bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence of exposure to chemicals and heavy metals during pregnancy in Japanese women
Authors: Maekawa Ryo , Ito Rie , Iwasaki Yusuke , Saito Koichi , Akutsu Kazuhiko , Takatori Satoshi , Ishii Rie , Kondo Fumio , Arai Yoshikazu , Ohgane Jun , Shiota Kunio , Makino Tsunehisa , Sugino Norihiro
Published: August 2017

Purpose

Prenatal exposure to environmental chemicals is a growing concern, because such exposures have been shown to be associated with various diseases. The levels of chemicals and heavy metals in maternal blood, cord blood, maternal urine and amniotic fluid in Japanese pregnant women were investigated.

Methods

A total of 145 women, including 14 fetal growth restriction cases, were included in the present study. The levels of phthalates (di[2‐ethylhexyl]phthalate and mono[2‐ethylhexyl]phthalate), perfluorinated compounds (perfluorooctane sulfonate, perfluorohexanoic acid, perfluorooctanoic acid, and perfluorononanoic acid), pesticides (dimethylphosphate, dimethylthiophosphate, diethylphosphate, diethylthiophosphate, 3‐phenoxybenzoic acid, and octachlorodipropyl ether), bisphenol A, nicotine (nicotine, nornicotine, cotinine, norcotinine, and trans‐3’‐hydroxycotinine), polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and heavy metals were measured. The relationship between fetal growth and the levels of chemicals and heavy metals were investigated.

Results

Phthalates, perfluorinated compounds, pesticides, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and heavy metals were detected in high frequency, whereas nicotine and bisphenol A were almost negative. Phthalates, perfluorinated compounds, and several heavy metals were transferred to the fetus. High perfluorononanoic acid levels in the maternal blood and cord blood, and low perfluorooctanoic acid level in the cord blood were significantly and negatively associated with fetal growth.

Conclusions

The present study showed that pregnant women in Japan and their fetuses are exposed to a variety of chemicals and heavy metals.
Investigating animal activity patterns and temporal niche partitioning using camera‐trap data: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Frey Sandra , Fisher Jason T. , Burton A. Cole , Volpe John P.
Published: August 2017

Time‐stamped camera data are increasingly used to study temporal patterns in species and community ecology, including species’ activity patterns and niche partitioning. Given the importance of niche partitioning for facilitating coexistence between sympatric species, understanding how emerging environmental stressors – climate and landscape change, biodiversity loss and concomitant changes to community composition – affect temporal niche partitioning is of immediate importance for advancing ecological theory and informing management decisions. A large variety of analytical approaches have been applied to camera‐trap data to ask key questions about species activity patterns and temporal overlap among heterospecifics. Despite the many advances for describing and quantifying these temporal patterns, few studies have explicitly tested how interacting biotic and abiotic variables influence species’ activity and capacity to segregate along the temporal niche axis. To address this gap, we suggest coordinated distributed experiments to capture sufficient camera‐trap data across a range of anthropogenic stressors and community compositions. This will facilitate a standardized approach to assessing the impacts of multiple variables on species’ behaviours and interactions. Ultimately, further integration of spatial and temporal analyses of camera‐trap data is critical for improving our understanding of how anthropogenic activities and landscape changes are altering competitive interactions and the dynamics of animal communities.
A semiparametric joint model for terminal trend of quality of life and survival in palliative care research
Authors: Li Zhigang , Frost H.R. , Tosteson Tor D. , Zhao Lihui , Liu Lei , Lyons Kathleen , Chen Huaihou , Cole Bernard , Currow David , Bakitas Marie
Published: August 2017

Palliative medicine is an interdisciplinary specialty focusing on improving quality of life (QOL) for patients with serious illness and their families. Palliative care programs are available or under development at over 80% of large US hospitals (300+ beds). Palliative care clinical trials present unique analytic challenges relative to evaluating the palliative care treatment efficacy which is to improve patients’ diminishing QOL as disease progresses towards end of life (EOL). A unique feature of palliative care clinical trials is that patients will experience decreasing QOL during the trial despite potentially beneficial treatment. Often longitudinal QOL and survival data are highly correlated which, in the face of censoring, makes it challenging to properly analyze and interpret terminal QOL trend. To address these issues, we propose a novel semiparametric statistical approach to jointly model the terminal trend of QOL and survival data. There are two sub‐models in our approach: a semiparametric mixed effects model for longitudinal QOL and a Cox model for survival. We use regression splines method to estimate the nonparametric curves and AIC to select knots. We assess the model performance through simulation to establish a novel modeling approach that could be used in future palliative care research trials. Application of our approach in a recently completed palliative care clinical trial is also presented.
Psychophysiological response to acute‐high‐stress combat situations in professional soldiers
Authors: Clemente‐Suarez Vicente Javier , Palomera Pablo Ruisoto , Robles‐Pérez José Juan
Published: August 2017

The study of psychophysiological responses of soldiers in combat situations remains a challenge, especially in melee combat—a close proximity unarmed fight—defined by high unpredictability. Gaining knowledge about psychophysiological changes in high‐stress situations is required to optimise training. This study aimed to analyse modifications in autonomic modulation, cortical arousal, heart rate, muscle strength, blood lactate concentration, and rating of perceived exertion of veteran soldiers in a melee combat simulation. Twenty veteran soldiers were analysed before and after a melee combat simulation in accordance with realistic situations that occur in actual operations areas. The simulation consisted of actions performed by a binomial unit in a security and protection mission in an operations area. The melee combat caused an increase in sympathetic modulation, blood lactate concentration, heart rate, muscle strength, a decreased tendency in cortical arousal, and a lower rating of perceived exertion than the organic response measured. An intense fight–flight response was observed in soldiers by the limbic system activation, causing a misinterpretation of perceived exertion. Finally, implications for the design of simulation environments for tactics training in high‐stress professions are discussed.
Valuing the Lives and Experiences of English Learners: Widening the Landscape of Children's Literature
Authors: Koss Melanie D. , Daniel Mayra C.
Published: August 2017

This article explores the current landscape of children's picture books in terms of the diversity represented, how having a range of diverse populations authentically depicted in picture books impacts culturally and linguistically diverse students, the importance for teachers to seek out culturally relevant literature, and ways that ideologies of literacy transmitted through picture books impact English learners' (ELs') academic success. The authors suggest that books must offerELs authentic views of all cultures represented in schools and discuss culturally relevant literature and its uses in the classroom. The article presents three pedagogical lenses teachers can explore and incorporate into their curricula to build on theirELs' cultural capital in the classroom: multicultural, multilingual, and strategic. Specific curricular ideas, including pre‐, during‐, and postreading strategies, are included as are lists of suggested titles for classroom use.
Respectful Representations of Disability in Picture Books
Authors: Pennell Ashley E. , Wollak Barbara , Koppenhaver David A.
Published: August 2017

This article discusses the importance of making available in classrooms a range of children's literature offering authentic and meaningful representations of characters with disabilities. The focus is not only on reading inclusive literature with typically developing students but also on the importance of making inclusive literature available to students who could identify with characters with disabilities. An annotated selection of current books, along with a list of criteria for evaluating children's books for respectful portrayals of disability, is presented to help educators choose inclusive literature that celebrates diverse abilities.
Peer-led small groups: Are we on the right track?
Authors: Moore Fraser
Published: August 2017

Introduction Peer tutor-led small group sessions are a valuable learning strategy but students may lack confidence in the absence of a content expert. This study examined whether faculty reinforcement of peer tutor-led small group content was beneficial.

Methods Two peer tutor-led small group sessions were compared with one faculty-led small group session using questionnaires sent to student participants and interviews with the peer tutors. One peer tutor-led session was followed by a lecture with revision of the small group content; after the second, students submitted a group report which was corrected and returned to them with comments.

Results Student participants and peer tutors identified increased discussion and opportunity for personal reflection as major benefits of the peer tutor-led small group sessions, but students did express uncertainty about gaps in their learning following these sessions. Both methods of subsequent faculty reinforcement were perceived as valuable by student participants and peer tutors. Knowing in advance that the group report would be corrected reduced discussion in some groups, potentially negating one of the major benefits of the peer tutor-led sessions.

Discussion Faculty reinforcement of peer-tutor led small group content benefits students but close attention should be paid to the method of reinforcement.
Relación entre la dinámica familiar y las fortalezas humanas
Authors: Plasencia Vilchis María Luisa , Eguiluz Romo Luz De Lourdes , Osorio Guzman Maricela
Published: August 2017

La Psicología Positiva, es el estudio científico del funcionamiento óptimo, propone que las instituciones deberían posibilitar el desarrollo de relaciones positivas y de las fortalezas de las personas. Actualmente se cuenta con instrumentos para medir tanto las fortalezas (Peterson & Seligman, 2004), como el funcionamiento familiar (Atri y Zetune, 2006), por lo que el interés de esta investigación va en esa dirección. En el presente trabajo se reporta el estudio realizado con 14 atletas de alto rendimiento deportivo, mayores de 18 años y seleccionados nacionales de un arte marcial. Los resultados señalan que las familias evaluadas tienden a la funcionalidad y se presentan relaciones positivas entre las áreas de solución de problemas, involucramiento afectivo funcional y disfuncional del funcionamiento familiar y siete fortalezas, perseverancia, amor por el conocimiento, optimismo/esperanza, valor, creatividad, auto-regulación y mentalidad abierta. Se concluye que el funcionamiento familiar posibilita el surgimiento de ciertas fortalezas en deportistas de alto rendimiento que practican un arte marcial y que en las áreas de dificultad se posibilitan opciones de crecimiento.
Formation of Field Reversed Configuration (FRC) on the Yingguang-I device
Authors: Sun Qizhi , Yang Xianjun , Jia Yuesong , Li Lulu , Fang Dongfan , Zhao Xiaoming , Qin Weidong , Liu Zhengfen , Liu Wei , Li Jun , Chi Yuan , Wang Xiaoguang
Published: August 2017

As a hybrid approach to realizing fusion energy, Magnetized Target Fusion (MTF) based on the Field Reversed Configuration (FRC), which has the plasma density and confinement time in the range between magnetic and inertial confinement fusion, has been recently widely pursued around the world. To investigate the formation and confinement of the FRC plasma injector for MTF, the Yingguang-I, which is an FRC test device and contains a multi-bank program-discharged pulsed power sub-system, was constructed at the Institute of Fluid Physics (IFP), China. This paper presents the pulsed power components and their parameters of the device in detail, then gives a brief description of progress in experiments of FRC formation. Experimental results of the pulsed power sub-system show that the peak current/magnetic field of 110 kA/0.3 T, 10 kA/1.2 T and 1.7 MA/3.4 T were achieved in the bias, mirror and θ-pinch circuits with quarter cycle of 80 μs, 700 μs and 3.8 μs respectively. The induced electric field in the neutral gas was greater than 0.25 kV/cm when the ionization bank was charged to 70 kV. With H2 gas of 8 Pa, the plasma target of density 1016 cm−3, separatrix radius 4 cm, half-length 17 cm, equilibrium temperature 200 eV and lifetime 3 μs (approximately the half pulse width of the reversed field) have been obtained through the θ-pinch method when the bias, mirror, ionization and θ-pinch banks were charged to 5 kV, 5 kV, 55 kV and ±45 kV respectively. The images from the high-speed end-on framing camera demonstrate the formation processes of FRC and some features agree well with the results with the two-dimension magneto hydrodynamics code (2D-MHD).
Gender Dimorphism in Central Adiposity May Explain Metabolic Dysfunction After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Gorgey Ashraf S. , Farkas Gary J. , Dolbow David R. , Khalil Refka E. , Gater David R.
Published: August 2017

Background

Increase in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is an independent risk for mortality and other health‐related comorbidities.

Objective

To examine the gender differences in VAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) cross‐sectional areas (CSA) between men and women with chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). The differences in the distribution of central adiposity were used to determine the association of VAT and SAT to metabolic dysfunction after SCI.

Design

Cross‐sectional design.

Setting

Hospital‐based study.

Participants

Sixteen individuals (8 men and 8 women) with motor complete SCI were matched based on age, time since injury, and level of injury.

Methods

Anthropometrics, dual x‐ray absorptiometry (DXA), and magnetic resonance imaging were captured to measure lean mass, fat mass (FM), percentage FM, VAT, and SAT CSAs. Basal metabolic rate was measured, and intravenous glucose tolerance test and lipid panel were performed.

Main Outcome Measurements

VAT, SAT, and metabolic profile.

Results

SAT CSA was 1.6 ‐1.75 times greater in the upper and lower trunks in women compared to men with SCI (P < .05). VAT CSA was 1.8‐2.6 times greater in the upper and lower trunks in men compared to women with SCI (P < .05). VAT adjusted to body weight was greater in men compared to women with SCI. High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL‐C) was positively related to SAT and negatively related to VAT. Glucose effectiveness was negatively related to lower trunk SAT (r = −0.60, P = .02). HDL‐C ratio and triglycerides were positively related to upper VAT, lower VAT, and VAT:SAT ratio.

Conclusion

Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that there is a gender dimorphism in central adiposity in persons with chronic SCI. This gender dimorphism in central adipose tissue distribution may explain the higher prevalence of metabolic dysfunction in men with SCI, especially, the decrease in the HDL‐C profile.

Level of Evidence

IV
Migration and development policies: The state of affairs before the 2015 European migration crises in the Czech Republic and its current implications
Authors: Stojanov Robert , Bureš Oldřich , Duží Barbora
Published: August 2017

This article analyses attitudes of key stakeholders towards migration and development policies in the Czech Republic. It is generally understood that migration policy is a set of measures aimed primarily at handling immigration flows to developed countries, while development policy seeks to foster sustainable growth in developing countries. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 21 experts from the public decision-making, nongovernmental, academic and private (legal) spheres to gather their opinions on the practice of, and relations between, the Czech migration and development policies. The findings of our research point to the lack of coherence between these two types of policies and they highlight several specific discrepancies across individual policy instruments. Moreover, albeit our research was conducted prior to the escalation of the EU migration crisis in 2015, several of our findings contextualize the Czech response to this crisis, both at the national and European Union level.
Ergodic averages with prime divisor weights in
Authors: BUCZOLICH ZOLTÁN
Published: August 2017

We show that$\unicode[STIX]{x1D714}(n)$and$\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FA}(n)$, the number of distinct prime factors of$n$and the number of distinct prime factors of$n$counted according to multiplicity, are good weighting functions for the pointwise ergodic theorem in$L^{1}$. That is, if$g$denotes one of these functions and$S_{g,K}=\sum _{n\leq K}g(n)$, then for every ergodic dynamical system$(X,{\mathcal{A}},\unicode[STIX]{x1D707},\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F})$and every$f\in L^{1}(X)$,$$\begin{eqnarray}\lim _{K\rightarrow \infty }\frac{1}{S_{g,K}}\mathop{\sum }_{n=1}^{K}g(n)f(\unicode[STIX]{x1D70F}^{n}x)=\int _{X}f\,d\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}\quad \text{for }\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}\text{ almost every }x\in X.\end{eqnarray}$$This answers a question raised by Cuny and Weber, who showed this result for$L^{p}$,$p>1$.
Large-area suspended graphene as a laser target to produce an energetic ion beam
Authors: Khasanah Nur , Bolouki Nima , Huang Tzu-Yao , Hong Yi-Zhe , Chung Wen-Liang , Woon Wei-Yen , Su Ching-Yuan , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro
Published: August 2017

Proton radiography is a key diagnostics to measure and image the electric/magnetic field in laser-produced plasmas. A thin solid target is irradiated with an intense laser pulse to produce a proton beam. The accelerated proton can achieve higher energy with thinner target. In order to produce an extremely thin target, we have developed a large-area suspended graphene as a laser target for energetic ion sources. We describe the manufacturing process of the suspended graphene, and show the results of quality evaluations.
Vertically localised equilibrium solutions in large-eddy simulations of homogeneous shear flow
Authors: Sekimoto Atsushi , Jiménez Javier
Published: August 2017

Unstable equilibrium solutions in a homogeneous shear flow with sinuous (streamwise-shift-reflection and spanwise-shift-rotation) symmetry are numerically found in large-eddy simulations (LES) with no kinetic viscosity. The small-scale properties are determined by the mixing length scale $l_{S}$ used to define eddy viscosity, and the large-scale motion is induced by the mean shear at the integral scale, which is limited by the spanwise box dimension $L_{z}$. The fraction $R_{S}=L_{z}/l_{S}$, which plays the role of a Reynolds number, is used as a numerical continuation parameter. It is shown that equilibrium solutions appear by a saddle-node bifurcation as $R_{S}$ increases, and that the flow structures resemble those in plane Couette flow with the same sinuous symmetry. The vortical structures of both lower- and upper-branch solutions become spontaneously localised in the vertical direction. The lower-branch solution is an edge state at low $R_{S}$, and takes the form of a thin critical layer as $R_{S}$ increases, as in the asymptotic theory of generic shear flow at high Reynolds numbers. On the other hand, the upper-branch solutions are characterised by a tall velocity streak with multiscale multiple vortical structures. At the higher end of $R_{S}$, an incipient multiscale structure is found. The LES turbulence occasionally visits vertically localised states whose vortical structure resembles the present vertically localised LES equilibria.
On the statics and dynamics of fully confined bubbles
Authors: Vincent Olivier , Marmottant Philippe
Published: August 2017

We investigate theoretically the statics and dynamics of bubbles in fully confined liquids, i.e. in liquids surrounded by solid walls in all directions of space. This situation is found in various natural and technological contexts (geological fluid inclusions, plant cells and vessels, soil tensiometers, etc.), where such bubbles can pre-exist in the trapped liquid or appear by nucleation (cavitation). We focus on volumetric deformations and first establish the potential energy of fully confined bubbles as a function of their radius, including contributions from gas compressibility, surface tension, liquid compressibility and elastic deformation of the surrounding solid. We evaluate how the Blake threshold of unstable bubble growth is modified by confinement and we also obtain an original bubble stability phase diagram with a regime of liquid superstability (spontaneous bubble collapse) for strong confinements. We then calculate the liquid velocity field associated with radial deformations of the bubble and strain in the solid, and we predict large deviations in the kinematics compared to bubbles in extended liquids. Finally, we derive the equations governing the natural oscillation dynamics of fully confined bubbles, extending Minnaert’s formula and the Rayleigh–Plesset equation, and we show that the compressibility of the liquid as well as the elasticity of the walls can result in ultra-fast bubble radial oscillations and unusually quick damping. We find excellent agreement between the predictions of our model and recent experimental results.
Bivariate Pseudo-Spectral Local Linearisation Method for Mixed Convective Flow Over the Vertical Frustum of a Cone in a Nanofluid with Soret and Viscous Dissipation Effects
Authors: RamReddy Ch. , Venkata Rao Ch.
Published: August 2017

In this investigation, we intend to present the influence of the prominent viscous dissipation and Soret effects on mixed convection heat and mass transfer over the vertical frustum of a cone in a nanofluid. The model used for the nanofluid incorporates the effects of Brownian motion and thermophoresis. In addition, the uniform wall nanoparticle condition at the surface is replaced with the zero nanoparticle mass flux condition to execute physically applicable results. The governing equations of a nanofluid flow in the dimensional form are reduced to a system of partial differential equations in the non-dimensional form by using suitable non-similarity variables and then solved by using a recently introduced spectral method named as Bivariate Pseudo-Spectral Local Linearisation Method (BPSLLM). The convergence and error analysis tests are conducted to examine the accuracy of the spectral method. To validate the method, the present numerical results are compared with the existing results in some special cases and the outcomes are observed to be in very good agreement. The effects of Brownian motion, thermophoresis, Eckert number, Soret number, nanoparticle and regular buoyancy parameters on the dimensionless surface drag, heat, nanoparticle mass and regular mass transfer rates over the vertical frustum of a cone are discussed and illustrated graphically.
A New Micro-Hydrodynamic Herringbone Bearing Using Slant Groove Depth Arrangements for Performance Enhancement
Authors: Lee Y. T. , Yang A. S. , Juan Y. H. , Liu C. S. , Chang Y. H.
Published: August 2017

This study presents a new groove profile using the slant groove depth arrangements to enhance the performance of micro-HGJBs. The computational analysis was based on the steady-state three-dimensional conservation equations of mass and momentum in conjunction with the cavitation model to examine the complex lubricated flow field. The simulated results of load capacity and circumferential pressure distribution of lubricant film are in good agreement with the measurement data and the predictions cited in the literature. Numerical experiments were extended to determine the pressure distribution, load capacity, radial stiffness and friction torque by varying the slant ratio of groove depth, eccentricity ratio, rotational speed and attitude angle. The cavitation extent of lubricant film was also studied for different slant groove patterns.
Effect of dietary protein intake on the body composition and metabolic parameters of neutered dogs
Authors: Kawauchi Iris Mayumi , Jeremias Juliana Toloi , Takeara Paula , de Souza Danilo Ferreira , Balieiro Júlio Cesar de Carvalho , Pfrimer Karina , Brunetto Marcio Antonio , Pontieri Cristiana Fonseca Ferreira
Published: August 2017

Neutering is a common veterinary recommendation and is often associated with obesity development. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of two different amounts of protein intake by neutered dogs regarding maintenance energy requirement (MER), body composition, and biochemical and hormonal parameters. A total of fourteen healthy adult dogs were fed either a diet containing 59·7 g protein/1000 kcal (4184 kJ) (P60) or a diet with 94·0 g protein/1000 kcal (4184 kJ) (P94) for 26 weeks after neutering to maintain their body weight prior to neutering. A mixed model was fitted to verify diet, time and diet × time interaction effects on biochemical parameters, serum concentrations of insulin, glucagon, leptin and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1). MER and the body composition data were evaluated within diets (paired t test) and within times (unpaired t test). A time effect was found for fructosamine, TAG, total lipids and IGF-1 serum concentrations. The diet × time interaction was significant for glucagon (P < 0·05). No differences between diets in the MER within each time were found. However, there was a reduction in the MER of dogs fed the P60 diet 26 weeks after neutering (P = 0·042). The fat body mass of dogs fed the P60 diet increased (P < 0·05) after neutering, even without a body-weight change. Some of the biochemical parameters changed over time, but all remained within the normal range. For the period evaluated in the present study, a diet with 94·0 g of protein/1000 kcal (4184 kJ) metabolisable energy seems to be a beneficial nutritional strategy to maintain the MER and the body composition of dogs after neutering.
Melt and surface sublimation across a glacier in a dry environment: distributed energy-balance modelling of Juncal Norte Glacier, Chile
Authors: AYALA A. , PELLICCIOTTI F. , PELEG N. , BURLANDO P.
Published: August 2017

Previous estimates of melt and surface sublimation on glaciers of the subtropical semiarid Andes (29–34°S) have been obtained at few specific locations, but it is not clear how ablation components vary across the entire extent of a glacier in this dry environment. Here, we simulate the distributed energy and mass balance of Juncal Norte Glacier (33°S) during a 2-month summer period. Forcing fields of near-surface air temperature and wind speed are generated using two methods accounting for the main physical processes that shape their spatial variations. Simulated meteorological variables and ablation agree well with observations on the glacier tongue and reveal complex patterns of energy and mass fluxes. Ablation decreases from 70 mm w.e. d−1 at the low-albedo glacier terminus (~3000 m), where almost 100% of total ablation corresponds to melt, to <5 mm w.e. d−1 at wind-exposed, strong-radiated sites above 5500 m, where surface sublimation represents >75% of total ablation. Our simulations provide the first glacier-scale estimates of ablation components on a glacier in the study region and better reproduce the observed and expected spatial variations of melt and surface sublimation, in comparison with more simple assumptions, such as linear gradients and uniform wind speeds.
Diet quality and its implications on the cardio-metabolic, physical and general health of older men: the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project (CHAMP)
Authors: Ribeiro Rosilene V. , Hirani Vasant , Senior Alistair M. , Gosby Alison K. , Cumming Robert G. , Blyth Fiona M. , Naganathan Vasi , Waite Louise M. , Handelsman David J. , Kendig Hal , Seibel Markus J. , Simpson Stephen J. , Stanaway Fiona , Allman-Farinelli Margaret , Le Couteur David G.
Published: August 2017

The revised Dietary Guideline Index (DGI-2013) scores individuals’ diets according to their compliance with the Australian Dietary Guideline (ADG). This cross-sectional study assesses the diet quality of 794 community-dwelling men aged 74 years and older, living in Sydney, Australia participating in the Concord Health and Ageing in Men Project; it also examines sociodemographic and lifestyle factors associated with DGI-2013 scores; it studies associations between DGI-2103 scores and the following measures: homoeostasis model assessment – insulin resistance, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, TAG, blood pressure, waist:hip ratio, BMI, number of co-morbidities and medications and frailty status while also accounting for the effect of ethnicity in these relationships. Median DGI-2013 score was 93·7 (54·4, 121·2); most individuals failed to meet recommendations for vegetables, dairy products and alternatives, added sugar, unsaturated fat and SFA, fluid and discretionary foods. Lower education, income, physical activity levels and smoking were associated with low scores. After adjustments for confounders, high DGI-2013 scores were associated with lower HDL-cholesterol, lower waist:hip ratios and lower probability of being frail. Proxies of good health (fewer co-morbidities and medications) were not associated with better compliance to the ADG. However, in participants with a Mediterranean background, low DGI-2013 scores were not generally associated with poorer health. Older men demonstrated poor diet quality as assessed by the DGI-2013, and the association between dietary guidelines and health measures and indices may be influenced by ethnic background.
Threonine deficiency decreased intestinal immunity and aggravated inflammation associated withNF-κBandtarget of rapamycinsignalling pathways in juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) after infection withAeromonas hydrophila
Authors: Dong Yu-Wen , Jiang Wei-Dan , Liu Yang , Wu Pei , Jiang Jun , Kuang Sheng-Yao , Tang Ling , Tang Wu-Neng , Zhang Yong-An , Zhou Xiao-Qiu , Feng Lin
Published: August 2017

This study aimed to investigate the impacts of dietary threonine on intestinal immunity and inflammation in juvenile grass carp. Six iso-nitrogenous semi-purified diets containing graded levels of threonine (3·99–21·66 g threonine/kg) were formulated and fed to fishes for 8 weeks, and then challenged withAeromonas hydrophilafor 14 d. Results showed that, compared with optimum threonine supplementation, threonine deficiency (1) decreased the ability of fish against enteritis, intestinal lysozyme activities (except in the distal intestine), acid phosphatase activities, complement 3 (C3) and C4 contents and IgM contents (except in the proximal intestine (PI)), and it down-regulated the transcript abundances ofliver-expressed antimicrobial peptide(LEAP)-2A,LEAP-2B,hepcidin, IgZ, IgMandβ-defensin1(except in the PI) (P<0·05); (2) could up-regulate intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokinesTNF-α,IL-1β,IL-6, IL-8andIL-17DmRNA levels partly related toNF-κBsignalling; (3) could down-regulate intestinal anti-inflammatory cytokinetransforming growth factor(TGF)-β1,TGF-β2,IL-4/13A(notIL-4/13B) andIL-10mRNA levels partly by target of rapamycin signalling. Finally, on the basis of the specific growth rate, against the enteritis morbidity and IgM contents, the optimum threonine requirements were estimated to be 14·53 g threonine/kg diet (4·48 g threonine/100 g protein), 15.05 g threonine/kg diet (4·64 g threonine/100 g protein) and 15·17 g threonine/kg diet (4·68 g threonine/100 g protein), respectively.
The Role of Evidence in Politics: Motivated Reasoning and Persuasion among Politicians
Authors: Baekgaard Martin , Christensen Julian , Dahlmann Casper Mondrup , Mathiasen Asbjørn , Petersen Niels Bjørn Grund
Published: August 2017

Does evidence help politicians make informed decisions even if it is at odds with their prior beliefs? And does providing more evidence increase the likelihood that politicians will be enlightened by the information? Based on the literature on motivated political reasoning and the theory about affective tipping points, this article hypothesizes that politicians tend to reject evidence that contradicts their prior attitudes, but that increasing the amount of evidence will reduce the impact of prior attitudes and strengthen their ability to interpret the information correctly. These hypotheses are examined using randomized survey experiments with responses from 954 Danish politicians, and results from this sample are compared to responses from similar survey experiments with Danish citizens. The experimental findings strongly support the hypothesis that politicians are biased by prior attitudes when interpreting information. However, in contrast to expectations, the findings show that the impact of prior attitudesincreaseswhen more evidence is provided.
The relationship among freezing tolerance, vernalization requirement, Ppd alleles and winter hardiness in European wheat cultivars
Authors: GORASH A. , ARMONIENĖ R. , LIATUKAS Ž. , BRAZAUSKAS G.
Published: August 2017

Winter hardiness of wheat is a complex trait involving a system of structural, regulatory and developmental genes, which interact in a complex pathway. The objective of the present work was to study the relationship among the main traits determining the level of adaptation and the possibility for target manipulation of breeding material by using molecular markers and phenological parameters. Wheat cultivars from different ecoclimatic environments of Europe were included for analysis. Gene-specific assay showed that photoperiod sensitivity of the studied cultivars was determined by polymorphism in the Ppd-D1 allele. The study established the relationship among winter hardiness, LT50 (the temperature at which 50% of plants are killed), photoperiod sensitivity, vernalization duration and earliness per se genes in the environment of Lithuania. The cultivars from Northern and Western Europe exhibited stronger requirement for vernalization and photoperiod. Although the group of cultivars from the southern latitudes were characterized by earliness, they possessed a stronger level of LT50. The level of LT50 was found to be the most crucial component of winter hardiness, the other traits served as supplementary components.
Spatial and temporal distribution ofLigula intestinalis(Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) in usipa (Engraulicypris sardella) (Pisces: Cyprinidae) in Lake Nyasa
Authors: Gabagambi N.P. , Skorping A.
Published: August 2017

Engraulicypris sardellais an endemic and economically important cyprinid species in Lake Nyasa/Malawi which has recently been infected by the tapewormLigula intestinalis. This parasite is known to induce severe pathological and behavioural effects on other cyprinids, including castration, followed by a collapse of infected populations. As a first step to understanding the dynamics between this parasite andE. sardella, we studied the spatial and temporal variation in prevalence over a period of 1 year. Overall prevalence was about 15%, but we observed a consistently higher prevalence in the littoral compared to the pelagic zone. Fish in the upper water levels showed the highest prevalence, with a marked decline with increasing water depth down to 150 m. The proportion of infected fish varied over time, with a significantly higher prevalence in the rainy season. In a huge lake like the Nyasa, with a surface area of 29,000 km2and a maximum depth of 785 m, the transmission success of the parasite appears to show large variations in time and space. We suggest that these conditions could lead the parasite to become persistent within the lake, rather than the typical epidemic situation as observed in smaller bodies of water.
Twisted modes instability of electron–positron shell interacted with moving ion background
Authors: Nobahar D. , Hajisharifi K. , Mehdian H.
Published: August 2017

In this paper, the instability of electrostatic twisted modes carrying orbital angular momentum in the moving electron–positron–ion plasma is investigated. In the kinetic theory approach, the general dispersion relation of twisted modes is derived by using Laguerre–Gaussian perturbed distribution function and electrostatic potential in the paraxial limit. Utilizing the obtained general dispersion relation for a specific case of electron–positron (e–p) shell with temperature anisotropy interacted with moving ion background, the effects of angular mode number, electrons and positrons temperature, and positron concentration on the group velocity and instability growth rate of twisted waves are illustrated, numerically. The results of the present investigation will greatly attribute to the understanding of e–p jet dynamic in astrophysical environments and laboratory experiments where the twisted modes can play a central role as a perturbed term.
Central Protectionism in China: The “Central SOE Problem” in Environmental Governance
Authors: Eaton Sarah , Kostka Genia
Published: August 2017

This article examines the so-called “central State Owned Enterprise (SOE) problem” in China's environmental governance system, namely central SOEs' defiance of environmental regulation. We present evidence showing that, in the last decade, central SOEs have been the source of a large number of serious pollution incidents and have often failed to comply with environmental guidelines and regulations. Central SOEs in the electricity generation and oil and gas industries are particularly culpable, with six firms alone accounting for 62 per cent of all 2,370 reported violations (2004–2016). We argue that a combination of “central protectionism” of state-owned national champions and insufficient regulatory capacity in the environmental bureaucracy have provided state firms under central management with both incentives and opportunities to shirk on environmental regulations. Yet, while the institutions of central protectionism are deeply rooted, countervailing forces within the complex Chinese state are also gaining momentum. In spite of the considerable regulatory challenges, officials in the environment bureaucracy display increasing resolve and ingenuity in trying to strengthen their enforcement capacity.
Tocqueville in Jacksonian Context: American Expansionism and Discourses of American Indian Nomadism inDemocracy in America
Authors: McQueen Alison , Hendrix Burke A.
Published: August 2017

Tocqueville’s discussion of American Indians inDemocracy in Americais often read as the paradigmatic expression of a conventional story about American political expansion. This narrative holds that westward expansion was easy, in part because American Indians did not offer much resistance. Historians of political thought and scholars of American Political Development tend to affirm this narrative when they read Tocqueville’s text as suggesting merely that Indians are “doomed” to an inevitable extinction. Our interpretation here proceeds along different lines, with a greater focus on the ways in which contending Jacksonian-era discourses of Indian nomadism are represented in Tocqueville’s text. We argue thatDemocracyreflects complex and often competing descriptions of inherent Indian nomadism, retreat, and removal, with varying attributions of causal responsibility for disappearing Indian populations. This reading of Tocqueville highlights contentions about Indian removal that are often ignored or neglected in current scholarship, and can therefore help us to better appreciate both his text and his time.
The Politics of Rating Freedom: Ideological Affinity, Private Authority, and the Freedom in the World Ratings
Authors: Bush Sarah Sunn
Published: August 2017

TheFreedom in the World(FITW) ratings of countries’ freedom, created by Freedom House in 1972, are widely used by many U.S. audiences, including journalists, policymakers, and scholars. Why and how did these ratings acquire private authority in the United States? Furthermore, why and to what extent have they retained private authority over time and across different audiences? Contrary to previous research on private authority, which emphasizes the role of raters’ expertise and independence, I advance an argument that emphasizes the role of ideological affinity between raters and users. Specifically, I argue that ratings are more likely to have authority among actors that share raters’ ideas about concept definition and coding. I also argue that ratings are more likely to have authority among weak actors that depend on powerful other users of the ratings. Diverse evidence and methods—including data on the ratings’ usage, an internal archive of Freedom House records, interviews with key informants, and a statistical analysis of bias—support the argument.
Authorizations for maritime law enforcement operations
Authors: McLaughlin Rob
Published: August 2017

Although there are areas of uncertainty and overlap, authorizations for maritime law enforcement operations are beholden to a different regime from that which governs the conduct of armed conflict at sea. This article seeks to briefly describe five regularly employed authorizations for maritime law enforcement operations at sea: flag State consent, agreed pre-authorization, coastal State jurisdiction, UN Security Council resolutions, and the right of visit.
Sixteen Eclipse Studies That Illuminate Science from the Shadow
Authors: Wendel JoAnna , Kumar Mohi
Published: August 2017

From jets that will chase the Moon’s shadow to a telescope designed to mimic the eyes of a mantis shrimp, projects across the United States will pack science into mere minutes when day turns to dark.
Correction: Corrigendum: Mitochondrial ATP transporter depletion protects mice against liver steatosis and insulin resistance
Authors: Cho Joonseok , Zhang Yujian , Park Shi-Young , Joseph Anna-Maria , Han Chul , Park Hyo-Jin , Kalavalapalli Srilaxmi , Chun Sung-Kook , Morgan Drake , Kim Jae-Sung , Someya Shinichi , Mathews Clayton E. , Lee Young Jae , Wohlgemuth Stephanie E. , Sunny Nishanth E. , Lee Hui-Young , Choi Cheol Soo , Shiratsuchi Takayuki , Oh S. Paul , Terada Naohiro
Published: August 2017

Nature Communications 8 Article number: 14477 (2017); Published: 16 February 2017; Updated: 18 August 2017 In the References section of this Article, incorrect papers are cited for references 4, 5, 7, 9, 10, 13–20 and 29–31. In addition, in the Methods section, reference 12 should be cited instead of reference 30 following the statement ‘Immunoblot analysis was performed as we described previously’, and reference 30 should be cited instead of reference 31 following the statement ‘while plasma glucose was maintained at basal concentrations as previously described’.
Exploiting a novel conformational switch to control innate immunity mediated by complement protein C3a
Authors: Lohman Rink-Jan , Hamidon Johan K. , Reid Robert C. , Rowley Jessica A. , Yau Mei-Kwan , Halili Maria A. , Nielsen Daniel S. , Lim Junxian , Wu Kai-Chen , Loh Zhixuan , Do Anh , Suen Jacky Y. , Iyer Abishek , Fairlie David P.
Published: August 2017

Complement C3a is an important protein in innate and adaptive immunity, but its specific roles in vivo remain uncertain because C3a degrades rapidly to form the C3a-desArg protein, which does not bind to the C3a receptor and is indistinguishable from C3a using antibodies. Here we develop the most potent, stable and highly selective small molecule modulators of C3a receptor, using a heterocyclic hinge to switch between agonist and antagonist ligand conformations. This enables characterization of C3 areceptor-selective pro- vs. anti-inflammatory actions in human mast cells and macrophages, and in rats. A C3a receptor-selective agonist induces acute rat paw inflammation by first degranulating mast cells before activating macrophages and neutrophils. An orally administered C3a receptor-selective antagonist inhibits mast cell degranulation, thereby blocking recruitment and activation of macrophages and neutrophils, expression of inflammatory mediators and inflammation in a rat paw edema model. These novel tools reveal the mechanism of C3a-induced inflammation and provide new insights to complement-based medicines.
Development of novel monoclonal antibodies against starch and ulvan - implications for antibody production against polysaccharides with limited immunogenicity
Authors: Rydahl Maja G. , Kračun Stjepan K. , Fangel Jonatan U. , Michel Gurvan , Guillouzo Alexia , Génicot Sabine , Mravec Jozef , Harholt Jesper , Wilkens Casper , Motawia Mohammed Saddik , Svensson Birte , Tranquet Olivier , Ralet Marie-Christine , Jørgensen Bodil , Domozych David S. , Willats William G. T.
Published: August 2017

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are widely used and powerful research tools, but the generation of mAbs against glycan epitopes is generally more problematic than against proteins. This is especially significant for research on polysaccharide-rich land plants and algae (Viridiplantae). Most antibody production is based on using single antigens, however, there are significant gaps in the current repertoire of mAbs against some glycan targets with low immunogenicity. We approached mAb production in a different way and immunised with a complex mixture of polysaccharides. The multiplexed screening capability of carbohydrate microarrays was then exploited to deconvolute the specificities of individual mAbs. Using this strategy, we generated a set of novel mAbs, including one against starch (INCh1) and one against ulvan (INCh2). These polysaccharides are important storage and structural polymers respectively, but both are generally considered as having limited immunogenicity. INCh1 and INCh2 therefore represent important new molecular probes for Viridiplantae research. Moreover, since the α-(1-4)-glucan epitope recognised by INCh1 is also a component of glycogen, this mAb can also be used in mammalian systems. We describe the detailed characterisation of INCh1 and INCh2, and discuss the potential of a non-directed mass-screening approach for mAb production against some glycan targets.
MicroRNA-204 promotes vascular endoplasmic reticulum stress and endothelial dysfunction by targeting Sirtuin1
Authors: Kassan Modar , Vikram Ajit , Li Qiuxia , Kim Young-Rae , Kumar Santosh , Gabani Mohanad , Liu Jing , Jacobs Julia S. , Irani Kaikobad
Published: August 2017

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated in vascular endothelial dysfunction of obesity, diabetes, and hypertension. MicroRNAs play an important role in regulating ER stress. Here we show that microRNA-204 (miR-204) promotes vascular ER stress and endothelial dysfunction by targeting the Sirtuin1 (Sirt1) lysine deacetylase. Pharmacologic ER stress induced by tunicamycin upregulates miR-204 and downregulates Sirt1 in the vascular wall/endothelium in vivo and in endothelial cells in vitro. Inhibition of miR-204 protects against tunicamycin-induced vascular/endothelial ER stress, associated impairment of endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, and preserves endothelial Sirt1. A miR-204 mimic leads to ER stress and downregulates Sirt1 in endothelial cells. Knockdown of Sirt1 in endothelial cells, and conditional deletion of endothelial Sirt1 in mice, promotes ER stress via upregulation of miR-204, whereas overexpression of Sirt1 in endothelial cells suppresses miR-204-induced ER stress. Furthermore, increase in vascular reactive oxygen species induced by ER stress is mitigated by by miR-204 inhibition. Finally, nutritional stress in the form of a Western diet promotes vascular ER stress through miR-204. These findings show that miR-204 is obligatory for vascular ER stress and ER stress-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction, and that miR-204 promotes vascular ER stress via downregulation of Sirt1.