bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Acute effect of multiple ozone metrics on mortality by season in 34 Chinese counties in 2013–2015
Authors: Sun Q. , Wang W. , Chen C. , Ban J. , Xu D. , Zhu P. , He M. Z. , Li T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundAlthough numerous multicentre studies have estimated the association between ozone exposure and mortality, there are currently no nationally representative multicentre studies of the ozone–mortality relationship in China.ObjectiveTo investigate the effect on total (nonaccidental) and cause‐specific mortality of short‐term exposure to ambient ozone, and examine different exposure metrics.MethodsThe effects of short‐term exposure to ozone were analysed using various metrics (daily 1‐h maximum, daily 8‐h maximum and daily average) on total (nonaccidental) and cause‐specific (circulatory and respiratory) mortality from 2013 to 2015 in 34 counties in 10 cities across China. We used distributed lag nonlinear models for estimating county‐specific relative risk of mortality and combined the county‐specific relative rates by conducting a random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsIn all‐year analyses, a 10 μg m−3 increase in daily average, daily 1‐h maximum and daily 8‐h maximum ozone at lag02 corresponded to an increase of 0.6% (95% CI: 0.33, 0.88), 0.26% (95% CI: 0.12, 0.39) and 0.37% (95% CI: 0.2, 0.55) in total (nonaccidental) mortality, 0.66% (95% CI: 0.28, 1.04), 0.31% (95% CI: 0.11, 0.51) and 0.39% (95% CI: 0.16, 0.62) in circulatory mortality, and 0.57% (95% CI: −0.09, 1.23), 0.11% (95% CI: −0.22, 0.44) and 0.22% (95% CI: −0.28, 0.72) in respiratory mortality, respectively. These estimates had a different seasonal pattern by cause of death. In general, the seasonal patterns were consistent with the times of year when ozone concentrations are highest.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that in China, the acute effects of ozone are more closely related to daily average exposure than any other metric.
Self–other agreement in personality traits and profiles across cultures: A multirater, multiscale study in Blacks and Whites in South Africa
Authors: Fetvadjiev Velichko H. , Meiring Deon , van de Vijver Fons J. R. , Nel J. Alewyn , De Kock François 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveDespite the importance of self–other agreement for the validity of trait models, few studies have assessed cultural differences systematically. We examined self–other agreement in traits and profiles in the more collectivistic Black group and the more individualistic White group in South Africa.MethodParticipants were 172 Black and 198 White students, and one relative and one friend of each student. Participants completed a behavior‐based and a trait‐adjective‐based inventory.ResultsAggregated across traits and raters, there were no cultural differences in trait agreement. However, agreement was stronger for social‐relational concepts in Blacks and for personal growth concepts in Whites, providing moderate support for the hypothesis of stronger agreement on culturally more salient traits. Trait agreement was stronger in Blacks' relatives and Whites' friends, but there was no such interaction in profile agreement. The differences in profile agreement (higher in Whites than in Blacks) involved normative agreement and were mediated by dialecticism (higher in Blacks) and social desirability (higher in Whites). Results with the two inventories were similar.ConclusionsIn the framework of trait consistency research, cultural differences in self–other agreement may be limited compared to differences in perceived trait consistency, although sizable compared to differences in actual behavior consistency.
Researchers Supporting Schools to Improve Health: Influential Factors and Outcomes of Knowledge Brokering in the COMPASS Study
Authors: Brown Kristin M. , Elliott Susan J. , Leatherdale Scott T. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDAlthough schools are considered opportune settings for youth health interventions, a gap between school health research and practice exists. COMPASS, a longitudinal study of Ontario and Alberta secondary students and schools (2012–2021), used integrated knowledge translation to enhance schools' uptake of research findings. Schools received annual summaries of their students' health behaviors and suggestions for action, and were linked with COMPASS knowledge brokers to support them in making changes to improve student health. This research examines the factors that influenced schools' participation in knowledge brokering and associated outcomes.METHODSSchool‐ and student‐level data from the first 3 years of the COMPASS study (2012–2013; 2013–2014; 2014–2015) were used to examine factors that influenced knowledge brokering participation, school‐level changes, and school‐aggregated student health behaviors.RESULTSBoth school characteristics and study‐related factors influenced schools' participation in knowledge brokering. Knowledge brokering participation was significantly associated with school‐level changes related to healthy eating, physical activity, and tobacco programming, but the impact of those changes was not evident at the aggregate student level.CONCLUSIONSKnowledge brokering provided a platform for collaboration between researchers and school practitioners, and led to school‐level changes. These findings can inform future researcher‐school practitioner partnerships to ultimately enhance student health.
Healthy and Ready to Learn: Effects of a School‐Based Public Health Insurance Outreach Program for Kindergarten‐Aged Children
Authors: Jenkins Jade Marcus 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDRates of child insurance coverage have increased due to expansions in public programs, but many eligible children remain uninsured. Uninsured children are less likely to receive preventative care, which leads to poorer health and achievement in the long term. This study is an evaluation of a school‐based health insurance outreach initiative, “Healthy and Ready to Learn,” aiming to identify and enroll uninsured kindergarteners in areas of high economic need in 16 counties in North Carolina.METHODSRegression discontinuity design and difference‐in‐differences analyses were used to estimate the effect of the initiative on Medicaid and CHIP enrollment (primary outcome) and preventive care use (well‐child visits; secondary outcome). Focus groups and key‐informant interviews were conducted to assess best practices and identify barriers to outreach for child enrollment.RESULTSThe initiative increased enrollment rates by 12.2% points and increased well‐child exam rates by 8.6% points in the RD models, but not differences‐in‐differences, and did not significantly increase well‐child visits.CONCLUSIONSFindings demonstrate the potential benefits of using schools as a point of intervention in enrolling young children in public health insurance and as a source of trusted information for low‐income parents.
Association of School‐Based Physical Activity Opportunities, Socioeconomic Status, and Third‐Grade Reading
Authors: Kern Ben D. , Graber Kim C. , Shen Sa , Hillman Charles H. , McLoughlin Gabriella 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDSocioeconomic status (SES) is the most accurate predictor of academic performance in US schools. Third‐grade reading is highly predictive of high school graduation. Chronic physical activity (PA) is shown to improve cognition and academic performance. We hypothesized that school‐based PA opportunities (recess and physical education) would moderate the negative association between SES and third‐grade reading.METHODSSchools serving third‐grade students were surveyed (N = 1279) for minutes/week of PA opportunities. Allotted weekly PA time and achievement data from participating schools (N = 784) were recorded and analyzed. To test the moderator hypothesis, moderated multiple regression analysis was conducted.RESULTSThe interaction of PA opportunities and SES explained a significant increase in variance in third‐grade reading (b = .053, p < .001), thus moderating the relationship between SES and third‐grade reading. Further analysis showed that schools offering greater than 225 minutes/week of PA opportunities experienced a greater (+5%) moderating effect.CONCLUSIONSchool‐based PA opportunities positively moderate the relationship between SES and third‐grade reading, and lowest SES schools experience greater moderating effects. Future research should consider PA opportunities as a moderator of the SES‐academic achievement relationship, and school policy makers should consider the influence that PA opportunities have on student achievement at varying SES levels.
Melatonin alleviates weanling stress in mice: Involvement of intestinal microbiota
Authors: Ren Wenkai , Wang Peng , Yan Jiameng , Liu Gang , Zeng Benhua , Hussain Tarique , Peng Can , Yin Jie , Li Tiejun , Wei Hong , Zhu Guoqiang , Reiter Russel J. , Tan Bie , Yin Yulong 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMelatonin influences intestinal microbiota and the pathogenesis of various diseases. This study was conducted to explore whether melatonin alleviates weanling stress through intestinal microbiota in a weanling mouse model. Melatonin supplementation in weanling mice (provided in the drinking water at a dosage of 0.2 mg/mL for 2 weeks) significantly improved body weight gain (1.4 ± 0.03 g/day in melatonin group vs 1.2 ± 0.06 g/day in control group) and intestinal morphology (ie, villus length, crypt depth, and villus to crypt ratio), but had little effect on the proliferation or apoptosis of intestinal cells, the numbers of Paneth cells and goblet cells, as well as the expression of makers related to enterocytes (sucrase) and endocrine cells (chromogranin A and peptide YY) in the ileum. Melatonin supplementation had little effect on serum levels of amino acids or stress‐related parameters (eg, SOD, TNF‐α, and angiotensin I). 16S rRNA sequencing suggested that melatonin supplementation increased the richness indices of intestinal microbiota (observed species, Chao 1, and ACE) and shaped the composition of intestinal microbiota (eg, increase in the abundance of Lactobacillus [19 ± 3% in melatonin group vs 6 ± 2% in control group]), which was demonstrated using an ex vivo proliferation assay and colonic loop proliferation assay. Melatonin supplementation also significantly influenced the metabolism of intestinal microbiota, such as amino acid metabolism and drug metabolism. More importantly, in antibiotic‐treated weanling mice and germ‐free weanling mice, melatonin failed to affect body weight gain or intestinal morphology. Melatonin significantly reduced (by about 60%) the bacterial load in enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)‐infected weanling mice, but had little effect on ETEC load in antibiotic‐pretreated animals. In conclusion, melatonin affects body weight gain, intestinal morphology, and intestinal ETEC infection through intestinal microbiota in weanling mice. The findings highlight the importance of intestinal microbiota in mediating the various physiological functions of melatonin in the host.
Rice histone deacetylase 10 and Arabidopsis histone deacetylase 14 genes encode N‐acetylserotonin deacetylase, which catalyzes conversion of N‐acetylserotonin into serotonin, a reverse reaction for melatonin biosynthesis in plants
Authors: Lee Kyungjin , Lee Hyoung Yool , Back Kyoungwhan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn plants, melatonin production is strictly regulated, unlike the production of its precursor, serotonin, which is highly inducible in response to stimuli, such as senescence and pathogen exposure. Exogenous serotonin treatment does not greatly induce the production of N‐acetylserotonin (NAS) and melatonin in plants, which suggests the possible existence of one or more regulatory genes in the pathway for the biosynthesis of melatonin from serotonin. In this report, we found that NAS was rapidly and abundantly converted into serotonin in rice seedlings, indicating the presence of an N‐acetylserotonin deacetylase (ASDAC). To clone the putative ASDAC gene, we screened 4 genes that were known as histone deacetylase (HDAC) genes, but encoded proteins targeted into chloroplasts or mitochondria rather than nuclei. Of 4 recombinant Escherichia coli strains expressing these genes, one E. coli strain expressing the rice HDAC10 gene was found to be capable of producing serotonin in response to treatment with NAS. The recombinant purified rice HDAC10 (OsHDAC10) protein exhibited ASDAC enzyme activity toward NAS, N‐acetyltyramine (NAT), N‐acetyltryptamine, and melatonin, with the highest ASDAC activity for NAT. In addition, its Arabidopsis ortholog, AtHDAC14, showed similar ASDAC activity to that of OsHDAC10. Both OsHDAC10 and AtHDAC14 were found to be expressed in chloroplasts. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that ASDAC homologs were present in archaea, but not in cyanobacteria, which differs from the distribution of serotonin N‐acetyltransferase (SNAT). This suggests that SNAT and ASDAC may have evolved differently from ancestral eukaryotic cells.
Combination of melatonin and rapamycin for head and neck cancer therapy: Suppression of AKT/mTOR pathway activation, and activation of mitophagy and apoptosis via mitochondrial function regulation
Authors: Shen Ying‐Qiang , Guerra‐Librero Ana , Fernandez‐Gil Beatriz I. , Florido Javier , García‐López Sergio , Martinez‐Ruiz Laura , Mendivil‐Perez Miguel , Soto‐Mercado Viviana , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío , Ortega‐Arellano Hector , Carriel Victor , Diaz‐Casado María E. , Reiter Russel J. , Rusanova Iryna , Nieto Ana , López Luis C. , Escames Germaine 
Published: December 2017

AbstractHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) clearly involves activation of the Akt mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway. However, the effectiveness of treatment with the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin is often limited by chemoresistance. Melatonin suppresses neoplastic growth via different mechanisms in a variety of tumours. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of melatonin on rapamycin‐induced HNSCC cell death and to identify potential cross‐talk pathways. We analysed the dose‐dependent effects of melatonin in rapamycin‐treated HNSCC cell lines (Cal‐27 and SCC‐9). These cells were treated with 0.1, 0.5 or 1 mmol/L melatonin combined with 20 nM rapamycin. We further examined the potential synergistic effects of melatonin with rapamycin in Cal‐27 xenograft mice. Relationships between inhibition of the mTOR pathway, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and apoptosis and mitophagy reportedly increased the cytotoxic effects of rapamycin in HNSCC. Our results demonstrated that combined treatment with rapamycin and melatonin blocked the negative feedback loop from the specific downstream effector of mTOR activation S6K1 to Akt signalling, which decreased cell viability, proliferation and clonogenic capacity. Interestingly, combined treatment with rapamycin and melatonin‐induced changes in mitochondrial function, which were associated with increased ROS production, increasing apoptosis and mitophagy. This led to increase cell death and cellular differentiation. Our data further indicated that melatonin administration reduced rapamycin‐associated toxicity to healthy cells. Overall, our findings suggested that melatonin could be used as an adjuvant agent with rapamycin, improving effectiveness while minimizing its side effects.
The yin and yang of KV channels in cerebral small vessel pathologies
Authors: Koide Masayo , Moshkforoush Arash , Tsoukias Nikolaos M. , Hill‐Eubanks David C. , Wellman George C. , Nelson Mark T. , Dabertrand Fabrice 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCerebral SVDs encompass a group of genetic and sporadic pathological processes leading to brain lesions, cognitive decline, and stroke. There is no specific treatment for SVDs, which progress silently for years before becoming clinically symptomatic. Here, we examine parallels in the functional defects of PAs in CADASIL, a monogenic form of SVD, and in response to SAH, a common type of hemorrhagic stroke that also targets the brain microvasculature. Both animal models exhibit dysregulation of the voltage‐gated potassium channel, KV1, in arteriolar myocytes, an impairment that compromises responses to vasoactive stimuli and impacts CBF autoregulation and local dilatory responses to neuronal activity (NVC). However, the extent to which this channelopathy‐like defect ultimately contributes to these pathologies is unknown. Combining experimental data with computational modeling, we describe the role of KV1 channels in the regulation of myocyte membrane potential at rest and during the modest increase in extracellular potassium associated with NVC. We conclude that PA resting membrane potential and myogenic tone depend strongly on KV1.2/1.5 channel density, and that reciprocal changes in KV channel density in CADASIL and SAH produce opposite effects on extracellular potassium‐mediated dilation during NVC.
Improved recovery of ancient DNA from subfossil wood – application to the world's oldest Late Glacial pine forest
Authors: Lendvay Bertalan , Hartmann Martin , Brodbeck Sabine , Nievergelt Daniel , Reinig Frederick , Zoller Stefan , Parducci Laura , Gugerli Felix , Büntgen Ulf , Sperisen Christoph 
Published: December 2017

Summary

Ancient DNA from historical and subfossil wood has a great potential to provide new insights into the history of tree populations. However, its extraction and analysis have not become routine, mainly because contamination of the wood with modern plant material can complicate the verification of genetic information.

Here, we used sapwood tissue from 22 subfossil pines that were growing c. 13 000 yr bp in Zurich, Switzerland. We developed and evaluated protocols to eliminate surface contamination, and we tested ancient DNA authenticity based on plastid DNA metabarcoding and the assessment of post‐mortem DNA damage.

A novel approach using laser irradiation coupled with bleaching and surface removal was most efficient in eliminating contaminating DNA. DNA metabarcoding confirmed which ancient DNA samples repeatedly amplified pine DNA and were free of exogenous plant taxa. Pine DNA sequences of these samples showed a high degree of cytosine to thymine mismatches, typical of post‐mortem damage.

Stringent decontamination of wood surfaces combined with DNA metabarcoding and assessment of post‐mortem DNA damage allowed us to authenticate ancient DNA retrieved from the oldest Late Glacial pine forest. These techniques can be applied to any subfossil wood and are likely to improve the accessibility of relict wood for genome‐scale ancient DNA studies.
The function of two type II metacaspases in woody tissues of Populus trees
Authors: Bollhöner Benjamin , Jokipii‐Lukkari Soile , Bygdell Joakim , Stael Simon , Adriasola Mathilda , Muñiz Luis , Van Breusegem Frank , Ezcurra Inés , Wingsle Gunnar , Tuominen Hannele 
Published: December 2017

Summary

Metacaspases (MCs) are cysteine proteases that are implicated in programmed cell death of plants. AtMC9 (Arabidopsis thaliana Metacaspase9) is a member of the Arabidopsis MC family that controls the rapid autolysis of the xylem vessel elements, but its downstream targets in xylem remain uncharacterized.

PttMC13 and PttMC14 were identified as AtMC9 homologs in hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × tremuloides). A proteomic analysis was conducted in xylem tissues of transgenic hybrid aspen trees which carried either an overexpression or an RNA interference construct for PttMC13 and PttMC14.

The proteomic analysis revealed modulation of levels of both previously known targets of metacaspases, such as Tudor staphylococcal nuclease, heat shock proteins and 14‐3‐3 proteins, as well as novel proteins, such as homologs of the PUTATIVE ASPARTIC PROTEASE3 (PASPA3) and the cysteine protease RD21 by PttMC13 and PttMC14.

We identified here the pathways and processes that are modulated by PttMC13 and PttMC14 in xylem tissues. In particular, the results indicate involvement of PttMC13 and/or PttMC14 in downstream proteolytic processes and cell death of xylem elements. This work provides a valuable reference dataset on xylem‐specific metacaspase functions for future functional and biochemical analyses.
Intergenerational transfers, demographic transition, and altruism: Problems in developing Asia
Authors: Koda Yoshitaka , Uruyos Manachaya 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis paper develops a three‐period overlapping‐generations model where middle‐aged agents care about not only their own lifetime utility but also their old parents' and children's well‐being. The doubly altruistic agents choose amounts of intergenerational transfers to their old parents and children as well as private savings. The government specifies amounts of public transfers from working adults to the dependents. The model also takes the effects of demographic transition on the burdens of supporting the elderly and children into account. Using 23 countries' data from the National Transfer Accounts (NTA), we estimate the degrees of filial and parental altruism and adjust them for their respective life expectancy and fertility rates. The findings suggest that people in developing countries are more parentally altruistic than those in developed ones while the adjusted degree of filial altruism tends to be low in developing Asia. Our welfare analyses reveal that the developing Asian countries must introduce more comprehensive public welfare programs for the elderly to maximize social welfare. Moreover, their low adjusted degree of filial altruism may trap the developing Asian countries at the low levels of public old‐age support and social welfare as the further demographic transition ensues.
Supply‐chain trade and labor market outcomes: The case of the 2004 European Union enlargement
Authors: Kaplan Lennart C. , Kohl Tristan , Martínez‐Zarzoso Inmaculada 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe structure of international trade is increasingly characterized by fragmentation of production processes and trade policy. Yet, how trade policy affects supply‐chain trade is largely unexplored territory. This paper shows how the accession of 10 Central and Eastern European Countries (CEECs) to the European Union affected European supply‐chain trade. We find that accession primarily fostered CEECs’ integration in global value chains of other entrants. Smaller integration benefits stem for East–West trade in services for lower‐skill activities. These increases in value‐added exports translate into sizeable job creation.