bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do community‐dwelling Māori and Pacific peoples present with dementia at a younger age and at a later stage compared with NZ Europeans?
Authors: Cullum Sarah , Mullin Katherine , Zeng Irene , Yates Susan , Payman Vahid , Fisher Mark , Cheung Gary 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveEthnicity may affect presentation to clinical services in people with dementia; however, no studies have examined this in Māori or Pacific peoples in New Zealand (NZ). Our objective was to examine the routinely collected clinical data from a memory assessment service in South Auckland to examine the presentation of dementia in the major NZ ethnic groups.MethodsA total of 360 patients presenting to a memory service with a new diagnosis of dementia were included in this study. Demographic data (age, sex, and ethnicity) and dementia sub‐type and severity were analyzed.ResultsThere were 142 NZ European (mean age: 79.2, SD 7.4), 43 Māori (mean age: 70.2, SD 7.6), 126 Pacific (mean age: 74.3, SD 7.6), and 49 other ethnicities (mean age: 78.0, SD 8.5) presenting with a new diagnosis of dementia. After adjustment for gender and dementia subtype, Māori and Pacific patients were 8.5 and 5.3 years younger than NZ European patients (P < 0.0001). Pacific peoples tended to present with more advanced dementia (OR = 1.63, 95% CI: 0.98–2.70, P = 0.06) after adjustment for age and gender. There was little difference in the subtypes of dementia between ethnic groups.ConclusionsMāori and Pacific peoples with dementia presented to an NZ memory service at a younger age than NZ Europeans, and Pacific peoples presented with more advanced dementia. A population‐based epidemiological study is critical to determine whether Māori and Pacific peoples have indeed a higher risk of developing dementia at a younger age.
A sociotechnical systems approach to understand complex urban systems: A global transdisciplinary perspective
Authors: Patorniti Nicholas P. , Stevens Nicholas J. , Salmon Paul M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCurrent approaches for the urban planning and design of our cities and towns are challenged by the inherent complexity of urban systems. Sociotechnical systems thinking is explored here to better understand this complexity and therein assist the service industries involved in urban planning and design practice. Subject matter expert knowledge and insights have been used to inform the development of a work domain analysis model, the first phase of cognitive work analysis. Work domain analysis allows for the constraints, boundaries, and interdependencies within a sociotechnical system to be identified and explored. This analysis describes and models an archetype complex urban system, providing new ways to understand urban complexity and inform urban planning and design practice. Further, the different discipline viewpoints (object worlds) of urban systems are identified within the work domain analysis. The results demonstrate the wide‐ranging and transdisciplinary perspectives on complex urban systems, while also suggesting that cognitive work analysis is a suitable method to better understand their complexity.
Modelling blue and green water availability under climate change in the Beninese Basin of the Niger River Basin, West Africa
Authors: Badou Djigbo Félicien , Diekkrüger Bernd , Kapangaziwiri Evison , Mbaye Mamadou L. , Yira Yacouba , Lawin Emmanuel A. , Oyerinde Ganiyu T. , Afouda Abel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to quantify climate change impact on future blue water (BW) and green water (GW) resources as well as the associated uncertainties for 4 subbasins of the Beninese part of the Niger River Basin. The outputs of 3 regional climate models (HIRHAM5, RCSM, and RCA4) under 2 emission scenarios (RCP4.5 and RCP8.5) were downscaled for the historical period (1976–2005) and for the future (2021–2050) using the Statistical DownScaling Model (SDSM). Comparison of climate variables between these 2 periods suggests that rainfall will increase (1.7% to 23.4%) for HIRHAM5 and RCSM under both RCPs but shows mixed trends (−8.5% to 17.3%) for RCA4. Mean temperature will also increase up to 0.48 °C for HIRHAM5 and RCSM but decrease for RCA4 up to −0.37 °C. Driven by the downscaled climate data, future BW and GW were evaluated with hydrological models validated with streamflow and soil moisture, respectively. The results indicate that GW will increase in all the 4 investigated subbasins, whereas BW will only increase in one subbasin. The overall uncertainty associated with the evaluation of the future BW and GW was quantified through the computation of the interquartile range of the total number of model realizations (combinations of regional climate models and selected hydrological models) for each subbasin. The results show larger uncertainty for the quantification of BW than GW. To cope with the projected decrease in BW that could adversely impact the livelihoods and food security of the local population, recommendations for the development of adequate adaptation strategies are briefly discussed.
A general solution for tide‐induced groundwater fluctuation in an estuarine‐coastal confined and unconfined aquifer system
Authors: Fang Hsi‐Ting , Tan Yih‐Chi , Chuang Mo‐Hsiung , Ke Kai‐Yuan , Chen Po‐Chia 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis paper presents an analytical solution to tide‐induced head fluctuations in a two‐dimensional estuarine‐coastal aquifer system that consists of an unconfined aquifer and a heterogeneous confined aquifer extending under a tidal river with a semipermeable layer between them. This study considers the joint effects of tidal‐river leakage, inland leakage, dimensionless transmissivity between the tidal‐river and inland confined aquifer, and transmissivity anisotropic ratios. The analytical solution for this model is obtained via the separation of variables method. Three existing solutions related to head fluctuation in one‐ or two‐dimensional leaky confined aquifers are considered as special cases in the present solution. This study shows that there is a threshold of tidal‐river confined aquifer length. When the tidal‐river length is greater than the threshold length, the inland head fluctuations remain sensitive to the leakage effect but become insensitive to the tidal‐river width and dimensionless transmissivity. Considering leakage and transmissivity anisotropy, this study also demonstrates that at a location farther from the river–inland boundary, head fluctuations increase with increasing leakage and transmissivity anisotropy; the maximum head fluctuation occurs when leakage and transmissivity anisotropy are both at their maximum values. The combined action of the 3 effects of loading, tidal‐river aquifer leakage, and inland aquifer leakage differs significantly according to various aquifer parameters. The analytical solution in this paper can be applied to demonstrate the behaviours of the head fluctuations of an estuarine‐coastal aquifer system, and the head fluctuations can be clearly described when the tidal and hydrogeological parameters are derived from field measurement data or hypothetical cases.
LESSONS LEARNED AND NEXT STEPS FOR BUILDING KNOWLEDGE ABOUT TRIBAL MATERNAL, INFANT, AND EARLY CHILDHOOD HOME VISITING
Authors: Whitmore Corrie B. , Sarche Michelle , Ferron Cathy , Moritsugu John , Sanchez Jenae G. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTAuthors in this Special Issue of the Infant Mental Health Journal shared the work of the first three cohorts of Tribal Maternal, Infant, and Early Childhood Home Visiting (MIECHV) grantees funded by the Administration for Children and Families. Since 2010, Tribal MIECHV grantees have served families and children prenatally to kindergarten entry in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities across the lower 48 United States and Alaska. Articles highlighted challenges and opportunities that arose as grantees adapted, enhanced, implemented, and evaluated their home‐visiting models. This article summarizes nine lessons learned across the articles in this Special Issue. Lessons learned address the importance of strengths‐based approaches, relationship‐building, tribal community stakeholder involvement, capacity‐building, alignment of resources and expectations, tribal values, adaptation to increase cultural and contextual attunement, indigenous ways of knowing, community voice, and sustainability. Next steps in Tribal MIECHV are discussed in light of these lessons learned.
APPROACHES TO THE EVALUATION OF CULTURAL ADAPTATIONS OF HOME VISITING IN TRIBAL COMMUNITIES
Authors: Meyer Aleta , Geary Erin , Heath Debra , Hiratsuka Vanessa , Salvador Melina , Sanchez Jenae , Whitesell Nancy 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTThe research that underlies evidence‐based practices is often based on relatively homogenous study samples, thus limiting our ability to understand how the study findings apply in new situations as well as our understanding of what might need to be adapted. In a preliminary effort to address those gaps, the requirements for the Tribal Maternal Infant and Early Childhood Home Visiting Program (MIECHV) included the expectation that grantees design and implement rigorous evaluations to address local priorities and to help build the knowledge base regarding the use of evidence‐based home‐visiting programs in tribal communities. A priority that emerged across many Tribal MIECHV grantees was to determine the added benefit of the cultural adaptations that they were making to their home‐visiting programs. While there is literature to describe recommended processes for making cultural adaptations to evidence‐based programs themselves, there are very few guidelines for evaluating these adaptations. In this article, we review the varied evaluation approaches utilized by Tribal MIECHV grantees and provide three case examples of how evaluators and tribal communities worked together to articulate evaluation questions and choose appropriate and feasible evaluation designs. The lessons derived from these Tribal MIECHV evaluation experiences have implications for the role of the evaluator in diverse communities across the country evaluating home visiting and other evidence‐based practices in settings characterized by unique cultural contexts.
Establishment and validation of microsampling techniques in wild rodents for ecotoxicological research
Authors: Imholt Christian , Abdulla Tariq , Stevens Alexander , Edwards Peter , Jacob Jens , Woods David , Rogers Elaine , Aarons Leon , Segelcke Daniel 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCompounds and products in the biocide and plant protection sector can only be registered after formal risk assessment to ensure safety for users and the environment. In bird and mammal risk assessment, this is routinely done using generic focal species as models, which are of particular exposure risk. Such a species is the common vole (Microtus arvalis) due to its high food intake relative to the low body weight. For wild species, biological samples, data and hence realistic exposure estimations are particularly difficult to obtain. In recent years, advances have been made in the techniques related to serial microsampling of laboratory mice and rats that allow for a reduction in sampling volumes. Similar progress in wild species sampling is missing. This study presents a proof of concept to dose wild rodents with relevant compounds and to draw serial, low volume blood samples suitable for state‐of‐the art toxicokinetic analyses. For the first time, the jugular vein of common voles was used to administer compounds (two frequently used fungicidal components). This procedure and the following microsampling of blood (2 × 10 μl six times within 24 hours) from the lateral tail vein did not affect body weight and mortality of voles. Samples were sufficient to detect dissipation patterns of the compounds from blood in toxicokinetic analysis. These results suggest that microsampling can be well translated from laboratory mice to wild rodent species and help to obtain realistic exposure estimates in wild rodents for ecotoxicological studies as well as to promote the 3R concept in studies with wild rodent species.
The effect of culture conditions on the accumulation and activity of F0F1 ATP synthase in thermophilic bacteria BacillusPS3
Authors: Lu Hao , Yuan Wenqiao 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe proton‐translocating protein F0F1 ATP synthase is a transmembrane protein that catalyzes ATP synthesis and is important in artificial photosynthesis and other life science studies. The objective of this study was to understand the accumulation and ATPase activity of F0F1 ATP synthase in the thermophilic bacteria Bacillus PS3 affected by culture conditions, including the type of nitrogen source and the concentrations of polypeptone and sodium chloride in the culture medium, as well as medium pH and aeration rate.RESULTSThe highest yield and ATPase activity of purified enzymes were obtained when adding polypeptone as the nitrogen source at higher concentrations. Medium pH and aeration rate showed significant effects on the accumulation and activity of F0F1 ATP synthase. Contrarily, sodium chloride concentration had little effect on the growth of PS3 or F0F1 ATP synthase accumulation. The highest yield and specific activity of purified F0F1 ATP synthase achieved were 1.631 g L−1 and 7.99 µmol min−1 mg−1, under the culture conditions of pH 7, aeration of 3 L min−1 and 0.3% NaCl and 1.2% (w/w) polypeptone concentrations. The F0F1 ATP synthase purified was characterized by SDS‐PAGE and contained all expected subunits.CONCLUSIONAll of the studied culture conditions except for NaCl concentration significantly affected Bacillus PS3 cell growth and ATP synthase accumulation and reactivity. Polypeptone at higher concentrations in the culture medium along with neutral pH and greater aeration rates were desirable. Cell growth and ATPase activity of F0F1 ATP synthase were highly positively associated. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
DNA aggregation induced by Mg2+ ions under different conditions
Authors: Bui Van‐Chien , Nguyen Thi‐Huong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCations‐induced DNA aggregation can modify the local structure of oligonucleotides and has potential applications in medicine and biotechnology. Here, we used atomic force microscopy to investigate λ‐DNA aggregation on Mg2+‐treated glass (Mg2+/glass) and in Mg2+ solution. Atomic force microscopy topography images showed that some DNA fragments were slightly stacked together on 10 mM Mg2+/glass and stacked stronger on ≥50 mM Mg2+/glass. They also showed that DNA aggregated stronger in Mg2+ solution than on Mg2+/glass, ie, DNAs are strongly stacked and twisted at 10 mM Mg2+, rolled together at 50 mM Mg2+, and slightly aggregated to form small particles at 100 mM Mg2+. At a specific condition, ie, heating λ‐DNA to 92°C, cooling down to 75°C, adding Mg2+, and vortexing the resulting solution, DNA strongly aggregated and formed pancake‐like shapes at 10 and 50 mM or a large aggregate at 100 mM Mg2+ solutions. Our results may be helpful for medical applications and gene therapy using cation‐DNA technology.
Fabrication of pinhole/micro‐lens array for improving resolution of integral imaging 3‐D display
Authors: Peng Yuyan , Zhou Xiongtu , Zhang Yongai , Guo Tailiang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we present a new fabrication of micro‐lens array (MLA) with pinhole array—pinhole/micro‐lens array (P/MLA) for integral imaging 3‐D display (II), which combine lithography and ink‐jet printing. A black circular groove array (BCGA) is used as pinhole array, and laser 3‐D microscope and a homemade setup have been used for the characterization of P/MLA. The results show that high‐precision P/MLA can be obtained using BCGA as templates. By controlling the driving voltage at different steps, the distance between nozzle and substrate, as well as the number of liquid droplets, P/MLA with smooth morphology, different sizes, good repeatability of geometry parameters, great uniformity of focusing, and good converging performance can be achieved. For demonstration, P/MLA with curvature, focal length, numerical aperture, and F‐number of 815.8 μm, 1.60 mm, 0.1311, and 3.8 are applied for the reconstruction in II, exhibiting good reconstruction performance with high resolution, and BCGA reduces the influence of stray light on II and improves the quality of the reconstructed image.
Struvite recovered from various types of wastewaters: Characteristics, soil leaching behaviour, and plant growth
Authors: Ahmed Naveed , Shim Soomin , Won Seunggun , Ra Changsix 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPhosphorus (P) is a nonrenewable resource that can be recycled from high nutrient (N and P)‐containing wastewaters as struvite that has 5.7% N and 12.5% P, has lower heavy metal content, is sparingly soluble in water, is highly soluble in organic acids, is devoid of pathogens, is non‐toxic, and can leach nutrients very slowly for longer periods compared with highly soluble mineral fertilizers that leach nutrients very quickly. Leaching of nutrients from struvite can be enhanced by soil nitrification rates, powdered form, and mixing with soil, whereas leaching can be decreased by application on soil surface and granulation. Several plants such as maize, lettuce, ryegrass, and wheat were successfully grown using struvite with higher, comparable, or lesser growth and P uptake compared with commercial fertilizers. High growth and P uptake was synergistically complemented due to high Mg concentrations. As a whole, struvite can be a sustainable and renewable alternative to the mineral fertilizers.
Farmers' perceptions and adaptation behaviours concerning land degradation: A theoretical framework and a case‐study in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau of China
Authors: Liu Kai , Huisingh Donald , Zhu Junming , Ma Yan , O'Connor David , Hou Deyi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLand degradation through environmental pollution represents a serious threat to vulnerable populations in rural China. To better understand farmers' perceptions of land degradation and their corresponding adaptation behaviour, this paper presents a theoretical framework to explain the interactions among awareness, perception, mitigation, and adaptation, and tests the framework using a case‐study. A case‐study was conducted in Qinghai, where historical environmental pollution from a chemical plant had caused the contamination of soil, groundwater, and river water, which had negatively impacted the livelihood of local farmers. A questionnaire survey was conducted (n = 277), and the results were used to test the theoretical framework using structural equation modelling. Results indicated strong structural relationships between awareness and perceptions (r = .75, p < .01), a relatively strong relationship between mitigation and adaptation (r = .63, p = .02), and a weak relationship between perception and mitigation (r = .20, p = .54). The study results suggested that farmers were well aware of land degradation issues, but they lacked in‐depth knowledge about the situation and about sophisticated adaptation methods; therefore, they had chosen the easiest adaptation strategy‐ to avoid the degraded land. The farmers were less willing to bear significant financial costs in adaptation; however, the proportion of respondents adopting ‘moving’ as an adaptation strategy was relatively high, suggesting that farmland degradation in combination with employment opportunities in urban areas may be causing environmental displacement and accelerating urbanization. The authors of this paper recommend that policymakers should consider more than just technical factors in addressing China's environmental pollution and land degradation problems. The socio‐economic status of farmers should be a critical component in the equation, and bottom‐up empowerment adaptation behaviour should be used in combination with top‐down mitigation.
Transcriptome Analysis of Potential miRNA Involved in Adipogenic Differentiation of C2C12 Myoblasts
Authors: Hou Ye , Fu Liangliang , Li Jingjin , Li Jingxuan , Zhao Yunxia , Luan Yu , Liu An , Liu Huiying , Li Xinyun , Zhao Shuhong , Li Changchun 
Published: May 2018

Abstract>Emerging evidence indicates that microRNA (miRNA) plays an important role in adipogenesis and disease pathogenesis. To investigate the miRNA involved in regulating different periods of adipogenesis, we performed a comprehensive study on microRNAome during the stimulation of adipogenesis by an adipogenic differentiation cocktail in C2C12 myoblasts at 0, 2, 4, and 7 days using the Solexa sequencing technology. In this study, we identified 52 differentially expressed (DE) miRNA. Functional annotation indicated that the target genes of DE miRNA were mostly enriched in adipogenic transdifferentiation and fat metabolism‐related pathways, including Wnt, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and insulin signaling. The insulin signaling pathway was further analyzed for its close connections to Wnt and MAPK signaling pathways as well as for the containing of thymoma viral proto‐oncogene‐3 (Akt3) and glycogen synthase kinase‐3 beta (Gsk3b), which were both target genes predicted by most DE miRNA. CLIP‐seq (crosslinking‐immunprecipitation and high‐throughput sequencing) data showed that Akt3 was targeted by seven DE miRNA, including five upregulated (miR‐203‐3p, miR‐181c‐5p, miR‐322‐5p, miR‐351‐5p, and miR‐181a‐5p) and two downregulated (miR‐15b‐5p and miR‐17‐5p) ones. Likewise, Gsk3b was targeted by six DE miRNA, including four upregulated (miR‐199a‐3p, miR‐126‐5p, miR‐26a‐5p, and miR‐101a‐3p) and two downregulated (miR‐150‐5p and miR‐140‐3p) ones. Moreover, Akt3 could regulate the key transcription factor (TF) Foxo1, targeted by two downregulated miRNA (miR‐96‐5p and miR‐183‐5p). The expression levels of Akt3 and Gsk3b were downregulated, and TF Foxo1, which worked on the transcription axis of Pgc1a–Pparα–Rxrg–Pparγ to regulate adipogenesis, was upregulated. In conclusion, DE miRNA stimulated the adipogenesis of C2C12 myoblasts through the targeted insulin signaling pathway involving the genes Akt3, Gsk3b, and TF Foxo1.
Raw material preferences for scapular tools: Evaluating water buffalo age bias in the earlyHemudu culture,China
Authors: Xie L. , Stiner M.C. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractOur research on scapular earth‐working implements from the early Hemudu culture (7000–6000bp) in China reveals prehistoric raw material selection in bone tool manufacture, specifically in regard to animal age. Although the scapula normally would not be considered for distinguishing among adult age classes, the maturity and thickness of the bone were an important consideration for its technological performance.Statistical analysis of the width and rugosity level of the scapular neck show that scapulae from older adult wild buffalo was strongly preferred for crafting earth‐working implements. This raw material was less commonly available to tool makers in comparison with the bones of younger animals. In order to conserve the scapulae of old buffalo for tool production, the Hemudu people likely took these heavy bones from kill sites. They seldom transported scapulae from younger animals; such raw material was rarely used, and presumably only when the desirable material was unavailable.Our approaches for reconstructing buffalo mortality patterns are based on the development of the scapular bone. In addition to water buffalo and cattle, the approach is applicable to other ungulate scapulae that have been transformed into artefacts (tools and oracle bones) in prehistoric and historic cultures. This attempt at testing for age bias in scapular raw material selection can further stimulate methodological development to reveal activities surrounding bone acquisition in preindustrial societies.