bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Relationship of body fat and body mass index in young Pacific Islanders: a cross‐sectional study in European, Melanesian and Polynesian groups
Authors: Frayon S. , Cherrier S. , Cavaloc Y. , Wattelez G. , Lerrant Y. , Galy O. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundBody mass index is the most often used indicator of obesity but does not distinguish between lean and fat mass. Adiposity at the same body mass index differs across ethnic groups.ObjectivesThe twofold aim of this study was to determine whether body mass index (BMI)‐based references are correlated with body fat percentage (%BF) in a pluri‐ethnic population of Pacific Islanders and to assess the diagnostic accuracy of these references by using the percentage of body fat as the gold standard.MethodsHeight and weight were obtained, and triceps and subscapular skinfold thicknesses were measured in a sample of 796 adolescents (11–16 years) from the three main ethnic groups in New Caledonia: Melanesian, European and Polynesian. %BF was derived from the Slaughter equations, and BMI z score was calculated by using various international and national references.ResultsMelanesian teens had lower %BF compared with their European counterparts for the same BMI z score. Whatever the BMI‐based reference used to detect overfatness (%BF >25% for boys and >30% for girls), sensitivity was higher in Melanesian adolescents, while specificity was higher in their European counterparts. Diagnostic accuracy was better in Melanesian compared with European adolescents.ConclusionsThis study shows that Melanesian adolescents have lower %BF than their European counterparts for the same BMI z score. Therefore, the diagnostic accuracy of BMI to detect overfatness is related to ethnicity. Whatever the BMI‐based reference, sensitivity was higher in the Melanesian group, while specificity was higher in the European group.
Foetal fractional thigh volume: an early 3D ultrasound marker of neonatal adiposity
Authors: Roelants J. A. , Vermeulen M. J. , Koning I. V. , Groenenberg I. A. L. , Willemsen S. P. , Hokken‐Koelega A. C. S. , Joosten K. F. M. , Reiss I. K. M. , Steegers‐Theunissen R. P. M. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundThe predisposition for obesity is suggested to originate in the prenatal period. Prenatal markers are needed to identify foetuses at risk for neonatal adiposity, as early marker of childhood obesity.ObjectiveThe aim of this study is to assess the association between foetal fractional thigh volume (TVol) and neonatal percentage fat mass from mid‐gestation onward.MethodsIn this perinatal cohort study, singleton pregnancies with term born infants were included. Foetal TVol was measured on three‐dimensional ultrasound scans (3D US) obtained at 22, 26 and 32 weeks of gestation. Neonatal body composition measurement (percentage body fat (%BF)) was planned between 42+0 and 42+6‐week postmenstrual age. Cross‐sectional and longitudinal linear regression analyses were performed.ResultsSeventy‐nine mother–child pairs were included. Median (interquartile range) TVol increased from 7.6 (7.1; 8.5) cm3 at 22 weeks to 36.5 (33.8; 40.9) cm3 at 32 weeks. Median neonatal %BF was 14.3% (11.7; 17.0). TVol at 22 weeks (β = −1.58, 95% CI −2.45; −0.70, explained variance 31%) was negatively associated with %BF, but no associations were found at 26 and 32 weeks of gestation. TVol growth between 22 and 32 weeks of gestation (explained variance 18%) was also statistically significantly negatively associated with %BF.ConclusionsFoetal TVol is a promising 3D US marker for prediction of neonatal adiposity from mid‐gestation onward.
Functional characterization of the transcriptional regulatory elements of three highly expressed constitutive genes in the jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis
Authors: Shirk P. D. , Furlong R. B. , Dolan A. , Werren J. H. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe jewel wasp, Nasonia vitripennis Ashmead (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae), is an easily reared parasitoid that is providing an ever increasingly malleable model for examining the biology and genetics of Hymenoptera. Utilizing genomic and transcriptome resources, 5' upstream transcriptional regulatory sequences (TREs) from three highly expressed genes were identified and cloned. Criteria for TRE selection included the presence of an adjacent gene 5' of the translation initiation site. One gene was methylated whereas the other two were nonmethylated. Each TRE, heat‐shock protein 70 (hsp70), activator of 90 kDa hsp ATPase protein 1 (hsp90A), and lipid storage droplet surface‐binding protein 1 (lsdp) was linked with enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) coding sequence and cloned into both pDP9e somatic and piggyBac germline transformation vectors. EGFP expression patterns under control of each TRE were compared with patterns of DsRed fluorescence produced from the transformation vector cassette. Functional activity of each TRE was observed in cultured Spodoptera frugiperda 9 (Sf9) cells and Drosophila melanogaster as well as in N. vitripennis embryos demonstrating that all three sequences had functional transcriptional regulatory activity in three different insect orders. Identification and functional characterization of these three TREs will provide critical and necessary resources for further genetic analyses of N. vitripennis, Hymenoptera and other insects.
Influenza virus‐like particles harboring H9N2 HA and NA proteins induce a protective immune response in chicken
Authors: Li Xin , Ju Houbin , Liu Jian , Yang Dequan , Qi Xinyong , Yang Xianchao , Qiu Yafeng , Zheng Jie , Ge Feifei , Zhou Jinping 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundAvian influenza viruses represent a growing threat of an influenza pandemic. The co‐circulation of multiple H9N2 genotypes over the past decade has been replaced by one predominant genotype—G57 genotype, which displays a changed antigenicity and improved adaptability in chickens. Effective H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus vaccines for poultry are urgently needed.ObjectiveIn this study, we constructed H9N2 subtype avian influenza virus‐like particle (VLP) and evaluated its protective efficacy in specific pathogen‐free (SPF) chickens to lay the foundation for developing an effective vaccine against influenza viruses.MethodsExpression of influenza proteins in VLPs was confirmed by Western blot, hemagglutination inhibition (HI), and neuraminidase inhibition (NI). The morphology was observed by electron microscopy. A group of 15 three‐week‐old SPF chickens was divided into three subgroups of five chickens immunized with VLP, commercial vaccine, and PBS. Challenge study was performed to evaluate efficacy of VLP vaccine.Results and ConclusionsThe hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) proteins were co‐expressed in the infected cells, self‐assembled, and were released into the culture medium in the form of VLPs of diameter ~80 nm. The VLPs exhibited some functional characteristics of a full influenza virus, including hemagglutination and neuraminidase activity. In SPF chickens, the VLPs elicited serum antibodies specific for H9N2 and induced a higher HI titer (as detected by a homologous antigen) than did a commercial H9N2 vaccine (A/chicken/Shanghai/F/1998). Viral shedding from VLP vaccine subgroup was reduced compared with commercial vaccine subgroup and control subgroup.
A novel Eu3+‐ and self‐activated vanadate phosphor of Ca4La(VO4)3O with oxyvanadate apatite structure
Authors: Yu Ruijin , Jeong Jung Hyun , Wang Yin‐Feng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPure and Eu3+‐activated Ca4La(VO4)3O phosphors were prepared via three‐step solid‐phase synthesis. The phase formation and structure were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) with Rietveld refinements. All the samples crystallized in an apatite‐type structure. The morphological properties were measured via by SEM and EDS measurements. Ca4La(VO4)3O is a new vanadate optical material with a direct band feature and a band energy of 3.1 eV. The undoped Ca4La(VO4)3O phosphor presents self‐activated yellow luminescence from 400 nm to 750 nm with a maximum wavelength of 525 nm originating from VO4 groups. Luminescence characteristics of Ca4La(VO4)3O indicate that the phosphor is not sufficient for practical applications. In Eu3+‐activated Ca4La(VO4)3O, there is an efficient energy transfer from VO4 to Eu3+ ions. The luminescence spectra, concentration quenching, decay curves, color chromaticity, and quantum efficiencies (QE) of Ca4La(VO4)3O:Eu3+ were investigated. The phosphor presents optimal Eu3+ doping concentration of about 20 mol%. The dominant red emission in Ca4La(VO4)3O:Eu3+ is 615 nm from electronic 5D0→7F2 dipole transitions. The quantum efficiency and the luminescence stability of the pure and Eu‐activated Ca4La(VO4)3O were reported. The luminescence was discussed on the structural characteristics.
High Na‐ion conducting Na1+x[SnxGe2−x(PO4)3] glass‐ceramic electrolytes: Structural and electrochemical impedance studies
Authors: Gandi Suman , Chinta Srinivasa Rao , Ojha Prasanta Kumar , Surendra Babu Manubolu Surya , Ravuri Balaji Rao 
Published: July 2017

AbstractNa‐ion conducting Na1+x[SnxGe2−x(PO4)3] (x = 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75 mol%) glass samples with NASICON‐type phase were synthesized by the melt quenching method and glass‐ceramics were formed by heat treating the precursor glasses at their crystallization temperatures. XRD traces exhibit formation of most stable crystalline phase NaGe2(PO4)3 (ICSD‐164019) with trigonal structure. Structural illustration of sodium germanium phosphate [NaGe2(PO4)3] displays that each germanium is surrounded by 6 oxygen atom showing octahedral symmetry (GeO6) and phosphorous with 4 oxygen atoms showing tetrahedral symmetry (PO4). The highest bulk Na+ ion conductivities and lowest activation energy for conduction were achieved to be 8.39 × 10−05 S/cm and 0.52 eV for the optimum substitution levels (x = 0.5 mol%, Na1.5[Sn0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3]) of tetrahedral Ge4+ ions by Sn4+ on Na–Ge–P network. CV studies of the best conducting Na1.5[Sn0.5Ge1.5(PO4)3] glass‐ceramic electrolyte possesses a wide electrochemical window of 6 V. The structural and EIS studies of these glass‐ceramic electrolyte samples were monitored in light of the substitution of Ge by its larger homologue Sn.
Discovery and genomic analyses of hybridization between divergent lineages of Trypanosoma congolense, causative agent of Animal African Trypanosomiasis
Authors: Tihon Eliane , Imamura Hideo , Dujardin Jean‐Claude , Van Den Abbeele Jan , Van den Broeck Frederik 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHybrid populations and introgressive hybridization remain poorly documented in pathogenic micro‐organisms, as such that genetic exchange has been argued to play a minor role in their evolution. Recent work demonstrated the existence of hybrid microsatellite profiles in Trypanosoma congolense, a parasitic protozoan with detrimental effects on livestock productivity in sub‐Saharan Africa. Here, we present the first population genomic study of T. congolense, revealing a remarkable number of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), small insertions/deletions (indels) and gene deletions among 56 parasite genomes from ten African countries. One group of parasites from Zambia was particularly diverse, displaying a substantial number of heterozygous SNP and indel sites compared to T. congolense parasites from the nine other sub‐Saharan countries. Genomewide 5‐kb phylogenetic analyses based on phased SNP data revealed that these parasites were the product of hybridization between phylogenetically distinct T. congolense lineages. Other parasites within the same region in Zambia presented a mosaic of haplotypic ancestry and genetic variability, indicating that hybrid parasites persisted and recombined beyond the initial hybridization event. Our observations challenge traditional views of trypanosome population biology and encourage future research on the role of hybridization in spreading genes for drug resistance, pathogenicity and virulence.
Comparative landscape genetics of pond‐breeding amphibians in Mediterranean temporal wetlands: The positive role of structural heterogeneity in promoting gene flow
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Rodríguez Jorge , Gonçalves João , Civantos Emilio , Martínez‐Solano Iñigo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractComparative landscape genetics studies can provide key information to implement cost‐effective conservation measures favouring a broad set of taxa. These studies are scarce, particularly in Mediterranean areas, which include diverse but threatened biological communities. Here, we focus on Mediterranean wetlands in central Iberia and perform a multi‐level, comparative study of two endemic pond‐breeding amphibians, a salamander (Pleurodeles waltl) and a toad (Pelobates cultripes). We genotyped 411 salamanders from 20 populations and 306 toads from 16 populations at 18 and 16 microsatellite loci, respectively, and identified major factors associated with population connectivity through the analysis of three sets of variables potentially affecting gene flow at increasingly finer levels of spatial resolution. Topographic, land use/cover, and remotely sensed vegetation/moisture indices were used to derive optimized resistance surfaces for the two species. We found contrasting patterns of genetic structure, with stronger, finer scale genetic differentiation in Pleurodeles waltl, and notable differences in the role of fine‐scale patterns of heterogeneity in vegetation cover and water content in shaping patterns of regional genetic structure in the two species. Overall, our results suggest a positive role of structural heterogeneity in population connectivity in pond‐breeding amphibians, with habitat patches of Mediterranean scrubland and open oak woodlands (“dehesas”) facilitating gene flow. Our study highlights the usefulness of remotely sensed continuous variables of land cover, vegetation and water content (e.g., NDVI, NDMI) in conservation‐oriented studies aimed at identifying major drivers of population connectivity.
Genetic networks controlled by the bacterial replication initiator and transcription factor DnaA in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Washington Tracy A. , Smith Janet L. , Grossman Alan D. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryDnaA is the widely conserved bacterial AAA+ ATPase that functions as both the replication initiator and a transcription factor. In many organisms, DnaA controls expression of its own gene and likely several others during growth and in response to replication stress. To evaluate the effects of DnaA on gene expression, separate from its role in replication initiation, we analyzed changes in mRNA levels in Bacillus subtilis cells with and without dnaA, using engineered strains in which dnaA is not essential. We found that dnaA was required for many of the changes in gene expression in response to replication stress. We also found that dnaA indirectly affected expression of several regulons during growth, including those controlled by the transcription factors Spo0A, AbrB, PhoP, SinR, RemA, Rok and YvrH. These effects were largely mediated by the effects of DnaA on expression of sda. DnaA activates transcription of sda, and Sda inhibits histidine protein kinases required for activation of the transcription factor Spo0A. We also found that loss of dnaA caused a decrease in the development of genetic competence. Together, our results indicate that DnaA plays an important role in modulating cell physiology, separate from its role in replication initiation.
Nitrate reductases in Hydrogenobacter thermophilus with evolutionarily ancient features: distinctive localization and electron transfer
Authors: Kameya Masafumi , Kanbe Haruna , Igarashi Yasuo , Arai Hiroyuki , Ishii Masaharu 
Published: July 2017

SummaryDissimilatory nitrate reductase (NAR) and assimilatory nitrate reductase (NAS) serve as key enzymes for nitrogen catabolism and anabolism in many organisms. We purified NAR and NAS from H. thermophilus, a hydrogen‐oxidizing chemolithoautotroph belonging to the phylogenetically deepest branch in the Bacteria domain. Physiological contribution of these enzymes to nitrate respiration and assimilation was clarified by transcriptomic analysis and gene disruption experiments. These enzymes showed several features unreported in bacteria, such as the periplasmic orientation of NAR anchored with a putative transmembrane subunit and the specific electron transfer from a [4Fe‐4S]‐type ferredoxin to NAS. While some of their enzymatic properties are shared with NARs from archaea and with NASs from phototrophs, phylogenetic analysis indicated that H. thermophilus NAR and NAS have deep evolutionary origins that cannot be explained by a recent horizontal gene transfer event from archaea and phototrophs. These findings revealed the diversity of NAR and NAS in nonphotosynthetic bacteria, and they also implied that the outward orientation of NAR and the ferredoxin‐dependent electron transfer of NAS are evolutionarily ancient features preserved in H. thermophilus.
Willpower Satisficing
Authors: Chappell Richard Yetter 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSatisficing Consequentialism is often rejected as hopeless. Perhaps its greatest problem is that it risks condoning the gratuitous prevention of goodness above the baseline of what qualifies as “good enough”. I propose a radical newwillpower‐basedversion of the view that avoids this problem, and that better fits with the motivation of avoiding an excessively demanding conception of morality. I further demonstrate how, by drawing on the resources of an independent theory of blameworthiness, we may obtain a principled specification of what counts as “good enough”.
Interleukin‐15 in obesity and metabolic dysfunction: current understanding and future perspectives
Authors: Duan Y. , Li F. , Wang W. , Guo Q. , Wen C. , Li Y. , Yin Y. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryObesity rises rapidly and is a major health concern for modern people. Importantly, it is a major risk factor in the development of numerous chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Recently, interleukin (IL)‐15 has attracted considerable attention as a potential regulator for the prevention and/or treatment of obesity and T2DM. The beneficial effects include increased loss of fat mass and body weight, improved lipid and glucose metabolism, reduced white adipose tissue inflammation, enhanced mitochondrial function, alterations in the composition of muscle fibres and gut bacterial and attenuated endoplasmic reticulum stress. Although these beneficial effects are somewhat controversial, IL‐15, exogenously delivered or endogenously produced, may be a promising target in the prevention and treatment of obesity and T2DM.
Who often feels lonely? A cross‐sectional study about loneliness and its related factors among older home‐dwelling people
Authors: Tomstad Solveig , Dale Bjørg , Sundsli Kari , Sævareid Hans Inge , Söderhamn Ulrika 
Published: July 2017

Aim and objectivesTo investigate the prevalence of individuals who often feel lonely among a sample of Norwegian older home‐dwelling people aged ≥65 years old, as well as to identify any possible factors explaining their loneliness.BackgroundLoneliness is known to be common among older people. To identify those older adults who are lonely, and to acquire knowledge about the complexity of their loneliness, is important to provide them with adequate help and support.DesignThis study employed a cross‐sectional design.MethodA questionnaire was mailed to a randomised sample of 6,033 older home‐dwelling persons aged ≥65 years. A total of 2,052 persons returned the questionnaire and were included in the study. The questionnaire consisted of questions asking whether the subjects often felt lonely or not, as well as health‐related and background questions and instruments to measure the participants’ sense of coherence, mental problems, nutritional screening and self‐care ability. The data were analysed using univariate and multivariate statistical methods.ResultsA total of 11.6% of the participants reported often feeling lonely. Six factors emerged to be independently associated with often feeling lonely among the respondents: Living alone, not being satisfied with life, having mental problems, a weak sense of coherence, not having contact with neighbours and being at risk for undernutrition.ConclusionsThe study shows that often feeling lonely among older home‐dwelling persons is a health‐related problem that includes social, psychological and physical aspects. Moreover, these persons have limited resources to overcome feelings of loneliness.Implications for practiceLasting loneliness among older home‐dwelling persons requires an overall, person‐centred and time‐consuming approach by nurses. Nurses with advanced knowledge on geriatric nursing may be required to offer appropriate care and support. Healthcare leaders and politicians should offer possibilities for adequate assessment, support and help.
Missing links between regulatory resources and risk concerns: Evidence from the case of food safety in China
Authors: Ma Liang , Liu Peng 
Published: July 2017

AbstractDo resources available to regulatory agencies matter for public perceptions of social risks? In this paper we use the case of food safety in China to empirically examine the relationship between regulatory resources and risk concerns. The multilevel model estimates suggest that neither regulatory revenue nor personnel is significantly related to public concerns over food safety. There is also no significant interaction effect between regulatory resources and food scandals. Despite the fact that sufficient fiscal revenue and manpower are the prerequisites of effective food safety regulation, they do not elicit more favorable public perceptions. These are the two missing links leading to the insignificant effect of regulatory resource inputs. First, ineffective distribution and deployment of resources and the lack of external participation retard the growth of regulatory capacity. Second, underinvestment in risk communication and the amplification effect of risks undermine regulatory legitimacy. We discuss the theoretical and policy implications of the results, and conclude with research limitations and suggestions for future research.
Modelling Earnings Dynamics and Inequality: Foreign Workers and Inequality Trends in Luxembourg, 1988–2009
Authors: Sologon Denisa M. , Van Kerm Philippe 
Published: July 2017

SummaryThe paper exploits large-scale administrative data to analyse trends in male earnings inequality in Luxembourg during 20 years of rapid economic growth, industrial redevelopment and massive inflow of foreign workers. A detailed error components model is estimated to identify persistent and transitory components of (the trends of) log-earnings variance and to disentangle the contributions to it of native, immigrant and cross-border workers. The model is flexible and allows for a high degree of individual, age, time and cohort heterogeneity. We observe a surprising stability in overall earnings inequality as a result of more complex underlying changes, with marked increases in persistent inequality (except among natives), a growing contribution of foreigners and a decrease in earnings instability (primarily for natives).