bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Latitudinal variation in ecological opportunity and intraspecific competition indicates differences in niche variability and diet specialization of Arctic marine predators
Authors: Yurkowski David J. , Ferguson Steve , Choy Emily S. , Loseto Lisa L. , Brown Tanya M. , Muir Derek C. G. , Semeniuk Christina A. D. , Fisk Aaron T. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIndividual specialization (IS), where individuals within populations irrespective of age, sex, and body size are either specialized or generalized in terms of resource use, has implications on ecological niches and food web structure. Niche size and degree of IS of near‐top trophic‐level marine predators have been little studied in polar regions or with latitude. We quantified the large‐scale latitudinal variation of population‐ and individual‐level niche size and IS in ringed seals (Pusa hispida) and beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) using stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis on 379 paired ringed seal liver and muscle samples and 124 paired beluga skin and muscle samples from eight locations ranging from the low to high Arctic. We characterized both within‐ and between‐individual variation in predator niche size at each location as well as accounting for spatial differences in the isotopic ranges of potential prey. Total isotopic niche width (TINW) for populations of ringed seals and beluga decreased with increasing latitude. Higher TINW values were associated with greater ecological opportunity (i.e., prey diversity) in the prey fish community which mainly consists of Capelin (Mallotus villosus) and Sand lance (Ammodytes sp.) at lower latitudes and Arctic cod (Boreogadus saida) at high latitudes. In beluga, their dietary consistency between tissues also known as the within‐individual component (WIC) increased in a near 1:1 ratio with TINW (slope = 0.84), suggesting dietary generalization, whereas the slope (0.18) of WIC relative to TINW in ringed seals indicated a high degree of individual specialization in ringed seal populations with higher TINWs. Our findings highlight the differences in TINW and level of IS for ringed seals and beluga relative to latitude as a likely response to large‐scale spatial variation in ecological opportunity, suggesting species‐specific variation in dietary plasticity to spatial differences in prey resources and environmental conditions in a rapidly changing ecosystem.
N‐methylnicotinamide protects against endothelial dysfunction and attenuates atherogenesis in apolipoprotein E‐deficient mice
Authors: Jiang Nan , Wang Min , Song Jiayi , Liu Yan , Chen Hongen , Mu Di , Xia Min 
Published: February 2016

ScopeEpidemiological studies have demonstrated that N‐methylnicotinamide (MNA) may exert antithrombotic and anti‐inflammatory effects on the endothelium. However, the exact role of MNA in endothelial function remains uncertain.Methods and resultsApolipoprotein E‐deficient (apoE−/−) mice fed with a high‐fat, high‐cholesterol diet (HCD) and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were used to explore the role of MNA in endothelial function and its underlying mechanism. The endothelium‐dependent vasorelaxation to acetylcholine in the aortas of low and high dose MNA‐fed apoE−/− mice was improved by 24 and 36% (p < 0.05), respectively, compared with high‐fat, HCD‐fed control. MNA significantly increased nitric oxide/cyclic guanosinemonophosphate levels and decreased asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) concentrations by induction of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH)2 both in aorta and endothelial cells. Neither the activity nor the protein expression of DDAH1 was influenced upon MNA treatment. Then, DDAH2 depletion by RNA interference in HUVECs abolished the protective effect of MNA on endothelial function. Mechanically, this could be attributed to a direct modulation of the methylation level of DDAH2 gene promoter region by MNA.ConclusionsThe present study reveals a novel mechanism through which MNA improves endothelial dysfunction and attenuates atherogenesis via the modulation of ADMA‐DDAH axis.
Retrospective correction of involuntary microscopic head movement using highly accelerated fat image navigators (3D FatNavs) at 7T
Authors: Gallichan Daniel , Marques José P. , Gruetter Rolf 
Published: February 2016

PurposeThe goal of the present study was to use a three‐dimensional (3D) gradient echo volume in combination with a fat‐selective excitation as a 3D motion navigator (3D FatNav) for retrospective correction of microscopic head motion during high‐resolution 3D structural scans of extended duration. The fat excitation leads to a 3D image that is itself sparse, allowing high parallel imaging acceleration factors – with the additional advantage of a minimal disturbance of the water signal used for the host sequence.MethodsA 3D FatNav was inserted into two structural protocols: an inversion‐prepared gradient echo at 0.33 × 0.33 × 1.00 mm resolution and a turbo spin echo at 600 μm isotropic resolution.ResultsMotion estimation was possible with high precision, allowing retrospective motion correction to yield clear improvements in image quality, especially in the conspicuity of very small blood vessels.ConclusionThe highly accelerated 3D FatNav allowed motion correction with noticeable improvements in image quality, even for head motion which was small compared with the voxel dimensions of the host sequence. Magn Reson Med 75:1030–1039, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Video gaming and gender differences in digital and printed reading performance among 15‐year‐olds students in 26 countries
Authors: Borgonovi Francesca 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTVideo games are a favorite leisure‐time activity among teenagers worldwide. This study examines cross‐national gender differences in reading achievement and video gaming and whether video gaming explains gender differences in reading achievement and differences in performance between paper‐based and computer‐based reading. We use data from a representative sample of 145,953 students from 26 countries who sat the PISA 2012 assessments and provided self‐reports on use of video games. Although boys tend to have poorer results in both the computer‐based and the paper‐based reading assessments, boys' under achievement is smaller when the assessment is delivered on computer than when it is delivered on paper. Boys underperformance compared to girls in the two reading assessments is particularly pronounced among low‐achieving students. Among both boys and girls moderate use of single‐player games is associated with a performance advantage. However, frequent engagement with collaborative online games is generally associated with a steep reduction in achievement, particularly in the paper‐based test and particularly among low‐achieving students. Excessive gaming may hinder academic achievement, but moderate gaming can promote positive student outcomes. In many countries video gaming explains the difference in the gender gap in reading between the paper‐based and the computer‐based assessments.
Socio-Demographic Differences in Supermarket Shopper Efficiency
Authors: Bogomolova Svetlana , Vorobyev Konstantin , Page Bill , Bogomolov Tim 
Published: February 2016

Significance of the research paper Time is one of the resources shoppers bring to a store (along with money). Enabling shoppers to complete their grocery shopping more efficiently, that is to spend less time to buy the desired number of items, could result in higher shopper satisfaction and continued patronage. This research proposes a novel way of measuring shopper efficiency by distinguishing the “fixed” vs “per item” times for a grocery trip. We then analyse the differences in shopping efficiency across different sub-groups offering insights into shopper efficiency heterogeneity and benchmarks. Research methodology We collected data from 1176 shoppers across three Australian supermarkets in 2014 using systematic sampling for entry/exit interviews and objectively recorded time using supermarket receipts and entry time stamps. We used linear regression to model the “fixed” and “per item” times, while ANCOVA analysis provided statistical confirmation of observed differences across the sub-groups. Outcomes The results revealed females were more efficient than males on a “per item” basis, while males had shorter “fixed” times associated with entry, navigation and checking out. Older shoppers were less efficient than younger shoppers. Unemployed respondents tended to spend more time in-store and were less efficient than employed shoppers. There was also a difference between part- and full-time employees. Shopping efficiency in peak and off peak periods was not significantly different. Contrary to the assumption in popular media that weekend shopping is more time consuming and hence inefficient, we found that weekend shopping is no less efficient than weekday trips. Limitations Our approach assumes that shopper efficiency stays constant across the trip. The data did not allow testing of interactions between factors. Future research should also consider other attributes such as shopping list use, presence of others, including children, and familiarity with the store. Implications We present a novel approach in measuring shopper efficiency that splits the time in-store across “fixed” and “per item” times, associated with different shopper tasks (navigating and checking out vs choosing and buying). This split allows for a deeper understanding of where and how retailers can make shopping more efficient for their consumers, thus improving the overall in-store experience and outcomes. The identified differences in efficiencies across sub-groups have important implications for benchmarking and comparison of the performance of different stores, as these will be influenced not only by different times of the day and days of the week, but also by differences in the make-up of the customer base.
Roles, Functions, and Mechanisms of Long Non-Coding RNAs in Cancer
Authors: Fang Yiwen , Fullwood Melissa J. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play important roles in cancer. They are involved in chromatin remodeling, as well as transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation, through a variety of chromatin-based mechanisms and via cross-talk with other RNA species. lncRNAs can function as decoys, scaffolds, and enhancer RNAs. This review summarizes the characteristics of lncRNAs, including their roles, functions, and working mechanisms, describes methods for identifying and annotating lncRNAs, and discusses future opportunities for lncRNA-based therapies using antisense oligonucleotides.
Efficacy of early induced medical abortion with mifepristone when beginning progestin‐only contraception on the same day
Authors: Douthwaite Megan , Candelas Jose A. , Reichwein Barbara , Eckhardt Carla , Ngo Thoai D. , Domínguez Adriana 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate whether starting progestin‐only contraception immediately after mifepristone reduced the efficacy of early medical abortion with a mifepristone–misoprostol regimen.MethodsA review of patient records from October 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013 from four Marie Stopes Mexico clinics in Mexico City was conducted. Patients were eligible for inclusion if they had undergone a medical abortion with mifepristone–misoprostol at no later than 63 days of pregnancy, had a recorded outcome, and had either started progestin‐only contraception immediately after mifepristone administration or had not started contraception. The primary outcome–successful induced abortion–was defined as the complete evacuation of uterine contents without the need for further intervention. A secondary outcome was the number of induced abortions completed without the need for manual vacuum aspiration.ResultsRecords from 2204 patients were included; 448 (20.3%) patients had started progestin‐only contraception, and 1756 (79.7%) had not. Patients not taking progestin‐only contraception were significantly more likely to be primigravidas and nulliparous. Medical abortion success did not vary between the two groups; 1890 (85.8%) were successful and 2085 (94.6%) were completed without the need for manual vacuum aspiration. Different methods of progestin‐only contraception did not affect medical abortion outcomes.ConclusionBeginning progestin‐only contraception immediately following mifepristone for early medical abortion was not associated with reduced medical abortion effectiveness.
The performance of female hedge fund managers
Authors: Aggarwal Rajesh , Boyson Nicole M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractUsing data for the period 1994–2013, we examine the return and risk‐taking behavior of hedge funds having at least one female portfolio manager and funds that have all female portfolio managers. Funds with all female managers perform no differently than all male‐managed funds and have similar risk profiles. For single‐style funds, those with mixed teams of both genders underperform male‐only funds on both a raw and risk‐adjusted basis, although mixed funds incur less risk and their Sharpe ratios do not differ. For funds of funds, both all‐female and mixed funds have similar performance to male‐managed funds. We then consider the failure rate across all fund styles. Funds with at least one female manager fail at higher rates, driven by difficulty in raising capital—these funds are smaller and are less likely to be closed to new investment. Surviving funds with at least one female manager have better performance than male‐managed surviving funds, consistent with the idea that female managers need to perform better for their funds to survive. Yet, female‐managed surviving funds have fewer assets under management than surviving male‐managed funds. Using media mentions as a proxy for investor interest, female‐managed funds receive proportionately less attention. Our results suggest that there are no inherent differences in skill between female and male managers, but that only the best performing female managers manage to survive.
Childhood Sex-Role Behaviors: Similarities and Differences in Twins
Authors: Elizabeth P.H. , Green R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractParents of 702 twin pairs, ages 4 through 12, completed a sex-role behavioral preference questionnaire for each cotwin. Data were analyzed to determine the effects of gender, zygosity, and age on behavioral similarities and differences between cotwins. Among same-sex cotwins, male MZ pairs were reported to behave the most similarly. Girl-boy pairs were the most dissimilar. Sex and zygosity contributed significantly to co-twin behavioral differences, with female pairs varying more on sex-typed behaviors than male pairs and DZ pairs varying more than MZ pairs. Age of twins was not a major source of differences within twin pairs.
Design of all-optical, hot-electron current-direction-switching device based on geometrical asymmetry
Authors: Kumarasinghe Chathurangi S. , Premaratne Malin , Gunapala Sarath D. , Agrawal Govind P. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractWe propose a nano-scale current-direction-switching device(CDSD) that operates based on the novel phenomenon of geometrical asymmetry between two hot-electron generating plasmonic nanostructures. The proposed device is easy to fabricate and economical to develop compared to most other existing designs. It also has the ability to function without external wiring in nano or molecular circuitry since it is powered and controlled optically. We consider a such CDSD made of two dissimilar nanorods separated by a thin but finite potential barrier and theoretically derive the frequency-dependent electron/current flow rate. Our analysis takes in to account the quantum dynamics of electrons inside the nanorods under a periodic optical perturbation that are confined by nanorod boundaries, modelled as finite cylindrical potential wells. The influence of design parameters, such as geometric difference between the two nanorods, their volumes and the barrier width on quality parameters such as frequency-sensitivity of the current flow direction, magnitude of the current flow, positive to negative current ratio and the energy conversion efficiency is discussed by considering a device made of Ag/TiO2/Ag. Theoretical insight and design guidelines presented here are useful for customizing our proposed CDSD for applications such as self-powered logic gates, power supplies and sensors.
In vitro selection of DNA aptamers binding pesticide fluoroacetamide
Authors: Cao Fangqi , Lu Xinwei , Hu Xiaolong , Zhang Yurong , Zeng Libo , Chen Liankang , Sun Meiqi 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Fluoroacetamide (Mw = 77.06) is a lethal rodenticide to humans and animals which is still frequently abused in food storage somewhere in China. The production of antibodies for fluoroacetamide is difficult due to its high toxicity to animals, which limits the application of immunoassay method in poison detection. In this work, aptamers targeting N-fluoroacetyl glycine as an analog of fluoroacetamide were selected by a specific systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) strategy. The binding ability of the selected aptamers to fluoroacetamide was identified using surface plasmon resonance (SPR)-based assay. The estimated KD values in the low micromolar range showed a good affinity of these aptamers to the target. Our work verified that the SELEX strategy has the potential for developing aptamers targeted to small molecular toxicants and aptamers can be employed as new recognition elements instead of antibodies for poison detection.
(1R,2S,6R)-Papayanal: a new male-specific volatile compound released by the guava weevilConotrachelus psidii(Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Romero-Frías Alicia , Murata Yasuhiro , Simões Bento José Maurício , Osorio Coralia 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe guava weevil, Conotrachelus psidii is an aggressive pest of guava (Psidium guajava L.) that causes irreparable damages inside the fruit. The volatile compounds of male and female insects were separately collected by headspace solid-phase microextraction or with dynamic headspace collection on a polymer sorbent, and comparatively analyzed by GC–MS. (1R,2S,6R)-2-Hydroxymethyl-2,6-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octane (papayanol), and (1R,2S,6R)-2,6-dimethyl-3-oxabicyclo[4.2.0]octane-2-carbaldehyde (papayanal) were identified (ratio of 9:1, respectively) as male-specific guava weevil volatiles. Papayanal structure was confirmed by comparison of spectroscopic (EIMS) and chromatographic (retention time) data with those of the synthetic pure compound. The behavioral response of the above-mentioned compounds was studied in a Y-tube olfactometer bioassay, and their role as aggregation pheromone candidate components was suggested in this species.
Natural variation in the glucose content of dilute sulfuric acid–pretreated rice straw liquid hydrolysates: implications for bioethanol production
Authors: Goda Takashi , Teramura Hiroshi , Suehiro Miki , Kanamaru Kengo , Kawaguchi Hideo , Ogino Chiaki , Kondo Akihiko , Yamasaki Masanori 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Rice straw is a promising resource for bioethanol production. Because the glucose content of pretreatment liquid hydrolysates is highly correlated with ethanol yield, the selection of appropriate rice cultivars is essential. The glucose content in liquid hydrolysates of pretreated rice straws of 208 diverse cultivars was evaluated in natural field in 2013 and 2014 using a novel high-throughput system. The glucose content of the rice straw samples varied across cultivars and was affected by environmental factors such as temperature and solar radiation. Several high-quality cultivars exhibiting high glucose content in both years were identified. The results of this study can aid in development of novel rice cultivars suitable as both feedstocks for bioethanol production and cooking.
The effect of rapamycin on biodiesel-producing protist Euglena gracilis
Authors: Mukaida Shiho , Ogawa Takumi , Ohishi Kazuko , Tanizawa Yasuhiro , Ohta Daisaku , Arita Masanori 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Rapamycin induces autophagy with lipid remodeling in yeast and mammalian cells. To investigate the lipid biosynthesis of Euglena gracilis, rapamycin was supplemented in comparison with two model algae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Cyanidioschyzon merolae. In Euglena, rapamycin induced the reduction of chlorophylls and the accumulation of neutral lipids without deterring its cell proliferation. Its lipidomic profile revealed that the fatty acid composition did not alter by supplementing rapamycin. In Chlamydomonas, however, rapamycin induced serious growth inhibition as reported elsewhere. With a lower concentration of rapamycin, the alga accumulated neutral lipids without reducing chlorophylls. In Cyanidioschyzon, rapamycin did not increase neutral lipids but reduced its chlorophyll content. We also tested fatty acid elongase inhibitors such as pyroxasulfone or flufenacet in Euglena with no significant change in its neutral lipid contents. In summary, controlled supplementation of rapamycin can increase the yield of neutral lipids while the scheme is not always applicable for other algal species.
Learning to learn: improving attainment, closing the gap at Key Stage 3
Authors: Mannion James , Mercer Neil 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTIn 2010, a comprehensive secondary school in the south of England implemented a whole‐school approach to ‘learning to learn’ (L2L). Drawing on a range of evidence‐based practices, a team of teachers worked collaboratively to design and deliver a taught L2L curriculum to all students throughout Key Stage 3. In total, the first cohort of students (n = 118) received more than 400 taught lessons throughout years 7–9. The impact of L2L on student attainment at Sea View was evaluated over those 3 years, using the pre‐L2L cohort as a matched control group (n = 148). By the end of year 9, a significantly higher proportion of L2L students were either hitting or exceeding their target grades, compared with the control group. There was also a significant closing of the attainment gap between students eligible for the pupil premium and their peers (2%, vs. 25% in the control group). Key features of the L2L approach at Sea View are considered in terms of similarities and differences with other L2L approaches. Conclusions are drawn that the success of this approach lies in the combination of multiple effective practices. Recommendations for further research and development of the field are proposed.
VIRALpro: a tool to identify viral capsid and tail sequences
Authors: Galiez Clovis , Magnan Christophe N. , Coste Francois , Baldi Pierre 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Motivation: Not only sequence data continue to outpace annotation information, but also the problem is further exacerbated when organisms are underrepresented in the annotation databases. This is the case with non-human-pathogenic viruses which occur frequently in metagenomic projects. Thus, there is a need for tools capable of detecting and classifying viral sequences.
Results: We describe VIRALpro a new effective tool for identifying capsid and tail protein sequences, which are the cornerstones toward viral sequence annotation and viral genome classification.
Availability and implementation: The data, software and corresponding web server are available from http://scratch.proteomics.ics.uci.edu as part of the SCRATCH suite.
Contact: clovis.galiez@inria.fr or pfbaldi@uci.edu
Supplementary information: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.