bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Twelve weeks of exercise modality in hypoxia enhances health‐related function in obese older Korean men: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Park Hun‐Young , Jung Won‐Sang , Kim Jisu , Lim Kiwon
Published: February 2019

Aim

The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of exercise intervention in hypoxia as a novel treatment method for obesity in older men.

Methods

A total of 24 obese 65–70‐year‐old Korean men (66.5 ± 0.8 years) were randomly assigned to undergo hypoxic training (n = 12) or normoxic training (n = 12), and all participants carried out an exercise intervention composed of aerobic exercise on a treadmill (30 min) and bicycle (30 min), and resistance exercise (30–40 min) in normoxia, and 3000‐m normobaric hypoxia separately for a total of 12 weeks, three times a week. Health‐related dependent variables (body composition, physical fitness, pulmonary function and heart rate variability) were evaluated at pre‐ and post‐exercise intervention.

Results

Hypoxic training showed more improved body composition (bodyweight −5.68 vs −3.16 kg, %body fat −5.50 vs −1.97%, fat‐free mass 2.09 vs 1.06 kg), physical fitness (chair sit‐to‐stand 5.67 vs 4.58, pegboard 3.58 vs 2.17, tandem test −1.74 vs −1.31 s, one leg standing 6.27 vs 3.71 s), pulmonary function (forced vital capacity 0.15 vs 0.02 L, forced expiratory volume in 1 s 0.23 vs 0.01 L, percent of forced expiratory volume in 1 s 0.87 vs 0.08, maximal voluntary ventilation 5.26 vs 2.22 L) and heart rate variability (high frequency 0.94 vs 0.19 ms2, low frequency/high frequency −0.28 vs −0.08, salivary cortisol −0.13 vs −0.04 μg/dL) than normoxic training.

Conclusions

Compared with normoxic training, hypoxic training is a novel and successful health promotion method in obese older populations. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2019; 19: 311–316.
No finish line: How formalization of academic assessment can undermine clarity and increase secrecy
Authors: Helgesson Karin Svedberg , Sjögren Ebba
Published: February 2019

This article analyses how formalization of promotion criteria and procedures influences clarity and transparency of academic assessment. Based on a longitudinal, structural micro‐study of a new tenure track system in a Swedish higher education institution, we find that inequality was reproduced through the choice of explicitly gendered metrics across all areas of assessment (research, teaching and service). We further demonstrate how the formalization of a ‘good enough’ standard, in addition to a standard of ‘excellence’, reinforced the scope for interpretational flexibility among assessors. This combination of explicitly gendered metrics and dual standards of performance gave gatekeepers broader discretion in hiding or communicating failure, with gendering effects. Finally, we conclude that the choices made about how to formalize assessment work placed a small group of senior academics firmly behind closed doors, thus ensuring that gatekeepers’ discretion and power were entrenched rather than restricted by formalization.
Massively parallel sequencing analysis of benign melanocytic naevi
Authors: Lozada John R , Geyer Felipe C , Selenica Pier , Brown David , Alemar Barbara , Merghoub Taha , Berger Michael F , Busam Klaus J , Halpern Allan C , Weigelt Britta , Reis‐Filho Jorge S , Hollmann Travis J
Published: February 2019

Aims

Melanocytic naevi are benign lesions of the skin or mucosa that may constitute non‐obligate precursors of malignant melanoma, particularly when they show lentiginous and dysplastic features. The aim of this study was to investigate the repertoire of somatic genetic alterations in melanocytic naevi.

Methods and results

DNA extracted from 12 melanocytic naevi and DNA from matching normal tissue were separately microdissected and subjected to targeted massively parallel sequencing of ≥300 cancer genes. A median of 5.5 (range 1–12) non‐synonymous somatic mutations were detected, with 10 cases harbouring mutually exclusive BRAF V600E (6/12) or NRAS (4/12) clonal hotspot mutations. One of the two cases lacking BRAF and NRAS mutations was a dysplastic naevus harbouring an HRAS Q61L hotspot mutation. Analysis of the laser‐capture microdissected components of a naevus synchronously diagnosed with in‐situ and invasive malignant melanoma revealed a truncal, clonal BRAF V600E mutation, and the acquisition of a CDKN2A homozygous deletion in the invasive component, in conjunction with additional clonal mutations affecting NF2, FAT4 and KDR in both in‐situ and invasive malignant components.

Conclusion

Melanocytic naevi harbour recurrent BRAF V600E or NRAS hotspot mutations with low mutational burdens. Our findings also show that progression from naevi to malignant melanoma may be driven by the acquisition of additional genetic alterations, including CDKN2A homozygous deletions.
Liquid fragility determination of oxide glass‐formers using temperature‐modulated DSC
Authors: Bechgaard Tobias K. , Gulbiten Ozgur , Mauro John C. , Yue Yuanzheng , Bauchy Mathieu , Smedskjaer Morten M.
Published: February 2019

Glass‐forming liquids exhibit a pronounced diversity in the viscosity‐temperature relation. This has been characterized by the liquid fragility index to quantify the extent of the non‐Arrhenian flow. Precise and accurate determination of liquid fragility is important for understanding a range of phenomena and controlling industrial glass melting processes. In this study, we use temperature‐modulated differential scanning calorimetry (TM‐DSC) to determine liquid fragility of a wide range of oxide compositions, including tellurites, borates, and silicates. We compare our fragility data to those determined using viscometry and the Moynihan DSC approach. We find that TM‐DSC is a useful method for determination of fragility, as it exhibits higher sensitivity and provides an easier and more reliable determination of characteristic temperatures compared to the Moynihan approach. Moreover, TM‐DSC is faster and requires smaller sample volume compared to the viscometric approach. However, we also observe that TM‐DSC tends to either overestimate or underestimate the fragility of very strong and highly fragile compositions, respectively.
Phase stability of rare earth sesquioxides with grain size controlled in the nanoscale
Authors: Kimmel Giora , Shneck Roni Z. , Lojkowski Witold , Porat Ze'ev , Chudoba Tadeusz , Mogilyanski Dmitry , Gierlotka Stanislaw , Ezersky Vladimir , Zabicky Jacob
Published: February 2019

Rare earth oxides are important materials due to their chemical and physical properties. The rare earth sesquioxides (RESOXs) possess a cubic, monoclinic, or hexagonal structure, depending on pressure, temperature and ionic radius. When RESOXs take the form of single crystalline grains with diameter in the nanoscale range (nanocrystals), it is suspected that the grain size determines the phase stability as well. RESOXs with medium ionic radius such as Gd2O3, Eu2O3 and Sm2O3 in the low temperature range up to 900°C may take the monoclinic structure or the cubic structure, depending on the synthesis process. The structure determining factor can be, besides temperature, also the grain size. In order to determine the stable structure taking into account grain size as a parameter, we produced Gd2O3 and Sm2O3 nanocrystals embedded in a neutral MgO matrix. This way, we prevented grain growth during annealing. For comparison, we annealed pure Gd2O3 and Sm2O3 nanocrystals in which temperature increase caused grain growth, as in traditional experiments for phase stability determination. We have shown that for coarse grained materials at low temperature monoclinic is the stable structure. For nano‐sized crystallites, cubic is the stable structure. This explains the controversial results as far as which phase is the stable one below 900°C and permits to program the needed structure by controlling crystallization kinetics and grain growth.
Synthesis and thermal stability of (Co,Ni)O solid solutions
Authors: Mohammadkhani Saeed , Schaal Emmanuel , Dolatabadi Ali , Moreau Christian , Davis Boyd , Guay Daniel , Roué Lionel
Published: February 2019

(Co,Ni)O solid solutions are considered as promising protective materials of O2‐evolving anodes for Al production. In this context, two solid‐state synthesis methods, namely high‐energy ball milling (HEBM) and calcination, have been evaluated for the synthesis of (Co,Ni)O solid solutions. In all cases, CoxNi1−xO solid solutions can be formed over the whole composition range. However, undesired WC contaminant is observed using the HEBM method due to the erosion of the milling tools. Their thermal stability in air has been analyzed by thermogravimetric analyzes (TGA) complemented by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analyses. It is shown that CoxNi1−xO solid solutions are stable at 1000°C over the whole composition range whereas they are only stable for x ≤ 46 and x ≤ 22 at 800°C and 700°C, respectively. For higher Co contents, the formation of Co3O4 is observed. This is a relevant information for their future use for Al production, which can be done at different temperatures (~700‐1000°C) depending of the electrolyte composition.
“I changed and hid my old ways”: How social rejection and social identities shape well‐being among ex‐prisoners
Authors: Kyprianides Arabella , Easterbrook Matthew J. , Cruwys Tegan
Published: February 2019

Being a member of a rejected group negatively affects well‐being but can also increase group identification, which can have positive effects on well‐being. However, this rejection‐identification model has never been investigated among the highly stigmatized group of ex‐prisoners. Furthermore, the potential buffering role of multiple group memberships has never been investigated within the rejection‐identification model. We conduct a novel investigation of a combined rejection‐identification and social cure model of group‐based rejection among ex‐prisoners. A survey of 199 ex‐prisoners found that experiencing group‐based rejection was associated with poorer well‐being and increased ex‐prisoner identification. However, identification as an ex‐prisoner magnified, rather than buffered, the relationship between rejection and reduced well‐being. Furthermore, the negative relationship between rejection and well‐being was particularly pronounced among ex‐prisoners with a higher number of group memberships. Ex‐prisoners with a greater number of group memberships experienced greater levels of rejection, suggesting group memberships increase their exposure to rejection. We therefore provide evidence of a boundary condition for the social cure properties of groups. Among members of strongly rejected social groups, multiple group memberships can be a social curse rather than social cure.
Association between central obesity and tooth loss in the non‐obese people: Results from the continuous National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999–2012
Authors: Kang Jing , Smith Scott , Pavitt Susan , Wu Jianhua
Published: February 2019

Objectives

This study was to investigate the association between central obesity and tooth loss in non‐obese population.

Material and Methods

This national cross‐sectional study included 19436 participants, aged 19–74 years with body mass index(BMI) 18.5–29.9 kg/m2, from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(NHANES) 1999–2012. Tooth loss was measured by the number of teeth missing. Central obesity was defined by a categorized 3‐level waist circumference according to the WHO recommendation. A zero‐inflated negative binomial model was used to investigate the association between tooth loss and central obesity. All models were adjusted for demographic, socioeconomic status, lifestyles, medical conditions and inflammatory biomarkers.

Results

For an overweight person with central obesity, the prevalence of tooth loss increased by 31% (Prevalence ratio [PR]: 1.31, 95% CI: 1.20–1.44) compared with a person with similar BMI but no central obesity, and increased by 40% (PR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.26–1.56) if compared with a normal‐weight person without central obesity. There was a clear stepwise association between tooth loss and central obesity.

Conclusion

The results reveal that central obesity is significantly associated with tooth loss in the non‐obese population, which suggests that non‐obese individuals with central obesity may represent an important target population for oral health preventive strategies.
Exploring hospital patient sitters' fall prevention task readiness: A cross‐sectional survey
Authors: de Jong Lex D. , Weselman Tammy , Kitchen Su , Hill Anne‐Marie
Published: February 2019

Rationale, Aims, and Objectives

Patient sitters provide one‐to‐one care for hospital patients at high risk of falls. The study aimed to explore patient sitters' task readiness to assist in fall prevention on hospital wards.

Method

We conducted a cross‐sectional survey. Respondents were patient sitters working in five hospitals providing medical, surgical, and aged care. The survey was developed using a theory of health behaviour change and used closed and open‐ended items. Qualitative data were analysed using deductive content analysis.

Results

Participants (n = 90) identified that patient factors, such as confusion, were the most frequent cause of falls (n = 338, 74%); however, the most frequent strategies identified to prevent falls were focused on the environment (n = 164, 63%). The most frequent barrier participants identified to preventing falls (n = 124, 67%) also pertained to patients, including aggressive patient behaviours. In contrast, staff factors, such as handovers being adequate, were identified as the main enabler for sitters being able to complete their tasks effectively (n = 60, 81%). Participants strongly suggested (71%) that further, preferably practical, training would be helpful, even though 84% reported receiving prior fall prevention training. Nearly all participants (98%) were motivated to prevent their patients from falling.

Conclusions

There is a gap between what patient sitters report as the cause of falls (patient factors) and what was suggested to prevent falls (environment factors). Education and practical training addressing challenging patient behaviours may improve sitters' task readiness to assist in preventing falls on wards. Improving communication and cooperation between patient sitters and nursing staff is also important.
Application and future perspective of CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in fruit crops
Authors: Zhou Junhui , Li Dongdong , Wang Guoming , Wang Fuxi , Kunjal Merixia , Joldersma Dirk , Liu Zhongchi
Published: February 2019

Fruit crops, including apple, orange, grape, banana, strawberry, watermelon, kiwifruit and tomato, not only provide essential nutrients for human life but also contribute to the major agricultural output and economic growth of many countries and regions in the world. Recent advancements in genome editing provides an unprecedented opportunity for the genetic improvement of these agronomically important fruit crops. Here, we summarize recent reports of applying CRISPR/Cas9 to fruit crops, including efforts to reduce disease susceptibility, change plant architecture or flower morphology, improve fruit quality traits, and increase fruit yield. We discuss challenges facing fruit crops as well as new improvements and platforms that could be used to facilitate genome editing in fruit crops, including dCas9‐base‐editing to introduce desirable alleles and heat treatment to increase editing efficiency. In addition, we highlight what we see as potentially revolutionary development ranging from transgene‐free genome editing to de novo domestication of wild relatives. Without doubt, we now see only the beginning of what will eventually be possible with the use of the CRISPR/Cas9 toolkit. Efforts to communicate with the public and an emphasis on the manipulation of consumer‐friendly traits will be critical to facilitate public acceptance of genetically engineered fruits with this new technology.
Anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis during pregnancy: A case report
Authors: Keskin Ahmet O. , Tanburoglu Anıl , Idiman Egemen , Ozturk Vesile
Published: February 2019

Following a generalized tonic–clonic seizure, a previously healthy 27‐year‐old pregnant woman (18‐week pregnancy) was admitted to our emergency department. She experienced lethargy, forgetfulness and persecutory hallucinations the day before hospitalization. Cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed moderate pleocytosis, and abdominal ultrasonography did not detect neoplasia. Orofacial dyskinesia, catatonia and central hypoventilation gradually developed despite medical intervention to ameliorate the symptoms. At 32 weeks of pregnancy, vaginal bleeding and hypotension occurred. Further, owing to septic shock due to fetal demise, the patient died. N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate antibody test results obtained after the patient's death were positive (2++). Currently, no consensus exists on the appropriate treatment and follow‐up for pregnant women with anti‐N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor encephalitis; however, immunomodulators and teratoma resection may be helpful. Second line immunotherapy (rituximab, cyclophosphamide) and teratoma resection may be necessary in pregnant patients with high N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptor antibody titers and inadequate response to first‐line treatment.
Retroperitoneal fibrosis after chemo‐radiotherapy for cervical cancer: A case report
Authors: Takahashi Yuji , Matsushima Hiroshi , Mori Taisuke , Kokabu Tetsuya , Ito Fumitake , Kitawaki Jo
Published: February 2019

Retroperitoneal fibrosis (RPF) is a rare disease characterized by proliferation of fibro‐inflammatory tissue in the retroperitoneum. Multiple studies have reported on the idiopathic cases of the disease, but reports of RPF secondary to irradiation are very limited. Herein, we report the case of a 47‐year‐old woman who complained of lower abdominal pain 14 months after chemo‐radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Computed tomography showed a soft‐tissue mass spreading in the presacral space. Biopsy of the lesion revealed fibro‐inflammatory tissue without malignancy. Retrospective imaging findings showed that the lesion was consistent with the irradiation field. We diagnosed the patient with RPF caused by radiotherapy. We started oral administration of prednisolone at a dose of 30 mg/day. After 3 months, scans showed a remarkable reduction in lesion size. Prednisolone was tapered to a maintenance dose of 5 mg/day, which is ongoing. The patient is doing well with no recurrence to date.
Association of serum calprotectin (S100A8/A9) concentrations and idiopathic hyperlipidemia in Miniature Schnauzers
Authors: Heilmann Romy M. , Xenoulis Panagiotis G. , Müller Katrin , Stavroulaki Eva M. , Suchodolski Jan S. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: February 2019

Background

Idiopathic hyperlipidemia (IH) is a common condition in Miniature Schnauzers (MS). Studies in people have linked IH to low‐grade inflammation, which plays an important role in the pathogenesis of IH complications. The role of inflammation in MS with IH is unknown.

Objective

Evaluation of the inflammatory markers serum calprotectin and S100A12 in MS with IH and in response to dietary intervention for IH management.

Animals

One‐hundred fifty clinically healthy MS.

Methods

Serum triglyceride, cholesterol, calprotectin, and S100A12 concentrations were measured before and after placing the dogs on an ultra‐low fat diet.

Results

Hypertriglyceridemia (HTGL, P < .001) and hypercholesterolemia (HCHOL, P = .01) were independently associated with increased serum calprotectin but not S100A12 concentrations. Compared to normolipidemic MS, serum calprotectin concentrations were significantly higher in MS with HTGL (P < .001) or combined hyperlipidemia (P = .02), but not those with isolated HCHOL (P = 1.0000). Presence (P = .005) and severity (P = .003) of HTGL and serum cholesterol concentrations (P = .04) decreased in MS with IH within 14‐26 weeks after being placed on the ultra‐low fat diet, but neither serum calprotectin nor S100A12 concentrations changed significantly with this dietary intervention.

Conclusions and clinical importance

Subclinical (low‐grade) inflammation appears to be present in some MS with IH, and an ultra‐low fat diet does not decrease serum concentrations of inflammatory proteins in those dogs. Whether this presumed inflammatory phenotype in MS with IH is associated with the development of IH complications (eg, insulin resistance) requires further research.
The nutrient footprint of a submerged‐cage offshore aquaculture facility located in the tropical Caribbean
Authors: Welch Aaron W. , Knapp Angela N. , El Tourky Sharein , Daughtery Zachary , Hitchcock Gary , Benetti Daniel
Published: February 2019

The effect of effluent generated by a commercially scaled offshore (~13 km) finfish aquaculture facility in the tropical Caribbean on the water column and benthic nutrients and chlorophyll‐a is described. Water column samples were collected up‐ and downstream of the site at various times between 2012 and 2018. Typically, no significant difference in dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll‐a, particulate organic carbon, particulate organic nitrogen, nitrate + nitrite, and total dissolved nitrogen concentration was observed in the water column between the up‐ versus downstream samples. Similarly, sediment samples were collected at various times between 2012 and 2018. Samples were collected at up‐ versus downstream locations and analyzed for benthic carbon, nitrogen, and chlorophyll‐a content. Some of the collected data demonstrates a trend toward sediment enrichment within the vicinity of the farm. These data are of interest to stakeholders concerned with the expansion of offshore aquaculture in the United States and other countries. To our knowledge, this is the first report of its kind from a commercially scaled aquaculture facility utilizing offshore submersible‐cage technologies.
Occult hepatitis B virus and surface antigen mutant infection in healthy vaccinated cohorts and children with various forms of hepatitis and multiple transfusions
Authors: Hung Wei‐Li , Wu Jia‐Feng , Ni Yen‐Hsuan , Chen Huey‐Ling , Chiang Cheng‐Lun , Chang Mei‐Hwei , Hsu Hong‐Yuan
Published: February 2019

Background and Aims

Despite the success of universal infant immunization initiated in Taiwan in 1984, occult hepatitis B virus infection (OBI) and circulating surface antigen mutants remain potential obstacles for eventual eradication of HBV infection.

Methods

From 3299 apparently healthy, neonatally–vaccinated subjects (<30 years of age ) enrolled during 2014 serosurvey, we recruited all HBsAg–positive (n = 17), all HBsAg–negative but anti‐HBc–positive (n = 132) and randomly selected HBsAg–negative and anti‐HBc–negative subjects (n = 411). These recruited subjects and 81 HBsAg–negative children with various forms of hepatitis and multiple transfusions were analysed for serum HBV DNA.

Results

In healthy, HBsAg–negative subjects, OBI frequency was higher in anti‐HBc–positive than anti‐HBc‐negative individuals (8/90[8.9%] vs 8/301[2.7%], P = 0.0192) aged <18‐years, but was not different between anti‐HBc–positive and anti‐HBc–negative individuals (0/11[0%] vs 3/110[2.7%], P > 0.05) aged 18 to 30 years. OBI occurred more frequently in children of HBsAg–positive mothers than in children of HBsAg–negative mothers (10/101 [9.9%] vs 1/75 [1.3%], P = 0.025). The prevalence of surface ‘a’ determinant (aa110‐160) mutants was 13.3% (2/15) in OBI subjects compared to 36.4% (4/11) in HBsAg–positive subjects (P > 0.05). OBI was found in 30% (3/10) of serologic ‘non‐A to E’ viral hepatitis, 14.3% (3/21) of chronic hepatitis C and 2.0% (1/50) of multitransfused, thalassemic children.

Conclusions

In this highly immunized population, surface antigen mutant infection is uncommon and has low contribution to OBI development. HBsAg screening plus highly sensitive HBV DNA assays are needed for assurance of blood supply safety. Multiple transfusions from HBsAg–negative blood donors rarely result in persistent HBV infection. HBV might be related to some of serologic ‘non‐A to E’ viral hepatitis.
AtU2AF65b functions in abscisic acid mediated flowering via regulating the precursor messenger RNA splicing of ABI5 and FLC in Arabidopsis
Authors: Xiong Feng , Ren Jing‐Jing , Yu Qin , Wang Yu‐Yi , Lu Chong‐Chong , Kong Lan‐Jing , Otegui Marisa S. , Wang Xiu‐Ling
Published: February 2019

In mammalians and yeast, the splicing factor U2AF65/Mud2p functions in precursor messenger RNA (pre‐mRNA) processing. Arabidopsis AtU2AF65b encodes a putative U2AF65 but its specific functions in plants are unknown. This paper examines the function of AtU2AF65b as a negative regulator of flowering time in Arabidopsis.

We investigated the expression and function of AtU2AF65b in abscisic acid (ABA)‐regulated flowering as well as the transcript abundance and pre‐mRNA splicing of flowering‐related genes in the knock‐out mutants of AtU2AF65b.

The atu2af65b mutants show early‐flowering phenotype under both long‐day and short‐day conditions. The transcript accumulation of the flowering repressor gene FLOWERING LOCUS C (FLC) is reduced in the shoot apex of atu2af65b, due to both increased intron retention and reduced transcription activation. Reduced transcription of FLC results, at least partially, from the abnormal splicing and reduced transcript abundance of ABSCISIC ACID‐INSENSITIVE 5 (ABI5), which encodes an activator of FLC in ABA‐regulated flowering signaling. Additionally, the expression of AtU2AF65b is promoted by ABA. Transition to flowering and splicing of FLC and ABI5 in the atu2af65b mutants are compromised during ABA‐induced flowering.

ABA‐responsive AtU2AF65b functions in the pre‐mRNA splicing of FLC and ABI5 in shoot apex, whereby AtU2AF65b is involved in ABA‐mediated flowering transition in Arabidopsis.
Immunogenicity of plant‐produced porcine circovirus‐like particles in mice
Authors: Gunter Cornelius J. , Regnard Guy L. , Rybicki Edward P. , Hitzeroth Inga I.
Published: February 2019

Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV‐2) is the main causative agent associated with a group of diseases collectively known as porcine circovirus‐associated disease (PCAD). There is a significant economic strain on the global swine industry due to PCAD and the production of commercial PCV‐2 vaccines is expensive. Plant expression systems are increasingly regarded as a viable technology to produce recombinant proteins for use as pharmaceutical agents and vaccines. However, successful production and purification of PCV‐2 capsid protein (CP) from plants is an essential first step towards the goal of a plant‐produced PCV‐2 vaccine candidate. In this study, the PCV‐2 CP was transiently expressed in Nicotiana benthamiana plants via agroinfiltration and PCV‐2 CP was successfully purified using sucrose gradient ultracentrifugation. The CP self‐assembled into virus‐like particles (VLPs) resembling native virions and up to 6.5 mg of VLPs could be purified from 1 kg of leaf wet weight. Mice immunized with the plant‐produced PCV‐2 VLPs elicited specific antibody responses to PCV‐2 CP. This is the first report describing the expression of PCV‐2 CP in plants, the confirmation of its assembly into VLPs and the demonstration of their use to elicit a strong immune response in a mammalian model.
Plasticity for colour adaptation in vertebrates explained by the evolution of the genes pomc, pmch and pmchl
Authors: Bertolesi Gabriel E. , Zhang John Zhijia , McFarlane Sarah
Published: February 2019

Different camouflages work best with some background matching colour. Our understanding of the evolution of skin colour is based mainly on the genetics of pigmentation (“background matching”), with little known about the evolution of the neuroendocrine systems that facilitate “background adaptation” through colour phenotypic plasticity. To address the latter, we studied the evolution in vertebrates of three genes, pomc, pmch and pmchl, that code for α‐MSH and two melanin‐concentrating hormones (MCH and MCHL). These hormones induce either dispersion/aggregation or the synthesis of pigments. We find that α‐MSH is highly conserved during evolution, as is its role in dispersing/synthesizing pigments. Also conserved is the three‐exon pmch gene that encodes MCH, which participates in feeding behaviours. In contrast, pmchl (known previously as pmch), is a teleost‐specific intron‐less gene. Our data indicate that in zebrafish, pmchl‐expressing neurons extend axons to the pituitary, supportive of an MCHL hormonal role, whereas zebrafish and Xenopus pmch+ neurons send axons dorsally in the brain. The evolution of these genes and acquisition of hormonal status for MCHL explain different mechanisms used by vertebrates to background‐adapt.
Radical Interpretation and The Aggregation Problem
Authors: Hattiangadi Anandi
Published: February 2019

This paper takes issue with Lewis’ influential argument for the supervenience of the semantic on the non‐semantic based on the possibility of radical interpretation. Radical interpretation is possible only if an ideal being, who is omniscient about the non‐semantic truths, can deduce the semantic truths a priori. The radical interpreter appeals to a set of criteria of interpretation choice, such as most notably some kind of Principle of Charity.

It is argued in this paper that the radical interpreter faces an insoluble aggregation problem: the radical interpreter must jointly apply several criteria for evaluating interpretations in order to determine which interpretation is best overall. First, the situation of the radical interpreter is formally modeled using the machinery of social choice theory. Second, it is argued that either Arrow's impossibility theorem or a variant of it applies to the situation of the radical interpreter. The upshot is that radical interpretation is impossible, and Lewis’ argument for semantic supervenience fails.
Money Well Spent? Operations, Mainstreaming, and Fairness of Fair Trade
Authors: Lim Michael K. , Mak Ho‐Yin , Park Seung Jae
Published: February 2019

We examine the operations, fairness, and social implications of fair trade certified products. We consider the market for fair trade certified products, which may serve as a substitute to a regular product. A fair trade organization chooses standards for the certification, namely, the (unit) premium and minimum fraction of fair trade raw materials, to maximize the total premium transferred to farmers. We analyze the operations of various stakeholders in the fair trade value chain, as well as the role and social welfare of fair trade organizations with different philosophies. We characterize the firms’ entry decision in the fair trade market as well as the resulting market equilibrium. Furthermore, we examine the impact of mainstreaming, i.e., whether to allow large‐scale plantations (often owned by large corporates) to be eligible for fair trade certification or not, which is one of the most discussed topics in the fair trade movement. We also identify the welfare allocation among various stakeholders in the value chain under different certification policies, and thereby address the fairness issue of the fair trade market as well as its resulting social welfare implications. Finally, we obtain a number of policy insights and suggestions to support this nascent marketplace.
Terror, Terror Everywhere? How Terrorism News Shape Support for Anti‐Muslim Policies as a Function of Perceived Threat Severity and Controllability
Authors: Matthes Jörg , Schmuck Desirée , von Sikorski Christian
Published: February 2019

Terrorist attacks committed by the so‐called Islamic State are rising in Western countries. How the news media portray these attacks may crucially influence emotional responses and support for anti‐Muslim policies such as immigration bans. Based on the Extended parallel response model (EPRM, Witte, 1992), we theorize that specific features of terrorism news such as threat severity (e.g., high vs. low number of potential terrorist offenders) and threat controllability (e.g., nondiffuse, controllable threat vs. diffuse, uncontrollable threat) influence individuals’ emotional reactions and policy support. A quota‐based online experiment (N = 501) reveals that news articles featuring a high number of offenders increase individuals’ fear of terror irrespective of whether the threat is portrayed as controllable or not. News articles featuring a low number of offenders only evoke fear of terror if the threat is portrayed as diffuse. Additionally, news articles emphasizing a high number of offenders combined with a controllable terrorism threat elicit anger on the government. Both anger and fear of terror subsequently increase anti‐Muslim policy support.
Associations of antepartum suicidal behaviour with adverse infant and obstetric outcomes
Authors: Zhong Qiu‐Yue , Gelaye Bizu , Karlson Elizabeth W. , Avillach Paul , Smoller Jordan W. , Cai Tianxi , Williams Michelle A.
Published: February 2019

Background

Relatively little is known about antepartum suicidal behaviour and pregnancy outcomes. We examined associations of antepartum suicidal behaviour, alone and in combination with psychiatric disorders, with adverse infant and obstetric outcomes.

Methods

We included 188 925 singleton livebirths from a retrospective cohort (1996‐2016). Suicidal behaviour, psychiatric disorders, and outcomes were derived from electronic medical records. We performed multivariable logistic regressions with generalised estimating equations to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95%CI).

Results

The prevalence of antepartum suicidal behaviour was 152.44 per 100 000 singleton livebirths. Nearly two‐thirds (64.24%) of women with suicidal behaviour also had psychiatric disorders. Compared to women without psychiatric disorders and suicidal behaviour, women with psychiatric disorders alone had 1.3‐fold to 1.4‐fold increased odds of delivering low birthweight or preterm infants and 1.2‐fold increased odds of experiencing obstetric complications. Women with suicidal behaviour alone had increased odds of preterm labour (aOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.16, 3.62). Women with both suicidal behaviour and psychiatric disorders had > twofold increased odds of delivering low birthweight (aOR 2.52, 95% CI 1.40, 4.54), preterm birth (aOR 2.44, 95% CI 1.63, 3.66), and low birthweight/preterm birth (aOR 2.30, 95% CI 1.54, 3.44) infants; the odds of preterm labour (aOR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06, 2.47), placental abruption (aOR 2.33, 95% CI 1.20, 4.51), preterm rupture of membranes (aOR 1.63, 95% CI 1.08, 2.46), and postpartum haemorrhage (aOR 1.93, 95%CI 1.09, 3.40) were elevated.

Conclusions

Antepartum suicidal behaviour, when co‐occurring with psychiatric disorders, is associated with increased odds of adverse infant and obstetric outcomes. Future studies are warranted to understand the causal roles of suicidal behaviour and psychiatric disorders in pregnancy.
The dynamics of moral progress
Authors: Hermann Julia
Published: February 2019

Assuming that there is moral progress, and assuming that the abolition of slavery is an example of it, how does moral progress occur? Is it mainly driven by specific individuals who have gained new moral insights, or by changes in the socio‐economic and epistemic conditions in which agents morally judge the norms and practices of their society, and act upon these judgements? In this paper, I argue that moral progress is a complex process in which changes at the level of belief and changes at the level of institutions and social practices are deeply intertwined, and that changes in the socio‐economic and epistemic conditions of moral agency constitute the main motor of moral progress. I develop my view of moral progress by way of grappling with Michelle Moody‐Adams’ prominent philosophical account of it. My view is less intellectualistic and individualistic than hers, does not presuppose meta‐ethical moral realism, and blurs her distinction between moral progress in beliefs and moral progress in social practices. I point out the limits of humans to progress morally, which are partly grounded in our evolutionary history, and argue that moral progress is always of a ‘local’ nature.
Quantitative CT‐derived vessel metrics in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: A structure–function study
Authors: Jacob Joseph , Pienn Michael , Payer Christian , Urschler Martin , Kokosi Maria , Devaraj Anand , Wells Athol U. , Olschewski Horst
Published: February 2019

Background and objective

This study aimed to investigate whether quantitative lung vessel morphology determined by a new fully automated algorithm is associated with functional indices in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).

Methods

A total of 152 IPF patients had vessel volume, density, tortuosity and heterogeneity quantified from computed tomography (CT) images by a fully automated algorithm. Separate quantitation of vessel metrics in pulmonary arteries and veins was performed in 106 patients. Results were evaluated against readouts from lung function tests.

Results

Normalized vessel volume expressed as a percentage of total lung volume was moderately correlated with functional indices on univariable linear regression analysis: forced vital capacity (R2 = 0.27, P < 1 × 10−6), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO; R2 = 0.12, P = 3 × 10−5), total lung capacity (TLC; R2 = 0.45, P < 1 × 10−6) and composite physiologic index (CPI; R2 = 0.28, P < 1 × 10−6). Normalized vessel volume was correlated with vessel density but not with vessel heterogeneity. Quantitatively derived vessel metrics (and artery and vein subdivision scores) were not significantly linked with the transfer factor for carbon monoxide (KCO), and only weakly with DLCO.

On multivariable linear regression analysis, normalized vessel volume and vessel heterogeneity were independently linked with DLCO, TLC and CPI indicating that they capture different aspects of lung damage. Artery–vein separation provided no additional information beyond that captured in the whole vasculature.

Conclusion

Our study confirms previous observations of links between vessel volume and functional measures of disease severity in IPF using a new vessel quantitation tool. Additionally, the new tool shows independent linkages of normalized vessel volume and vessel heterogeneity with functional indices. Quantitative vessel metrics do not appear to reflect vasculopathic damage in IPF.
Effect of Providing the Uncertainty Information About a Tornado Occurrence on the Weather Recipients’ Cognition and Protective Action: Probabilistic Hazard Information Versus Deterministic Warnings
Authors: Miran Seyed M. , Ling Chen , Gerard Alan , Rothfusz Lans
Published: February 2019

Currently, a binary alarm system is used in the United States to issue deterministic warning polygons in case of tornado events. To enhance the effectiveness of the weather information, a likelihood alarm system, which uses a tool called probabilistic hazard information (PHI), is being developed at National Severe Storms Laboratory to issue probabilistic information about the threat. This study aims to investigate the effects of providing the uncertainty information about a tornado occurrence through the PHI's graphical swath on laypeople's concern, fear, and protective action, as compared with providing the warning information with the deterministic polygon. The displays of color‐coded swaths and deterministic polygons were shown to subjects. Some displays had a blue background denoting the probability of any tornado formation in the general area. Participants were asked to report their levels of concern, fear, and protective action at randomly chosen locations within each of seven designated levels on each display. Analysis of a three‐stage nested design showed that providing the uncertainty information via the PHI would appropriately increase recipients’ levels of concern, fear, and protective action in highly dangerous scenarios, with a more than 60% chance of being affected by the threat, as compared with deterministic polygons. The blue background and the color‐coding type did not have a significant effect on the people's cognition of the threat and reaction to it. This study shows that using a likelihood alarm system leads to more conscious decision making by the weather information recipients and enhances the system safety.
Intensity‐modulated radiation therapy dose prescription and reporting: Sum and substance of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements Report 83 for veterinary medicine
Authors: Rohrer Bley Carla , Meier Valeria S. , Besserer Juergen , Schneider Uwe
Published: February 2019

Institutions’ adherence to protocol, quality assurance, and radiation parameter reporting are key to adequately interpret and compare treatment outcomes in radiation oncology. In 2017, the editorial board for Veterinary Radiology & Ultrasound adapted author guidelines on “technical information for radiation therapy (RT)”. These guidelines provide a framework to report the RT treatment process in manuscripts resulting from veterinary clinical trials. In spite of this framework, however, in implementing IMRT, we have identified different “interpretations” of the extended prescription and reporting recommendations of the International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurements (ICRU 83), even within our small team. In the following commentary review, we provide a short summary of various detailed aspects of the ICRU 83 recommended (IMRT) prescription and reporting, including (a) absorbed target dose specification and prescription, (b) homogeneity and conformity, and (c) reporting of absorbed dose in organs at risk. In particular, we want to share our thoughts on possible dangers of noncompliance in adhering to protocol, prescription, and reporting. As veterinary IMRT publications still sparsely adhere to the recommendations of the ICRU, we were motivated to summarize the recommendations to facilitate appropriate reporting for IMRT in future veterinary studies.
Two species of stigmaeid mites (Acari: Stigmaeidae) from Iran: Eryngiopus rezaiyeiensis sp. nov. and Parastigmaeus urmiaensis sp. nov.
Authors: Mohammad Doustaresharaf Mojtaba , Bagheri Mohammad , Saber Moosa
Published: February 2019

Two new species, Eryngiopus rezaiyeiensis sp. nov. and Parastigmaeus urmiaensis sp. nov. of the family Stigmaeidae (Acari: Trombidiformes), are described and illustrated based on female and deutonymph specimens collected from Northwest Iran. A modified and updated table of diagnostic characters of the species of Eryngiopus, is also provided.
Two Beakers, Five E’s, Twenty Pennies, and Archimedes’ Principle
Authors: Taniguchi Darcy A.A. , Rohr James , Ridgway Sam , Schulz Kathryn
Published: February 2019

The lesson presented here provides a multifaceted inquiry-based opportunity to develop a deep grasp of Archimedes’ principle. It was originally developed for high school teachers as part of their training in the basic structure of the Next Generation Science Standards. There are numerous demonstrations illustrating Archimedes’ principle, many of which can be found in this journal. (Please see the online appendix for further references from this journal.) However, we have a unique combination of ingredients, i.e., the particular puzzle it addresses and its associated historical context; the biological application; the accessible, hands-on collection and exploration of data; the powerful graphs encouraging physics-based explanations; and the ability to compare with an analytical solution. These materials brought together in one place provide teachers a novel and exceptionally rich recipe to bring to their classrooms.
Playground Physics: What Happens When Trying a 360° Swing?
Authors: Bickel Klaus , Denschlag Robert
Published: February 2019

This work is inspired by a recent article in a German newspaper about the question of whether a 360° turn on an ordinary swing, that is, a seat suspended by chains, is possible. Although the author correctly negates the question, his remarks about the trajectory of the rocking person remain imprecise. Thus, we direct our attention to cases where the angle ϕ, which describes the displacement of the swing from its equilibrium position, exceeds 90° but its maximum ϕmax with respect to a taut chain remains smaller than 180°. After ϕmax is reached, the motion of the swing’s seat is intuitively hard to predict due to the lack of experience. For the sake of simplicity, we model the swing by a simple pendulum, but allowing amplitudes beyond 90°. Consequently, the chain and the seat as the supposed center of mass (together with the rocking person) are regarded as a massless cord and a point-sized bob, respectively. To elucidate the entire trajectory of the seat, we apply computer simulations. Because the analysis of the simulation data reveals a surprising simple relation between the coordinates of the prominent points of the seat’s path, we looked for and found a useful theoretical treatment of the seat’s motion.
Using Real Data from the Kepler Mission to Find Potentially Habitable Planets: An Introductory Astronomy Exercise
Authors: LoPresto Michael C.
Published: February 2019

A primary goal of general education introductory astronomy courses often is to provide students with examples of how science is actually done. Low to nonexistent mathematical prerequisites in some courses can make useful exercises difficult to find, and sometimes very difficult for students, especially if the exercises feature quantitative components. What follows describes an attempt to meet this goal through the use of actual exoplanet data, available online, from the NASA Kepler Mission. The exercise described guides the students through an aspect of scientific investigation that they may otherwise not experience, the handling and analysis of a large set of actual scientific data.
Real and “Ghost” Masses in a Statics Problem
Authors: Binder P.-M. , Gorospe Beverly A. , Singer Solomon
Published: February 2019

The location of the center of mass of a beam can be calculated using the values of the reaction forces at its ends. The success of an apparently erroneous solution leads the authors to seek and find an explanation for why this solution works. We illustrate the procedure with an asymmetric beam.
What Force and Torque Are Working with the Roberval Balance?
Authors: Park Jaeseong , Choi Hyukjoon , Kim Jung Bog
Published: February 2019

The Roberval balance mentioned by E. Scott Barr presents a phenomenon against intuition that appears to violate the principle of torque equilibrium. Roberval called his balance a “static enigma.” This apparent paradox went unexplained for well over a century until L. Poinsot in 1804 explained that the thrusts created in the parallelogram canceled each other out, leaving only the downward force of the suspended thrusts. Others also attempted to explain the Roberval balance, specifically H. Richard Crane and Paul Chagnon, and a partial analysis was conducted with two exercises by E. J. Routh. Crane focused on the change of an object’s height; when tilted, there is no change in the potential energy even when the location of the object is changed. Chagnon noted that even when the location of the object is changed, the vertical force acting on balance remains constant. Despite the fact that these researchers attempted to explain the Roberval balance successfully in several other ways, their works all pertained to rotational equilibrium or the law of torque. One explanation is that students will typically use the force and torque to explain static equilibrium. In addition, E. S. Barr stated, “This device is intriguing to students, for the law of torque seems not to apply.”
Simulating Physics Experiments in Spreadsheets – Experimenting with Ohm’s Law
Authors: Uddin Zaheer , Hani Zaheer Muhammad
Published: February 2019

In this paper, we present a demonstration of Ohm’s law on a spreadsheet. Students can perform an experiment of Ohm’s law like they perform in laboratories. The only difference is that the apparatus is virtual. The students record readings of current through the circuit and potential difference across a resistor. A graph is drawn between I and V to show the linear relationship between these quantities. There are two parts of the experiment. In the first part, students verify Ohm’s law and calculate the resistance of a resistor. In the second part, students find an unknown resistance by finding the slope of the I-V graph.