bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
And yet they thrive!—Regaining the relevance of a transparency system
Authors: Hedlin Pontus 
Published: November 2017

AbstractOver the past decade, a host of donor organizations implemented transparency systems to make international development aid more transparent to the public. These initiatives have met with little public interest, but their proliferation and development show no sign of diminishing. This article shows how internal importance to the political system, fueled by formal rankings and the exhibition of transparency systems as a flagship initiative, can replace relevance to the public as a driving force for sustainable development. The article concludes by discussing the possibility of a future development where transparency systems finally do connect with user groups, such as citizens of both donor and recipient countries, and gain a relevance even beyond original intentions.
Vector velocity imaging echocardiography to study the effects of submassive pulmonary embolism on the right atrium
Authors: Khan Umar A. , Aurigemma Gerard P. , Tighe Dennis A. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesTo assess the effects of submassive pulmonary embolism (SMPE) on right atrial (RA) anatomy and function.BackgroundRight ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is associated with adverse outcomes in SMPE. However, the effects of SMPE on the structure and function of the RA have received much less attention.MethodsFifty patients with SMPE documented by CT angiography (SMPE group) and evidence of RVD on two‐dimensional echocardiography were retrospectively identified and compared to 50 controls (control group). Both RA and RV areas, volumes and fractional area change (FAC) were measured. Pulmonary artery systolic pressures were estimated. RA and RV longitudinal strains were obtained using vector velocity imaging (VVI).ResultsCompared with controls, RA and RV FACs were significantly reduced and associated with higher chamber volumes in the SMPE group. Global longitudinal RA strain was reduced in the SMPE group (29% + 11% vs 55% + 16%; P < .01), as was global RV longitudinal strain (−12% + 5% vs −20% + 5%, P < .01), when compared to the controls. A linear relationship existed between RV and RA strain in both groups; however, the curve was shifted downward among those with SMPE. Furthermore, ROC curve analysis suggests RA area performs better than RV area as a marker of SMPE.ConclusionsRA structure and function are adversely affected in SMPE, similar to the effects observed in RV. Lower RA strain appears to be a novel quantitative indicator of SMPE, and RA area may be a more sensitive marker of this condition and may provide additional prognostic information in this condition.
Left ventricular dispersion as a parameter for augmented left ventricular stroke volume in patients with atrial septal defect following transcatheter closure
Authors: Hatani Yutaka , Tanaka Hidekazu , Mochizuki Yasuhide , Hatazawa Keiko , Matsuzoe Hiroki , Shimoura Hiroyuki , Ooka Junichi , Sano Hiroyuki , Sawa Takuma , Motoji Yoshiki , Ryo‐Koriyama Keiko , Matsumoto Kensuke , Otake Hiromasa , Shinke Toshiro , Hirata Ken‐ichi 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesThe closure of atrial septal defect (ASD) results in normalized left ventricular (LV) and right ventricular (RV) geometry, and can increase LV stroke volume (LVSV), but the parameters associated with this increase after the closure of ASD remain uncertain.MethodsSeventy ASD patients, who underwent transcatheter closure, were studied. Their mean age was 57.80 ± 16.88 years, 42 (60%) were female, and LV ejection fraction (LVEF) was 66.76% ± 7.91% (all ≥55%). Transthoracic echocardiography was performed before and 3 months after the procedure. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) was determined as the average peak speckle tracking strain of 18 segments from the 3 standard apical views, LV dispersion was defined as standard deviation of time‐to‐peak strain from the same views, and RV systolic function was calculated by averaging the 3‐regional peak speckle tracking longitudinal strains from the RV free wall. A significant relative increase in LVSV between before and 3 months after the closure was defined as ∆LVSV ≥15%. Twenty age‐, gender‐, and LVEF‐matched controls served as the control group.ResultsGlobal longitudinal strain (GLS) and RV free wall strain were similar for ASD patients and controls, but LV dispersion in ASD patients was significantly larger. Global longitudinal strain (GLS) remained unchanged after transcatheter closure, whereas RV free wall strain and LV dispersion decreased significantly. An important finding of the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that ∆LV dispersion was the only independent determinant of increased LVSV after the closure (OR 1.023; 95% CI 1.001–1.046; P < .01).ConclusionsThe assessment of LV dispersion may well have clinical implications for better management of ASD patients after transcatheter closure.
Dietary niche expansion and niche shift in native marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) living in sympatry with introduced rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Musseau Camille , Vincenzi Simone , Jesenšek Dušan , Boulêtreau Stéphanie , Santoul Frédéric , Nicolas Delphine , Crivelli Alain J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe non‐native rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) has been introduced worldwide for angling purposes and has established self‐reproducing populations in many parts of the world. Introduced rainbow trout often have negative effects on the native salmonid species, ranging from decrease abundance, growth and survival, to their local extinction. Assessing the effects of introduced rainbow trout on the native species is thus crucial to better set up conservation programmes. In this study, we investigated the effects of non‐native rainbow trout on the diet of native marble trout (Salmo marmoratus) living in the Idrijca River (Slovenia). An impassable waterfall separates the stream in two sectors only a few hundred metres apart: a downstream sector (treatment) in which marble trout live in sympatry (MTs) with rainbow trout (RTs) and an upstream sector (control) in which marble trout live in allopatry (MTa). Specifically, we investigated using stable isotopes the effects of rainbow trout on dietary niche, diet composition, body condition, and lipid content of marble trout. We found dietary niche expansion and niche shift in marble trout living in sympatry with rainbow trout. Compared to MTa, MTs had higher piscivory rate and showed higher body condition and prereproduction lipid content. Our results indicate that the presence of rainbow trout did not have negative effects on marble trout diet and condition and that changes in dietary niche of marble trout are likely to be an adaptive response to the presence of rainbow trout, and further research is needed to better understand.
Theta synchronization over occipito‐temporal cortices during visual perception of body parts
Authors: Moreau Quentin , Pavone Enea F. , Aglioti Salvatore M. , Candidi Matteo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractCategorical clustering in the visual system is thought to have evolved as a function of intrinsic (intra‐areal) and extrinsic (interareal) connectivity and experience. In the visual system, the extrastriate body area (EBA), an occipito‐temporal region, responds to full body and body part images under the organizational principle of their functional/semantic meaning. Although frequency‐specific modulations of neural activity associated with perceptive and cognitive functions are increasingly attracting the interest of neurophysiologists and cognitive neuroscientists, perceiving single body parts with different functional meaning and full body images induces time–frequency modulations over occipito‐temporal electrodes are yet to be described. Here, we studied this issue by measuring EEG in participants who passively observed fingers, hands, arms and faceless full body images with four control plant stimuli, each bearing hierarchical analogy with the body stimuli. We confirmed that occipito‐temporal electrodes (compatible with the location of EBA) show a larger event‐related potential (ERP, N190) for body‐related images. Furthermore, we identified a body part‐specific (i.e. selective for hands and arms) theta event‐related synchronization increase under the same electrodes. This frequency modulation associated with the perception of body effectors over occipito‐temporal cortices is in line with recent findings of categorical organization of neural responses to human effectors in the visual system.
Motion contrast in primary visual cortex: a direct comparison of single neuron and population encoding
Authors: Conde‐Ocazionez Sergio , Altavini Tiago S. , Wunderle Thomas , Schmidt Kerstin E. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractFeatures from outside the classical receptive field (CRF) can modulate the stimulus‐driven activity of single cells in the primary visual cortex. This modulation, mediated by horizontal and feedback networks, has been extensively described as a variation of firing rate and is considered the basis of processing features as, for example, motion contrast. However, surround influences have also been identified in pairwise spiking or local field coherence. Yet, evidence about co‐existence and integration of different neural signatures remains elusive. To compare multiple signatures, we recorded spiking and LFP activity evoked by stimuli exhibiting a motion contrast in the CRFs surround in anesthetized cat primary visual cortex. We chose natural‐like scenes over gratings to avoid predominance of simple visual features, which could be easily represented by a rate code. We analyzed firing rates and phase‐locking to low‐gamma frequency in single cells and neuronal assemblies. Motion contrast was reflected in all measures but in semi‐independent populations. Whereas activation of assemblies accompanied single neuron rates, their phase relations were modulated differently. Interestingly, only assembly phase relations mirrored the direction of movement of the surround and were selectively affected by thermal deactivation of visual interhemispheric connections. We argue that motion contrast can be reflected in complementary and superimposed neuronal signatures that can represent different surround features in independent neuronal populations.
Acid pretreatment increased lipid biomarker extractability: a case study to reveal soil organic matter input from rubber trees after long‐term cultivation
Authors: Li F. F. , Zhang P. C. , Wu D. P. , Xu Y. , Chen F. Y. , Chang Z. F. , Chu G. , Wang L. , Pan B. , Xing B. S. 
Published: November 2017

The lipids extractable by organic solvents are important components of soil organic matter (SOM) and were used to trace the sources and degradation of SOM. Previous studies have suggested soil mineral protection of lipids, which might decrease the efficiency of extraction of some lipid compounds by organic solvents. Therefore, in this study we applied a mild acid treatment to remove most of the reactive mineral particles without altering SOM chemical structures. The SOM information provided by lipid biomarkers was different before and after acid treatment in this research. Because of the various chemical contents of lipids, the presence of reactive minerals might alter lipid biomarker signals considerably and could lead to the wrong conclusions. Based on lipid biomarker information obtained through acid‐aided extraction, we identified that the source for alkanoic acids was different from that for alkanols and alkanes. Alkanoic acids were derived from both original vegetation (bamboos) and new inputs from fresh rubber tree tissues, whereas alkanols and alkanes were mainly from the original vegetation. Various biomarker indices indicated an extended degradation of lipids after intensive rubber tree cultivation. The leaching of short‐chain aliphatic lipids and the new input of alkanoic acids in the surface soil were also considered to avoid the incorrect orientation of biomarker information. This study suggested that although the new input from rubber trees was evident in cultivated soil, cultivation activities might enhance the degradation of SOM and accelerate its turnover. The cycling of SOM thus needs to be investigated carefully to protect the ecosystems affected by intense human activity.Highlights
The extractability of lipids is enhanced after removal of reactive minerals.
Various biomarkers indicate enhanced lipid degradation after cultivation.
New input of SOM from rubber trees is suggested by alkanoic acid biomarkers.
Cultivation activities accelerate SOM degradation and turnover.
Does a plant‐eating insect's diet govern the evolution of insecticide resistance? Comparative tests of the pre‐adaptation hypothesis
Authors: Hardy Nate B. , Peterson Daniel A. , Ross Laura , Rosenheim Jay A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAccording to the pre‐adaptation hypothesis, the evolution of insecticide resistance in plant‐eating insects co‐opts adaptations that initially evolved during chemical warfare with their host plants. Here, we used comparative statistics to test two predictions of this hypothesis: (i) Insects with more diverse diets should evolve resistance to more diverse insecticides. (ii) Feeding on host plants with strong or diverse qualitative chemical defenses should prime an insect lineage to evolve insecticide resistance. Both predictions are supported by our tests. What makes this especially noteworthy is that differences in the diets of plant‐eating insect species are typically ignored by the population genetic models we use to make predictions about insecticide resistance evolution. Those models surely capture some of the differences between host‐use generalists and specialists, for example, differences in population size and migration rates into treated fields, but they miss other potentially important differences, for example, differences in metabolic diversity and gene expression plasticity. Ignoring these differences could be costly.
Great tits and the city: Distribution of genomic diversity and gene–environment associations along an urbanization gradient
Authors: Perrier Charles , Lozano del Campo Ana , Szulkin Marta , Demeyrier Virginie , Gregoire Arnaud , Charmantier Anne 
Published: November 2017

AbstractUrbanization is a growing concern challenging the evolutionary potential of wild populations by reducing genetic diversity and imposing new selection regimes affecting many key fitness traits. However, genomic footprints of urbanization have received little attention so far. Using RAD sequencing, we investigated the genomewide effects of urbanization on neutral and adaptive genomic diversity in 140 adult great tits Parus major collected in locations with contrasted urbanization levels (from a natural forest to highly urbanized areas of a city; Montpellier, France). Heterozygosity was slightly lower in the more urbanized sites compared to the more rural ones. Low but significant effect of urbanization on genetic differentiation was found, at the site level but not at the nest level, indicative of the geographic scale of urbanization impact and of the potential for local adaptation despite gene flow. Gene–environment association tests identified numerous SNPs with small association scores to urbanization, distributed across the genome, from which a subset of 97 SNPs explained up to 81% of the variance in urbanization, overall suggesting a polygenic response to selection in the urban environment. These findings open stimulating perspectives for broader applications of high‐resolution genomic tools on other cities and larger sample sizes to investigate the consistency of the effects of urbanization on the spatial distribution of genetic diversity and the polygenic nature of gene–urbanization association.
Differential adult survival at close seabird colonies: The importance of spatial foraging segregation and bycatch risk during the breeding season
Authors: Genovart Meritxell , Bécares Juan , Igual José‐Manuel , Martínez‐Abraín Alejandro , Escandell Raul , Sánchez Antonio , Rodríguez Beneharo , Arcos José M. , Oro Daniel 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMarine megafauna, including seabirds, are critically affected by fisheries bycatch. However, bycatch risk may differ on temporal and spatial scales due to the uneven distribution and effort of fleets operating different fishing gear, and to focal species distribution and foraging behavior. Scopoli's shearwater Calonectris diomedea is a long‐lived seabird that experiences high bycatch rates in longline fisheries and strong population‐level impacts due to this type of anthropogenic mortality. Analyzing a long‐term dataset on individual monitoring, we compared adult survival (by means of multi‐event capture–recapture models) among three close predator‐free Mediterranean colonies of the species. Unexpectedly for a long‐lived organism, adult survival varied among colonies. We explored potential causes of this differential survival by (1) measuring egg volume as a proxy of food availability and parental condition; (2) building a specific longline bycatch risk map for the species; and (3) assessing the distribution patterns of breeding birds from the three study colonies via GPS tracking. Egg volume was very similar between colonies over time, suggesting that environmental variability related to habitat foraging suitability was not the main cause of differential survival. On the other hand, differences in foraging movements among individuals from the three colonies expose them to differential mortality risk, which likely influenced the observed differences in adult survival. The overlap of information obtained by the generation of specific bycatch risk maps, the quantification of population demographic parameters, and the foraging spatial analysis should inform managers about differential sensitivity to the anthropogenic impact at mesoscale level and guide decisions depending on the spatial configuration of local populations. The approach would apply and should be considered in any species where foraging distribution is colony‐specific and mortality risk varies spatially.
Variability in grass forage quality and quantity in response to elevated CO2 and water limitation
Authors: McGranahan D. A. , Yurkonis K. A. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractGlobal climate change is expected to alter carbon dioxide concentration ([CO2]) and water availability, with uncertain impacts on agriculture. Forage quality and quantity in grazing systems are of particular concern because C3 and C4 plants respond differently to altered environmental conditions. In a growth chamber, we compared crude protein content, biomass recovery and total crude protein across a set of perennial C3 and C4 grasses from the northern U.S. Great Plains under elevated [CO2] and simulated drought. Simulated 95% confidence intervals indicate both C3 and C4 grasses increased forage quality and quantity under elevated [CO2]. C4 grasses were generally resistant to water limitation while forage quality and quantity of C3 grasses declined under simulated drought. Our results are consistent with literature on forage quantity responses to elevated [CO2] and drought, but forage quality responses contradict expectations. We suggest measuring plant functional traits might better elucidate response mechanisms and ameliorate methodological differences even if traits are not directly applicable to grazing management.
Pre‐exposure prophylaxis: awareness, acceptability and risk compensation behaviour among men who have sex with men and the transgender population
Authors: Uthappa CK , Allam RR , Pant R , Pal S , Dinaker M , Oruganti G , Yeldandi VV 
Published: November 2017

ObjectivesThis exploratory study examined the facilitators of and barriers to acceptance of pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and potential risk compensation behaviour emerging from its use among men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender individuals (TGs) in India.MethodsA questionnaire was administered to 400 individuals registered with a targeted intervention programme. Logistic regression models were used to identify facilitators of and barriers to PrEP acceptance.ResultsThe respondents consisted of 68% MSM and 32% TGs. Risk behaviour categorization identified 40% as low risk, 41% as medium risk and, 19% as high risk for HIV infection. About 93% of the respondents were unaware of PrEP, but once informed about it, 99% were willing to use PrEP. The facilitators of PrEP acceptance were some schooling [odds ratio (OR) 2.16; P = 0.51], being married or in a live‐in relationship (OR 2.08; P = 0.46), having a high calculated risk (OR 3.12; P = 0.33), and having a high self‐perceived risk (OR 1.8; P = 0.35). Increasing age (OR 2.12; P = 0.04) was a significant barrier. TGs had higher odds of acceptance of PrEP under conditions of additional cost (OR 2.12; P = 0.02) and once‐daily pill (OR 2.85; P = 0.04). Individuals identified as low risk for HIV infection showed lower odds of potential risk compensation, defined as more sexual partners (OR 0.8; P = 0.35), unsafe sex with new partners (OR 0.71; P = 0.16), and decreased condom use with regular partners (OR 0.95; P = 0.84), as compared with medium‐risk individuals. The associations, although not statistically significant, are nevertheless important for public health action given the limited scientific evidence on PrEP use among MSM and TGs in India.ConclusionsWith high acceptability and a low likelihood of risk compensation behaviour, PrEP can be considered as an effective prevention strategy for HIV infection among MSM and TGs in India.
INDUSTRY DYNAMICS AND THE MINIMUM WAGE: A PUTTY‐CLAY APPROACH
Authors: Aaronson Daniel , French Eric , Sorkin Isaac , To Ted 
Published: November 2017

AbstractWe document two new findings about the industry‐level response to minimum wage hikes. First, restaurant exit and entry both rise following a hike. Second, there is no change in employment among continuing restaurants. We develop a model of industry dynamics based on putty‐clay technology that is consistent with these findings. In the model, continuing restaurants cannot change employment, and thus industry‐level adjustment occurs gradually through exit of labor‐intensive restaurants and entry of capital‐intensive restaurants. Interestingly, the putty‐clay model matches the small estimated short‐run disemployment effect of the minimum wage found in other studies, but produces a larger long‐run disemployment effect.
CD38 modulates respiratory syncytial virus‐driven proinflammatory processes in human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells
Authors: Schiavoni Ilaria , Scagnolari Carolina , Horenstein Alberto L. , Leone Pasqualina , Pierangeli Alessandra , Malavasi Fabio , Ausiello Clara M. , Fedele Giorgio 
Published: November 2017

SummaryRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is the most common cause of hospitalization due to bronchiolitis in infants. Although the mechanisms behind this association are not completely elucidated, they appear to involve an excessive immune response causing lung pathology. Understanding the host response to RSV infection may help in the identification of targets for therapeutic intervention. We infected in‐vitro human monocyte‐derived dendritic cells (DCs) with RSV and analysed various aspects of the cellular response. We found that RSV induces in DCs the expression of CD38, an ectoenzyme that catalyses the synthesis of cyclic ADPR (cADPR). Remarkably, CD38 was under the transcriptional control of RSV‐induced type I interferon (IFN). CD38 and a set of IFN‐stimulated genes (ISGs) were inhibited by the anti‐oxidant N‐acetyl cysteine. When CD38‐generated cADPR was restrained by 8‐Br‐cADPR or kuromanin, a flavonoid known to inhibit CD38 enzymatic activity, RSV‐induced type I/III IFNs and ISGs were markedly reduced. Taken together, these results suggest a key role of CD38 in the regulation of anti‐viral responses. Inhibition of CD38 enzymatic activity may represent an encouraging approach to reduce RSV‐induced hyperinflammation and a novel therapeutic option to treat bronchiolitis.