bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new aspect of grassland vegetation dynamics: cyanobacterium colonies affect establishment success of plants
Authors: Sonkoly Judit , Valkó Orsolya , Deák Balázs , Miglécz Tamás , Tóth Katalin , Radócz Szilvia , Kelemen András , Riba Milán , Vasas Gábor , Tóthmérész Béla , Török Péter 
Published: February 2017

AbstractAimsCyanobacteria may have considerable effects on community functioning, mostly because they produce various metabolites that adversely affect other organisms. Here we synthesized existing knowledge about the effects of toxic cyanobacteria on the germination and growth of terrestrial plants. We also aimed to test the chemical effects of a Nostoc (Cyanobacteria) extract on the germination and growth of species of alkali habitats to investigate whether cyanobacteria can alter community structure and diversity via affecting the establishment success of plants.LocationCyanobacterium colonies from the Hortobágy National Park, east Hungary; indoor experiments at the University of Debrecen, Hungary.MethodsTo review the effects of toxic cyanobacteria on terrestrial plants, we conducted a literature search. To test these effects on native plants, field‐collected Nostoc colonies were used to prepare a cell‐free water extract, and treatments (watering with Nostoc extract and watering with tap water) were tested on 3 × 100 seeds of nine alkali grassland species. After 5 wk, seedling number, seedling length and fresh and dry weights were measured.ResultsWe collected data on the effects of cyanobacteria on 27 species, but they were mostly focused on crops irrigated with cyanobacteria‐containing water, not on floras native to natural ecosystems. In the germination experiment species identity and treatment had a significant effect on almost all variables, but their interaction only affected germination rate and fresh weight. Fresh weight decreased significantly only in the invasive Hordeum jubatum, but germination rate decreased significantly in five species.ConclusionsBased on our findings, terrestrial cyanobacterium colonies can affect the establishment success of grassland plants, through which they may be important in determining which species can be incorporated into the community. Thus, cyanobacteria might play an important role in shaping diversity, species composition and the structure of natural plant communities.
Explaining Strike Outcomes in Chile: Associational Power, Structural Power, and Spatial Strategies
Authors: Stillerman Joel 
Published: February 2017

AbstractResearch on strikes has traditionally focused on how economic, institutional, and political variables shape strike patterns. Recent work examines how workers' structural, associational, and symbolic power facilitate strikes. Building on this research, this article asks, what factors determine strike outcomes? It analyzes four strikes at MADECO, Chile's largest copper manufacturer, across democratic, authoritarian, and postauthoritarian regimes. Using qualitative and documentary evidence, it argues that strike outcomes reflect workers' capacity to halt or disrupt production and to access government allies who can pressure management to settle strikes in workers' favor. Outcomes vary based on the political composition of government, workers' capacity to halt production, and industry's and government's dependence on foreign investment. MADECO workers' location in Santiago, near national officials, allowed them to mobilize at the local, national, and international scales to pressure management. Comparisons with other strikes in Chile, Argentina, and Peru identify similar mobilization patterns.
Shifts in the ecological niche of Lutzomyia peruensis under climate change scenarios in Peru
Authors: MOO‐LLANES D. A. , ARQUE‐CHUNGA W. , CARMONA‐CASTRO O. , YAÑEZ‐ARENAS C. , YAÑEZ‐TRUJILLANO H. H. , CHEVERRÍA‐PACHECO L. , BAAK‐BAAK C. M. , CÁCERES A. G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe Peruvian Andes presents a climate suitable for many species of sandfly that are known vectors of leishmaniasis or bartonellosis, including Lutzomyia peruensis (Diptera: Psychodidae), among others. In the present study, occurrences data for Lu. peruensis were compiled from several items in the scientific literature from Peru published between 1927 and 2015. Based on these data, ecological niche models were constructed to predict spatial distributions using three algorithms [Support vector machine (SVM), the Genetic Algorithm for Rule‐set Prediction (GARP) and Maximum Entropy (MaxEnt)]. In addition, the environmental requirements of Lu. peruensis and three niche characteristics were modelled in the context of future climate change scenarios: (a) potential changes in niche breadth; (b) shifts in the direction and magnitude of niche centroids, and (c) shifts in elevation range. The model identified areas that included environments suitable for Lu. peruensis in most regions of Peru (45.77%) and an average altitude of 3289 m a.s.l. Under climate change scenarios, a decrease in the distribution areas of Lu. peruensis was observed for all representative concentration pathways. However, the centroid of the species' ecological niche showed a northwest direction in all climate change scenarios. The information generated in this study may help health authorities responsible for the supervision of strategies to control leishmaniasis to coordinate, plan and implement appropriate strategies for each area of risk, taking into account the geographic distribution and potential dispersal of Lu. peruensis.
Healthcare Utilization and Quality of Life Improvement after Ablation for Paroxysmal AF in Younger and Older Patients
Authors: BIVIANO ANGELO B. , HUNTER TINA D. , DANDAMUDI GOPI , FISHEL ROBERT S. , GIDNEY BRETT , HERWEG BENGT , OZA SAUMIL R. , PATEL ANSHUL MAHENDRA , WANG HUIJIAN , POLLAK SCOTT J. 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) prevalence increases significantly with age. Little is known about the effect of AF ablation on quality of life and healthcare utilization in the elderly. The objective of this study was to quantify the healthcare utilization and quality of life benefits of catheter ablation for AF, for patients ≥65 years compared to patients <65 years.MethodsTwo multicenter U.S. registry studies enrolled patients with paroxysmal AF. Baseline characteristics and acute outcomes were collected for 736 patients receiving catheter ablation with the Navistar® ThermoCool® SF Catheter (Biosense Webster, Inc., Diamond Bar, CA, USA). Healthcare utilization and quality of life outcomes were collected through 1 year postablation for 508 patients.ResultsThe rates of acute pulmonary vein isolation were high and similar between patients ≥65 years and <65 years (97.5% vs 95.8%, P = 0.2130). Length of stay for the index procedure was similar between age groups with 82.2% of the older group and 83.2% of the younger group having one‐day hospitalization. Disease‐specific quality of life instrument scores improved significantly and similarly for older and younger patients at 1 year postablation, compared to baseline. AF‐related hospitalizations and emergency department visits were similar or lower in older patients compared to younger patients, as reported at 1 year postablation.ConclusionFor older patients undergoing catheter ablation for paroxysmal AF, healthcare utilization parameters were lower or not significantly different than for younger patients, and quality of life outcomes were similarly improved. These findings support the use of catheter ablation as a treatment option in older patients with paroxysmal AF.
Whose Voice? The Role of Charities in the Rise of Hyper‐Policing of Their Clients
Authors: Mead Joseph 
Published: February 2017

Related Content: Ward and Menifield (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Robinson and Ramsey (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Pegues (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Ward (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Epp, Maynard-Moody, and Haider-Markel (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Davenport (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Eterno, Barrow, and Silverman (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: DeBenedetto (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Hong (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Nicholson-Crotty, Nicholson-Crotty, and Fernandez (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Jennings and Rubado (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Fretwell and Lombardo (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Ho and Cho (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Villegas (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Rivera and Ward (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Menifield (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Middlemass (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Rollins and Hilliard (PAR March/April 2017)
Race, Class, and Gender: An Intersectional Framework
Authors: Middlemass Keesha M. 
Published: February 2017

Related Content: Ward and Menifield (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Robinson and Ramsey (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Pegues (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Ward (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Epp, Maynard-Moody, and Haider-Markel (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Davenport (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Eterno, Barrow, and Silverman (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: DeBenedetto (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Hong (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Nicholson-Crotty, Nicholson-Crotty, and Fernandez (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Jennings and Rubado (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Fretwell and Lombardo (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Ho and Cho (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Villegas (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Rivera and Ward (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Menifield (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Mead (PAR March/April 2017)
Related Content: Rollins and Hilliard (PAR March/April 2017)
Progress in fish gastrointestinal microbiota research
Authors: Wang An R. , Ran Chao , Ringø Einar , Zhou Zhi G. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe gastrointestinal (GI) microbiota of vertebrates plays critical roles in nutrition, development, immunity and resistance against invasive pathogens. In the past decade, research of the GI microbiota of mammals has drastically increased our knowledge on the microbiota and their relationship with health and disease. However, our understanding of fish intestinal microbiota is limited. This review provides an overview of research on fish gut microbiota, including microbial composition, formation, factors that affect the GI microbes and characteristics of fish intestinal microbiota compared with human and mice. Further, the updated research on gnotobiotic zebrafish is elaborated and the insights gained on functions of the fish intestinal microbiota are discussed. Understanding the intestinal microbiota of fish will guide the development of probiotics, prebiotics and hopefully probiotic effectors as novel additives to improve the health of fish.
Determining Probability of Importance of Features in a
Sketch
Authors: Cruz-Lozano Ricardo , Alemayehu Fisseha M. , Ekwaro-Osire Stephen , Endeshaw Haileyesus B. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract
Sketches can be categorized as personal, shared, persuasive, and handover sketches. Depending on each category, their level of ambiguity also varies. The applications of sketches include conceptual design, eliciting user preferences, shape retrieval, and sketch-based modeling (SBM). There is a need for quantification of uncertainty in sketches in mapping of sketches to three-dimensional (3D) models in sketch-based modeling, in eliciting user preferences, and in tuning the level of uncertainty in sketches at the conceptual design stage. This paper investigates the role of probability of importance in quantifying the level of uncertainty in sketches by raising the following three research questions: How are the features in a sketch ranked? What is the probability of importance of features in a sketch? What is the level of uncertainty in a sketch? This paper presents an improved framework for uncertainty quantification in sketches. The framework is capable of identifying and ranking the features in the sketch, determining their probability of importance, and finally quantifying the level of uncertainty in the sketch. Ranking the features of a sketch is performed by a hierarchical approach, whereas probability of importance is determined by assessing the probability of likeliness using a shape matching approach and a probability transformation. Quantification of uncertainty is accomplished by using the principle of normalization of entropy. A case study of a bicycle sketch is used to demonstrate that the framework eliminates the need of expert input in assessment of uncertainty in sketches and, hence, can be used by design practitioners with limited experience.
European Multicenter Study on Analytical Performance of DxN Veris System HCV Assay
Authors: Braun Patrick , Delgado Rafael , Drago Monica , Fanti Diana , Fleury Hervé , Gismondo Maria Rita , Hofmann Jörg , Izopet Jacques , Kühn Sebastian , Lombardi Alessandra , Marcos Maria Angeles , Sauné Karine , O'Shea Siobhan , Pérez-Rivilla Alfredo , Ramble John , Trimoulet Pascale , Vila Jordi , Whittaker Duncan , Artus Alain , Rhodes Daniel W. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

The analytical performance of the Veris HCV Assay for use on the new and fully automated Beckman Coulter DxN Veris Molecular Diagnostics System (DxN Veris System) was evaluated at 10 European virology laboratories. Precision, analytical sensitivity, specificity, and performance with negative samples, linearity, and performance with hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes were evaluated. Precision for all sites showed a standard deviation (SD) of 0.22 log
10
IU/ml or lower for each level tested. Analytical sensitivity determined by probit analysis was between 6.2 and 9.0 IU/ml. Specificity on 94 unique patient samples was 100%, and performance with 1,089 negative samples demonstrated 100% not-detected results. Linearity using patient samples was shown from 1.34 to 6.94 log
10
IU/ml. The assay demonstrated linearity upon dilution with all HCV genotypes. The Veris HCV Assay demonstrated an analytical performance comparable to that of currently marketed HCV assays when tested across multiple European sites.
Replication Capacity of Viruses from Acute Infection Drives HIV-1 Disease Progression
Authors: Selhorst Philippe , Combrinck Carina , Ndabambi Nonkululeko , Ismail Sherazaan D. , Abrahams Melissa-Rose , Lacerda Miguel , Samsunder Natasha , Garrett Nigel , Abdool Karim Quarraisha , Abdool Karim Salim S. , Williamson Carolyn 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACT

The viral genotype has been shown to play an important role in HIV pathogenesis following transmission. However, the viral phenotypic properties that contribute to disease progression remain unclear. Most studies have been limited to the evaluation of Gag function in the context of a recombinant virus backbone. Using this approach, important biological information may be lost, making the evaluation of viruses obtained during acute infection, representing the transmitted virus, a more biologically relevant model. Here, we evaluate the roles of viral infectivity and the replication capacity of viruses from acute infection in disease progression in women who seroconverted in the CAPRISA 004 tenofovir microbicide trial. We show that viral replication capacity, but not viral infectivity, correlates with the set point viral load (Spearman
r
= 0.346;
P
= 0.045) and that replication capacity (hazard ratio [HR] = 4.52;
P
= 0.01) can predict CD4 decline independently of the viral load (HR = 2.9;
P
= 0.004) or protective HLA alleles (HR = 0.61;
P
= 0.36). We further demonstrate that Gag-Pro is not the main driver of this association, suggesting that additional properties of the transmitted virus play a role in disease progression. Finally, we find that although viruses from the tenofovir arm were 2-fold less infectious, they replicated at rates similar to those of viruses from the placebo arm. This indicates that the use of tenofovir gel did not select for viral variants with higher replication capacity. Overall, this study supports a strong influence of the replication capacity in acute infection on disease progression, potentially driven by interaction of multiple genes rather than a dominant role of the major structural gene
gag
.

IMPORTANCE
HIV disease progression is known to differ between individuals, and defining which fraction of this variation can be attributed to the virus is important both clinically and epidemiologically. In this study, we show that the replication capacity of viruses isolated during acute infection predicts subsequent disease progression and drives CD4 decline independently of the viral load. This provides further support for the hypothesis that the replication capacity of the transmitted virus determines the initial damage to the immune system, setting the pace for later disease progression. However, we did not find evidence that the major structural gene
gag
drives this correlation, highlighting the importance of other genes in determining disease progression.
Primary healthcare usage and use of medications among immigrant children according to age of arrival to Norway: a population-based study
Authors: Fadnes Lars T , Diaz Esperanza 
Published: February 2017

BackgroundMorbidity, use of healthcare and medication use have been reported to vary across groups of migrants and according to the different phases of migration, but little is known about children with immigrant background. In this study, we investigate whether the immigrant children's age of arrival predicts differences in usage of primary healthcare (PHC) and in use of prescribed medication.MethodsThis nationwide, population-based study used information for children under 18 years of age in 2008 from three linked registers in Norway. Use of medication was assessed with logistic regression analyses presented with ORs with 95% CIs.ResultsOf 1 168 365 children, 119 251 had immigrant background. The mean number of PHC visits among children aged 10–18 years, was 1.19 for non-immigrants, 1.17 among second generation immigrants, 1.12, 1.05 and 0.83 among first immigrant children who were <5, 5–9 and ≥10 years at arrival in Norway, respectively. Patterns were similar for younger immigrants, and were confirmed with regression models adjusting for age and sex. First generation immigrant children used less of nearly all groups of prescribed medication compared to non-immigrants when adjusting for age and sex (overall OR 0.48 (0.47 to 0.49)), and medication was also generally less used among second generation immigrant children (overall OR 0.92 (0.91 to 0.94)).ConclusionsAge of arrival predicted PHC usage among children among first-generation children. First-generation immigrant children, particularly those arriving later in adolescence, used PHC less than age corresponding non-immigrant children. Immigrant children used less prescribed medication compared to non-immigrants after adjustment for age and sex.
Is frailty a relevant concept in SLE?
Authors: Katz Patricia P , Andrews James , Yazdany Jinoos , Schmajuk Gabriela , Trupin Laura , Yelin Edward 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveIn geriatric populations, frailty is associated with poor health outcomes, including mortality. Frailty has not been examined in lupus, although components of the phenotype seem relevant.MethodsWomen with lupus (n=152) participated in research visits in 2008–2009. Frailty was assessed by Fried's frailty phenotype criteria: low weight/unintentional weight loss, slow gait (4-m walk using sex and height criteria), weakness (grip strength using gender and body mass index criteria), exhaustion (2 specific questions) and inactivity (from physical activity questionnaire). Women accumulating 3+ components were classified as ‘frail’, one or two components as ‘prefrail’, and none as ‘robust’. Physical function (36-item Short Form (SF-36) Physical Functioning subscale and Valued Life Activities disability scale), cognitive function (from a 12-test battery) and mortality were examined as outcomes. Mortality was determined as of December 2015. Multiple regression analyses examined concurrent and 2-year function controlling for age, lupus duration, race/ethnicity, glucocorticoid use, obesity, self-reported disease activity and damage and, for longitudinal analyses, baseline function. Mortality analyses controlled for age, lupus duration and baseline disease damage scores.ResultsMean age was 48 (±12) years, mean lupus duration was 16 (±9) years. 20% of the sample was classified as frail and 50% as prefrail. Frail women had significantly worse physical functioning than both robust and prefrail women and were more likely to have cognitive impairment. Frail women were also more likely to experience declines in functioning and onset of cognitive impairment. Mortality rates were significantly higher in the frail group (frail 19.4%; prefrail 3.9%; robust 2.3%). Odds (95% CI) of death for frail women were elevated, even after adjusting for age, lupus duration and baseline disease damage (5.9 (0.6 to 57.1)).ConclusionsPrevalence of frailty in this sample of women with lupus was higher than in samples of older adults. Frailty was associated with poor physical and cognitive function, functional declines and mortality.
Chapter 14 Seismicity of the Andaman–Nicobar Islands and Andaman Sea
Authors: Carter A. , Bandopadhyay P. C. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

This chapter examines the history and distribution of seismicity across the Andaman–Nicobar island arc and Andaman Sea. Fundamental differences between the Andaman section of the subduction zone and the Sumatra–Java section to the south help to explain the nature of the deformation. Magnitudes of displacements varied along-strike from uniform dip-slip on the southern (Sumatran) segment to dip-slip and strike-slip components on the Andaman and Nicobar segment. The Andaman section has a more steeply dipping slab and a thicker sediment cover compared to the Sumatra region where coupling with the overlying plate is stronger. Temporal and spatial patterns of seismicity in the Andaman Sea spreading centre are consistent with normal faulting and
c.
25 year cycles of dyke injection are considered responsible for the bulk of the spreading.
Chapter 3 Regional context of the geology of the Andaman–Nicobar accretionary ridge
Authors: Clift Peter D. 
Published: February 2017

Abstract

The Andaman–Nicobar accretionary ridge forms the eastern boundary of the Bay of Bengal and is presently being constructed by accretion and underplating of sediments off-scraped from the obliquely colliding Bengal Fan. Net accretion is relatively low (
c.
28%) with the rest subducted mostly into the upper mantle. Although subduction initiated along the margin at
c.
95 Ma, large-scale subduction accretion likely accelerated during the Early Miocene by which time wedge top basins had formed. Prior to that time, sediment off-scraped during the Eocene against the ophiolitic backstop was probably derived from the adjacent magmatic arc of Burma. There was also some erosion of continental sources at that time, probably from the Sibumasu Block which forms the western edge of Sundaland. The scale of this accretion was small and potentially interrupted by times of tectonic erosion during the Palaeogene. The influence of continental erosion increased into the Oligocene, potentially accompanied by modest flux from the Indus–Yarlung Suture via the Irrawaddy River. Drainage capture in eastern Tibet in the Early Miocene and opening of the Andaman Sea, probably in the Late Miocene, has removed these source areas to the Andaman Trench.