bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Inverse association between serum antioxidant levels and inflammatory markers is moderated by adiposity: a report based on a large representative population sample of American adults
Authors: Mazidi Mohsen , Kengne Andre Pascal , Katsiki Niki , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Banach Maciej 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe examined the association between plasma antioxidant levels and markers of inflammation, including C-reactive protein (CRP) and fibrinogen (FG) in US adults. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey participants examined between 2001 and 2002 were included, if data on CRP or FG levels. Serum vitamins A and E, two retinyl esters, and six carotenoids were measured using HPLC with photodiode array detection. Multivariable-adjusted linear regression analyses accounted for the survey design and sample weights. A total of 784 eligible participants were included; 47·5 % (n372) were men. In multivariable linear regression models, serumα-carotene,trans-β-carotene,cis-β-carotene,β-cryptoxanthin, combined lutein/zeaxanthin,trans-lycopene, retinyl palmitate,α-tocopherol, retinol and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were negatively associated with serum CRP (P<0·001 for all comparisons). Serumα-carotene,trans-β-carotene,cis-β-carotene, combined lutein/zeaxanthin,trans-lycopene,α-tocopherol, retinol and 25-hydroxy vitamin D were negatively associated with serum FG levels (P<0·001 for all comparisons). In the same model, the risk of CVD, defined as CRP levels >3 mg/l, decreased with increasing levels of antioxidants (α-carotene,trans-β-carotene,cis-β-carotene, vitamins A and E). Furthermore, we found a moderate impact of adiposity on the link between antioxidants and CRP. Our results suggest that the lower the antioxidants levels, the higher the inflammatory burden, based on CRP and FG levels. Adiposity moderately affects this association. Furthermore, an inverse relationship between CVD risk and antioxidant levels was observed. This finding suggests that reduced levels of vitamins with antioxidant properties may predispose to increased CVD risk.
Biparental mealybugs may be more promiscuous than we thought
Authors: Silva E.B. , Mourato C. , Branco M. , Mendel Z. , Franco J.C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractKnowledge on the reproductive biology of target insect pest is essential for the effective implementation of pheromone-based pest management tactics. In mealybugs, the second largest family of scale insects, the existence of female multiple mating was recently suggested. In this study, we aimed at testing how general is this behavior in mealybugs, by investigating polygyny and polyandry in two cosmopolitan pest mealybugs,Planococcus citriandPseudococcus calceolariae. Males of these species were able to mate an average of 11.9 and 13.3 females, respectively, during their lifespan. The number of fertilized females per male decreased with male age/mating history for both mealybugs. We found no differences in female fecundity and fertility, when fertilized by males with different mating history. When we used male age as a proxy of mating history, we observed a significant negative effect on female fecundity. The females of both species remained receptive after first copula and eventually mated multiple times. The percentage of remated females ofP. citridecreased linearly with time since first copula, with some maintaining receptivity up to 24 h. Males showed no preference between virgin and mated females, in static-air olfactometer tests. We found no benefit of female multiple mating in relation to fecundity. In biparental mealybugs, the mating system of males is possibly scramble competition polygyny; and that of females is possibly polyandry, with female receptivity restricted to a relatively short period. We discuss the practical implications of the results for pest management.
Re-conceptualising the relationship between de-familialisation and familialisation and the implications for gender equality – the case of long-term care policies for older people
Authors: Eggers Thurid , Grages Christopher , Pfau-Effinger Birgit , Och Ralf 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article explores how far the concepts of de-familialisation/familialisation are adequate to the classification of long-term care (LTC) policies for older people. In the theoretical debate over LTC policies, de-familialising and familialising policies are often treated as opposites. We propose re-conceptualising the relation between de-familialisation and familialisation, arguing that they represent substantially different types of policy that, in theory, can vary relatively autonomously. In order to evaluate this theoretical assumption, this article investigates the relation between the generosity level of LTC policies on extra-familial care, and the generosity level of LTC policies on paid family care, introducing a new multi-dimensional approach to measuring the generosity of LTC policy for older persons. It also explores the consequences of this for gender equality. The empirical study is based on a cross-national comparison of LTC policies in five European welfare states which show significant differences in their welfare state tradition. Data used are from document analysis of care policy law, the Mutual Information System on Social Protection, the European Quality of Life Survey and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The findings support the argument that de-familialising and familialising LTC policies can vary relatively independently of each other in theory. It turns out that we get a better understanding of the relationship between LTC policy and gender equality if we analyse the role of different combinations of extra-familial and familial LTC policies for gender equality. The paper brings new insights into the ways welfare states act in regard to their LTC policies. It helps to clarify how the concept of de-familialisation/familialisation can be understood, and what this means for the relationship between LTC policies and gender equality.
Observation of anomalous side-scattering in laser wakefield accelerators
Authors: Krushelnick K. , Dangor A. E. , Kaluza M. , Mangles S. P. D. , Murphy C. D. , Najmudin Z. , Thomas A. G. R. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHigh-intensity femtosecond laser–plasma interaction experiments were performed to investigate laser–plasma wakefield acceleration in the “bubble” regime. Using a 15 TW laser pulse, the emission of side-scattered radiation was spectrally and spatially resolved and was consequently used to diagnose the evolution of the laser pulse during the acceleration process. Side-scattered emission was observed immediately before wavebreaking at a frequency of ωL + 1.7ωp (where ωL is the laser frequency and ωp is the background plasma frequency). This emission may result from scattering of laser light by large amplitude plasma oscillations generated in the shell of the wakefield “bubble” and which occurs immediately prior to the wavebreaking/injection process. The observed variation of the frequency of scattered light with electron density agrees with theoretical estimates.
Smooth point-to-point trajectory planning for robot manipulators by using radial basis functions
Authors: Chettibi Taha 
Published: October 2018

SUMMARYThe paper introduces the use of radial basis functions (RBFs) to generate smooth point-to-point joint trajectories for robot manipulators. First, Gaussian RBF interpolation is introduced taking into account boundary conditions. Then, the proposed approach is compared with classical planning techniques based on polynomial and trigonometric models. Also, the trajectory planning problem involving via-points is solved using the proposed RBF interpolation technique. The obtained trajectories are then compared with those synthesized using algebraic and trigonometric splines. Finally, the proposed method is tested for the six-joint PUMA 560 robot in two cases (minimum time and minimum time-jerk) and results are compared with those of other planning techniques. Numerical results demonstrate the advantage of the proposed technique, offering an effective solution to generate trajectories with short execution time and smooth profile.
Nutrient enrichment of ecosystems by fungus-growing versus non-fungus-growing termites
Authors: Mills Anthony J. , Sirami Clélia 
Published: October 2018

Abstract:Fungus-growing termites (Macrotermitinae) collect water to air-condition their fungi and have been recorded tunnelling deeper than 80 m for groundwater. This collection of water ultimately results in solute accumulation and nutrient enrichment of their termitaria. We consequently hypothesized that nutrient enrichment of termitaria constructed by fungus-growing termites would be greater than by non-fungus-growing termites. To test this, we compared nutrient enrichment of termitaria of fungus-growingMacrotermesspp. in Namibia and termitaria of two non-fungus-growing termites –Trinervitermes trinervoidesin South Africa andNasutitermes triodiaein Australia. Compared with adjacent topsoils,Macrotermestermitaria were significantly enriched in 18 elements whereasT. trinervoidesandN. triodiaetermitaria were enriched in only one and five elements, respectively. Nutrients particularly enriched inMacrotermitestermitaria included Ca (an enrichment factor of 12), Mg (2.9), Co (2.8), Fe (2.4), Mn (2.3), Se (2.2) and Cu (2.0). We suggest that fungus-growing termites that collect water for air-conditioning their fungi have the potential to inadvertently boost – to a far greater degree than non-fungus-growing termites – the availability of nutrients to local plants and herbivores.
Exploring Rural Family Physicians’ Challenges in Providing Dementia Care: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Constantinescu Adina , Li Hui , Yu Jennifer , Hoggard Cassandra , Holroyd-Leduc Jayna 
Published: October 2018

RÉSUMÉCinq cent soixante-quatre mille Canadiens sont actuellement atteints de démence. Ce nombre continuera de s’accroître avec le vieillissement de la population. Les médecins de famille jouent un rôle important dans le diagnostic et la gestion des patients avec démence. Bien que des recherches aient montré les perspectives des médecins de famille dans les soins liés à la démence en milieu urbain, les connaissances associées aux défis dans les régions rurales sont encore très limitées. Cette étude visait à explorer les expériences des médecins de famille qui dispensent des soins à des patients avec démence dans des régions rurales en Alberta (Canada). Trois groupes de discussion semi-structurés comprenant 16 médecins de famille ont été organisés afin d’évaluer les barrières et les facilitateurs dans la prestation de soins à des personnes avec démence de trois communautés rurales. Les questions des groupes de discussion ont été élaborées selon le modèle duTheoretical Domains Framework(TDF) et ont été analysées selon cette approche-cadre. Les compétences des médecins, leurs opportunités et leur motivation semblent jouer des rôles majeurs dans les soins destinés à ces patients. Ces résultats de recherche pourraient être utilisés pour améliorer la qualité des soins en milieu rural pour les patients atteints de démence.
Dimethyl sulphoxide and electrolyte-free medium improve exogenous DNA uptake in mouse sperm and subsequently gene expression in the embryo
Authors: Kurd Soleiman , Hosseini Sara , Fathi Fardin , Jajarmi Vahid , Salehi Mohammad 
Published: October 2018

SummaryOne of the methods to generate transgenic animals is called sperm-mediated gene transfer (SMGT). Mature sperm cells can take up exogenous DNA molecules intrinsically and transfer them into the oocyte during fertilization. This study assessed the effect of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and electrolyte-free medium (EFM) on DNA uptake (EGFP–N1plasmid) in mouse sperm. Sperms cells cultured in human tubular fluid (HTF) without any treatment were considered as the control group. Sperms cells that were incubated in EFM and HTF with DNA/DMSO at 4°C were classified into EFM and HTF groups. Sperm motility and viability were assessed following treatment. In vitro fertilization (IVF) with sperm in all groups was performed. Fertilization, embryo development and GFP-positive blastocyst rates were analyzed and compared. The result showed that sperm motility and viability in EFM were better than those in the HTF group. The rate of development to reach the blastocyst stage and GFP-positive blastocysts was significantly higher in the EFM group compared with the HTF group (P<0.05). Our data demonstrate that sperm stored in the EFM group can improve the efficiency of SMGT for the generation of GFP-positive blastocysts.
Politics @Pontifex: International Crises and Political Patterns of Papal Tweets
Authors: Genovese Federica 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTPolitical research on social media argues that new channels of technological communication influence political leadership. However, we do not know the extent to which social media affect the power of other authorities—for example, religious leaders—in the secular world. This article focuses on the social media presence of the Pope. I argue that the pontiff uses social media communication to explicitly address certain political issues. Specifically, I claim that his messages on the web tend to be more political when critical world events threaten peaceful international relations and frighten salient religious minorities. I investigated this argument by studying Pope Francis’s statements on Twitter. The analysis indicates that the Pope is more likely to release political tweets during international crises, thus targeting issues that otherwise belong to other secular authorities. At the same time, it “normalizes” the Catholic Church’s power in that it allows the Pope to maintain the Vatican’s long tradition of safeguarding peace and protecting vulnerable populations. These findings have implications for the leadership of the Catholic Church in the modern world and extend to other papacies beyond Francis’s.
Effects of Media Sensationalization on Cognitive Performance and Post Concussive Symptoms
Authors: Bussell Cara A. , Gavett Brandon E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectives:The current study aimed to examine if televised media about mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) framed in a sensationalized manner had a negative impact on cognitive functioning and persistent mTBI symptoms.Methods:One hundred two participants (MAge=37.16;SD=22.61) with a history of post-acute mTBI, recruited through a community research registry and an undergraduate recruitment system, were included in this study. Participants were assessed with a measure of health literacy, the Short Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults (S-TOFHLA), and randomized to watch either a sensationalized or non-sensationalized news clip focused on mTBI. They were then assessed with the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), Rivermead Post Concussion Symptoms Questionnaire (RPQ), Patient Reported Outcome Measures Information System (PROMIS) Depression scale, and the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5th edition (PCL-5).Results:Bayesian analyses indicated that sensationalized media—alone (βPASAT=−0.08;βRPQ=−0.08) or in the context of covariates (βPASAT=−0.11;βRPQ=−0.14)—was not a strong predictor of PASAT score or post-concussion syndrome symptom severity.Conclusions:Although media sensationalization of mTBI symptoms is not desirable, this study suggests that one brief exposure to sensationalized information may not have a meaningful immediate impact on the cognitive functioning or symptom reporting of individuals with a history of mTBI. Future research should examine long-term and downstream effects of sensationalized media reporting in samples with greater diversity of TBI history. (JINS, 2019, 25, 90–100)
The 1921 Anglo-Afghan Treaty: How Britain's ‘man on the spot’ shaped this agreement
Authors: WILKS ANN 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThis article explores the part played by Sir Henry Dobbs, the ‘man on the spot’, in shaping the 1921 Anglo-Afghan Treaty. The treaty provisions being negotiated were important to the security of the Indian frontier, internally and internationally, as they defined the formal relationship between India and Afghanistan right through until Indian independence. In contrast with existing accounts, the analysis presented here contends that Dobbs did have a significant influence both on the negotiating process and on the eventual result. It demonstrates how in his role as chief negotiator Dobbs drew on experience and techniques that he had earlier acquired as a political officer in frontier areas. His aim seems to have been to influence matters so that the treaty would deliver on what he regarded as important while giving away nothing that he thought damaging. The article thus sheds light on how—in a novel and volatile context—Dobbs handled differing views in London and Delhi, and negotiated with the Amir. Given the necessary authority by the British Government, he finally arrived at an agreement accepted by the various parties—Afghans, the Viceroy and the British Government in London. The source for this revised perspective on the negotiations and fuller understanding of his role are Dobbs’ recently-discovered letters and private papers, previously unavailable to historians, together with a re-examination of official sources prompted by this new material.
Modifying the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO) to better capture feeding practices of family childcare home providers
Authors: Tovar Alison , Vaughn Amber E , Fisher Jennifer Orlet , Benjamin Neelon Sara E , Burney Regan , Webster Kathleen , Liu Tao , Ostbye Truls , Ward Dianne S 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the modification and validation of an existing instrument, the Environment and Policy Assessment and Observation (EPAO), to better capture provider feeding practices.DesignModifications to the EPAO were made, validity assessed through expert review, pilot tested and then used to collect follow-up data during a two-day home visit from an ongoing cluster-randomized trial. Exploratory factor analysis investigated the underlying factor structure of the feeding practices. To test predictive validity of the factors, multilevel mixed models examined associations between factors and child’s diet quality as captured by the Healthy Eating Index-2010 (HEI-2010) score (measured via the Dietary Observation in Childcare Protocol).SettingFamily childcare homes (FCCH) in Rhode Island and North Carolina, USA.ParticipantsThe modified EPAO was pilot tested with fifty-three FCCH and then used to collect data in 133 FCCH.ResultsThe final three-factor solution (‘coercive control and indulgent feeding practices’, ‘autonomy support practices’, ‘negative role modelling’) captured 43 % of total variance. In multilevel mixed models adjusted for covariates, ‘autonomy support practices’ was positively associated with children’s diet quality. A 1-unit increase in the use of ‘autonomy support practices’ was associated with a 9·4-unit increase in child HEI-2010 score (P=0·001).ConclusionsSimilar to the parenting literature, constructs which describe coercive controlling practices and those which describe autonomy-supportive practices emerged. Given that diets of pre-schoolers in the USA remain suboptimal, teaching childcare providers about supportive feeding practices may help improve children’s diet quality.
Household food insecurity is associated with low dietary diversity among pregnant and lactating women in rural Malawi
Authors: Kang Yunhee , Hurley Kristen M , Ruel-Bergeron Julie , Monclus Assumpta Bou , Oemcke Rachel , Wu Lee Shu Fune , Mitra Maithilee , Phuka John , Klemm Rolf , West Keith P , Christian Parul 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between household food insecurity and dietary diversity in the past 24h (dietary diversity score (DDS, range: 0–9); minimum dietary diversity (MDD, consumption of three or more food groups); consumption of nine separate food groups) among pregnant and lactating women in rural Malawi.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingTwo rural districts in Central Malawi.SubjectsPregnant (n 589) and lactating (n 641) women.ResultsOf surveyed pregnant and lactating women, 66·7 and 68·6 %, respectively, experienced moderate or severe food insecurity and only 32·4 and 28·1 %, respectively, met MDD. Compared with food-secure pregnant women, those who reported severe food insecurity had a 0·36 lower DDS (P<0·05) and more than threefold higher risk (OR; 95 % CI) of not consuming meat/fish (3·19; CI 1·68, 6·03). The risk of not consuming eggs (3·77; 1·04, 13·7) was higher among moderately food-insecure pregnant women. Compared with food-secure lactating women, those who reported mild, moderate and severe food insecurity showed a 0·36, 0·44 and 0·62 lower DDS, respectively (all P<0·05). The risk of not achieving MDD was higher among moderately (1·95; 1·06, 3·59) and severely (2·82; 1·53, 5·22) food-insecure lactating women. The risk of not consuming meat/fish and eggs increased in a dose–response manner among lactating women experiencing mild (1·75; 1·01, 3·03 and 2·81; 1·09, 7·25), moderate (2·66; 1·47, 4·82 and 3·75; 1·40, 10·0) and severe (5·33; 2·63, 10·8 and 3·47; 1·19, 10·1) food insecurity.ConclusionsAddressing food insecurity during and after pregnancy needs to be considered when designing nutrition programmes aiming to increase dietary diversity in rural Malawi.
How to classify BMI among pregnant adolescents? A prospective cohort
Authors: Pinho-Pompeu Maira , Paulino Daiane Sofia Moraes , Morais Sirlei Siani , Crubelatti Marina Yumi , Pinto e Silva João Luiz , Surita Fernanda Garanhani 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectivePregnancy in adolescence is a global health issue, especially in developing countries. Additionally, the recommended gestational weight gain (GWG) is usually based on pre-pregnancy BMI and that might be complex for pregnant teens. The study objective was to compare three different methods of BMI classification and suggest the best way of determining pre-pregnancy BMI and monitoring GWG among pregnant adolescents.DesignPre-pregnancy weight, weight at first prenatal visit, height, sociodemographic, reproductive and perinatal data were collected. Weighted kappa and McNemar statistics were used to assess agreement between the classification methods.SettingProf. Dr Jose Aristodemo Pinotti Women’s Hospital, University of Campinas, Brazil.ParticipantsPrimiparas younger than 19 years of age and with less than 20 weeks of gestational age (n 150).ResultsBMI of the primiparas was determined according to the WHO recommendation for adult women, the Child Growth Standards (CGS) and their gynaecological age (GA). The WHO and GA measurements presented a strong agreement with each other (κw=0·99; 95 % CI 0·97, 1·00), but did not agree with the CGS classification (κw=0·62; 95 % CI 0·50, 0·74 by WHO; κw=0·62; 95 % CI 0·51, 0·74 by GA). Also, inadequate GWG was observed in 72·2 % of cases and was correlated with a higher rate of caesarean birth.ConclusionsBMI classification according to the CGS differed from WHO and GA. However, CGS and WHO agreed on perinatal outcomes. We recommend using BMI classification by WHO to assess pregnant adolescents, since it is easily applied and better known among health professionals.