bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temporal variability in the way local habitat affects duck population growth
Authors: Feldman Richard E. , Anderson Michael G. , Howerter David W. , Murray Dennis L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractClimate change is expected to lead to greater temporal climatic variability across broad spatial extents. A potential consequence is that shifts in climatic conditions might alter how local habitat affects the population growth of animals dependent on those habitats for at least part of their life cycle. We tested whether such a phenomenon occurred when the North American Prairie Pothole Region transitioned through periods of wet and dry conditions by modeling the population growth of seven duck species over 52 years (1961–2012). We found that the influence of local habitat quality—indexed by wetland availability—on duck population growth varied in magnitude and direction on an annual basis. While the effect of wetlands was relatively small in most years, there were some years in which wetlands strongly affected duck population growth in both positive and negative directions (e.g., negative in 2002 and positive in 2008). Contrary to our expectation, inter‐annual variability in the effect of wetlands on duck population growth did not depend on regional precipitation. We also found that for two species—American Wigeon (Anas americana) and Green‐winged Teal (A. carolinensis)—duck population growth in the presence of wetlands rarely differed from what would be expected solely under density dependence. Our study is the first to demonstrate that the effect of local habitat on population growth varies over time even if the cause of that variation remains unexplained. Consequently, any study that attempts to identify a species’ critical habitat using time series abundance data must consider that local relationships are non‐stationary. More complicated measures of climate change may reveal how local drivers of population growth depend on broader temporal climatic patterns.
Risk stratification of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease in Chinese adults
Authors: Yang Xue‐Li , Chen Ji‐Chun , Li Jian‐Xin , Cao Jie , Lu Xiang‐Feng , Liu Fang‐Chao , Hu Dong‐Sheng , Liu Xiao‐Qing , Shen Chong , Yu Ling , Lu Fang‐Hong , Wu Xian‐Ping , Zhao Lian‐Cheng , Huang Jian‐Feng , Li Ying , Wu Xi‐Gui , Gu Dong‐Feng 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to determine the distribution of observed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) incidence in contemporary cohorts in China, and to identify cut‐off points for ASCVD risk classification based on traditional criteria and new equations developed by Prediction for ASCVD Risk in China (China‐PAR).MethodsThe study populations included cohorts in the China‐PAR project, with 34,757 participants eligible for the current analysis. Traditional risk stratification was assessed by using Chinese guidelines on prevention of CVD and hypertension, and 5 risk groups were classified based on these guidelines after slight modification for available risk factors. Kaplan–Meier analysis was conducted to obtain the cumulative incidence of observed ASCVD events for all subjects and sub‐groups. The predicted 10‐year ASCVD risk was obtained using the China‐PAR equations.ResultsA total of 1922 ASCVD events were identified during an average follow‐up of 14.1 years. According to the group classification based on traditional risk stratification, the observed 10‐year risks for ASCVD were 4.61% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.11–5.10%) in the moderate‐risk group and 8.74% (95% CI: 7.82–9.66%) in the high‐risk group. Based on the China‐PAR equations for risk assessment of ASCVD, those with predicted risks of <5%, 5–10%, and ≥10% could be classified into categories of low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk for ASCVD, respectively.ConclusionThe findings enable development of a simple method for classification of individuals into low‐, moderate‐, and high‐risk groups, based on the China‐PAR equations. The method will be useful for self‐management and prevention of ASCVD in Chinese adults.
Changing phenotype and disease behaviour of chronic pancreatitis in India: evidence for gene–environment interactions
Authors: Garg P. K. , Narayana D. 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundThe idiopathic variety of chronic pancreatitis (CP) in India particularly in Kerala state was earlier called ‘tropical pancreatitis’ with peculiar features: early age of onset, severe malnutrition, diabetes and poor prognosis. A change in disease phenotype and behaviour has been observed recently.ObjectiveTo review the changing profile of CP in India and examine its relationship with environmental influences and socio-economic development.MethodsRelevant studies on CP in India were reviewed along with social and economic parameters in Kerala over the past 4 decades.ResultsThere has been a definite change in the phenotype of CP in India with onset in mid twenties, better nutritional status, and a much better prognosis compared with the reports in 1970s. Genetic susceptibility due to genetic mutations particularly inSPINK1, CFTR, CTRC, andCLDN2/MORC4genes is the most important factor and not malnutrition or dietary toxins for idiopathic CP suggesting the term ‘tropical pancreatitis’ is a misnomer. We observed a close relationship between socio-economic development and rising income in Kerala with late onset of disease, nutritional status, and better prognosis of CP.ConclusionChanging profile of CP in India and better understanding of risk factors provide evidence for gene–environmental interactions in its pathobiology.
Health insurance drop-out among adult population: findings from a study in a Health and demographic surveillance system in Northern Vietnam 2006–2013
Authors: Minh Hoang Van , Anh Tran Quynh , Nga Nguyen Thi Thuy 
Published: October 2016

The coverage of health insurance as measured by enrollment rates has increased significantly in Vietnam. However, maintaining health insurance to the some groups such as the farmer, the borderline poor and informal workers, etc. has been very challenging. This paper examines the situation of health insurance drop-out among the adult population in sub-rural areas of Northern Vietnam from 2006 to 2013, and analyzes several socio-economic correlates of the health insurance drop-out situation. Data used in this paper were obtained from Health and Demographic Surveillance System located in Chi Linh district, an urbanizing area, in a northern province of Vietnam. Descriptive analyses were used to describe the level and distribution of the health insurance drop-out status. Multiple logistic regressions were used to assess associations between the health insurance drop-out status and the independent variables. A total of 32 561 adults were investigated. We found that the cumulative percentage of health insurance drop-out among the study participants was 21.2%. Health insurance drop-out rates were higher among younger age groups, people with lower education, and those who worked as small trader and other informal jobs, and belonged to the non-poor households. Given the findings, further attention toward health insurance among these special populations is needed.
Recent laser upgrades at Sandia’s Z-backlighter facility in order to accommodate new requirements for magnetized liner inertial fusion on the Z-machine
Authors: Schwarz Jens , Rambo Patrick , Armstrong Darrell , Schollmeier Marius , Smith Ian , Shores Jonathan , Geissel Matthias , Kimmel Mark , Porter John 
Published: October 2016

The Z-backlighter laser facility primarily consists of two high energy, high-power laser systems. Z-Beamlet laser (ZBL) (Rambo et al., Appl. Opt. 44, 2421 (2005)) is a multi-kJ-class, nanosecond laser operating at 1054 nm which is frequency doubled to 527 nm in order to provide x-ray backlighting of high energy density events on the Z-machine. Z-Petawatt (ZPW) (Schwarz et al., J. Phys.: Conf. Ser. 112, 032020 (2008)) is a petawatt-class system operating at 1054 nm delivering up to 500 J in 500 fs for backlighting and various short-pulse laser experiments (see also Figure 10 for a facility overview). With the development of the magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) concept on the Z-machine, the primary backlighting missions of ZBL and ZPW have been adjusted accordingly. As a result, we have focused our recent efforts on increasing the output energy of ZBL from 2 to 4 kJ at 527 nm by modifying the fiber front end to now include extra bandwidth (for stimulated Brillouin scattering suppression). The MagLIF concept requires a well-defined/behaved beam for interaction with the pressurized fuel. Hence we have made great efforts to implement an adaptive optics system on ZBL and have explored the use of phase plates. We are also exploring concepts to use ZPW as a backlighter for ZBL driven MagLIF experiments. Alternatively, ZPW could be used as an additional fusion fuel pre-heater or as a temporally flexible high energy pre-pulse. All of these concepts require the ability to operate the ZPW in a nanosecond long-pulse mode, in which the beam can co-propagate with ZBL. Some of the proposed modifications are complete and most of them are well on their way.
The Role of Islam in Muslim Higher Education in India: The Case of Jamia Millia Islamia in New Delhi
Authors: Pedersen Gry Hvass 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWith the worldwide expansion of the modern university system during the twentieth century, higher education has become an important feature of our modern society at a global level. Islamic universities form part of this global phenomenon, but so far major studies on the globalized higher education system have ignored the role of religion in this field. This article briefly explores the role of Islam at three Islamic universities in India, with a primary focus on the Jamia Millia Islamia (JMI) in New Delhi. JMI was established in 1920 and holds a long history of providing higher education, particular for Muslims, within the specific national context of India, where Muslims constitute a significant minority. More precisely, the article investigates how the “Islamic” is defined and expressed differently at the three institutions and what that difference means in conceptual terms. Finally, the findings are placed in relation to the issue of standardization/localization within the theory on globalized education.
Comparative validity and repeatability of a single question, a twenty-eight-item FFQ and estimated food records to assess takeaway meal intake
Authors: Cook Amelia S. , McCook Rochelle , Petocz Peter , O’Leary Fiona , Allman-Farinelli Margaret 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA single question (SQ) and a twenty-eight-item FFQ to measure takeaway meal intake were compared with two 7-d estimated food records (EFR; reference method). Test methods were completed after the reference period and repeated 6–8 d later for repeatability. The SQ asked about intake of high-SFA takeaway meals. FFQ items included low- and high-SFA meals. Test methods were compared with EFR for sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values, using a goal of ≤1 high-SFA weekly takeaway meals. Bland–Altman analyses were used to check agreement between measurement approaches, theκcoefficient was used to summarise the observed level of agreement, and Spearman’s correlation was used to assess the degree to which instruments ranked individuals. Young adults were recruited from two universities, and 109 participants (61 % female) completed the study. The mean age was 24·4 (sd4·9) years, and the mean BMI was 23·5 (sd3·7) kg/m2. The SQ and the FFQ had a sensitivity of 97 and 83 % and a specificity of 46 and 92 %, respectively. Both methods exhibited moderate correlation for measuring total and high-SFA takeaway meal intakes (rsranging from 0·64 to 0·80). Neither instrument could measure precise, absolute intake at the group or individual level. Test methods ranged from fair (κw=0·24) to moderate agreement (κw=0·59). The repeatability for all was acceptable. The FFQ identified excessive high-SFA takeaway meal intake and measured individuals’ category for total and high-SFA takeaway intakes. Both methods are suitable for ranking individuals for total or high-SFA takeaway meal intakes.
Geographic distribution, large-scale spatial structure and diversity of parasitoids of the seed-feeding beetleAcanthoscelides macrophthalmus
Authors: Wood A. , Haga E.B. , Costa V.A. , Rossi M.N. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBruchine beetles are highly host-specific seed feeders during the larval stage. Although some specific parasitoid families have been recorded attacking bruchine beetles, most studies have been done at small spatial scales. Therefore, the current knowledge about the diversity and the geographic distribution of parasitoid species parasitizing bruchines is scarce, especially at a wide geographic area that extends over large distances through a latitudinal cline (i.e. large-scale spatial structure). The present study determined the species richness and evenness of parasitoids attacking the bruchine beetleAcanthoscelides macrophthalmusfeeding onLeucaena leucocephalaseeds, examined their geographic distribution, and characterized the large-scale spatial structure in parasitoid species composition. A total of 1420 parasitoids (all Hymenoptera) belonging to four families, five subfamilies and eight species were collected (genera:Horismenus, Paracrias, Urosigalphus, Stenocorse, Chryseida, Eupelmus). Most parasitoid species showed wide spatial distribution, high evenness in species abundance and the species richness estimators were close to stabilization (approximately eight species). Overall, greater similarity was observed in the species composition of plant populations near to each other than those farther apart, revealing a large-scale spatial structure in parasitoid species composition.
EFFECTS OF PLANT DENSITY ON THE PERFORMANCE OF COWPEA IN NIGERIAN SAVANNAS
Authors: KAMARA ALPHA Y. , TOFA ABDULLAHI I. , KYEI-BOAHEN STEPHEN , SOLOMON REUBEN , AJEIGBE HAKEEM A. , KAMAI NKEKI 
Published: October 2016

SUMMARYGrain yields of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] in the Nigerian savannas are low even with the cultivation of improved varieties. The recommended spacing for cowpea is 75 × 20 cm with two seeds planted per stand. This corresponds to plant population of 133333 plants ha−1, which may not be sufficient for optimal cowpea yield. Field experiments were conducted to determine plant density effects on cowpea performance in the Northern Guinea and the Sudan savannas of Nigeria and also to determine if genotypes varied in their response to plant density. Four cowpea varieties with contrasting maturity duration were planted in single, double and triple rows on ridges spaced 75 cm apart to achieve corresponding densities of 133333, 266666 and 400000 plants ha−1, respectively. Plant densities of 266666 and 400000 plants ha−1 gave higher crop performance in terms of light interception, biomass production, yield and yield components for all cowpea varieties. Yield increases were related largely to increased pod and seed production but the effect of seed size on yield was relatively minor. Our results provide evidence that the current density of 133333 plants ha−1 used by farmers is not optimum for cowpea production. Smallholder farmers can increase cowpea grain and fodder yields if they use a density of 266666 plants ha−1 in cowpea cultivation. Further yield increases when cowpea is planted at 400000 plants ha−1 may not be sufficient to offset the cost of seed.
The Mandate System as a Messianic Alternative in the Ultra-Religious Jurisprudence of Rabbi Dr Isaac Breuer
Authors: Israel-Vleeschhouwer Amos 
Published: October 2016

Dr Rabbi Isaac Breuer, a German jurist and Jewish rabbi, represented the ultra-orthodox community in Palestine before the international committees which considered the future of the Palestine Mandate. In his work, Breuer criticised the concept of sovereignty and introduced an alternative regime for global governance of developing peoples. His unique position, as analysed in this article, can contribute to contemporary debates surrounding the role of sovereigns as trustees of humanity, sovereignty and international law and ways of promoting global peace and human welfare.By introducing Breuer's thought, this article seeks to contribute additional sources – both Jewish and universal – to these ongoing debates. Letting these neglected voices in international legal history enrich the debate can convince us, once again, of the importance of the periphery and of peripheral voices for the development, vitality and relevance of international law.Breuer's model replaces the notions of ‘sovereignty’ and ‘rights’ with those of internalised obligations and subservience to law and justice. Limiting any national aspirations to total sovereignty, he implored the United Nations to refrain from elevating the Jewish national home to statehood. Opposing the Zionist position, he insisted that the Mandatory power and international institutions would enable two nations to develop side by side, in what he termed ‘the state of peace’, under international trusteeship.We carefully draw on Breuer's insights to reflect on present debates on trusteeship, sovereignty and the management of areas devastated by conflict.
Mixed functional microarchitectures for orientation selectivity in the mouse primary visual cortex
Authors: Kondo Satoru , Yoshida Takashi , Ohki Kenichi 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA minicolumn is the smallest anatomical module in the cortical architecture, but it is still in debate whether it serves as functional units for cortical processing. In the rodent primary visual cortex (V1), neurons with different preferred orientations are mixed horizontally in a salt and pepper manner, but vertical functional organization was not examined. In this study, we found that neurons with similar orientation preference are weakly but significantly clustered vertically in a short length and horizontally in the scale of a minicolumn. Interestingly, the vertical clustering is found only in a part of minicolumns, and others are composed of neurons with a variety of orientation preferences. Thus, the mouse V1 is a mixture of vertical clusters of neurons with various degrees of orientation similarity, which may be the compromise between the brain size and keeping the vertical clusters of similarly tuned neurons at least in a subset of clusters.
Tumor-targeted delivery of a C-terminally truncated FADD (N-FADD) significantly suppresses the B16F10 melanoma via enhancing apoptosis
Authors: Yang Yun-Wen , Zhang Chun-Mei , Huang Xian-Jie , Zhang Xiao-Xin , Zhang Lin-Kai , Li Jia-Huang , Hua Zi-Chun 
Published: October 2016

AbstractFas-associated protein with death domain (FADD), a pivotal adaptor protein transmitting apoptotic signals, is indispensable for the induction of extrinsic apoptosis. However, overexpression of FADD can form large, filamentous aggregates, termed death effector filaments (DEFs) by self-association and initiate apoptosis independent of receptor cross-linking. A mutant of FADD, which is truncated of the C-terminal tail (m-FADD, 182–205 aa) named N-FADD (m-FADD, 1–181 aa), can dramatically up-regulate the strength of FADD self-association and increase apoptosis. In this study, it was found that over-expression of FADD or N-FADD caused apoptosis of B16F10 cells in vitro, even more, N-FADD showed a more potent apoptotic effect than FADD. Meanwhile, Attenuated Salmonella Typhimurium strain VNP20009 was engineered to express FADD or N-FADD under the control of a hypoxia-induced NirB promoter and each named VNP-pN-FADD and VNP-pN-N-FADD. The results showed both VNP-pN-FADD and VNP-pN-N-FADD delayed tumor growth in B16F10 mice model, while VNP-pN-N-FADD suppressed melanoma growth more significantly than VNP-pN-FADD. Additionally, VNP-pN-FADD and VNP-pN-N-FADD induced apoptosis of tumor cells by activating caspase-dependent apoptotic pathway. Our results show that N-FADD is a more potent apoptotic inducer and VNP20009-mediated targeted expression of N-FADD provides a possible cancer gene therapeutic approach for the treatment of melanoma.
Tissue, developmental, and caste-specific expression of odorant binding proteins in a eusocial insect, the red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta
Authors: Zhang Wei , Wanchoo Arun , Ortiz-Urquiza Almudena , Xia Yuxian , Keyhani Nemat O. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractInsects interact with the surrounding environment via chemoreception, and in social insects such as ants, chemoreception functions to mediate diverse behaviors including food acquisition, self/non-self recognition, and intraspecific communication. The invasive red imported fire ant, Solenopsis invicta, has spread worldwide, displaying a remarkable environmental adaptability. Odorant binding proteins (OBPs) are chemical compound carriers, involved in diverse physiological processes including odor detection and chemical transport. S. invicta contains a highly divergent 17-member OBP gene family, that includes an ant-specific expansion and the social organization implicated Gp-9 (OBP3) gene. A systematic gene expression analysis of the SiOBP repertoire was performed across social caste (workers, male and female alates), tissues (antennae, head, thorax, and abdomen), and developmental stages (egg, larvae, and pupae), revealing that although SiOBPs were expressed in the antennae, the major regions of expression were in the head and thorax across all castes, and the abdomen in male and female alates. SiOBPs were very highly expressed in female alates and at somewhat lower levels in male alates and workers. SiOBPs were differentially expressed, with unique signatures in various castes and tissues, suggesting functionality of SiOBPs beyond olfaction Expression patterns of SiOBP subgroups also showed relationships with their evolutionary relatedness.
Extraversion and neuroticism related to the resting-state effective connectivity of amygdala
Authors: Pang Yajing , Cui Qian , Wang Yifeng , Chen Yuyan , Wang Xiaona , Han Shaoqiang , Zhang Zhiqiang , Lu Guangming , Chen Huafu 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe amygdala plays a key role in emotion processing. Its functional connectivity with other brain regions has been extensively demonstrated to be associated with extraversion and neuroticism. However, how the amygdala affects other regions and is affected by others within these connectivity patterns associated with extraversion and neuroticism remains unclear. To address this issue, we investigated the effective connectivity of the amygdala using Granger causality analysis on the resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data of 70 participants. Results showed that extraversion was positively correlated with the influence from the right inferior occipital gyrus (IOG) to the left amygdala, and from the bilateral IOG to the right amygdala; such result may represent the neural correlates of social interactions in extraverts. Conversely, neuroticism was associated with an increased influence from right amygdala to right middle frontal gyrus and a decreased influence from right precuneus to right amygdala. This influence might affect the modulations of cognitive regulation function and self-referential processes in neurotic individuals. These findings highlight the importance of the causal influences of amygdala in explaining the individual differences in extraversion and neuroticism, and offer further insights into the specific neural networks underlying personality.