bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The importance and adaptive value of life‐history evolution for metapopulation dynamics
Authors: Bonte Dries , Bafort Quinten 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

The spatial configuration and size of patches influence metapopulation dynamics by altering colonisation–extinction dynamics and local density dependency. This spatial forcing as determined by the metapopulation typology then imposes strong selection pressures on life‐history traits, which will in turn feed back on the ecological metapopulation dynamics. Given the relevance of metapopulation persistence for biological conservation, and the potential rescuing role of evolution, a firm understanding of the relevance of these eco‐evolutionary processes is essential.

We here follow a systems’ modelling approach to quantify the importance of spatial forcing and experimentally observed life‐history evolution for metapopulation demography as quantified by (meta)population size and variability. We therefore developed an individual‐based model matching an earlier experimental evolution with spider mites to perform virtual translocation and invasion experiments that would have been otherwise impossible to conduct.

We show that (a) metapopulation demography is more affected by spatial forcing than by life‐history evolution, but that life‐history evolution contributes substantially to changes in local‐ and especially metapopulation‐level population sizes, (b) extinction rates are minimised by evolution in classical metapopulations, and (c) evolution is optimising individual performance in metapopulations when considering the importance of more cryptic stress resistance evolution.

Ecological systems’ modelling opens up a promising avenue to quantify the importance of eco‐evolutionary feedbacks in spatially structured populations. Metapopulation sizes are especially impacted by evolution, but its variability is mainly determined by the spatial forcing.

Eco‐evolutionary dynamics can increase the persistence of classical metapopulations. Conservation of genetic variation and, hence, adaptive potential is thus not only essential in the face of environmental change; it also generates putative rescuing feedbacks that impact metapopulation persistence.
Anaemia in pregnancy among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of Far North Queensland: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Leonard Dympna , Buttner Petra , Thompson Fintan , Makrides Maria , McDermott Robyn 
Published: December 2018

AimAnaemia during pregnancy is common worldwide. In Australia between 7.1% and 11% of mothers have been reported to have anaemia in pregnancy. Higher rates are reported for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (Townsville: 34.2%, remote Northern Territory: 50%). The present study describes anaemia in pregnancy among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of Far North Queensland.MethodsHealth service information was analysed for 2076 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who gave birth between 2006 and 2010. The prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy, characteristics of the mothers and pregnancy outcomes were described. Logistic regression for bivariate analyses and multivariable linear modelling with and without imputed data were used to compare those mothers who had anaemia in pregnancy with those who did not.ResultsMore than half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (54.5% (95% CI: 52.4%, 56.7%)) had anaemia in pregnancy. For mothers who gave birth in 2009 and 2010 (n = 1796) with more complete data, those who were iron deficient during pregnancy were more likely to be anaemic (RR: 1.40, P = <0.001). Mothers (29.0%) from localities of relative socioeconomic advantage had lower risk of anaemia in pregnancy (RR: 0.86, P = 0.003), as did mothers (31.9%) who were obese (RR: 0.87, P = 0.013).ConclusionsThe prevalence of anaemia in pregnancy among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women of Far North Queensland is high. Prevention and treatment of anaemia will improve the health of these mothers, and possibly the health and early development of their children.
First Nations students’ perceptions of school nutrition policy implementation: A mixed methods study
Authors: Gillies Christina ,   Alexander Research Committee, Farmer Anna , Maximova Katerina , Willows Noreen D. 
Published: December 2018

AimSchool nutrition policies can improve healthy food access for Indigenous First Nations children in Canada. This study explored First Nations students’ perceptions of a school nutrition policy.MethodsThe research was a process evaluation of school nutrition policy implementation using a mixed‐methods design. Students in grades 4–12 (n = 94) completed a 17‐question survey to capture their perceptions of the policy. Survey data informed an 11‐question semi‐structured interview guide. Transcripts from interviews with students (n = 20) were analysed using content analysis to identify barriers and facilitators to policy implementation.ResultsKey facilitating factors to policy implementation were student support for the policy and taste preferences. Most students (87%) agreed that only healthy foods should be served at school and, in interviews, expressed a preference for healthy food choices. Barriers to policy implementation included foods available at school and lack of communication between students and their teachers and parents. Half (50%) of surveyed students reported that their eating habits at school were average; interviews explained that their diets could be improved by consuming more fruit and vegetables at school. Both surveys and interviews found that communication between students and their parents and teachers about what they ate and drank at school was low.ConclusionsTo support children’s healthy eating at school, the school nutrition policy could provide clear guidelines on foods permissible in the school, while considering social and environmental barriers to healthy eating. The involvement of First Nations children in the implementation and evaluation of school nutrition policies is recommended.
Application of geographic information systems and simulation modelling to dental public health: Where next?
Authors: Broomhead Tom , Ballas Dimitris , Baker Sarah R. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPublic health research in dentistry has used geographic information systems since the 1960s. Since then, the methods used in the field have matured, moving beyond simple spatial associations to the use of complex spatial statistics and, on occasions, simulation modelling. Many analyses are often descriptive in nature; however, and the use of more advanced spatial simulation methods within dental public health remains rare, despite the potential they offer the field. This review introduces a new approach to geographical analysis of oral health outcomes in neighbourhoods and small area geographies through two novel simulation methods—spatial microsimulation and agent‐based modelling. Spatial microsimulation is a population synthesis technique, used to combine survey data with Census population totals to create representative individual‐level population datasets, allowing for the use of individual‐level data previously unavailable at small spatial scales. Agent‐based models are computer simulations capable of capturing interactions and feedback mechanisms, both of which are key to understanding health outcomes. Due to these dynamic and interactive processes, the method has an advantage over traditional statistical techniques such as regression analysis, which often isolate elements from each other when testing for statistical significance. This article discusses the current state of spatial analysis within the dental public health field, before reviewing each of the methods, their applications, as well as their advantages and limitations. Directions and topics for future research are also discussed, before addressing the potential to combine the two methods in order to further utilize their advantages. Overall, this review highlights the promise these methods offer, not just for making methodological advances, but also for adding to our ability to test and better understand theoretical concepts and pathways.
Private engagement by Nordic institutional investors on environmental, social, and governance risks in global companies
Authors: Semenova Natalia , Hassel Lars G. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractResearch question/issueThe paper examines private engagements related to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) incidents as a corporate governance mechanism used by Nordic institutional investors to influence MSCI World companies. The questions addressed are how an agent‐led collaborative engagement is carried out, what are the characteristics of the target companies selected, and if the successful engagements can improve ESG performance compared with pre‐engagement and incomplete cases.Research findings/insightsA unique data set of 355 private engagements of a professional agent on behalf of its Nordic clients is studied on environment, human and labor rights, and corruption risks between 2005 and 2013. An engagement process of the agent is described with focus on sequence and duration of actions of private engagement dialogues before filing a resolution. Successful private engagements, when target companies adopt the proposed ESG changes, are 27.6%. The incident‐driven private engagements target companies rated with high market values and ESG performance. ESG performance and transparency increase for succeeded engagements in the postengagement period and relative to incomplete engagements.Theoretical/academic implicationsThe paper provides empirical support for a social movement‐based influence of private engagements on target companies and adds to the broad‐scale empirical literature on investor activism. In the Nordic governance setting, an agent‐coordinated private engagement is seen as a social movement that supports targeting companies with a potential for change.Practical/policy implicationsInsights are offered to actors in the value chain in financial markets by demonstrating that successful ESG engagements have the potential to change portfolio company ESG practices.
Zerumbone, a cyclic sesquiterpene, exerts antimitotic activity in HeLa cells through tubulin binding and exhibits synergistic activity with vinblastine and paclitaxel
Authors: Ashraf Shabeeba M. , Sebastian Jomon , Rathinasamy Krishnan 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to elucidate the antimitotic mechanism of zerumbone and to investigate its effect on the HeLa cells in combination with other mitotic blockers.Materials and methodsHeLa cells and fluorescence microscopy were used to analyse the effect of zerumbone on cancer cell lines. Cellular internalization of zerumbone was investigated using FITC‐labelled zerumbone. The interaction of zerumbone with tubulin was characterized using fluorescence spectroscopy. The Chou and Talalay equation was used to calculate the combination index.ResultsZerumbone selectively inhibited the proliferation of HeLa cells with an IC50 of 14.2 ± 0.5 μmol/L through enhanced cellular uptake compared to the normal cell line L929. It induced a strong mitotic block with cells exhibiting bipolar spindles at the IC50 and monopolar spindles at 30 μmol/L. Docking analysis indicated that tubulin is the principal target of zerumbone. In vitro studies indicated that it bound to goat brain tubulin with a Kd of 4 μmol/L and disrupted the assembly of tubulin into microtubules. Zerumbone and colchicine had partially overlapping binding site on tubulin. Zerumbone synergistically enhanced the anti‐proliferative activity of vinblastine and paclitaxel through augmented mitotic block.ConclusionOur data suggest that disruption of microtubule assembly dynamics is one of the mechanisms of the anti‐cancer activity of zerumbone and it can be used in combination therapy targeting cell division.
Relative Bioavailability of Orally Dispersible Tablet Formulations of Levo‐ and Racemic Praziquantel: Two Phase I Studies
Authors: Bagchus Wilhelmina Maria , Bezuidenhout Deon , Harrison‐Moench Eleanor , Kourany‐Lefoll Elly , Wolna Peter , Yalkinoglu Oezkan 
Published: December 2018

Orally dispersible tablet (ODT) formulations of levo praziquantel (L‐PZQ) and racemic PZQ (rac‐PZQ) are being developed to treat schistosomiasis in preschool‐aged children. Two crossover studies (N = 32 and 36, respectively) assessed the relative bioavailability of these ODTs vs. Cysticide in adults. Bioavailability for L‐PZQ of ODT rac‐PZQ and Cysticide at 40 mg/kg was comparable (L‐PZQ area under the concentration‐time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0–∞) test/reference ratio (90% confidence interval (CI)): 96% (84–111%)), whereas relative bioavailability of ODT L‐PZQ 20 mg/kg was ~40% that of Cysticide 40 mg/kg (test/reference: 40% (35–46%)). AUC0‐∞ and peak plasma concentration (Cmax) were highly variable in both studies. For both ODTs, L‐PZQ AUC0–∞ showed greater than dose‐proportional increase over the ranges tested and a significant food effect. Safety was comparable among formulations. The lower bioavailability of ODT L‐PZQ, as well as the high variability and nondose‐proportionality of pharmacokinetic (PK) parameters, highlighted the need for a dedicated pediatric dose‐finding study for the selection of the most appropriate formulation and dose (L‐PZQ ODT or rac‐PZQ ODT).
Developmental differences in the neural correlates supporting semantics and syntax during sentence processing
Authors: Schneider Julie M. , Maguire Mandy J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSchool‐aged and adolescent children continue to demonstrate improvements in how they integrate and comprehend real‐time, auditory language over this developmental time period, which can have important implications for academic and social success. To better understand developmental changes in the neural processes engaged during language comprehension in this age group, we use electroencephalography to investigate how 8–9 year old, 12–13 year olds, and adults process semantics and syntax in naturally paced, auditory sentences. Participants listened to semantically and syntactically correct and incorrect sentences and were asked to complete an acceptability judgment task. When processing a semantic error, developmental differences were observed in theta, but not the N400, suggesting that the N400 may be too gross a measure to identify more subtle aspects of semantic development that occur in the school years. For the syntactic task, errors resulted in a larger P600 and greater beta decrease than correct sentences, but the amplitude and location of the P600 and amplitude of beta decreases differed as a function of age, suggesting specialization of syntactic skills is ongoing through adolescence. The current findings shed new light on the development of the neural oscillations supporting language comprehension and suggest that the neural substrates underlying semantic processing reach adult‐like levels at a younger age than those underlying syntactic processing.
Quantitative analysis and EEG markers of KCNT1 epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures
Authors: Kuchenbuch Mathieu , Benquet Pascal , Kaminska Anna , Roubertie Agathe , Carme Emilie , de Saint Martin Anne , Hirsch Edouard , Dubois Fanny , Laroche Cécile , Barcia Giulia , Chemaly Nicole , Milh Matthieu , Villeneuve Nathalie , Sauleau Paul , Modolo Julien , Wendling Fabrice , Nabbout Rima 
Published: December 2018

SummaryObjectiveWe aimed to characterize epilepsy of infancy with migrating focal seizures (EIMFS), a rare, severe early onset developmental epilepsy related to KCNT1 mutation, and to define specific electroencephalography (EEG) markers using EEG quantitative analysis. The ultimate goal would be to improve early diagnosis and to better understand seizure onset and propagation of EIMFS as compared to other early onset developmental epilepsy.MethodsEEG of 7 EIMFS patients with KCNT1 mutations (115 seizures) and 17 patients with other early onset epilepsies (30 seizures) was included in this study. After detection of seizure onset and termination, spatiotemporal characteristics were quantified. Seizure propagation dynamics were analyzed using chronograms and phase coherence.ResultsIn patients with EIMFS, seizures started and were localized predominantly in temporal and occipital areas, and evolved with a stable frequency (4‐10 Hz). Inter‐ and intrahemispheric migrations were present in 60% of EIMFS seizures with high intraindividual reproducibility of temporospatial dynamics. Interhemispheric migrating seizures spread in 71% from temporal or occipital channels to the homologous contralateral ones, whereas intrahemispheric seizures involved mainly frontotemporal, temporal, and occipital channels. Causality links were present between ictal activities detected under different channels during migrating seizures. Finally, time delay index (based on delays between the different ictal onsets) and phase correlation index (based on coherence of ictal activities) allowed discrimination of EIMFS and non‐EIMFS seizures with a specificity of 91.2% and a sensitivity of 84.4%.SignificanceWe showed that the migrating pattern in EIMFS is not a random process, as suggested previously, and that it is a particular propagation pattern that follows the classical propagation pathways. It is notable that this study reveals specific EEG markers (time delay and phase correlation) accessible to visual evaluation, which will improve EIMFS diagnosis.
Winter hardiness of Miscanthus (II): Genetic mapping for overwintering ability and adaptation traits in three interconnected Miscanthus populations
Authors: Dong Hongxu , Liu Siyao , Clark Lindsay V. , Sharma Shailendra , Gifford Justin M. , Juvik John A. , Lipka Alexander E. , Sacks Erik J. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMiscanthus × giganteus (M×g) is the primary species of Miscanthus for bioenergy feedstock production. The current leading biomass cultivar, M×g ‘1993‐1780’, is insufficiently adapted in temperate regions with cold winters such as USDA hardiness zone 5 (average annual minimum temperature of −28.9 to −23.3°C) or lower. Three interconnected Miscanthus F1 populations that shared a common parent were planted in a replicated field trial at Urbana, IL (hardiness zone 5b; average annual minimum temperature of −26.1 to −23.3°C) in spring 2011. The winter of 2013–2014 was especially cold in Urbana, with a minimum soil temperature at 10 cm of −6.2°C and a minimum air temperature of −25.3°C, giving us an opportunity to evaluate hardiness on established year‐3 plants. The parent in common to all three populations, M. sinensis ssp. condensatus ‘Cosmopolitan’, is native to maritime southern Japan, and in Urbana, it is winter‐damaged most years. In contrast, the three other parents, M. sacchariflorus ‘Robustus’ (MapA), M. sinensis ‘Silberturm’ (MapB), and M. sinensis ‘November Sunset’ (MapC), are typically winter hardy in Urbana. Nearly all MapA progeny plants survived and grew vigorously in spring 2014, whereas in MapB and MapC, many progeny plants did not survive the winter, and most of the survivors were severely damaged, with poor vigor. Negative correlations between overwintering ability and spring regrowth date and autumn dormancy date suggested that the genotypes most likely to survive winters were those that emerged early in spring and/or went dormant early in autumn. Using joint‐population analysis, we identified 53 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for nine adaptation traits, including nine QTLs for overwintering ability and 11 for spring hardiness scores. Many biologically intuitive candidate genes were observed within or near the QTLs detected in this study, suggesting their validity and potential for further study.
Crohn's & Colitis Australia inflammatory bowel disease audit: measuring the quality of care in Australia
Authors: Massuger Wayne , Moore Gregory T. C. , Andrews Jane M. , Kilkenny Monique F. , Reyneke Megan , Knowles Simon , Purcell Liz , Alex George , Buckton Stephanie , Page Amy T. , Stocks Nigel , Cameron Don , Manglaviti Francesca , Pavli Paul 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundAustralia has among the highest prevalence of Crohn disease and ulcerative colitis in the world. Management of the chronic gastrointestinal disorders results in significant societal costs and the standard of care is inconsistent across Australia.AimTo audit the quality of care received by patients admitted for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) across Australia against national IBD standards.MethodsA retrospective cross‐sectional survey and clinical audit was undertaken assessing organisational resources, clinical processes and outcome measures. This study was conducted in Australian hospitals that care for inpatients with Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis. The main outcome measures were adherence to national IBD standards and comparison of quality of care between hospitals with and without multidisciplinary IBD services.ResultsA total of 71 hospitals completed the organisational survey. Only one hospital had a complete multidisciplinary IBD service and 17 had a partial IBD service (IBD nurse, helpline and clinical lead). A total of 1440 inpatient records was reviewed from 52 hospitals (mean age 37 years; 51% female, 53% Crohn disease), approximately 26% of IBD inpatient episodes over a 12‐month period in Australia. These patients were chronically unwell with high rates of anaemia (30%) and frequent readmissions (40% within 2 years). In general, care was inconsistent, and documentation was poor. Hospitals with a partial IBD service performed better in many processes and outcome measures: for example, 22% reduction in admissions through emergency departments and greater adherence to standards for safety monitoring of biological (89% vs 59%) and immunosuppressive drugs (79% vs 55%) in those hospitals than those without.ConclusionPatients admitted to hospital suffering from IBD are young, chronically unwell and are subject to substantial variations in clinical documentation and quality of care. Only one hospital met accepted standards for multidisciplinary care; hospitals with even a minimal IBD service provided improved care.
An efficient local search algorithm with large neighborhoods for the maximum weighted independent set problem†
Authors: Haraguchi Kazuya , Hashimoto Hideki , Itoyanagi Junji , Yagiura Mutsunori 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGiven an undirected graph and a weight for each vertex, the maximum weighted independent set problem (MWISP) calls for a maximum weight subset I of V such that no two vertices in I are adjacent. In this paper, we present an algorithm based on an iterated local search for the MWISP. We incorporate a branch‐and‐bound method in our local search, which enables the algorithm to search a very large neighborhood. Moreover, we propose a search method that reduces the number of candidate solutions to be searched in the neighborhood without missing improved solutions. The proposed algorithm also features an adaptive memory strategy in which each vertex is associated with a penalty that is used to explore diverse solutions in the iterated local search. We tested our algorithm on several instances taken from the DIMACS website and their weighted counterparts, which included large instances with more than 3000 vertices. From the results, we observed that our algorithm was competitive with existing algorithms for unweighted instances, and it found better solutions for some weighted instances.
Row-And-Column Designs
Authors: Pearce S. C. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryInstances are given where an experiment requires two mutually orthogonal blocking systems; the least squares solution is presented for the general case. It leads to conclusions relating to the overall efficiency of the resulting design and the efficiency factors for basic contrasts. Necessary and sufficient conditions are found for a mean or a difference of means to be estimated with full efficiency. Suggestions are made for the construction of row-and-column designs appropriate to the practical problem in hand. It is shown that an unbiased estimate of error can always be found by writing down a design and permuting both rows and columns at random. Missing plots are considered.