bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geno‐Diver: A combined coalescence and forward‐in‐time simulator for populations undergoing selection for complex traits
Authors: Howard J. T. , Tiezzi F. , Pryce J. E. , Maltecca C. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryGeno‐Diver is a combined coalescence and forward‐in‐time simulator designed to simulate complex traits with a quantitative and/or fitness component and implement multiple selection and mating strategies utilizing pedigree or genomic information. The simulation is carried out in two steps. The first step generates whole‐genome sequence data for founder individuals. A variety of trait architectures can be generated for quantitative and fitness traits along with their covariance. The second step generates new individuals forward‐in‐time based on a variety of selection and mating scenarios. Genetic values are predicted for individuals utilizing pedigree or genomic information. Relationship matrices and their associated inverses are generated using computationally efficient routines. We benchmarked Geno‐Diver with a previous simulation program and described how to simulate a traditional quantitative trait along with a quantitative and fitness trait. A user manual with examples, source code in C++11 and executable versions of Geno‐Diver for Linux are freely available at https://github.com/jeremyhoward/Geno-Diver.
Is it possible to enhance the confidence of student dietitians prior to professional placements? A design‐based research model
Authors: Ross L. J. , Mitchell L. J. , Williams L. T. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundStudent confidence is an important contributor to a successful professional placement experience. The present study aimed to evaluate a placement preparation program for student dietitians and to assess the impact on self‐rated confidence with respect to commencing placements.MethodsThe present study is part of a design‐based research approach that involves students in a cyclic enquiry to evaluate and improve curricula. Nutrition and Dietetics students at an Australian university participated in a 1‐week mandatory workshop – Pre‐Placement week (PrePW), N = 98 students: in 2015 (n = 54) and 2016 (n = 44). An online survey was conducted before and after PrePW using a five‐point Likert scale (1 = not confident; 5 = very confident) to assess self‐rated confidence to commence placements. Mean (SD) scores were calculated. Paired and independent t‐tests evaluated within‐ and between‐group differences, respectively.ResultsBefore PrePW, the mean (SD) for student confidence to commence placements overall (in all areas of practise) was ‘somewhat confident’ [2.9 (0.6) in 2015 and 3.0 (0.7) in 2016]. Students were least confident to commence Clinical Practice [2015: 2.5 (0.6); 2016: 2.8 (0.6)] compared to Food Service Management (FSM) [2015: 3.2 (0.9); 2016: 3.1 (0.9)] and Community and Public Health Nutrition (CPHN) [2015: 3.3 (0.9); 2016: 3.2 (0.8)]. Student feedback from PrePW 2015 was used to change the curriculum and PrePW program. The 2016 students reported significantly greater confidence within all areas of practice: Clinical Practice [3.4 (0.6)], FSM [3.7 (0.6)] and CPHN [3.8 (0.6)], including confidence to commence placements overall [3.6 (0.6)] (P < 0.05).ConclusionsDesign‐based research provides a useful framework for improvement to curricula and, in this case, was successful in enhancing student confidence in preparation for professional placement.
Expression of Concern: The haptoglobin beta subunit sequesters HMGB1 toxicity in sterile and infectious inflammation
Authors: Yang H. , Wang H. , Wang Y. , Addorisio M. , Li J. , Postiglione M. J. , Chavan S. S. , Al‐Abed Y. , Antoine D. J. , Andersson U. , Tracey K. J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundExtra‐corpuscular haemoglobin is an endogenous factor enhancing inflammatory tissue damage, a process counteracted by the haemoglobin‐binding plasma protein haptoglobin composed of alpha and beta subunits connected by disulfide bridges. Recent studies established that haptoglobin also binds and sequesters another pro‐inflammatory mediator, HMGB1, via triggering CD163 receptor‐mediated anti‐inflammatory responses involving heme oxygenase‐1 expression and IL‐10 release. The molecular mechanism underlying haptoglobin–HMGB1 interaction remains poorly elucidated.MethodsHaptoglobin β subunits were tested for HMGB1‐binding properties, as well as efficacy in animal models of sterile liver injury (induced by intraperitoneal acetaminophen administration) or infectious peritonitis (induced by cecal ligation and puncture, CLP, surgery) using wild‐type (C57BL/6) or haptoglobin gene‐deficient mice.ResultsStructural–functional analysis demonstrated that the haptoglobin β subunit recapitulates the HMGB1‐binding properties of full‐length haptoglobin. Similar to HMGB1–haptoglobin complexes, the HMGB1–haptoglobin β complexes also elicited anti‐inflammatory effects via CD163‐mediated IL‐10 release and heme oxygenase‐1 expression. Treatment with haptoglobin β protein conferred significant protection in mouse models of polymicrobial sepsis as well as acetaminophen‐induced liver injury, two HMGB1‐dependent inflammatory conditions.ConclusionsHaptoglobin β protein offers a novel therapeutic approach to fight against various inflammatory diseases caused by excessive HMGB1 release.
A Review of Implementation Outcome Measures of School‐Based Physical Activity Interventions
Authors: Shah Sonam , Allison Kenneth R. , Schoueri‐Mychasiw Nour , Pach Beata , Manson Heather , Vu‐Nguyen Karen 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDMeasuring the implementation of school‐based physical activity (PA) interventions is an important prerequisite in assessing their impact. Prior to conducting a study to assess the implementation of the daily physical activity (DPA) policy in Ontario, Canada, a literature review was conducted to identify existing survey instruments to measure 5 implementation outcomes: adoption, fidelity, implementation cost, reach, and sustainability.METHODSA search for survey instruments to assess these implementation outcomes at the teacher and school administrator levels was conducted in 7 bibliographic databases, as well as the gray literature. Each survey instrument was coded as assessing 1 of the 5 implementation outcomes if it included at least 1 item measuring the construct.RESULTSTwenty‐three survey instruments were identified. None of the instruments were specifically developed to measure the implementation outcomes. Fidelity was the most common implementation outcome measured, followed by adoption. The least common implementation outcome measured was sustainability. Thirty‐five percent of survey instruments assessed were previously tested for validity and 26% were previously tested for reliability.CONCLUSIONSBased on this review, a gap in available instruments to measure implementation outcomes of school‐based PA programs was identified. An adapted theoretical framework, presented here, has potential application in future implementation studies.
Self-assembly hydrogels as multifunctional drug delivery of paclitaxel for synergistic tumour-targeting and biocompatibility in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Shu Chang , Sabi-mouka Eboka M B , Wang Xiaoliang , Ding Li 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Objectives
In this work, we designed the self-assembly peptide hydrogels to multiply therapeutic agents for improving anticancer effect and lowering adverse reaction of paclitaxel (PTX).

Methods
The folate (FA)-peptide-PTX hydrogels consist of self-assemble peptide hydrogel as nanoscale carrier, FA and RGD peptide as targeting moieties and paclitaxel as anticancer drug. The properties of hydrogels, such as morphology, size distribution, zeta potential and rheology, were investigated. Targeted specificity, biodistribution and anticancer effect were studied both in vitro and in vivo.

Key findings
Folate-peptide-PTX hydrogel nanoparticles were spherical in shape with hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 137.3 ± 15.2 nm. The hydrogels could only target monolayer cancer cells but also penetrated the nuclei of cells in vitro. The in-vivo real-time imaging further demonstrated that the hydrogels preferentially accumulated in tumour and sustained release. Compared to free paclitaxel, the FA-peptide-PTX hydrogels had higher anticancer effect and lower side effect.

Conclusions
The dual-targeted drug delivery possessed strong capability of synergistic targeted delivery, long-term drug release and better biocompatibility than paclitaxel both in vitro and in vivo. The results obtained demonstrated a high potential of the proposed drug delivery system in improving the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel.
Evaluation of three popular diets fed to pet sugar gliders (Petaurus breviceps): Intake, digestion and nutrient balance
Authors: Dierenfeld E. S. , Whitehouse‐Tedd K. M. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryThree diets fed to 12 pair‐housed sugar gliders, Petaurus breviceps, were evaluated through 5‐day intake and digestion trials following 10‐day transitions. Diets 1 and 2 comprised liquid formula mixes with added vegetables and fruit, and Diet 3 comprised extruded pellets and a liquid formula. Diets eaten contained 16 —19% crude protein, 3%–15% crude fat, 10%–11% neutral detergent fibre, 4%–20% starch and 8%–49% sugar (dry basis). Calculated individual dry matter intakes (DMI) ranged from 3.9 to 5.1 g/day, representing 58.2–78.4 kJ/day. DMI was greater for Diet 2 (7.2% BW) vs. Diet 1 (5.6; p = .006) and Diet 3 (4.2% BW; p = .003). Although these differences were no longer detectable on a MBW basis, animals were shown to have gained BW (+14.2 g; p = .03) on Diet 2. In addition to nutrient composition differing widely among diets, DM digestibility (DMD) was higher in Diet 1 (91.2%) compared to Diet 2 (87.3%; p = .03), but DMD for Diet 3 (88.9%) did not differ from other diets. Gliders demonstrated ability to digest a variety of energy substrates, including simple sugars (96%–99%), fats (81%–96%) and starches (79%–98%), as well as substantial insoluble dietary fibre (58%–75%), with significant difference among diets demonstrated for some nutrients. Animals displayed selective feeding behaviours, rejecting insoluble fibre in produce and preferring the lipid‐coated exterior of pellets. The diets used appeared to be balanced with respect to energy, protein and macromineral content, but may predispose to iron excess, other mineral imbalances (especially Ca deficiency) and obesity—clinical health issues described for pet gliders. Future focus on concentrations, types and utilization of dietary fibre in natural and captive diets, vitamin D metabolism and trace mineral interactions in sugar gliders would assist diet optimization for this highly gummivorous species.
Patients with chronic periodontitis present increased risk for osteoporosis: A population‐based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Mau L.‐P. , Kuan Y.‐C. , Tsai Y.‐W. C. , Lin J.‐J. , Huynh‐Ba G. , Weng P.‐W. , Shieh Y.‐S. , Cheng W.‐C. , Huang R.‐Y. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesChronic periodontitis is a bone destructive inflammatory disease with an adverse impact on general health and suggested underlying factors in common with osteoporosis. A few studies have examined the possible relationship between chronic periodontitis and osteoporosis; however, the results remain inconclusive. This longitudinal follow‐up study investigated the possible risk of patients with chronic periodontitis to present osteoporosis by using a population‐based national health insurance data set in Taiwan.Material and MethodsA random sample consisting of 1 million individuals was collected from Taiwan's national health insurance data set. From the sample, a total of 29 463 patients with newly diagnosed periodontitis from 2002 to 2008 were recruited and compared with a matched cohort of 58 926 patients without periodontitis. All patients were tracked until an osteoporosis diagnosis, or death, until the end of 2011. Associated factors, such as gender, age and comorbidities were examined. Cox proportional‐hazards regression was performed to examine the risk of osteoporosis for patients with or without periodontitis.ResultsWithin the 6‐year follow‐up period, the incidence rates of osteoporosis in the periodontitis cohort and comparison group were 2.72 and 1.66 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. Mild, moderate and severe periodontitis were found to have 1.56, 2.09 and 2.08 times the risk of osteoporosis respectively compared to patients without periodontitis. Log‐rank analysis revealed that patients with periodontitis had significantly higher cumulative incidence rates of osteoporosis than the control group (P<.0001).ConclusionThis study found that patients with periodontitis had a higher risk of being diagnosed with osteoporosis.
Inflorescence characteristics as function‐valued traits: Analysis of heritability and selection on architectural effects
Authors: Kulbaba Mason W. , Clocher Ilona C. , Harder Lawrence D. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractProduction of multiple flowers in inflorescences allows the reproductive phenotypes of individual plants to include systematic among‐flower variation, which could be adaptive. Systematic trait variation within inflorescences could arise from resource competition among flowers, or be a developmentally determined feature of flower position, regardless of resource dynamics. The latter, architectural effect typically manifests as continuous floral variation within inflorescences. For architectural effects to be adaptive, floral trait variation among individuals must covary with reproductive performance and be heritable. However, heritability and phenotypic selection on gradients of variation cannot be estimated readily with traditional statistical approaches. Instead, we advocate and illustrate the application of two functional data analysis techniques with observations of Delphinium glaucum (Ranunculaceae). To demonstrate the parameters‐as‐data approach we quantify heritability of variation in anthesis rate, as represented by the regression coefficient relating daily anthesis rate to inflorescence age. SNP‐based estimates detected significant heritability (h2 = 0.245) for declining anthesis rate within inflorescences. Functional regression was used to assess phenotypic selection on anthesis rate and a floral trait (lower sepal length). The approach used spline curves that characterize within‐inflorescence variation as functional predictors of a plant's fruit set. Selection on anthesis rate varied with inflorescence age and the duration of an individual's anthesis period. Lower sepal length experienced positive selection for basal and distal flowers, but negative selection for central flowers. These results illustrate the utility and power of functional‐data analyses for studying architectural effects and specifically demonstrate that these effects are subject to natural selection and hence adaptive.
Pathways of the association between maternal employment and weight status among women and children: Qualitative findings from Guatemala
Authors: Oddo Vanessa M. , Surkan Pamela J. , Hurley Kristen M. , Lowery Caitlin , de Ponce Silvia , Jones‐Smith Jessica C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe double burden of malnutrition, defined by the coexistence of undernutrition and overweight, is well documented in low‐ and middle‐income countries. However, the mechanisms by which employment may be related to maternal and child weight status in low‐ and middle‐income countries are not well understood. We conducted in‐depth interviews among 20 mothers who participated in Project MIEL, a contemporary trial which evaluated the effects of an integrated micronutrient supplement and parenting intervention in rural Guatemala. We utilized semi‐structured interviews to explore the pathways by which maternal employment might influence bodyweight. Interviews were structured to explore the factors that mothers considered when deciding whether or not to participate in the labor force and how mothers perceived the influence of employment on determinants of their own bodyweight and that of their children. Themes were used to develop a conceptual framework. Mothers described four pathways through which employment could lead to changes in weight status: changes in food purchasing; improved household well‐being; changes in time allocation; and psychological effects. Mothers described purchasing increased quantities and more varied types of food, as well as the purchase of energy‐dense foods. Less time to devote to food preparation resulted in mothers preparing quicker meals and relying on substitute childcare. Mothers also expressed feelings of worry and neglect in relation to being employed, and perceived that these feelings would affect weight. A better understanding of these mechanisms is important for developing policies and programs to support women in the workplace and also reducing maternal and child overweight in Guatemala.
Symbiont strain is the main determinant of variation in Wolbachia‐mediated protection against viruses across Drosophila species
Authors: Martinez Julien , Tolosana Ignacio , Ok Suzan , Smith Sophie , Snoeck Kiana , Day Jonathan P. , Jiggins Francis M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWolbachia is a common heritable bacterial symbiont in insects. Its evolutionary success lies in the diverse phenotypic effects it has on its hosts coupled to its propensity to move between host species over evolutionary timescales. In a survey of natural host–symbiont associations in a range of Drosophila species, we found that 10 of 16 Wolbachia strains protected their hosts against viral infection. By moving Wolbachia strains between host species, we found that the symbiont genome had a much greater influence on the level of antiviral protection than the host genome. The reason for this was that the level of protection depended on the density of the symbiont in host tissues, and Wolbachia rather than the host‐controlled density. The finding that virus resistance and symbiont density are largely under the control of symbiont genes in this system has important implications both for the evolution of these traits and for public health programmes using Wolbachia to prevent mosquitoes from transmitting disease.
Bile salts and alkaline pHreciprocally modulate the interaction between the periplasmic domains ofVibrio choleraeToxRandToxS
Authors: Midgett Charles R. , Almagro‐Moreno Salvador , Pellegrini Maria , Taylor Ronald K. , Skorupski Karen , Kull F. Jon 
Published: May 2017

SummaryToxR is a transmembrane transcription factor that is essential for virulence gene expression and human colonization byVibrio cholerae. ToxR requires its operon partner ToxS, a periplasmic integral membrane protein, for full activity. These two proteins are thought to interact through their respective periplasmic domains, ToxRp and ToxSp. In addition, ToxR is thought to be responsive to various environmental cues, such as bile salts and alkaline pH, but how these factors influence ToxR is not yet understood. Using NMR and reciprocal pull down assays, we present the first direct evidence that ToxR and ToxS physically interact. Furthermore, using NMR and DSF, it was shown that the bile salts cholate and chenodeoxycholate interact with purified ToxRp and destabilize it. Surprisingly, bile salt destabilization of ToxRp enhanced the interaction between ToxRp and ToxSp. In contrast, alkaline pH, which is one of the factors that leads to ToxR proteolysis, decreased the interaction between ToxRp and ToxSp. Taken together, these data suggest a model whereby bile salts or other detergents destabilize ToxR, increasing its interaction with ToxS to promote full ToxR activity. Subsequently, asV. choleraealkalinizes its environment in late stationary phase, the interaction between the two proteins decreases, allowing ToxR proteolysis to proceed.
Neurokinin‐1 receptor blocker CP‐99 994 improved emesis induced by cisplatin via regulating the activity of gastric distention responsive neurons in the dorsal motor nucleus of vagus and enhancing gastric motility in rats
Authors: Sun X. , Xu L. , Guo F. , Luo W. , Gao S. , Luan X. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundNowadays, chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is still common in patients with cancer. It was reported that substance P mediated CINV via neurokinin‐1 (NK1) receptor and antagonists of NK1 receptor has been proved useful for treating CINV but the mechanism are not fully understood. This study aimed to examine the role of NK1 receptor blocker, CP‐99 994, when administrated into dorsal motor nucleus of vagus (DMNV), on the cisplatin‐induced emesis in rats and the possible mechanism.MethodsRats’ kaolin intake, food intake, and bodyweight were recorded every day; gastric contraction activity was recorded in conscious rats through a force transducer implanted into the stomach; gastric emptying was monitored using the phenol red method; single unit extracellular firing in the DMNV were recorded.Key ResultsDMNV microinjection of CP‐99 994 reduced the changes of increased kaolin consumption and suppressed food intake in cisplatin‐treated rats; enhanced the gastric contraction activity dose‐dependently in control and cisplatin‐treated rats but enhanced gastric emptying only in cisplatin‐treated rats; reduced the firing rate of gastric distention inhibited (GD‐I) neurons but increased the firing rate of GD excited (GD‐E) neurons in the DMNV. The effects of CP‐99 994 on gastric motility and neuronal activity were stronger in cisplatin‐treated rats than those of control rats.Conclusions and InferencesOur results suggested that CP‐99 994 could improve emesis induced by cisplatin by regulating gastric motility and gastric related neuronal activity in the DMNV.
Beyond Continuity? Understanding Change in the UK Welfare State since 2010
Authors: McEnhill Libby , Taylor‐Gooby Peter 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOne approach to identifying policy change stresses policy instruments, settings and policy paradigms, while another also considers the process and culmination of various shifts and consequent outcomes. This article illustrates the debate through an examination of how far developments in social security policy between the 1997–2010 New Labour and 2010–15 Coalition Governments in the UK constituted real policy shifts. It shows that, despite continuities in instruments and approach, there have been substantial changes in the impact of welfare state policies related to short‐term benefits, employment and housing. The article identifies new policy directions leading to a different kind of welfare state, concerned less with living standards and equality and more with individual responsibility and paid work. It suggests that this has been achieved without the need for radical changes in instruments and their settings.
Reducing Inequality in Childcare Service Use across European Countries: What (if any) Is the role of Social Spending?
Authors: Van Lancker Wim 
Published: May 2017

AbstractChildcare services are increasingly put forward as one of the most important policy levers to combat poverty and inequality. However, higher income families use childcare services to a much larger extent than lower income families. Almost all European countries increased expenditures on childcare over the past years, but has an ever‐increasing public spending on childcare provision led to more equality in its use? In this article, the relationship between spending and childcare use as well as between spending and inequality in childcare use over the period 2006–12 is empirically analyzed using a random effects model drawing on country‐level panel data (n = 156), derived from the EU‐SILC and OECD SOCX databases. Since governments can spend money in different ways, it is discussed whether a public or a market‐based strategy to subsidize childcare provision is related to more equality. The results suggest that more spending leads to higher levels of childcare use, but not directly to lower levels of inequality. For achieving equity in childcare use, government investment should lead to an expansion of childcare places across the income distribution. The findings allow the formulation of new hypotheses regarding the role of the private market in childcare services provision.