bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Common pool water resources management considering a regulator interference: A game theory approach to derive managerial policies for Urmia lake, Iran
Authors: Mohammadpour Maryam , Bagheri Ali 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAn increased need for water, combined with a scarcity of water resources, has resulted in serious challenges regarding water resource management. Those issues have always been a major concern of most research regarding the management and operation of water resources. Various qualitative and quantitative methods, Game Theory (GT) being an example, have been proposed for managing common pool water resources. This study adopts GT to address a case of common pool water resource management, including consideration of the interference of a regulator. Urmia lake in north‐western Iran was chosen as an illustration of a common source of water shared between two provinces acting as littoral stakeholders to the lake. Due to a non‐cooperative behaviour of the stakeholders, the lake is most likely to dry up. To change the game situation, a regulator was inserted into the game as a third player. The game among players is investigated in terms of two static and dynamic game methods. Two strategies are defined for each player. The equilibrium point will be achieved according to the strategies adopted by the players. For static games, a low‐level equilibrium under non‐cooperation conditions is obtained. Dynamic games among players are more likely to occur, rather than static games. The equilibrium of high‐level productivity will be obtained under cooperative conditions among the players.
Assessment of catfish (Clarias gariepinus) stock in Lake Baringo, Kenya
Authors: Macharia Simon , Obwoyere Gilbert O. , Kirui Bernard K. , Manyala Julius O. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe management measures used for sustainable utilization of Clarias gariepinus in Lake Baringo do not have a stock assessment reference, attributable mainly to a lack of information on biological limits and target reference points. Assessment of Clarias gariepinus stock in Lake Baringo was carried out between August 2013 and July 2014. A total of 2772 fish were sampled from 25 boats (40%) for 5 days each week for length and weight measurements. Fish Stock Assessment Tools and yield model were used to estimate population parameters, exploitation rate and optimal fishing scenarios. Annual C. gariepinus standing biomass was estimated at 21 383 kg, L∞ = 114.30, K = 0.37 year−1, W = 0.0147L2.81, Z = 1.14 year−1, M = 0.61 year−1, F = 0.53 year−1, and exploitation rate = 0.46 year−1. The relative yield‐per‐recruit (Y′/R) and biomass‐per‐recruit (B′/R) resulted in Emax = 0.44 and FMSY = 0.50 year−1. The yield‐per‐recruit ratio at maximum sustainable yield was 29.12%, and the SSBMSY per recruit ratio = 56.10%. The steady‐state biomass, exploitation rate and optimal fishing scenario indicated a pristine fishery for the lake, suggesting the current fishing efforts should not be exceeded to enable sustainable economic utilization of C. gariepinus.
Temporal patterns in phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish composition, abundance and biomass in Shirati Bay, Lake Victoria, Tanzania
Authors: Waya Revania K. , Limbu Samwel M. , Ngupula Godfrey W. , Mwita Chacha J. , Mgaya Yunus D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractShirati Bay is among the important breeding and nursery sites for major fish species in Lake Victoria. Weekly samplings were conducted to assess the temporal patterns in phytoplankton, zooplankton and fish composition, abundance and biomass in relation to prevailing water quality parameters. The study also determined the influences of plankton dynamics and water quality on the fish catch composition and biomass. It was hypothesized that temporal patterns in the composition, abundance and biomass in the plankton in the bay are controlled by water quality parameters that, in turn, affect the composition and biomass of fish catches. The phytoplankton comprised mainly cyanophytes and bacillariophytes, while the zooplankton were dominated by copepods. The heavy rain season exhibited a significantly higher plankton abundance and biomass than the dry season. The plankton abundances in both seasons exhibited significant positive correlations with water temperature and transparency. The phytoplankton community was controlled by calanoid and cyclopoid species. At higher trophic levels,Lates niloticusjuveniles,Oreochromis niloticusjuveniles and haplochromines controlled Cladocera and Cyclopoid copepods, whileTilapia rendallijuveniles controlled the Rotifera. This study revealed that Cyanophyta and Bacillariophyta are the dominant phytoplankton, whereas cyclopoids dominate the zooplankton species in the bay. These dominant plankton groups are partly controlled by rainfall, water temperature and transparency. Fish biomass, zooplankton and phytoplankton exhibit a typical predator–prey inverse relationship. Thus, evaluation of the plankton composition, abundance and biomass should be mandatory during fisheries stock assessments to effectively manage the fishery resources in the bay.
Genome‐wide association studies with proteomics data reveal genes important for synthesis, transport and packaging of globulins in legume seeds
Authors: Le Signor Christine , Aimé Delphine , Bordat Amandine , Belghazi Maya , Labas Valérie , Gouzy Jérôme , Young Nevin D. , Prosperi Jean‐Marie , Leprince Olivier , Thompson Richard D. , Buitink Julia , Burstin Judith , Gallardo Karine 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Improving nutritional seed quality is an important challenge in grain legume breeding. However, the genes controlling the differential accumulation of globulins, which are major contributors to seed nutritional value in legumes, remain largely unknown.

We combined a search for protein quantity loci with genome‐wide association studies on the abundance of 7S and 11S globulins in seeds of the model legume species Medicago truncatula. Identified genomic regions and genes carrying polymorphisms linked to globulin variations were then cross‐compared with pea (Pisum sativum), leading to the identification of candidate genes for the regulation of globulin abundance in this crop.

Key candidates identified include genes involved in transcription, chromatin remodeling, post‐translational modifications, transport and targeting of proteins to storage vacuoles. Inference of a gene coexpression network of 12 candidate transcription factors and globulin genes revealed the transcription factor ABA‐insensitive 5 (ABI5) as a highly connected hub.

Characterization of loss‐of‐function abi5 mutants in pea uncovered a role for ABI5 in controlling the relative abundance of vicilin, a sulfur‐poor 7S globulin, in pea seeds. This demonstrates the feasibility of using genome‐wide association studies in M. truncatula to reveal genes that can be modulated to improve seed nutritional value.
Intervertebral disc calcification with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament
Authors: Mizukawa Kaori , Kobayashi Takako , Yamada Nobuharu , Hirota Takahisa 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA 6‐year‐old girl presented to hospital with a 4 day history of increasing neck pain. White blood cell count was normal with slightly raised C‐reactive protein. The patient had a limited range of neck movement, and experienced enhanced pain with neck extension. X‐ray and cervical computed tomography (CT) confirmed the diagnosis of cervical intervertebral disc calcification (IDC) and IDC with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), respectively. The symptoms improved after approximately 1 week following rest and oral acetaminophen. X‐ray 6 months after onset confirmed the disappearance of the calcification. IDC is often reported in children, but IDC with OPLL is extremely rare and has not been previously reported in Japan. We believe that IDC with or without OPLL in children has a good prognosis when treated conservatively.
Reduced positive emotion and underarousal are uniquely associated with subclinical depression symptoms: Evidence from psychophysiology, self‐report, and symptom clusters
Authors: Benning Stephen D. , Ait Oumeziane Belel 
Published: March 2017

AbstractMultiple models of aberrant emotional processing in depression have been advanced. However, it is unclear which of these models best applies to emotional disturbances in subclinical depressive symptoms. The current study employed a battery of psychophysiological measures and emotional ratings in a picture‐viewing paradigm to examine whether the underarousal, low positive emotion, heightened negative emotion, or emotion context insensitivity model of emotional dysfunction in subclinical depressive symptoms received greatest support. Postauricular reflex and skin conductance response potentiation for pleasant minus neutral pictures (measuring low positive emotion), overall skin conductance magnitude and late positive potential (LPP) amplitude (measuring underarousal), and pleasant minus aversive valence ratings (measuring emotion context insensitivity) and aversive minus neutral arousal ratings (measuring heightened negative emotionality) were all negatively related to depressive symptomatology. Of these, postauricular reflex potentiation and overall LPP amplitude were incrementally associated with depressive symptoms over the other measures. Postauricular reflex potentiation, overall skin conductance magnitude, and aversive minus neutral arousal ratings were incrementally associated with depressive symptomatology after controlling for other symptoms of internalizing disorders. Though no model was unequivocally superior, the low positive emotion and underarousal models received the most support from physiological measures and symptom reports, with self‐report data matching patterns consistent with the emotion context insensitivity model.
Recombinant expression of porcine spermadhesin AWN and its phospholipid interaction: Indication for a novel lipid binding property
Authors: Schröter F , Müller K , Müller P , Krause E , Braun BC 
Published: March 2017

ContentsAWN is a porcine (Sus scrofa domestica) seminal plasma protein and has been linked to a variety of processes related to fertilization. To acquire the protein in sufficient amount and purity for functional studies, we established its recombinant expression in E. coli and a three‐step purification protocol based on different chromatographies. The test for AWN–phospholipid interaction revealed phosphatidic acid and cardiolipin as potential binding partners. As phosphatidic acid is surmised to play a role in cation‐induced membrane destabilization and fusion events, we propose a membrane protective function of the presented binding affinity. Further studies with recombinant AWN will allow new insights into the mechanism of sperm–spermadhesin interaction and might provide new approaches for artificial reproduction techniques.
Profiling cellular and inflammatory changes in the airway wall of mild to moderate COPD
Authors: Eapen Mathew S. , McAlinden Kielan , Tan Daniel , Weston Steven , Ward Chris , Muller Hans K. , Walters Eugene H. , Sohal Sukhwinder S. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveThe objective of this study was to enumerate total cells and the number of inflammatory cell differentials in large airways (LAs) versus small airways (SAs) of mild‐moderate COPD, and against appropriate controls.MethodsFor LA, we used endobronchial biopsies and for SA resected lung tissues. Immunostaining was enumerated (cells per mm2) for macrophages, neutrophils, CD4 and CD8 T cells in the lamina propria (LP) up to 150 µM deep for LA and full wall thickness for SA.ResultsWe confirmed hypocellularity in the LA and in the SA wall in smokers and COPD (P < 0.001). LA cellularity was least in current smokers with COPD (COPD‐CS) (P < 0.01), while SA cellularity was similar across smoker/COPD groups. LA neutrophils were decreased in COPD‐CS (P < 0.01), while SA neutrophil counts were unchanged. Compared with controls, LA macrophage numbers in COPD were significantly lower (P < 0.05), with SA macrophage numbers unchanged. A significant increase was observed in SA CD8+ cells in both normal smokers (P < 0.01) and COPD‐CS (P < 0.001) but not in LA.ConclusionThese unique data indicate that the current model for airway wall inflammation in COPD is oversimplified, and contrast with innate inflammatory activation in the lumen, at least in mild‐moderate disease. Any abnormalities in airway wall cell differentials are small, although exaggerated in percentage terms.
Psychological and Behavioral Predictors of Rural In‐migration
Authors: Nakagawa Yoshinori 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn recent times, many studies have been conducted to understand those who migrate to rural areas. However, few have investigated the psychological and behavioral factors that affect people's decisions to migrate to rural areas. This study identifies the psychological and behavioral factors that have been suggested in the psychology literature and in rural studies as factors affecting people's decision to move to rural areas. The study is unique in that it categorizes the psychological states during the process of rural migration decision into three levels and identifies how psychological and behavioral factors affect people at each level. Researchers collected data from 906 respondents in Japan, including 128 people who had migrated to rural areas. The findings show that environmental and health concerns were significantly associated with initiating the procedure of the rural migration decision, while motives related to spiritual growth and employment were strongly connected with completing the procedure by actually migrating to rural areas. These findings contribute to a better understanding of a question that attracts a great deal of political attention in Japan: Why are rural areas gaining popularity especially after the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011? This study represents the first time that the importance of psychological and behavioral traits, as measured by psychometrically sound scales, has been confirmed within a model explaining the decision to migrate to rural areas.
Association between secondhand smoke and obesity and glucose abnormalities: data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES 1999–2010)
Authors: Kermah Dulcie , Shaheen Magda , Pan Deyu , Friedman Theodore C 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between cotinine level-confirmed secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure and glycemic parameters and obesity.Research design and methodsWe examined a cohort of 6472 adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys, 1999–2010. Serum cotinine levels and self-reported data on smoking were used to determine smoking status. The outcome variables were body mass index (BMI) and glycemic status (HbA1c), Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), and fasting plasma glucose (FPG). Descriptive, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were conducted.ResultsUsing cotinine level-confirmed smoking status, 1794 (27.4%) of the sample were current smokers, 1681 (25.0%) were former smokers, 1158 (17.8%) were secondhand smokers, and 1839 (29.8%) were non-smokers. In a generalized linear model after controlling for potential confounding variables, secondhand smokers had higher adjusted levels of HOMA-IR, FPG, and BMI compared with non-smokers (p<0.05). Adjustment for BMI demonstrated that some, but not all, of the detrimental effects of SHS on glycemic parameters are mediated by the increased body weight of secondhand smokers.ConclusionsWe conclude that SHS is associated with obesity and worsening glycemic parameters. More studies are needed to show a causal relationship between SHS and glycemic parameters and to understand the mechanisms involved in the association.
Economic costs of automated and continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in Taiwan: a combined survey and retrospective cohort analysis
Authors: Tang Chao-Hsiun , Wu Yu-Ting , Huang Siao-Yuan , Chen Hsi-Hsien , Wu Ming-Ju , Hsu Bang-Gee , Tsai Jer-Chia , Chen Tso-Hsiao , Sue Yuh-Mou 
Published: March 2017

ObjectivesTaiwan succeeded in raising the proportion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) usage after the National Health Insurance (NHI) payment scheme introduced financial incentives in 2005. This study aims to compare the economic costs between automated PD (APD) and continuous ambulatory PD (CAPD) modalities from a societal perspective.Design and settingA retrospective cohort of patients receiving PD from the NHI Research Database was identified during 2004–2011. The 1:1 propensity score matched 1749 APD patients and 1749 CAPD patients who were analysed on their NHI-financed medical costs and utilisation. A multicentre study by face-to-face interviews on 117 APD and 129 CAPD patients from five hospitals located in four regions of Taiwan was further carried out to collect data on their out-of-pocket payments, productivity losses and quality of life with EuroQol-5D-5L.Outcome measuresThe NHI-financed medical costs, out-of-pocket payments and productivity losses of APD and CAPD patients.ResultsThe total NHI-financed medical costs per patient-year after 5 years of follow-up were significantly higher with APD than CAPD (US$23 005 vs US$19 237; p<0.01). In terms of dialysis-related costs, APD had higher costs resulting from the use of APD machines (US$795) and APD sets (US$2913). Significantly lower productivity losses were found with APD (US$2619) than CAPD (US$6443), but the out-of-pocket payments were not significantly different. The differences in NHI-financed medical costs and productivity losses between APD and CAPD remained robust in the bootstrap analysis. The total economic costs of APD (US$30 401) were similar to those of CAPD (US$29 939), even after bootstrap analysis (APD, US$28 399; CAPD, US$27 960). No discernable differences were found in the results of mortality and quality of life between the APD and CAPD patients.ConclusionsAPD had higher annual dialysis-related costs and lower annual productivity losses than CAPD, which made the economic costs of APD very close to those of CAPD in Taiwan.
Systems for physical health care for mental health patients in the community: different approaches to improve patient care and safety in an Early Intervention in Psychosis Service
Authors: Mouko Josie , Sullivan Rebecca 
Published: March 2017

Patients with mental illnesses have a high rate of physical comorbidity, and specifically, those with psychosis are at an increased risk of cardiometabolic disease and shortened lifespans, due to medication, lifestyle and illness factors. There are recognised challenges with physical health care in this group.At baseline, no patients on the Bath and North East Somerset Early Intervention in Psychosis caseload had a fully completed physical health assessment. Our aim was to offer a physical health check, blood tests, and ECG for all patients, trialling four phases of interventions. The four phases were (1) increased awareness, education and data collection tools; (2) mobile physical health clinics; (3) letters sent to patients and GPs to request health checks be conducted, (4) a combination of the above approaches, as well as regular caseload reviews and prompts to professionals. At the time of our study (2015-16), many of the above parameters were also incentivised nationally by Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) payments. The mobile physical health clinic offered patient choice of home visits or clinic checks, to increase engagement and provide flexible care.The most successful approach overall was the combination approach, resulting in 48% of all patients having fully completed physical health checks, bloods and ECGs. The mobile clinic resulted in physical health checks completion rates of 60%, and blood tests in 65-70%. 92% of patients undertook ECG's, following letter requests to GPs and patients.Combining mobile physical health clinics, GP letters, financial incentives and managerial engagement produced much improved results, but was very time consuming, and in our case was inefficient due to using multiple professionals. We recommend embedding such approaches within the team, using sustainable systems, and would encourage teams to trial dedicated trained clinicians to establish sustainable systems to improve the physical health care of this vulnerable group.
Brief fixation enables same-day breast cancer diagnosis with reliable assessment of hormone receptors, E-cadherin and HER2/Neu
Authors: Halilovic Altuna , Bulte Joris , Jacobs Yvonne , Braam Hanneke , van Cleef Patricia , Schlooz-Vries Margrethe , Werner Annelies , Boelens Oliver , Nagtegaal Iris , de Wilt Hans , Bult Peter 
Published: March 2017

AimsPreoperative core needle biopsy (CNB) is commonly used to confirm the diagnosis of breast cancer. For treatment purposes and for determining histological type, especially in case of neoadjuvant therapy, oestrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status and E-cadherin assessments are crucial. Considering the increasing demand for same-day diagnosis of breast lesions, an accelerated method of CNB processing was developed, in which the tissue fixation time is radically reduced.MethodsTo determine whether short fixation time frustrates assessment of ER, PR and E-cadherin immunohistochemistry (IHC) and HER2 fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH), 69 consecutive patients with 70 invasive breast carcinomas were included through the same-day diagnostics programme of breast lesions of the Radboud university medical center and the hospital Pantein. IHC for ER, PR and E-cadherin and HER2 FISH were compared between CNBs fixed for approximately 60–90 min and traditionally fixed resection specimens.ResultsOverall agreement between CNBs and resection specimens was 98.6% for ER (p<0.001; κ=0.93), 90.0% for PR (p<0.001; κ=0.75), 100% for E-cadherin (p<0001; κ=1.00) and 98.6% (p<0.001; κ=0.94) for HER2 FISH. Positive and negative predictive values were respectively 98.4% and 100% for ER, 95.9% and 76.2% for PR, 100% and 100% for E-cadherin and 90% and 100% for HER2 FISH.ConclusionsHormone receptors and E-cadherin IHC and HER2 FISH are highly comparable between briefly fixed CNBs and the corresponding traditionally fixed resection specimens, and can therefore reliably be used in the daily clinical practice of same-day diagnostics of breast cancer.