bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Non‐invasive lab test in the monitoring of vadose zone contaminated by light non‐aqueous phase liquid
Authors: Alesse Beatrice , Orlando Luciana , Palladini Lucia 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTWe discuss a strategy capable of a quantitative long‐term monitoring of water saturation and volume variation of light non‐aqueous phase liquids in the soil. The goal was reached monitoring a controlled sand cell contaminated with classical gasoline over 124 days, using geophysical methods such as electrical resistivity tomography, induced polarization and ground penetrating radar. We show that empirical relations, linking the water saturation to the physical parameters measured as resistivity from electrical resistivity tomography and travel time from georadar with advanced processing, are good tools for this purpose. The consistence of the proposed process is validated by both good overlap of results carried out from electrical resistivity tomography and georadar and theoretical models simulating the actual experiment.
Effects of landscape features on gene flow among urban frog populations
Authors: Okamiya Hisanori , Kusano Tamotsu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe anthropogenic fragmentation of habitats has altered the distribution and size of populations of many species worldwide. To predict fate of populations and establish management practices that ensure their viability, we need to understand the demographic and genetic consequences of fragmentation. In this study, we analyzed whether the spatial configuration of remnant habitat patches within a fragmented landscape has shaped the patterns of genetic diversity and differences in local populations of the Montane brown frog (Rana ornativentris) in Tokyo, Japan. The species inhabits secondary forests and is particularly affected by fragmentation due to its habitat selectivity and low dispersal capability. We determined allele frequencies of six microsatellites to estimate genetic diversity of 33 local populations and pairwise genetic distances among them. Habitat suitability maps were developed based on two models, one with only climatic and topography as predictor variables (HSn), the second incorporating the potential barrier effect of urbanization as an additional variable (HSu). Ecological distances were calculated using the circuit theory applied to the habitat suitability maps. We found that within‐population genetic diversity decreases as the HSu habitat suitability decreases. Moreover, pairwise population genetic distance showed the highest correlations with resistance (i.e., ecological) distances when the HSu map was used. Our results confirmed the expectation that urbanized lands are barriers to gene flow, and that habitat fragmentation restricts inter‐population dispersal, thus reducing the genetic diversity of local populations. Our results also demonstrate that landscape genetics is a useful approach for identifying key factors affecting dispersal.
SAR11 bacteria have a high affinity and multifunctional glycine betaine transporter
Authors: Noell Stephen E. , Giovannoni Stephen J. 
Published: May 2019

SummaryMarine bacterioplankton face stiff competition for limited nutrient resources. SAR11, a ubiquitous clade of very small and highly abundant Alphaproteobacteria, are known to devote much of their energy to synthesizing ATP‐binding cassette periplasmic proteins that bind substrates. We hypothesized that their small size and relatively large periplasmic space might enable them to outcompete other bacterioplankton for nutrients. Using uptake experiments with 14C‐glycine betaine, we discovered that two strains of SAR11, Candidatus Pelagibacter sp. HTCC7211 and Cand. P. ubique HTCC1062, have extraordinarily high affinity for glycine betaine (GBT), with half‐saturation (K
s) values around 1 nM and specific affinity values between 8 and 14 L mg cell−1 h−1. Competitive inhibition studies indicated that the GBT transporters in these strains are multifunctional, transporting multiple substrates in addition to GBT. Both strains could use most of the transported compounds for metabolism and ATP production. Our findings indicate that Pelagibacter cells are primarily responsible for the high affinity and multifunctional GBT uptake systems observed in seawater. Maximization of whole‐cell affinities may enable these organisms to compete effectively for nutrients during periods when the gross transport capacity of the heterotrophic plankton community exceeds the supply, depressing ambient concentrations.
Technological Innovations in the Control of International Exchange: Lessons for Africa
Authors: Ngameni Joseph Pasky , Khan Muhammad Arshad 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEmpirical studies on international trade highlight the role of innovation on international exchange but do not capture the effect of technological innovation when unobservable common factors (UCFs) are considered. This paper examines the long‐run relationship between technological innovation and international exchange using panel data for eight African countries over the period 1981–2013. The non‐stationarity and cointegration between technological innovation, international exchange, public investment, real gross domestic income and foreign direct investment were examined, controlling for cross‐sectional dependence and heterogeneity between countries. The results suggest that technological innovation in Africa remains low after controlling for UCFs, while public investment, real gross domestic product and foreign direct investment have significant impact on international exchange. Moreover, the results from the homogeneous and heterogeneous estimates, with and without UCFs, show that ignoring UCFs is likely to bias the coefficients. These findings reveal that African countries should invest more in public infrastructures and research and development to upgrade their capability To play an active role in the international market.
Determinants of antenatal care and skilled birth attendance in sub‐Saharan Africa: A multilevel analysis
Authors: Woldegiorgis Mulu Abraha , Hiller Janet , Mekonnen Wubegzier , Meyer Denny , Bhowmik Jahar 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine individual‐ and country‐level determinants of utilization of key maternal health services in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA).Study SettingWe used the most recent standard demographic and health survey data from the period of 2005 to 2015 for 34 SSA countries. Predictors of key maternal health service indicators were determined using a sample of 245 178 women who had at least one live birth 5 years preceding the survey.Study DesignWe used a two‐level hierarchical model, considering individual predictors at level one and country factors at level two of the hierarchy.Principal FindingsWhile the skilled birth attendance (SBA) utilization rate reached 53 percent during the study period, the recommended four or more antenatal care (ANC) coverage was commonly low with less significant differences among different groups of women and countries. Being in a middle‐income country increased the individual‐level association between ANC and SBA (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.24, 4.44). Less privileged women with lower education level were less likely to receive maternal health services.ConclusionsThis study reveals the existence of wide gaps between ANC and SBA coverage in SSA. Urgent policy attention is required to improve access, utilization, and quality of maternal health services.
How Many Recovery Attempts Does it Take to Successfully Resolve an Alcohol or Drug Problem? Estimates and Correlates From a National Study of Recovering U.S. Adults
Authors: Kelly John F. , Greene Martha Claire , Bergman Brandon G. , White William L. , Hoeppner Bettina B. 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundAlcohol and other drug (AOD) problems are commonly depicted as chronically relapsing, implying multiple recovery attempts are needed prior to remission. Yet, although a robust literature exists on quit attempts in the tobacco field, little is known regarding patterns of cessation attempts related to alcohol, opioid, stimulant, or cannabis problems. Greater knowledge of such estimates and the factors associated with needing fewer or greater attempts may have utility for health policy and clinical communication efforts and approaches.MethodsCross‐sectional, nationally representative survey of U.S. adults (N = 39,809) who reported resolving a significant AOD problem (n = 2,002) and assessed on number of prior serious recovery attempts, demographic variables, primary substance, clinical histories, and indices of psychological distress and well‐being.ResultsThe statistical distribution of serious recovery attempts was highly skewed with a mean of 5.35 (SD = 13.41) and median of 2 (interquartile range [IQR] = 1 to 4). Black race, prior use of treatment and mutual‐help groups, and history of psychiatric comorbidity were associated with higher number of attempts, and more attempts were associated independently with greater current distress. Number of recovery attempts did not differ by primary substance (e.g., opioids vs. alcohol).ConclusionsEstimates of recovery attempts differed substantially depending on whether the mean (5.35 recovery attempts) or median (2 recovery attempts) was used as the estimator. Implications of this are that the average may be substantially lower than anticipated because cultural expectations are often based on AOD problems being “chronically relapsing” disorders implicating seemingly endless tries. Depending on which one of these estimates is reported in policy documents or communicated in public health announcements or clinical settings, each may elicit varying degrees of help‐seeking, hope, motivation, and the use of more assertive clinical approaches. The more fitting, median estimate of attempts should be used in clinical and policy communications given the distribution.
Ecosystem processes, land cover, climate, and human settlement shape dynamic distributions for golden eagle across the western US
Authors: Tack J. D. , Noon B. R. , Bowen Z. H. , Fedy B. C. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSpecies–environment relationships for highly mobile species outside of the breeding season are often highly dynamic in response to the collective effects of ever‐changing climatic conditions, food resources, and anthropogenic disturbance. Capturing dynamic space‐use patterns in a model‐based framework is critical as model inference often drives place‐based conservation planning. We applied dynamic occupancy models to broad‐scale golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos survey data collected annually from 2006 to 2012 during the late summer post‐fledging period in the western US. We defined survey sites as 10 km transect segments with a 1 km buffer on either transect side (n = 3540). Derived estimates of occupancy were low (4.4–7.9%) and turnover rates – the probability that occupied sites were newly occupied – were high (88–94%), demonstrating that annual transiency in occupancy dominates late summer behavior for golden eagles. Despite low philopatry during late summer, variation in golden eagle occupancy could be explained by a suite of land cover and annual‐varying covariates including gross primary productivity, drought severity, and human disturbance. Our summary of 13 years of predicted occupancy by golden eagles across the western United States identified areas that are consistently used and that may contribute significantly to golden eagle conservation. Restricting development and targeting mitigation efforts in these areas offers practitioners a framework for conservation prioritization.
Methyl‐isoeugenol, a significantly more attractive male lure for the methyl eugenol‐responsive Pacific fruit fly, Bactrocera xanthodes (Diptera: Tephritidae)
Authors: Royer Jane E , Teakle Graham E , Ahoafi Emeline , Mayer David G 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBactrocera xanthodes (Broun) (Dacinae), the Pacific fruit fly, is a major pest that is widespread in the South Pacific. It infests the fruit of 34 hosts in 20 families and is a significant impediment to horticultural market access for South Pacific countries. It is weakly responsive to the male attractant methyl eugenol (ME) and consequently is difficult to detect and control. Recently, in Australia and Bangladesh, some weakly ME‐responsive species were found to be more attracted to one or more of the eugenol analogues isoeugenol, methyl‐isoeugenol and dihydroeugenol. We therefore considered it worthwhile to field test the relative attractiveness of these lures to B. xanthodes. Field trials were conducted in Tonga for 9 weeks between September and November 2017. The male attractants isoeugenol, methyl‐isoeugenol, dihydroeugenol and a novel eugenol analogue, 1,2‐dimethoxy‐4‐propylbenzene, were tested in comparison to ME, cue‐lure and zingerone. More than three times more male B. xanthodes were caught in methyl‐isoeugenol‐baited traps (mean 33.0 ± 1.8 flies/trap/day(FTD)) than in ME traps (10.7 ± 1.0 FTD) with several individual weekly methyl‐isoeugenol trap clearances catching over 600 flies. Bactrocera xanthodes was also caught in 1,2‐dimethoxy‐4‐propylbenzene traps (mean 3.1 ± 0.5 FTD), but in numbers significantly less than in ME. This is the first record of this species responding to these novel male lures. The significantly greater response of B. xanthodes to methyl‐isoeugenol would make it a considerably more effective attractant for use in surveillance and control programs.
Association study of M235T and A‐6G polymorphisms in angiotensinogen gene with risk of developing preeclampsia in Iranian population
Authors: Alaee Ehsan , Mirahmadi Maryam , Ghasemi Masoumeh , Kashani Elham , Attar Marzieh , Shahbazi Majid 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivePreeclampsia (PE) is a life‐threatening complication of pregnancy that accounts for 12% of all maternal deaths worldwide. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between the polymorphisms of angiotensinogen (AGT) gene and preeclampsia.Material and methodsIn this study, 240 unrelated preeclampsia patients and 178 normotensive women were examined. Genomic DNA was extracted then we assessed M235T(C/T) and A‐6G polymorphisms of the AGT gene. Genotyping of M235T and A‐6G polymorphisms were performed using SSP‐PCR and MS‐PCR, respectively.ResultsA significant protective association was observed between A‐6G G allele, A‐6G A/G heterozygote genotype (OR = 0.6, p = 0.007 and OR = 0.6, p = 0.04) against PE. Furthermore, it was shown that two copies of A‐6G A allele would increase PE risk (OR: 0.62, p = 0.04). Our results did not show a significant association for M235T polymorphism and PE. However, the combinations of A‐6G A/A genotype and M235T T/C genotype (OR = 0.4, p = 0.02) and also A‐6G A/G genotype and M235T T/C genotype (OR = 0.5, p = 0.04) in controls represented a significant protective association against PE.ConclusionAccording to the existence of significant correlation between two candidate polymorphisms, A‐6G and M235T polymorphisms, with PE disease in our study, they may be considered as valuable factors in susceptibility to PE disease in Iranian women.
Why Don't Anthropologists Care about Learning (or Education or School)? An Immodest Proposal for an Integrative Anthropology of Learning Whose Time Has Finally Come
Authors: Blum Susan D. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTThis article proposes a twenty‐first‐century anthropology of learning: comparative, integrating, powerful, speaking truth to power, and engaging in ethnographic, humanistic, and scientific investigation. Such an enterprise welcomes a wide variety of methods. An anthropology of learning includes—but distinguishes—education, socialization, enculturation, and schooling. It encompasses formal, informal, and nonformal learning. It grapples with definitions of learning and emphasizes that these are part of every human experience. Some learning happens in schools; only some of the learning matches what is explicitly intended. Sometimes learning is fostered by teaching, but pedagogy is not always required. Anthropology is an ideal discipline for investigating learning, education, and schooling—but these topics are not widely known in the field in general. The article proposes three centers of attention and provides an extended example, the “thirty‐million‐word gap.” [learning, schooling, education, word gap]
Role of nerve block as a diagnostic tool in pudendal nerve entrapment
Authors: Dickson Edward , Higgins Patrick , Sehgal Rishabh , Gorissen Kim , Jones Oliver , Cunningham Chris , Hogan Aisling M. , Lindsey Ian 
Published: May 2019

BackgroundPudendal nerve entrapment is a disabling condition which is difficult to diagnose and treat. Nantes criteria include the requirement of positive anaesthetic pudendal nerve block that is widely used to allow identification of patients likely to benefit from the definitive but invasive pudendal nerve release. This study aimed to determine if pudendal nerve blockade under general anaesthesia could diagnose and temporarily treat pudendal nerve entrapment in patients suffering from chronic pelvic/perineal pain and/or organ dysfunction.MethodsThis retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database examined the outcomes of all recipients of diagnostic pudendal nerve block in a quaternary referral centre between 2012 and 2017. Primary outcome was relief of perineal pain (transient or permanent). Secondary outcomes were demographics, referral patterns for definitive procedure and complication rates. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS v 24.ResultsA total of 77 patients were included in the study. Mean age was 57.27 ± 13.55 years. Majority were females (n = 62, 80.5%). Relief of pain was experienced by 47 of 76 (68.1%) patients after initial injection. Complication rate of injection was 3.9% (n = 3) which in all cases was unilateral lower limb paraesthesia. Of the 37 patients (52.9%) referred, 20 underwent surgical decompression with 12 (60%) being successful.ConclusionPudendal nerve injection is a safe and simple procedure that can provide accurate diagnosis and transient relief from this chronic and debilitating problem. This technique helps to isolate patients suitable for pudendal nerve decompression which offers high success rates.
Reduced intensity allogeneic stem cell transplantation for younger patients with myelofibrosis
Authors: Mannina Daniele , Zabelina Tatjana , Wolschke Christine , Heinzelmann Marion , Triviai Ioanna , Christopeit Maximilian , Badbaran Anita , Bonmann Stefan , von Pein Ute‐Marie , Janson Dietlinde , Ayuk Francis , Kröger Nicolaus 
Published: May 2019

SummaryAllogeneic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is a curative procedure for myelofibrosis. Elderly people are mainly affected, limiting the feasibility of myeloablative regimens. The introduction of reduced‐intensity conditioning (RIC) made alloSCT feasible for older patients. Nevertheless, the incidence of myelofibrosis is not negligible in young patients, who are theoretically able to tolerate high‐intensity therapy. Very few data are available about the efficacy of RIC‐alloSCT in younger myelofibrosis patients. This study included 56 transplanted patients aged <55 years. Only 30% had a human leucocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched sibling donor, the others were transplanted from a fully‐matched (36%) or partially‐matched (34%) unrelated donor. All transplants were conditioned according the European Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation protocol: busulfan‐fludarabine + anti‐thymocyte globulin, followed by ciclosporin and mycophenolate. One patient experienced primary graft failure. Incidence of graft‐versus‐host disease grade II‐IV was 44% (grade III/IV 23%). One‐year non‐relapse mortality was 7% and the 5‐year cumulative incidence of relapse was 19%. After a median follow‐up of 8·6 years, the estimated 5‐year progression‐free survival and overall survival (OS) was 68% and 82%, respectively. Patients with fully‐matched donor had a 5‐year OS of 92%, in contrast to 68% for those with a mismatched donor (P = 0·03). The most important outcome‐determining factor is donor HLA‐matching. In conclusion, RIC‐alloSCT ensures optimal engraftment and low relapse rate in younger myelofibrosis patients, enabling the possibility of cure in this group.
Circulating oestrogen receptor mutations and splice variants in advanced prostate cancer
Authors: Qu Liang G. , Wardan Hady , Davis Ian D. , Iddawela Mahesh , Sluka Pavel , Pezaro Carmel J. 
Published: May 2019

ObjectiveTo characterize circulating oestrogen receptor ( ER) mutants and splice variants in men with advanced prostate cancer.Materials and MethodsSequential blood samples were obtained from men with advanced prostate cancer, and from healthy controls. Blood‐derived RNA samples were analysed using droplet digital PCR for the presence of six ERα mutations (E380Q, L536Q, Y537C, Y537S, Y537N and D538G), and six ERα and ERβ splice variants (ERα‐66, ERα‐36, ERβ1, ERβ2, ERβ4 & ERβ5).ResultsA total of 94 samples were collected from 42 men with advanced prostate cancer. Four mutations (E380Q, L536Q, Y537S and D538G) and all six splice variants were detected in patient samples. Splice variants were detectable in non‐cancer control samples. The presence of ER mutations was associated with bone metastases and castration resistance. ERβ splice variant concentrations decreased after successive lines of treatment.ConclusionsThe ER mutations were detectable in plasma from patients with advanced prostate cancer. ER splice variants were frequently detected in both men with and without prostate cancer.
Delineation of MidXq28‐duplication syndrome distal to MECP2 and proximal to RAB39B genes
Authors: Sinibaldi Lorenzo , Parisi Valentina , Lanciotti Silvia , Fontana Paolo , Kuechler Alma , Baujat Genevieve , Torres Barbara , Koetting Judith , Splendiani Alessandra , Postorivo Diana , Beygo Jasmin , Garaci Francesco G. , Malan Valerie , Lüdecke Hermann‐Josef , Guida Valentina , Krumbiegel Mandy , Lonardo Fortunato , Novelli Antonio , Albrecht Beate , Perria Chiara , Scarano Gioacchino , Spielmann Malte , Nardone Annamaria M. , Battaglia Agatino , Brancati Francesco , Bernardini Laura 
Published: May 2019

AbstractTwo distinct genomic disorders have been linked to Xq28‐gains, namely Xq28‐duplications including MECP2 and Int22h1/Int22h2‐mediated duplications involving RAB39B. Here, we describe six unrelated patients, five males and one female, with Xq28‐gains distal to MECP2 and proximal to the Int22h1/Int22h2 low copy repeats. Comparison with patients carrying overlapping duplications in the literature defined the MidXq28‐duplication syndrome featuring intellectual disability, language impairment, structural brain malformations, microcephaly, seizures and minor craniofacial features. The duplications overlapped for 108 kb including FLNA, RPL10 and GDI1 genes, highly expressed in brain and candidates for the neurologic phenotype.