bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pairs of positive periodic solutions of nonlinear ODEs with indefinite weight: a topological degree approach for the super–sublinear case
Authors: Boscaggin Alberto , Feltrin Guglielmo , Zanolin Fabio 
Published: May 2016

We study the periodic and Neumann boundary-value problems associated with the second-order nonlinear differential equationwhere is a sublinear function at infinity having superlinear growth at zero. We prove the existence of two positive solutions whenand λ > 0 is sufficiently large. Our approach is based on Mawhin's coincidence degree theory and index computations.
Assessment of antibodies against surface and outer membrane proteins of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in Lyme borreliosis and tick-borne encephalitis paediatric patients
Authors: KRBKOVÁ L. , HOMOLA L. , HLAVÁČOVÁ A. , MIKOLÁŠEK P. , BEDNÁŘOVÁ J. , ČERMÁKOVÁ Z. 
Published: May 2016

SUMMARYTo examine evidence of positive antibodies against immunogenic proteins of Anaplasma phagocytophilum in patients with other tick-borne infections and to diagnose possible co-infections, 412 serum specimens were tested by immunoblotting using three specific Anaplasma antigens: surface proteins p44 and Asp62 and outer membrane protein A (OmpA). In total, 284 serum samples from children with Lyme borreliosis and 12 serum samples from children with tick-borne encephalitis were tested. Sera from patients with viral aseptic meningitis (n = 47) and from blood donors (n = 69) were used as controls. Among all serum specimens from patients with tick-borne infections submitted for this study, six samples (2·0%) showed positive IgM reactions and seven samples (2·4%) were IgG positive for A. phagocytophilum by immunoblot. Borderline reactivity was found in 30 samples (10·14%) for IgM and 36 samples (12·2%) for IgG. The difference between patients and blood donors was statistically significant for IgM (P = 0·006) and for IgG (P = 0·0007) antibodies. A statistically significant result was obtained for IgG (P = 0·02) but not for IgM between patients and children with aseptic meningitis. Immunoblot using three specific antigens provides novel information about the positivity of antibodies to A. phagocytophilum in children with other tick-borne infections. Taking into account clinical and laboratory findings of children despite antibody positivity, no case of human granulocytic anaplasmosis was demonstrated.
Wintering waterbirds in the middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain: changes in abundance and distribution
Authors: WANG WENJUAN , FRASER JAMES D. , CHEN JIAKUAN 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe middle and lower Yangtze River floodplain is a globally important wintering area for waterbirds in the East Asian-Australasian Flyway. Ornithologists have reported on wintering waterbirds in the floodplain since the 1950s. However, an integrated analysis of the long-term changes in waterbird diversity is not available. Here, we synthesise existing information on changes in wintering waterbird abundance and distribution in the floodplain, summarise possible influencing factors and propose some priorities for further research. Waterbird richness and abundance have declined over the past 60 years. Declining trends have been observed in a number of areas and species. Nevertheless, a few areas and species showed different trends. In addition, waterbirds have become more concentrated in a few suitable areas such as Poyang Lake and Dongting Lake. Land reclamation, hunting, dam operation and extensive aquaculture are probably the four major threats to wintering waterbirds, while establishment of nature reserves is beneficial to waterbird conservation. Our study suggests that waterbirds in the floodplain are vulnerable, and that effective conservation measures are needed to protect and restore the waterbird diversity of this area.
The impact of a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages according to socio-economic position: a systematic review of the evidence
Authors: Backholer Kathryn , Sarink Danja , Beauchamp Alison , Keating Catherine , Loh Venurs , Ball Kylie , Martin Jane , Peeters Anna 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveA tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) has been proposed to address population weight gain but the effect across socio-economic position (SEP) is unclear. The current study aimed to clarify the differential impact(s) of SSB taxes on beverage purchases and consumption, weight outcomes and the amount paid in SSB taxes according to SEP.DesignDatabases (OVID and EMBASE) and grey literature were systematically searched in June 2015 to identify studies that examined effects of an SSB price increase on beverage purchases or consumption, weight outcomes or the amount paid in tax across SEP, within high-income countries.ResultsOf the eleven included articles, three study types were identified: (i) those that examined the association between variation in SSB taxes and SSB consumption and/or body weight (n 3); (ii) price elasticity estimation of SSB demand (n 1); and (iii) modelling of hypothetical SSB taxes by combining price elasticity estimates with population SEP-specific beverage consumption, energy intake or body weight (n 7). Few studies statistically tested differences in outcomes between SEP groups. Nevertheless, of the seven studies that reported on changes in weight outcomes for the total population following an increase in SSB price, all reported either similar reductions in weight across SEP groups or greater reductions for lower compared with higher SEP groups. All studies that examined the average household amount paid in tax (n 5) reported that an SSB tax would be regressive, but with small differences between higher- and lower-income households (0·10–1·0 % and 0·03 %–0·60 % of annual household income paid in SSB tax for low- and high-income households, respectively).ConclusionsBased on the available evidence, a tax on SSB will deliver similar population weight benefits across socio-economic strata or greater benefits for lower SEP groups. An SSB tax is shown to be consistently financially regressive, but to a small degree.
Can a dietary quality score derived from a short-form FFQ assess dietary quality in UK adult population surveys?
Authors: Cleghorn Christine L , Harrison Roger A , Ransley Joan K , Wilkinson Shan , Thomas James , Cade Janet E 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo devise a measure of diet quality from a short-form FFQ (SFFFQ) for population surveys. To validate the SFFFQ against an extensive FFQ and a 24 h diet recall.DesignPopulation-based cross-sectional survey.SettingEast Leeds and Bolton in Northern England.SubjectsAdults (n1999) were randomly selected from lists of those registered with a general practitioner in the study areas, contacted by mail and asked to complete the SFFFQ. Responders were sent a longer FFQ to complete and asked if they would take part in a telephone-based 24 h diet recall.ResultsResults from 826 people completing the SFFFQ, 705 completing the FFQ and forty-seven completing the diet recall were included in the analyses. The dietary quality score (DQS), based on fruit, vegetable, oily fish, non-milk extrinsic sugar and fat intakes, showed significant agreement between the SFFFQ and the FFQ (κ=0·38,P<0·001). The DQS for the SFFFQ and the diet recall did not show significant agreement (κ=0·04,P=0·312). A number of single items on the SFFFQ predicted a ‘healthy’ DQS when calculated from the FFQ. The odds of having a healthy diet were increased by 27 % (95 % CI 9, 49 %,P<0·001) for an increase in fruit of 1 portion/d and decreased by 67 % (95 % CI 47, 79 %,P<0·001) for an increase in crisps of 1 portion/d.ConclusionsThe SFFFQ has been shown to be an effective method of assessing diet quality. It provides an important method for determining variations in diet quality within and across different populations.
Protective lifestyle behaviours and depression in middle-aged Irish men and women: a secondary analysis
Authors: Maher Gillian M , Perry Catherine P , Perry Ivan J , Harrington Janas M 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo examine the association between protective lifestyle behaviours (PLB) and depression in middle-aged Irish adults.DesignSecondary analysis of a cross-sectional study. PLB (non-smoker, moderate alcohol, physical activity, adequate fruit and vegetable intake) were assessed using a general health and lifestyle questionnaire and a validated FFQ. Depression was assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. A score of 15–21 indicates mild/moderate depression and a score of 22 or more indicates a possibility of major depression. Binary logistic regression was used to examine the association between PLB and depression.SettingLivinghealth Clinic, Mitchelstown, North Cork, Republic of Ireland.SubjectsMen and women aged 50–69 years were selected at random from a list of patients registered at the clinic (n 2047, 67 % response rate).ResultsOver 8 % of participants engaged in zero or one PLB, 24 % and 39 % had two and three PLB respectively, while 28 % had four PLB. Those who practised three/four PLB were significantly more likely to be female, have a higher level of education and were categorised as having no depressive symptoms. Engaging in zero or one PLB was significantly associated with an increased odds of depression compared with four PLB. Results remained significant after adjusting for several confounders, including age, gender, education and BMI (OR=2·2; 95 % CI 1·2, 4·0; P for trend=0·001).ConclusionsWhile causal inference cannot be established in a cross-sectional study, the findings suggest that healthy behaviours may play a vital role in the promotion of positive mental health or, at a minimum, are associated with lower levels of depression.
‘Learning again and again to pray’: Anglican Forms of Daily Prayer, 1979–2014
Authors: Burns Stephen 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe 2014 publication of the Episcopal Church’s resource for daily prayer,Daily Prayer for All Seasons, invites reflection on recent developments in provision for everyday services around the Anglican Communion. Not only is the new resource considerably different from the material it complements in theBook of Common Prayer 1979, it also represents a departure from a certain commonality that has emerged in material from around the Communion since 1979. While this article does not map those developments in detail, it does chart some of the shifts occurring in various provinces and relates that survey to current discussions about ‘Anglican identity and liturgical diversity’. The article serves both as an introduction toDaily Prayer for All Seasonsand as a wider reflection on Anglican forms of everyday services in the period from 1979–2014.
Description of production system and on-farm phenotypic characterization of Central Highland and Woyto-Guji goat breeds in Ethiopia
Authors: Zergaw Netsanet , Dessie Tadelle , Kebede Kefelegn 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThe study examines phenotypic characterization of Central Highland and Woyto-Guji goat breeds at Meta Robi and Konso districts of Ethiopia. Purposive and random sampling techniques were employed to select sample villages and respondent. For administration of semi-structured questionnaire and phenotypic characterization, a total of 240 households and 601 adult animals, respectively, were selected. The average goat flock size (31.25 ± 22.46) owned per household of Konso was significantly (P&lt; 0.01) higher than Meta Robi (12.73 ± 8). In Konso, natural pasture was the most frequently mentioned feed source during wet season, while hay was the most important feed source during dry season. On the other hand, in Meta Robi, natural pasture was the most frequently mentioned feed source during wet and dry seasons. Coat colour type, horn shape, ear orientation, wattle and beard were found to differ highly significantly (P&lt; 0.001) among the two goat breeds. Goat breed had a significant effect (P&lt; 0.001) on body weight and other body measurements except pelvic width (P&gt; 0.05). The least-square means of body weight, body length, height at wither, chest girth, chest width, ramp length, horn length, ear length and pelvic width of Central Highland female goats were 29.5 ± 0.2 kg, 62.2 ± 0.2 cm, 67.5 ± 0.2 cm, 72.9 ± 0.2 cm, 13.4 ± 0.1 cm, 19.7 ± 0.1 cm, 12.8 ± 0.2 cm, 14.6 ± 0.1 cm and 13.5 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. The corresponding values for Woyto-Guji female goats were 24.8 ± 0.3 kg, 57.4 ± 0.2 cm, 61.9 ± 0.2 cm, 68.3 ± 0.2 cm, 12.1 ± 0.1 cm, 17.3 ± 0.1 cm, 10 ± 0.2 cm, 13 ± 0.1 cm and 13.4 ± 0.1 cm, respectively. The observed variations in production system and morphological traits among the sample populations coupled with their adaptive traits would indeed justify the need for designing breed improvement programme for both breeds.
Giant edge state splitting at atomically precise graphene zigzag edges
Authors: Wang Shiyong , Talirz Leopold , Pignedoli Carlo A. , Feng Xinliang , Müllen Klaus , Fasel Roman , Ruffieux Pascal 
Published: May 2016

AbstractZigzag edges of graphene nanostructures host localized electronic states that are predicted to be spin-polarized. However, these edge states are highly susceptible to edge roughness and interaction with a supporting substrate, complicating the study of their intrinsic electronic and magnetic structure. Here, we focus on atomically precise graphene nanoribbons whose two short zigzag edges host exactly one localized electron each. Using the tip of a scanning tunnelling microscope, the graphene nanoribbons are transferred from the metallic growth substrate onto insulating islands of NaCl in order to decouple their electronic structure from the metal. The absence of charge transfer and hybridization with the substrate is confirmed by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy, which reveals a pair of occupied/unoccupied edge states. Their large energy splitting of 1.9 eV is in accordance with ab initio many-body perturbation theory calculations and reflects the dominant role of electron–electron interactions in these localized states.
Data-driven magnetohydrodynamic modelling of a flux-emerging active region leading to solar eruption
Authors: Jiang Chaowei , Wu S. T. , Feng Xuesheng , Hu Qiang 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSolar eruptions are well-recognized as major drivers of space weather but what causes them remains an open question. Here we show how an eruption is initiated in a non-potential magnetic flux-emerging region using magnetohydrodynamic modelling driven directly by solar magnetograms. Our model simulates the coronal magnetic field following a long-duration quasi-static evolution to its fast eruption. The field morphology resembles a set of extreme ultraviolet images for the whole process. Study of the magnetic field suggests that in this event, the key transition from the pre-eruptive to eruptive state is due to the establishment of a positive feedback between the upward expansion of internal stressed magnetic arcades of new emergence and an external magnetic reconnection which triggers the eruption. Such a nearly realistic simulation of a solar eruption from origin to onset can provide important insight into its cause, and also has the potential for improving space weather modelling.
The elongation factor Spt5 facilitates transcription initiation for rapid induction of inflammatory-response genes
Authors: Diamant Gil , Bahat Anat , Dikstein Rivka 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA subset of inflammatory-response NF-κB target genes is activated immediately following pro-inflammatory signal. Here we followed the kinetics of primary transcript accumulation after NF-κB activation when the elongation factor Spt5 is knocked down. While elongation rate is unchanged, the transcript synthesis at the 5′-end and at the earliest time points is delayed and reduced, suggesting an unexpected role in early transcription. Investigating the underlying mechanism reveals that the induced TFIID–promoter association is practically abolished by Spt5 depletion. This effect is associated with a decrease in promoter-proximal H3K4me3 and H4K5Ac histone modifications that are differentially required for rapid transcriptional induction. In contrast, the displacement of TFIIE and Mediator, which occurs during promoter escape, is attenuated in the absence of Spt5. Our findings are consistent with a central role of Spt5 in maintenance of TFIID–promoter association and promoter escape to support rapid transcriptional induction and re-initiation of inflammatory-response genes.
The fast-recycling receptor Megalin defines the apical recycling pathway of epithelial cells
Authors: Perez Bay Andres E. , Schreiner Ryan , Benedicto Ignacio , Paz Marzolo Maria , Banfelder Jason , Weinstein Alan M. , Rodriguez-Boulan Enrique J. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe basolateral recycling and transcytotic pathways of epithelial cells were previously defined using markers such as transferrin (TfR) and polymeric IgA (pIgR) receptors. In contrast, our knowledge of the apical recycling pathway remains fragmentary. Here we utilize quantitative live-imaging and mathematical modelling to outline the recycling pathway of Megalin (LRP-2), an apical receptor with key developmental and renal functions, in MDCK cells. We show that, like TfR, Megalin is a long-lived and fast-recycling receptor. Megalin enters polarized MDCK cells through segregated apical sorting endosomes and subsequently intersects the TfR and pIgR pathways at a perinuclear Rab11-negative compartment termed common recycling endosomes (CRE). Whereas TfR recycles to the basolateral membrane from CRE, Megalin, like pIgR, traffics to subapical Rab11-positive apical recycling endosomes (ARE) and reaches the apical membrane in a microtubule- and Rab11-dependent manner. Hence, Megalin defines the apical recycling pathway of epithelia, with CRE as its apical sorting station.
Light-activated photocurrent degradation and self-healing in perovskite solar cells
Authors: Nie Wanyi , Blancon Jean-Christophe , Neukirch Amanda J. , Appavoo Kannatassen , Tsai Hsinhan , Chhowalla Manish , Alam Muhammad A. , Sfeir Matthew Y. , Katan Claudine , Even Jacky , Tretiak Sergei , Crochet Jared J. , Gupta Gautam , Mohite Aditya D. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractSolution-processed organometallic perovskite solar cells have emerged as one of the most promising thin-film photovoltaic technology. However, a key challenge is their lack of stability over prolonged solar irradiation. Few studies have investigated the effect of light soaking on hybrid perovskites and have attributed the degradation in the optoelectronic properties to photochemical or field-assisted ion migration. Here we show that the slow photocurrent degradation in thin-film photovoltaic devices is due to the formation of light-activated meta-stable deep-level trap states. However, the devices can self-heal completely by resting them in the dark for <1 min or the degradation can be completely prevented by operating the devices at 0 °C. We investigate several physical mechanisms to explain the microscopic origin for the formation of these trap states, among which the creation of small polaronic states involving localized cooperative lattice strain and molecular orientations emerges as a credible microscopic mechanism requiring further detailed studies.
Identification of rs671, a common variant of ALDH2, as a gout susceptibility locus
Authors: Sakiyama Masayuki , Matsuo Hirotaka , Nakaoka Hirofumi , Yamamoto Ken , Nakayama Akiyoshi , Nakamura Takahiro , Kawai Sayo , Okada Rieko , Ooyama Hiroshi , Shimizu Toru , Shinomiya Nariyoshi 
Published: May 2016

AbstractGout is a common disease resulting from hyperuricemia. Recently, a genome-wide association study identified an association between gout and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2188380, located on an intergenic region between MYL2 and CUX2 on chromosome 12. However, other genes around rs2188380 could possibly be gout susceptibility genes. Therefore, we performed a fine-mapping study of the MYL2-CUX2 region. From 8,595 SNPs in the MYL2-CUX2 region, 9 tag SNPs were selected and genotyping of 1,048 male gout patients and 1,334 male controls was performed by TaqMan method. Eight SNPs showed significant associations with gout after Bonferroni correction. rs671 (Glu504Lys) of ALDH2 had the most significant association with gout (P = 1.7 × 10−18, odds ratio = 0.53). After adjustment for rs671, the other 8 SNPs no longer showed a significant association with gout, while the significant association of rs671 remained. rs671 has been reportedly associated with alcohol drinking behavior and it is well-known that alcohol drinking elevates serum uric acid levels. These data suggest that rs671, a common functional SNP of ALDH2, is a genuine gout-associated SNP in the MYL2-CUX2 locus and that “A” allele (Lys) of rs671 plays a protective role in the development of gout.
Wideband Scattering Diffusion by using Diffraction of Periodic Surfaces and Optimized Unit Cell Geometries
Authors: Costa Filippo , Monorchio Agostino , Manara Giuliano 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA methodology to obtain wideband scattering diffusion based on periodic artificial surfaces is presented. The proposed surfaces provide scattering towards multiple propagation directions across an extremely wide frequency band. They comprise unit cells with an optimized geometry and arranged in a periodic lattice characterized by a repetition period larger than one wavelength which induces the excitation of multiple Floquet harmonics. The geometry of the elementary unit cell is optimized in order to minimize the reflection coefficient of the fundamental Floquet harmonic over a wide frequency band. The optimization of FSS geometry is performed through a genetic algorithm in conjunction with periodic Method of Moments. The design method is verified through full-wave simulations and measurements. The proposed solution guarantees very good performance in terms of bandwidth-thickness ratio and removes the need of a high-resolution printing process.
Deciphering the relationship among phosphate dynamics, electron-dense body and lipid accumulation in the green alga Parachlorella kessleri
Authors: Ota Shuhei , Yoshihara Mai , Yamazaki Tomokazu , Takeshita Tsuyoshi , Hirata Aiko , Konomi Mami , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Bišová Kateřina , Zachleder Vilém , Kawano Shigeyuki 
Published: May 2016

AbstractPhosphorus is an essential element for life on earth and is also important for modern agriculture, which is dependent on inorganic fertilizers from phosphate rock. Polyphosphate is a biological polymer of phosphate residues, which is accumulated in organisms during the biological wastewater treatment process to enhance biological phosphorus removal. Here, we investigated the relationship between polyphosphate accumulation and electron-dense bodies in the green alga Parachlorella kessleri. Under sulfur-depleted conditions, in which some symporter genes were upregulated, while others were downregulated, total phosphate accumulation increased in the early stage of culture compared to that under sulfur-replete conditions. The P signal was detected only in dense bodies by energy dispersive X-ray analysis. Transmission electron microscopy revealed marked ultrastructural variations in dense bodies with and without polyphosphate. Our findings suggest that the dense body is a site of polyphosphate accumulation and P. kessleri has potential as a phosphate-accumulating organism.