bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intellectual disability in cerebral palsy: a population‐based retrospective study
Authors: Reid Susan M , Meehan Elaine M , Arnup Sarah J , Reddihough Dinah S
Published: April 2018

Aim

A population‐based observational study design was used to describe the epidemiology of intellectual disability in cerebral palsy (CP) in terms of clinical and neuroimaging associations, and to report the impact of intellectual disability on utilization of health services and length of survival.

Method

Population CP registry data were used to retrospectively assess the frequency of intellectual disability and strength of associations between intellectual disability and mobility, epilepsy, vision, hearing, communication, and neuroimaging patterns (n=1141). Data linkage was undertaken to assess usage of hospital inpatient and emergency department services. Survival analysis was performed in a 30‐year birth cohort (n=3248).

Results

Intellectual disability, present in 45% of the cohort, was associated with non‐ambulation (47% vs 8%), later walking (mean 2y 7mo vs 1y 9mo), hypotonic (8% vs 1%) or dyskinetic (9% vs 5%) CP, a quadriplegic pattern of motor impairment (42% vs 5%), epilepsy (52% vs 12%), more emergency and multi‐day hospital admissions, and reduced 35‐year survival (96% vs 71%). Grey matter injuries (13% vs 6%), malformations (18% vs 6%), and miscellaneous neuroimaging patterns (12% vs 4%) were more common in people with intellectual disability.

Interpretation

Intellectual disability adds substantially to the overall medical complexity in CP and may increase health and mortality disparities.

What this study adds

Cerebral maldevelopments and grey matter injuries are associated with higher intellectual disability rates.

Health care is more ‘crisis‐driven’ and ‘reactive’ in children with co‐occurring intellectual disability.

Length of survival is reduced in individuals with CP and co‐occurring intellectual disability.
Long‐term treatment with metformin in type 2 diabetes and vitaminDlevels:Apost‐hocanalysis of a randomized placebo‐controlled trial
Authors: Out Mattijs , Top Wiebe M. C. , Lehert Philippe , Schalkwijk Casper A. , Stehouwer Coen D. A. , Kooy Adriaan
Published: April 2018

Aims

To study the effects of metformin, as compared to placebo, on serum levels of vitamin D (25‐hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D]) in patients with advanced type 2 diabetes.

Materials and Methods

In the HOME trial, a randomized placebo‐controlled trial, 390 insulin‐treated patients with type 2 diabetes were treated with 850 mg metformin or placebo thrice daily for 52 months. In apost‐hocanalysis, we examined changes in the combined levels of 25(OH)D2and 25(OH)D3at 4 and 16 months during the study.

Results

Mean combined 25(OH)D at baseline was 68.2 nmoL/L (95% confidence interval [CI]: 65.5‐71.1). In mixed model analysis, metformin, as compared to placebo, had no effect on 25(OH)D levels during 16 months (coefficient: 1.002 per month, multiplicative model; 95% CI: 0.998‐1.006,P = .30). Metformin was associated with a small increase of 25(OH)D2(coefficient: 1.012 per month; 95% CI: 1.003‐1.021,P = .008). However, 25(OH)D2is only a very small fraction (3%) of 25(OH)D. Seasonal variation had the biggest impact on 25(OH)D levels. Vitamin B12 levels were not associated with the levels of 25(OH)D.

Conclusion

Metformin had no effect on serum 25(OH)D during 16 months in the setting of a clinical randomized controlled trial in patients with type 2 diabetes. Our results show that metformin doesn't lead to vitamin D deficiency.
Explaining global insect species richness: lessons from a decade of macroevolutionary entomology
Authors: Mayhew Peter J.
Published: April 2018

The last 10 years have seen more research on insect macroevolution than all the previous years combined. Here, I summarize and criticise the claims that have been made by comparative phylogenetic and fossil studies, and identify some future opportunities. We know the fossil record and phylogeny of insects much better than we did 10 years ago. We cannot simply ascribe the richness of insects, or their subtaxa, to either age or diversification rate. There is evidence that fossil family richness peaked much earlier than previously suspected. Phylogenetic evidence, however, suggests that species‐level net diversification rates are accelerating, though this is highly variable across taxa, implying ongoing changes in global taxonomic composition. Although there is evidence that wings and metamorphosis have had some macroevolutionary effects, the most definitive broad phylogenetic study does not suggest that they directly elevated net diversification of species. There is little evidence that insect body size influences net diversification rate. Compared to other phyla, arthropod richness, of which insects comprise the major part, is best explained by non‐marine habit, presence of parasitic lifestyles, a skeleton, vision, and dioecy. Herbivory cannot yet robustly be said to increase diversification over other diets across all insects: there are contrary analyses, and effects differ in different taxa. Many phylogenetic studies now document how it sometimes does: from co‐speciation, to diffuse co‐evolution with host shifting. The last decade has shown that climate change and biogeographic processes are likely important in generating or limiting insect diversification, but there is a need for greater statistical rigour in such studies. There is also a need to understand the validity of some widely used statistical methods better, and to make better use of the data and methods that exist. Macroevolutionary entomology could greatly benefit from online data integration platforms to facilitate analyses of broader scope.
Food web associations and effect of trophic resources and environmental factors on parasitoids expanding their host range into non‐native hosts
Authors: Murillo Pacheco Henry , Vanlaerhoven Sherah L. , Marcos García M. Ángeles , Hunt David W.
Published: April 2018

Trophic interactions and environmental conditions determine the structure of food webs and the host expansion of parasitoids into novel insect hosts. In this study, we investigate plant–insect–parasitoid food web interactions, specifically the effect of trophic resources and environmental factors on the presence of the parasitoids expanding their host range after the invasion ofChrysodeixis chalcites(Esper) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae). We also consider potential candidates for biological control of this non‐native pest. A survey of larval stages ofPlusiinae (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae) and their larval parasitoids was conducted in field and vegetable greenhouse crops in 2009 and 2010 in various locations of Essex and Chatham‐Kent counties inOntario,Canada. Twenty‐one plant–host insect–host parasitoid associations were observed amongTrichoplusia ni(Hübner) (Lepidoptera:Noctuidae),C. chalcites, and larval parasitoids in three trophic levels of interaction.Chrysodeixis chalcites, an old‐world species that had just arrived in the region, was the most common in our samples. The larval parasitoidsCampoletis sonorensis(Cameron) (Hymenoptera:Ichneumonidae),Cotesia vanessae(Reinhard),Cotesiasp.,Microplitis alaskensis(Ashmead), andMeteorus rubens(Nees) (allHymenoptera:Braconidae) expanded their host range intoC. chalciteschanging the structure of the food web.Copidosoma floridanum(Ashmead) (Hymenoptera:Encyrtidae) was the most common parasitoid ofT. nithat was not found in the invasive species. Plant species, host abundance, and agro‐ecosystem were the most common predictors for the presence of the parasitoids expanding their host range intoC. chalcites. Our results indicate thatC. sonorensis,C. vanessae, andC. floridanumshould be evaluated for their potential use in biological control ofC. chalcitesandT. ni.
Interrelation of mating, flight, and fecundity in navel orangeworm females
Authors: Rovnyak Angela M. , Burks Charles S. , Gassmann Aaron J. , Sappington Thomas W.
Published: April 2018

The navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae, Phycitini), is an economically important pest of nut crops in California, USA. Improved management will require better understanding of insect dispersal, particularly relative to when mating occurs. A previous study demonstrated a more robust laboratory flight capacity compared to other orchard moth pests, but it was unclear how mating affects dispersal, and how dispersal affects fecundity. In this study, 1‐ and 2‐day‐old females were allowed to fly overnight on a flight mill either before or after mating, respectively, and were then allowed to oviposit. Data on fecundity were compared between treatments to minimally handled or tethered‐only control females. Females that mated before flight flew longer and covered a greater distance than those flying prior to mating. However, timing of flight relative to mating did not affect fecundity, nor did any measure of flight performance. There was no effect on fecundity when females were forced to fly for designated durations from 3 min to 2 h. Together, our data revealed no obvious trade‐off between flight activity and reproductive output. Distances measured on the flight mills (mean ca. 15 km for mated females) may overestimate net displacement in the field where flight tracks are often meandering. The results suggest that most females mate and oviposit in or near their natal habitat, but that some may disperse potentially long distances to oviposit elsewhere.
Narratives boost entrepreneurial attitudes: Making an entrepreneurial career attractive?
Authors: Fellnhofer Katharina
Published: April 2018

This article analyses the impact of narratives on entrepreneurial attitudes and intentions. To this end, a quasi‐experiment was conducted to evaluate web‐based entrepreneurial narratives. The paired‐sample tests and regression analysis use a sample of 466 people from Austria, Finland, and Greece and indicate that individuals’ perceptions of the desirability of entrepreneurship and entrepreneurial intention are significantly different before and after exposure to entrepreneurial narratives. Furthermore, the findings indicate that perceptions of the feasibility of entrepreneurship are more strongly affected by videos than by cases. From a policy perspective, this study raises awareness that entrepreneurship is an attractive career path.
Activation of central GABAB receptors offsets the cyclosporine counteraction of endotoxic cardiovascular outcomes in conscious rats
Authors: Sallam Marwa Y. , El‐Gowilly Sahar M. , Abdel‐Galil Abdel‐Galil A. , El‐Mas Mahmoud M.
Published: April 2018

We have previously shown that cyclosporine (CSA) counteracts cardiovascular manifestations induced by endotoxemia (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) such as hypotension and cardiac autonomic dysfunction in conscious rats. In this study, we investigated whether the facilitation of central γ‐amino butyric acid (GABA) neurotransmission blunts these favorable influences of CSA. The LPS‐CSA interaction was determined in the absence and presence of drugs that activate GABAA or GABAB receptors or elevate synaptic GABA levels in the central nervous system. The consequent i.v. administration of CSA (10 mg/kg) blunted the LPS‐evoked hypotension, tachycardia, and reductions in time‐ and frequency‐domain indices of heart rate variability (measures of cardiac autonomic control) evoked by LPS (10 mg/kg i.v.). The ability of CSA to reverse the LPS effects disappeared in rats treated intracisternally (i.c.) with baclofen (selective GABAB agonist, 2 μg/rat) but not muscimol (selective GABAA agonist, 1 μg/rat), indicating a preferential compromising action for central GABAB receptors on the advantageous effects of CSA. Moreover, the improvement by CSA of LPS‐evoked cardiovascular derangements was also eliminated after concurrent i.c. administration of vigabatrin (GABA transaminase inhibitor, 200 μg/rat) or tiagabine (GABA reuptake inhibitor, 100 μg/rat). These results demonstrate that the activation of central GABAB receptors either directly via baclofen or indirectly following interventions that boost GABA levels in central synapses counterbalances the rectifying action of CSA on endotoxemia.
Regendering the South African army: Inclusion, reversal and displacement
Authors: Wilén Nina , Heinecken Lindy
Published: April 2018

This article examines the extent to which the participation of women in the military furthers or hinders the displacement of gendered dichotomies and whether this brings about more transformative change to military institutions. Based on research of the South African National Defence Force, the authors argue that although typical ‘feminine’ qualities at times are valued in peace operations, this has not contributed to a transformation of gender relations in the military. The authors identify the lack of change as due to a deep‐seated patriarchal culture in South Africa and essentialist discourses that affect women's identities as soldiers. Three discourses are identified in the interviews which accentuate this phenomenon: civilianizing, sexualizing and victimizing discourses. While these discourses are not necessarily negative to female soldiers' inclusion in the military, the focus on differences related to gender stereotypes renders a displacement of gendered hierarchies and consequently also a regendered military difficult.
Using 3D Printing to Create a Robust and Compact Peristaltic Field Pump: An Update to the Montana Drill Pump
Authors: Miller Jordyn B. , Frisbee Marty D.
Published: April 2018

The collection of water samples from springs, streams, and wells is a critical component of field hydrogeological studies. Fieldwork, especially in mountainous terrain, often involves hiking to remote springs and streams. It is logistically and physically difficult to carry bulky, heavy sampling equipment such as large peristaltic pumps with built‐in batteries in these areas. To address this problem, researchers at the University of Montana designed the Montana Drill Pump (MDP) roughly 30 years ago to provide a compact, low‐cost and portable option for sampling with a peristaltic pump in the backcountry (Woessner ). Although the MDP is popular, with the advent of 3D printing techniques, a more robust and precise fitting pump design can be inexpensively created that can be quickly assembled in the lab or field. This new pump design was tested on multiple backpacking sampling campaigns in the Panamint Mountains of southern California, Mount Hood in Oregon, and Glacier National Park in northern Montana during the summer of 2017. The design was proven to be easy to use and durable in the field and offers a rugged, updated, more precisely fitting option to the MDP.
Antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells, immunomodulatory effects in RAW 264.7 cells and absorption characteristics in Caco‐2 cells of the peptide fraction isolated from Dendrobium aphyllum
Authors: Liu Huifan , Ye Hongji , Sun Chongzhen , Xi Hongru , Ma Juanjuan , Lai Furao , Wu Hui
Published: April 2018

DA‐P, fraction of peptides with a molecular weight <1 kDa isolated from Dendrobium aphyllum, was analysed in three types of cell lines to verify its bioactivity and absorptivity. The cellular antioxidant activity of DA‐P in HepG2 cells was used and results revealed an EC50 of 2.88 ± 0.143 mg mL−1 and a CAA unit of 63.46 ± 2.11 μm QE/100 g peptides. DA‐P treatment enhanced the secretion of cytokines in RAW 264.7 cells. After demonstrating the presence of tight junctions in Caco‐2 monolayers, the absorption was 25.57% ± 0.016% and 19.7% ± 0.012% from different sides. The relatively high absorption indicated that the antioxidant‐relevant immune functions of DA‐P had a greater possibility to be absorbed by Caco‐2 cells. Free amino acids and LC‐MS/MS analysis indicated the degradation and expulsion of components after the absorption of DA‐P, and Ser‐Ser‐Arg was able to come across the monolayers.
Microbiological changes and their impact on quality characteristics of red hot chilli pepper mash during natural fermentation
Authors: Watts Evelyn G. , Janes Marlene E. , Prinyawiwatkul Witoon , Shen Yixiao , Xu Zhimin , Johnson Danielle
Published: April 2018

Production of hot sauce may require fermentation of red hot pepper mash in barrels from 2 weeks up to 3 years. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the microbiological changes and their impact on quality characteristics of red hot pepper mash during natural fermentation over a period of 18 months. Aerobic plate count (APC), lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yeast counts, as well as changes in pH, acid content, colour and aroma of red hot pepper mash, were analysed. LAB and yeast presented a symbiotic association throughout the fermentation process. Significant pH reduction was observed, with an inverse correlation with acid content. There were minor changes in the colour of the mash. Aroma was analysed based on six volatile compounds which had a significant increase during the first 60 days of fermentation, followed by a significant reduction after 300 days.
How Japanese nurses participate in decision making: Infants with congenital life‐threatening conditions
Authors: Shitaya Sohei , Nakamura Nobue , Sato Naho
Published: April 2018

Background

In Japan, owing to the progress in medical technology, more children with congenital life‐threatening conditions survive than ever before. Nurses who care for these children may also influence decision making in difficult situations.

Aim

We aimed to describe Japanese nurses' approach toward medical decision making when caring for families of infants with congenital life‐threatening conditions. Frequently, these nurses must care for and support parents with ambivalent feelings.

Design

Qualitative descriptive study.

Methods

Participants were recruited from neonatal intensive care unit and paediatric wards at a university hospital in Japan from June to July 2016. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews and qualitatively analysed.

Results

Japanese nurses described these situations as “decision making regarding the child's medical care” and “daily life at hospitals.” The themes included support of parents and the choices made about their children, nurses giving or holding their opinions about care choices, or withholding their opinions during decision‐making events. The narratives included 5 focus areas: the parents; the children, the family as a whole; relationship between families and health care providers; and the effect of the clinical environment on the children and families.

Conclusion

When caring for children with life‐threatening congenital conditions, nurses should develop supportive relationships with parents and contribute to the clinical decision‐making process with empathy and based on the most current research data.
The diary of a nonagenarian‐centenarian woman with dementia: Memory loss, life changes, and community care in Japan
Authors: Suwa Sayuri , Otani Saori , Tsujimura Mayuko , Nogawa Kotoko , Shiya Yoko
Published: April 2018

Aim: This study aimed to explore the experiences and thoughts of a nonagenarian‐centenarian woman with dementia living alone, through detailed analysis of her unsolicited diary.

Data Source: After receiving consent from Aki (a pseudonym), her family and caregivers, copies of her diaries, hand‐written in Japanese, were provided for analysis.

Methods: The content of the diaries was broadly organized into themes and qualitative content analysis carried out for each theme along a sequential timeline. Changes in perspective, expression, quality of script, and frequency of notations were noted over time are compared with clinical assessments of dementia and activities of daily living recorded by health care providers. Demographic history was obtained from family members.

Results: On recommendation by her nursing care manager, Aki began keeping a diary. By age 99, Aki was widowed and noted: “I'm lonely by myself.” but still expressed hope: “I won't give up on myself.” Concerning memory loss, she wrote: “I've already forgotten what happened this afternoon,” and “I'll do things for myself.” Regarding dependence, she said: “I get help from my children and others outside the family.” And commented on the home care staff: “I don't know if they've come to help.” “Is it someone I know well?” Although she thought that they took her belongings, she wrote: “I'll try not to forget to be grateful to them.”

Discussion: The diaries show that even as the dementia progressed, Aki was aware of her cognitive decline compounded by family losses. She used the diary as a coping method and to address relationships with family and caregivers.
Early career nurses with fewer supportive peers for safe patient handling are likely to quit
Authors: Hurtado D.A. , Heinonen G.A. , Dumet L.M. , Greenspan S.A.
Published: April 2018

This prospective study observed turnover during 1 year at a community hospital in Oregon (n = 39). The study tested whether nurses who at baseline nominated fewer peers as sources of safe patient handling support were more likely to quit than nurses with more supportive peers. Six nurses with tenure under 2 years left their positions. Nurses who quit reported half as many co‐workers as sources of support relative to nurses who remained employed, and each additional peer nomination reduced the risk of turnover by 15%. Further research should establish the contribution of peer safety support reducing turnover among recent hires.
Mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of 3D Cf/SiBCN composites at elevated temperatures
Authors: Ding Qi , Ni Dewei , Wang Zhen , Wang Hongda , Zhou Haijun , Kan Yanmei , Dong Shaoming
Published: April 2018

3D Cf/SiBCN composites were fabricated by an efficient polymer impregnation and pyrolysis (PIP) method using liquid poly(methylvinyl)borosilazanes as precursor. Mechanical properties and microstructure evolution of the prepared 3D Cf/SiBCN composites at elevated temperatures in the range of 1500‐1700°C were investigated. As temperature increased from room temperature (371 ± 31 MPa, 31 ± 2 GPa) to 1500°C (316 ± 29 MPa, 27 ± 3 GPa), strength and elastic modulus of the composite decreased slightly, which degraded seriously as temperature further increased to 1600°C (92 ± 15 MPa, 12 ± 2 GPa) and 1700°C (84 ± 12 MPa, 11 ± 2GPa). To clarify the conversion of failure mechanisms, interfacial shear strength (IFSS) and microstructure evolution of the 3D Cf/SiBCN composites at different temperatures were investigated in detail. It reveals that the declines of the strength and changes of the IFSS of the composites are strongly related to the defects and SiC nano‐crystals formed in the composites at elevated temperatures.
Mechanisms of ultralow and anisotropic thermal expansion in cordierite Mg2Al4Si5O18: Insight from phonon behaviors
Authors: Li Yiran , Wang Jiemin , Sun Luchao , Wang Jingyang
Published: April 2018

Materials with negative or ultralow thermal expansion are of crucial importance for technological applications since they make it possible to tailor the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of composite to a specific positive, negative or even zero value. In this work, first‐principle calculations were performed to investigate the thermal expansion behavior in cordierite Mg2Al4Si5O18, which is a representative silicate widely used in the ceramic industry and of promising application due to its ultralow CTE and good thermal shock resistance. According to the quasi‐harmonic approximation and the Grüneisen theory, temperature dependences of linear CTEs along a, b, and c directions were predicted. The transverse acoustic modes and low‐energy optic modes are identified to take the most of the responsibility for the negative CTE, especially at low temperatures while the high‐energy optic modes contribute positively to the thermal expansion, leading to increasing CTE at higher temperatures. The ultralow linear CTEs result from the weighted average of all the modal contributions with negative or positive Grüneisen parameters. In addition, the anisotropy of thermal expansion originates from its layered crystal structure containing rigid tetrahedron rings in a‐b plane staking along c direction. This work provides an insight into the mechanism of ultralow and anisotropic thermal expansion in Mg2Al4Si5O18 and further enriches the scope of material design for use in applications needing to control thermal expansion.
Weibull parameters obtained from dependence of fiber strength on fiber length and area
Authors: Callaway Evan Benjamin , Zok Frank W.
Published: April 2018

Weibull strength parameters of ceramic fibers can be inferred from variations in strength with fiber diameter or gauge length. The goal of this article is to provide a critical assessment of the efficacy of these methods. The issues are addressed using theorems in regression analysis and uncertainty propagation as well as Monte Carlo simulations. The results show that, when Weibull moduli are obtained from strength variations with fiber area, inordinately large sample sizes (>1000) are required to achieve reliable results. In contrast, Weibull moduli can be accurately estimated from the dependence of average fiber strength on gauge length for a modest sample size at each of two gauge lengths, provided the gauge length range is sufficiently large. The dependence of strengths of bundles containing many (ca. 500) fibers on gauge length yields yet more reliable results. The results are used to assess the fidelity of Weibull moduli obtained from these methods and provide guidance for preferred test methods.
Synthesis and growth mechanism of single crystal β‐Si3N4 particles with a quasi‐spherical morphology
Authors: Sun Si‐Yuan , Ge Yi‐Yao , Wang Qi , Tian Zhao‐Bo , Zhang Jie , Cui Wei , Liu Guang‐hua , Chen Ke‐Xin
Published: April 2018

Single‐crystal β‐Si3N4 particles with a quasi‐spherical morphology were synthesized via an efficient carbothermal reduction‐nitridation (CRN) strategy. The β‐Si3N4 particles synthesized under an N2 pressure of 0.3 MPa, at 1450°C and with 10 mol% unique CaF2 additives showed good dispersity and an average size of about 650 nm. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that there was no SiC or Si–C–N compounds in the β‐Si3N4 products. Selected‐area electron‐diffraction pattern and high‐resolution image indicated single crystalline structure of the typical β‐Si3N4 particles without an obvious amorphous oxidation layer on the surface. The growth mechanism of the quasi‐spherical β‐Si3N4 particles was proposed based on the transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy characterization, which was helpful for controllable synthesis of β‐Si3N4 particles by CRN method. Owing to the quasi‐spherical morphology, good dispersity, high purity, and single‐crystal structure, the submicro‐sized β‐Si3N4 particles were promising fillers for preparing resin‐based composites with high thermal conductivity.
Extensive gene flow along the urban–rural gradient in a migratory colonial bird
Authors: Indykiewicz Piotr , Podlaszczuk Patrycja , Janiszewska Aleksandra , Minias Piotr
Published: April 2018

Urban colonization by wildlife involves a combination of several different mechanisms, including phenotype or genotype sorting, phenotypic plasticity and microevolutionary adaptation. Combination of these processes can produce a rapid phenotypic, but also genetic divergence of urban versus rural populations. Here, we examined the pattern of genetic differentiation between urban and rural populations of a colonial migratory bird, the black‐headed gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus. To this end, we sampled ca 170 individuals from six (two urban and four rural) colonies in northern Poland, and genotyped them at ten microsatellite loci. Our analysis provided evidence for negligible genetic divergence of urban and rural colonies, as assessed with fixation index FST and Nei's unbiased genetic distance D (mean pairwise urban‐rural comparisons: FST = 0.003 ± 0.001 [SE] and D = 0.012 ± 0.006 [SE]). Bayesian clustering methods provided support for homogeneous genetic structure across all urban and rural populations. Also, we found no support for reduced allelic diversity in urban versus rural colonies. These results stand in a stark contrast to the previous findings on the genetic consequences of urbanization in birds. We hypothesize that this pattern could possibly be attributed to the important life‐history characters of the black‐headed gull, including coloniality, migratoriness, and high dispersal propensity. Our study provides a novel insight into the urban landscape genetics, underlining large variation in the mechanisms of urban colonization and its genetic consequences in wild animal populations.
The presence of kleptoparasitic fledglings is associated with a reduced breeding success in the host family in the barn owl
Authors: Charter Motti , Izhaki Ido , Roulin Alexandre
Published: April 2018

Fledgling birds sometimes abandon their own nest and move to neighboring nests where they are fed by host parents. This behaviour, referred to as ‘nest‐switching’, is well known in precocial birds that are mobile soon after hatching and can easily reach foster nests. In contrast, due to the difficulty of observing nest‐switching in territorial altricial birds, the causes and consequences of moving to others’ nests are poorly known in this group of birds. Nest‐switchers can be adopted by the foster parents or they can steal food from the host parents meant for their offspring, a form of kleptoparasitism, which may result in reduced breeding success of the host nest. In Israel, 12 barn owl fledglings left their natal nests and were found in 9 host nests out of 111 monitored nests (8.1%). Nest‐switchers that fledged earlier in the breeding season flew shorter distances to reach host nests probably because the density of nests with younger nestlings is higher early in the season. The number of host nestlings fledged and the percentage of nestlings fledged was lower in host nests than in nests without switchers. The occasional nest‐switchers were always older than host nestlings (respectively 80 and 50 days of age, on average) and host parents fledged fewer young when nest‐switchers occupied host nests with younger nestlings. This suggests that nest‐switchers are kleptoparasites because the presence of the older alien fledglings is associated with a lower breeding success of the host parents.
Induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived conditional medium promotes Leydig cell anti‐apoptosis and proliferation via autophagy and Wnt/β‐catenin pathway
Authors: Guo Xiaoling , Chen Yong , Hong Tingting , Chen Xianwu , Duan Yue , Li Chao , Ge Renshan
Published: April 2018

Leydig cell transplantation is a better alternative in the treatment of androgen‐deficient males. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of induced pluripotent stem cell‐derived conditioned medium (iPS‐CM) on the anti‐apoptosis, proliferation and function of immature Leydig cells (ILCs), and illuminate the underlying mechanisms. ILCs were exposed to 200 μmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for 24 hours with or without iPS‐CM treatments. Cell apoptosis was detected by flow cytometric analysis. Cell proliferation was assessed using cell cycle assays and EdU staining. The steroidogenic enzyme expressions were quantified with Western blotting. The results showed that iPS‐CM significantly reduced H2O2‐induced ILC apoptosis through down‐regulation of autophagic and apoptotic proteins LC3‐I/II, Beclin‐1, P62, P53 and BAX as well as up‐regulation of BCL‐2, which could be inhibited by LY294002 (25 μmol/L). iPS‐CM could also promote ILC proliferation through up‐regulation of β‐catenin and its target proteins cyclin D1, c‐Myc and survivin, but was inhibited by XAV939 (10 μmol/L). The level of bFGF in iPS‐CM was higher than that of DMEM‐LG. Exogenous bFGF (20 ng/mL) or Wnt signalling agonist lithium chloride (LiCl) (20 mmol/L) added into DMEM‐LG could achieve the similar effects of iPS‐CM. Meanwhile, iPS‐CM could improve the medium testosterone levels and up‐regulation of LHCGR, SCARB1, STAR, CYP11A1, HSD3B1, CYP17A1, HSD17B3 and SF‐1 in H2O2‐induced ILCs. In conclusion, iPS‐CM could reduce H2O2‐induced ILC apoptosis through the activation of autophagy, promote proliferation through up‐regulation of Wnt/β‐catenin pathway and enhance testosterone production through increasing steroidogenic enzyme expressions, which might be used in regenerative medicine for future.
Menstrual and reproductive factors and type 2 diabetes risk: The Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study
Authors: Nanri Akiko , Mizoue Tetsuya , Noda Mitsuhiko , Goto Atsushi , Sawada Norie , Tsugane Shoichiro ,   the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study (JPHC Study) Group
Published: April 2018

Aims/Introduction

Menstrual and reproductive factors, including age at menarche, parity and breast‐feeding, have been linked to type 2 diabetes risk. We prospectively investigated the association between these factors and type 2 diabetes risk in a large Japanese cohort.

Materials and Methods

Participants were 37,511 women aged 45–75 years who participated in the baseline (1990–1993), second (1995–1998) and third surveys (2000–2003) of the Japan Public Health Center‐based Prospective Study, and who had no history of diabetes at the second survey. Menstrual and reproductive history was ascertained using questionnaires at the baseline and second surveys. Odds ratios of self‐reported, physician‐diagnosed type 2 diabetes over the 5‐year period from the second survey were estimated using logistic regression.

Results

At the third survey, 513 new cases of type 2 diabetes were self‐reported. The odds ratios of type 2 diabetes tended to increase with the number of parity, after adjustment for covariates other than body mass index (P for trend = 0.029). The multivariable‐adjusted odds ratios of type 2 diabetes for women with three or more births was 1.56 (95% confidence interval 0.96–2.53) compared with those who were nulliparous. The association between parity and type 2 diabetes risk was attenuated after additional adjustment for body mass index (P for trend = 0.12). No factors other than parity were significantly associated with type 2 diabetes risk.

Conclusions

Higher parity might be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes among Japanese women, partly through increasing bodyweight.
Coevolution of virulence and immunosuppression in multiple infections
Authors: Kamiya Tsukushi , Mideo Nicole , Alizon Samuel
Published: April 2018

Many components of host–parasite interactions have been shown to affect the way virulence (i.e. parasite‐induced harm to the host) evolves. However, coevolution of multiple parasite traits is often neglected. We explore how an immunosuppressive adaptation of parasites affects and coevolves with virulence in multiple infections. Applying the adaptive dynamics framework to epidemiological models with coinfection, we show that immunosuppression is a double‐edged sword for the evolution of virulence. On one hand, it amplifies the adaptive benefit of virulence by increasing the abundance of coinfections through epidemiological feedbacks. On the other hand, immunosuppression hinders host recovery, prolonging the duration of infection and elevating the cost of killing the host (as more opportunities for transmission will be forgone if the host dies). The balance between the cost and benefit of immunosuppression varies across different background mortality rates of hosts. In addition, we find that immunosuppression evolution is influenced considerably by the precise trade‐off shape determining the effect of immunosuppression on host recovery and susceptibility to further infection. These results demonstrate that the evolution of virulence is shaped by immunosuppression while highlighting that the evolution of immune evasion mechanisms deserves further research attention.
Managerial turnover and entrenchment
Authors: Wu Zenan , Weng Xi
Published: April 2018

We consider a two‐period model in which the success of the firm depends on the effort of a first‐period manager (the incumbent) as well as the effort and ability of a second‐period manager. At the end of the first period, the board receives a noisy signal of the incumbent manager's ability and decides whether to retain or replace the incumbent manager. We show that severance pay can be utilized in the optimal contract to provide a credible commitment to a lenient second‐period equilibrium replacement policy, mitigating the first‐period moral hazard problem. Unlike existing models that aim to rationalize managerial entrenchment, we identify conditions on the information structure under which both entrenchment and anti‐entrenchment emerge in the optimal contract. Specifically, our model predicts that it is optimal for the board to design a contract to induce entrenchment (respectively, anti‐entrenchment) if the signal regarding the incumbent manager's ability becomes sufficiently uninformative (respectively, informative).
Clinical differences between elderly‐onset ulcerative colitis and non‐elderly‐onset ulcerative colitis: A nationwide survey data in Japan
Authors: Komoto Shunsuke , Higashiyama Masaaki , Watanabe Chikako , Suzuki Yasuo , Watanabe Mamoru , Hibi Toshifumi , Takebayashi Toru , Asakura Keiko , Nishiwaki Yuji , Miura Soichiro , Hokari Ryota
Published: April 2018

Background and Aim

Studies on the characteristics of elderly‐onset ulcerative colitis (EOUC) and non‐elderly‐onset ulcerative colitis (NEOUC) have reported conflicting findings. The aim of this study was to compare disease characteristics of EOUC and NEOUC by analyzing the database of the Japanese nationwide inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) registry.

Methods

We analyzed the age of disease onset, sex, disease severity, and disease extent in patients with ulcerative colitis that were newly diagnosed and registered within 1 year between 2004 and 2009 (n = 28 179). We also analyzed the medical treatment, rate of IBD‐related surgery, and postoperative complications. We compared them between younger than 65 years old (NEOUC group) and 65 years old or older (EOUC group) patients.

Results

A total of 25 401 (90.1%) and 2778 (9.9%) patients were included in the NEOUC and EOUC groups, respectively. In the EOUC group, disease activity was significantly higher, and extent of pathological changes in the colon more extended significantly. Laboratory findings showed that inflammatory markers were elevated significantly in the EOUC group. The proportion of those with IBD‐related hospitalization was significantly higher in the EOUC group (54.2% vs 35.7%, P < 0.001). The proportion of patients who were treated with corticosteroids was significantly higher in the EOUC group (36.7% vs 30.8%, P < 0.001). Significantly more number of patients underwent IBD‐related surgery in the EOUC group (0.68% vs 0.27%, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Elderly patients show higher disease activity, with a higher proportion requiring IBD‐related hospitalization and IBD‐related surgery, according to the nationwide registry in Japan.
Infectious Diseases in Older Adults of Long‐Term Care Facilities: Update on Approach to Diagnosis and Management
Authors: Jump Robin L. P. , Crnich Christopher J. , Mody Lona , Bradley Suzanne F. , Nicolle Lindsay E. , Yoshikawa Thomas T.
Published: April 2018

The diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of infectious diseases in older adults in long‐term care facilities (LTCFs), particularly nursing facilities, remains a challenge for all health providers who care for this population. This review provides updated information on the currently most important challenges of infectious diseases in LTCFs. With the increasing prescribing of antibiotics in older adults, particularly in LTCFs, the topic of antibiotic stewardship is presented in this review. Following this discussion, salient points on clinical relevance, clinical presentation, diagnostic approach, therapy, and prevention are discussed for skin and soft tissue infections, infectious diarrhea (Clostridium difficile and norovirus infections), bacterial pneumonia, and urinary tract infection, as well as some of the newer approaches to preventive interventions in the LTCF setting.
Inclusive Terminology for Aging
Authors: St John Philip Donald
Published: April 2018

This letter comments on the Editorial by Lundebjerg et al.
Insights into the regulation of C‐repeat binding factors in plant cold signaling
Authors: Liu Jingyan , Shi Yiting , Yang Shuhua
Published: April 2018

Cold temperatures, a major abiotic stress, threaten the growth and development of plants, worldwide. To cope with this adverse environmental cue, plants from temperate climates have evolved an array of sophisticated mechanisms to acclimate to cold periods, increasing their ability to tolerate freezing stress. Over the last decade, significant progress has been made in determining the molecular mechanisms underpinning cold acclimation, including following the identification of several pivotal components, including candidates for cold sensors, protein kinases, and transcription factors. With these developments, we have a better understanding of the CBF‐dependent cold‐signaling pathway. In this review, we summarize recent progress made in elucidating the cold‐signaling pathways, especially the C‐repeat binding factor‐dependent pathway, and describe the regulatory function of the crucial components of plant cold signaling. We also discuss the unsolved questions that should be the focus of future work.
Relationships between executive function, working memory, and decision‐making on the Iowa Gambling Task: Evidence from ventromedial patients, dorsolateral patients, and normal subjects
Authors: Ouerchefani Riadh , Ouerchefani Naoufel , Allain Philippe , Ben Rejeb Mohamed Riadh , Le Gall Didier
Published: April 2018

The results of previous studies are inconsistent in regard to the relationship between the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT), working‐memory (WM), and executive tasks, and whether these cognitive processes could be considered as mechanisms underlying a decision‐making deficit. Moreover, the relationship between theIGTand executive measures is examined based on a limited number of executive tasks, within different populations showing diffuse damage. In addition, there are fewer studies carried out within control participants, with those studies also being inconclusive. It is also suggested that the association of theIGTperformance with executive tasks depends on whether theIGTwas running under ambiguity or under risk. In this work, all of these issues are studied. Results showed that both patients with ventromedial (VMPFC,N = 10) and dorsolateral (DLPFC,N = 10) prefrontal cortex lesions are significantly impaired on almost all executive tasks,WMtasks, and theIGT. Furthermore, when theIGTis run under risk, there are significant correlations between executive measures and theIGTfor theDLPFCpatients and the control participants (N = 34) but not theVMPFCpatients. No correlation was found betweenWMtasks and theIGTfor both frontal subgroups and control participants. These findings suggested that the mechanisms underlying theIGTdeficit differ according to the lesion locations.
Divergent effects of healthy ageing on semantic knowledge and control: Evidence from novel comparisons with semantically impaired patients
Authors: Hoffman Paul
Published: April 2018

Effective use of semantic knowledge requires a set of conceptual representations and control processes which ensure that currently relevant aspects of this knowledge are retrieved and selected. It is well‐established that levels of semantic knowledge increase across the lifespan. However, the effects of ageing on semantic control processes have not been assessed. I addressed this issue by comparing the performance profiles of young and older people on a verbal comprehension test. Two sets of variables were used to predict accuracy and RT in each group: (1) the psycholinguistic properties of words probed in each trial and (2) the performance on each trial by two groups of semantically impaired neuropsychological patients. Young people demonstrated poor performance for low‐frequency and abstract words, suggesting that they had difficulty processing words with intrinsically weak semantic representations. Indeed, performance in this group was strongly predicted by the performance of patients with semantic dementia, who suffer from degradation of semantic knowledge. In contrast, older adults performed poorly on trials where the target semantic relationship was weak and distractor relationships strong – conditions which require high levels of controlled processing. Their performance was not predicted by the performance of semantic dementia patients, but was predicted by the performance of patients with semantic control deficits. These findings indicate that the effects of ageing on semantic cognition are more complex than has previously been assumed. While older people have larger stores of knowledge than young people, they appear to be less skilled at exercising control over the activation of this knowledge.
The Impact of Complex Family Structure on Child Well‐being: Evidence From Siblings
Authors: Mostafa Tarek , Gambaro Ludovica , Joshi Heather
Published: April 2018

Evidence from the United Kingdom Millennium Cohort on children at ages 3 and 5 with older siblings addresses the questions of whether those living with both biological parents and only full siblings have better emotional and behavior outcomes than other children, and whether nonfull siblings affect children's outcomes independently of parents' partnership status. Adjusting for measured family circumstances and resources in cross‐sectional regressions accounted for much of the adverse association of family complexity with child outcomes. Controlling for unobserved family and child fixed effects did not, however, attenuate all estimates further. Fixed unobservable factors appeared to be masking underlying associations. Allowing for them intensified some, albeit modest, estimates. These revealed excess externalizing behavior problems for boys with single or stepparents but only full siblings. For girls with single mothers, the chances of internalizing problems were raised. Whether siblings were full or not made little difference to outcomes in general.
Homologs from sulfur oxidation (Sox) and methanol dehydrogenation (Xox) enzyme systems collaborate to give rise to a novel pathway of chemolithotrophic tetrathionate oxidation
Authors: Pyne Prosenjit , Alam Masrure , Rameez Moidu Jameela , Mandal Subhrangshu , Sar Abhijit , Mondal Nibendu , Debnath Utsab , Mathew Boby , Misra Anup Kumar , Mandal Amit Kumar , Ghosh Wriddhiman
Published: April 2018

The SoxXAYZB(CD)2‐mediated pathway of bacterial sulfur‐chemolithotrophy explains the oxidation of thiosulfate, sulfide, sulfur and sulfite but not tetrathionate. Advenella kashmirensis, which oxidizes tetrathionate to sulfate, besides forming it as an intermediate during thiosulfate oxidation, possesses a soxCDYZAXOB operon. Knock‐out mutations proved that only SoxBCD is involved in A. kashmirensis tetrathionate oxidation, whereas thiosulfate‐to‐tetrathionate conversion is Sox independent. Expression of two glutathione metabolism‐related proteins increased under chemolithotrophic conditions, as compared to the chemoorganotrophic one. Substrate‐dependent oxygen consumption pattern of whole cells, and sulfur‐oxidizing enzyme activities of cell‐free extracts, measured in the presence/absence of thiol inhibitors/glutathione, corroborated glutathione involvement in tetrathionate oxidation. Furthermore, proteome analyses detected a sulfite:acceptor oxidoreductase (SorAB) exclusively under chemolithotrophic conditions, while expression of a methanol dehydrogenase (XoxF) homolog, subsequently named thiol dehydrotransferase (ThdT), was found to increase 3‐ and 10‐fold during thiosulfate‐to‐tetrathionate conversion and tetrathionate oxidation respectively. A thdT knock‐out mutant did not oxidize tetrathionate but converted half of the supplied 40 mM S‐thiosulfate to tetrathionate. Knock‐out of another thiosulfate dehydrogenase (tsdA) gene proved that both ThdT and TsdA individually converted ∼ 20 mM S‐thiosulfate to tetrathionate. The overexpressed and isolated ThdT protein exhibited PQQ‐dependent thiosulfate dehydrogenation, whereas its PQQ‐independent thiol transfer activity involving tetrathionate and glutathione potentially produced a glutathione:sulfodisulfane adduct and sulfite. SoxBCD and SorAB were hypothesized to oxidize the aforesaid adduct and sulfite respectively.