bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ground-Dwelling Arthropod Community Response to Livestock Grazing: Implications for Avian Conservation
Authors: Goosey Hayes B , Smith Joseph T , O’Neill Kevin M , Naugle David E 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTerrestrial arthropods are a critical component of rangeland ecosystems that convert primary production into resources for higher trophic levels. During spring and summer, select arthropod taxa are the primary food of breeding prairie birds, of which many are imperiled in North America. Livestock grazing is globally the most widespread rangeland use and can affect arthropod communities directly or indirectly through herbivory. To examine effects of management on arthropod community structure and avian food availability, we studied ground-dwelling arthropods on grazed and ungrazed sagebrush rangelands of central Montana. From 2012 to 2015, samples were taken from lands managed as part of a rest-rotation grazing program and from idle lands where livestock grazing has been absent for over a decade. Bird-food arthropods were twice as prevalent in managed pastures despite the doubling of overall activity-density of arthropods in idle pastures. Activity-density on idled lands was largely driven by a tripling of detritivores and a doubling in predators. Predator community structure was simplified on idled lands, where Lycosid spiders increased by fivefold. In contrast, managed lands supported a more diverse assemblage of ground-dwelling arthropods, which may be particularly beneficial for birds in these landscapes if, for example, diversity promotes temporal stability in this critical food resource. Our results suggest that periodic disturbance may enhance arthropod diversity, and that birds may benefit from livestock grazing with periodic rest or deferment.
Specificity and action pattern of heparanase Bp, a β-glucuronidase from Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Yu Yanlei , Williams Asher , Zhang Xing , Fu Li , Xia Ke , Xu Yongmei , Zhang Fuming , Liu Jian , Koffas Mattheos , Linhardt Robert J 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe specificity and action pattern of a β-glucuronidase derived from the pathogenic bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei and expressed in Escherichia coli as a recombinant protein has been evaluated. While this enzyme shows activity on a number of glycosaminoglycans, our study has focused on its action on heparin, heparan sulfate and their biosynthetic intermediates as well as chemoenzymatically synthesized, structurally defined heparan sulfate oligosaccharides. These heparin/heparan sulfate (HP/HS) substrates examined varied in size and structure, but all contained an uronic acid (UA) residue β-(1→4) linked to a glucosamine residue. On the substrates tested, this enzyme (heparanase Bp) acted only on a glucuronic acid residue β-(1→4) linked to an N-acetylglucosamine, N-sulfoglucosamine or N-acetyl-6-O-sulfoglucosamine residue. A substrate was required to have a length of pentasaccharide or longer and heparanase Bp acted with a random endolytic action pattern on HP/HS. The specificity and glycohydrolase mechanism of action of heparanase Bp resembles mammalian heparanase and is complementary to the bacterial heparin lyases, which act through an eliminase mechanism on a glucosamine residue (1→4) linked to a UA residue, suggesting its utility as a tool for the structural determination of HP/HS as well as representing a possible model for the medically relevant mammalian heparanase. The utility heparanase Bp was demonstrated by the oligosaccharide mapping of heparin, which afforded resistant intact highly sulfated domains ranging from tetrasaccharide to >28-mer with a molecular weight >9000.
Transgenic overexpression of polysialyltransferase ST8SiaIV under the control of a neuron-specific promoter does not affect brain development but impairs exploratory behavior
Authors: Fewou Simon Ngamli , Röckle Iris , Hildebrandt Herbert , Eckhardt Matthias 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
A large body of the literature has demonstrated that the polysialic acid (polySia) modification of the neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) is a key regulator of cellular interactions during brain development, maintenance and plasticity. To properly fulfill these functions, polySia concentration has to be carefully controlled. This is done by the regulation of the expression of the two polySia-synthesizing enzymes ST8SiaII and ST8SiaIV. From this point of view we and others have demonstrated that downregulation of ST8SiaIV during oligodendrocyte differentiation is a prerequisite for efficient myelin formation and maintenance. Here, we addressed the question whether the prevention of polySia downregulation in neurons affects brain and particularly myelin development and functioning. For this purpose, we developed transgenic (tg) mouse lines overexpressing the polysialyltransferase ST8SiaIV in neurons. tg expression of ST8SiaIV prevented the postnatal downregulation of polySia, and most of the polySias in the forebrain and brain stem of adult tg mice were associated with NCAM-140 and NCAM-180 isoforms. Structural examination of the brain revealed no overt abnormalities of axons and myelin. In addition, ultrastructural and western blot analyses indicated normal myelin development. However, behavioral studies revealed reduced rearing activity, a measure for exploratory behavior, while parameters of motor activity were not affected in tg mice. Taken together, these results suggest that a persisting presence of polySia in neurons has no major effect on brain structure, myelination and myelin maintenance, but causes mild behavioral changes.
“The biggest reform to China's health system”: did the zero-markup drug policy achieve its goal at traditional Chinese medicines county hospitals?
Authors: Shi Xuefeng , Zhu Dawei , Man Xiaowei , Wang Weifu , Zhu Kun , Nicholas Stephen , He Ping 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The zero-markup drug policy (ZMDP) was heralded as the biggest reform to China’s modern health system. However, there have been a very limited number of investigations of the ZMDP at county hospital level, and those limited county hospital studies have several limitations in terms of sample representativeness and study design. We investigated the overall and dynamic effects of ZMDP at traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) county hospitals. We obtained longitudinal data from all TCM county hospitals in 2004–16 and the implementation year of ZMDP for each hospital. We used differences-in-difference methods to identify the overall and dynamic effects of ZMDP. On average, the ZMDP reform was associated with the reduction in the share of revenue from drug sales (3.1%), revenue from western medicines sales (12.7%), revenue from medical care services (3.6%) and gross hospital revenue (3.4%), as well as increased government subsidies (24.4%). The ZMDP reform was not significantly associated with the number of annual outpatient and inpatient visits. In terms of dynamic effects, the share of revenue from drug sales decreased by 2.5% in the implementation year and by about 5% in the subsequent years. Revenue from western medicine sales fell substantially in the short term and continued to drop in the long term. Government subsidies went up strikingly in the short term and long term, and revenue from medical care services and gross revenue decreased only in the implementation year. The ZMDP achieved its stated goal through reducing the share of revenue from drug sales without disrupting the availability of healthcare services at TCM county hospitals. The success of ZMDP was mainly due to the huge growth in the government’s financial investment in TCM hospitals.
Effect of endometrial thickness on birthweight in frozen embryo transfer cycles: an analysis including 6181 singleton newborns
Authors: Zhang Jie , Liu Hongfang , Mao Xiaoyan , Chen Qiuju , Si JiQiang , Fan Yong , Xiao Yitao , Wang Yun , Kuang Yanping 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

STUDY QUESTION
Does endometrial thickness (EMT) have an impact on singleton birthweight in frozen embryo transfer (FET) cycles?

SUMMARY ANSWER
An EMT <8 mm was associated with a lower mean birthweight and gestational age- and gender-adjusted birthweight (Z-scores) of singletons resulting from FET.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Previous studies have examined the impact of EMT on IVF success rates. Little is known, however, regarding the relationship between EMT and neonatal birthweight.

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This retrospective study involved singleton live births born to women undergoing frozen-thawed Day 3 embryo transfer during the period from January 2010 to December 2017 at a tertiary care centre.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
A total of 6181 women who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were included and were grouped into five groups depending on the EMT: <8 mm, 8–9.9 mm, 10–11.9 mm, 12–13.9 mm and ≥14 mm. EMT between 10 and 11.9 mm was taken as a reference group. Singleton birthweight was the primary outcome measure. A multivariable linear regression analysis was performed to detect a relationship between EMT and newborns' birthweight after controlling for a number of potential confounders.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
A modest but significant decrease in birthweight was observed in the EMT <8 mm group as compared with groups with EMT ≥10 mm, with a mean difference of 89–108 g. Also, singletons from the EMT <8 mm group (0.24 ± 1.04) had a significantly lower birthweight Z-scores than those from the EMT 10–11.9 mm (0.41 ± 1.02; P = 0.032) or EMT 12–13.9 mm (0.46 ± 1.07; P = 0.004) groups. Further, multiple linear regression analyses indicated that parental BMIs, gestational age, newborn gender, pregnancy complications and EMT <8 mm were all independent predictors of neonatal birthweight.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
The present study was limited by its retrospective design. Future prospective studies are required to confirm our findings.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
Our findings provided new insight into the relationship between EMT and neonatal outcomes by showing that a thin endometrium is associated with a decrease in singleton birthweight.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
National Key Research and Development Program of China (2018YFC1003000); the National Natural Science Foundation of China (81771533, 81571397, 31770989, 81671520); the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation (2018M630456). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
Not applicable.
Russian responses to the changing character of war
Authors: Renz Bettina 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
For much of the post-Soviet era there was a widespread belief that improving capabilities required for dealing with local small wars and insurgencies was the central focus of Russian military reforms. As a result, Moscow's military assertiveness and return to geopolitical rivalries since 2014 came as a surprise to many in the West. The article argues that small wars were never the major focus of Russian military transformation and reforms. Tracing the country's experience of war and conflict regionally and internationally since the end of the Cold War, and the impact this had on Moscow's views on what kind of armed forces it required, the article shows that the Kremlin's military ambitions started to diverge dramatically from western expectations as early as the mid-1990s. Russia never really saw armed forces geared towards small and ‘new war’-type scenarios as sufficient for upholding its regional and international status ambitions. Moreover, the Kremlin's growing preoccupation with internal order and regime stability has increasingly reinforced the rhetoric of a hostile West, which is used to justify the increasing centralization of domestic politics. Russia's military revival has been long in the making and poses serious challenges to its neighbours and to the West.
Field surveying of marine recreational fisheries in Norway using a novel spatial sampling frame reveals striking under-coverage of alternative sampling frames
Authors: Vølstad Jon Helge , Christman Mary , Ferter Keno , Kleiven Alf Ring , Otterå Håkon , Aas Øystein , Arlinghaus Robert , Borch Trude , Colman Jonathan , Hartill Bruce , Haugen Thrond O , Hyder Kieran , Lyle Jeremy M , Ohldieck Martin Junker , Skov Christian , Strehlow Harry V , van Voorhees Dave , Weltersbach Marc Simon , Weber Edward D 
Published: May 2019

AbstractNorway has the highest participation rate in marine recreational fisheries (MRF) in Europe, and is popular among marine tourist anglers. Fishing licences are not required for marine recreational anglers, and the complex and long coastline makes on-site surveys a challenge. A novel approach for spatial sampling was developed and tested in on-site surveys, as part of a National study of MRF using multiple sampling frames including a telephone screening survey based on the national telephone directory. Field surveys were conducted in Troms and Hordaland Counties, and in the Oslofjord. We created spatial sampling frames of modified Voronoi polygons with continuous sea-surface area, with clusters of polygons as primary sampling units (PSUs). Interviews of intercepted anglers were obtained quarterly from a stratified sample of PSUs searched by boat. Many anglers interviewed in Troms (63%) and Hordaland (53%) were non-residents, of which 92 and 66% stayed in registered tourist fishing camps, respectively. Most anglers in the Oslofjord were residents, and in the inner Oslofjord, 63% of the resident anglers interviewed on-site were born outside Norway, which was not reflected in the telephone survey. Thus, if only off-site methods were used to map Norwegian MRF, this could lead to biased results in some regions.
Birthweight, lifetime obesity and physical functioning in mid-adulthood: a nationwide birth cohort study
Authors: Rogers Nina Trivedy , Power Chris , Pinto Pereira Snehal M 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Background
Evidence is scant on long-term implications of childhood obesity and body mass index (BMI) gains over the life-course for poor physical functioning (PF). The objective was to establish whether (i) birthweight and BMI across the life-course, (ii) BMI gains at specific life-stages and (iii) age of obesity onset were associated with PF at 50 y.

Methods
In the 1958 British birth cohort (n = 8674), BMI (kg/m2) was calculated using height and weight [measured (7, 11, 16, 33 and 45 y); self-reported (23 and 50 y)]. PF was assessed at 50 y using the validated PF subscale of the Short-form 36 survey; the bottom (gender-specific) 10% was classified as poor PF. Missing data were imputed via multiple imputation. Associations were examined using logistic regression, adjusting for health and social factors.

Results
Birthweight was not associated with PF. At each adult age, odds of poor PF were highest for obese (vs normal), e.g. for 23 y obesity the odds ratio (OR)adjusted for poor PF was 2.28 (1.34, 3.91) and 2.67 (1.72, 4.14) in males and females respectively. BMI gains were associated with poor PF, e.g. for females, ORadjusted per standard deviation (SD) in BMI gain 16–23 y was 1.28 (1.13, 1.46); for BMI gains 45–50 y it was 1.36 (1.11, 1.65). Longer duration of obesity was associated with poor PF, e.g. in males, ORadjusted was 2.32 (1.26, 4.29) for childhood obesity onset and 1.50 (1.16, 1.96) for mid-adulthood onset (vs never obese, P-trend &lt; 0.001).

Conclusion
Obesity, BMI gains, and earlier obesity onset were associated with poor PF in mid-adulthood, reinforcing the importance of preventing and delaying obesity onset.
Evaluation criteria of independent hybrid energy systems
Authors: Jung Tae Yong , Kim Donghun , Lim SeoKyung , Moon Jongwoo 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Based on actual measurement data from a resort in the Maldives, this paper explores the criteria for the optimal off-grid renewable energy systems that contribute to greenhouse gas mitigation and climate adaptation efforts from three perspectives: technical, economic and environmental. Using Hybrid Optimization of Multiple Electric Renewables software, the optimal technical combination of hybrid energy system is determined. Moreover, indicators such as levelized cost of energy and net present cost are considered as economic criteria to determine the financial feasibility of the off-grid renewable energy systems. Finally, CO2 emission level and renewable shares are reviewed from environmental perspective.
Comparative study of properties and fatty acid composition of some neat vegetable oils and waste cooking oils
Authors: Awogbemi Omojola , Onuh Emmanuel Idoko , Inambao Freddie L 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Vegetable oils have been used as a feedstock for fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) production. The high cost of neat vegetable oil and its impact on food security have necessitated its replacement as a feedstock for FAME by used vegetable oil, also known as waste cooking oil (WCO). This study compares the properties and fatty acid (FA) compositions of samples of neat vegetable oil with those of samples of WCO, collected from restaurants and takeaway outlets at the point of disposal. The samples were subjected to property determination and pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometer (PYGCMS) analysis. Analysis showed that degree of usage and the type of food items originally fried in the oil substantially affected its properties and FA composition. Density of neat vegetable oil varied between 904.3 and 919.7 kg/m3 and of WCO between 904.3 and 923.2 kg/m3. The pH of neat vegetable oil varied between 7.38 and 8.63 and of WCO between 5.13 and 6.61. The PYGCMS analysis showed that neat palm oil contains 87.7% unsaturated FA and 12.3% saturated FA, whereas neat sunfoil contains 74.37% saturated FA and 25% polyunsaturated FA. Generally, neat vegetable oils consisted mainly of saturated FAs and polyunsaturated FAs, whereas the WCO contained mainly of saturated FAs and monounsaturated FAs. This research confirms the suitability of WCO as feedstock for FAME.
The piglet mycobiome during the weaning transition: a pilot study1
Authors: Summers Katie L , Frey Juli Foster , Ramsay Timothy G , Arfken Ann M 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
The importance of the microbiota in the gastrointestinal tract of animals is recognized as a critical player in host health. Recently, the significance of the mycobiome has been recognized, but culture-independent studies are limited, especially in swine. Weaning is a time of stress, dietary changes, and a predisposition to infections, making it a time point of interest to industry. In this pilot study, we sought to assess and characterize the mycobiome in the feces of swine from birth through the critical weaning transition to investigate the mycobiome population and its temporal dynamics in piglet feces. Cultured fecal samples demonstrate a significant increase in fungal burden following weaning that does not differ from adult levels, suggesting stable colonization. Culturable fungi were not found in any environmental samples tested, including water, food, sow milk or colostrum. To determine the fungal diversity present and to address the problem of unculturable fungi, we performed a pilot study utilizing ITS and 16S rRNA focused primers for high-throughput sequencing of fungal and bacterial species, respectively. Bacterial populations increase in diversity over the experimental timeline (days 1 to 35 postbirth), but the fungal populations do not demonstrate the same temporal trend. Following weaning, there is a dynamic shift in the feces to a Saccharomycetaceae-dominated population. The shift in fungal population was because of the dominance of Kazachstania slooffiae, a poorly characterized colonizer of animal gastrointestinal tracts. This study provides insights into the early colonization and subsequent establishment of fungi during the weaning transition in piglets. Future studies will investigate the effect of the mycobiome on piglet growth and health during the weaning transition.
African Citrus Greening Disease in East Africa: Incidence, Severity, and Distribution Patterns
Authors: Rasowo B A , Khamis F M , Mohamed S A , Ajene I J , Aidoo O F , Ombura L , Sétamou M , Ekesi S , Borgemeister C 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
African citrus greening disease (ACGD) is considered as one of the major diseases of citrus threatening citrus production in East Africa. Our study aimed for the first time to assess the incidence, severity, and distribution patterns of ACGD in Kenya and Tanzania. In total, 105 citrus orchards were assessed in 13 regions representing low, mid, and high altitude areas. In each backyard and orchard, trees were randomly selected and rated for visual ACGD symptoms; then leaves and insect samples collected for analysis of ‘Candidatus Liberibacter africanus’ (CLaf), the presumptive causal agent of ACGD. Endpoint PCR, sequencing, and molecular phylogenetic tools were employed to confirm the identity of potential circulating pathogens. Incidence and severity of ACGD varied significantly among the different regions. Both Trioza erytreae (Del Guerico) (Hemiptera: Triozidae) and the invasive Asian citrus psyllid vector Diaphorina citri (Kuwayama) (Hemiptera: Liviidae) were found to co-occur in upper and lower midland regions. Molecular characterization identified ‘Candidatus Liberibacter africanus spp. Clausenae’ (CLafCl) as the main causal agent of ACGD in most of the citrus plants and insect samples. No instances of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus infection were found. These findings provide valuable insights into understanding and management of ACGD by employing stringent and early disease detection tools to curb the spread of the disease.
Effect of Concomitant Antibiotic and Vaccine Administration on Serologic Responses to Rotavirus Vaccine
Authors: Anderson Evan J , Lopman Benjamin , Yi Jumi , Libster Romina , Creech C Buddy , El-Khorazaty Jill , Baqar Shahida , Yildirim Inci , Kao Carol , Rouphael Nadine , Shane Andi L , Edwards Kathryn 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Data from 1174 infants enrolled in a previous rotavirus vaccine study were analyzed to determine the effect of antibiotic exposure (from 14 days before to 7 days after vaccination) on rotavirus serum immunoglobulin A (IgA) responses. Serum IgA responses 1 month after the completion of vaccination were similar among antibiotic-exposed and nonexposed infants.
A Bayesian direct method implementation to fit emission line spectra: application to the primordial He abundance determination
Authors: Fernández Vital , Terlevich Elena , Díaz Angeles I , Terlevich Roberto 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACT
This work presents a Bayesian algorithm to fit the recombination and collisionally excited line spectra of gas photoionized by clusters of young stars. The current model consists of 14 dimensions: two electron temperatures, one electron density, the extinction coefficient, the optical depth on the $\rm He\, \small {I}$ recombination lines, and nine ionic species. The results are in very good agreement with those previously published using the traditional methodology. The probabilistic programming library pymc3 was chosen to explore the parameter space via an NUTs sampler. These machine learning tools provided excellent convergence quality and speed. The primordial helium abundance measured from a multivariable regression using oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur was $Y_{\mathrm{ P},\, \mathrm{ O}\!-\!\mathrm{ N}\!-\!\mathrm{ S}}=0.243\pm 0.005$ in agreement with a standard Big Bang scenario.