bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Young Terrorists or Child Soldiers? ISIS Children, International Law and Victimhood
Authors: Nyamutata Conrad 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Since the Syrian conflict broke out, a significant number of Western citizens travelled to the warzone to join the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS). By common definitions, some of the persons travelled as ‘children’. However, since the defeat of ISIS, Western countries are facing a conundrum on how to treat these young former fighters. The status of these children has been contentious. Among the Western countries, there does not seem to be a clear position or consistent approach on how such children should be treated. It would appear that the approaches towards the dilemma on these young persons have, predominantly, been dictated by the political whims of individual states. Generally, the children have been regarded as young ‘terrorists’ likely to pose danger to Western societies if repatriated back. However, the perceptions and actions towards these minors seem to depart from the normative approaches to children associated with armed conflict. The widely reported case of British teenager Shamima Begum shone the spotlight on the predicaments of children formerly associated with ISIS. This article makes a case for the treatment of ISIS-associated children to be considered as child soldiers. When analysed closely, these children deserve protections accorded to all children recruited for purposes of warfare. Recent case law seems to imply that such protection does not cease even after the age of 18 years. All considered, the denial of repatriation appears inimical to normative standards on children associated with armed conflict. Furthermore, the approaches of some of the Western countries could be vulnerable to criticism for violation of the rule of law. The arbitrary revocation of citizenship and barring of returns appear starkly in conflict with norms of natural justice. With this in mind, this article asserts that a consistent approach would require the Western approaches to treat ISIS-associated children as victims first and accord them protections recognised in international law.
Resistance of Amaranthus Spp. to the Green Peach Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Nampeera Esther L , Blodgett Sue , O’Neal Matthew E , Nonnecke Gail R , Murungi Lucy K , Abukutsa-Onyango Mary O , Wesonga John M 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe green peach aphid [Myzus persicae (Sulzer)] is an important pest of amaranth grown for leaf consumption (i.e., leafy amaranth) in the tropics. Aphids reduce the amount of fresh leaf yield of amaranth and the value of leafy amaranth as aphid-infested leaves are not marketable. Our objective was to evaluate Amaranthus species selected by a breeding program in East Africa to develop cultivars for leaf consumption with resistance to M. persicae. We focused on antibiosis to determine whether varieties of Amaranthus spp. could be grown without producing an aphid population. Artificial infestations of aphids were placed on multiple selections of three species of Amaranthus: two selections of A. blitum, four selections of A. hybridus and one selection of A. hypochondriacus. Aphid populations were assessed over a 5-wk period. Evaluations of vegetative yield, leaf damage symptoms, and specific leaf area (SLA) were made of the seven selections at the end of this experiment. Aphid populations assessed 49 d after planting differed significantly (P ≤ 0.001) among the amaranth species and within selections of the same species. The selections of A. blitum had the lowest aphid populations, and A. hybridus had the highest populations. Selections of A. hybridus produced the most marketable leaves (i.e., aphid free). The fresh weight of A. blitum were the lowest of the seven selections, whereas A. hybridus had the greatest fresh leaf weight. Implications of these finding for further promotion of amaranth breeding are discussed related to pest management for leaf production.
The Psychological Costs of Citizen Coproduction
Authors: Thomsen Mette Kjærgaard , Baekgaard Martin , Jensen Ulrich Thy 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Coproduction where citizens collaborate with public employees in producing and delivering public services is often argued to be associated with benefits for either participating citizens, their relatives, friends, or society at large. Less is known about the potential downsides associated with citizen participation in coproduction of public services. We argue that psychological costs, such as experiences of stigma, stress, and loss of autonomy may arise among citizens in response to coproduction initiatives stimulated or directly imposed by public organizations. We test our propositions in two randomized vignette experiments on a representative sample of Danish citizens. First, we manipulate whether citizens are encouraged to coproduce public services yielding private or collective benefits. Second, we induce perceived self-efficacy among a subsample of citizens. We find that citizens are more likely to experience psychological costs when they are encouraged to coproduce public services resulting in private benefits for relatives or friends in contrast to collective benefits for a larger group of people. Furthermore, these psychological costs are felt to a greater extent among citizens with low self-efficacy. Fusing insights from multiple perspectives, our study pushes the theoretical frontiers of coproduction literature by illustrating how complex emotional responses is an overlooked, but integral part of a more comprehensive theory on the manifestations and effects of citizen coproduction.
Pneumonia of unknown aetiology in Wuhan, China: potential for international spread via commercial air travel
Authors: Bogoch Isaac I , Watts Alexander , Thomas-Bachli Andrea , Huber Carmen , Kraemer Moritz U G , Khan Kamran 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
There is currently an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown aetiology in Wuhan, China. Although there are still several unanswered questions about this infection, we evaluate the potential for international dissemination of this disease via commercial air travel should the outbreak continue.
The governance of nuclear power in China
Authors: Andrews-Speed Philip 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
China has the third largest fleet of nuclear power plants in the world, totalling more than 45 GWe at the end of 2019. With the current high rate of growth, its capacity will soon overtake that of France. The country’s nuclear power industry has suffered no serious accidents to date. Nevertheless, the poor safety record of some other heavy industries in China, combined with the rapid growth of civil nuclear power capacity, has raised concerns over the industry’s ability to prevent a serious accident. The organization, development and governance of China’s nuclear power industry reflects the high strategic importance that the government has placed on the industry over several decades. At the same time, it has taken steps to address domestic and international concerns over its ability to effectively govern nuclear safety and security. The country has become party to most major treaties and conventions relating to nuclear matters and has frequent interaction with the International Atomic Energy Agency. Despite many significant steps taken by the government, a number of questions remain concerning: the capacity and independence of the National Nuclear Safety Administration; the relatively incoherent nature of the body of laws, regulations and rules that govern nuclear safety and security; the absence of a clear legal basis for managing civil nuclear liability, especially in the context of an accident with transboundary consequences; and the quality of public participation, especially in the case of planned nuclear power plants.
The NICE Guideline On Medicinal Cannabis: Keeping Pandora’s Box Shut Tight?
Authors: Case Paula 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
November 2018 saw the prescription of unlicensed medicinal cannabis products being legalised in the UK, accompanied by loud media fanfare. One year on, it seems that access to medicinal cannabis in this country continues to be extremely rare, raising questions about what might be stopping doctors from making use of the legal space to prescribe. This commentary explores some of these questions, outlining the theoretical space for legal prescribing and examining whether the recently announced National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline does anything to ease the deadlock.
Lyman continuum escape fraction in Ly α emitters at z ≃ 3.1
Authors: Bian Fuyan , Fan Xiaohui 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
We measure the Lyman continuum (LyC) escape fraction in 54 faint Lyman-alpha emitters (LAEs) at $z$ ≃ 3.1 in the GOODS-South field. With the average magnitude of R = 26.7 AB (MUV = −18.8 and L ≃ 0.1L*), these galaxies represent a population of compact young dwarf galaxies. Their properties are likely to resemble those in the galaxies responsible for reionizing the Universe at $z$ &gt; 6. We do not detect LyC emission in any individual LAEs in the deep HST F336W images, which covers the rest-frame 820 Å. We do not detect the LyC emission of these LAEs in the stacked F336W images either. The 3σ upper limit of LyC escape fractions is $f_{\rm esc}\lt 14\!-\!32{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. However, the high Ly α rest-frame equivalent width (EW), low stellar mass, and UV luminosity of these LAEs suggest that they should have $f_{\rm esc}\gt 50{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$. The low LyC escape fraction from this work and other stacking analyses suggests that the LyC-leaking galaxies with $f_{\rm esc}\gt 50{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$ at $z$ = 2–3 do not follow the relation between fesc and UV luminosity and Ly α EW derived from typical galaxies at similar redshifts. Therefore, the UV luminosity and Ly α EW are not the best indicators for the LyC escape fraction.
Genetic Basis of De Novo Appearance of Carotenoid Ornamentation in Bare Parts of Canaries
Authors: Gazda Małgorzata Anna , Toomey Matthew B , Araújo Pedro M , Lopes Ricardo J , Afonso Sandra , Myers Connie A , Serres Kyla , Kiser Philip D , Hill Geoffrey E , Corbo Joseph C , Carneiro Miguel 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Unlike wild and domestic canaries (Serinus canaria), or any of the three dozen species of finches in genus Serinus, the domestic urucum breed of canaries exhibits bright red bills and legs. This novel trait offers a unique opportunity to understand the mechanisms of bare-part coloration in birds. To identify the mutation producing the colorful phenotype, we resequenced the genome of urucum canaries and performed a range of analyses to search for genotype-to-phenotype associations across the genome. We identified a nonsynonymous mutation in the gene BCO2 (beta-carotene oxygenase 2, also known as BCDO2), an enzyme involved in the cleavage and breakdown of full-length carotenoids into short apocarotenoids. Protein structural models and in vitro functional assays indicate that the urucum mutation abrogates the carotenoid-cleavage activity of BCO2. Consistent with the predicted loss of carotenoid-cleavage activity, urucum canaries tended to have increased levels of full-length carotenoid pigments in bill tissue and reduced levels of carotenoid-cleavage products (apocarotenoids) in retinal tissue compared with other breeds of canaries. We hypothesize that carotenoid-based bare-part coloration might be readily gained, modified, or lost through simple switches in the enzymatic activity or regulation of BCO2 and this gene may be an important mediator in the evolution of bare-part coloration among bird species.
Gender issues from the perspective of health-care professionals in Neuro-oncology: an EANO and EORTC Brain Tumor Group survey
Authors: Le Rhun Emilie , Weller Michael , Niclou Simone P , Short Susan , Piil Karin , Boele Florien , Rudà Roberta , Theodorou Marilena , Brandsma Dieta , van den Bent Martin , Dirven Linda 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Women represent an increasing proportion of the overall workforce in medicine but are underrepresented in leadership roles.

Methods
To explore gender inequalities and challenges in career opportunities, a web-based survey was conducted among the membership of the European Association of Neuro-Oncology and the Brain Tumor Group of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer.

Results
A total of 228 colleagues responded to the survey: 129 women (median age 45 years; range, 25-66 years) and 99 men (median age 48 years; range, 24-81 years); 153 participants (67%) were married and 157 participants (69%) had at least 1 child. Women less often declared being married (60% vs 77%, P = .007) or having a child (63% vs 77%, P = .024). Men more frequently had a full-time position (88% vs 75%, P = .036). Women and men both perceived an underrepresentation of women in leadership positions. Half of participants agreed that the most important challenges for women are leading a team and obtaining a faculty position. Fewer women than men would accept such a position (42% vs 56%). The main reasons were limited time for career and an inappropriate work and life balance. Women specifically cited negative discrimination, limited opportunities, and lack of self-confidence. Discrimination of women at work was perceived by 64% of women vs 47% of men (P = .003).

Conclusion
Women are perceived as experiencing more difficulties in acquiring a leadership position. Personal preferences may account for an underrepresentation of women in leadership positions, but perceived gender inequalities extend beyond disparities of access to leadership.
The Role of A Priori–Identified Addiction and Smoking Gene Sets in Smoking Behaviors
Authors: Evans Luke M , Johnson Emma C , Melroy-Greif Whitney E , Hewitt John K , Hoeffer Charles A , Keller Matthew C , Saba Laura M , Stitzel Jerry A , Ehringer Marissa A 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Smoking is a leading cause of death, and genetic variation contributes to smoking behaviors. Identifying genes and sets of genes that contribute to risk for addiction is necessary to prioritize targets for functional characterization and for personalized medicine.

Methods
We performed a gene set–based association and heritable enrichment study of two addiction-related gene sets, those on the Smokescreen Genotyping Array and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, using the largest available GWAS summary statistics. We assessed smoking initiation, cigarettes per day, smoking cessation, and age of smoking initiation.

Results
Individual genes within each gene set were significantly associated with smoking behaviors. Both sets of genes were significantly associated with cigarettes per day, smoking initiation, and smoking cessation. Age of initiation was only associated with the Smokescreen gene set. Although both sets of genes were enriched for trait heritability, each accounts for only a small proportion of the single nucleotide polymorphism-based heritability (2%–12%).

Conclusions
These two gene sets are associated with smoking behaviors, but collectively account for a limited amount of the genetic and phenotypic variation of these complex traits, consistent with high polygenicity.

Implications
We evaluated evidence for the association and heritable contribution of expert-curated and bioinformatically identified sets of genes related to smoking. Although they impact smoking behaviors, these specifically targeted genes do not account for much of the heritability in smoking and will be of limited use for predictive purposes. Advanced genome-wide approaches and integration of other ‘omics data will be needed to fully account for the genetic variation in smoking phenotypes.
Antiplatelet and Anticoagulant Risk for Select Spine Interventions: A Retrospective Cohort
Authors: Ehsanian Reza , Rosati Renee M , Kennedy David J , Schneider Byron J 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo identify significant bleeding complications following spinal interventions in patients taking medications with antiplatelet or anticoagulation effect.DesignRetrospective chart review of a 12-month period.SettingOutpatient academic medical practice.InterventionsInjections during outpatient interventional spine clinical encounters, including 14 cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injections, 26 cervical medial branch blocks, seven cervical radiofrequency neurotomies, three cervical facet joint injections, 88 lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections, 66 lumbosacral medial branch blocks, 18 lumbosacral radiofrequency neurotomies, 13 lumbar facet joint injections, one caudal epidural steroid injection, 11 sacral transforaminal epidural steroid injections, and 32 sacroiliac joint injections.Main Outcome MeasureEpidural hematoma or other serious bleeding.ResultsIn this cohort of 275 consecutive encounters with available records in which patients underwent a spinal injection while continuing medications with antiplatelet or anticoagulant effect, zero of the 275 clinical encounters (0%, 95% confidence interval = 0–1.4%) resulted in epidural hematoma or other serious bleeding. For antiplatelet medication, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs were continued in 102 procedures, aspirin in 142, clopidogrel in 21, and meloxicam and/or Celebrex in 81; for anticoagulation medication, warfarin was continued in four procedures, apixaban in six, dabigatran in one, and fondaparinux in two. Of note, one patient suffered a deep vein thrombosis, which was identified at two-week follow-up despite continuing aspirin therapy.ConclusionsThis cohort adds to the growing evidence that the risk of serious bleeding complications from select spine interventions while continuing medications with antiplatelet or anticoagulant effect appears low.
Balance and Gait After First Minor Ischemic Stroke in People 70 Years of Age or Younger: A Prospective Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Hamre Charlotta , Fure Brynjar , Helbostad Jorunn L , Wyller Torgeir B , Ihle-Hansen Hege , Vlachos Georgios , Ursin Marie , Tangen Gro Gujord 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Two-thirds of patients with stroke experience only mild impairments in the acute phase, and the proportion of patients &lt;70 years is increasing. Knowledge about balance and gait and predictive factors are scarce for this group.

Objective
The objective of this study was to explore balance and gait in the acute phase and after 3 and 12 months in patients ≤70 years with minor ischemic stroke (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score ≤3). This study also explored factors predicting impaired balance after 12 months.

Design
This study was designed as an explorative longitudinal cohort study.

Methods
Patients were recruited consecutively from 2 stroke units. Balance and gait were assessed with the Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BESTest), Timed Up and Go, and preferred gait speed. Predictors for impaired balance were explored using logistic regression.

Results
This study included 101 patients. Mean (SD) age was 55.5 (11.4) years, 20% were female, and mean (SD) National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score was 0.6 (0.9) points. The Mini-BESTest, gait speed, and Timed Up and Go improved significantly from the acute phase to 3 months, and gait speed also improved from 3 to 12 months. At 12 months, 26% had balance impairments and 33% walked slower than 1.0 m/s. Poor balance in the acute phase (odds ratio = 0.92, 95% confidence interval = 0.85–0.95) was the only predictor of balance impairments (Mini-BESTest score ≤22) at 12 months poststroke.

Limitations
Limitations include lack of information about pre-stroke balance and gait impairment and poststroke exercise. Few women limited the generalizability.

Conclusion
This study observed improvements in both balance and gait during the follow-up; still, about one-third had balance or gait impairments at 12 months poststroke. Balance in the acute phase predicted impaired balance at 12 months.
A Meta-analysis Assessing the Association Between COL11A1 and GDF5 Genetic Variants and Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Susceptibility
Authors: Wu Fashuai , Huang Xin , Zhang Zhicai , Shao Zengwu 
Published: January 2020

Study Design.
Meta-analysis to collect relevant studies to assess the association between COL11A1 and GDF5 genetic variants and susceptibility to IDD.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to assess whether or not COL11A1 and GDF5 genetic variants were associated with susceptibility to IDD.

Summary of Background Data.
IDD or LDH is a major public health problem. There have been several studies evaluating the relationship between COL11A1 and GDF5 genetic variants with risk of intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD). However, the studies were limited in discrete outcome and sample size, and some of the results were contradictory.

Methods.
We systematically searched the relevant publications in electronic databases. Eligible studies were included based on the defined criteria. The pooled odds ratios (ORs) with its 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were received using STATA 15. Subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis, publication bias, and the “Trim and fill” method were performed in the meta-analysis.

Results.
A total of 3287 IDD cases and 5115 controls were incorporated into the meta-analysis. Our results demonstrated that COL11A1 rs1676486 was significantly associated with increased IDD susceptibility under all genetic models (allele model T vs. C: OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.23–1.59, P = 0.000; homozygote model TT vs. CC: OR = 1.89, 95%CI 1.40–2.56, P = 0.000; dominant model TT+TC vs. CC: OR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.29–1.80, P = 0.000; recessive model TT vs. TC + CC: OR = 1.58, 95% CI 1.18–2.12, P = 0.002). However, GDF5 rs143383 was not (allele model T vs. C: OR = 1.15, 95% CI 0.91–1.44, P = 0.244; homozygote model TT vs. CC: OR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.75–2.00, P = 0.429; dominant model TT vs. CC+CT: OR = 1.22, 95% CI 0.95–1.57, P = 0.112; recessive model TC + TT vs. CC: OR = 1.12, 95% CI 0.73–1.73, P = 0.594). Subgroup analysis indicated ethnicity was not the source of heterogeneity. Sensitivity analysis, publication bias, and the “Trim and fill” method demonstrated the meta-analysis was of reliability.

Conclusion.
Our results suggested that COL11A1 rs1676486 was significantly associated with IDD and the T allele was a risky factor. However, GDF5 rs143383 was not.

Level of Evidence: 1