‐sn‐glycerol (PSS), and 1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐2‐stearoyl‐sn‐glycerol (PSP) and binary mixtures thereof, are investigated at 10.0 °C min−1 (fast cooling) and 1.0 °C min−1 (slow cooling) cooling rates, and further re‐heating at 5.0 and 1.0 °C min−1. Mixtures are studied in terms of polymorphism, crystallization, and melting behavior. Kinetic phase diagrams are determined from DSC heating thermograms and XRD data. Independent of the cooling rate, most samples crystallized in the α‐polymorph and transformed into the more stable β′‐form via melt‐mediated crystallization or direct recrystallization from the α‐phase. Samples containing a high amount of PSP crystallized in the β′‐form at slow cooling rate and samples containing high PPP concentration ultimately transform to the most stable β‐form. The kinetic phase diagram of PPP‐PSS mixtures present an apparently typical eutectic behavior with a eutectic point at XPSS = 0.3, when the samples are melted at the higher heating rate, which shifts to higher concentration, XPSS = 0.5, when the lower heating rate is applied. The eutectic temperature (58.4 ± 0.3 °C) is independent of the cooling and heating rates used. The kinetic phase diagram of PSS‐PSP mixtures display two types of behaviors, a probable monotectic behavior in the most stable phase and a eutectic behavior in the meta‐stable phase when the samples are melted at higher heating rate. This study shows that PSS has a strong effect on the physical properties of PPP‐PSS blends and affects a large part of the phase behavior of this binary system. At lower PSS concentrations, the mixtures transform to the most stable β form, but at increasing PSS concentration, the samples stabilize in the β′‐phase. In the PSS‐PSP binary systems, all the mixtures stabilize in the β′‐phase, which is preferred in many food applications since it is associated with a smooth texture. Practical Applications: This research extends a previous study on the phase behavior of the most common trisaturated triacylglycerols and the results are useful for the food industry as they can help in understanding the functionality of hard fat based structuring agents in end applications, and in developing new triacylglycerol based crystallization and structuring agent for specific food applications. The kinetic phase behavior of trisaturated triacylglycerol containing stearic and palmitic acid were studied under three sets of conditions. The binary systems showed different behaviors at the conditions studied. An apparent eutectic phase behavior was obtained for mixtures containing mono‐acid and symmetric triacylglycerols. However, the samples containing asymmetric triacylglycerols showed a probable monotectic phase behavior in the most stable β′1‐phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From a procedural perspective, and as indicated above, native title claims are conducted in an adversarial, multi-party litigation context where many of those respondent parties, some trenchantly, oppose the connection of native title claimants. Those respondent parties do not bear the burden of proving connection but they have the right to test the claimants' assertions; and they do frequently, noting that their inconsistent rights and interests will always be favoured (see Wik). A paradigm shift is necessary because we currently have 394 native title determinations, many of which are non-exclusive native title rights and interests, which by definition means coexistence. [Extracted from the article]

Abstract: A method for the heteroarylboration of 1,3‐dienes is presented. The process involves an unusual cine substitution of 3‐bromopyridine derivatives to deliver highly functionalized heterocyclic products. Mechanistic studies are included that clarify the details of this unusual process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: A method for the heteroarylboration of 1,3‐dienes is presented. The process involves an unusual cine substitution of 3‐bromopyridine derivatives to deliver highly functionalized heterocyclic products. Mechanistic studies are included that clarify the details of this unusual process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetic phase behavior and phase transformation paths of tripalmitoylglycerol (PPP) and 1,3‐dipalmitoyl‐2‐stearoyl‐sn‐glycerol (PSP) mixtures are investigated at 10.0 °C min−1 (fast cooling) and 1.0 °C min−1 (slow cooling) cooling rates, and re‐heating at 5.0 and 1.0 °C min−1. Mixtures with 0.1 XPSP increments are studied in terms of polymorphism, crystallization, and melting. At the higher cooling rate, all samples crystallized in the α polymorph, while at the lower cooling rate, samples containing XPSP ≤ 0.3 crystallized in the α polymorph and samples containing XPSP > 0.3 crystallized in the β′ polymorph. During heating, all samples transformed to a more stable β′ form and melted finally in the β form (XPSP ≤ 0.3) or in the β′ form (XPSP > 0.3). Kinetic phase diagrams are determined from the DSC heating thermograms and XRD patterns obtained during cooling and heating and displayed an eutectic behavior with an eutectic point at XPSP = 0.3 irrespective of the rate at which the samples are cooled and re‐heated. The eutectic temperature is independent of the cooling and heating rates used. This study shows that PSP has a strong effect on the physical properties of PPP–PSP mixtures and dominates a large part of the phase behavior of the PPP–PSP binary system. At lower PSP concentration, the mixtures transform to the most stable β form, but at increasing PSP concentration the mixtures stabilize in the β′‐phase which is preferred in many food application because this results in a smooth texture. Practical Application: The results of this study are useful for the food industry as they can help in understanding the functionality of hard fat‐based structuring agents in end applications and in developing new triacylglycerol‐based crystallization and structuring agent for specific food applications PPP–PSP mixtures, either cooled or heated at lower or higher rate, all samples display different type of phase behavior: α‐ to β′‐phase development via recrystallization from the melt for mixtures having low PSP concentration, an α‐ to β′‐phase development via solid–solid transformation, a β′2‐ to β′1‐phase development via solid–solid transformation, and a β′‐ to β‐phase development via solid–solid transformation with an apparently typical eutectic behavior, with an eutectic concentration (XE) of about XPSP = 0.3. The eutectic temperature is not affected by the processing conditions applied. In the XPSP ≤ XE side of the phase diagram, the transition is different, being more β stable and is strongly affected by increasing PSP content (XPSP > XE side), which are more β′ stable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the copper-catalyzed borylacylation of activated alkenes is presented. The reaction involves borylcupration of the alkene, followed by capture of the generated alkyl-copper intermediate with an acid chloride. The reactions operated with low catalyst loading and generally occurre within 15 min at room temperature for a range of activated alkenes. In the case of vinyl arenes, enantioselective borylacylation was possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the copper-catalyzed borylacylation of activated alkenes is presented. The reaction involves borylcupration of the alkene, followed by capture of the generated alkyl-copper intermediate with an acid chloride. The reactions operated with low catalyst loading and generally occurre within 15 min at room temperature for a range of activated alkenes. In the case of vinyl arenes, enantioselective borylacylation was possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This pilot study compared non‐medically trained surf lifesavers' (SLS) ability, after infographic training, to occlude the femoral artery using a pressure point (PP) versus an arterial tourniquet (AT). Methods: Using a crossover design, eight SLS applied PP and AT to a participant's leg to occlude the femoral artery. Arterial flow, application time and perceived difficulty were recorded. Results: PP achieved 89.7% and 50.8% blood flow reduction for PP and AT, respectively. Average application time was 50.63 and 113.5 s for PP and AT, respectively. Perceived difficulty using a Likert scale from 0 to 10 (0 being no difficulty and 10 being maximal difficulty) was 2.75 and 3.50 for PP and AT, respectively. Conclusion: Infographic‐trained SLS showed superior blood flow occlusion using PP. This pilot study will inform a larger trial for untrained beachgoers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Genomic selection uses marker-based predictions to improve and accelerate the breeding process. Numerous studies have investigated the accuracy of genomic predictions; however, few studies have directly compared genomic and phenotypic selection. We compared genomic and phenotypic selection in five sets of selection candidates from a barley breeding program. In each set, about 96 breeding lines were genotyped with 1536 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and phenotyped for yield, Fusarium head blight (FHB) severity, and deoxynivalenol (DON) concentration. A set of 168 lines and the same set of SNP markers were used to train a prediction model and predict the performance of the selection candidates using ridge regression best linear unbiased prediction. The best-performing 10% of the breeding lines in each selection candidate set were selected using both methods and revaluated in several trials. We found similar significant response to selection using genomic and phenotypic selection for FHB severity and DON concentration, and no significant response for yield using either method. For all traits, genomic selection significantly increased genetic similarity compared with the selection candidates. In addition, genomic selection, compared with phenotypic selection, resulted in an increase in the frequency of favorable alleles. Three indirect selection methods for DON concentration, (predicted FHB severity, empirical FHB severity, and predicted DON concentration) performed similarly to direct phenotypic selection for DON, but differed considerably in cost. We conclude that the use of genomic selection for yield and FHB breeding in barley should result in gains from response to selection that are similar to the gains obtained using phenotypic selection, but with a shorter breeding cycle time and lower cost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article explores children's responses to a single question: ‘If someone gave you £1 million today, what would you do with it?’ Although such an exploration might seem trivial, we argue that their responses provide important insights into children's values and priorities. One‐third intend to spend it all, one quarter to save it. But the largest group claim that they would give all or some of the money away. Their responses highlight the divergent ways in which children use money to foster particular forms of social relations and social standing. Against the prevalent discourse of consumer society, the dominant theme of giving may indicate that the individualism of neoliberalism is less pervasive than is often feared, but also suggest that further research is needed into the social contexts and processes which encourage children to be ‘givers’, ‘savers’ or ‘spenders’. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

one of the most important factors affecting genomic prediction accuracy appears to be training population (Tp) composition. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of genomic relationship on genomic prediction accuracy and determine if adding increasingly unrelated individuals to a Tp can reduce prediction accuracy. To accomplish this, a population of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) lines from the University of Minnesota (lines denoted as MN) and North Dakota State University (lines denoted as ND) breeding programs were used for model training. predictions were validated using two independent sets of progenies derived from MN × MN crosses and ND × ND crosses. predictive ability sharply decreased with decreasing relationship between the Tp and validation population (Vp). More importantly, it was observed that adding increasingly unrelated individuals to the Tp can actually reduce predictive ability compared with smaller Tps consisting of highly related individuals only. reported results are possibly conditional on the relatively low marker density (342 single nucleotide polymorphisms [SNps]) used. Nevertheless, these findings suggest plant breeding programs desiring to use genomic selection could benefit from focusing on good phenotyping of smaller Tps closely related to the selection candidates rather than developing large and diverse Tps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Mice with high numbers of the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase-1 G93A transgene (SOD1G93AG1H) have become the most commonly used animal model to study amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This study investigated changes in size, numbers, and cell stress/death markers of motor neuron numbers in G1H mice that re-express the common p75 neurotrophin receptor (p75NTR). SOD1G93AG1H mice and age-matched C57BL/6J controls at 60, 80, 100, 120 days and end stage/140 days were analyzed for p75NTR, choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and cleaved caspase-3. In addition, motor neuron counts and soma sizes were recorded. Motor neurons re-expressing p75NTR in SOD1G93AG1H mice were first observed at 80 days, and this continued to 140 days, peaking at 100-120 days at ∼5%. The soma area of motor neurons re-expressing p75NTR was always 600-800 µm2, suggesting that these are alpha motor neurons, which was confirmed after examination of somas post injection of a retrogradely transported antibody to p75NTR in 110-day-old SOD1G93AG1H mice. In motor neurons not re-expressing p75NTR, the frequency of small soma 200-400 µm2 motor neurons increased, whereas the larger 600-900 µm2 motor neurons decreased with progression, indicating that large motor neurons were dying off and shrinking in the process. There was minimal coexpression of p75NTR with ATF3, a marker for cell stress, but 85% coexpressed the apoptotic marker cleaved caspase-3. These findings indicate that in SOD1G93AG1H mice, p75NTR re-expression is detectable from 80 days in a small population of large motor neurons that represent 5% of the total motor neurons. Furthermore, p75NTR re-expression occurs in larger alpha motor neurons that express cleaved caspsase-3 and are destined to die. J. Comp. Neurol. 523:1664-1682, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on the role of sequential dependence in creative semantic search. Topics discussed include epiphenomenal consequence of the sequential dependence of human semantic search, the distribution of semantic relations, and investigation of search process to understand how knowledge is stored and accessed.

A method for the diastereoselective carboboration of 1,2-disubstituted styrenes with aryl/vinyl bromides and (Bpin)2 is reported. High diastereoselectivities and yields are observed for the formation of either diastereomer of the product from a single alkene isomer. These reactions provide access to a diverse range of structures from simple starting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A method for the diastereoselective carboboration of 1,2-disubstituted styrenes with aryl/vinyl bromides and (Bpin)2 is reported. High diastereoselectivities and yields are observed for the formation of either diastereomer of the product from a single alkene isomer. These reactions provide access to a diverse range of structures from simple starting materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I Grass and Forage Science i has a strong history of publishing science related to the role of legumes in grassland farming systems. Pasture legumes are uniquely placed to provide high-quality forage and biologically fixed nitrogen despite the challenges associated with the incorporation of legumes into grazing systems. A special theme issue on forage legumes in grassland systems appeared in June 2014 with an emphasis on European farming systems, e.g., Lüscher et al. (2014), although papers on evaluation and management of annual legumes were included (Ates et al., 2014). [Extracted from the article]

Nine different stearin fractions with 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (StOSt) contents ranging from 69-84% were obtained via fractionation from fats produced by acidolysis of high oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) with various mixtures of stearic (either 95 or 98% pure) and palmitic acids (98% pure). Samples were further treated with silica to reduce the oxidised glyceride and DAG content. Isothermal crystallisation at 20°C showed a single main peak, but evidence of crystallisation during the initial DSC transient was also apparent for high StOSt content samples. This was confirmed as the α form by stop-and-return DSC and XRD. The main crystallisation event was generally faster (including a shorter induction time) for samples with higher StOSt levels (lower POSt levels). Silica treatment generally accelerated transformations to higher polymorphs (γ, β′ and β). Raman microscopy experiments showed that crystallisation of the β-form was achieved after 7 days storage at 20°C but only in the silica treated stearin samples. This is consistent with higher solid fat content (SFC) values that were obtained with silica treated samples, which also increased with higher levels of StOSt. The results suggest that such stearins could potentially replace shea stearin in cocoa butter equivalents (CBE) formulations. Practical applications: This paper has two main practical applications: (i) Provides knowledge and understanding of the crystallisation and polymorphic behaviour of isolated hard stearins, obtained from enzymatic acidolysis of high oleic sunflower oil, which can be further used in CBE formulations. (ii) The presence of minor components significantly delays the crystallisation of the stearins, confirming the desirability of higher quality (less oxidised/hydrolysed) fat ingredients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article offers information on a study which examines the effects of diacylglycerol (DAG) on the physical characteristics of silica-treated shea stearin (SHs), which is produced through the fractionation of shea butter obtained from the Vitellaria paradoxa tree. The characteristics of SHs during melting, as defined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is examined. Its crystal forms characteristics as defined through X-ray diffraction and Raman microscopy is also discussed.

This article reports results from the first twin study of adults in the United States that focuses exclusively and comprehensively on political traits. These data allow us to test whether a common set of genetic and environmental influences act upon a broad variety of values, personality traits, and political attitudes. In short, it allows us to empirically investigate whether there are a core set of predispositions that form the basis of our political orientations and, if so, whether these predispositions are shaped by the same environmental and innate forces. The key finding from our analysis is that there are core political predispositions that are rooted in common genetic and environmental influences and that these predispositions are empirically distinct from broader personality traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

I examine the positive and negative features of synthetic biology ('SynBio') from a utilitarian ethical perspective. The potential beneficial outcomes from Syn Bio in the context of medicine are substantial; however it is not presently possible to predict precise outcomes due to the nascent state of the field. Potential negative outcomes from Syn Bio also exist, including iatrogenesis and bioterrorism; however it is not yet possible to quantify these risks. I argue that the application of a 'precautionary' approach to Syn Bio is ethically fraught, as is the notion that Syn Bio-associated knowledge ought to be restricted. I conclude that utilitarians ought to support a broadly laissez-faire stance in respect of Syn Bio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The crystallization of shea stearin was investigated both before and after pre-treatment with silica to remove a small amount (0.7 wt%) of diacylglycerols (DAGs) and oxidized material. NMR (for solid fat content), X-ray diffraction (XRD), polarized light microscopy, confocal Raman microscopy, and non-isothermal, isothermal and 'stop-and-return' differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) techniques were used. Four major polymorphs previously found with 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycerol (StOSt) were detected: α, γ, β′, and β; whilst evidence for a further (δ) polymorph was found by DSC and possibly XRD but not Raman spectroscopy. Isothermal crystallization of shea stearins by DSC at 20°C produced α and δ forms within 5 min which then transformed to γ. Microscope images showed that after 1 day these had transformed into β′ with a few crystals of β, with further conversion to β after one week. Silica treated samples showed a faster initial crystallization, with faster transformation or direct crystallization into δ and then γ and β′ forms. Non-isothermal DSC also showed a faster transformation into γ from α on the subsequent remelt. However, further transformation into β appeared to occur at reasonably similar rates for both types, suggesting that DAGs have less influence on this transformation and may be excluded from higher forms. Practical applications: This paper has two main practical applications: (i) Provides knowledge and understanding of the crystallization and polymorphic behavior of commercial shea stearin, which is a widely used fat in the confectionery, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries. (ii) The presence of small amounts of DAGs significantly delays the crystallization process of shea stearin, particularly of the lower polymorphs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique properties of cocoa butter (CB) are due to the fact that it is composed, for the most part, of just three TAGs, 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (POP), 1,3-distearoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (StOSt), and rac-1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-3-stearoylglycerol (POSt). In this study we have examined blends, at 10% intervals, across the ternary of these three TAG by stabilizing them during a lengthy temperature regime designed to induce the most stable polymorph at the point of melting. The liquidus observed is in good agreement with that predicted using the Hildebrand model. A eutectic is seen in each binary system, with a possible ternary eutectic present at about POP:POSt 1:1 and <10% StOSt. CB stabilized following the same regime exhibits solid fat contents much greater than those obtained following the standard IUPAC 2.150(b) stabilization, likely to be due to the presence of the βVI polymorph rather than the βV form. Practical applications: The processing characteristics and final properties of fat based products depend greatly on the composition, crystallization, and melting properties of the fat or fats involved. In the case of chocolate and confectionery, this fat is CB. The present study confirms many of the relevant published phase diagrams and emphasizes the compositional areas having similar melting behavior to that of CB and, hence, suitable for cocoa butter equivalents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Immunoglobulin (IG) therapy is widely used to treat primary and secondary immune deficiencies and as immunomodulatory agent for various disorders. There is great concern that shortages of IG may rise, potentially affecting medical treatment options. Study Design and Methods: An international survey was developed to study how intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIGs) are used and managed within hospitals in case of shortages. Study data were collected and managed using REDCap electronic data capture tools hosted by the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative. The survey was directed to hospital pharmacists and blood bank transfusion professionals and disseminated through members of the BEST Collaborative network. Results: Survey respondents from institutions in the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Australia (n = 13) confirmed that the primary specialties utilizing IG are neurology, hematology, and immunology. More than 60% of respondents reported IG supply shortages, but mitigation strategies were not well developed. Discussion: As IG is the leading driver in plasma demand, more studies are needed to understand current and future demand for IG from the clinical perspective. Necessity lies in establishing clinical guidance to address shortages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent work suggests that people predict how objects interact in a manner consistent with Newtonian physics, but with additional uncertainty. However, the sources of uncertainty have not been examined. In this study, we measure perceptual noise in initial conditions and stochasticity in the physical model used to make predictions. Participants predicted the trajectory of a moving object through occluded motion and bounces, and we compared their behavior to an ideal observer model. We found that human judgments cannot be captured by simple heuristics and must incorporate noisy dynamics. Moreover, these judgments are biased consistently with a prior expectation on object destinations, suggesting that people use simple expectations about outcomes to compensate for uncertainty about their physical models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although predator effects on the number of locally coexisting species are well understood, there are few formal predictions of how these local predator effects influence patterns of prey diversity at larger spatial scales. Building on the theory of island biogeography, we develop a simple model that describes how predators can alter the scaling of diversity in prey metacommunities and compares the effects of generalist and specialist predators on regional prey diversity. Generalist predators, which consume prey randomly with respect to species identity, are predicted to reduce α-diversity and increase β-diversity thereby maintaining regional diversity (γ-diversity). Alternatively, specialist predators, which filter out prey species intolerant of predators, are predicted to reduce bothα-diversity andβ-diversity by causing the same prey species to be extirpated in each locality, resulting in regional prey species extinctions and lower γ-diversity. These distinct effects of generalist and specialist predators on prey diversity at different spatial scales are uniquely shaped by the extent of predation within those metacommunities. Overall, our model results make general predictions for how different types of predators can differentially affect prey diversity across spatial scales, allowing a more complete understanding of the possible implications of predator eradications or introductions for biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT In opposition to the premises of Against Homeopathy - a Utilitarian Perspective, all four respondents base their objections on the central claims that homeopathy is in fact scientifically plausible and is supported by empirical evidence. Despite ethical aspects forming the main thrust of Against Homeopathy, the respondents' focus on scientific aspects represents sound strategy, since the ethical case against homeopathy would be weakened concomitant with the extent to which any plausibility for homeopathy could be demonstrated. The trouble here is that the respondents are attempting to perpetuate a sterile debate. The notion that homeopathic preparations could have any biological effects represents a fringe viewpoint, one not entertained by serious scientists nor supported by reason and evidence. In the present article, I shall endeavour to explain why the respondents do not have a valid case. I will deal firstly with their general approach to scientific plausibility and evidence, and then consider some of the specific claims they have made. Finally, I will answer the philosophical arguments some of the respondents have raised. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT I examine the positive and negative features of homeopathy from an ethical perspective. I consider: (a) several potentially beneficial features of homeopathy, including non-invasiveness, cost-effectiveness, holism, placebo benefits and agent autonomy; and (b) several potentially negative features of homeopathy, including failure to seek effective healthcare, wastage of resources, promulgation of false beliefs and a weakening of commitment to scientific medicine. A utilitarian analysis of the utilities and disutilities leads to the conclusion that homeopathy is ethically unacceptable and ought to be actively rejected by healthcare professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predicting the performance of new plant genotypes under new environmental conditions could accelerate the development of locally adapted and climate resilient cultivars. Enabling these predictions may rely on extending the genomewide prediction framework to include environmental covariates (EC), but such models have generally been tested under limited, less breeding‐realistic contexts. Using a barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) multi‐environment dataset, our objectives were to compare multi‐environment prediction models and scenarios that target genotypes from different breeding generations, use different levels and timescales of ECs, and are applied to different agronomic and quality traits. When predicting the phenotypes of previously tested genotypes in untested environments, models that included the interaction of genomewide markers and pre‐selected in‐season ECs resulted in more accurate predictions (rMG or rMP) within (rMG = 0.56–0.94) and across (rMP = 0.63–0.87) environments; similar accuracy was achieved within (rMP = 0.46–0.89) and across (rMP = 0.87–0.95) locations when using only ECs from realistically available historical climate data. Shifting the prediction target to a distinct, untested offspring population slightly reduced model performance within environments or locations, but rMP across environments (rMP = 0.60–0.86) or locations (rMP = 0.87–0.94) remained very high. Though we achieved moderately high rMP for most traits in the challenging scenario of predicting the offspring population in holdout environments, the similarity between training and target environments, like that between populations, will be a limiting factor for enabling accurate predictions of new genotypes under new growing conditions. Core Ideas: Genomewide prediction with select environmental covariates led to accurate whole‐phenotype predictions.Historical climate data enabled a more breeding‐realistic framework for predicting phenotypes in new locations.Predictive ability was improved for both tested genotypes and untested offspring across new environments.Genetic and environmental similarity may have limited accuracy of untested offspring in holdout environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we trace the route by which genetics could ultimately connect to issue attitudes and suggest that central to this connection are chronic dispositional preferences for mass-scale social rules, order, and conduct-what we label political ideology. The need to resolve bedrock social dilemmas concerning such matters as leadership style, protection from outgroups, and the degree to which norms of conduct are malleable, is present in any large-scale social unit at any time. This universality is important in that it leaves open the possibility that genetics could influence stances on issues of the day. Here, we measure orientation to these bedrock principles in two ways-a survey of conscious, self-reported positions and an implicit association test (IAT) of latent orientations toward fixed or flexible rules of social conduct. In an initial test, both measures were predictive of stances on issues of the day as well as of ideological self-labeling, thereby suggesting that the heritability of specific issue attitudes could be the result of the heritability of general orientations toward bedrock principles of mass-scale group life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various reports within the issue on topics including claims of clinical efficacy, public funding of homeopathy, and modalities and contexts.

Studying the patterns in which local extinctions occur is critical to understanding how extinctions affect biodiversity at local, regional and global spatial scales. To understand the importance of patterns of extinction at a regional spatial scale, we use data from extirpations associated with a widespread pathogenic agent of amphibian decline, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis ( Bd) as a model system. We apply novel null model analyses to these data to determine whether recent extirpations associated with Bd have resulted in selective extinction and homogenization of diverse tropical American amphibian biotas. We find that Bd-associated extinctions in this region were nonrandom and disproportionately, but not exclusively, affected low-occupancy and endemic species, resulting in homogenization of the remnant amphibian fauna. The pattern of extirpations also resulted in phylogenetic homogenization at the family level and ecological homogenization of reproductive mode and habitat association. Additionally, many more species were extirpated from the region than would be expected if extirpations occurred randomly. Our results indicate that amphibian declines in this region are an extinction filter, reducing regional amphibian biodiversity to highly similar relict assemblages and ultimately causing amplified biodiversity loss at regional and global scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to examine family communication within the core and balance model of family leisure functioning. The study was conducted from a youth perspective of family leisure and family functioning. The sample consisted of youth (N = 95) aged 11 – 17 from 25 different states in the United States. Path analyses indicated that family communication mediated a positive relationship between family leisure variables and family functioning variables. Implications and recommendations are discussed. The addition of communication in the Core and Balance Model is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A utilitarian approach is used to evaluate the ethics of incorporating unscientific anomalous therapies within health care and related settings. This paper argues that incorporation of anomalous therapy methods into health care systems is highly problematic, and should be avoided on ethical grounds. The ethical responses open to various bodies and individuals are discussed, including legislative bodies, public health care providers, the medical research community, medical providers, individual agents, and international bodies. It is argued that a moral imperative exists to act against the inclusion of anomalous therapy methods in health care systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What drives policymakers to put the interests of others above their own? If human nature is inherently selfish, it makes sense to institutionalize incentives that counter decision makers' temptations to use their positions to benefit themselves over others. A growing literature rooted in evolutionary theories of human behavior, however, suggests that humans, under certain circumstances, have inherent predispositions towards “representational altruism,” i.e., to make an authoritative decision to benefit another at one's own expense. Drawing on Hibbing and Alford's conception of the wary cooperator, a theoretical case is made for such behavioral expectations, which are confirmed in a series of original laboratory experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystallisation from acetone of 1,3-dipalmitoyl-2-oleoylglycerol (POP), tripalmitoylglycerol (PPP) and their mixtures has been studied at a range of cooling rates, determining the metastable zone width using turbidimetry. A log-log plot of the cooling rate against the maximum undercooling for POP indicated a relative insensitivity of the metastable zone width to the cooling rate. The PPP metastable zone width demonstrated a slight dependence on concentration. POP crystals were spherulitic, having a more open structure at slower cooling rates. PPP crystals were more plate-like, producing powdery, more amorphous crystals at high cooling rates. In pure POP systems, onset of crystallisation was quickly followed by rapid crystal growth. The presence of PPP markedly increased the temperature of the onset of crystallisation (by 17 °C at 8% PPP), but the temperature at which crystal growth occurred, although raised, did not increase to the same extent. The clear point of the pure systems was independent of the previous cooling rate, but this was not true in the mixed system, where it decreased with increasing cooling rate. This suggests that a greater proportion of the PPP-rich phase separates during slower cooling. The morphology of the crystals from the mixed system differed from that in the pure POP system, with just 2% PPP being sufficient to shift the structure to a more lamellar appearance. Keywords: POP, PPP, solubility, supersaturation, undercooling, metastable zone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Discusses the applications and implications of sperm-mediated gene transfer. Mechanisms of nucleic acid uptake by sperm; Animal transgenesis; Gene therapy applications.