bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Truss layout design under nonprobabilistic reliability‐based topology optimization framework with interval uncertainties
Authors: Wang Lei , Liu Yisi , Yang Yaowen
Published: May 2019

A nonprobabilistic reliability‐based topology optimization (NRBTO) method for truss structures with interval uncertainties (or unknown‐but‐bounded uncertainties) is proposed in this paper. The cross‐sectional areas of levers are defined as design variables, while the material properties and external loads are regard as interval parameters. A modified perturbation method is applied to calculate structural response bounds, which are the prerequisite to obtain structural reliability. A deviation distance between the current limit state plane and the objective limit state plane, of which the expression is explicit, is defined as the nonprobabilistic reliability index, which serves as a constraint function in the optimization model. Compared with the deterministic topology optimization problem, the proposed NRBTO formulation is still a single‐loop optimization problem, as the reliability index is explicit. The sensitivity results are obtained from an analytical approach as well as a direct difference method. Eventually, the NRBTO problem is solved by a sequential quadratic programming method. Two numerical examples are used to testify the validity and effectiveness of the proposed method. The results show significant effects of uncertainties to the topology configuration of truss structures.
Incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of warfarin‐associated major bleeding in Thai population
Authors: Priksri Watcharapong , Rattanavipanon Wipharak , Saejear Wiwat , Tanyasaensook Krittika , Phrommintikul Arintaya , Chulavatnatol Suvatna , Nathisuwan Surakit
Published: May 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to describe incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of warfarin‐associated major bleeding (WAMB) in Thai patients.

Method

A nested case‐control study was conducted in a cohort of adult patients receiving ≥6 months of warfarin therapy who were prospectively followed up at a tertiary care hospital in Thailand during January 2011 to December 2014. Logistic regression was used to identify risk factors associated with WAMB. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve was used to assess the performance of the HAS‐BLED score to predict WAMB in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF).

Results

Among 1604 patients (2972 patient‐year of follow‐up), there were 93 major bleeding that occurred in 76 patients. The incidence of WAMB was 3.13 events per 100 patient‐year. Time in therapeutic range (TTR) of <60% (RR: 3.62, 95% CI: 1.94‐6.73, P < 0.001), mechanical valve replacement at mitral position (RR 3.43, 95% CI: 1.92‐6.16, P < 0.001) cancer (RR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.11‐7.29, P = 0.029), and age ≥ 65 years (RR: 2.37, 95% CI: 1.20‐4.67, P = 0.012) were independent risk factors for WAMB. There were 17 fatalities and 12 cases of disabilities from WAMB. Mean cost of WAMB was 45 341.54 THB/event. An exploratory analysis suggested that HASBLED score demonstrated an excellent discriminatory capacity to predict WAMB among NVAF patients (AUROC of 0.91, 95% CI: 0.85‐0.97, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

WAMB in Thai population is common and associated with high rate of morbidity and mortality. Improvement in anticoagulation control is clearly needed.
Pursuing parenthood with cystic fibrosis: Reproductive health and parenting concerns in individuals with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Hailey Claire E. , Tan J. Winfield , Dellon Elisabeth P. , Park Eliza M.
Published: May 2019

Background

As life expectancy for cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased in recent decades, more individuals with CF are becoming parents. The objectives of this study were to describe the parenting and reproductive health concerns of individuals with CF and to identify the psychosocial and educational needs related to parenthood with CF.

Methods

Twenty adults with CF, including parents and non‐parents, participated in one‐on‐one, semi‐structured interviews about reproductive health and parenting. Questions pertained to reproductive health knowledge, psychosocial adaptation to CF related to fertility and parenthood, parenting concerns in the context of CF, and psychosocial care needs. We performed thematic content analysis on interview transcripts and descriptive statistical analysis on participant demographics and health variables.

Results

A majority of participants (ten women and ten men, of whom half were parents) described their health as “stable” and “good/fair”; median FEV
1 was 66% predicted (range, 30‐105). Participants shared a range of experiences related to reproductive health discussions with CF care providers and expressed concerns about pregnancy, infertility, and adoption. Parents and non‐parents expressed concerns about balancing roles as parent and patient, the impact of anticipated health decline and early mortality on children, and communication with children. Participants identified a need for earlier, improved education for potential parents and resources for parents with CF.

Conclusions

Individuals with CF may not receive sufficient CF‐related reproductive health education, and they have wide‐ranging concerns about the intersecting roles of patient and parent. Results from this study can provide guidance for CF care providers to improve their understanding and response to the needs of individuals and families affected by CF.
Patients and families experience with pharmacist care at cystic fibrosis foundation accredited clinics
Authors: Young David C. , Autry Elizabeth , Zobell Jeffery T. , Kormelink Lauren , Homa Karen , Sabadosa Kathryn A. , Kanga Jamshed , Anstead Michael , Kuhn Robert
Published: May 2019

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a complex genetic, multiorgan disease. The CF Foundation (CFF) recommends a multidisciplinary team (physician, nurse, respiratory therapist, dietitian, physical therapist, social worker, mental health coordinator, clinic coordinator, and pharmacist) to work with patients and families. The objective of our study was to describe the impact of a pharmacist involved in the care of patients and families from their perspective. The CF Patient and Family Experience of Care (PFEC) is a voluntary, 50‐question telephonic or internet‐based survey designed to continuously collect information from patients and their families regarding their care experience. From August of 2017 through February of 2018, five questions were added to the internet survey to assess the impact of the pharmacist on the care experience. From the 666 respondents, 54% reported that a pharmacist was involved in their CF care. At two CF clinics designated as “full access” to a pharmacist, respondents reported a higher percentage of the CF–team discussed medications compared to those from three clinics designated as “limited access” to the pharmacist (95% vs 67%). Respondents in clinics with “full access” to a pharmacist were significantly more likely to get their medications refilled on time (78% vs 63%) and reported using fewer pharmacies to fill their medications. Pharmacist involvement in CF care may improve patient's access to medication and the ability to sustain use.
A digestive tract expressing α‐amylase influences the adult lifespan of Pteromalus puparum revealed through RNAi and rescue analyses
Authors: Wang Beibei , Yang Yi , Liu Mingming , Yang Lei , Stanley David W , Fang Qi , Ye Gongyin
Published: May 2019

BACKGROUND

Midgut and salivary gland α‐amylases are digestive enzymes required for the development of insects and have been investigated in some insect species. However, α‐amylases in the endoparasitioid wasps have not been reported. Pteromalus puparum (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is a dominant endoparasitioid wasp that parasitizes many butterfly species, including the Brassicaceae pest Pieris rapae (Lepidoptera: Pieridae). Here, we studied the characteristics and functions of three α‐amylases in P. puparum.

RESULTS

We cloned three genes encoding α‐amylases in P. puparum, PpAmy1, PpAmy2 and PpAmy3. The full length of the PpAmy1 cDNA is 1872 bp, encoding 496 amino acids, the PpAmy2 cDNA is 1863 bp long, encoding 518 amino acids, and PpAmy3 cDNA consists of 1802 bp encoding 521 amino acids. PpAmys are highly similar in amino acid sequences, but they have separate tissue distributions. Phylogenetic results show that gene duplications may occur between PpAmy2 and PpAmy3. PpAmy1 and PpAmy3 are most highly expressed in the digestive tract and the venom apparatus, respectively, while PpAmy2 is broadly expressed in all tissues. We report that PpAmy1 acts in the digestive tract, where it influences lifespan as demonstrated using RNAi and α‐amylase rescue analyses, and there is no significant difference in longevity when PpAmy2 and PpAmy3 are knocked down.

CONCLUSION

PpAmys probably have roles in carbohydrate metabolism of P. puparum and its host/parasitoid relationships. The characterization and functional study of PpAmys lays the foundation for the protection and utilization of parasitoid resources, and the biological control of agricultural pests. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Resonance Effect of Ionic Valences on the Structural and Magnetic Properties of Dy2NiMnO6 Induced by Nonmagnetic Al Ion Doping
Authors: Wu Liang , Shi Lei , Miao Xianbing , Zhou Shiming , Zhao Jiyin , Pan Shiyou , Guo Jianhui , Yuan Xueyou
Published: May 2019

Magnetic and structural properties of nonmagnetic Al3+ doping in Dy2NiMnO6 compounds have been investigated systematically. The X‐ray diffraction shows that all the samples are crystallized in double perovskite. The UV–vis absorption spectra present a non‐monotonous dependence of optical band gap on the Al3+ doping content, which is attributed to the local structural distortion induced by Al3+ doping. Magnetization curves show three magnetic transitions corresponding to the temperatures TC1, TC2, and TN, which are attributed to ferromagnetic interactions of Mn4+–O–Ni2+, Mn3+–O–Ni3+, and antiferromagnetic interactions of the Dy3+ with the Ni(Al)/Mn moments, respectively, changing with the Al3+ doping content. A resonance effect of ionic valences has been observed while Al3+ doping at Ni site (B site), i.e., not only the Mn valence decreasing, but also the Ni valence increasing, without destroying the long‐range Ni–O–Mn orders. The Al3+ doping causes the weakening of the super‐exchange interaction between Mn4+ and Ni2+ ions and the Ni/Mn ordered degrees. Meanwhile, the amount of Mn3+ and Ni3+ ions and the strengthening of the Mn3+–O–Ni3+ ferromagnetic interactions increase with trivalent Al ion doping. As a result, TC1 decreases, TC2 and TN increase first and then decrease, showing a non‐linear change, with the Al3+ doping content increase. The resonance effect of ionic valences provides a new way to understand and adjust the magnetic properties for the application.
On the tip of the brain: Understanding when negative reputational events can have positive reputation spillovers, and for how long
Authors: Paruchuri Srikanth , Pollock Timothy G. , Kumar Naveen
Published: May 2019

Research Summary

This study contributes to the reputation spillover literature by showing how a crisis caused by a firm's capability failure enhances the reputations of its rivals. We consider how the combination of rivals' characteristics that increase their associability with the focal firm and the extent to which the crisis is salient in the minds of stakeholders can lead to positive reputation spillovers, and we also explore how long the positive reputation spillover lasts. Using a natural experiment based on the Escherichia coli outbreak in Chipotle's Seattle restaurants, we find that the reputations of other restaurants in the Seattle region were enhanced when the E. coli breakout was more salient and thus cognitively available, but only for Mexican restaurants that were geographically proximal to a Chipotle.

Managerial Summary

In this study we conducted a natural experiment based on Chipotle's 2015 E. coli breakout to explore how a firm's capability failure affects the reputation of its competitors. We found that failures due to firm practices that differentiate the firm from others in its industry result in positive reputation spillovers, but only for the firms that are the most similar, and only for as long as the failure is salient to stakeholders. Thus, the benefit to firms from a competitor's failure is only temporary, and will not be experienced equally.
Oriented and Uniform Distribution of Dion–Jacobson Phase Perovskites Controlled by Quantum Well Barrier Thickness
Authors: Zheng Yiting , Niu Tingting , Qiu Jian , Chao Lingfeng , Li Bixin , Yang Yingguo , Li Qian , Lin Changqing , Gao Xingyu , Zhang Chunfeng , Xia Yingdong , Chen Yonghua , Huang Wei
Published: May 2019

Dion–Jacobson (DJ) phase halide perovskites have attracted extensive attention in photovoltaic devices due to their significantly enhanced stability when compared with conventional 3D analogs. However, fundamental questions concerning the quantum well (QW) barrier thicknesses, which are critical to design efficient DJ phase perovskite photovoltaics, remain unknown. Herein, it is unambiguously demonstrated that QW barrier thickness, depending on bulky organic ammonium spacers with different chain lengths, such as 1.3‐propanediamine (PDA), 1.4‐butanediamine (BDA), 1.5‐pentamethylenediamine (PeDA), and 1.6‐hexamethylenediamine (HDA), allows the control of orientation and QW distribution. The DJ phase perovskites based on PDA and BDA have suitable QW barrier thicknesses, which exhibit excellent orientation and more uniform QW distribution, allowing a smooth bandgap transition that leads to longer carrier diffusion length, higher charge mobility, and lower defect density. Conversely, PeDA and HDA, with thicker QW barriers, result in lower orientation and multiple DJ perovskite phases. DJ phase perovskite photovoltaic devices based on PDA and BDA show significantly improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of 14.16% and 16.38% compared with PCEs of 12.95% and 10.55% for PeDA and HDA analogs, respectively.
August Wöhler – founder of fatigue strength research
Authors: Zenner Harald , Hinkelmann Karsten
Published: May 2019

The year 2014 marked the 100th anniversary of August Wöhler's death. On that occasion the authors wrote a book about his scientific work, his work on the safety of components and structures in the emerging industrial society, his life and his significance for the historical development in the field of fatigue strength of components and structures [1]. Those investigations were accomplished in cooperation with the DVM (German Association for Materials Research and Testing). As national and international events have shown [2], that book is of great interest. Therefore, an English version suggested itself, not least because of the 200th anniversary of Wöhler's birth in 2019.

August Wöhler was an interesting and unique character, influenced by the 19th century Industrial Revolution, especially railway development. The spread of that new technology caused numerous problems. Fractures occurred on axles, wheels and rails at stresses below the component's static fracture strength. Through systematic tests, August Wöhler was able to prove that repeated stresses far below the static strength might lead to fractures. The present article gives a brief overview of Wöhler's life and achievements.
An improved multidimensional modal pushover analysis procedure for seismic evaluation of latticed arch‐type structures under lateral and vertical earthquakes
Authors: Qu Yang , Luo Yongfeng , Zhu Zhaochen , Huang Qinglong
Published: May 2019

Pushover methods for seismic assessment of buildings under multidimensional earthquakes have been studied and retrofitted. However, these current methods are not suitable when applied to widely adopted arch‐type structures characterized by strong geometrical nonlinearity and coupling effects. An improved multidimensional modal pushover procedure with two‐stage analyses is proposed for seismic evaluation of latticed arches. Taking overall multidimensional response into consideration, modal stiffness of the equivalent single‐degree‐of‐freedom system is derived, and its capacity curve is determined during the first‐stage analysis. To provide a deformation profile with algebraic signs of response retained, the second‐stage analysis is conducted using the pushover load pattern derived from modal displacement superposition. The objective of the improved procedure is to overcome the drawback of the conventional modal pushover method, which describes the capacity curve resorting to base shear and roof displacement, and that of quadratic combination rules which eliminate the sign reversals of response. To validate its serviceability, nodal displacements and element stresses, as well as the yielding members, of two typical latticed arches are calculated. Through comparative analysis, the results by the improved procedure exhibit good agreement with those by response history analysis. Additionally, this procedure demonstrates great superiority over the conventional method for its satisfying accuracy.
Leadership Development Through Transforming the Student Employment Process
Authors: Perozzi Brett
Published: May 2019

Using a learning‐focused lens, this chapter explores concepts such as recruiting, training, and supervision through the strategic use of leadership learning outcomes. Within a broad context of leadership development, institution‐specific promising practices and examples are provided to demonstrate implementation of the concepts.
Compliance forces, domestic policy process, and international regulatory standards: Compliance with Basel III
Authors: Coban Mehmet Kerem
Published: May 2019

This article contributes to our understanding of how and why developing countries would comply with international banking regulatory standards, Basel standards. The article demonstrates the interplay between opportunity structures constituted by transnationalization of public policymaking and domestic institutional setting, and how forces of compliance resonate in the domestic politics of compliance. The empirical findings are based on Turkey's compliance with Basel standards. It relies on fieldwork that involves semi-structured qualitative interviews with senior regulators and bankers, which are complemented with analysis of secondary data. The article shows that a capable and willing regulator could capitalize on the top-down policymaking style which restricts the regulatee's access to international negotiations, and sets the terms at the domestic level. Direct access to international negotiations, resource asymmetry in favor of the regulator, and superior “negotiation knowledge” helped the regulator pacify a critical, skeptical regulatee, and drive the compliance process. The article also shows that the compliance process takes place at three stages: policy formulation at the international level, an “interpretation stage” in between the international and the domestic levels, and finally the domestic policy process.
Attending Night School: Leadership lessons at the Jack Reacher Academy
Authors: Bathurst Ralph , Chrystall Andrew
Published: May 2019

Night School is the 21st novel by Lee Child featuring the action hero Jack Reacher. As the title suggests, the novel performs a didactic function via an organizational comedy. By invoking James Joyce's Ulysses and his use of double plots, we focus our attention on Reacher as a model leader who occupies a middle space between extremes. He rejects type-set mechanistic responses to problems and navigates around the confusion raised through information overload. Reacher's leadership is enacted on the ground and in the moment, taking each new encounter as an opportunity to learn. His style, marked by a healthy distrust of authority and documents, an ability to follow the spirit of the law and staying flexible are all characteristic of a man who is continually aware of his environment, and not side-tracked by metaphysical constructs. The novel's denouement presents an assessment of both Reacher's and our learning.
Effect of composition of ruminally-infused short-chain fatty acids on net fluxes of nutrients across portal-drained viscera in underfed ewes
Authors: Nozière Pierre , Martin Cécile , Rémond Didier , Kristensen Niels B. , Bernard Richard , Doreau Michel
Published: May 2019

Four ewes, each fitted with a rumen cannula and with catheters in the mesenteric artery and portal and mesenteric veins, received continuous intrarumen infusions of water or of short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). SCFA infusions were isoenergetic (83 kJ/h) and provided rumen molar proportions (acetate : propionate : butyrate) of 70 : 20 : 10, 50 : 40 : 10 or 50 : 20 : 30. The rumen SCFA production rate with the basal diet was 90·0, 23·1 and 8·8 mmol/h for acetate, propionate and butyrate respectively. Portal net fluxes indicated that 74, 67 and 22–30 % of infused acetate, propionate and butyrate respectively, reached the portal vein. Portal net release of β-hydroxybutyrate increased with SCFA infusions, irrespective of the amount of butyrate infused. Portal net release of lactate decreased with high-butyrate infusion. Portal net uptake of glucose increased with the SCFA infusions. In ewes infused with water, a portal net uptake of total amino acids (AA) was observed. SCFA infusions decreased the uptake of nonessential AA (glutamate, glycine, but not glutamine) and increased the net release of tyrosine and essential AA (isoleucine, leucine). Portal net fluxes of AA were similar with both high-acetate and high-propionate infusions. Lower net uptake of glutamine and net release of most essential AA and some nonessential AA were observed with the high-butyrate infusion. Energetic summation of portal net release was not significantly different between the three SCFA infusions, although it tended to be lower with high-butyrate infusion. This may be related to the higher trophic effect of butyrate on the digestive mucosa.
Cholesterol-lowering potential in human subjects of fat from pigs fed rapeseed oil
Authors: Sandström Brittmarie , Bügel Susanne , Lauridsen Charlotte , Nielsen Flemming , Jensen Claus , Skibsted Leif H.
Published: May 2019

The possibility of achieving blood-lipid-lowering characteristics of pig fat by increasing the content of unsaturated fat in pig feed was evaluated. Three pig feeding regimens were applied: basal feed (no added fat or vitamin E), basal feed + rapeseed oil (60 g/kg feed), and basal feed + rapeseed oil (60 g/kg) + vitamin E (200 mg/kg). Meat and meat products from the three pig groups were incorporated into diets providing 86 g pig fat/10 MJ. The diets were served to twelve healthy human male subjects for 3 weeks each in a randomised crossover design. The diets prepared from pigs fed rapeseed oil had a lower content of saturated fatty acids (approximately 9v.11 % of energy) and a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (approximately 6v. 4 % of energy) than the diet prepared from pigs fed the basal feed. Diets based on fat from pigs fed the rapeseed oil resulted in significantly lower (approximately 4 %,P= 0·019) total serum cholesterol concentration compared with the diet from pigs fed the basal feed. No differences were observed in LDL-, HDL- or VLDL-cholesterol, or in triacylglycerol or VLDL-triacylglycerol concentrations. Addition of vitamin E to the pig feed resulted in only a minor increase in vitamin E content in the human subjects' diet and the vitamin E content was low in all three pig diets. Plasma vitamin E concentration in the human subjects at the end of the period with diets from pigs fed rapeseed oil without vitamin E was significantly lower (P= 0·04) than in the other two diet periods. In conclusion, an increased content of rapeseed oil in pig feed changes the fatty acid composition of the pig fat in a way that has a potential to reduce blood cholesterol concentrations in human subjects. However, intake of pig fat with a higher content of unsaturated fatty acids needs to be matched by a higher dietary intake of vitamin E.
Supplementation with α-tocopherol or a combination of α-tocopheroland ascorbic acid protects the gastrointestinal tract of iron-deficientrats against iron-induced oxidative damage during iron repletion
Authors: Srigiridhar K. , Madhavan Nair K.
Published: May 2019

Recently we have shown the susceptibility of Fe-deficient rat intestine to oxidative damage during Fe repletion. The role of dietary antioxidants like ascorbic acid, α-tocopherol and a combination of both in counteracting the oxidative stress was tested in this study. Five groups of thirteen weanling WKY female rats were fed with an Fe-deficient diet for a period of 5 weeks. Another set of thirteen rats received an Fe-sufficient diet and served as the control group (Con). Oral administration of either vehicle (D), 8 mg Fe alone (D+) or in the presence of 24 mg ascorbic acid (D++ C), 40 mg α-tocopherol (D++ E) or a combination of both (D++ C + E) per d for 15 d was carried out in Fe-depleted rats. The impact of this treatment protocol on Fe status, oxidative stress and antioxidant status at the site of Fe absorption was assessed. It was observed that though the indicators of Fe status were normalised on Fe supplementation, the oxidative stress as reflected by the levels of both thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls were significantly greater in D+and D++ C compared to D++ E, D++ C + E and Con groups. The mucosal cell DNA damage was seen in D+, D++ C and D++ E groups on electrophoresis. Functional integrity as assessed by the activities of alkaline phosphatase and lys-ala-dipeptidyl aminopeptidase were normalized in all the groups treated with the antioxidant(s). There were significant positive alterations in some of the endogenous antiperoxidative systems and in serum caeruloplasmin activity in D++ E and D++ C + E groups. Paradoxically, serum ascorbate levels were significantly lower in D++ C than in D++ E and D++ C + E groups. This could be due to the protection offered by α-tocopherol in the presence of Fe. It is concluded that supplementation of α-tocopherol alone or in combination with ascorbic acid protects the gastrointestinal tract of Fe-deficient rats against Fe-mediated oxidative damage during Fe repletion. However, ascorbic acid alone does not protect the gastrointestinal tract against Fe-induced oxidative stress.
Dietaryn-3 fatty acids affect mRNA level of brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1, and white adipose tissue leptin and glucose transporter 4 in the rat
Authors: Takahashi Yoko , Ide Takashi
Published: May 2019

We examined the effect of dietary fats rich inn-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) on mRNA levels in white and brown adipose tissues in rats. Four groups of rats were fed on a low-fat diet (20 g safflower oil/kg) or a high-fat diet (200 g/kg) containing safflower oil, which is rich inn-6 PUFA (linoleic acid), or perilla (α-linolenic acid) or fish oil (eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids), both of which are rich inn-3 PUFA, for 21 d. Energy intake was higher in rats fed on a high-safflower-oil diet than in those fed on low-fat or high-fish-oil diet, but no other significant differences were detected among the groups. Perirenal white adipose tissue weight was higher and epididymal white adipose tissue weight tended to be higher in rats fed on a high-safflower-oil diet than in those fed on a low-fat diet. However, high-fat diets rich inn-3 PUFA, compared to a low-fat diet, did not increase the white adipose tissue mass. High-fat diets relative to a low-fat diet increased brown adipose tissue uncoupling protein 1 mRNA level. The increases were greater with fats rich inn-3 PUFA than withn-6 PUFA. A high-safflower-oil diet, compared to a low-fat diet, doubled the leptin mRNA level in white adipose tissue. However, high-fat diets rich inn-3 PUFA failed to increase it. Compared to a low-fat diet, high-fat diets down-regulated the glucose transporter 4 mRNA level in white adipose tissue. However, the decreases were attenuated with high-fat diets rich inn-3 PUFA. It is suggested that the alterations in gene expression in adipose tissue contribute to the physiological activities ofn-3 PUFA in preventing body fat accumulation and in regulating glucose metabolism in rats.
Postnatal regulation of myosin heavy chain isoform expression and metabolic enzyme activity by nutrition
Authors: White P. , Cattaneo D. , Dauncey M. J.
Published: May 2019

Development of muscle is critically dependent on several hormones which in turn are regulated by nutritional status. We therefore determined the impact of mild postnatal undernutrition on key markers of myofibre function: type I slow myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform, myosin ATPase, succinate dehydrogenase and α-glycerophosphate dehydrogenase.In situhybridization, immunocytochemistry and enzyme histochemistry were used to assess functionally distinct muscles from 6-week-old pigs which had been fed an optimal (6 % (60 g food/kg body weight per d)) or low (2 % (20 g food/kg per d)) intake for 3 weeks, and kept at 26°C. Nutritional status had striking muscle-specific influences on contractile and metabolic properties of myofibres, and especially on myosin isoform expression. A low food intake upregulated slow MyHC mRNA and protein levels inrhomboideusby 53 % (P< 0·01) and 18 % (P< 0·05) respectively; effects inlongissimus dorsi,soleusand diaphragm were not significant. The oxidative capacity of all muscles increased on the low intake, albeit to varying extents:longissimus dorsi(55 %),rhomboideus(30 %),soleus(21 %), diaphragm (7 %). Proportions of slow oxidative fibres increased at the expense of fast glycolytic fibres. These novel findings suggest a critical role for postnatal nutrition in regulating myosin gene expression and muscle phenotype. They have important implications for optimal development of human infants: on a low intake, energetic efficiency will increase and the integrated response to many metabolic and growth hormones will alter, since both are dependent on myofibre type. Mechanisms underlying these changes probably involve complex interactions between hormones acting as nutritional signals and differential effects on their cell membrane receptors or nuclear receptors.
Effects of dietary maritime pine (Pinus pinaster)-seed oil on high-density lipoprotein levels andin vitrocholesterol efflux in mice expressing human apolipoprotein A-I
Authors: Asset Gaëllee , Leroy Arnaud , Bauge Eric , Wolff Robert L. , Fruchart Jean-Charles , Dallongeville Jean
Published: May 2019

Maritime pine (Pinus pinaster)-seed oil contains two Δ5 unsaturated polymethylene interrupted fatty acids (allcis-5,9,12–18:3 and allcis-5,11,14–20:3 acids) one of which resembles eicosapentaenoic acid. The goal of the present study was to test whether maritime pine-seed oil consumption affects HDL and apolipoprotein (Apo) A-I levels as well as the ability of serum to promote efflux of cholesterol from cultured cells. To this end, wild type (WT) non-transgenic mice and transgenic mice expressing human ApoA-I (HuA-ITg) were fed on isoenergetic diet containing either 200 g maritime pine-seed oil/kg or 200 g lard/kg for 2 weeks. WT and HuA-ITg mice fed maritime pine-seed oil had lower cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HuA-ITg mice had lower human ApoA-I than those fed lard. The differences in cholesterol (P< 0·0001) and HDL-cholesterol (P< 0·003) levels between mice fed on the two diets were more pronounced in the HuA-ITg than in the WT mice. The ability of HuA-ITg serum to promote cholesterol efflux in cultured cells was greater (P< 0·008) than that of WT animals. However, the maritime pine-seed oil diet was associated with lower (P< 0·005)in vitrocholesterol efflux ability than the lard diet in both mice genotypes. This suggests a negative effect of the maritime pine-seed oil on reverse cholesterol transport. Cholesterol efflux was correlated with serum free or esterified cholesterol and phospholipid levels. The slope of the regression line was smaller in the HuA-ITg than in the WT mice indicating that overexpression of human ApoA-I reduces the negative impact of maritime pine-seed oil on cholesterol efflux. In conclusion, maritime pine-seed oil diet lowers HDL-cholesterol and diminishesin vitrocholesterol efflux. This potentially detrimental effect is attenuated by overexpression of human ApoA-I in mice.
Comparison of children's dietary intake patterns with US dietary guidelines
Authors: Brady Louise M. , Lindquist Christine H. , Herd Sara L. , Goran Michael I.
Published: May 2019

Monitoring dietary intake patterns among children is important in order to explore and prevent the onset of adult health problems. The aim of the present study was to compare children's dietary intakes with national recommendations and to determine whether sex or ethnic differences were evident. This was done using a methodology that allows assessment of intake from the major components of the Food Guide Pyramid developed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA: ). The sample studied included 110 African-American and Caucasian males and females (mean age 9·9 years, BMI 20·1 kg/m2) from Birmingham, AL, USA, who were participating in a study investigating the development of obesity. Dietary data were based on three 24 h recalls and food group intake was determined using the USDA Pyramid Servicing Database. The results indicated that a high percentage of subjects failed to meet the recommended number of servings from each of the food groups. For example, only 5 % and 9 % met fruit and dietary group recommendations respectively. Consumption of foods from the Pyramid ‘tip’ (including discretionary fat and added sugar) contributed almost 50 % of the diet. African-Americans were more likely to meet requirements for the meat group, with a higher proportion of Caucasians meeting dietary recommendations. Males were more likely to meet the vegetable group guidelines although females consumed more energy per day from discretionary fat. In conclusion, these results suggest that implementation of nutrition education programmes may be important for promoting healthy nutrition among American children.
Tracking of nutrient intakes in adolescence: the experiences of the Young Hearts Project, Northern Ireland
Authors: Robson P. J. , Gallagher A. M. , Livingstone M. B. E. , Cran G. W. , Strain J. J. , Savage J. M. , Boreham C. A. G.
Published: May 2019

This study evaluated the tracking of energy and nutrient intakes, assessed by diet history, in a random sample of adolescents (boys n 225, girls n 230) at baseline (age 12 years), and subsequently at age 15 years. Median energy (MJ/d) and macronutrient (g/d) intakes increased significantly (all P<0·001) with increasing age in the boys. The girls' reported energy intake (MJ/d) remained stable over time, despite significant increases in BMI, weight and % body fat. Age-related changes in the girls' macronutrient intakes were inconsistent. When expressed in terms of nutrient density, the diets of both sexes became significantly richer, over time, in total folate (both sexes, P<0·01), but poorer in Ca (boys P<0·01, girls P<0·001) and riboflavin (both sexes P<0·001). Vitamin B6 (P<0·001) and Fe (P<0·05) densities increased in the boys, while the thiamin density of the girls' diets decreased (P<0·001). Tracking, defined as maintenance of rank over time, was summarised using weighted kappa statistics (κ). There were some significant changes in intakes at the group level; however, tracking of energy and nutrients in both sexes was only poor to fair (κ<0·40), indicating substantial drift of individuals between classes of intake over time. Particularly poor tracking was evident for % energy from sugars (κ 0·09) and total fat (κ 0·09) in the girls' diets. In conclusion, the poor to fair tracking observed in this cohort suggests that individual dietary patterns exhibited at 12 years of age are unlikely to be predictive of energy and nutrient intake at age 15 years.
Properties of maltodextrins and glucose syrups in experimentsin vitroand in the diets of laboratory animals, relating to dental health
Authors: Grenby T. H. , Mistry M.
Published: May 2019

The objective of the study was to examine the cariogenic potentials of maltodextrins and glucose syrups (two glucose polymers derived from starch) using a range of techniquesin vitroand in laboratory animals. The experimental methods used were: (1) measurement of acid production from glucose syrups and maltodextrins by human dental plaque micro-organisms; (2) evaluation of the role salivary α-amylase in degrading oligosaccharides (degree of polymerisation >3) in the glucose polymers, estimating the products by HPLC; (3) assessment of the fermentability of trioses relative to maltose; (4) measurement of dental caries levels in three large-scale studies in laboratory rats fed on diets containing the glucose polymers. It was found that acid production from the glucose polymers increased as their higher saccharide content fell. Salivary α-amylase rapidly degraded the oligosaccharides (degree of polymerisation >3), mainly to maltose and maltotriose. In the presence of oral micro-organisms, maltotriose took longer to ferment than maltose, but by the end of a 2 h period the total amount of acid produced was the same from both. Incorporated into the diets in solid form, the glucose syrups and maltodextrins were associated with unexpectedly high levels of dental caries. In conclusion, the findings were unforeseen in the light of earlier data that a glucose syrup was less cariogenic than sucrose.
Short-term modulation of lipogenesis by macronutrients in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes
Authors: Alvarez M. J. , Díez A. , López-Bote C. , Gallego M. , Bautista J. M.
Published: May 2019

Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes were cultured under simulated conditions of varying nutritional status to explore the short-term modulation by dietary substrates of the main lipogenic enzymes: glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), malic enzyme (ME), ATP-citrate lyase (ACL), acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACoAC) and fatty acid synthetase (FAS). Primary cultures were individually exposed to varying amounts of glucose, hydrolysed casein and long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for 12 h. A second set of experiments was designed to evaluate the effects of mixing different relative amounts of these macronutrients in the culture medium. Glucose concentrations of up to 20–25 mM SHOWED A STIMULATORY EFFECT ON G6PD, ME, ACL AND ACOAC ACTIVITY (P<0·05) WHILE AN EARLIER INHIBITORY EFFECT ON FAS WAS OBSERVED AT 10–20 Mm glucose (P<0·05). The use of hydrolysed casein as a nutritional source of amino acids inhibited the activity of FAS and ME (P<0·05), and stimulated G6PD, ACoAC and ACL activity (P<0·05). Low levels of linolenic acid exerted a stimulatory effect on all the lipogenic enzymes assayed (P<0·05) with the exception of FAS, and increased amounts showed some inhibition of lipogenic activities (P<0·05). Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid showed a similar effect, although the former strongly inhibited FAS activity while the latter showed greater potential to inhibit ACoAC and G6PD. A complete change in the relative levels of glucose, hydrolysed casein and PUFA in turn led to changes in the enzyme activity patterns observed. The present study shows the feasibility of exploring the direct regulation of lipogenesis in isolated fish cells by varying the relative amounts of main macronutrients, mimickingin vivodietary conditions. It is felt that such an approach may serve to investigate the macronutrient regulation of other metabolic pathways.
Antioxidant activity in human faeces
Authors: Garsetti M. , Pellegrini N. , Baggio C. , Brighenti F.
Published: May 2019

Scarcely-absorbed antioxidants might reach the large bowel and exhibit antioxidant activity, opposing the action of reactive O species by bacterial and cellular metabolism and thus contributing to protection from oxidative damage-induced gastrointestinal diseases. This study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant activity in the faeces of a group of healthy subjects on a freely-selected diet, and to look for possible associations with the intake of some macro- and micronutrients and food groups. Fourteen subjects recorded their food intake three times for a period of 2 d, each time collecting all the faeces passed during the next 24 h. Total antioxidant activity (TAA; mmol 6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8 tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid (Trolox)/kg) of faecal suspensions was measured using the 2,2′-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radical cation (ABTS•+) decolorisation assay. The average TAA value of faeces was 26·6 (SD 10·2) MMOL TROLOX/KG WET FAECES (RANGE 7·5–50·5). THE TOTAL AMOUNT OF ANTIOXIDANT EQUIVALENTS EXCRETED OVER 24 H, DERIVED BY MULTIPLYING THE TAA BY THE AMOUNT OF FAECES PASSED OVER 24 H, WAS 3·24 (sd 1·51) mmol Trolox (range 0·92–5·82) and this was significantly correlated with the average 24 h intake of coffee (P=0·002), red wine (P=0·034), and particularly to the sum of coffee and red wine (P<0·0001). In conclusion, the faeces of healthy subjects show detectable capacity to scavenge radical cations, suggesting that antioxidant activity occurs in the colonic lumen. Moreover, such activity seems at least in part to be related to dietary habits.
Erythrocyte incorporation of iron by infants: iron bioavailability from a low-iron infant formula and an evaluation of the usefulness of correcting erythrocyte incorporation values, using a reference dose or plasma ferritin concentrations
Authors: Davidsson Lena , Ziegler Ekhard E. , Kastenmayer Peter , Hurrell Richard F.
Published: May 2019

Bioavailability of iron (Fe) from a low-Fe infant formula was determined by erythrocyte incorporation of58Fe 14 d after administration in ten healthy, non-Fe-deficient infants. Two feeding protocols were compared, with each infant acting as his/her own control. At 140 and 154 d of age, infants were fed 1000 g of58Fe-labelled formula (1·44 mg total Fe/1000 g) as six feeds over 24 h (Protocol A) or as two feeds/day on three consecutive days (Protocol B). A water solution with57Fe and ascorbic acid was given separately as a reference dose in both study protocols. Erythrocyte incorporation of58Fe and57Fe was determined by thermal ionisation mass spectrometry. Geometric mean58Fe incorporation was 7·6 % (range 3·3–13·5 %) with Protocol A as compared to 10·6 % (range 6·7–18·6 %) with Protocol B (P=0·05); pairedttest. Inter-individual variability of58Fe was not reduced by correcting for the incorporation of57Fe from the reference dose, or by correcting for plasma ferritin concentration. Fractional erythrocyte incorporation of Fe from low-Fe infant formula was in the same range as our earlier published data on erythrocyte incorporation of Fe from human milk extrinsically labelled with58Fe (). The methodological evaluations included in this study clearly indicate the importance of using standardised study protocols when evaluating Fe bioavailability in infants. Corrections of erythrocyte incorporation data based on plasma ferritin or erythrocyte incorporation of Fe from a reference dose were not found to be useful.
Effect of dietary quercetin on oxidative DNA damage in healthy human subjects
Authors: Beatty Emily R. , O'Reilly James D. , England Timothy G. , McAnlis Gareth T. , Young Ian S. , Halliwell Barry , Geissler Catherine A. , Sanders Tom A. B. , Wiseman Helen
Published: May 2019

The effect of dietary intake of flavonols (predominantly quercetin) on oxidative DNA damage was studied in thirty-six healthy human subjects (sixteen men, twenty women). The study was a randomised crossover study, comprising two 14 d treatments of either a low-flavonol (LF) or high-flavonol (HF) diet with a 14 d wash-out period between treatments. Subjects were asked to avoid foods containing flavonols, flavones and flavanols during the LF dietary treatment period and to consume one 150 g onion (Allium cepa) cake (containing 89·7 mg quercetin) and one 300 ml cup of black tea (containing 1·4 mg quercetin) daily during the HF dietary treatment. A 7 d food diary was kept during each dietary period and blood samples were taken after each dietary treatment. Products of oxidative damage to DNA bases were measured in DNA from leucocytes. The study had more than 95 % power to detect a change of 20 % in DNA damage products Plasma vitamin C and plasma quercetin concentrations were also measured. No significant differences in intake of macronutrients or assessed micronutrients, measured DNA base damage products, or plasma vitamin C were found between the HF and LF dietary treatments. The plasma quercetin concentration was significantly higher after the HF dietary treatment period (228·5 (SEM 34·7) nmol/l) than after the LF dietary treatment period (less than the limit of detection, i.e. <66·2 nmol/l). These findings do not support the hypothesis that dietary quercetin intake substantially affects oxidative DNA damage in leucocytes.
Effects of vitamin A deficiency on mitochondrial function in rat liver and heart
Authors: Estornell Ernesto , Tormo José R. , Marín Pilar , Renau-Piqueras Jaime , Timoneda Joaquín , Barber Teresa
Published: May 2019

The aim of this study was to investigate comparative effects of vitamin A deficiency on respiratory activity and structural integrity in liver and heart mitochondria. Male rats were fed a liquid control diet (control rats) or a liquid vitamin A-deficient diet (vitamin A-deficient rats) for 50 days. One group of vitamin-A deficient rats was refed a control diet for 15 days (vitamin A-recovered rats). To assess the respiratory function of mitochondria the contents of coenzyme Q (ubiquinone, CoQ), cytochromecand the activities of the whole electron transport chain and of each of its respiratory complexes were evaluated. Chronic vitamin A deficiency promoted a significant increase in the endogenous coenzyme Q content in liver and heart mitochondria when compared with control values. Vitamin A deficiency induced a decrease in the activity of complex I (NADH–CoQ reductase) and complex II (succinate–CoQ reductase) and in the levels of complex I and cytochromecin heart mitochondria. However, NADH and succinate oxidation rates were maintained at the control levels due to an increase in the CoQ content in accordance with the kinetic behaviour of CoQ as an homogeneous pool. On the contrary, the high CoQ content did not affect the electron-transfer rate in liver mitochondria, whose integrity was preserved from the deleterious effects of the vitamin A deficiency. Ultrastuctural assessment of liver and heart showed that vitamin A deficiency did not induce appreciable alterations in the morphology of their mitochondria. After refeeding the control diet, serum retinol, liver and heart CoQ content and the activity of complex I and complex II in heart mitochondria returned to normality. However, the activities of both whole electron transfer chain and complex I in liver were increased over the control values. The interrelationships between physiological antioxidants in biological membranes and the beneficial effects of their administration in mitochondrial diseases are discussed.
The petroleum industry in the Netherlands - its setting and possible future
Authors: Alblas L.D.
Published: May 2019

The setting and possible future of the petroleum industry in the Netherlands is briefly discussed. The result of a risk assessment shows, that the Dutch hydrocarbon province can be divided in low, medium, high and very high-risk areas for new capital investments. The assets of operators in the Netherlands have been evaluated on exploration, production, storage and pipeline potential, now and in the future. Despite the presence of potential new plays, exploration activities are expected to decrease in the near future. Despite the possible development of marginal fields, which will be not adding major reserves, the production reserves will decrease in the next 10–15 years and many fields will be abandoned. However storage, pipeline infrastructure and gas marketing are expected to increase in the future, mainly because of the liberalisation of the Dutch gas market.