bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age has a role in driving host immunopathological response to alphavirus infection
Authors: Chan Yi‐Hao , Ng Lisa F. P. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryAlphaviruses are a group of arthropod‐borne pathogens capable of causing a wide spectrum of clinical symptoms, ranging from milder symptoms like rashes, fever and polyarthralgia, to life‐threatening encephalitis. This genus of viruses is prevalent globally, and can infect patients across a wide age range. Interestingly, disease severity of virus‐infected patients is wide‐ranging. Definitions of the pathogenesis of alphaviruses, as well as the host factors influencing disease severity, remain limited. The innate and adaptive immune systems are important host defences against alphavirus infections. Several reports have highlighted the roles of specific immune subsets in contributing to the immune pathogenesis of these viruses. However, immunosenescence, a gradual deterioration of the immune system brought about by the natural advancement of age, affects the functional roles of these immune subsets. This phenomenon compromises the host's ability to defend against alphavirus infection and pathogenesis. In addition, the lack of maturity in the immune system in newborns and infants also results in more severe disease outcomes. In this review, we will summarize the subtle yet diverse physiological changes in the immune system during aging, and how these changes underlie the differences in disease severity for common alphaviruses.
Bias for Vocalic Over Consonantal Information in 6‐Month‐Olds
Authors: Hochmann Jean‐Rémy , Benavides‐Varela Silvia , Fló Ana , Nespor Marina , Mehler Jacques 
Published: July 2017

Human languages rely on the ability to learn and produce an indefinite number of words by combining consonants and vowels in a lawful manner. The categorization of speech representations into consonants and vowels is evidenced by the tendency of adult speakers, attested in many languages, to use consonants and vowels for different tasks. Consonants are favored in lexical tasks, while vowels are favored to learn structural regularities. Recent results suggest that this specialization is already observable at 12 months of age in Italian participants. Here, we investigated the representations of younger infants. In a series of anticipatory looking experiments, we showed that Italian 6‐month‐olds rely more on vowels than on consonants when learning the predictions made by individual words (Experiment 1) and are better at generalizing a structure when it is implemented over vowels than when it is implemented over consonants (Experiments 2 and 3). Until 6 months of age, infants thus show a general vocalic bias, which contrasts with the specialization previously observed at 12 months. These results suggest the format of speech representations changes during the second semester of life.
Considering the possibility of bonding utilizing cold sintering for ceramic adhesives
Authors: Chen Wei‐Ting , Gurdal Ahmet Erkan , Tuncdemir Safakcan , Guo Jing , Guo Hanzheng , Randall Clive A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHere, we introduce a new bonding technique that enables the joining of different materials at low temperatures and provides a bond superior to that of polymer adhesives at high temperatures, in temperature ranges between 250°C and 500°C. This technique involves a low temperature sintering process that is termed the “Cold Sintering Process,” where a dielectric composite powder material is sintered to function as the adhesive between two other materials being bonded. In order to characterize and further discuss the potential of this new bonding methodology, which we call Cold Sintering Ceramic Bonding (CSCB), we demonstrate the initial mechanical characteristics of samples with sandwich structures of mesh/CSCB/mesh, including four‐point bending, micro‐indentation, and adhesion pull tests. Where appropriate, we compare mechanical properties against low and high temperature epoxies and demonstrate that the CSCB matches up competitively with the epoxies at low temperatures and remains strong at temperatures well above those where standard polymer adhesives fail. Transmission electron microscopy show a high quality interface between a stainless steel plate and the ceramic after the CSCB.
Kava‐241 reduced periodontal destruction in a collagen antibody primed Porphyromonas gingivalis model of periodontitis
Authors: Alshammari Abdulsalam , Patel Jayesh , Al‐Hashemi Jacob , Cai Bin , Panek James , Huck Olivier , Amar Salomon 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Kava‐241, an optimized Piper methysticum Kava compound, on periodontal destruction in a collagen antibody primed oral gavage model of periodontitis.MethodsExperimental periodontitis was induced by oral gavage of Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis) + type II collagen antibody (AB) in mice during 15 days. Mice were treated with Kava‐241 concomitantly or prior to P. gingivalis gavage and compared to untreated mice. Comprehensive histomorphometric analyses were performed.ResultsOral gavage with P. gingivalis induced mild epithelial down‐growth and alveolar bone loss, while oral gavage with additional AB priming had greater tissular destruction in comparison with gavage alone (p < .05). Kava‐241 treatment significantly (p < .05) reduced epithelial down‐growth (72%) and alveolar bone loss (36%) in P. gingivalis+AB group. This Kava‐241 effect was associated to a reduction in inflammatory cell counts within soft tissues and an increase in fibroblasts (p < .05).ConclusionPriming with type II collagen antibody with oral gavage is a fast and reproducible model of periodontal destruction adequate for the evaluation of novel therapeutics. The effect of Kava‐241 shows promise in the prevention and treatment of inflammation and alveolar bone loss associated with periodontitis. Further experiments are required to determine molecular pathways targeted by this therapeutic agent.
First record of epizootic ulcerative syndrome from the Upper Congo catchment: An outbreak in the Bangweulu swamps, Zambia
Authors: Huchzermeyer C F , Huchzermeyer K D A , Christison K W , Macey B M , Colly P A , Hang'ombe B M , Songe M M 
Published: July 2017

AbstractWe report on the first outbreak of epizootic ulcerative syndrome (EUS) amongst wild fish populations in the Bangweulu swamps, an inland delta, in the north of Zambia during 2014. The area supports a large and diverse fish fauna related to, but distinct from, that of the Zambezi River system where EUS outbreaks have occurred since 2006. A sizeable artisanal fishery, based on extensive fish weirs, is sustained by the annual flooding of the swamps, and observations of the disease outbreak by fishermen were recorded. Signs typical of infection with Aphanomyces invadans were observed in a number of species. Clinical observations, histology and molecular diagnostic methods were used to confirm infection with A. invadans in two of the most commonly and severely affected species. Several features of the wetland may have contributed to the outbreak and the annual recurrence of the disease. Modes by which the disease may have been introduced into the swamps are discussed. The outbreak is of great significance as the Bangweulu swamps drain into the Congo River in neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa's largest drainage system with an extensive and diverse fish fauna previously unaffected by EUS.
Coupling Input‐Output Tables with Macro‐Life Cycle Assessment to Assess Worldwide Impacts of Biofuels Transport Policies
Authors: Somé Audrey , Dandres Thomas , Gaudreault Caroline , Majeau‐Bettez Guillaume , Wood Richard , Samson Réjean 
Published: July 2017

SummaryMany countries see biofuels as a replacement to fossil fuels to mitigate climate change. Nevertheless, some concerns remain about the overall benefits of biofuels policies. More comprehensive tools seem required to evaluate indirect effects of biofuel policies. This article proposes a method to evaluate large‐scale biofuel policies that is based on life cycle assessment (LCA), environmental extensions of input‐output (I‐O) tables, and a general equilibrium model. The method enables the assessment of indirect environmental effects of biofuels policies, including land‐use changes (LUCs), in the context of economic and demographic growth. The method is illustrated with a case study involving two scenarios. The first one describes the evolution of the world economy from 2006 to 2020 under business as usual (BAU) conditions (including demographic and dietary preferences changes), and the second integrates biofuel policies in the United States and the European Union (EU). Results show that the biofuel scenario, originally designed to mitigate climate change, results in more greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the BAU scenario. This is mainly due to emissions associated with global LUCs. The case study shows that the method enables a broader consideration for environmental effects of biofuel policies than usual LCA: Global economic variations calculated by a general equilibrium economic model and LUC emissions can be evaluated. More work is needed, however, to include new biofuel production technologies and reduce the uncertainty of the method.
A comparison between linguistic skills and socio‐communicative abilities in Williams syndrome
Authors: Alfieri P. , Menghini D. , Marotta L. , De Peppo L. , Ravà L. , Salvaguardia F. , Varuzza C. , Vicari S. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundIndividuals with Williams syndrome (WS) show a disharmonic linguistic profile with a clear pattern of strengths and weaknesses. Despite their sociable nature, atypical socio‐communicative abilities and deficits in communication and relationship with others have been found.AimThe aim of the present study was to investigate whether linguistic skills (LS) were in line with the pragmatic and social use of language and the cognitive development of 32 individuals with WS (18 boys and 14 girls) with a mean chronological age of 12.3 (±4.4) years. To examine the relationship between language and mental age (MA) at different ages, the issue was investigated in children and adolescents/young adults with WS.MethodMeasures of LS, including lexical and morphosyntactic competences, and adaptive socio‐communicative abilities (ASCA), pertaining to the use of language in daily living social context, were compared with the MA of participants. In a second step, participants with WS were split into two subgroups based on age, and the relationship between LS, ASCA and MA was studied.ResultsAlthough expressive and receptive LS were generally found to be in line with or better than would be expected for MA, specific deficits in receptive ASCA were documented. LS and ASCA appeared to have a different evolution during the different time windows considered.ConclusionsOur results underlined the importance of assessing linguistic abilities in the context of adaptive functioning, to guide educational and rehabilitative strategies for individuals with WS.
Effect of moderate, 30 percent global maternal nutrient reduction on fetal and postnatal baboon phenotype
Authors: Li Cun , Jenkins Susan , Mattern Vicki , Comuzzie Anthony G. , Cox Laura A. , Huber Hillary F. , Nathanielsz Peter W. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundMost developmental programming studies on maternal nutrient reduction (MNR) are in altricial rodents whose maternal nutritional burden and offspring developmental trajectory differ from precocial non‐human primates and humans.MethodsControl (CTR) baboon mothers ate ad libitum; MNR mothers ate 70% global control diet in pregnancy and lactation.ResultsWe present offspring morphometry, blood cortisol, and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) during second half of gestation (G) and first three postnatal years. Moderate MNR produced intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). IUGR males (n=43) and females (n=28) were smaller than CTR males (n=50) and females (n=47) in many measurements at many ages. In CTR, fetal ACTH increased 228% and cortisol 48% between 0.65G and 0.9G. IUGR ACTH was elevated at 0.65G and cortisol at 0.9G. 0.9G maternal gestational weight gain, fetal weight, and placenta weight were correlated.ConclusionsModerate IUGR decreased body weight and morphometric measurements at key time points and altered hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal function.
A statistical study of the short‐ and long‐term drivers of crude oil prices
Authors: Hassani Hossein , Moudassir Mouhamad , Christodoulides Pantelis , Odulaja Adedapo 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe paper statistically examines whether the fluctuations in crude oil prices over the last 10 years are due to speculative activities or changes in market fundamentals. Following a brief review of the oil market developments and speculative activities in recent years, the paper employs two multivariate time series models—the vector autoregressive model (VAR) and the vector error correction model (VECM)—to evaluate observed fluctuations in crude oil prices. The VAR and its granger test allow for the detection of factors responsible for fluctuations in crude oil prices, while the VECM tests the co‐integration of the variables. The VAR includes both fundamental and non‐fundamental variables as covariates. The VECM results show that in both the short‐ and long‐term the significant variables of the VAR model are co‐integrated. The empirical results confirm that in the long‐term the fundamentals are the main drivers of crude oil prices. However, in the short term, both fundamentals and speculative positions in the oil futures market differentially cause fluctuations in crude oil prices. The effect of the fundamentals is more than double in the long term, when compared to the short‐term.
Monetary policy decisions in selected Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries economies: does Taylor's principle matter?
Authors: Akinkunmi Mustapha A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMany OPEC countries heavily rely on the hydrocarbon sector as the lifeblood of their economies. The uncertainty of crude oil price environment makes them vulnerable to external shocks. Therefore, knowledge about drivers of economic policies especially monetary policy designed to accommodate shocks calls for empirical research with the recent global oil environment. This study examines the drivers of monetary policy rate in selected OPEC economies and tests whether these factors follow Taylor's rule using monthly time series data from 1990 to 2015. Its finding reveals that inflation gap and output gap are effective in influencing policy rate in Indonesia, whereas only inflation gap influences the policy rate in Nigeria. In addition, the level of policy rate in Saudi Arabia and Venezuela is determined by the level of output gap in the baseline Taylor model. The outcome of the augmented Taylor model supports the smoothing behaviour of the monetary authorities in the economies. In conclusion, none of these economies follow Taylor's principle in their monetary policy decisions.
Does energy efficiency enhance total factor productivity in case of India?
Authors: Haider Salman , Ganaie Aadil Ahmad 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study is to explore the dynamic linkage between energy efficiency and total factor productivity (TFP) using carbon emission and trade openness as control variables for the period of 1971–2013. For this purpose, vector error correction mechanism (VECM) is employed to determine the direction of causality. A popular and simple measure of energy efficiency, GDP per unit of energy use and trade as a percentage of GDP are used for the proxy of trade openness. The result shows negative impact of energy efficiency on TFP, in other way energy intensity has a positive impact on the growth of TFP. Hence, the negative sign indicates a trade‐off between energy efficiency and TFP. There is a unidirectional causality running from energy efficiency to TFP. Whenever energy intensity increases, the TFP level increases as well. So, in the long run, a higher TFP implies higher energy consumption. Further, TFP and carbon emission Granger cause trade openness, and there is unidirectional causality from TFP to CO2 emission.
Application of operations management modelling towards optimising research and development performance processes in the oil and gas industry: the case of SINOPEC Corp. and NNPC
Authors: Habib Mukhtar , Jakada Hamza , Salihu Danlami Musa , Kabiru Jibril Hafsah 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis work intends to optimise research and development performance in the oil and gas industry based on theoretical framework on the principles of structural equation modelling (SEM). We define the bases of the model by six different structural constructs derived from literature and there interdependence in the form of hypotheses. The constructs consist of one latent exogenous variable and five latent endogenous variables. Furthermore, five independent operational variables were established with respect to the latent exogenous variable while 20 dependent operational variables were also established with respect to the latent endogenous variables. The evidence of interdependence among the constructs and their respective operational variables were provided by five different hypotheses carried out on the path diagrams. As a result, the interaction between each construct and its variables defines its individual measurement model, which translates into some sets of linear equations. Having obtained the measurement for each construct, there interaction can then be applied to define other sets of linear equations that represent the behaviour of the organisation of the entire process which is expected to yield the proposed research and development programme. The developed model can easily be adopted by interested parties for application on similar projects.
Analysis of the Electronic Structure of the Special Pair of a Bacterial Photosynthetic Reaction Center by 13C Photochemically Induced Dynamic Nuclear Polarization Magic‐Angle Spinning NMR Using a Double‐Quantum Axis
Authors: Najdanova Marija , Gräsing Daniel , Alia A. , Matysik Jörg 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe origin of the functional symmetry break in bacterial photosynthesis challenges since several decades. Although structurally very similar, the two branches of cofactors in the reaction center (RC) protein complex act very differently. Upon photochemical excitation, an electron is transported along one branch, while the other remains inactive. Photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (photo‐CIDNP) magic‐angle spinning (MAS) 13C NMR revealed that the two bacteriochlorophyll cofactors forming the “Special Pair” donor dimer are already well distinguished in the electronic ground state. These previous studies are relying solely on 13C‐13C correlation experiments as radio‐frequency‐driven recoupling (RFDR) and dipolar‐assisted rotational resonance (DARR). Obviously, the chemical‐shift assignment is difficult in a dimer of tetrapyrrole macrocycles, having eight pyrrole rings of similar chemical shifts. To overcome this problem, an INADEQUATE type of experiment using a POST C7 symmetry‐based approach is applied to selectively isotope‐labeled bacterial RC of Rhodobacter (R.) sphaeroides wild type (WT). We, therefore, were able to distinguish unresolved sites of the macromolecular dimer. The obtained chemical‐shift pattern is in‐line with a concentric assembly of negative charge within the common center of the Special Pair supermolecule in the electronic ground state.
Effects of early life factors on the health and quality of life of older adults
Authors: Yilmaz Fikriye , N. Tekin Rukiye 
Published: July 2017

BackgroundFew studies on the effects of early life factors on the health and quality of life of adults have been conducted in Turkey. We aimed to investigate the effects of early life factors on the health and quality of life of older adults.MethodsWe administered a questionnaire to 350 adults, aged 50–89 years, living in Cankaya, Ankara. The questionnaire covered sociodemographic characteristics, early life characteristics, health status, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life–Ageing scale. Data were analyzed using χ
2 tests, independent samples t‐tests, one‐way anova, and binary logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe analyses showed that the most important risk factors for chronic disease were being ≥65 years (odds ratio (OR) = 2.34), having a chronic health problem before 18 years of age (OR = 2.48), experiencing prolonged hospitalization or bed rest before 18 years of age (OR = 2.65), and experiencing parental unconcern during early life (OR = 2.13) (P < 0.05). In addition, having a high school education or less includes people who have primary or secondary or high school diploma (OR = 1.65), having lived in a village (OR = 1.65), having a low family economic status (OR = 2.40), and having experienced one negative event (OR = 1.41) or two or more negative events (OR = 1.39) during their early lives were identified as important risk factors for low quality of life (P < 0.05).ConclusionEarly life factors are among the important determinants of the health and quality of life of older adults in Turkey.
Conceptual models for short‐eccentricity‐scale climate control on peat formation in a lower Palaeocene fluvial system, north‐eastern Montana (USA)
Authors: Noorbergen Lars J. , Abels Hemmo A. , Hilgen Frederik J. , Robson Brittany E. , de Jong Edwin , Dekkers Mark J. , Krijgsman Wout , Smit Jan , Collinson Margaret E. , Kuiper Klaudia F. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractFluvial systems in which peat formation occurs are typified by autogenic processes such as river meandering, crevasse splaying and channel avulsion. Nevertheless, autogenic processes cannot satisfactorily explain the repetitive nature and lateral continuity of many coal seams (compacted peats). The fluvial lower Palaeocene Tullock Member of the Fort Union Formation (Western Interior Williston Basin; Montana, USA) contains lignite rank coal seams that are traceable over distances of several kilometres. This sequence is used to test the hypothesis that peat formation in the fluvial system was controlled by orbitally forced climate change interacting with autogenic processes. Major successions are documented with an average thickness of 6·8 m consisting of ca 6 m thick intervals of channel and overbank deposits overlain by ca 1 m thick coal seam units. These major coal seams locally split and merge. Time‐stratigraphic correlation, using a Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary event horizon, several distinctive volcanic ash‐fall layers, and the C29r/C29n magnetic polarity reversal, shows consistent lateral recurrence of seven successive major successions along a 10 km wide fence panel perpendicular to east/south‐east palaeo‐flow. The stratigraphic pattern, complemented by stratigraphic age control and cyclostratigraphic tests, suggests that the major peat‐forming phases, resulting in major coal seams, were driven by 100 kyr eccentricity‐related climate cycles. Two distinct conceptual models were developed, both based on the hypothesis that the major peat‐forming phases ended when enhanced seasonal contrast, at times of minimum precession during increasing eccentricity, intensified mire degradation and flooding. In model 1, orbitally forced climate change controls the timing of peat compaction, leading to enhancement of autogenic channel avulsions. In model 2, orbitally forced climate change controls upstream sediment supply and clastic influx determining the persistence of peat‐forming conditions. At the scale of the major successions, model 2 is supported because interfingering channel sandstones do not interrupt lateral continuity of major coal seams.