bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Applying Intersectionality in Organizations: Inequality Markers, Cultural Scripts and Advancement Practices in a Professional Service Firm
Authors: Ruiz Castro Mayra , Holvino Evangelina
Published: April 2016

This paper presents an intersectional analysis of career advancement practices in professional service firms. It reveals how gender, class, racio‐ethnicity and culture intersect at the individual, organizational and societal levels to create and reinforce advantages and disadvantages across complex dimensions of difference. Based on a qualitative analysis of data collected in a Big Four firm in Mexico, this article advances the empirical study of intersectionality in organizations by applying the construct of ‘cultural scripts’ and proposing the use of ‘markers of inequality’ to illuminate the simultaneous construction of differences of gender, class and racio‐ethnicity in a specific socio‐cultural context. Our findings show that career trajectories and advancement in this firm are contradictory processes, over‐determined by individual employees' lived identities, work interactions shaped by those identities, as well as formal and informal organizational practices embedded in an already raced, classed and gendered societal context and culture.
Body composition and bone health in adolescents after Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass for severe obesity
Authors: Beamish A. J. , Gronowitz E. , Olbers T. , Flodmark C.‐E. , Marcus C. , Dahlgren J.
Published: April 2016

Background

Laparoscopic Roux‐en‐Y gastric bypass (RYGB) causes changes in body composition and bone metabolism, yet little is known about effects in adolescents.

Objectives

The objective of this study was to report dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry measures and serum bone markers, hypothesizing that bone turnover increases after surgery.

Methods

Inclusion criteria included the following: age 13–18 years and body mass index (BMI) >35 kg/m2. Seventy‐two adolescents (22 boys; mean age 16.5 years; BMI 44.8 kg/m2) undergoing RYGB underwent dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry and serum bone marker analyses preoperatively and annually for 2 years.

Results

Mean BMI reduction at 2 years was 15.1 kg/m2. Body composition changes included a reduction in fat mass (51.8% to 39.6%, p < 0.001) and relative increase in lean mass (47.0% to 58.1%, p < 0.001). In contrast to previous studies in adults, adolescent boys lost a greater percentage of their body fat than girls (−17.3% vs. −9.5%, p < 0.001). Individual bone mineral density Z‐scores (BMD‐Z) at baseline were within or above the normal range. The mean (SD) BMD‐Z was 2.02 (1.2) at baseline, decreasing to 0.52 (1.19) at 2 years.

Higher concentrations of serum CTX (p < 0.001) and osteocalcin (p < 0.001) were observed in boys throughout the study period. Levels rose in the first year, before decreasing modestly in the second. Levels of serum markers of bone synthesis and resorption were higher in boys, whose skeletal maturity occurs later than girls'.

Conclusions

Differences in body fat and lean mass proportions were observed according to sex following RYGB. Bone turnover increased, and BMD decreased to levels approaching a norm for age. Long‐term outcome will determine the clinical relevance.
Multifaceted community‐based intervention reduces rate of BMI growth in obese Mexican‐origin boys
Authors: Sadeghi B. , Kaiser L. L. , Schaefer S. , Tseregounis I. E. , Martinez L. , Gomez‐Camacho R. , de la Torre A.
Published: April 2016

Background

Latino children and youth have some of the highest rates of overweight and obesity. Early intervention is important to prevent future obesity and illness in this population.

Methods

A 3‐year, multifaceted intervention was designed to reduce the rate of growth of body mass index (BMI) among Mexican‐origin children. Two communities in California's agricultural Central Valley were targeted for intervention and comparison. To assess impact, anthropometric measures of participating children (N = 422) were collected and analysed at baseline and after 1 year of intervention.

Results

After 1 year of intervention, triceps skin‐fold thickness in girls showed a significant decrease in unadjusted analysis between children in the two communities. In multivariate analysis, a reduction in BMI growth was seen among obese boys in the intervention community (ß‐coefficient = −1.94, P = 0.05). Obese boys in the intervention community also had a smaller increase in waist circumference (ß‐coefficient = −5.2, P = 0.04) than the comparison community.

Conclusions

These early findings indicate the intervention's effectiveness for preventing BMI growth among obese boys. Longitudinal follow‐up is needed to determine the sustainability of results and whether similar results extend to obese girls and overweight boys or girls.
Longitudinal fat mass and visceral fat during the first 6 months after birth in healthy infants: support for a critical window for adiposity in early life
Authors: Breij Laura M. , Kerkhof Gerthe F. , De Lucia Rolfe Emanuella , Ong Ken K. , Abrahamse‐Berkeveld Marieke , Acton Dennis , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C.S.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Body composition in early life influences the development of obesity during childhood and beyond. It is, therefore, important to adequately determine longitudinal body composition during the first months of life.

Patients and methods

In 203 healthy term infants, we investigated longitudinal body composition, including fat mass percentage (FM%) and fat‐free mass (FFM), by air‐displacement plethysmography, at 1, 3 and 6 months of age and abdominal visceral fat and abdominal subcutaneous fat, by ultrasound, at 3 and 6 months.

Results

We found a significant increase in FM% between 1 and 3 months but not between 3 and 6 months (p < 0.001, p = 0.098, respectively). Girls had higher FM% than boys at 1 and 6 months (p = 0.05, p < 0.001 respectively) and less FFM than boys at 1, 3 and 6 months (p = 0.02, p = 0.02, p < 0.001, respectively). There was a large variation in FM% at all ages even between infants with similar weight standard deviation scores. Visceral fat and abdominal subcutaneous fat did not change between 3 and 6 months. FM% was highly correlated with abdominal subcutaneous fat but not with visceral fat.

Conclusion

Changes in FM% occur mainly in the first 3 months of life, and FM%, visceral and abdominal subcutaneous fat do not change between 3 and 6 months, supporting the concept of a critical window for adiposity development in the first three months of life. In addition, our study provides longitudinal reference data of FM%, FFM, visceral fat and abdominal subcutaneous fat during the first 6 months of life.
Scaffolding wiki‐supported collaborative learning for small‐group projects and whole‐class collaborative knowledge building
Authors: Lin C‐Y. , Reigeluth C.M.
Published: April 2016

While educators value wikis' potential, wikis may fail to support collaborative constructive learning without careful scaffolding. This article proposes literature‐based instructional methods, revised based on two expert instructors' input, presents the collected empirical evidence on the effects of these methods and proposes directions for future refinements. The instructional methods were implemented by an expert instructor teaching a 12‐week 68‐student undergraduate design class in Canada. Data were collected from observations, interviews and content analysis of wikis. The findings revealed that in small‐group project (SGP), the wiki instructional methods enhanced collaborative learning with most instructional methods derived from cooperative learning, but in whole‐class collaborative knowledge building (CKB), the wiki instructional mehtods failed to turn the class into a self‐sustained learning community after the scaffolding faded. We conclude that the genre of wikis should be different for SGP and CKB. While the students easily adopted the ‘reproduced’ genre of wikis for SGP with familiar tasks, they felt overwhelmed or resistant to the unfamiliar ‘emergent’ genre of wikis for CKB in massive collaborative constructive learning. Therefore, we propose that future refinements for wiki‐supported CKB should focus on providing students scaffolding for intersubjectivity (understanding collaborative constructive learning) and transfer of responsibility (developing autonomy).
Vimentin, colon cancer progression and resistance to butyrate and other HDACis
Authors: Lazarova Darina L. , Bordonaro Michael
Published: April 2016

Dietary fibre protects against colorectal cancer (CRC) most likely through the activity of its fermentation product, butyrate. Butyrate functions as a histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) that hyperactivates Wnt signalling and induces apoptosis of CRC cells. However, individuals who consume a high‐fibre diet may still develop CRC; therefore, butyrate resistance may develop over time. Furthermore, CRC cells that are resistant to butyrate are cross‐resistant to clinically relevant therapeutic HDACis, suggesting that the development of butyrate resistance in vivo can result in HDACi‐resistant CRCs. Butyrate/HDACi‐resistant CRC cells differ from their butyrate/HDACi‐sensitive counterparts in the expression of many genes, including the gene encoding vimentin (VIM) that is usually expressed in normal mesenchymal cells and is involved in cancer metastasis. Interestingly, vimentin is overexpressed in butyrate/HDACi‐resistant CRC cells although Wnt signalling is suppressed in such cells and that VIM is a Wnt activity‐targeted gene. The expression of vimentin in colonic neoplastic cells could be correlated with the stage of neoplastic progression. For example, comparative analyses of LT97 microadenoma cells and SW620 colon carcinoma cells revealed that although vimentin is not detectable in LT97 cells, it is highly expressed in SW620 cells. Based upon these observations, we propose that the differential expression of vimentin contributes to the phenotypic differences between butyrate‐resistant and butyrate‐sensitive CRC cells, as well as to the differences between early‐stage and metastatic colorectal neoplastic cells. We discuss the hypothesis that vimentin is a key factor integrating epithelial to mesenchymal transition, colonic neoplastic progression and resistance to HDACis.
China, the European Union and the Fragile World Order
Authors: Chen Zhimin
Published: April 2016

The EU (European Union) and China are the two arguably most unusual powers in today's world: the EU as the most integrated regional association of states and China as the largest developing great power. As the post‐Cold War American‐led liberal world order is facing challenges from forces unleashed by the power transition and power diffusion in the international system, this article will look into the order‐shaping roles of the EU and China, to identify their respective visions of a desirable world order and to conceptualize how the EU and China can make themselves ‘building blocks’ of a working world order through parallel, complementary and concerted order‐shaping.
Cold‐water vibriosis. The current status of knowledge
Authors: Kashulin A , Seredkina N , Sørum H
Published: April 2016

The current review for the first time summarizes the findings of the 30 years of research on cold‐water vibriosis (CWV). The diseased caused by Aliivibrio salmonicida (earlier known as Vibrio salmonicida) was for the first time described in 1986 and became one of the most important bacterial diseases in salmon aquaculture. The lack of appropriate vaccine hampered development of Atlantic salmon aquaculture until the late 1980s when a novel vaccine allowed dramatic increase in the Atlantic salmon farming. In December 2007, the genus Vibrio was split into two genera and several bacterial species including V. salmonicida were transferred to genus Aliivibrio. The change of the names create significant difficulties with the designation of the CWV disease agent since its abbreviation A. salmonicida became similar to another well‐known salmon pathogen Aeromonas salmonicida (A. salmonicida). The disease was considered as controlled by vaccination, but reappeared at Atlantic salmon farms in 2011, this time affecting vaccinated Atlantic salmon. The current review summarizes the knowledge on pathogenesis, vaccination and treatment of CWV and proposes further directions for studying the disease.
A structured physical activity and fitness programme for older adults with intellectual disabilities: results of a cluster‐randomised clinical trial
Authors: van Schijndel‐Speet M. , Evenhuis H.M. , van Wijck R. , van Montfort K. C. A. G. M. , Echteld M. A.
Published: April 2016

Background

The physical activity level of older adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) is extremely low, and their fitness levels are far beneath accepted norms for older people with normal intelligence and comparable with frail older people. A physical activity programme, including an education programme, was developed for older adults with ID using behaviour change techniques. The programme aimed at improving or maintaining adequate levels of physical activity (primary outcome measure) and motor fitness, cardio respiratory fitness, morphologic and metabolic fitness, activities of daily living, cognitive functioning and depressive symptoms (secondary outcome measures).

Method

The programme's efficacy was evaluated in a cluster‐randomised clinical trial among people aged 43 years and over with mild–moderate levels of ID. Five day‐activity centres were randomised to the participation group. In these centres, 81 older adults participated in groups of 8 to 10 in the programme, three times a week during 8 months. The programme was executed by physical activity instructors and staff of day‐activity centres. Five other day‐activity centres were randomised to the control group; 70 older adults in these centres received care as usual. The generalised linear model with mixed effects was used to test the programme's effectiveness.

Results

Significant effects were found on physical activity, muscle strength, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, serum cholesterol level and cognitive functioning, in favour of the programme's participants. No significant improvements were found on balance, serum glucose, weight, waist circumference, walking speed, mobility, depression or instrumental activities of daily living.

Conclusions

The physical activity and fitness programme has established small but significant effects in this sample, but generalising the findings to other settings is difficult due to significant participant dropout. Implementation of evidence‐based physical activity programmes among older adults with ID is recommended. Further research is needed to investigate the effectiveness of physical activity on daily life functioning and the development on chronic diseases in the long run.
Illness Representations of Injury: A Comparison of Patients and Their Caregivers
Authors: Lee Bih‐O , Fan Jun‐Yu , Hung Chang‐Chiao , Pai Hsiang‐Chu , Chou Pi‐Ling
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This study examined the differences between illness representations of injured patients and those of their caregivers.

Design

A comparative descriptive survey was used.

Methods

The study setting was the surgical wards of a teaching hospital in Taiwan. Data were collected at 3 to 6 months after hospital discharge. Participants were 127 pairs of injured patients and their caregivers. The participants completed sociodemographic data and completed the Chinese Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised‐Trauma, which is composed of eight subscales. Clinical data of the injured patients was obtained from medical records.

Results

Injured patients and their caregivers were pessimistic about the injury. Patients perceived significantly more physical symptoms than caregivers did. Caregivers for patients who were severely injured or admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) had more negative perceptions than did those who were providing care for moderately injured patients or those not admitted to an ICU. Caregivers who did not share their caring responsibilities had more negative perceptions than did those who shared their caring responsibilities with others.

Conclusions

This study found that patients and caregivers had negative illness representations several months after injury. Caregivers who provided care for severely injured patients or who did not share caring responsibilities perceived different extents of illness perceptions about the injury. The interventions should highlight the need to assist patients and caregivers after injury.

Clinical Relevance

Exploring the discrepancies in illness perceptions between injured patients and their caregivers can help clinicians to provide individualized care, and to design interventions that meet patients’ and caregivers’ needs.
Molecular genetics and epigenetics of nonfamilial (sporadic) parathyroid tumours
Authors: Westin G.
Published: April 2016

Primary hyperparathyroidism (pHPT) is a common endocrine disease characterized by excessive secretion of parathyroid hormone and an increased level of serum calcium. Overall, 80–85% of pHPT cases are due to a benign, single parathyroid adenoma (PA), and 15% to multiglandular disease (multiple adenomas/hyperplasia). Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is rare, accounting for <0.5–1% of pHPT cases. Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) is a complication of renal failure, with the development of parathyroid tumours and hypercalcaemia. Recurrent mutations in the MEN1 gene have been confirmed by the whole‐exome sequencing in 35% of PAs, suggesting that non‐protein‐coding genes, regulatory elements or epigenetic derangements may also have roles in the majority of PAs. DNA translocations with cyclin D1 overexpression occur in PAs (8%). In PCs, mutations in CDC73/HRPT2 are common. Activation of the WNT/β‐catenin signalling pathway (accumulation of nonphosphorylated β‐catenin) by an aberrantly truncated LRP5 receptor has been seen for the majority of investigated PAs and sHPT tumours, and possibly by APC inactivation through promoter methylation in PCs. Promoter methylation of several other genes and repressive histone H3 lysine 27 trimethylation by EZH2 of the HIC1 gene may also contribute to parathyroid tumorigenesis. It is possible that a common pathway exists for parathyroid tumour development. CCND1 (cyclin D1) and EZH2 overexpression, accumulation of nonphosphorylated β‐catenin and repression of HIC1 have all been observed to occur in PAs, PCs and sHPT tumours. In addition, hypermethylation has been observed for the same genes in PAs and PCs (e.g. SFRP1, CDKN2A and WT1). Whether β‐catenin represents a ‘hub’ in parathyroid tumour development will be discussed.
The Dynamics of Growth and Income Inequality under Progressive Taxation
Authors: KOYUNCU MURAT , TURNOVSKY STEPHEN J.
Published: April 2016

This paper develops an endogenous growth model having a progressive income tax structure in which heterogeneous agents, who differ in terms of their rates of time preference, supply labor elastically. We analyze the dynamic adjustment to an increase in progressivity and show that the economy will converge to an equilibrium growth path with nondegenerate distributions of both income and wealth. The role of the endogeneity of labor supply is emphasized and shown to have a major impact on the nature of the transitional path, as a result of the impact of the progressive tax on agents’ work incentives. Our theoretical analysis is supplemented with, and supported by, numerical simulations, which generally match the empirical evidence rather closely. We also show that the responses of the different income groups contrast sharply from one another so that focusing on the economy‐wide average provides an incomplete picture.
The Sanitary‐Mask Effect on Perceived Facial Attractiveness
Authors: Miyazaki Yuki , Kawahara Jun‐Ichiro
Published: April 2016

Currently, some Japanese women use a sanitary mask to hide their faces when not wearing makeup, perhaps because they believe that they are more attractive (or less ugly) when wearing a sanitary mask than when not wearing makeup. The present study examined the effect of wearing a sanitary mask on the perception of facial attractiveness. We manipulated the presence or absence of a mask in the main experiments or an occluder (e.g., notebook) in control experiments and asked participants to rate facial images. The results revealed that attractive faces wearing a sanitary mask were perceived as less attractive than the same faces without the mask, contrary to Japanese women's belief. This is the first study to demonstrate a new phenomenon, the sanitary‐mask effect, in which observers underestimate the physical attractiveness of a mask‐wearing face. Importantly, the pattern of the results of perceived attractiveness was substantially altered when a control object occluded the faces. This suggests that facial occlusion by a sanitary mask has a unique effect, due to occlusion and unhealthiness priming.
Discovery of a novel periplasmic protein that forms a complex with a trimeric autotransporter adhesin and peptidoglycan
Authors: Ishikawa Masahito , Yoshimoto Shogo , Hayashi Ayumi , Kanie Junichi , Hori Katsutoshi
Published: April 2016

Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs), fibrous proteins on the cell surface of Gram‐negative bacteria, have attracted attention as virulence factors. However, little is known about the mechanism of their biogenesis. AtaA, a TAA of Acinetobacter sp. Tol 5, confers nonspecific, high adhesiveness to bacterial cells. We identified a new gene, tpgA, which forms a single operon with ataA and encodes a protein comprising two conserved protein domains identified by Pfam: an N‐terminal SmpA/OmlA domain and a C‐terminal OmpA_C‐like domain with a peptidoglycan (PGN)‐binding motif. Cell fractionation and a pull‐down assay showed that TpgA forms a complex with AtaA, anchoring it to the outer membrane (OM). Isolation of total PGN‐associated proteins showed TpgA binding to PGN. Disruption of tpgA significantly decreased the adhesiveness of Tol 5 because of a decrease in surface‐displayed AtaA, suggesting TpgA involvement in AtaA secretion. This is reminiscent of SadB, which functions as a specific chaperone for SadA, a TAA in Salmonella species; however, SadB anchors to the inner membrane, whereas TpgA anchors to the OM through AtaA. The genetic organization encoding the TAA–TpgA‐like protein cassette can be found in diverse Gram‐negative bacteria, suggesting a common contribution of TpgA homologues to TAA biogenesis.
Reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships in dermatomycete genus Trichophyton Malmsten 1848 based on ribosomal internal transcribed spacer region, partial 28S rRNA and beta‐tubulin genes sequences
Authors: Pchelin Ivan M. , Zlatogursky Vasily V. , Rudneva Mariya V. , Chilina Galina A. , Rezaei‐Matehkolaei Ali , Lavnikevich Dmitry M. , Vasilyeva Natalya V. , Taraskina Anastasia E.
Published: April 2016

Trichophyton spp. are important causative agents of superficial mycoses. The phylogeny of the genus and accurate strain identification, based on the ribosomal ITS region sequencing, are still under development. The present work is aimed at (i) inferring the genus phylogeny from partial ITS, LSU and BT2 sequences (ii) description of ribosomal ITS region polymorphism in 15 strains of Trichophyton interdigitale. We performed DNA sequence‐based species identification and phylogenetic analysis on 48 strains belonging to the genus Trichophyton. Phylogenetic relationships were inferred by maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods on concatenated ITS, LSU and BT2 sequences. Ribosomal ITS region polymorphisms were assessed directly on the alignment. By phylogenetic reconstruction, we reveal major anthropophilic and zoophilic species clusters in the genus Trichophyton. We describe several sequences of the ITS region of T. interdigitale, which do not fit in the traditional polymorphism scheme and propose emendations in this scheme for discrimination between ITS sequence types in T. interdigitale. The new polymorphism scheme will allow inclusion of a wider spectrum of isolates while retaining its explanatory power. This scheme was also found to be partially congruent with NTS typing technique.
Impact of electrical stimulation of the stomach on gastric distension‐induced emesis in the musk shrew
Authors: Horn C. C. , Zirpel L. , Sciullo M. G. , Rosenberg D. M.
Published: April 2016

Background

Gastric electrical stimulation (GES) is implicated as a potential therapy for difficult‐to‐treat nausea and vomiting; however, there is a lack of insight into the mechanisms responsible for these effects. This study tested the relationship between acute GES and emesis in musk shrews, an established emetic model system.

Methods

Urethane‐anesthetized shrews were used to record emetic responses (monitoring intra‐tracheal pressure and esophageal contractions), respiration rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure, and gastrointestinal electromyograms. We investigated the effects of acute GES pulse duration (0.3, 1, 5, and 10 ms), current amplitude (0.5, 1, and 2 mA), pulse frequency (8, 15, 30, and 60 Hz), and electrode placement (antrum, body, and fundus) on emesis induced by gastric stretch, using a balloon.

Key Results

There were four outcomes: (i) GES did not modify the effects of gastric stretch‐induced emesis; (ii) GES produced emesis, depending on the stimulation parameters, but was less effective than gastric stretch; (iii) other physiological changes were closely associated with emesis and could be related to a sub‐threshold activation of the emetic system, including suppression of breathing and rise in blood pressure; and (iv) a control experiment showed that 8‐OH‐DPAT, a reported 5‐HT1A receptor agonist that acts centrally as an antiemetic, blocked gastric stretch‐induced emesis.

Conclusions and Inferences

These results do not support an antiemetic effect of acute GES on gastric distension‐induced emesis within the range of conditions tested, but further evaluation should focus on a broader range of emetic stimuli and GES stimulation parameters.
Resolving rapid dynamics of soil–plant–atmosphere interactions
Authors: Werner Christiane , Dubbert Maren
Published: April 2016

This article is a commentary on Volkmann et al., 210: 839–849.
Methodological quality of behavioural weight loss studies: a systematic review
Authors: Lemon S. C. , Wang M. L. , Haughton C. F. , Estabrook D. P. , Frisard C. F. , Pagoto S. L.
Published: April 2016

This systematic review assessed the methodological quality of behavioural weight loss intervention studies conducted among adults and associations between quality and statistically significant weight loss outcome, strength of intervention effectiveness and sample size. Searches for trials published between January, 2009 and December, 2014 were conducted using PUBMED, MEDLINE and PSYCINFO and identified ninety studies. Methodological quality indicators included study design, anthropometric measurement approach, sample size calculations, intent‐to‐treat (ITT) analysis, loss to follow‐up rate, missing data strategy, sampling strategy, report of treatment receipt and report of intervention fidelity (mean = 6.3). Indicators most commonly utilized included randomized design (100%), objectively measured anthropometrics (96.7%), ITT analysis (86.7%) and reporting treatment adherence (76.7%). Most studies (62.2%) had a follow‐up rate > 75% and reported a loss to follow‐up analytic strategy or minimal missing data (69.9%). Describing intervention fidelity (34.4%) and sampling from a known population (41.1%) were least common. Methodological quality was not associated with reporting a statistically significant result, effect size or sample size. This review found the published literature of behavioural weight loss trials to be of high quality for specific indicators, including study design and measurement. Identified for improvement include utilization of more rigorous statistical approaches to loss to follow up and better fidelity reporting.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis Caused by P‐Tert‐Butylphenol‐Formaldehyde Resin in Orthopedic Braces
Authors: Simonsen Anne Birgitte , Deleuran Mette , Sommerlund Mette
Published: April 2016

P‐tert‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin is a widely used adhesive chemical. It is used in a broad range of products and should be kept in mind when encountering children with suspected allergic contact dermatitis. We present a girl who developed contact allergy to p‐tert‐butylphenol‐formaldehyde resin used in orthopedic braces.
A paradox of support seeking and support response among gays and lesbians
Authors: WILLIAMS STACEY L. , LADUKE SHERI L. , KLIK KATHLEEN A. , HUTSELL DAVID W.
Published: April 2016

Individuals that perceive stigma surrounding their identity and fear rejection of support requests may experience a paradox whereby they seek support indirectly from support networks (friends and family) to avoid rejection and are met with unsupportive responses. This study extended this paradox to sexual minorities using survey data from a sample of 133 individuals self‐identified as gay and lesbian. Results of structural equation modeling showed self‐stigma and fear of support rejection linked to increased indirect support seeking, which in turn explained unsupportive network responses, providing support for a paradox among gays and lesbians. Findings may have implications for interventions to improve support exchanges in the lives of sexual minorities.
Locus of Control and Anti‐Immigrant Sentiment in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom
Authors: Harell Allison , Soroka Stuart , Iyengar Shanto
Published: April 2016

Using data collected in Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom, this article examines the determinants of attitudes toward immigrants. In particular, we draw on the literature in social psychology to explore the role of locus of control in promoting more ethnocentric and restrictive attitudes towards immigration. We conceptualize control at three levels: (1) perceptions of individual locus of control (i.e., feeling that one can control one's own circumstances), (2) perceptions of societal control (i.e., feeling that one's country has control over immigration), and (3) perceptions of an outgroup's locus of control (i.e., feeling that an outgroup's social circumstances are attributable to dispositional rather than external factors). Results show that all three measures of control are important predictors of negative attitudes toward immigrants: Those who feel in control (personally or as a society) are less hostile towards immigrants, while those who attribute negative outcomes to immigrants' predispositions are also more hostile. Results also suggest that measures of control are related to, but distinct from, both partisanship and racial prejudice.
Gold Mineralization at the Agawa Prospect in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Southwestern Japan
Authors: Sato Ryuya , Sawai Osao , Watanabe Yasushi
Published: April 2016

Agawa gold prospect, located in Yamaguchi Prefecture, southwestern Japan, is a small prospect, where placer gold has been explored and mined since the 17th century. We investigated the prospect to clarify the genesis of the deposit based on the geology, hydrothermal alteration, geochronology, and ore mineralogy. The main mineralized zone of the prospect has a horizontal and vertical extensions of 500 m and 100 m, respectively, and a width of less than 100 m. Gold mineralization in the prospect occurs as dissemination and stockwork veinlets in the intensely sericitized rocks at the apical part of the Agawa dioritic porphyry intrusion at 86.5–88.5 Ma.

Mineralization is typified by at least three stages – an early stage characterized by the occurrence of pyrrhotite and native gold; a middle stage by chalcopyrite; and a late stage by pyrite–bornite. Mineral assemblage and fluid inclusion microthermometry estimation suggest a trend of decreasing temperatures from 400°C to 160°C at a constant sulfur fugacity. The mineralizing fluids formed by the mixing of a hypogene fluid of possibly magmatic origin with an external lower‐temperature and lower‐salinity fluid. The mixing process decreased the temperature and salinity of the fluid, resulting in the precipitation of sulfides, native gold and Bi–Te alloys and sulfosalts.

The magnetite‐series signature of the Agawa porphyry and related molybdenite‐bearing mineralization indicate that the plutonism of the San‐in granitoids belt extends to the westernmost end of the Honshu Island. The compiled geochronology and distribution of the metallic deposits in the southwestern Japan arc show that transition from ilmenite‐series to magnetite‐series plutonism started earlier in the west, and shifted eastwards with time during the period from Late Cretaceous to Paleogene.
When the Smoke Clears: Focusing Events, Issue Definition, Strategic Framing, and the Politics of Gun Control*
Authors: Fleming Anthony K. , Rutledge Paul E. , Dixon Gregory C. , Peralta J. Salvador
Published: April 2016

Objective

This article explores the strategic nature of framing following a focusing event. We argue that focusing events serve as catalysts for bill introductions along three particular causal stories prevalent in gun control policy: restrictive, punitive, and lenient.

Methods

We employ a negative binomial regression model to investigate the effect firearm focusing events have on restrictive, lenient, and punitive bills introduced in both the House and the Senate.

Results

Focusing events lead to an increase in restrictive, punitive, and lenient bills introduced in the House. In the Senate, however, focusing events lead to an increase in the number of punitive and lenient bills, while having no significant impact on the number of restrictive bills.

Conclusion

This represents an increase in attention to gun control policy regardless of the causal story.
Gender and the Digital Divide in Latin America*
Authors: Gray Tricia J. , Gainous Jason , Wagner Kevin M.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

We analyze differences in how men and women in Latin American countries are utilizing the Internet to identify a possible regional gendered digital divide in Internet use. The extent, degree, and implications of this gender digital divide are explored across countries with varying degrees of digital freedom.

Methods

We employ a series of random‐ and fixed‐effects models utilizing individual‐level data from the 2010 Latin Barometer merged with country‐level data obtained from the U.N. Gender Inequality Index.

Results

Our results suggest that, in general, Latin American men tend to use the Internet more than women. Men also use more social media and gather political information more frequently. In addition, Internet use is higher across these categories in countries with more gender equality.

Conclusion

The potential for the Internet to serve as a social and political equalizing force in Latin America is stymied in part by the gendered digital divide.
Democracy and Football*
Authors: Lago Ignacio , Lago‐Peñas Carlos , Lago‐Peñas Santiago
Published: April 2016

Objectives

This article relies on data from two samples of 47 and 49 European countries from 1950 through 2011 and 1,980 and 1,960 football domestic leagues, respectively, to explore to what extent political regimes affect the competitive balance in domestic football (soccer) leagues.

Methods

We run OLS cross‐sectional regressions comparing democracies and nondemocracies and pooled cross‐sectional time‐series analyses conducted on the 13 countries that have experienced a transition to democracy after 1950.

Results

We find that the percentage of league competitions won by the most successful club in the country is substantially lower in democracies than in nondemocracies. Democratic transitions trigger pressures to increase the competitive balance in football leagues.

Conclusions

The link between nondemocracies and specific teams breaks when a country experiences a transition to democracy and the economic liberalization that takes place in transitions to democracy disperses resources and generates competition among descending and ascending teams.
Ideological Consistency, Political Information and Elite–Mass Congruence*
Authors: Barceló Joan
Published: April 2016

Objective

The literature considers the importance of political sophistication for controlling political elites, although it disregards the role of ideological consistency. The objective of this article is to gain insight into the role of citizens’ ideological consistency as either an impairment to citizens’ ability or an effective tool in bringing about elite–mass congruence.

Methods

Combining data from the European Social Survey (ESS) and the Comparative Manifesto Project (CMP) for 29 European countries, I implement an empirical strategy to disentangle the top‐down and bottom‐up processes of mutual influence between elites and citizens.

Results

Consistent with the enabling (as opposed to the impairing) conception of ideological consistency, ideological consistency closes, rather than increases, the gap between the elites and the masses. Also, bottom‐up models dominate top‐down models regardless of electorates’ ideological consistency and information.

Conclusion

Empirical findings challenge the literature about the causal effect of political ignorance on the autonomy of political elites, and they urge for the inclusion of ideological consistency as a crucial factor for a better understanding of the positional gaps between the elites and the masses.
Classifying Human Activity Patterns from Smartphone Collected GPS data: A Fuzzy Classification and Aggregation Approach
Authors: Wan Neng , Lin Ge
Published: April 2016

Smartphones have emerged as a promising type of equipment for monitoring human activities in environmental health studies. However, degraded location accuracy and inconsistency of smartphone‐measured GPS data have limited its effectiveness for classifying human activity patterns. This study proposes a fuzzy classification scheme for differentiating human activity patterns from smartphone‐collected GPS data. Specifically, a fuzzy logic reasoning was adopted to overcome the influence of location uncertainty by estimating the probability of different activity types for single GPS points. Based on that approach, a segment aggregation method was developed to infer activity patterns, while adjusting for uncertainties of point attributes. Validations of the proposed methods were carried out based on a convenient sample of three subjects with different types of smartphones. The results indicate desirable accuracy (e.g. up to 96% in activity identification) using of this method. Two examples are provided in the Appendix to illustrate how the proposed methods could be applied in environmental health studies. Researchers could tailor this scheme to fit a variety of research topics.
Genetic variations of the coding region of the melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) gene in the fox
Authors: Liu Zhengzhu , Gong Yuanfang , Feng Minshan , Duan Lingxin , Li Yingjie , Li Xianglong
Published: April 2016

Background

The melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene plays an important role in the control of coat colour in mammals. Genetic variation of the MC1R gene and the relationship between genotype and coat colour are not well understood. Studies in the fox may improve our understanding of gene influence on coat colour in dogs and cats.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To investigate coat colour associated mutations in the coding region of MC1R gene in foxes.

Animals

A total of 118 foxes, comprising 70 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) (19 red, 10 white silver, 29 silver and 12 chocolate foxes) and 48 arctic foxes (Vulpes lagopus) (9 dominant white blue foxes and 39 normal blue foxes) were included in the study.

Methods

Evaluation of the DNA sequence of the coding region of MC1R gene and its polymorphisms.

Results

Eight polymorphic sites (single nucleotide polymorphisms, SNPs) distributed throughout the 954‐bp coding region of the fox MC1R gene were detected. Among them, c.13G>T, c.124A>G, c.289G>A, c.373T>C and c.839 T>G were mis‐sense mutations, which resulted in codon change of p.G5C, p.N42D, p.V97I, p.C125R and p.F280C, respectively. Mutation and haplotype analysis indicated that c.373T>C was associated with black and brown pigmented phenotypes in foxes, and c.13G>T and c.839T>G were important in distinguishing V. lagopus and V. vulpes.

Conclusions and clinical importance

SNP c.373T>C in the coding region of the MC1R gene is probably associated with the brown phenotype of chocolate foxes.
Phenomenological Analysis of Melt Progression in LWRS: Proposal of an In-Vessel Corium Progression Scenario in the Unit 1 of Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant
Authors: Frédéric Payot , Jean-Marie Seiler
Published: April 2016

In the field of severe accident, the description of corium progression events is mainly carried out using integral calculation codes. However, these tools are usually based on bounding assumptions because of the high complexity of phenomena. The limitations associated with bounding situations [1] (e.g., steady-state situations and instantaneous whole core relocation in the lower head) led CEA to develop an alternative approach to improve the phenomenological description of the melt progression. The methodology used to describe the corium progression was designed to cover the accidental situations from the core meltdown to the molten core–concrete interaction (MCCI). This phenomenological approach is based on the available data (including learnings from TMI-2) on physical models and knowledge about the corium behavior. It provides emerging trends and best-estimate intermediate situations. As different phenomena are unknown, but strongly coupled, uncertainties at large scale for the reactor application must be taken into account. Furthermore, the analysis is complicated by the fact that these configurations are most probably three-dimensional (3D), all the more so because 3D effects are expected to have significant consequences for the corium progression and the resulting vessel failure. Such an analysis of the in-vessel melt progression was carried out for the Unit 1 of the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Plant. The core uncovering kinetics governs the core degradation and impacts the appearance of the first molten corium inside the core. The initial conditions used to carry out this analysis are based on the available results derived from codes such as the MELCOR calculation code [2]. The core degradation could then follow different ways: (1) Axial progression of the debris and the molten fuel through the lower support plate, or (2) lateral progression of the molten fuel through the shroud. On the basis of the Bali program results [3] and the TMI-2 accident observations [4], this work is focused on the consequences of a lateral melt progression (not excluding an axial progression through the support plate). Analysis of the events and the associated time sequence will be detailed. Besides, this analysis identifies some number of issues. Random calculations and statistical analysis of the results could be performed with calculation codes such as LEONAR–PROCOR codes [5]. This work was presented in the frame of the OECD/NEA/CSNI Benchmark Study of the Accident at the Fukushima Dai-ichi Nuclear Power Station (BSAF) project [6]. During the years of 2012 and 2014, the purpose of this project was both to study, by means of severe accident codes, the Fukushima accident in the three crippled units, until 6 days from the reactor shutdown, and to give information about, in particular, the location and composition of core debris.
Skeletal muscle action of estrogen receptor α is critical for the maintenance of mitochondrial function and metabolic homeostasis in females
Authors: Ribas Vicent , Drew Brian G. , Zhou Zhenqi , Phun Jennifer , Kalajian Nareg Y. , Soleymani Teo , Daraei Pedram , Widjaja Kevin , Wanagat Jonathan , de Aguiar Vallim Thomas Q. , Fluitt Amy H. , Bensinger Steven , Le Thuc , Radu Caius , Whitelegge Julian P. , Beaven Simon W. , Tontonoz Peter , Lusis Aldons J. , Parks Brian W. , Vergnes Laurent , Reue Karen , Singh Harpreet , Bopassa Jean C. , Toro Ligia , Stefani Enrico , Watt Matthew J. , Schenk Simon , Akerstrom Thorbjorn , Kelly Meghan , Pedersen Bente K. , Hewitt Sylvia C. , Korach Kenneth S. , Hevener Andrea L.
Published: April 2016

ERα action in skeletal muscle is involved in the preservation of mitochondrial health and insulin sensitivity in female mice and can serve as a defense against metabolic disease in women.
Vaccination during myeloid cell depletion by cancer chemotherapy fosters robust T cell responses
Authors: Welters Marij J. , van der Sluis Tetje C. , van Meir Hélène , Loof Nikki M. , van Ham Vanessa J. , van Duikeren Suzanne , Santegoets Saskia J. , Arens Ramon , de Kam Marieke L. , Cohen Adam F. , van Poelgeest Mariette I. , Kenter Gemma G. , Kroep Judith R. , Burggraaf Jacobus , Melief Cornelis J. , van der Burg Sjoerd H.
Published: April 2016

Therapeutic vaccination against HPV16 is effective with chemotherapy for advanced cervical cancer patients.
The Human Vaccines Project: A roadmap for cancer vaccine development
Authors: Romero Pedro , Banchereau Jacques , Bhardwaj Nina , Cockett Mark , Disis Mary L. , Dranoff Glenn , Gilboa Eli , Hammond Scott A. , Hershberg Robert , Korman Alan J. , Kvistborg Pia , Melief Cornelis , Mellman Ira , Palucka A. Karolina , Redchenko Irina , Robins Harlan , Sallusto Federica , Schenkelberg Theodore , Schoenberger Stephen , Sosman Jeffrey , Türeci Özlem , Van den Eynde Benoît , Koff Wayne , Coukos George
Published: April 2016

A concerted international effort is necessary to achieve clinically effective cancer vaccines.
Periodicity in Attachment Organelle Revealed by Electron Cryotomography Suggests Conformational Changes in Gliding Mechanism of Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Kawamoto Akihiro , Matsuo Lisa , Kato Takayuki , Yamamoto Hiroki , Namba Keiichi , Miyata Makoto
Published: April 2016

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
, a pathogenic bacterium, glides on host surfaces using a unique mechanism. It forms an attachment organelle at a cell pole as a protrusion comprised of knoblike surface structures and an internal core. Here, we analyzed the three-dimensional structure of the organelle in detail by electron cryotomography. On the surface, knoblike particles formed a two-dimensional array, albeit with limited regularity. Analyses using a nonbinding mutant and an antibody showed that the knoblike particles correspond to a naplike structure that has been observed by negative-staining electron microscopy and is likely to be formed as a complex of P1 adhesin, the key protein for binding and gliding. The paired thin and thick plates feature a rigid hexagonal lattice and striations with highly variable repeat distances, respectively. The combination of variable and invariant structures in the internal core and the P1 adhesin array on the surface suggest a model in which axial extension and compression of the thick plate along a rigid thin plate is coupled with attachment to and detachment from the substrate during gliding.

IMPORTANCE
Human mycoplasma pneumonia, epidemic all over the world in recent years, is caused by a pathogenic bacterium,
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
. This tiny bacterium, about 2 µm in cell body length, glides on the surface of the human trachea to infect the host by binding to sialylated oligosaccharides, which are also the binding targets of influenza viruses. The mechanism of mycoplasmal gliding motility is not related to any other well-studied motility systems, such as bacterial flagella and cytoplasmic motor proteins. Here, we visualized the attachment organelle, a cellular architecture for gliding, three dimensionally by using electron cryotomography and other conventional methods. A possible gliding mechanism has been suggested based on the architectural images.