bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between dietary patterns and serum lipids, apo and C-reactive protein in an adult population: evidence from a multi-city cohort in South America
Authors: Poggio Rosana , Elorriaga Natalia , Gutierrez Laura , Irazola Vilma , Rubinstein Adolfo , Danaei Goodarz
Published: April 2017

Several previous epidemiological studies from developed countries have shown that an unhealthy dietary pattern affects plasma lipid levels and inflammation biomarkers. We assessed the cross-sectional associations between dietary patterns and cardiovascular risk factors among 961 adults from a multi-city cohort in South America. We conducted a principal component analysis to derive dietary patterns. As outcomes, we examined plasma levels of apo A-I, apo B, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), LDL-, HDL- and serum total cholesterol and TAG. The crude and adjusted changes in each outcome were estimated for quartiles of dietary patterns using multivariable linear regression models. The prudent pattern (PP) characterised by higher intake of fruits, vegetables, fish, seafood, whole cereal and low-fat dairy products was associated with reduced plasma concentrations of apo B (−8·5 mg/l), total cholesterol (−18·8 mg/dl) and LDL-cholesterol (−16·5 mg/dl) and hs-CRP (−1·6 mg/l) in men. In women also reduced plasma concentrations of apo B (−6·6 mg/l), total (−12·0 mg/dl) and LDL (−9·3 mg/dl). The ‘Western-like’ pattern characterised by higher intake of eggs, pastry and cakes, pizza, snacks, refined grains, red meat, vegetable oils and poultry was not significantly associated with any of the selected serum lipid or inflammatory biomarkers. The explained variances were 10·3 and 7·4 %, respectively. The PP was associated with better lipid profile, mainly lower atherogenic particles (apo B) and LDL-cholesterol and serum total cholesterol. This study provides possible evidence of a prudent diet in South American populations to help reduce the burden of CVD.
Impact of food and fluid intake on technical and biological measurement error in body composition assessment methods in athletes
Authors: Kerr Ava , Slater Gary J. , Byrne Nuala
Published: April 2017

Two, three and four compartment (2C, 3C and 4C) models of body composition are popular methods to measure fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) in athletes. However, the impact of food and fluid intake on measurement error has not been established. The purpose of this study was to evaluate standardised (overnight fasted, rested and hydrated) v. non-standardised (afternoon and non-fasted) presentation on technical and biological error on surface anthropometry (SA), 2C, 3C and 4C models. In thirty-two athletic males, measures of SA, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), bioelectrical impedance spectroscopy (BIS) and air displacement plethysmography (BOD POD) were taken to establish 2C, 3C and 4C models. Tests were conducted after an overnight fast (duplicate), about 7 h later after ad libitum food and fluid intake, and repeated 24 h later before and after ingestion of a specified meal. Magnitudes of changes in the mean and typical errors of measurement were determined. Mean change scores for non-standardised presentation and post meal tests for FM were substantially large in BIS, SA, 3C and 4C models. For FFM, mean change scores for non-standardised conditions produced large changes for BIS, 3C and 4C models, small for DXA, trivial for BOD POD and SA. Models that included a total body water (TBW) value from BIS (3C and 4C) were more sensitive to TBW changes in non-standardised conditions than 2C models. Biological error is minimised in all models with standardised presentation but DXA and BOD POD are acceptable if acute food and fluid intake remains below 500 g.
Association between phytosterol intake and colorectal cancer risk: a case–control study
Authors: Huang Jing , Xu Ming , Fang Yu-Jing , Lu Min-Shan , Pan Zhi-Zhong , Huang Wu-Qing , Chen Yu-Ming , Zhang Cai-Xia
Published: April 2017

A study in rodent models showed that phytosterols protected against colon carcinogenesis, probably by inhibiting dysregulated cell cycle progression and inducing cellular apoptosis. However, epidemiological studies on the relationship between phytosterols and colorectal cancer risk are quite limited. The aim of this study was to investigate dietary phytosterol intake in relation to colorectal cancer risk in the Chinese population. A case–control study was conducted from July 2010 to June 2016, recruiting 1802 eligible colorectal cancer cases plus 1813 age (5-year interval) and sex frequency-matched controls. Dietary information was collected by using a validated FFQ. The OR and 95 % CI of colorectal cancer risk were assessed by multivariable logistic regression models. A higher total intake of phytosterols was found to be associated with a 50 % reduction in colorectal cancer risk. After adjusting for various confounders, the OR of the highest quartile intake compared with the lowest quartile intake was 0·50 (95 % CI 0·41, 0·61, Ptrend<0·01) for total phytosterols. An inverse association was also found between the consumption of β-sitosterol, campesterol, campestanol and colorectal cancer risk. However, stigmasterol intake was related to an increased risk of colorectal cancer. No statistically significant association was found between β-sitostanol and colorectal cancer risk. Stratified analysis by sex showed that the positive association of stigmasterol intake with colorectal cancer risk was found only in women. These data indicated that the consumption of total phytosterols, β-sitosterol, campesterol and campestanol is inversely associated with colorectal cancer risk in a Chinese population.
Mating system, mate choice and parental care in a bark beetle
Authors: Baruch O. , Mendel Z. , Scharf I. , Harari A. R
Published: April 2017

The cypress bark beetle,Phloeosinus armatus, is a common element of the dying cypress tree system in East-Mediterranean countries. Adult beetles congregate for breeding on this ephemeral resource. We studied three traits that characterize this beetle's sexual behavior and linked them to its reproductive success: mating system, mate choice, and parental care. We found that the females are the ‘pioneering sex’, excavating the mating chamber. The average female is slightly larger than the male, and female and male body size is correlated, demonstrating size-assortative mating. The time it takes for a male to enter the mating chamber is positively correlated with female size and negatively correlated with its own size, which is perhaps responsible for this assortative mating. Males remain in the gallery during the period of oviposition, gradually leaving soon after the eggs hatch. The number of eggs laid and tunnel length are positively correlated with male body size. Finally, in the presence of both parents, more eggs are laid than when the female alone is present, demonstrating the important contribution of biparental care for reproductive success. We suggest that the interaction between a monogamous mating system, assortative mating, and biparental care contributes to reproductive success.
Event Structure and Complex Predicates in Persian
Authors: Megerdoomian Karine
Published: April 2017

This article investigates the syntactic and semantic properties of complex predicates in Persian in order to isolate the individual contributions of the verbal components. The event structure of causative alternation and unergative verbs is determined, based on a decomposition of the verbal construction into primitive syntactic elements consisting of lexical roots and functional heads, with the latter projecting all arguments of the verbal construction. An analysis is provided whereby the argument structure is not projected from the lexicon but is formed compositionally by the conjunction of the primitive components of the complex predicate in syntax. The dual behaviour of Persian complex predicates as lexical and syntactic elements, which has been attested in Persian literature on light verb constructions, follows naturally from the analysis proposed since there is no strict division between the level of word formation and the component manipulating phrasal constructs.
HOSTILE INACTION? ANTIPATER, CRATERUS AND THE MACEDONIAN REGENCY
Authors: Pitt E.M. , Richardson W.P.
Published: April 2017

At some time around August 324b.c., Antipater, the regent of Macedonia received orders from Alexander the Great that he was to be replaced with another eminent officer in the Macedonian court, Craterus. In addition to his removal from office, Antipater was ordered by Alexander to leave Macedonia for the East, bringing with him fresh levies to replenish those that comprised Craterus' own contingent of veterans from Opis. Though Craterus left Alexander's court shortly thereafter, neither man can be said to have made the journey speedily or directly. A range of reasons has been given to explain Craterus' slow advancement, including the construction of infrastructure to allow the transportation of military resources from east to west, the poor state of his health, and the need to recruit more men. By the time of Alexander's death in June of 323, Craterus and his forces had only reached the province of Cilicia in southeastern Anatolia. Antipater's immediate reaction to his new role is not recorded, but what is known is that he remained steadfast in Macedonia, seemingly in defiance of Alexander's orders. It is the purpose of this paper to evaluate Antipater's refusal to depart from Macedonia, to explore whether tensions between Antipater and his replacement could account for Craterus' sluggish advance and to highlight the impact that Greek domestic politics had on Antipater's position in Macedonia.
Morphology and molecular characterization of Demidospermus spirophallus n. sp., D. prolixus n. sp. (Monogenea: Dactylogyridae) and a redescription of D. anus in siluriform catfish from Brazil
Authors: Franceschini L. , Zago A.C. , Müller M.I. , Francisco C.J. , Takemoto R.M. , da Silva R.J.
Published: April 2017

The present study describes Demidospermus spirophallus n. sp. and Demidospermus prolixus n. sp. (Monogenea, Dactylogyridae) from the siluriform catfish Loricaria prolixa Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1978 (Siluriformes, Loricariidae) from the state of São Paulo, Brazil, supported by morphological and molecular data. In addition, notes on the circumscription of the genus with a redescription of Demisdospermus anus are presented. Demidospermus spirophallus n. sp. differed from other congeners mainly because of the morphology of the male copulatory organ (MCO), which exhibited 2½ counterclockwise rings, a tubular accessory piece with one bifurcated end and a weakly sclerotized vagina with sinistral opening. Demidospermus prolixus n. sp. presents a counterclockwise-coiled MCO with 1½ rings, an ovate base, a non-articulated groove-like accessory piece serving as an MCO guide, two different hook shapes, inconspicuous tegumental annulations, a non-sclerotized vagina with sinistral opening and the absence of eyes or accessory eyespots. The present study provides, for the first time, molecular characterization data using the partial ribosomal gene (28S) of two new species of Demidospermus from Brazil (D. spirophallus n. sp. and D. prolixus n. sp.), and Demidospermus anus from Loricariichthys platymetopon Isbrücker & Nijssen, 1979 collected in the Upper Paraná River floodplain, Brazil. Additionally, a revision of the species composition of this genus and others that occur in catfish is proposed to elucidate problems with their circumscription. The Brazilian species of Demidospermus clustered together as sister taxa among Neotropical dactylogyrids from siluriforms. The morphological characterization of D. spirophallus n. sp. and D. prolixus n. sp., and the molecular data of the three species in the present study will extend knowledge about this monogenean genus from the Neotropical region, and provide new information for future phylogeny studies.
Modulation of murine intestinal immunity by Moringa oleifera extract in experimental hymenolepiasis nana
Authors: Abdel-Latif M. , El-Shahawi G. , Aboelhadid S.M. , Abdel-Tawab H.
Published: April 2017

The potential therapeutic value of Moringa oleifera extract (MOE), due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects, has been reported previously. In this study, Hymenolepis nana antigen (HNA) in combination with MOE was used in immunization against H. nana infection. Adult worm and egg counts were taken, while histological changes in the intestine were observed. Mucosal mast (MMCs) and goblet cells (GCs) were stained with specific stains, while serum and intestinal IgA were assayed using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS) were assayed. Real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used for detection of mRNA expression in ileum tissue. The results demonstrated an improvement in the architecture of intestinal villi, decreased inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOs) and TBARS, and increased GSH in HNA, MOE and MOE + HNA groups. In the same groups, an increase in GCs, mucin 2 (MUC2), interleukins (IL)-4, -5 and -9, and stem cell factor (SCF) versus a decrease in both interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and transforming growth factor (TGF-β) expression appeared. HNA and MOE + HNA increased serum and intestinal IgA, respectively. MOE decreased MMCs and achieved the highest reductions in both adult worms and eggs. In conclusion, MOE could achieve protection against H. nana infections through decreased TGF-β, IFN-γ and MMC counts versus increased GC counts, T-helper cell type 2 (Th2) cytokines and IgA level.
Larval development of Chthamalus malayensis (Cirripedia: Thoracica) reared in the laboratory
Authors: Yan Yan , Chan Benny K.K.
Published: April 2017

Larvae of Chthamalus malayensis (Cirripedia: Thoracica) from Hong Kong were cultured in the laboratory. Larval development includes six naupliar stages and a non-feeding cypris stage. Larvae reached the cypris stage in 20 d at ∼21°C compared to 14 d at ∼28°C. Morphological features including the cephalic shield, frontal horns, labrum, abdominal process, antennules, antennae and mandibles in all nauplius and cypris stages were described and illustrated using a combination of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Attempts were made to compare morphological differences between the nauplii and cyprid of C. malayensis with those of other Chthamalus species including C. stellatus, C. montagui, C. dentatus, C. fragilis, C. dalli, C. antennatus, C. fissus and C. challengeri. The present description of the nauplii of C. malayensis is not in agreement with the previous description of this species.
Abundance, feeding ecology and growth of 0-group sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, within the nursery areas of the Tagus estuary
Authors: Cabral Henrique , Costa Maria José
Published: April 2017

The spatio–temporal abundance pattern of 0-group sea bass, Dicentrarchus labrax, was investigated between April 1995 and November 1996 by beam trawl surveys. The highest densities of D. labrax were recorded in shallow areas. Dicentrarchus labrax density was also significantly related to water temperature and salinity, but the variation pattern was not linear. The 0-group individuals of this species first occurred on the nursery ground in May and the highest densities were recorded in June. Diet of 0-group D. labrax was mainly composed of crustaceans, the most important food items being Decapoda, Mysidacea and Isopoda. Feeding activity increased during summer. Short-term variations were related to the period of the day and tidal cycle. The growth rate determined for 0-group D. labrax was higher than those reported for the UK and northern France, and was similar to those obtained in eastern Mediterranean.
Occurrence of the Mediterranean parrotfish Sparisoma cretense (Perciformes: Scaridae) in south-eastern Apulia (south-east Italy)
Authors: Guidetti Paolo , Boero Ferdinando
Published: April 2017

The Mediterranean parrotfish Sparisoma cretense is reported for the first time along the south-eastern coasts of Apulia (Ionian Sea, south-east Italy). Only juvenile specimens of S. cretense were observed during visual census surveys carried out in late August 2000, whereas adults were never observed in, or reported from, this region. Juvenile parrotfish were 3–4-cm long (TL), with a light-grey livery, pale-yellow heads and marked yellow margins around the eyes. They were recorded at 5–15 m depth, whereas they were absent near the surface (0–2 m depth) and in deeper areas (25–28 m depth). The possibility that climatic changes occurring in the Mediterranean basin (i.e. water warming) would be involved in the spreading of S. cretense outside its typical distribution range is discussed.
Sirdars as Intermediaries in Nineteenth-century Indian Ocean Indentured Labour Migration*
Authors: BATES CRISPIN , CARTER MARINA
Published: April 2017

The sirdar (also termed sardar and jobber in Indian historiography)—foreman, recruiter, at once a labour leader and an important intermediary figure for the employers of labour both in India and in the sugar colonies—is reassessed in this article. Tithankar Roy's thoughtful 2007 article looked at how the sirdars’ multiple roles represent an incorporation of traditional authority in a modern setting, giving rise to certain contradictions. In 2010 Samita Sen, conversely, developed Rajnarayan Chandavarkar's argument about the use of labour intermediaries in colonial India to reveal how, in the case of the Assam tea plantations, the nexus between contractors and sirdars belies the ‘benign’ role often accorded to the intermediary within narratives from the tea industry. This article provides examples from the overseas labour destinations in the Indian Ocean region, particularly Mauritius, to further develop and nuance the debate, through an assessment of the complexity of sirdari roles in the colonial Indian labour diaspora.
Water and Agriculture in Nineteenth-century Tamilnad
Authors: PARTHASARATHI PRASANNAN
Published: April 2017

With a focus by scholars on states and classes, the environment of India and its impact on agriculture has been neglected, except to provide a context—which was largely unchanging—in which states extracted and classes struggled. One example of environment as the backdrop is the distinction between ‘wet’ and ‘dry’ areas in Tamilnad and South India more widely. This distinction is based on the availability of water and on the local categorization of agricultural activity (nanjai versus punjai). There are two problems with this approach, however. First, it is a narrow treatment of the environment as it neglects other features of the land such as forests, grasslands, scrublands, and other so-called wasteland. Second, it sees the environment as a fixed entity, but the landscape has changed dramatically in the past, especially in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. If changes in the environment are included in the mix, the development of agriculture in nineteenth-century Tamilnad may be seen in some new ways. Agricultural production existed in symbiosis with the complex and varied environment of the region. In the early nineteenth century Tamilnad contained extensive tracts of forests, widespread wastelands, and abundant surface water. This diverse environment made it possible to maintain high levels of agricultural productivity as it provided the resources to maintain the fertility of the soil and the supplies of water that were critical for agricultural enterprise, as well as the well-being of the rural population. The consequences of changing regimes of water is the focus of this article.
Nowhere to swim to: climate change and conservation of the relict Dades trout Salmo multipunctata in the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco
Authors: Clavero Miguel , Calzada Javier , Esquivias Javier , Veríssimo Ana , Hermoso Virgilio , Qninba Abdeljebbar , Delibes Miguel
Published: April 2017

Montane biota is vulnerable to climate change, especially in the case of relict species in environmentally extreme areas. The Dades trout Salmo multipunctata is a relict species from the Draa basin, on the southern slopes of the High Atlas Mountains, Morocco. Apart from its genetic and morphological singularity almost nothing is known about this species. We surveyed the whole potential distribution range of the Dades trout and found that only two isolated populations exist (in the Dades and M'Goun catchments), occupying an extremely small range, < 22 km of stream reaches in a narrow altitudinal range (c. 2,150–2,375 m). The species was found more frequently and more abundantly at intermediate elevations within its range, and somatic condition increased with altitude. Climatically suitable areas for the Dades trout will be confined to mountain summits without permanent water bodies by 2070. The Dades trout is a Critically Endangered species in need of active management for its persistence. We propose actions for the long-term conservation of the species, including catchment-scale erosion control, riverbed restoration, local-scale measures to mitigate global warming, and an ex situ breeding programme.
Leeches, Lice and Lampreys. A Natural History of Skin and Gill Parasites of Fishes. By G. C. Kearn, pp. 446. Springer, The Netherlands, 2005. ISBN 1 4020 2925 X. £63.00 (90.00).
Authors: TINSLEY RICHARD
Published: April 2017

Fish parasitology has become an enormous field. The preface to this volume explains that the scope has been trimmed by focusing on those parasites most likely to be encountered by aquarists, anglers and naturalists – the external parasites; this approach excludes tapeworms, nematodes and most protozoans. The examples are mainly taken from the British fauna, but readers from other regions will find the subjects familiar.
Stability and development of psychotic symptoms and the use of antipsychotic medication – long-term follow-up
Authors: Gotfredsen D. R. , Wils R. S. , Hjorthøj C. , Austin S. F. , Albert N. , Secher R. G. , Thorup A. A. E. , Mors O. , Nordentoft M.
Published: April 2017

Background

Few studies have evaluated the development in the use of antipsychotic medication and psychotic symptoms in patients with first-episode psychosis on a long-term basis. Our objective was to investigate how psychotic symptoms and the use of antipsychotic medication changed over a 10-year period in a cohort of patients with first-episode psychosis.

Method

The study is a longitudinal prospective cohort study over 10 years with follow-ups at years 1, 2, 5 and 10. A total of 496 patients with first-episode psychosis were included in a multi-centre study initiated between 1998 and 2000 in Copenhagen and Aarhus, Denmark.

Results

At all follow-ups, a large proportion (20–30%) of patients had remission of psychotic symptoms without use of antipsychotic medication at the time of the follow-up. Patients who were in this group at the 5-year follow-up had an 87% [95% confidence interval (CI) 77–96%] chance of being in the same group at the 10-year follow-up. This stability was also the case for patients who had psychotic symptoms and were treated with antipsychotic medication at year 5, where there was a 67% (95% CI 56–78%) probability of being in this group at the consecutive follow-up.

Conclusions

A large group of patients with psychotic illness were in remission without the use of antipsychotic medication, peaking at year 10. Overall there was a large degree of stability in disease courses over the 10-year period. These results suggest that the long-term outcome of psychotic illness is heterogeneous and further investigation on a more individualized approach to long-term treatment is needed.
Structure and physiology of Sitka spruce roots
Authors: Coutts M. P. , Philipson J. J.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

The growth and development of Sitka spruce roots is reviewed against the practical background of tree stability. Two features of the roots which make Sitka spruce liable to windthrow on upland sites are the shallow development in unfavourable soil conditions, and restricted lateral spread and anchorage caused by some forms of cultivation. Responses to different aspects of the soil environment are discussed, with emphasis on mineral nutrition, drying of the soil, waterlogging and temperature. The development of a small number of major woody roots from an assortment of primary laterals on the transplant occurs at an early age and is determined both by the relative size and vigour of the primary roots and by their local environment. The roots, which respond to increases in nitrogen and phosphorus supply with enhanced growth, are sensitive to drying of the soil and are particularly so to waterlogging, but they show no unusual response to soil temperature. Adventitious roots can play a role in the survival and development of the root system.
Vegetative propagation of Sitka spruce
Authors: John Allan , Mason Bill
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

A combination of two vegetative techniques is seen as a possibility for large-scale production of juvenile, rooted Sitka spruce cuttings of improved genotype. Tissue culture techniques, under development, would be used to produce large numbers of stock plants for stem cuttings production. Cuttings techniques, currently under commercial trial, would be used to produce the rooted plants for forest establishment.
Ornamental uses of willow in Britain
Authors: White J. E. J.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

The ornamental use of Salix in Britain must be measured against any detrimental impact introduced plants may have on the natural or artificial environment. Willows in amenity planting have the capacity to be both rewarding and at the same time damaging. Anyone using them should be aware of the constraints that may be imposed by the plants and by any potential site. Existing published plant lists are long and inaccurate, often failing to give proper advice on ornamental use. Commercial plant supply may be wanting. Forty species and cultivars are recommended here for a range of situations, but some require further taxonomic research and others need wider introduction to the trade.
Willows in the environment
Authors: Sommerville Alastair H. C.
Published: April 2017

Synopsis

The ecological role of native willows is described in terms of the diverse structure of the species involved, the wide range of plant communities they form and the large numbers of invertebrates associated with them. The conservation importance of the genusSalixis discussed along with comments on the necessary management to retain willow habitats.
Effect of type of diet (casein-based or protein-free) and caecotrophy on ileal endogenous nitrogen and amino acid flow in rabbits
Authors: García A. I. , de Bias J. C. , Carabaño R.
Published: April 2017

Twenty-eight New Zealand White X Californian doe rabbits weighing 3791±141 g were surgically fitted with a glass T-cannula at ileum level. Animals were given ad libitum access to either a casein-based diet (C) or a protein-free diet (PF). The only difference in the ingredient composition of the diets was the substitution of 160g/kg of maize starch by casein in the C diet. Animals were randomly allotted to each experimental diet. Seven rabbits per diet were not allowed to practice caecotrophy. The C diet resulted in higher food dry matter (DM) intake (DMI) (111-5 v. 51-5 g/day), food nitrogen intake (3-12 v. 0-20 g/day), ileal flow of DM (56-0 v. 23-8 g/day) and ileal flow of nitrogen (0-72 v. 0-24 g/day) but lower soft faeces DMI (21-7 v. 41-4 g/day) than the PF diet. A linear relationship between ileal endogenous nitrogen flow and total DMI was found for animals given the C but not for the PF diet. The ingestion ofC diet led to a higher (proportionately 0-41, on average), endogenous ileal amino acid flow than PF diet for all amino acids except for glycine. The ileal flow of glycine was proportionately 0-25 higher in animals given the PF diet than in animals given the C diet. The C diet resulted in higher content of nitrogen, threonine and proline in soft faeces than the PF diet. In contrast, the ingestion of the PF diet led to a higher content of lysine and methionine in soft faeces than the C diet. Within the C diet, animals practising caecotrophy showed higher ileal flow of DM (73-4 v. 56-0 g/day) and phenylalanine (0-834 v. 0-677 g/kg DMI) than animals not practising it. Caecotrophy led to a higher endogenous proportion of some of the most important limiting essential amino acids in rabbits, such as arginine, lysine, phenylalanine and threonine. In rabbits, the use of PF diets has limited practical application in the estimation of nitrogen endogenous losses as the low food DMI and the high soft faecesDMI leads to abnormal food: soft faeces intake ratio. Moreover, due to the important effect of caecotrophy on the amino acid composition of endogenous losses, it is important to correct the total amino acid content of the ileal chyme by the undigested amino acid residue coming from the soft faeces intake. This correction could be made, without the methodological complexity implied, by fitting animals with a wooden collar and thereby avoiding caecotrophy as in the present trial.
Effects of chromium supplementation from inorganic and organic sources on nutrient utilization, mineral metabolism and meat quality in broiler chickens exposed to natural heat stress
Authors: Amatya J. L. , Haldar S. , Ghosh T. K.
Published: April 2017

One hundred 1-day-old Ven Cobb chicks were used to study the effect of supplementation with 0-2 mg chromium (Cr) per kg diet from potassium chromate (T1), chromium chloride (T2) and chromium-yeast complex (T3). The control group (C) received no supplemental chromium. Each experimental group consisted of five replicates of five birds each and the supplementation was continued for 35 days. The weekly live-weight gain, food conversion ratio and the live-weight gain: food intake ratio were unaffected by the treatments. Metabolizability of the organic nutrients increased in the Cr supplemented groups compared with the C group and significantly higher values were observed in the T3group indicating beneficial effects of Cr-yeast complex. Intake of the trace elements (copper, zinc, iron and manganese) fulfilled the requirements specified for broiler chickens. Retention of all these trace elements was higher (P < 0-001 for Cu, Zn and Fe, P <0-01 for Mn) in all the Cr supplemented groups compared with that in the C group. Furthermore, in the T3group the retention of copper, zinc, iron and manganese was higher (P < 0001) than that in the T1 and T2groups. Two birds were slaughtered from each replicate at the end of 21 and 35 days of feeding to observe Cr in the liver; this was higher (P < 0-01) after 35 days feeding only. Despite supplementation, liver Cr was lower (P < 0-01) in T1T2and T3groups. Cr concentration in the plasma was higher (P < 0-05) in the T3 and T3 groups than that in the C group although its concentration did not change with the age of the birds. Higher (P < 0-01) plasma concentrations of copper were observed in the T1T2and T3groups titan those in the C group. The differences between the Cr supplemented groups in this respect were not significant, however. Liver copper was higher (P < 0-001) in C while liver iron was the lowest (P < 0-05) in that group. The concentrations of copper, iron (P < 0-01) and zinc in the liver (P < 0-05) were higher after 35 than after 21 days while those of manganese were not affected by slaughter age. Protein accretion in the meat tended to be increased in the Cr supplemented groups while deposition of fat in the meat was lower but these differences were not significant (P > 0-05). Other meat quality parameters including sensory evaluation scores improved due to Cr supplementation and Cr-yeast complex was found to have exerted significantly greater effects on these parameters. It was concluded that the supplementation of 0-2mg Cr per kg food dry matter would improve the performance of broiler chickens in terms of metabolizability of organic nutrients, retention of trace elements and meat quality.
MODELLING SEX/GENDER
Authors: Daly Helen L.
Published: April 2017

People often assume that everyone can be divided by sex/gender (that is, by physical and social characteristics having to do with maleness and femaleness) into two tidy categories: male and female. Careful thought, however, leads us to reject that simple ‘binary’ picture, since not all people fall precisely into one group or the other. But if we do not think of sex/gender in terms of those two categories, how else might we think of it? Here I consider four distinct models; each model correctly captures some features of sex/gender, and so each is appropriate in some contexts. But the first three models are inadequate when tough questions arise, like whether trans women should be admitted as students at a women's college or when it is appropriate for intersex athletes to compete in women's athletic events. (‘Trans’ refers to the wide range of people who have an atypical gender identity for someone of their birth-assigned sex, and ‘intersex’ refers to people whose bodies naturally develop with markedly different physical sex characteristics than are paradigmatic of either men or women.) Such questions of inclusion and exclusion matter enormously to the people whose lives are affected by them, but ordinary notions of sex/gender offer few answers. The fourth model I describe is especially designed to make those hard decisions easier by providing a process to clarify what matters.
Effekte des Calcularis-Trainings
Authors: Rauscher Larissa , Kohn Juliane , Käser Tanja , Kucian Karin , McCaskey Ursina , Wyschkon Anne , Moraske Svenja , Esser Günter , von Aster Michael
Published: April 2017

Zusammenfassung. Ziel der vorliegenden Studie ist die Überprüfung des Einflusses eines computerisierten Rechentrainings (Calcularis) auf psychische Auffälligkeiten, Selbstbewertungen der eigenen Leistungsfähigkeit und Leistungsängste. 68 rechenschwache Kinder wurden zufällig einer von drei Studienbedingungen (Calcularis-(CG), Wartekontroll-(WKG), nicht-mathematikbezogene Kontrolltrainingsgruppe (KTG)) zugeordnet. Generell bestätigte sich eine größere emotionale Belastung der rechenschwachen Kinder. Die Ergebnisse zur unmittelbaren Wirksamkeit zeigten eine deutlich stärkere Reduktion der Mathematikangst bei Kindern der CG im Vergleich zur WKG, während sich keine Unterschiede zwischen den Trainingsgruppen ergaben. Zudem verbesserten sich die Gruppen gleichermaßen in Bezug auf die Selbsteinschätzung und Einstellung zum Fach Mathematik und das kognitive Selbstkonzept. Längerfristig, fünf Monate nach Trainingsabschluss, zeigte sich eine vergleichbare Verbesserung beider Trainingsgruppen hinsichtlich der sozio-emotionalen Merkmale, während die psychischen Auffälligkeiten auf einem stabilen Niveau blieben. In Bezug auf die Selbsteinschätzung und Einstellung zum Fach Mathematik wies die KTG eine stärkere Verbesserung auf als die CG. Die Befunde werden unter Berücksichtigung besonderer Stichprobencharakteristika, wie dem hohen Anteil komorbider Schwächen der Schriftsprache in der KTG, diskutiert. Erstmals wurde vorliegend die Reduktion der Mathematikangst in Folge eines Rechentrainings nachgewiesen.
G9A promotes tumor cell growth and invasion by silencing CASP1 in non-small-cell lung cancer cells
Authors: Huang Tianhao , Zhang Peng , Li Wang , Zhao Tian , Zhang Zhixiong , Chen Sujun , Yang Yan , Feng Yonghong , Li Fei , Shirley Liu X , Zhang Lei , Jiang Gening , Zhang Fan
Published: April 2017

Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Although epigenetic deregulation is known to be important for tumor progression, the molecular mechanisms in NSCLC remain unclear. Here, we found that G9A (known as EHMT2), a histone methyltransferase responsible for mono- or di-methylation of histone 3 (H3) lysine 9 (K9), is significantly upregulated in NSCLC. Knocking down G9A or pharmacological inhibition of its activity suppressed tumor cell growth, colony formation, invasion and migration. Furthermore, G9A exerts these functions by repressing CASP1 expression. Knocking down CASP1 in G9A-deficient cell restored capacities of tumor cell invasion and migration. Mechanistically, G9A silences the CASP1 promoter activity by increasing H3K9me2 around its promoter. Finally, high expression of G9A or low expression of CASP1 is correlated with poor overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma. Overall, our study uncovers a novel mechanism of G9A promoting tumor cell growth and invasion by silencing CASP1, and implies that G9A may serve as a therapeutic target in treating NSCLC.
Naked d-orbital in a centrochiral Ni(II) complex as a catalyst for asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition
Authors: Sohtome Yoshihiro , Nakamura Genta , Muranaka Atsuya , Hashizume Daisuke , Lectard Sylvain , Tsuchimoto Teruhisa , Uchiyama Masanobu , Sodeoka Mikiko
Published: April 2017

Chiral metal catalysts have been widely applied to asymmetric transformations. However, the electronic structure of the catalyst and how it contributes to the activation of the substrate is seldom investigated. Here, we report an empirical approach for providing insights into the catalytic activation process in the distorted Ni(II)-catalysed asymmetric [3+2] cycloaddition of α-ketoesters. We quantitatively characterize the bonding nature of the catalyst by means of electron density distribution analysis, showing that the distortion around the Ni(II) centre makes thedz2orbital partially ‘naked’, wherein the labile acetate ligand is coordinated with electrostatic interaction. The electron-deficientdz2orbital and the acetate act together to deprotonate the α-ketoester, generating the (Λ)-Ni(II)–enolate. The solid and solution state analyses, together with theoretical calculations, strongly link the electronic structure of the centrochiral octahedral Ni(II) complex and its catalytic activity, depicting a cooperative mechanism of enolate binding and outer sphere hydrogen-bonding activation.
Two-step photon up-conversion solar cells
Authors: Asahi Shigeo , Teranishi Haruyuki , Kusaki Kazuki , Kaizu Toshiyuki , Kita Takashi
Published: April 2017

Reducing the transmission loss for below-gap photons is a straightforward way to break the limit of the energy-conversion efficiency of solar cells (SCs). The up-conversion of below-gap photons is very promising for generating additional photocurrent. Here we propose a two-step photon up-conversion SC with a hetero-interface comprising different bandgaps of Al0.3Ga0.7As and GaAs. The below-gap photons for Al0.3Ga0.7As excite GaAs and generate electrons at the hetero-interface. The accumulated electrons at the hetero-interface are pumped upwards into the Al0.3Ga0.7As barrier by below-gap photons for GaAs. Efficient two-step photon up-conversion is achieved by introducing InAs quantum dots at the hetero-interface. We observe not only a dramatic increase in the additional photocurrent, which exceeds the reported values by approximately two orders of magnitude, but also an increase in the photovoltage. These results suggest that the two-step photon up-conversion SC has a high potential for implementation in the next-generation high-efficiency SCs.
Monocytic and granulocytic myeloid derived suppressor cells differentially regulate spatiotemporal tumour plasticity during metastatic cascade
Authors: Ouzounova Maria , Lee Eunmi , Piranlioglu Raziye , El Andaloussi Abdeljabar , Kolhe Ravindra , Demirci Mehmet F. , Marasco Daniela , Asm Iskander , Chadli Ahmed , Hassan Khaled A. , Thangaraju Muthusamy , Zhou Gang , Arbab Ali S. , Cowell John K. , Korkaya Hasan
Published: April 2017

It is widely accepted that dynamic and reversible tumour cell plasticity is required for metastasis, however, in vivo steps and molecular mechanisms are poorly elucidated. We demonstrate here that monocytic (mMDSC) and granulocytic (gMDSC) subsets of myeloid-derived suppressor cells infiltrate in the primary tumour and distant organs with different time kinetics and regulate spatiotemporal tumour plasticity. Using co-culture experiments and mouse transcriptome analyses in syngeneic mouse models, we provide evidence that tumour-infiltrated mMDSCs facilitate tumour cell dissemination from the primary site by inducing EMT/CSC phenotype. In contrast, pulmonary gMDSC infiltrates support the metastatic growth by reverting EMT/CSC phenotype and promoting tumour cell proliferation. Furthermore, lung-derived gMDSCs isolated from tumour-bearing animals enhance metastatic growth of already disseminated tumour cells. MDSC-induced ‘metastatic gene signature’ derived from murine syngeneic model predicts poor patient survival in the majority of human solid tumours. Thus spatiotemporal MDSC infiltration may have clinical implications in tumour progression.
Global analysis of glycoproteins identifies markers of endotoxin tolerant monocytes and GPR84 as a modulator of TNFα expression
Authors: Müller Mario M. , Lehmann Roland , Klassert Tilman E. , Reifenstein Stella , Conrad Theresia , Moore Christoph , Kuhn Anna , Behnert Andrea , Guthke Reinhard , Driesch Dominik , Slevogt Hortense
Published: April 2017

Exposure of human monocytes to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces a temporary insensitivity to subsequent LPS challenges, a cellular state called endotoxin tolerance. In this study, we investigated the LPS-induced global glycoprotein expression changes of tolerant human monocytes and THP-1 cells to identify markers and glycoprotein targets capable to modulate the immunosuppressive state. Using hydrazide chemistry and LC-MS/MS analysis, we analyzed glycoprotein expression changes during a 48 h LPS time course. The cellular snapshots at different time points identified 1491 glycoproteins expressed by monocytes and THP-1 cells. Label-free quantitative analysis revealed transient or long-lasting LPS-induced expression changes of secreted or membrane-anchored glycoproteins derived from intracellular membrane coated organelles or from the plasma membrane. Monocytes and THP-1 cells demonstrated marked differences in glycoproteins differentially expressed in the tolerant state. Among the shared differentially expressed glycoproteins G protein-coupled receptor 84 (GPR84) was identified as being capable of modulating pro-inflammatory TNFα mRNA expression in the tolerant cell state when activated with its ligand Decanoic acid.
Surpassing light-induced cell damage in vitro with novel cell culture media
Authors: Stockley John H. , Evans Kimberley , Matthey Moritz , Volbracht Katrin , Agathou Sylvia , Mukanowa Jana , Burrone Juan , Káradóttir Ragnhildur T.
Published: April 2017

Light is extensively used to study cells in real time (live cell imaging), separate cells using fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) and control cellular functions with light sensitive proteins (Optogenetics). However, photo-sensitive molecules inside cells and in standard cell culture media generate toxic by-products that interfere with cellular functions and cell viability when exposed to light. Here we show that primary cells from the rat central nervous system respond differently to photo-toxicity, in that astrocytes and microglia undergo morphological changes, while in developing neurons and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) it induces cellular death. To prevent photo-toxicity and to allow for long-term photo-stimulation without causing cellular damage, we formulated new photo-inert media called MEMO and NEUMO, and an antioxidant rich and serum free supplement called SOS. These new media reduced the detrimental effects caused by light and allowed cells to endure up to twenty times more light exposure without adverse effects, thus bypassing the optical constraints previously limiting experiments.
Laser Frequency Noise in Coherent Optical Systems: Spectral Regimes and Impairments
Authors: Kakkar Aditya , Rodrigo Navarro Jaime , Schatz Richard , Pang Xiaodan , Ozolins Oskars , Udalcovs Aleksejs , Louchet Hadrien , Popov Sergei , Jacobsen Gunnar
Published: April 2017

Coherent communication networks are based on the ability to use multiple dimensions of the lightwave together with electrical domain compensation of transmission impairments. Electrical-domain dispersion compensation (EDC) provides many advantages such as network flexibility and enhanced fiber nonlinearity tolerance, but makes the system more susceptible to laser frequency noise (FN), e.g. to the local oscillator FN in systems with post-reception EDC. Although this problem has been extensively studied, statistically, for links assuming lasers with white-FN, many questions remain unanswered. Particularly, the influence of a realistic non-white FN-spectrum due to e.g., the presence of 1/f-flicker and carrier induced noise remains elusive and a statistical analysis becomes insufficient. Here we provide an experimentally validated theory for coherent optical links with lasers having general non-white FN-spectrum and EDC. The fundamental reason of the increased susceptibility is shown to be FN-induced symbol displacement that causes timing jitter and/or inter/intra symbol interference. We establish that different regimes of the laser FN-spectrum cause a different set of impairments. The influence of the impairments due to some regimes can be reduced by optimizing the corresponding mitigation algorithms, while other regimes cause irretrievable impairments. Theoretical boundaries of these regimes and corresponding criteria applicable to system/laser design are provided.
Engineered P450 biocatalysts show improved activity and regio-promiscuity in aromatic nitration
Authors: Zuo Ran , Zhang Yi , Jiang Chao , Hackett John C. , Loria Rosemary , Bruner Steven D. , Ding Yousong
Published: April 2017

Nitroaromatics are among the most important and commonly used chemicals but their production often suffers from multiple unsolved challenges. We have previously described the development of biocatalytic nitration processes driven by an engineered P450 TxtE fusion construct. Herein we report the creation of improved nitration biocatalysts through constructing and characterizing fusion proteins of TxtE with the reductase domain of CYP102A1 (P450BM3, BM3R). The majority of constructs contained variable linker length while one was rationally designed for optimizing protein-protein interactions. Detailed biochemical characterization identified multiple active chimeras that showed improved nitration activity, increased coupling efficiency and higher total turnover numbers compared with TxtE. Substrate promiscuity of the most active chimera was further assessed with a substrate library. Finally, a biocatalytic nitration process was developed to nitrate 4-Me-dl-Trp. The production of both 4-Me-5-NO2-l-Trp and 4-Me-7-NO2-l-Trp uncovered remarkable regio-promiscuity of nitration biocatalysts.
Gyrator Based on Magneto-elastic Coupling at a Ferromagnetic/Piezoelectric Interface
Authors: Bhuktare Swapnil , Bose Arnab , Singh Hanuman , Tulapurkar Ashwin A.
Published: April 2017

A gyrator is a non-reciprocal two port device with 180° phase shift in the transmissions between two ports. Though electromagnetic realizations of gyrators have been well studied, devices based on other forms of interaction are relatively unexplored. Here we demonstrate a device in which signal is transmitted via magneto-elastic coupling, can function as a gyrator. The device is built on a piezoelectric substrate: one port of this device has interdigital transducers (IDTs) and the other port has a periodic array of nickel/gold lines. When the magnetizations of Ni lines are excited into precession by magnetic field generated by passing oscillating current through the gold lines, they emit phonons in the form of surface acoustic waves (SAW) due to the magneto-elastic coupling between Ni and substrate. The emitted SAW can be detected at the other end by the IDTs. Conversely, when SAW is incident on Ni lines from IDTs, the magnetization undergoes precession and can be inductively detected by Au lines. The broken time reversal symmetry of the system due to the presence of ferromagnet gives rise to the non-reciprocal transmission between the two ports. These devices could function as novel building blocks for phonon based information processing.