bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid mortality transition of Pacific Islands in the 19th century
Authors: PENMAN B. S. , GUPTA S. , SHANKS G. D. 
Published: September 2016

SUMMARYThe depopulation of Pacific islands during the 16th to 19th centuries is a striking example of historical mass mortality due to infectious disease. Pacific Island populations have not been subject to such cataclysmic infectious disease mortality since. Here we explore the processes which could have given rise to this shift in infectious disease mortality patterns. We show, using mathematical models, that the population dynamics exhibited by Pacific Island populations are unlikely to be the result of Darwinian evolution. We propose that extreme mortality during first-contact epidemics is a function of epidemiological isolation, not a lack of previous selection. If, as pathogens become established in populations, extreme mortality is rapidly suppressed by herd immunity, Pacific Island population mortality patterns can be explained with no need to invoke genetic change. We discuss the mechanisms by which this could occur, including (i) a link between the proportion of the population transmitting infectious agents and case-fatality rates, and (ii) the course of infection with pathogens such as measles and smallpox being more severe in adults than in children. Overall, we consider the present-day risk of mass mortality from newly emerging infectious diseases is unlikely to be greater on Pacific islands than in other geographical areas.
Exact inference for the risk ratio with an imperfect diagnostic test
Authors: REICZIGEL J. , SINGER J. , LANG ZS. 
Published: September 2016

SUMMARYThe risk ratio quantifies the risk of disease in a study population relative to a reference population. Standard methods of estimation and testing assume a perfect diagnostic test having sensitivity and specificity of 100%. However, this assumption typically does not hold, and this may invalidate naive estimation and testing for the risk ratio. We propose procedures that control for sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test, given the risks are measured by proportions, as it is in cross-sectional studies or studies with fixed follow-up times. These procedures provide an exact unconditional test and confidence interval for the true risk ratio. The methods also cover the case when sensitivity and specificity differ in the two groups (differential misclassification). The resulting test and confidence interval may be useful in epidemiological studies as well as in clinical and vaccine trials. We illustrate the method with real-life examples which demonstrate that ignoring sensitivity and specificity of the diagnostic test may lead to considerable bias in the estimated risk ratio.
The contribution of at-home and away-from-home food to dietary intake among 2–13-year-old Mexican children
Authors: Taillie Lindsey Smith , Afeiche Myriam C , Eldridge Alison L , Popkin Barry M 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveAway-from-home foods have been shown to have lower nutritional quality and larger portion sizes than many foods prepared at home. We aimed to describe energy and nutrient intakes among 2–13-year-old Mexican children by eating location (at home and away from home), overall, by socio-economic status (SES) and by urbanicity.DesignDietary intake was collected via one 24 h recall in the 2012 Mexican National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT). Location was reported for each food consumed. Results were adjusted for sex, day of recall, region, weight status, SES and urbanicity.SettingMexico (nationally representative).SubjectsChildren aged 2–5 years (n1905) and 6–13 years (n2868).ResultsChildren consumed the majority of daily energy at home (89% of 2–5-year-olds; 82 % of 6–13-year-olds). The most common away-from-home eating location was school (22 % of 2–5-year-olds; 43 % of 6–13-year-olds), followed by the street (14 % of 2–5-year-olds; 13 % of 6–13-year-olds). The most common foods consumed away from home were wheat/rice and corn mixed dishes, sugar-sweetened beverages, pastries/candy/desserts, milk (2–5-year-olds only) and salty snacks (6–13-year-olds). Multivariate models showed that high-SES 2–5-year-olds consumed 14 % of daily energy away from homev. 8 % among low-SES 2–5-year-olds, and high-SES 6–13-year-olds consumed 21 % of daily energy away from homev. 14 % among low-SES 6–13 year-olds. There were no differences by urban residence.ConclusionsAmong Mexican children, most foods and beverages were consumed at home. However, the percentage of foods consumed or purchased away from home increased with age and with SES.
Association between high-risk fertility behaviours and the likelihood of chronic undernutrition and anaemia among married Bangladeshi women of reproductive age
Authors: Rahman Mosiur , Islam Md Jahirul , Haque Syed Emdadul , Saw Yu Mon , Haque Md Nurruzzaman , Duc Nguyen Huu Chau , Al-Sobaihi Saber , Saw Thu Nandar , Mostofa Md Golam , Islam Md Rafiqul 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo explore the association between high-risk fertility behaviours and the likelihood of chronic undernutrition, anaemia and the coexistence of anaemia and undernutrition among women of reproductive age.DesignThe 2011 Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, conducted from 8 July to 27 December 2011.SettingSelected urban and rural areas of Bangladesh.SubjectsA total of 2197 ever-married women living with at least one child younger than 5 years. Exposure was determined from maternal reports of high-risk fertility behaviours. We considered three parameters, maternal age at the time of delivery, birth order and birth interval, to define the high-risk fertility behaviours. Chronic undernutrition, anaemia and the coexistence of anaemia and undernutrition among women were the outcome variables.ResultsA substantial percentage of women were exposed to have a high-risk fertility pattern (41·8 %); 33·0 % were at single high-risk and 8·8 % were at multiple high-risk. After adjusting for relevant covariates, high-risk fertility behaviours were associated with increased likelihood of chronic undernutrition (adjusted relative risk; 95 % CI: 1·22; 1·03, 1·44), anaemia (1·12; 1·00, 1·25) and the coexistence of anaemia and undernutrition (1·52; 1·17, 1·98). Furthermore, multiple high-risk fertility behaviours appeared to have more profound consequences on the outcome measured.ConclusionsMaternal high-risk fertility behaviours are shockingly frequent practices among women in Bangladesh. High-risk fertility behaviours are important predictors of the increased likelihood of women’s chronic undernutrition, anaemia and the coexistence of anaemia and undernutrition.
Food and drink consumption among 1–5-year-old Los Angeles County children from households receiving dual SNAP and WIC v. only WIC benefits
Authors: Liu Jane , Kuo Tony , Jiang Lu , Robles Brenda , Whaley Shannon E 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Objective
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) are two of the more well-known food assistance programmes in the USA. The current study describes food consumption patterns of children aged 1–5 years living in households dually enrolled in these two programmes v. households enrolled only in WIC.

Design
Food consumption and SNAP participation were assessed using data from the 2014 Survey of Los Angeles County (LAC) WIC Participants and the Follow-Up Survey of the same households that were also SNAP beneficiaries. Telephone interviews were conducted with WIC parents regarding each child’s (i.e. beneficiary’s) food consumption patterns. Follow-up interviews were conducted with those who reported receiving SNAP. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to assess the relationships between food and beverage consumption and dual v. single food assistance programme participation.

Setting
LAC, California.

Subjects
Children of WIC-enrolled households in LAC during 2014 (n 3248). This included a sub-sample of dual WIC- and SNAP-enrolled households (n 1295). Survey participants were the beneficiaries’ parents.

Results
Children from dually enrolled households consumed 1·03 (P&lt;0·05) and 1·04 (P&lt;0·01) more servings of fruits and vegetables daily respectively, 1·07 more sugar-sweetened beverages daily (P&lt;0·001) and ate sweets/sweetened foods 1·04 more times daily (P&lt;0·001) than children from households participating only in WIC.

Conclusions
Results suggest that SNAP+WIC enrolment is associated with increased consumption of both healthy foods and foods containing minimal nutritional value. Complementary nutrition education efforts across the two programmes may help beneficiaries maximize healthful food purchases with SNAP dollars.
Annular Focused Electron/Ion Beams for Combining High Spatial Resolution with High Probe Current
Authors: Khursheed Anjam , Ang Wei Kean 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThis paper presents a proposal for reducing the final probe size of focused electron/ion beam columns that are operated in a high primary beam current mode where relatively large final apertures are used, typically required in applications such as electron beam lithography, focused ion beams, and electron beam spectroscopy. An annular aperture together with a lens corrector unit is used to replace the conventional final hole-aperture, creating an annular ring-shaped primary beam. The corrector unit is designed to eliminate the first- and second-order geometric aberrations of the objective lens, and for the same probe current, the final geometric aberration limited spot size is predicted to be around a factor of 50 times smaller than that of the corresponding conventional hole-aperture beam. Direct ray tracing simulation is used to illustrate how a three-stage core lens corrector can be used to eliminate the first- and second-order geometric aberrations of an electric Einzel objective lens.
Coronal quasi-periodic fast-propagating magnetosonic waves observed by SDO/AIA
Authors: Shen Yuandeng 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCoronal quasi-periodic fast-propagating (QFP) magnetosonic waves are scare in previous studies due to the relative low temporal and spatial resolution of past telescopes. Recently, they are detected by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). Here, two cases of QFP waves are presented. The analysis results indicate that QFP waves are tightly associated with the associated flares. It is indicate that QFP waves and the associated flares are possibly driven by the same physic process such as quasi-periodic magnetic reconnection process in producing flares.
Temporal solar irradiance variability analysis using neural networks
Authors: Tebabal Ambelu , Damtie Baylie , Nigussie Melessew 
Published: September 2016

AbstractA feed-forward neural network which can account for nonlinear relationship was used to model total solar irradiance (TSI). A single layer feed-forward neural network with Levenberg-marquardt back-propagation algorithm have been implemented for modeling daily total solar irradiance from daily photometric sunspot index, and core-to-wing ratio of Mg II index data. In order to obtain the optimum neural network for TSI modeling, the root mean square error (RMSE) and mean absolute error (MAE) have been taken into account. The modeled and measured TSI have the correlation coefficient of about R=0.97. The neural networks (NNs) model output indicates that reconstructed TSI from solar proxies (photometric sunspot index and Mg II) can explain 94% of the variance of TSI. This modeled TSI using NNs further strengthens the view that surface magnetism indeed plays a dominant role in modulating solar irradiance.
Progress of site survey for large solar telescopes in western China
Authors: Liu Yu , Song Tengfei , Zhang Xuefei , Liu Shunqing , Zhao Mingyu , Tian Zhanjun , Miao Yuhu , Li Hongbo , Huang Jing , Su Baoyu , Lu Yongyin , Li Xiaobo , Song Qiwu 
Published: September 2016

AbstractExcellent sites are necessary for developing and installing ground-based large telescopes. For very-high-resolution solar observations, it had been unclear whether there exist good candidate sites in the west areas in China, including the Tibetan Plateau and the Pamirs Plateau. The project of solar site survey for the next-generation large solar telescopes, i.e., the Chinese Giant Solar Telescope (CGST) and the large coronagraph, has been launched since 2011. Based on the close collaboration among Chinese solar society and the scientists from NSO, HAO and other institutes, we have successfully developed the standard instruments for solar site survey and applied them to more than 50 different sites distributed in Xinjiang, Tibet, Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and Ningxia provinces. We have built two long-term monitoring sites in Tibet and the large Shangri-La to take systematic site data. Clear evidence, including the key parameters of seeing factor, sky brightness and water vapor content, has indicated that a few potential sites in the large Tibetan areas should obtain the excellent astronomical conditions for our purpose to develop CGST and large coronagraph. We introduce the fresh site survey results in this report.
Nonlinear force-free modeling of magnetic fields in flare-productive active regions
Authors: Wheatland M. S. , Gilchrist S. A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe review nonlinear force-free field (NLFFF) modeling of magnetic fields in active regions. The NLFFF model (in which the electric current density is parallel to the magnetic field) is often adopted to describe the coronal magnetic field, and numerical solutions to the model are constructed based on photospheric vector magnetogram boundary data. Comparative tests of NLFFF codes on sets of boundary data have revealed significant problems, in particular associated with the inconsistency of the model and the data. Nevertheless NLFFF modeling is often applied, in particular to flare-productive active regions. We examine the results, and discuss their reliability.
Solar diameter measurements from eclipses as a solar variability proxy
Authors: Dunham David W. , Sofia Sabatino , Guhl Konrad , Herald David 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe widths of total solar eclipse paths depends on the diameter of the Sun, so if observations are obtained near both the northern and southern limits of the eclipse path, in principle, the angular diameter of the Sun can be measured. Concerted efforts have been made to obtain contact timings from locations near total solar eclipse path edges since the mid 19th century, and Edmund Halley organized a rather successful first effort in 1715. Members of IOTA have been making increasingly sophisticated observations of the Baily's bead phenomena near central solar eclipse path edges since 1970.
Soft X-ray polarimeter-spectrometer SOLPEX
Authors: Stȩślicki Marek , Sylwester Janusz , Płocieniak Stefan , Bakała Jarosław , Szaforz Żaneta , Ścisłowski Daniel , Kowaliński Mirosław , Hernandez Jose , Kuzin Sergey , Shestov Sergey 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe present an innovative soft X-ray polarimeter and spectrometer SOLPEX. The instrument is to be mounted aboard the ISS within the Russian science complex KORTES. The measurements to be made by SOLPEX are expected to be of unprecedented quality in terms of sensitivity to detect the soft-X-ray polarization of solar emission emanating from active regions and flares in particular. Simultaneous measurements of the polarization degree and the other characteristics (eg. evolution of the spectra) constitute the last, rather unexplored area of solar X-ray spectroscopy providing substantial diagnostic potential. Second important science task to be addressed are the measurements of Doppler shifts in selected X-ray spectral emission lines formed in hot flaring sources. The novel-type Dopplerometer (flat Bragg crystal drum unit) is planned to be a part of SOLPEX and will allow to measure line Doppler shifts in absolute terms with unprecedented time resolution (fraction of a second) during the impulsive flare phases. We shall present some details of the SOLPEX instrument and discuss observing sequences in a view of science objectives to be reached.
Solar radius variations: new look on the wavelength dependence
Authors: Rozelot Jean-Pierre , Kosovichev Alexander , Kilcik Ali 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe possibility that the Sun's radius is changing, even at a faint level, has been discussed over a long time. As the solar radius is certainly one of the most important basic pieces of astrophysical information, it is crucial to determine the physical mechanisms that may cause shrinking or expansion of the solar envelope. The wavelength dependence has been poorly inspected up to now. Here we examine recent solar radius determinations from space observations, mainly from Mercury and Venus transits, made by different teams in 2006, 2012 and 2014. Seemingly, the results are not consistent: authors interpreted the discrepancies because of the different methods of analysis used in their work. However, looking at the wavelength dependence, adding other available observations, from X-EUV up to radio, a typical relationship between the radius and the wavelength can be found, reflecting the different heights at which the lines are formed. Possible explanations are discussed. Such results can be interesting for studying solar-stellar connections.
Model of flare lightcurve profile observed in soft X-rays
Authors: Gryciuk Magdalena , Siarkowski Marek , Gburek Szymon , Podgorski Piotr , Sylwester Janusz , Kepa Anna , Mrozek Tomasz 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe propose a new model for description of solar flare lightcurve profile observed in soft X-rays. The method assumes that single-peaked ‘regular’ flares seen in lightcurves can be fitted with the elementary time profile being a convolution of Gaussian and exponential functions. More complex, multi-peaked flares can be decomposed as a sum of elementary profiles. During flare lightcurve fitting process a linear background is determined as well. In our study we allow the background shape over the event to change linearly with time. Presented approach originally was dedicated to the soft X-ray small flares recorded by Polish spectrophotometer SphinX during the phase of very deep solar minimum of activity, between 23rd and 24th Solar Cycles. However, the method can and will be used to interpret the lightcurves as obtained by the other soft X-ray broad-band spectrometers at the time of both low and higher solar activity level. In the paper we introduce the model and present examples of fits to SphinX and GOES 1-8 Å channel observations as well.
Solar and stellar flares and their impact on planets
Authors: Shibata Kazunari 
Published: September 2016

AbstractRecent observations of the Sun revealed that the solar atmosphere is full of flares and flare-like phenomena, which affect terrestrial environment and our civilization. It has been established that flares are caused by the release of magnetic energy through magnetic reconnection. Many stars show flares similar to solar flares, and such stellar flares especially in stars with fast rotation are much more energetic than solar flares. These are called superflares. The total energy of a solar flare is 1029 − 1032 erg, while that of a superflare is 1033 − 1038 erg. Recently, it was found that superflares (with 1034 − 1035 erg) occur on Sun-like stars with slow rotation with frequency once in 800 - 5000 years. This suggests the possibility of superflares on the Sun. We review recent development of solar and stellar flare research, and briefly discuss possible impacts of superflares on the Earth and exoplanets.
The emergence and the evolution of property rights in ancient Greece
Authors: ECONOMOU EMMANOUIL M. L. , KYRIAZIS NICHOLAS C. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we trace the emergence and the evolution of property rights from the Homeric Era (1100–750 BCE) to Classical Greece, based on ancient sources and modern interpretations. Indications of the emergence of property rights are to be found in the writings of eighth century Homer and Hesiod. Property rights evolved, together with changes in warfare and city-states during the Archaic and Classical periods, becoming more secure and specific, based on contracts. We analyse as case studies Themistocles’ Naval Law of 483/2 BCE and Nicophon's Monetary Law of 376/5. We also cover some other aspects of property rights, such as commercial transactions and the enforcement of contracts, official (written) law and legally binding procedures of law enforcement, banking services and the rights of women.
The Global Commons through a Regional Lens: The Arctic Council on Short-Lived Climate Pollutants
Authors: Khan Sabaa A. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe regulation of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) is widely seen as an important dimension of global atmospheric pollution control and climate change governance. SLCPs emitted outside the Arctic influence the Arctic atmosphere, Arctic communities, and the rate of ice melt. As an intergovernmental forum that brings together three of the world’s major petroleum producers (Russia, the United States, and Canada), the Arctic Council has a pivotal role in reducing the rate of Arctic warming through SLCP mitigation. This article explores the Arctic Council’s approach to SLCP mitigation. It begins by addressing the current status of black carbon and methane in international legal instruments, and goes on to explore the important regime linkages that are set in place through the Arctic Council’s Framework for Action on Enhanced Black Carbon and Methane Emission Reductions. The article suggests that the Arctic Council provides an experimental platform that may catalyze SLCP regulation not only in Arctic jurisdictions but also in Arctic Council observer states, such as China and India. The transnational and inclusive character of the Arctic Council’s constitutional framework and knowledge-generating mechanisms enables new pathways for global action on climate change and air pollution governance.
MSP is a negative regulator of inflammation and lipogenesis in ex vivo models of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Chanda Dipanjan , Li Jieyi , Oligschlaeger Yvonne , Jeurissen Mike L J , Houben Tom , Walenbergh Sofie M A , Shiri-Sverdlov Ronit , Neumann Dietbert 
Published: September 2016

AbstractNon-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a metabolic disorder consisting of steatosis and inflammation, is considered the hepatic equivalent of metabolic syndrome and can result in irreversible liver damage. Macrophage-stimulating protein (MSP) is a hepatokine that potentially has a beneficial role in hepatic lipid and glucose metabolism via the activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). In the current study, we investigated the regulatory role of MSP in the development of inflammation and lipid metabolism in various NASH models, both in vitro and ex vivo. We observed that MSP treatment activated the AMPK signaling pathway and inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and palmitic acid (PA)-induced gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in primary mouse hepatocytes. In addition, MSP treatment resulted in a significant reduction in PA-induced lipid accumulation and inhibited the gene expression of key lipogenic enzymes in HepG2 cells. Upon short hairpin RNA-induced knockdown of RON (the membrane-bound receptor for MSP), the anti-inflammatory and anti-lipogenic effects of MSP were markedly ablated. Finally, to mimic NASH ex vivo, we challenged bone marrow-derived macrophages with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) in combination with LPS. OxLDL+LPS exposure led to a marked inhibition of AMPK activity and a robust increase in inflammation. MSP treatment significantly reversed these effects by restoring AMPK activity and by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokine gene expression and secretion under this condition. Taken together, these data suggest that MSP is an effective inhibitor of inflammation and lipid accumulation in the stressed liver, thereby indicating that MSP has a key regulatory role in NASH.