bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Telomere erosion varies with sex and age at immune challenge but not with maternal antibodies in pigeons
Authors: Lardy Sophie , Gasparini Julien , Corbel Hélène , Frantz Adrien , Perret Samuel , Zahn Sandrine , Criscuolo Francois , Jacquin Lisa 
Published: January 2018

AbstractConditions experienced early in life have profound impact on adult fitness, and telomere erosion could be a key mechanism in this process. In particular, early exposure to parasites is a frequent phenomenon in young vertebrates, which is associated with several short‐ and long‐term costs such as telomere erosion. However, the timing of exposure to parasites during ontogeny and maternal antibodies can strongly modulate the costs of immunity, and could differentially affect telomere erosion. Here, we compared the effects of an early or late immune challenge on telomere erosion rate in male and female young feral pigeons (Columba livia) having received or not maternal antibodies. More specifically, we tested whether (i) early or late injections of antigens had different effects on nestling telomere erosion rate, (ii) whether this effect was different between male and female nestlings, and (iii) whether maternal antibodies could modulate telomere erosion rate. Our results show an interaction between sex and age at injection. Late‐injected nestlings (injected at 14 days of age) had an accelerated erosion rate compared with the early‐injected nestlings (injected at 3 days of age), and this effect was higher in females compared with the males. However, we did not find any effect of maternal antibodies on telomere erosion rate. These results suggest that the age at which an immune challenge occurs is important for telomere erosion and that sex‐specific approaches are needed to better understand the short‐term and long‐term costs of parasite exposure in young vertebrates.
Effect of Alkyl Aluminums on Ethylene Polymerization Reactions with a Cr‐V Bimetallic Catalyst
Authors: Liu Bao , Tian Zhou , Jin Yulong , Zhao Ning , Liu Boping 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe effect of introducing various types of alkyl aluminums directly into the catalyst and/or in the polymerization process as cocatalyst on the efficiency of a Cr‐V bimetallic catalyst for ethylene polymerization is systematically investigated. Results indicate that polymerization activity, kinetic behavior, and polymer properties of the Cr‐V catalyst are strongly affected by using alkyl aluminums in different stages of polymerization, due to the different responses and sensitivities of the two metal centers to alkyl aluminum. When employed as cocatalyst, triisobutyl aluminum gives high activity and polyethylene with relatively low molecular weight, while diethylaluminum chloride cocatalyzes the production of ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene but with very low activity. On the other hand, the pre‐reduction of the bimetallic catalyst by alkyl aluminums has a marked promotion effect on catalyst efficiency. It is suggested that the addition of alkyl aluminum to the catalyst and to the reactor as cocatalyst are more or less equivalent in their effects on the improvement of polymerization activity, but they behave in different ways to affect polymer properties.
Enteral Access Devices: Types, Function, Care, and Challenges
Authors: Lord Linda M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEnteral access feeding devices are placed in patients who have a functional and accessible gastrointestinal (GI) tract but are not able to consume or absorb enough nutrients to sustain adequate nutrition and hydration. For many individuals, enteral nutrition support is a lifesaving modality to prevent or treat a depleted nutrient state that can lead to tissue breakdown, compromised immune function, and poor wound healing. Psychological well‐being is also affected with malnutrition and dehydration, triggering feelings of apathy, depression, fatigue, and loss of morale, negatively impacting a patient's ability for self‐care. A variety of existing devices can be placed through the nares, mouth, stomach or small intestine to provide liquid nutrition, fluids, and medications directly to the GI tract. If indicated, some of the larger‐bore devices may be used for gastric decompression and drainage. These enteral access devices need to be cared for properly to avert patient discomfort, mechanical device–related complications, and interruptions in the delivery of needed nutrients, hydration, and medications. Clinicians who seek knowledge about enteral access devices and actively participate in the selection and care of these devices will be an invaluable resource to any healthcare team. This article will review the types, care, proper positioning, and replacement schedules of the various enteral access devices, along with the prevention and troubleshooting of potential problems.
Rapid Synthesis of Sub‐10 nm Hexagonal NaYF4‐Based Upconverting Nanoparticles using Therminol® 66
Authors: Hesse Julia , Klier Dennis T. , Sgarzi Massimo , Nsubuga Anne , Bauer Christoph , Grenzer Jörg , Hübner René , Wislicenus Marcus , Joshi Tanmaya , Kumke Michael U. , Stephan Holger 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe report a simple one‐pot method for the rapid preparation of sub‐10 nm pure hexagonal (β‐phase) NaYF4‐based upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs). Using Therminol® 66 as a co‐solvent, monodisperse UCNPs could be obtained in unusually short reaction times. By varying the reaction time and reaction temperature, it was possible to control precisely the particle size and crystalline phase of the UCNPs. The upconversion (UC) luminescence properties of the nanocrystals were tuned by varying the concentrations of the dopants (Nd3+ and Yb3+ sensitizer ions and Er3+ activator ions). The size and phase‐purity of the as‐synthesized core and core–shell nanocrystals were assessed by using complementary transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering studies. In‐depth photophysical evaluation of the UCNPs was pursued by using steady‐state and time‐resolved luminescence spectroscopy. An enhancement in the UC intensity was observed if the nanocrystals, doped with optimized concentrations of lanthanide sensitizer/activator ions, were further coated with an inert/active shell. This was attributed to the suppression of surface‐related luminescence quenching effects.
DNAzymes: Selected for Applications
Authors: Morrison Devon , Rothenbroker Meghan , Li Yingfu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDNA‐based enzymes, also known as deoxyribozymes or DNAzymes, are single‐stranded DNA molecules with catalytic activity. DNAzymes do not exist in nature but can be isolated from random‐sequence DNA pools using in vitro selection. To date, many DNAzymes that collectively catalyze a diverse range of chemical transformations have been reported. Here, examples of new DNAzymes engineered to mimic some intriguing functions of naturally occurring protein‐based enzymes are discussed. This is followed by discussions of recent examples of a particular class of DNAzymes, known as “RNA‐cleaving DNAzymes”, that have been derived specifically so that their activity is strictly dependent on a given chemical or biological stimulus. Some unique ways to employ ligand‐responsive DNAzymes for the design of bioanalytical assays and biosensors are then highlighted. Being DNA molecules, DNAzymes have proven to be entirely compatible with DNA amplification. Several approaches are then discussed, which relay the activity of an analyte‐activated DNAzyme into the production of massive amounts of DNA amplicons, via “rolling circle amplification”, in biosensing applications designed to deliver very high levels of detection sensitivity.
RADIOCARBON DATING OF TECHNOLOGICAL TRANSITIONS: THE LATE HOLOCENE SHIFT FROM ATLATL TO BOW IN NORTHWESTERN SUBARCTIC CANADA – ERRATUM
Authors: Grund Brigid Sky , Huzurbazar Snehalata V. 
Published: January 2018

The author affiliations appearing in Grund and Huzurbazar (2017) contain errors. The correct affiliations for the authors are as follows:
Brigid Sky Grund ▪ Anthropology Department, University of Wyoming, Department 3431, 1000 E. University Avenue, Laramie, Wyoming 82071-2001.Snehalata V. Huzurbazar ▪ Department of Biostatistics, West Virginia University, P.O. Box 9190, One Medical Center Drive, Morgantown WV 26506, USA.Additionally, the sentence on page 5 reading, “Catastrophic melting events create palimpsest the upper layers of ice (Meulendyk et al. 2012), potentially introducing taphonomic bias” inadvertently omitted two words. The correct sentence is “Catastrophic melting events create a palimpsest in the upper layers of ice, potentially introducing taphonomic bias.”The publisher apologizes for these errors.
A Gap Analysis Survey of US Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Members to Determine Highly Infectious Disease Training and Education Needs
Authors: Le Aurora B. , Herron Rene , Herstein Jocelyn J. , Jelden Katelyn C. , Beam Elizabeth L. , Gibbs Shawn G. , Lowe John J. , Smith Todd D. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTObjectiveDespite lessons learned from the recent Ebola epidemic, attempts to survey and determine non-health care worker, industry-specific needs to address highly infectious diseases have been minimal. The aircraft rescue and fire fighting (ARFF) industry is often overlooked in highly infectious disease training and education, even though it is critical to their field due to elevated occupational exposure risk during their operations.MethodsA 44-question gap analysis survey was distributed to the ARFF Working Group to determine where highly infectious education and training can be improved. In total, N=245 responses were initiated and collected. Descriptive statistics were generated utilizing Qualtrics Software Version 2016.17©.ResultsSupervisors perceived Frontline respondents to be more willing and comfortable to encounter potential highly infectious disease scenarios than the Frontline indicated. More than one-third of respondents incorrectly marked transmission routes of viral hemorrhagic fevers. There were discrepancies in self-reports on the existence of highly infectious disease orientation and skills demonstration, employee resources, and personal protective equipment policies, with a range of 7.5%-24.0% more Supervisors than Frontline respondents marking activities as conducted.ConclusionsThere are deficits in highly infectious disease knowledge, skills, and abilities among ARFF members that must be addressed to enhance member safety, health, and well-being. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:675-679)
Safety of Electro-Medical Equipment in Floods in Austere Environment
Authors: Khan Zubair Ahmed , Bhatti Ahsin M. , Akhtar Faisal 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPakistan is prone to floods. In 2010, floods in North-Western Pakistan caused devastation in wide areas. Electro-medical equipment is very expensive and without proper equipment adequate surgery is not possible. We retrospectively analyzed how expensive electro-medical equipment got damaged during floods of 2010 at a district-level hospital in North-Western Pakistan and how we could have saved this equipment or reduced the damage to the minimum. The article provides the lessons learned and recommendations aimed to prevent or minimize damage to the valuable and expensive equipment in the areas prone to floods. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2018;12:803-805)
Evaluating the Effect of a Clostridium difficile Infection Prevention Initiative in Veterans Health Administration Long-Term Care Facilities
Authors: Singh Maninder B. , Evans Martin E. , Simbartl Loretta A. , Kralovic Stephen M. , Roselle Gary A. 
Published: January 2018

We evaluated rates of clinically confirmed long-term-care facility-onset Clostridium difficile infections from April 2014 through December 2016 in 132 Veterans Affairs facilities after the implementation of a prevention initiative. The quarterly pooled rate decreased 36.1% from the baseline (P<.0009 for trend) by the end of the analysis period.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol 2018;39:343–345
The association of dissociative symptoms with exposure to trauma
Authors: Ullah S. , Khalily M. T. , Ahmad I. , Hallahan B. 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundThe Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of North-West Pakistan has endured increased levels of violence in recent years. The psychological sequelae of such trauma including the presence of dissociative symptoms has been minimally investigated to date. The study examines psychopathology experienced including the presence of dissociative symptoms, and ascertain what factors are potentially predictive of these symptoms.MethodThird-level students (n=303) completed psychometric instruments relating to their experience of traumatic events and assessed depression, anxiety and dissociative symptoms.ResultsSymptoms suggestive of post-traumatic stress disorder were evident in 28% of individuals. Symptoms relating to intrusive experiences and alterations in reactivity predicted dissociative, depressive and anxiety symptoms (p<0.01).ConclusionTrauma related to violence in this study was associated with significant pathology including dissociative symptoms. Identification and subsequent treatment of dissociative symptoms in individuals who have experienced trauma, may have a significant ameliorating effect on levels of functioning and thus should be included in clinical assessment.
On Hydrodynamic Stability of Dean Flow by Using Energy Gradient Methods
Authors: Nowruzi H. , Ghassemi H. , Nourazar S. S. 
Published: January 2018

ABSTRACTIn the present paper, we investigate the hydrodynamic instability of Dean flow under different Dean numbers ranging from 1 to 2500, curvature ratios from 0.0001 up to 1000 and temperatures ranging from 273.15 K to 373.15 K. To study of fluid flow instability, analytical velocity profiles under intended conditions and energy gradient function K in the energy gradient method are evaluated. The results of present study show that, as the curvature ratio increases the flow becomes more stable. Moreover, no regular and significant effects on the energy gradient function K were achieved by increasing of temperatures. We found that, the origin of instability in the entire flow field is located on the inner wall of the parallel curved walls, especially for larger curvature ratios. We also reported the critical value of the energy gradient function K for the onset of instability corresponding to the critical Dean number.
Evidence for stratigraphy in molluscan death assemblages preserved in seagrass beds: St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands
Authors: Arkle Kelsey M. , Miller Arnold I. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDeath assemblages that occupy the upper tens of centimeters of sediment in shallow-marine settings are often subject to extensive mixing, thereby limiting their usefulness in assessing environmentally mediated compositional changes through time in the local biota. Here, we provide evidence that dense,Thalassia-rich seagrass beds preserve a stratigraphic record of biotic variation because their dense root–rhizome mats inhibit mixing. We sampled benthic mollusk assemblages at seven localities inThalassia-rich beds around St. Croix, USVI, collecting three separate sediment intervals of ~13 cm each to a total depth of ~40 cm below the sediment–water interface, and found evidence that sedimentary intervals preserved compositional stratigraphy. Further, some localities displayed systematic, directional changes down-core. An examination of interval-to-interval changes in composition revealed that compositional variation was unique from locality to locality rather than reflecting coordinated, island-wide transitions. In general, however, relative abundances of epifaunal gastropods and small lucinid bivalves tended to decrease with depth below the sediment–water interface. Quantitative comparisons of life-to-death assemblages from each successive sedimentary interval demonstrated that the shallowest death assemblages were typically more similar to the life assemblages than were deeper assemblages, suggesting that deeper intervals provide records of earlier community states.
Cultural Norms and Immigrants in the United States: The Green Card Experiment
Authors: Figueroa Lucila 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper explores the effect of norms—standards of conduct dictated by an identity—on white, American immigration attitudes. Results from a survey experiment show that when respondents evaluate immigrants who violate cultural norms, by speaking a non-English language and/or rooting for a foreign soccer team, respondents are less supportive of green cards for immigrants. Moreover, norm violations are consequential for tolerant, prejudiced, liberal, moderate, and conservative respondents. Valuing cultural norms is a shared and pervasive aspect of immigration attitudes, and targeting norms for inquiry brings into view the societal structure of opposition to immigration. However, norm violations affect green card support among liberals only in evaluations of Latino immigrants, and among conservatives only in evaluations of European immigrants.
Sensitivity of fatty acid desaturation and elongation to plasma zinc concentration: a randomised controlled trial in Beninese children
Authors: Chimhashu Tsitsi , Malan Linda , Baumgartner Jeannine , van Jaarsveld Paul J. , Galetti Valeria , Moretti Diego , Smuts Cornelius M. , Zimmermann Michael B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractZn status may affect fatty acid (FA) metabolism because it acts as a cofactor in FA desaturase and elongase enzymes. Zn supplementation affects the FA desaturases of Zn-deficient rats, but whether this occurs in humans is unclear. We evaluated the associations between baseline plasma Zn (PZn) concentration and plasma total phospholipid FA composition, as well as the effect of daily consumption of Zn-fortified water on FA status in Beninese children. A 20-week, double-blind randomised controlled trial was conducted in 186 school age children. The children were randomly assigned to receive a daily portion of Zn-fortified, filtered water delivering on average 2·8 mg Zn/d or non-fortified filtered water. Plasma total phospholipid FA composition was determined using capillary GLC and PZn concentrations by atomic absorption spectrometry. At baseline, PZn correlated positively with dihomo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA,r0·182;P=0·024) and the DGLA:linoleic acid (LA) ratio (r0·293;P<0·000), and negatively with LA (r−0·211;P=0·009) and the arachidonic acid:DGLA ratio (r−0·170;P=0·036). With the intervention, Zn fortification increased nervonic acid (B: 0·109; 95 % CI 0·001, 0·218) in all children (n186) and more so in children who were Zn-deficient (n60) at baseline (B:0·230; 95 % CI 0·023, 0·488). In conclusion, in this study, Zn-fortified filtered water prevented the reduction of nervonic acid composition in the plasma total phospholipids of children, and this effect was stronger in Zn-deficient children. Thus, Zn status may play an important role in FA desaturation and/or elongation.
Dietary fibre intake in relation to the risk of incident chronic kidney disease
Authors: Mirmiran Parvin , Yuzbashian Emad , Asghari Golaleh , Sarverzadeh Shaghayegh , Azizi Fereidoun 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe purpose of this study was primarily to evaluate the association of total fibre intake with the risk of incident chronic kidney disease (CKD). We also evaluated the association of dietary fibre from fruits, vegetables, cereals and legumes with the incidence of CKD in a population-based prospective study. We followed up 1630 participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study for 6·1 years, who were initially free of CKD. Baseline diet was assessed by a valid and reliable FFQ. Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated, using the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation, and CKD was defined as eGFR <60 ml/min per 1·73 m2. OR using multivariable logistic regression was reported for the association of incident CKD with tertiles of dietary fibre intake. After adjustment for age, sex, smoking, total energy intake, physical activity, diabetes and using angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitor, the OR for subjects in the highest compared with the lowest tertile of total fibre intake was 0·47 (95 % CI 0·27, 0·86). In addition, for every 5 g/d increase in total fibre intake, the risk of incident CKD decreased by 11 %. After adjusting for potential confounders, OR for participants in the highest compared with the lowest tertile of fibre from vegetables was 0·63 (95 % CI 0·43, 0·93) and from legumes it was 0·68 (95 % CI 0·47, 0·98). We observed inverse associations between total fibre intake and risk of incident CKD, which demonstrate that high fibre intake, mainly from legumes and vegetables, may reduce the occurrence of CKD.
Associations between adherence to the Danish Food-Based Dietary Guidelines and cardiometabolic risk factors in a Danish adult population: the DIPI study
Authors: Arentoft Johanne L. , Hoppe Camilla , Andersen Elisabeth W. , Overvad Kim , Tetens Inge 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDiet is recognised as one modifiable lifestyle factor for ischaemic heart disease (IHD). We aimed at investigating the associations between adherence to the Danish Food-Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDG) indicated by a Dietary Quality Index (DQI) and selected cardiometabolic risk factors in a cross-sectional study with 219 Danish adult participants (59 %women; age 31–65years) with a minimum of one self-rated risk marker of IHD. Information regarding diet was obtained using web-based dietary assessment software and adherence to the Danish FBDG was expressed by a DQI calculated from 5 food and nutrient indicators (whole grain, fish, fruit and vegetables, energy from saturated fat and from added sugar). Background information, blood samples and anthropometrics were collected and blood pressure was measured. Linear regression analyses were used to evaluate the association between DQI and cardiometabolic risk factors. DQI was inversely associated with LDL:HDL ratio and TAG (−0·089 per unit; 95 % CI −0·177, −0·002 and −5 % per unit; 95 % CI −9, 0, respectively) and positively associated with HDL-cholesterol (0·047 mmol/l per unit; 95 % CI 0·007, 0·088). For men, DQI was inversely associated with BMI (−3 %per unit; 95 % CI −5, −1), trunk fat (−1 % per unit; 95 % CI −2, −1), high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (−30 % per unit; 95 % CI −41, −16 %), HbA1c(−0·09 % per unit; 95 % CI −0·14, −0·04), insulin (−13 % per unit; 95 % CI −19, −7) and homoeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (−14 % per unit; 95 % CI −21, −7). In women, DQI was positively associated with systolic blood pressure (2·6 mmHg per unit; 95 % CI 0·6, 4·6). In conclusion, higher adherence to the current Danish FBDG was associated with a more beneficial cardiometabolic risk profile in a Danish adult population with a minimum of one self-rated risk factor for IHD.