bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal sampling helps unravel the genetic structure of naturally occurring populations of a phytoparasitic nematode. 2. Separating the relative effects of gene flow and genetic drift
Authors: Gracianne Cécile , Jan Pierre‐Loup , Fournet Sylvain , Olivier Eric , Arnaud Jean‐François , Porte Catherine , Bardou‐Valette Sylvie , Denis Marie‐Christine , Petit Eric J. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractStudying wild pathogen populations in natural ecosystems offers the opportunity to better understand the evolutionary dynamics of biotic diseases in crops and to enhance pest control strategies. We used simulations and genetic markers to investigate the spatial and temporal population genetic structure of wild populations of the beet cyst nematode Heterodera schachtii on a wild host plant species, the sea beet (Beta vulgaris spp. maritima), the wild ancestor of cultivated beets. Our analysis of the variation of eight microsatellite loci across four study sites showed that (i) wild H. schachtii populations displayed fine‐scaled genetic structure with no evidence of substantial levels of gene flow beyond the scale of the host plant, and comparisons with simulations indicated that (ii) genetic drift substantially affected the residual signals of isolation‐by‐distance processes, leading to departures from migration–drift equilibrium. In contrast to what can be suspected for (crop) field populations, this showed that wild cyst nematodes have very low dispersal capabilities and are strongly disconnected from each other. Our results provide some key elements for designing pest control strategies, such as decreasing passive dispersal events to limit the spread of virulence among field nematode populations.
Ranking Fuzzy Cognitive Map based scenarios using ELECTRE III: Applied on housing market
Authors: Shafia Mohammad Ali , Rahimi Moghaddam Mohammad , Teimoury Ebrahim 
Published: June 2016

AbstractPolicy makers often deal with a wide range of alternative probable future states for the entity they work for – a country, for example. To strive for the most desirable state, the policy makers must evaluate and rank all probable future scenarios. To this end, ‘scenario methods’ gained recent popularity are increasingly being employed. Nevertheless, currently, decisions made based on insight gained from scenarios are not made in an integrated systematic process. Current variants of the method help study the role of any research concept individually; thus, they do not provide a complete picture of the research situation. A more suitable variant of the method for today's world should provide a holistic view of the research situation by modelling possible links among research concepts. This paper, introduces a stepwise methodology that can guide the building, developing, and ranking of possible future scenarios, having factored in the possible causal interrelations among research concepts. The method is enriched with a combination of Fuzzy Cognitive Maps, a widely used soft computing method, and ELECTRE III, a popular method of Multi Attribute Decision Making. This paper also presents the results of the application of the proposed methodology for Iran's housing market, highlighting the advantages of the proposed methodology.
The Evolution of Foreign Language AP Exam Candidates: A 36‐Year Descriptive Study
Authors: Brown Alan V. , Thompson Gregory L. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractUsing a data set exclusively prepared for and licensed to them by the College Board, the authors examined the growth of the Advanced Placement program in foreign languages and overall trends in regard to the number of candidates who sat for the foreign language exams, their gender, their scores, and their ethnicity over the 36‐year period covering 1979 to 2014. Results indicated that while the number of candidates for all exams grew, the Spanish Language and Culture exam demonstrated exponential growth unparalleled by any other exam. While scores have varied based on the iteration of the exam, they have continued to improve overall. Females continued to make up the majority of foreign language test takers in every state and outperformed males on average. Data also revealed that white candidates were losing ground to ethnic and racial minority test takers overall, but particularly in the case of the Spanish, Chinese, and Japanese examinees.
Listening and Reading Proficiency Levels of College Students
Authors: Tschirner Erwin 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThis article examines listening and reading proficiency levels of U.S. college foreign language students at major milestones throughout their undergraduate career. Data were collected from more than 3,000 participants studying seven languages at 21 universities and colleges across the United States. The results show that while listening proficiency appears to develop more slowly, Advanced levels of reading proficiency appear to be attainable for college majors at graduation. The article examines the relationship between listening and reading proficiency and suggests reasons for the apparent disconnect between listening and reading, particularly for some languages and at lower proficiency levels.
Impact of land‐use intensity on the relationships between vegetation indices, photosynthesis and biomass of intensively and extensively managed grassland fens
Authors: Metzger C. M. H. , Heinichen J. , Eickenscheidt T. , Drösler M. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractVegetation indices are widely used as model inputs and for non‐destructive estimation of biomass and photosynthesis, but there have been few validation studies of the underlying relationships. To test their applicability on temperate fens and the impact of management intensity, we investigated the relationships between normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), leaf area index (LAI), brown and green above‐ground biomass and photosynthesis potential (PP). Only the linear relationship betweenNDVIandPPwas management independent (R2 = 0·53).LAItoPPwas described by a site‐specific and negative logarithmic function (R2 = 0·07–0·68). The hyperbolic relationship ofLAIversusNDVIshowed a high residual standard error (s.e.) of 1·71–1·84 and differed between extensive and intensive meadows. Biomass andLAIcorrelated poorly (R2 = 0·30), with high species‐specific variability. Intensive meadows had a higher ratio ofLAIto biomass than extensive grasslands. The fraction of green to total biomass versusNDVIshowed considerable noise (s.e. = 0·13). These relationships were relatively weak compared with results from other ecosystems. A likely explanation could be the high amount of standing litter, which was unevenly distributed within the vegetation canopy depending on the season and on the timing of cutting events. Our results show there is high uncertainty in the application of the relationships on temperate fen meadows. For reliable estimations, management intensity needs to be taken into account and several direct measurements throughout the year are required for site‐specific correction of the relationships, especially under extensive management. UsingNDVIinstead ofLAIcould reduce uncertainty in photosynthesis models.
Hemodialysis‐induced regional left ventricular systolic dysfunction
Authors: Nie Yuxin , Zhang Zhen , Zou Jianzhou , Liang Yixiu , Cao Xuesen , Liu Zhonghua , Shen Bo , Chen Xiaohong , Ding Xiaoqiang 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroduction Hemodialysis (HD) patients are under observably elevated cardiovascular mortality. Cardiac dysfunction is closely related to death caused by cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In the general population, repetitive myocardial ischemia induced left ventricular (LV) dysfunction may progress to irreversible loss of contraction step by step, and finally lead to cardiac death. In HD patients, to remove water and solute accumulated from 48 or 72 hours of interdialysis period in a 4‐hour HD session will induce myocardial ischemia. In this study, we evaluated the prevalence and potential risk factors associated with HD‐induced LV systolic dysfunction and provide some evidences for clinical strategies.Methods We recruited 31 standard HD patients for this study from Fudan University Zhongshan hospital. Echocardiography was performed predialysis, at peak stress during HD (15 minutes prior to the end of dialysis), and 30 minutes after HD. Auto functional imaging (AFI) was used to assess the incidence and persistence of HD‐induced regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMAs). Blood samples were drawn to measure biochemical variables.Findings Among totally 527 segments of 31 patients, 93.54% (29/31) patients and 51.40% (276/527) segments were diagnosed as RWMAs. Higher cTnT (0.060 ± 0.030 vs. 0.048 ± 0.015 ng/mL, P = 0.023), phosphate (2.07 ± 0.50 vs. 1.49 ± 0.96 mmol/L, P = 0.001), UFR (11.00 ± 3.89 vs. 8.30 ± 2.66 mL/Kg/h, P = 0.039) and lower albumin (37.83 ± 4.48 vs. 38.38 ± 2.53 g/L, P = 0.050) were found in patients with severe RWMAs (RWMAs in more than 50% segments). After univariate and multivariate analysis, interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) was found as independent risk factor of severe RWMAs (OR = 1.047, 95%CI 1.155–4.732, P = 0.038).Discussion LV systolic dysfunction induced by HD is prevalent in conventional HD patients and should be paid attention to. Patients would benefit from better weight control during interdialytic period to reduce ultrafiltration rate.
Public consultation changes guidance on the use of health‐care interventions. An observational study
Authors: Campbell Bruce , Tabiri‐Essuman Jeffrey , Gallo Helen , Verdiel Vassilia , Mandava Lakshmi , Azhar Mohamed Ansaf , Powell John 
Published: June 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the responses to public consultation on draft guidance on interventional procedures (IP) for the UK National Health Services, and the changes made as a result of consultation.DesignRetrospective review of responses received during public consultation for 183 pieces of draft guidance, and subsequent changes made.SettingThe National Institute for Health and Care Excellence in the UK. Guidance produced December 2009–December 2014.Main outcome measuresNumbers (%) of public consultations receiving responses, and resulting changes made to draft guidance.ResultsResponses were received during 159 (86.9%) periods of public consultation, from a total of 853 people or organizations (median number per consultation 3; range 0–82; interquartile range 1–5). Changes were made to draft guidance following 136 (74.3%) consultations. These changes were to the category (2.7%) or wording (8.7%) of the main recommendation; to other recommendations (about consent, patient selection, training and future research) (31.1%); and to other sections of guidance (description of the procedure and of the evidence on its efficacy and safety) (70.5%). Additional published evidence was proffered for 22.4%. Health‐care professionals or their specialist societies were the most frequent responders to consultation (68.8%), patients or patient organizations accounted for 22.4% and medical device companies accounted for 8.8%.ConclusionsThis study shows substantial engagement with public consultation and frequent changes made to draft guidance as a result. These findings are likely to be relevant to other areas of health‐care and national policymaking that seek to be responsive to their stakeholders.
Can undergraduate student learning in prevention influence oral health self‐care practices? – a report from a South African University
Authors: Singh S 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIntroductionStudent attitudes and behaviour towards their own oral health status could reflect their understanding of the importance of oral health promotive activities.ObjectivesThis was a qualitative and exploratory study designed to gain a deeper understanding of the extent to which the undergraduate curriculum could act as an enabler for student oral health self‐care practices.MethodsData collection comprised of document analysis (curriculum review) and in‐depth face‐to‐face interviews with undergraduate dental therapy and oral health students and academic staff at the University of KwaZulu‐Natal. Ten students volunteered to participate in the study while five academic staff were purposively selected. A separate interview schedule was developed for students and staff, respectively. The emergent themes from document analysis were compared to the analysed data from the interviews.ResultsThe curriculum was underpinned by a strong foundation in prevention, and there was consensus among respondents that the curriculum met the needs for undergraduate training in preventive dentistry. The following themes emerged from data analysis: curriculum support for self‐care practices; depth and scope of clinical training; role of clinical supervisors and challenges in clinical training. Respondents agreed that the curriculum could influence students’ attitudes towards self‐care practices such as toothbrushing and flossing but that academic responsibilities and clinical contact time placed constraints on these practices.ConclusionThe undergraduate curriculum does provide support for enabling student knowledge acquisition and positive attitudes, but more effort is required to enable oral health behavioural modifications among students.
Modern diaper performance: construction, materials, and safety review
Authors: Dey Swatee , Kenneally Dianna , Odio Mauricio , Hatzopoulos Ioannis 
Published: June 2016

AbstractA review of the literature on diapers and diaper rash reveals that many clinicians are unfamiliar with modern diaper construction and materials as well as diaper safety testing methods. Typical modern diapers do not contain ingredients of concern such as latex and disperse dyes, but use ingredients such as spandex and pigments with a favorable safety profile. Today's disposable diaper is a high performance product whose carefully designed layers and liners provide optimal urine and feces absorption and an ever more clothing‐like and comfortable fit. This is possible due to a variety of specialized polymer materials that provide optimal absorption of urine and feces, thereby minimizing skin exposure.
Understanding irritant napkin dermatitis
Authors: Atherton David J. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIrritant napkin dermatitis (IND, often referred to as irritant diaper dermatitis) is an exceedingly common problem in the first 2 years of life. It is now established that a number of factors are considered important in the etiology of IND. The principal irritants are fecal enzymes, which damage infant skin and are further amplified by a number of factors, including skin maceration and friction, high pH, the presence of urine, and the duration of contact with feces. In recent years, the decreasing incidence and severity of IND reflects improvements in the design and performance of diapers, diaper skin care products, and overall awareness about maintaining infant skin health.
Detection of newly antibody‐defined epitopes on HLA class I alleles reacting with antibodies induced during pregnancy
Authors: Duquesnoy R. J. , Hönger G. , Hösli I. , Marrari M. , Schaub S. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe determination of HLA mismatch acceptability at the epitope level can be best performed with epitopes that have been verified experimentally with informative antibodies. The website‐based International Registry of HLA Epitopes (http://www.epregistry.com.br) has a list of 81 antibody‐verified HLA‐ABC epitopes but more epitopes need to be added. Pregnancy offers an attractive model to study antibody responses to mismatched HLA epitopes which can be readily determined from the HLA types of child and mother. This report describes a HLAMatchmaker‐based analysis of 16 postpregnancy sera tested in single HLA‐ABC allele binding assays. Most sera reacted with alleles carrying epitopes that have been antibody‐verified, and this study focused on the reactivity of additional alleles that share other epitopes corresponding to eplets and other amino acid residue configurations. This analysis led in the identification of 16 newly antibody‐defined epitopes, seven are equivalent to eplets and nine correspond to combinations of eplets in combination with other nearby residue configurations. These epitopes will be added to the repertoire of antibody‐verified epitopes in the HLA Epitope Registry.
‘God, the Father Almighty’: A Theological Excursus
Authors: McFarland Ian A. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe confession of ‘God, the Father almighty’ in the Apostles’ and Nicene Creeds can be interpreted as offering a progressively more focused characterization of the First Person of the Trinity, such that ‘Father’ clarifies the meaning of ‘God’, and the force of ‘almighty’ is controlled by the meaning of ‘Father’. The results of such an exegesis accentuate divine transcendence in a way that raises questions about theological claims to natural knowledge of God. More specifically, they suggest that the very comprehensiveness of God's relationship to the world implied by divine almightiness blocks any direct line of inference from creation to Creator.
Non‐respect du salaire minimum en Amérique latine: l'incidence des facteurs institutionnels
Authors: MARINAKIS Andrés 
Published: June 2016

RésuméEn s'appuyant sur des données provenant d'enquêtes auprès des ménages, l'auteur calcule, pour seize pays d'Amérique latine, le niveau du salaire minimum par rapport à divers indicateurs (salaire du marché, PIB par habitant, seuil de pauvreté et pouvoir d'achat). Il estime ensuite le degré de non‐respect de la législation et sa corrélation avec le salaire minimum rapporté au salaire moyen. Enfin, il analyse la situation dans quatre pays (Chili, Costa Rica, Pérou et Uruguay) et conclut que, hormis pour les rapports extrêmes, la bonne application des salaires minima dépend du cadre institutionnel et de la qualité de l'inspection du travail, pour laquelle il formule quelques suggestions d'amélioration.
Interleukin‐4‐ and NACHT, LRR and PYD domains‐containing protein 3‐independent mechanisms of alum enhanced T helper type 2 responses on basophils
Authors: Huang Feng‐Juan , Ma Yi‐Lei , Tang Ruo‐Yu , Gong Wen‐Ci , Li Jun , Chen Chun‐Xia , Yin Lan , Chen Xiao‐Ping 
Published: June 2016

SummaryAluminium hydroxide (alum), the most widely used adjuvant in human and animal vaccines, has long been known to promote T helper type 2 (Th2) responses and Th2‐associated humoral responses, but the mechanisms have remained poorly understood. In this study, we explored whether alum is able to directly modulate antigen‐presenting cells to enhance their potency for Th2 polarization. We found that alum treatment of dendritic cells failed to show any Th2‐promoting activities. In contrast, alum was able to enhance the capacity of basophils to induce Th2 cells. When basophils from interleukin‐4 (IL‐4) knockout mice were examined, the intrinsic Th2‐promoting activities by basophils were largely abrogated, but the alum‐enhanced Th2‐promoting activities on basophils were still detectable. More importantly, Th2‐promoting adjuvant activities by alum found in IL‐4 knockout mice were also largely reduced when basophils were depleted by antibody administration. Therefore, basophils can mediate Th2‐promoting activities by alum both in vitro and in vivo through IL‐4‐independent mechanisms. Further studies revealed that secreted soluble molecules from alum‐treated basophils were able to confer the Th2‐promoting activities, and neutralization of thymic stromal lymphopoietin or IL‐25 attenuated the IL‐4‐independent development of Th2 cells elicited by alum‐treated basophils. Finally, alum was able to activate NACHT, LRR and PYD domains‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in murine basophils in the same way as alum in professional antigen‐presenting cells, but NLRP3 was not required for Th2‐promoting activities on basophils by alum in vitro. These results demonstrated that alum can enhance the capacities of basophils to polarize Th2 cells via IL‐4‐ and NLRP3‐independent pathways.
The interests of white‐collar workers and their representation in the German manufacturing sector: new initiatives, opportunity structures, framing and resources
Authors: Haipeter Thomas 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn the German manufacturing sector, white‐collar workers have outpaced blue‐collar workers in numbers. Therefore, unions and works councils have launched initiatives to attract, mobilise and organise white‐collar workers. The analysis is drawing on a conceptual framework that looks at the opportunity structures, framing processes and resources of the initiatives.
Contribution of influenza viruses to medically attended acute respiratory illnesses in children in high‐income countries: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Buchan Sarah A. , Hottes Travis S. , Rosella Laura C. , Crowcroft Natasha S. , Tran Dat , Kwong Jeffrey C. 
Published: June 2016

Aim:The burden of disease in children attributable to influenza viruses is difficult to quantify given the similarity of symptoms caused by infection due to influenza and other viruses. This uncertainty impacts clinical decision‐making and estimates of burden. We aimed to systematically review the literature to determine the proportion of healthy children presenting for health care with an acute respiratory illness (ARI) who have laboratory‐confirmed seasonal influenza (PROSPERO ID#CRD42014013896).Method:We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, and references of included articles. We included studies that used polymerase chain reaction methods to test for influenza in healthy children aged ≤5 years who presented for health care in high‐income countries with an influenza‐like or ARI. A standardized form was used to collect data on positivity and other relevant study elements.ResultsSeventeen studies covering 12 different influenza seasons were included. The proportion of influenza positivity ranged from 11% to 56%. Subgroup analyses were performed by influenza season, continent, healthcare setting, age group, and vaccination status. Higher influenza positivity was reported among children aged 3–5 years compared with children aged ≤2 years, and for unvaccinated children.ConclusionThe minority of healthy patients aged ≤5 years with medically attended influenza‐like or acute respiratory symptoms have laboratory‐confirmed influenza virus infection, although this varied by influenza season. Prevention efforts should be targeted accordingly.StatementMost influenza‐like illnesses are not laboratory‐confirmed and have similar clinical presentations. Consequently, the true contribution of influenza to acute respiratory infections in children remains uncertain. Our systematic review estimates that this proportion ranges from 11% to 56%. This finding can help both clinicians and public health professionals target prevention.
Genome Editing by CRISPR/Cas9: A Game Change in the Genetic Manipulation of Protists
Authors: Lander Noelia , Chiurillo Miguel A. , Docampo Roberto 
Published: June 2016

AbstractGenome editing by CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 (CRISPR‐associated gene 9) system has been transformative in biology. Originally discovered as an adaptive prokaryotic immune system, CRISPR/Cas9 has been repurposed for genome editing in a broad range of model organisms, from yeast to mammalian cells. Protist parasites are unicellular organisms producing important human diseases that affect millions of people around the world. For many of these diseases, such as malaria, Chagas disease, leishmaniasis and cryptosporidiosis, there are no effective treatments or vaccines available. The recent adaptation of the CRISPR/Cas9 technology to several protist models will be playing a key role in the functional study of their proteins, in the characterization of their metabolic pathways, and in the understanding of their biology, and will facilitate the search for new chemotherapeutic targets. In this work we review recent studies where the CRISPR/Cas9 system was adapted to protist parasites, particularly to Apicomplexans and trypanosomatids, emphasizing the different molecular strategies used for genome editing of each organism, as well as their advantages. We also discuss the potential usefulness of this technology in the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.