bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testis‐specific isoform of Na/K‐ATPase (ATP1A4) regulates sperm function and fertility in dairy bulls through potential mechanisms involving reactive oxygen species, calcium and actin polymerization
Authors: Rajamanickam G. D. , Kroetsch T. , Kastelic J. P. , Thundathil J. C. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryTraditional bull breeding soundness evaluation (BBSE) eliminates bulls that are grossly abnormal; however, bulls classified as satisfactory potential breeders still vary in field fertility, implying submicroscopic differences in sperm characteristics. The testis‐specific isoform of Na/K‐ATPase (ATP1A4) is involved in regulation of sperm motility and capacitation in bulls through well‐established enzyme activity and signaling functions. The objective was to determine ATP1A4 content, activity and their relationship to post‐thaw sperm function and field fertility, using semen samples from low‐fertility (LF) and high‐fertility (HF) Holstein bulls (n = 20 each) with known FERTSOL rates (measure of field fertility, based on non‐return rate). Frozen‐thawed sperm from HF bulls had increased ATP1A4 content and activity compared to LF bulls. Furthermore, post‐thaw sperm from HF bulls had increased tyrosine phosphorylation, ROS, F‐actin content, and low intracellular calcium compared to LF bulls. Subsequent incubation of HF bull sperm with ouabain (a specific ligand of Na/K‐ATPase) further augmented the post‐thaw increase in tyrosine phosphorylation, ROS production, and F‐actin content, whereas the increase in intracellular calcium was still low compared to LF bull sperm. ATP1A4 content and activity, ROS, F‐actin and calcium were significantly correlated with fertility. In conclusion, we inferred that ATP1A4 content and activity differed among dairy bulls with satisfactory semen characteristics and that ATP1A4 may regulate sperm function through mechanisms involving ROS, F‐actin and calcium in frozen‐thawed sperm of HF and LF dairy bulls.
Feasibility study on robot‐assisted retinal vascular bypass surgery in an ex vivo porcine model
Authors: Chen Yi Qi , Tao Ji Wei , Li Liang , Mao Jian Bo , Zhu Chen Ting , Lao Ji Meng , Yang Yang , Shen Li‐Jun 
Published: June 2017

AbstractPurposeTo describe a new robot‐assisted surgical system for retinal vascular bypass surgery (RVBS) and to compare the success rate with freehand RVBS.MethodsA robot‐assisted system for retinal microsurgery was constructed to include two independent robotic arms. A 23‐gauge light probe and an intraocular forceps were affixed to the arm end effectors to perform the intraocular manipulation. Harvested porcine eyes were introduced to be established animal models of closed‐sky eyeballs after that pars plana vitrectomy using temporary keratoprosthesis was performed by a skilful surgeon. Retinal vascular bypass surgery (RVBS) was performed by an inexperienced ophthalmologist to test the ease of use. A stainless steel wire (45‐μm pipe diameter) was used as an artificial vessel. Before RVBS, the wires were prepositioned at the retinal surface of the eyes. The Control group (n = 20) underwent freehand RVBS, and the Experimental group (n = 20) underwent robot‐assisted RVBS. To create the simulated bypass, the distal end of the wire was inserted into the selected vessel and advanced ~4 mm away from the optic disc. If successful, then the proximal wire end was inserted and advanced ~2 mm towards the optic disc. The difference in the success rate for the freehand and robot‐assisted procedures was analysed by the chi‐square test.ResultsThe success rate for the freehand RVBS was 5% (1/20 eyes). In contrast, the robot‐assisted success rate was 35% (7/20) of eyes (p < 0.05).ConclusionThis study demonstrated the feasibility of robot‐assisted RVBS in ex vivo porcine eyes. The robotic system increased the accuracy and stability of manipulation by eliminating freehand tremor, leading to a higher surgical success rate.
A Diary Study of Self‐Compassion, Upward Social Comparisons, and Body Image‐Related Outcomes
Authors: Thøgersen‐Ntoumani Cecilie , Dodos Louisa , Chatzisarantis Nikos , Ntoumanis Nikos 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundSelf‐compassion may protect individuals experiencing poor body image and associated maladaptive outcomes. The purpose of the study was to examine within‐person associations (whilst controlling for between‐person differences) between appearance‐related self‐compassion, appearance‐related threats (operationalised as upward appearance comparisons), and body image‐related variables, namely, social physique anxiety, drive for thinness, and body dissatisfaction.MethodsA diary methodology was used whereby young women (n = 126; Mage = 21.26) responded to brief online surveys three times per day (11am, 3pm, and 7pm) every second day for one week (i.e. a total of 12 measurement points).ResultsResults of mixed linear modeling revealed that both state appearance‐related upward comparisons and self‐compassion independently predicted all three outcomes in a positive and negative fashion, respectively. No significant interaction effects between state appearance‐related upward comparisons and self‐compassion were found.ConclusionsThe results suggested that appearance‐based self‐compassion was important, not just when there was a potential threat to body image via upward appearance comparisons. The findings highlight the importance of fostering self‐compassion on a daily level.
Managing biological control services through multi‐trophic trait interactions: review and guidelines for implementation at local and landscape scales
Authors: Perović David J. , Gámez‐Virués Sagrario , Landis Douglas A. , Wäckers Felix , Gurr Geoff M. , Wratten Stephen D. , You Min‐Sheng , Desneux Nicolas 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTEcological studies are increasingly moving towards trait‐based approaches, as the evidence mounts that functions, as opposed to taxonomy, drive ecosystem service delivery. Among ecosystem services, biological control has been somewhat overlooked in functional ecological studies. This is surprising given that, over recent decades, much of biological control research has been focused on identifying the multiple characteristics (traits) of species that influence trophic interactions. These traits are especially well developed for interactions between arthropods and flowers – important for biological control, as floral resources can provide natural enemies with nutritional supplements, which can dramatically increase biological control efficiency. Traits that underpin the biological control potential of a community and that drive the response of arthropods to environmental filters, from local to landscape‐level conditions, are also emerging from recent empirical studies. We present an overview of the traits that have been identified to (i) drive trophic interactions, especially between plants and biological control agents through determining access to floral resources and enhancing longevity and fecundity of natural enemies, (ii) affect the biological control services provided by arthropods, and (iii) limit the response of arthropods to environmental filters, ranging from local management practices to landscape‐level simplification. We use this review as a platform to outline opportunities and guidelines for future trait‐based studies focused on the enhancement of biological control services.
Children's Early Awareness of Comprehension as Evident in Their Spontaneous Corrections of Speech Errors
Authors: Wellman Henry M. , Song Ju‐Hyun , Peskin‐Shepherd Hope 
Published: June 2017

A crucial human cognitive goal is to understand and to be understood. But understanding often takes active management. Two studies investigated early developmental processes of understanding management by focusing on young children's comprehension monitoring. We ask: When and how do young children actively monitor their comprehension of social‐communicative interchanges and so seek to clarify and correct their own potential miscomprehension? Study 1 examined the parent–child conversations of 13 children studied longitudinally in everyday situations from the time the children were approximately 2 years through 3 years. Study 2 used a seminaturalistic situation in the laboratory to address these questions with more precision and control with 36 children aged 2–3 years.
Happy To Be “Me?” Authenticity, Psychological Need Satisfaction, and Subjective Well‐Being in Adolescence
Authors: Thomaes Sander , Sedikides Constantine , van den Bos Nellie , Hutteman Roos , Reijntjes Albert 
Published: June 2017

Adolescents have a strong desire to “be themselves.” How does experiencing authenticity—the sense of being one's true self—influence subjective well‐being? What allows adolescents to experience authenticity? This research tests a working model of how authenticity is implicated in adolescents’ well‐being. Using survey, diary, and experimental methodologies, four studies (totalN = 759, age range = 12–17) supported the main tenets of the model. Authenticity (a) enhances well‐being, (b) covaries with satisfaction of psychological needs for relatedness and competence; is caused by satisfaction of the need for autonomy; and (c) mediates the link between need satisfaction and well‐being. Authenticity is more than a powerful motive: It has robust, replicable effects on well‐being and may thus be a pervasive force in positive youth development.
Increased risk of asthma in overweight children born large for gestational age
Authors: Pinto L. A. , Guerra S. , Anto J. M. , Postma D. , Koppelman G. H. , de Jongste J. C. , Gehring U. , Smit H. A. , Wijga A. H. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundBeing born large for gestational age (LGA) is a marker of increased growth velocity in fetal life and a risk factor for childhood overweight. Both being born LGA and childhood overweight may influence the development of asthma, although the role of overweight in the association between LGA and childhood asthma is unclear. Importantly, recent studies have suggested that the association between overweight and asthma may be related to non‐allergic pathways. If this also applies to the association between LGA and asthma, the association between being born LGA and asthma may be different for atopic and non‐atopic children.ObjectiveWe investigated the association of being LGA with the prevalence of asthma at age 8 in atopic and non‐atopic children and the role of overweight in this association.MethodsComplete data on asthma, anthropometry and atopy at age of 8 years, and potential confounders were available for 1608 participants of the PIAMA birth cohort. Odds ratios for the association between LGA and asthma in atopic and non‐atopic children were estimated by logistic regression analysis adjusting for potential confounders. Overweight was assessed as a potential modifier of the association between LGA and asthma.ResultsBeing born LGA was not significantly associated with asthma at age of 8 in atopic and non‐atopic children. However, overweight at age of 8 years modified the association between asthma at age of 8 and LGA. In non‐atopic children, children who were born LGA and were overweight at age of 8 years had a significantly increased odds of asthma compared to non‐LGA, non‐overweight children (adj OR 7.04; 95% CI 2.2‐24).ConclusionsWe observed that non‐atopic children born LGA, who were overweight by 8 years have an increased risk of asthma. If confirmed, these findings suggest that non‐atopic children born LGA may be identified early in life as a high‐risk group for asthma.
Prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis in Australia: the National Eye Health Survey
Authors: Dirani Mohamed , Keel Stuart , Foreman Joshua , van Wijngaarden Peter , Taylor Hugh R 
Published: June 2017

AbstractImportanceAustralia is the only developed country to still have pockets of endemic trachoma. The research provides up‐to‐date, population‐based prevalence data of later complications of trachoma amongst a national sample of Indigenous adults.BackgroundTo report the prevalence of trachomatous trichiasis (TT) in Indigenous Australians aged 40 years and older.DesignPopulation‐based cross‐sectional study.ParticipantsA total of 1738 (41% male) Indigenous Australians aged 40 years or older, living amongst 30 randomly selected Australian sites, stratified by remoteness.MethodsAnterior segment examination was performed and trachoma grading for the presence of TT and corneal opacification (CO) was conducted using the WHO (WHO) simplified grading system.Main Outcome MeasuresPrevalence of TT.ResultsA total of three (0.17%) participants had TT, and there were no confirmed cases of trachomatous CO in the NEHS. All three participants with TT were female and aged 40 years or older. Although they had likely spent their childhoods in more remote areas, two of the three confirmed cases resided in an urban and outer regional area at the time of their examinations.Conclusions and relevanceOur data are in line with ongoing national trachoma surveillance reports that suggest the prevalence of late sequences of trachoma appear to be decreasing in Australia.
Dermatological manifestations of tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
Authors: Ebrahimi‐Fakhari Daniel , Meyer Sascha , Vogt Thomas , Pföhler Claudia , Müller Cornelia Sigrid Lissi 
Published: June 2017

SummaryTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic multisystem disorder with prominent skin involvement that frequently occurs in early childhood. Dermatologic manifestations include facial angiofibromas, hypomelanotic macules, fibrous cephalic plaques, shagreen patches, and ungual fibromas. The International TSC Consensus Conference in 2012 provided guidelines for standardized baseline evaluation and follow‐up. Detailed clinical dermatological evaluation at the time of diagnosis and annual skin examination is recommended for both pediatric and adult populations. The onset of dermatological manifestations is clearly age‐related. However, dermatologists also have to assess for clinical manifestations beyond their own specialty. With advances in genetics and the advent of mTORC1 inhibitors, new specific therapeutic options have become available for TSC patients with skin manifestations. Early intervention is commonly recommended for symptomatic, rapidly evolving, disfiguring, or debilitating lesions. The consensus guidelines recommend “treatment as appropriate for the lesion and clinical context” and suggest the use of surgical excision, laser therapy, or topical mTORC1 inhibitors. Topical mTORC1 inhibitors present a useful option for TSC‐associated skin lesions, particularly in medically complex patients. They may prevent or reduce the risks of subsequent surgeries and permanent scarring.
Multi‐scalar Labour Agency in Global Production Networks: Contestation and Crisis in the South African Fruit Sector
Authors: Alford Matthew , Barrientos Stephanie , Visser Margareet 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTIntegration into global production networks poses significant challenges, and also opens up opportunities, for labour agency. Governance by lead firms affects working conditions and can drive precarious employment; this interacts with and can constrain national labour legislation covering labour rights. The global production networks (GPN) approach facilitates examination of commercial value chains, their interaction with institutionally and societally embedded labour markets, and potential leverage points for labour contestation transcending local, national and global scales. This informs analysis of commercial/societal articulations as contested processes opening space for multi‐scalar labour agency within global production networks. This article examines how tensions between global commercial and societally embedded dimensions of global production networks drive precarious work, and seeks to understand the implications for emergent forms of multi‐scalar community‐based labour agency. These questions are explored through an examination of labour casualization and contestation in South African fruit production in 2012–13, using the GPN approach. The authors find that multi‐scalar channels of labour agency leveraging both global commercial and government actors can enable reworking by unorganized community‐based labour to bargain for better pay and conditions, but if the underlying global commercial logic is to be challenged, more systemic strategies are required.
The US Dollar's Continuing Hegemony as an International Currency: A Double‐matrix Analysis
Authors: Kaltenbrunner Annina , Lysandrou Photis 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe standard framework for debating the international currency system casts doubt on the dollar's continuing hegemonic position because it raises questions regarding the ability of the US to finance its external liabilities in the face of worsening economic fundamentals. This article addresses these questions by adding to the usual matrix linking the international functions of money to two different types of agents, private and official, a second matrix linking the functions of money to two different types of commodities, material goods and services on the one hand, and financial securities on the other. Once it is understood that bonds and equities are now not only different types of funding instruments but also different types of commodities whose use value to the world's large investors is to serve as stores of value, it is possible to understand why the size of the US capital markets will long continue to bind foreign investors to the dollar because it will be some time before other capital markets will reach a comparable size.
Response of soil microbial community structure to increased precipitation and nitrogen addition in a semiarid meadow steppe
Authors: Sun S. , Zhao H. , Xing F. , Bai Z. , Gao Y. , Dong Y. , Zhou J. , Wu Y. , Yang Y. 
Published: June 2017

Additions of nitrogen (N) and water might have an interactive effect on the structure of the soil microbial community. The effects and importance of a fluctuating natural precipitation regime on the soil microbial community in a semiarid meadow steppe are very variable and less well known. On a Stipa baicalensis Rosh. meadow steppe, we used phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis to evaluate the effects of increased precipitation, addition of nitrogen and precipitation regime in regulating the structure of the microbial community. The experiment had a complete randomized block design with additions of N of 0, 5 and 10 g N m−2 year−1 and of water of 15 or 30% above the natural precipitation from 2010 to 2012. Additional water and number of years had interactive effects on the soil's microbial community structure. The indirect effects of water and N on soil properties such as pH might explain, at least in part, the changes in microbial groups. Additional water significantly decreased PLFAs for most microbial groups in the dry year, but had no effect in the wet year. The results reflected fluctuation in the natural precipitation regime during two hydrologically contrasting years. Changes in the structure of the soil microbial community might depend on variation in interannual precipitation on meadow steppe. Overall, this study emphasizes the importance of the precipitation regime for the soil's microbial community structure. Increases in natural precipitation will weaken the negative effects of nitrogen fertilizers on the grassland ecosystem in future.HighlightsEffects of fluctuating natural precipitation and additions of nitrogen on soil's microbial community structure.
Structure of soil's microbial community might depend on variation in interannual precipitation on meadow steppe.
Increases in natural precipitation weaken the negative effects of nitrogen fertilizers on the grassland ecosystem.
Precipitation regime has an important effect on soil's microbial community structure.
Assessment of soil group, site and climatic effects on soil organic carbon stocks of topsoil in Japanese forests
Authors: Nanko K. , Hashimoto S. , Miura S. , Ishizuka S. , Sakai Y. , Levia D. F. , Ugawa S. , Nishizono T. , Kitahara F. , Osone Y. , Kaneko S. 
Published: June 2017

The aim of this study was to assess the factors that account for the geographical variation in soil organic carbon stocks at the 0–30‐cm depth (SOC30) of forests in Japan. Boosted regression tree analysis was applied to 2157 points throughout Japan and to four regional geographical subdivisions with 16 environmental variables. The rank of predictor variables was different for Japan as a whole and among the regions. For Japan as a whole, soil group, air temperature, slope inclination, altitude and organic carbon stocks of litter were the most important factors that affected SOC30 stocks. Overall, SOC30 stocks decreased with air temperature, which was attributed to the decomposability of organic carbon. In addition, SOC30 stocks decreased with slope inclination because of instability of the topsoil on slopes, which, in turn, is related to the increase in rock fragment content and decrease in soil bulk density. The distribution of volcanic soil resulted in larger SOC30 stocks than was expected from climatic conditions. Precipitation was not important because of conflicting effects between the increase in soil organic carbon content with increasing net primary production and the decrease in mineral soil mass by the loss in topsoil. The regional analyses provide insight into the factors that cause variation in SOC30 stocks, which were obscured by the macroscale analysis of Japan as a whole, thereby illustrating the power of regional geographical analyses. Our results provide an improved basis for soil, forestry and biogeochemical models that require accurate estimates of SOC30 stocks.HighlightsWe assessed factors that account for geographic variation in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks.
Effect and dependence of factors were estimated by a machine learning approach.
SOC stocks were affected by soil type, climate, site‐specific location and organic matter input.
Volcanic soil distribution, climate, slope steepness and historical overuse of forest affected SOC stocks.
Prediction of specific depressive symptom clusters in youth with epilepsy: The NDDI‐E‐Y versus Neuro‐QOL SF
Authors: Kellermann Tanja S. , Mueller Martina , Carter Emma G. , Brooks Byron , Smith Gigi , Kopp Olivia J. , Wagner Janelle L. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryObjectiveProper assessment and early identification of depressive symptoms are essential to initiate treatment and minimize the risk for poor outcomes in youth with epilepsy (YWE). The current study examined the predictive utility of the Neurological Disorders Depression Inventory‐Epilepsy for Youth (NDDI‐E‐Y) and the Neuro‐QOL Depression Short Form (Neuro‐QOL SF) in explaining variance in overall depressive symptoms and specific symptom clusters on the gold standard Children's Depression Inventory‐2 (CDI‐2).MethodsCross‐sectional study examining 99 YWE (female 68, mean age 14.7 years) during a routine epilepsy visit, who completed self‐report measures of depressive symptoms, including the NDDI‐E‐Y, CDI‐2, and the Neuro‐QOL SF. Caregivers completed a measure of seizure severity. All sociodemographic and medical information was evaluated through electronic medical record review.ResultsAfter accounting for seizure and demographic variables, the NDDI‐E‐Y accounted for 45% of the variance in the CDI‐2 Total score and the CDI‐2 Ineffectiveness subscale. Furthermore, the NDDI‐E‐Y predicted CDI‐2 Total scores and subscales similarly, with the exception of explaining significantly more variance in the CDI‐2 Ineffectiveness subscale compared to the Negative Mood subscale. The NDDI‐E‐Y explained greater variance compared to Neuro‐QOL SF across the Total (48% vs. 37%) and all CDI‐2 subscale scores; however, the NDDI‐E‐Y emerged as a stronger predictor of only CDI‐2 Ineffectiveness. Both the NDDI‐E‐Y and Neuro‐QOL SF accounted for the lowest amount of variance in CDI‐2 Negative Mood. Sensitivity was poor for the Neuro‐QOL SF in predicting high versus low CDI‐2 scores.SignificanceThe NDDI‐E‐Y has strong psychometrics and can be easily integrated into routine epilepsy care for quick, brief screening of depressive symptoms in YWE.