bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Establishing phenotypic performance of grass varieties on Irish grassland farms
Authors: BYRNE N. , GILLILAND T. J. , McHUGH N. , DELABY L. , GEOGHEGAN A. , O'DONOVAN M. 
Published: November 2017

SUMMARYConventionally perennial ryegrass evaluations are conducted under simulated grazing studies to identify varieties with the best phenotypic performance. However, cut-plot environments differ greatly to those experienced on commercial farms as varieties are not exposed to the same stress levels in test environments. It could be argued that plot-based testing regimes provide little direction to plant breeders in the development of advanced varieties. Varietal phenotypic performance needs to be quantified in ‘commercial’ situations. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the phenotypic performance of a range of perennial ryegrass varieties under commercial farm conditions. Monocultures of 11 Irish Recommended List perennial ryegrass varieties were sown on 66 commercial farms throughout Ireland where performance was evaluated over a 3-year period from 2013 to 2015, inclusive. A linear mixed model was used to quantify variety effects on grassland phenotypic performance characteristics. No significant variety effect was estimated for total, seasonal or silage herbage production. Despite the lack of variety effects, pairwise comparisons found significant performance differences between individual varieties. Grazed herbage yield is of primary importance and was shown to be correlated strongly with total production (0.71); Grazed herbage yield differed significantly by variety, with a range of 1927 kg dry matter (DM)/ha between the highest and lowest performing varieties. Sward quality (dry matter digestibility [DMD]) and density were influenced by variety with a range of 44 g/kg DM for DMD and 0.7 ground score units between the highest and lowest performing varieties. Results of the current study show that on-farm evaluation is effective in identifying the most suitable varieties for intensive grazing regimes, and the phenotypic variance identified among varieties performance for many traits should allow for improved genetic gain in areas such as DM production, persistence and grazing efficiency.
SMALL FAMILY NORMS AND FAMILY WELL-BEING IN INDONESIA, 2006–2014
Authors: Sujarwoto S. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis study examines the consequences of the universalization of small family norms in Indonesia for family well-being over the past decade (2006–2014) using contrasting views of Malthusian theory. Data came from Indonesia’s 2006–2014 Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas) conducted by Indonesia’s Bureau of Statistics and from official statistics. The survey covered 2.3 million households in 483 districts of the country. The findings show a steady small family ratio and an increase in family well-being over this period. A small family was found to be positively associated with high family well-being. The benefits of a small family for family well-being were found to vary between different sub-groups and sub-national levels. The data reveal that improving human capital and increasing access to formal jobs may be among the channels by which small family norms have increased family well-being in Indonesia.
FERTILITY TRANSITION IN SRI LANKA: IS IT A TEMPORARY PHENOMENON?
Authors: Perera E. L. Sunethra J. 
Published: November 2017

SummaryThis paper examines the fertility transition and its recent dynamics in Sri Lanka using data from Demographic and Health Surveys and Population Censuses. Fertility trends and patterns were analysed for two periods: 1953–2000 and 2000–2012. The findings revealed that Sri Lanka’s fertility transition has been relatively rapid and has taken place over a period of about four decades to reach replacement level. Social and health-related factors, including decline in maternal and infant mortality, increase in women’s education, changes in institutions, reproductive values and behaviour, and increased contraceptive use all contributed to bringing down the fertility level by 2000. However, in the 2006/07 Sri Lankan DHS and 2012 Population Census, a slight increase in Total Fertility Rate (TFR) to 2.3 and 2.4, respectively, was observed. Binary logistic regression estimates based on 2006/2007 DHS data were used to identify the significant predictors of fertility preferences of ever-married women. The analysis of factors affecting the likelihood of having a larger family (more than 2 children) revealed that lower educated women were more likely to have a higher number of children than their counterparts with a higher level of education. Women who lived in rural and estate (commercial area of 20 acres or more employing 10 or more labourers) sectors were 1.4 and 1.2 times, respectively, more likely to prefer more children compared with urban women. In terms of ethnic groups, Moor and Tamil women were 4.5 and 1.4 times, respectively, more likely to prefer more children than Sinhalese women. When the economic status of women was considered, the poorer women were 1.4 times more likely to desire a higher number of children compared with rich women, while women in the middle wealth quintile were 1.2 times more likely to desire more children. The findings suggest that the Sri Lankan government should re-visit population and reproductive health policy and family planning programmes to see how it can better manage fertility among the different population groups in Sri Lanka.
SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF LOW FERTILITY IN BRAZIL
Authors: Castanheira Helena Cruz , Kohler Hans-Peter 
Published: November 2017

SummaryAn increasing number of developing countries are experiencing below replacement fertility rates. Although the factors associated with low fertility in developed countries have been widely explored in the literature, studies of low fertility in middle- and low-income countries continue to be rare. To help fill this gap, Brazil was used as a case study to assess whether human development, gender equality and the ability of mothers with young children to work are associated with the likelihood of married or cohabiting women to have a child. For this purpose, multilevel logistic regressions were estimated using the 1991, 2000 and 2010 Brazilian Demographic Censuses. It was found that human development was negatively associated with fertility in the three periods analysed. Gender equality and the ability of mothers with young children to work were positively associated with the odds of having higher order births in Brazil in 2000 and 2010. In 1991, these variables were not associated with higher order births, and gender equality was negatively associated with first births. The positive association found in 2000 and 2010 may constitute a reversal of the relationship that in all likelihood prevailed earlier in the demographic transition when gender equality was most likely negatively correlated with fertility levels.
Temperature modulates the interaction between fungicide pollution and disease: evidence from a Daphnia-microparasitic yeast model
Authors: Cuco Ana P. , Castro Bruno B. , Gonçalves Fernando , Wolinska Justyna , Abrantes Nelson 
Published: November 2017

AbstractTemperature is expected to modulate the responses of organisms to stress. Here, we aimed to assess the influence of temperature on the interaction between parasitism and fungicide contamination. Specifically, using the cladoceran Daphnia as a model system, we explored the isolated and interactive effects of parasite challenge (yeast Metschnikowia bicuspidata) and exposure to fungicides (copper sulphate and tebuconazole) at two temperatures (17 and 20 °C), in a fully factorial design. Confirming a previous study, M. bicuspidata infection and copper exposure caused independent effects on Daphnia life history, whereas infection was permanently suppressed with tebuconazole exposure. Here, we show that higher temperature generally increased the virulence of the parasite, with the hosts developing signs of infection earlier, reproducing less and dying at an earlier age. These effects were consistent across copper concentrations, whereas the joint effects of temperature (which enhanced the difference between non-infected and infected hosts) and the anti-parasitic action of tebuconazole resulted in a more pronounced parasite × tebuconazole interaction at the higher temperature. Thus, besides independently influencing parasite and contaminant effects, the temperature can act as a modulator of interactions between pollution and disease.
Developmental relations between amygdala volume and anxiety traits: Effects of informant, sex, and age
Authors: Warnell Katherine Rice , Pecukonis Meredith , Redcay Elizabeth 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAlthough substantial human and animal evidence suggests a role for the amygdala in anxiety, literature linking amygdala volume to anxiety symptomatology is inconclusive, with studies finding positive, negative, and null results. Clarifying this brain–behavior relation in middle to late childhood is especially important, as this is a time both of amygdala structural maturation and the emergence of many anxiety disorders. The goal of the current study was to clarify inconsistent findings in previous literature by identifying factors moderating the relation between amygdala volume and anxiety traits in a large sample of typically developing children aged 6–13 years (N = 72). In particular, we investigated the moderating effects of informant (parent vs. child), age, and sex. We found that children's reports (i.e., self-reports) were related to amygdala volume; children who reported higher anxiety levels had smaller amygdalae. This negative relation between amygdala volume and anxiety weakened with age. There was also an independent effect of sex, such that relations were stronger in males than in females. These results indicate the importance of considering sample and informant characteristics when charting the neurobiological mechanisms underlying developmental anxiety.
John Deakin Heaton and the ‘elusive civic pride of the Victorian middle class’
Authors: MORGAN SIMON 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACT:Civic pride is rarely studied at the individual level. The journals of Dr John Deakin Heaton provide a unique insight into the motivations of a man linked to many institutions and civic sites of Leeds, celebrated by historians as a progenitor of its famous town hall and the city's first university. This article uses those journals to investigate the matrix of family honour, Anglicanism and professional identity, tempered by self-interest, underpinning Heaton's desire to improve his native town. Its conclusions further justify the recent historiographical emphasis on associational culture and ritual in the study of urban governance.
Awareness, use and information sources of folic acid supplementation to prevent neural tube defects in pregnant Japanese women
Authors: Yamamoto Shumi , Wada Yoshinao 
Published: November 2017

AbstractObjectiveFolic acid supplementation and folate-rich diets are recommended for women of childbearing age worldwide to prevent congenital anomalies. We aimed to determine the current status of folic acid supplementation among pregnant Japanese women and identify means to increase the intake of these supplements.DesignCross-sectional study.SubjectsA total of 1862 pregnant women who consulted the perinatal centre from September 2014 to December 2015 completed a questionnaire concerning knowledge about folic acid, sources of information and the use of folic acid supplements.SettingOsaka Medical Center and Research Institute for Maternal and Child Health (Japan).ResultsIn our study population, only 20·5 % of pregnant women took folic acid supplements periconceptionally even though 70·4 % knew about the protective effect of folic acid. A multivariate analysis demonstrated that age ≥35 years (OR=2·80; 95 % CI 1·24, 6·29) and knowledge of the benefits of folic acid (OR=2·64; 95 % CI 1·92, 3·62) were associated with periconceptional folic acid use, and multiparity was negatively associated with such use. Compared with those who took folic acid supplements periconceptionally, women who did not take supplements received information through passive and less interactive media.ConclusionsAlthough folic acid awareness was relatively high among pregnant Japanese women, folic acid supplementation before conception was insufficient. To increase the intake of folic acid supplements in countries in which foods are not fortified with folic acid, an effective public health approach promoting behavioural change is necessary for women of reproductive age.
THE RACE AGAINST TIME
Authors: Kwate Naa Oyo A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractIn this paper I argue that time is a social determinant of health, and one that perpetuates racial health inequalities. Specifically, Black people in the United States experience time losses across numerous domains throughout the life course, putting them at risk of disproportionate morbidity and mortality. Fundamental cause theory holds that social conditions structure health through pathways to resources including money, knowledge, power, prestige, freedom, and social networks. Racialized time indirectly harms health by disrupting or denying access to these flexible resources and by undoing utility among those that are obtained. Racialized time harms health directly when it produces stress and exacerbates conditions of racial subordination. I examine racialized time in three categories: 1) Black people spending too much time to meet basic needs; 2) Black people having less time spent on them than is required; and 3) lost years of (good quality of) life. Linkages between time and health disadvantage exist in material resources, interactions with the state, intimate lives, public space, and cognitive processes.
Konfirmatorische Prüfung der Skalenstruktur des SF-12 Version 2.0 in einer deutschen bevölkerungs-repräsentativen Stichprobe
Authors: Wirtz Markus Antonius , Morfeld Matthias , Glaesmer Heide , Brähler Elmar 
Published: November 2017

Zusammenfassung. Der Short Form Health Survey SF-12 Fragebogen ist die Kurzform des krankheitsübergreifenden Short Form SF-36 Health Survey, der zur generischen Erfassung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität eingesetzt wird. Die 12 Items des SF-12 erlauben die Bildung eines körperlichen und eines psychischen Summenwertes. Mittels konkurrierender konfirmatorischer Strukturmodelle wurden auf Basis der Daten einer für Deutschland repräsentativen Normstichprobe von N = 2 524 Personen 3 theoriebasierte bzw. in der Literatur berichtete Modellvarianten geprüft. Nach Modifikation des Messmodells des psychischen Faktors konnte eine gute Datenpassung des zweidimensionalen Modells erreicht werden (CFI = .967, TLI = .992, SRMR = .037). Der beste Modell-Fit ergab sich jedoch für ein dreidimensionales Modell, das die emotionale Rollenfunktion als vom psychischen Faktor separierte Komponente annimmt (CFI = .972, TLI = .991, SRMR = .035). Beide modifizierten Strukturmodelle erlauben eine psychometrisch gut begründete Auswertung der SF-12-Daten. Zusätzlich zu einem körperlichen und psychischen Skalenwert lässt sich ein Skalenwert Emotionale Rollenfunktion zur Beschreibung der gesundheitsbezogenen Lebensqualität bestimmen.
Estrogen induces c-Kit and an aggressive phenotype in a model of invasive lobular breast cancer
Authors: Harrell J. Chuck , Shroka Thomas M. , Jacobsen Britta M. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAmong the molecular subtypes of breast cancer are luminal (A or B) estrogen receptor positive (ER+), HER2+, and triple negative (basal-like). In addition to the molecular subtypes, there are 18 histologic breast cancer subtypes classified on appearance, including invasive lobular breast carcinoma (ILC), which are 8–15% of all breast cancers and are largely ER+ tumors. We used a new model of ER+ ILC, called BCK4. To determine the estrogen regulated genes in our ILC model, we examined BCK4 xenograft tumors from mice supplemented with or without estrogen using gene expression arrays. Approximately 3000 genes were regulated by estrogen in vivo. Hierarchical cluster analyses of the BCK4 derived tumors compared with ER+ and ER- breast cancer cell lines show the estrogen treated BCK4 tumors group with ER- breast cancers most likely due to a high proliferation score, while tumors from cellulose supplemented mice were more related to ER+ breast tumor cells. To elucidate genes regulated in vitro by estrogen in BCK4 cells, we performed expression profiling using Illumina arrays of the BCK4 cell line, treated with or without estrogen in vitro. A set of ~200 overlapping genes were regulated by estrogen in the BCK4 cell line and xenograft tumors, and pathway analysis revealed that the c-Kit pathway might be a target to reduce estrogen-induced proliferation. Subsequent studies found that inhibition of c-Kit activity using imatinib mesylate (Gleevec®) blocked estrogen mediated stimulation of BCK4 tumors and BCK4 cells in vitro as effectively as the anti-estrogen fulvestrant (Faslodex®). Decreased expression of c-Kit using shRNA also decreased baseline and estrogen induced proliferation in vitro and in vivo. These studies are the first to indicate that c-Kit inhibition is an effective approach to target c-Kit+ ILC.
Mapping microscale wetting variations on biological and synthetic water-repellent surfaces
Authors: Liimatainen Ville , Vuckovac Maja , Jokinen Ville , Sariola Veikko , Hokkanen Matti J. , Zhou Quan , Ras Robin H. A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractDroplets slip and bounce on superhydrophobic surfaces, enabling remarkable functions in biology and technology. These surfaces often contain microscopic irregularities in surface texture and chemical composition, which may affect or even govern macroscopic wetting phenomena. However, effective ways to quantify and map microscopic variations of wettability are still missing, because existing contact angle and force-based methods lack sensitivity and spatial resolution. Here, we introduce wetting maps that visualize local variations in wetting through droplet adhesion forces, which correlate with wettability. We develop scanning droplet adhesion microscopy, a technique to obtain wetting maps with spatial resolution down to 10 µm and three orders of magnitude better force sensitivity than current tensiometers. The microscope allows characterization of challenging non-flat surfaces, like the butterfly wing, previously difficult to characterize by contact angle method due to obscured view. Furthermore, the technique reveals wetting heterogeneity of micropillared model surfaces previously assumed to be uniform.
Transcribed ultraconserved region 339 promotes carcinogenesis by modulating tumor suppressor microRNAs
Authors: Vannini Ivan , Wise Petra M. , Challagundla Kishore B. , Plousiou Meropi , Raffini Mirco , Bandini Erika , Fanini Francesca , Paliaga Giorgia , Crawford Melissa , Ferracin Manuela , Ivan Cristina , Fabris Linda , Davuluri Ramana V. , Guo Zhiyi , Cortez Maria Angelica , Zhang Xinna , Chen Lu , Zhang Shuxing , Fernandez-Cymering Cecilia , Han Leng , Carloni Silvia , Salvi Samanta , Ling Hui , Murtadha Mariam , Neviani Paolo , Gitlitz Barbara J. , Laird-Offringa Ite A. , Nana-Sinkam Patrick , Negrini Massimo , Liang Han , Amadori Dino , Cimmino Amelia , Calin George A. , Fabbri Muller 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe transcribed ultraconserved regions (T-UCRs) encode long non-coding RNAs implicated in human carcinogenesis. Their mechanisms of action and the factors regulating their expression in cancers are poorly understood. Here we show that high expression of uc.339 correlates with lower survival in 210 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We provide evidence from cell lines and primary samples that TP53 directly regulates uc.339. We find that transcribed uc.339 is upregulated in archival NSCLC samples, functioning as a decoy RNA for miR-339-3p, -663b-3p, and -95-5p. As a result, Cyclin E2, a direct target of all these microRNAs is upregulated, promoting cancer growth and migration. Finally, we find that modulation of uc.339 affects microRNA expression. However, overexpression or downregulation of these microRNAs causes no significant variations in uc.339 levels, suggesting a type of interaction for uc.339 that we call “entrapping”. Our results support a key role for uc.339 in lung cancer.
Sumatran tiger survival threatened by deforestation despite increasing densities in parks
Authors: Luskin Matthew Scott , Albert Wido Rizki , Tobler Mathias W. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe continuing development of improved capture–recapture (CR) modeling techniques used to study apex predators has also limited robust temporal and cross-site analyses due to different methods employed. We develop an approach to standardize older non-spatial CR and newer spatial CR density estimates and examine trends for critically endangered Sumatran tigers (Panthera tigris sumatrae) using a meta-regression of 17 existing densities and new estimates from our own fieldwork. We find that tiger densities were 47% higher in primary versus degraded forests and, unexpectedly, increased 4.9% per yr from 1996 to 2014, likely indicating a recovery from earlier poaching. However, while tiger numbers may have temporarily risen, the total potential island-wide population declined by 16.6% from 2000 to 2012 due to forest loss and degradation and subpopulations are significantly more fragmented. Thus, despite increasing densities in smaller parks, we conclude that there are only two robust populations left with >30 breeding females, indicating Sumatran tigers still face a high risk of extinction unless deforestation can be controlled.
Critical role of the HDAC6–cortactin axis in human megakaryocyte maturation leading to a proplatelet-formation defect
Authors: Messaoudi Kahia , Ali Ashfaq , Ishaq Rameez , Palazzo Alberta , Sliwa Dominika , Bluteau Olivier , Souquère Sylvie , Muller Delphine , Diop Khadija M. , Rameau Philippe , Lapierre Valérie , Marolleau Jean-Pierre , Matthias Patrick , Godin Isabelle , Pierron Gérard , Thomas Steven G. , Watson Stephen P. , Droin Nathalie , Vainchenker William , Plo Isabelle , Raslova Hana , Debili Najet 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThrombocytopenia is a major side effect of a new class of anticancer agents that target histone deacetylase (HDAC). Their mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we show that HDAC6 inhibition and genetic knockdown lead to a strong decrease in human proplatelet formation (PPF). Unexpectedly, HDAC6 inhibition-induced tubulin hyperacetylation has no effect on PPF. The PPF decrease induced by HDAC6 inhibition is related to cortactin (CTTN) hyperacetylation associated with actin disorganization inducing important changes in the distribution of megakaryocyte (MK) organelles. CTTN silencing in human MKs phenocopies HDAC6 inactivation and knockdown leads to a strong PPF defect. This is rescued by forced expression of a deacetylated CTTN mimetic. Unexpectedly, unlike human-derived MKs, HDAC6 and CTTN are shown to be dispensable for mouse PPF in vitro and platelet production in vivo. Our results highlight an unexpected function of HDAC6–CTTN axis as a positive regulator of human but not mouse MK maturation.