bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel microsatellite markers suggest the mechanism of parthenogenesis in Extatosoma tiaratum is automixis with terminal fusion
Authors: Alavi Yasaman , van Rooyen Anthony , Elgar Mark Adrian , Jones Therésa Melanie , Weeks Andrew Raymond 
Published: June 2016

AbstractParthenogenetic reproduction is taxonomically widespread and occurs through various cytological mechanisms, which have different impact on the genetic variation of the offspring. Extatosoma tiaratum is a facultatively parthenogenetic Australian insect (Phasmatodea), in which females oviposit continuously throughout their adult lifespan irrespective of mating. Fertilized eggs produce sons and daughters through sexual reproduction and unfertilized eggs produce female offspring via parthenogenesis. Here, we developed novel microsatellite markers for E. tiaratum and characterized them by genotyping individuals from a natural population. We then used the microsatellite markers to infer the cytological mechanism of parthenogenesis in this species. We found evidence suggesting parthenogenesis in E. tiaratum occurs through automixis with terminal fusion, resulting in substantial loss of microsatellite heterozygosity in the offspring. Loss of microsatellite heterozygosity may be associated with loss of heterozygosity in fitness related loci. The mechanism of parthenogenetic reproduction can therefore affect fitness outcomes and needs to be considered when comparing costs and benefits of sex versus parthenogenesis.
Cenozoic Vertical‐Axis Rotations of the Hoh Xil Basin, Central–Northern Tibet
Authors: Bo RAN , Xixi ZHAO , Zhifei LIU , Chengshan WANG , Lidong ZHU , Wei JIN , Yalin LI 
Published: June 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the Cenozoic vertical‐axis rotation in the Tibetan Plateau is crucial for continental dynamic evolution. Paleomagnetic and rock magnetic investigations were carried out for the Oligocene and Miocene continental rocks of the Hoh Xil basin in order to better understand the tectonic rotations of central Tibet. The study area was located in the Tongtianhe area located in the southern part of the Hoh Xil basin and northern margin of the Tanggula thrust system in central‐northern Tibet A total of 160 independently oriented paleomagnetic samples were drilled from the Tongtianhe section for this study. The magnetic properties of magnetite and hematite have been recognized by measurements of magnetic susceptibility vs. temperature curves and unblocking temperatures. The mean directions of the Oligocene Yaxicuo Group in stratigraphic coordinates (Declination/Inclination = 354.9°/29.3°, k = 33.0, α95 = 13.5°, N =5 Sites) and of the Miocene Wudaoliang Group in stratigraphic coordinates (Declination/Inclination = 3.6°/36.4°, k = 161.0, α95 = 9.7°, N = 3 Sites) pass reversal tests, indicating the primary nature of the characteristic magnetizations. Our results suggested that the sampled areas in the Tuotuohe depression of the Hoh Xil basin have undergone no paleomagnetically detectable rotations under single thrusting from the Tanggula thrust system. Our findings, together with constraints from other tectonic characteristics reported by previous paleomagnetic studies, suggest tectonic rotations in the Cuoredejia and Wudaoliang depressions of the Hoh Xil basin were affected by strike‐slip faulting of the Fenghuo Shan‐Nangqian thrust systems. A closer examination of geological data and different vertical‐axis rotation magnitudes suggest the tectonic history of the Hoh Xil basin may be controlled by thrust and strike‐slip faulting since the Eocene.
Regional Geochemistry and Fluid Flow in the Palaeogene Aquifers of the Gaoyou Subbasin in the Southern Part of North Jiangsu Basin, China
Authors: Mei LI 
Published: June 2016

AbstractChemical analysis of groundwater in petroliferous basins can be an effective way to determine the regional hydrogeological regime and to evaluate the preservation conditions of hydrocarbons. This paper presents the hydrochemical distribution of both individual aquifers and different structural units within the Palaeogene strata of the Gaoyou subbasin in the North Jiangsu Basin, east China. The results show that the salinity of the Palaeogene aquifers in the Gaoyou subbasin displays a systematic increase from the central deep depression to the periphery areas, and shows a reverse trend as the burial depth increases. Salinity maps of individual aquifers suggest that formation water in the deep layers at the centre of the study area probably retains original features of fresh lake water. Geofluids near the central deep depression of the Gaoyou subbasin migrate vertically through the Zhenwu and Hanliu faults, while those of the northern slope belt mainly flow laterally through aquifers. Both low and high salinity formation water can be found in the hydrocarbon producing areas. The low salinity zones commonly affected by infiltrated meteoric water are unfavourable conditions for the preservation of trapped hydrocarbons.
Experimental Study on the Mobility of Channelized Granular Mass Flow
Authors: Gongdan ZHOU , WRIGHT Nigel G. , Qicheng SUN , Qipeng CAI 
Published: June 2016

AbstractGranular mass flows (e.g., debris flows/avalanches) in landslide‐prone areas are of great concern because they often cause catastrophic disasters as a result of their long run‐out distances and large impact forces. To investigate the factors influencing granular mass flow mobility, experimental tests were conducted in a flume model. Granular materials consisting of homogeneous sand and non‐homogeneous sandy soil were used for studying particle size effects. Run‐out tests with variable flow masses, water contents, and sloping channel confinement parameters were conducted as well. The results indicated that granular mass flow mobility was significantly influenced by the initial water content; a critical water content corresponding to the smallest flow mobility exists for different granular materials. An increase in the total flow mass generally induced a reduction in the travel angle (an increase in flow mobility). Consistent with field observations, the travel angles for different granular materials decreased roughly in proportion to the logarithm of mass. The flume model tests illustrate that the measured travel angles increase as the proportion of fine particles increases. Interestingly, natural terrain possesses critical confinement characteristics for different granular mass flows.
Reservoir Characteristics of Lacustrine Shale and Marine Shale: Examples from the Songliao Basin, Bohai Bay Basin and Qiannan Depression
Authors: Min WANG , Shuangfang LU , Zhiwei WANG , Yang LIU , Wenbiao HUANG , Fangwen CHEN , Xingyou XU , Zheng LI , Jijun LI 
Published: June 2016

AbstractLacustrine shale from the Qingshankou Formatin of Songliao basin and the Shahejie Formation of Bohai Bay basin, and marine shale from the lower Cambrian Jiumenchong Formation of Qiannan depression were analysed by using rock pyrolysis, TOC (total organic carbon), XRD (X‐ray diffraction), SEM (scanning electron microscope), FE‐SEM (field emission scanning electron microscope), high pressure mercury intrusion, and low pressure N2 and CO2 gas adsorption experiments, in aim to reveal their reservoir features. The results show that: (1) the width of micro‐pores of all the studied samples mainly ranges from 0.45 to 0.7 nm indicated by CO2 isotherms, and the width of meso‐pores is less than 10 nm, with type IV adsorption isotherms and type H2 hysteresis loop, indicative of “ink‐bottle”‐shaped pores. Good correlations exist among pore volume, surface area and averaged pore diameter, and a good positive correlation exists between micro‐pore volume and TOC content; however, there is no obvious correlation between meso‐pore volume and TOC content; (2) interparticle pores, pores among the edge of mineral grains and organic matter pores were all identified in marine and lacustrine shale, among which the interparticle pores may be influence by dissolution effect Not all bitumen develops organic matter pore, and only high to over mature bitumen present pores. Now the description methods of micrometer scale pores developed in shale are very lack. Micro‐fractures developed in Jiyang depression and dissolution interparticle pores developed in Songliao Basin should be the accumulation sites for shale oil in lacustrine shale, and can be as sweet spots.
Using Bayes factors for testing hypotheses about intervention effectiveness in addictions research
Authors: Beard Emma , Dienes Zoltan , Muirhead Colin , West Robert 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsIt has been proposed that more use should be made of Bayes factors in hypothesis testing in addiction research. Bayes factors are the ratios of the likelihood of a specified hypothesis (e.g. an intervention effect within a given range) to another hypothesis (e.g. no effect). They are particularly important for differentiating lack of strong evidence for an effect and evidence for lack of an effect. This paper reviewed randomized trials reported in Addiction between January and June 2013 to assess how far Bayes factors might improve the interpretation of the data.MethodsSeventy‐five effect sizes and their standard errors were extracted from 12 trials. Seventy‐three per cent (n = 55) of these were non‐significant (i.e. P > 0.05). For each non‐significant finding a Bayes factor was calculated using a population effect derived from previous research. In sensitivity analyses, a further two Bayes factors were calculated assuming clinically meaningful and plausible ranges around this population effect.ResultsTwenty per cent (n = 11) of the non‐significant Bayes factors were < ⅓ and 3.6% (n = 2) were > 3. The other 76.4% (n = 42) of Bayes factors were between ⅓ and 3. Of these, 26 were in the direction of there being an effect (Bayes factor > 1 and < 3); 12 tended to favour the hypothesis of no effect (Bayes factor < 1 and > ⅓); and for four there was no evidence either way (Bayes factor = 1). In sensitivity analyses, 13.3% of Bayes Factors were < ⅓ (n = 20), 62.7% (n = 94) were between ⅓ and 3 and 24.0% (n = 36) were > 3, showing good concordance with the main results.ConclusionsUse of Bayes factors when analysing data from randomized trials of interventions in addiction research can provide important information that would lead to more precise conclusions than are obtained typically using currently prevailing methods.
Pre‐Hispanic Mortuary Practices in Quebrada de Humahuaca (North‐Western Argentina): Genetic Relatedness among Individuals Buried in the Same Grave
Authors: Russo M. Gabriela , Mendisco Fanny , Avena Sergio A. , Dejean Cristina B. , Seldes Verónica 
Published: June 2016

SummaryAlmost all pre‐Hispanic societies from Quebrada de Humahuaca (north‐western Argentina) buried their defuncts in domestic areas, demonstrating the importance of death and its daily presence among the living. Presumably, the collective graves contained related individuals, a hypothesis that can be tested through the study of ancient DNA. This study analyzes autosomal and uniparental genetic markers in individuals from two archaeological sites in Quebrada de Humahuaca occupied during the Late Formative (1450–1050 BP) and Regional Developments I (1050–700 BP) periods. Mitochondrial and Y‐chromosome haplotypes were compared in order to establish possible maternal and paternal relatedness. Genotypes for 15 autosomal STRs were used to calculate pairwise relatedness coefficients and pedigree probabilities. High kinship levels among individuals buried in the same graves were found in both sites. Although only two particular cases were analyzed, these results represent an important contribution to the study of mortuary practices in the region by means of ancient DNA.
Cross‐reactivity to fish and chicken meat – a new clinical syndrome
Authors: Kuehn A. , Codreanu‐Morel F. , Lehners‐Weber C. , Doyen V. , Gomez‐André S.‐A. , Bienvenu F. , Fischer J. , Ballardini N. , van Hage M. , Perotin J.‐M. , Silcret‐Grieu S. , Chabane H. , Hentges F. , Ollert M. , Hilger C. , Morisset M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractBackgroundFish is one of the most allergenic foods. While clinical cross‐reactivity among different fishes is a widely accepted feature of fish allergy, associations with other food allergies are not well understood. This study aims at analyzing the relevance of clinical cross‐reactivity between fish and chicken meat in patients with allergy to chicken meat without sensitization to hen's eggs.MethodsPatients with food allergy to fish and chicken meat (n = 29) or chicken meat only (n = 7) were recruited. IgE‐reactive chicken proteins were identified (Edman, MS analysis) and quantified (ELISA). Allergens were used in IgE ELISA and skin testing.ResultsChicken parvalbumin and two new allergens, aldolase and enolase, were identified at 12, 40, and 50 kDa, respectively. They were recognized by sIgE of 61%, 75%, and 83% of all patient sera which were in the majority of the cases positive for the fish homologues as well. Fish and chicken meat allergens were highly cross‐reactive while high inhibition rates with fish or chicken allergens correlated with the patients' primary sensitization to fish or chicken. In cooked or roasted foods, enolase and aldolase were detectable in chicken breast while parvalbumin was detectable in chicken legs and wings.ConclusionsFish and chicken meat are cross‐reactive foods; both fish‐allergic and chicken meat‐allergic patients might be at risk of developing a food allergy to chicken meat or to fish, respectively. This clinical phenomenon is proposed to be termed ‘fish–chicken syndrome’ with cross‐reactive allergens involved being parvalbumins, enolases, and aldolases.
Identification of the first in silico‐designed TREK1 antagonists that block channel currents dose dependently
Authors: Viswanath Ambily Nath Indu , Jung Seo Yun , Hwang Eun Mi , Park Ki Duk , Lim Sang Min , Min Sun‐Joon , Cho Yong Seo , Pae Ae Nim 
Published: June 2016

TREK1 (Twik‐RElated Potassium (K+) channel 1), although a well‐characterized target for several neuropsychiatric disorders, underwent very few explorations for prototypic inhibitors. This study aimed to find diverse chemotypes by an in silico means. Homology‐built TREK1 on docking with high‐affinity quaternary ammonium compounds (QAs) corroborated the previous findings by recreating the binding mode with proximally positioned key residues: Thr157, Thr266, Ile182, Leu189, and Leu304. Physical interactions between TREK1 and known antagonists were modeled to compensate the lack of ligand‐bound protein crystal structures. A common feature hypothesis (Hypo1) was deduced from the chemical features of six active compounds. Validated Hypo1 and the most potent compound in the data set were employed as pharmacophore‐ and similarity‐based virtual screening queries, respectively. Thirty‐three hit compounds were tested for their ability to block TREK1 currents in HEK‐293‐transfected cells using whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording. Eleven candidates displayed dose‐dependent inhibition of channel currents; among these, NC30 possessing a 4‐((1H‐pyrrolo[2,3‐b]pyridin‐1‐yl)methyl)piperidin‐4‐ol heterocyclic core was the most potent one with an IC50 of 4.7 μm. These results form a rational basis to design future drugs, and this is the first report of novel TREK1 antagonists delineated by a synergistic application of structure‐ and ligand‐based approaches.
The Longitudinal Association Between Competitive Video Game Play and Aggression Among Adolescents and Young Adults
Authors: Adachi Paul J.C. , Willoughby Teena 
Published: June 2016

The longitudinal association between competitive video game play and aggression among young adults and adolescents was examined. Young adults (N = 1,132; Mage = 19 years) were surveyed annually over 4 years about their video game play and aggression, and data from a 4‐year longitudinal study of adolescents (N = 1,492; Mage = 13 years) was reanalyzed. The results demonstrated a longitudinal association between competitive video game play and aggressive behavior among both age groups. In addition, competitive video game play predicted higher levels of aggressive affect over time, which, in turn, predicted higher levels of aggressive behavior over time, suggesting that aggressive affect was a mechanism of this link. These findings highlight the importance of investigating competitive elements of video game play that may predict aggression over time.
Assessment of the developmental needs of children in need: Estonian child protective workers' case reflections
Authors: Toros Karmen , LaSala Michael C. , Tiko Anne 
Published: June 2016

AbstractChild protective workers must be able to evaluate children's developmental needs in order to assess problems and delays. Skilful and comprehensive assessment leads to outcomes for children that promote their well‐being and development. This paper presents the findings of a qualitative study on a sample of Estonian child protective workers that investigated their assessments of the developmental needs of children in cases with child protection concerns. Only half of the child protective workers considered some dimension of the child's developmental needs in their assessment, suggesting a profound need to incorporate a developmental assessment framework and implement training of such in Estonia to increase child protective workers' competencies to conduct consistently comprehensive assessments.
Bank Ownership and Lending Behaviours: The Relevance of Community Links
Authors: Teckchandani Atul 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAsset size does not seem to be a good predictor of bank lending behaviours. An overlooked determinant of lending may be the relationship a bank has with its local community. This article suggests that US banks owned and headquartered in a community are typically central actors in local business networks, and bank executives are intimately connected to their communities. As a result, lending decisions made by banks headquartered in the community often become influenced by the social relations and social networks of bank executives.
Why Development Programmes Fail: William Easterly and the Political Economy of Intervention
Authors: Hall‐Blanco Abigail R. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThroughout his considerable body of work, William Easterly has identified several critical problems with foreign aid and economic development programmes. In particular, he argues that many working in areas of development act as ‘planners’, who believe they can implement effective policies but who in fact lack the necessary knowledge. Moreover, Easterly claims that these agents face perverse incentives that lead to suboptimal development outcomes. This article explores the theoretical roots of Easterly's critiques and relates them to the work of two Nobel prize‐winning economists, F.A. Hayek and James M. Buchanan. It explores the broader applicability of Easterly's criticisms by applying a similar framework to military activity.
A Novel way to Compare Health Care Systems and to Assess their Potential Competitiveness
Authors: Zweifel Peter 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTraditionally, health care systems have been compared mainly in terms of their finance, that is, Beveridge‐type vs Bismarck‐type arrangements. This article adopts a novel approach permitting not only comparisons of a broader range of systems but also assessments of their potential competitiveness. This will become an issue at the latest when citizens of the European Union obtain the right to choose their health insurance. Systems are characterised by their so‐called dominant complementary agents, who promise to correct an important failure in the physician–patient relationship but differ in their incentives and their capacity to deal with a number of emerging challenges.
Weighting and indirect effects identify keystone species in food webs
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zhang Huayong , O'Gorman Eoin J. , Tian Wang , Ma Athen , Moore John C. , Borrett Stuart R. , Woodward Guy 
Published: June 2016

AbstractSpecies extinctions are accelerating globally, yet the mechanisms that maintain local biodiversity remain poorly understood. The extinction of species that feed on or are fed on by many others (i.e. ‘hubs’) has traditionally been thought to cause the greatest threat of further biodiversity loss. Very little attention has been paid to the strength of those feeding links (i.e. link weight) and the prevalence of indirect interactions. Here, we used a dynamical model based on empirical energy budget data to assess changes in ecosystem stability after simulating the loss of species according to various extinction scenarios. Link weight and/or indirect effects had stronger effects on food‐web stability than the simple removal of ‘hubs’, demonstrating that both quantitative fluxes and species dissipating their effects across many links should be of great concern in biodiversity conservation, and the potential for ‘hubs’ to act as keystone species may have been exaggerated to date.
Plasma taurine levels are not affected by vigabatrin in pediatric patients
Authors: Spelbrink Emily M. , Mabud Tarub S. , Reimer Richard , Porter Brenda E. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryVigabatrin is a highly effective antiseizure medication, but its use is limited due to concerns about retinal toxicity. One proposed mechanism for this toxicity is vigabatrin‐mediated reduction of taurine. Herein we assess plasma taurine levels in a retrospective cohort of children with epilepsy, including a subset receiving vigabatrin. All children who underwent a plasma amino acid analysis as part of their clinical evaluation between 2006 and 2015 at Stanford Children's Health were included in the analysis. There were no significant differences in plasma taurine levels between children taking vigabatrin (n = 16), children taking other anti‐seizure medications, and children not taking any anti‐seizure medication (n = 556) (analysis of variance [ANOVA] p = 0.841). There were, however, age‐dependent decreases in plasma taurine levels. Multiple linear regression revealed no significant association between vigabatrin use and plasma taurine level (p = 0.87) when controlling for age. These results suggest that children taking vigabatrin maintain normal plasma taurine levels, although they leave unanswered whether taurine supplementation is necessary or sufficient to prevent vigabatrin‐associated visual field loss. They also indicate that age should be taken into consideration when evaluating taurine levels in young children.
What are the effects of climate on the offshore and onshore movements of adult grooved tiger prawns Penaeus semisulcatus in tropical northern Australia?
Authors: Bishop Janet , Ye Yimin , Milton David A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractHistorical catch per unit effort (CPUE) from the period in the development of commercial fisheries prior to the implementation of any temporal or spatial closures can provide insight into how environmental factors affect life history events. These insights can then inform contemporary fishery management practices to improve sustainability. We examined the timing of the offshore dispersal and onshore movement to aggregate on the spawning grounds of the grooved tiger prawn Penaeus semisulcatus in the north‐west Gulf of Carpentaria using all available historical CPUE data between 1970 and 1987. The impact of climate conditions on the timing of the winter minimum CPUE (dispersal) was quantified by fitting univariate relationships with non‐parametric weighted local regression (Loess). The timing of the winter minimum CPUE was delayed by 5 weeks in years with at least 1 week of rainfall > 250 mm, and was delayed by 5 weeks in years when the wet season continued through April, rather than ending in March. Under current climate predictions, rainfall is projected to increase in variability in this region. Our results indicate that the sustainability of the prawn trawl fishery may be enhanced if seasonal fishing effort restrictions and closure dates are not fixed, but are managed to reflect variation in the timing of the end of the previous wet season.