bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human capital accumulation and long‐term income growth projections for European regions
Authors: Cuaresma Jesús Crespo , Doppelhofer Gernot , Huber Florian , Piribauer Philipp 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe propose an econometric framework to construct projections for per capita income growth and human capital for European regions. Using Bayesian methods, our approach accounts for model uncertainty in terms of the choice of explanatory variables, the nature of spatial spillovers, as well as the potential endogeneity between output growth and human capital accumulation. This method allows us to assess the potential contribution of future educational attainment to economic growth and income convergence among European regions over the next decades. Our findings suggest that income convergence dynamics and human capital act as important drivers of income growth for the decades to come.
The Increasing Irrelevance of Trade Diversion
Authors: Magee Christopher S.P. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis paper is intended as a guide for policymakers considering new regional trade agreements. The data provided here show that only about a quarter of imports are potentially subject to trade diversion from new agreements (i.e. they come from countries outside of regional trading blocs and in industries with positive most‐favored nation tariffs). Since this percentage is steadily declining with the increasing number of regional trade agreements and the falling level of tariffs, trade diversion is becoming increasingly irrelevant as a concern for new trade deals. The paper also estimates how each potential new bilateral free trade agreement would affect a country's imports and exports, as well as whether the increased imports would replace domestic production, imports from other RTA partners, or imports from non‐RTA partners. In this way, the estimates are able to shed light on which countries make the best partners for new regional trade agreements. Finally, the paper provides estimates of the trade effects for two large potential new regional agreements: the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership and the Trans‐Pacific Partnership.
Public Corruption in the U.S. States and Its Impact on Public Debt Pricing
Authors: Moldogaziev Tima T. , Liu Cheol , Luby Martin J. 
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis study evaluates the levels of public corruption in the American states and their impact on the prices of public debt sold by underwriting banks to retail investors. Results suggest that the markups paid by retail investors to underwriters decrease significantly with the incidence of public corruption. The relationship remains significant even when existing anti‐corruption enforcement efforts are taken into consideration. Extant literature shows that the issuers of public debt from relatively more corrupt jurisdictions receive lower prices from underwriting banks in wholesale transactions. We develop and empirically show the mechanism through which this can occur. We offer the first evidence that the public debt market exerts disciplining pressures on the American states with greater levels of public corruption. When purchasing state‐issued public debt, retail buyers appear to demand narrower markups by factoring in public corruption. This, we argue, is an important reason why underwriting banks offer lower prices when dealing with less disciplined fiscal sovereigns.
Role of seed germination in adaptation and reproductive isolation in Arabidopsis lyrata
Authors: Hämälä Tuomas , Mattila Tiina M. , Leinonen Päivi H. , Kuittinen Helmi , Savolainen Outi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSeed germination is an important developmental and life history stage. Yet, the evolutionary impact of germination has mainly been studied in the context of dormancy, or for its role in reproductive isolation between species. Here, we aim to examine multiple consequences of genetic divergence on germination traits between two Arabidopsis lyrata subspecies: ssp. petraea (Eurasia) and ssp. lyrata (North America). Postdormancy germination time, a potentially adaptive trait, showed differentiation between the populations, and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping revealed that the trait variation is mainly controlled by two antagonistic loci. These QTL areas contain several candidate genes with known function in postdormancy germination in A. thaliana. The sequence variation of three genes was consistent with differential selection, and they also included fixed nonsynonymous substitutions with potential to account for the phenotypic differentiation. We further show that the divergence between the subspecies has led to a slight but significant reduction in hybrid germination proportions, indicating incipient reproductive isolation. Comparison of reciprocal F1 and F2 progenies suggests that Bateson–Dobzhansky–Muller incompatibilities likely act through uniparentally inherited factors. Examination of genomewide transmission ratio distortion further revealed that cytonuclear interactions cause substantial pregermination inviability in the hybrids. These results confirm that seed germination has adaptive potential beyond the dormancy stage and that hybrid seed inviability can be one of the first reproductive barriers to arise during divergence.
The structured diversity of specialized gut symbionts of the New World army ants
Authors: Łukasik Piotr , Newton Justin A. , Sanders Jon G. , Hu Yi , Moreau Corrie S. , Kronauer Daniel J. C. , O'Donnell Sean , Koga Ryuichi , Russell Jacob A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSymbiotic bacteria play important roles in the biology of their arthropod hosts. Yet the microbiota of many diverse and influential groups remain understudied, resulting in a paucity of information on the fidelities and histories of these associations. Motivated by prior findings from a smaller scale, 16S rRNA‐based study, we conducted a broad phylogenetic and geographic survey of microbial communities in the ecologically dominant New World army ants (Formicidae: Dorylinae). Amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene across 28 species spanning the five New World genera showed that the microbial communities of army ants consist of very few common and abundant bacterial species. The two most abundant microbes, referred to as Unclassified Firmicutes and Unclassified Entomoplasmatales, appear to be specialized army ant associates that dominate microbial communities in the gut lumen of three host genera, Eciton, Labidus and Nomamyrmex. Both are present in other army ant genera, including those from the Old World, suggesting that army ant symbioses date back to the Cretaceous. Extensive sequencing of bacterial protein‐coding genes revealed multiple strains of these symbionts coexisting within colonies, but seldom within the same individual ant. Bacterial strains formed multiple host species‐specific lineages on phylogenies, which often grouped strains from distant geographic locations. These patterns deviate from those seen in other social insects and raise intriguing questions about the influence of army ant colony swarm‐founding and within‐colony genetic diversity on strain coexistence, and the effects of hosting a diverse suite of symbiont strains on colony ecology.
Accounting for linkage disequilibrium in genome scans for selection without individual genotypes: The local score approach
Authors: Fariello María Inés , Boitard Simon , Mercier Sabine , Robelin David , Faraut Thomas , Arnould Cécile , Recoquillay Julien , Bouchez Olivier , Salin Gérald , Dehais Patrice , Gourichon David , Leroux Sophie , Pitel Frédérique , Leterrier Christine , SanCristobal Magali 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDetecting genomic footprints of selection is an important step in the understanding of evolution. Accounting for linkage disequilibrium in genome scans increases detection power, but haplotype‐based methods require individual genotypes and are not applicable on pool‐sequenced samples. We propose to take advantage of the local score approach to account for linkage disequilibrium in genome scans for selection, cumulating (possibly small) signals from single markers over a genomic segment, to clearly pinpoint a selection signal. Using computer simulations, we demonstrate that this approach detects selection with higher power than several state‐of‐the‐art single‐marker, windowing or haplotype‐based approaches. We illustrate this on two benchmark data sets including individual genotypes, for which we obtain similar results with the local score and one haplotype‐based approach. Finally, we apply the local score approach to Pool‐Seq data obtained from a divergent selection experiment on behaviour in quail and obtain precise and biologically coherent selection signals: while competing methods fail to highlight any clear selection signature, our method detects several regions involving genes known to act on social responsiveness or autistic traits. Although we focus here on the detection of positive selection from multiple population data, the local score approach is general and can be applied to other genome scans for selection or other genomewide analyses such as GWAS.
Wide but not impermeable: Testing the riverine barrier hypothesis for an Amazonian plant species
Authors: Nazareno Alison G. , Dick Christopher W. , Lohmann Lúcia G. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWallace's riverine barrier hypothesis postulates that large rivers, such as the Amazon and its tributaries, reduce or prevent gene flow between populations on opposite banks, leading to allopatry and areas of species endemism occupying interfluvial regions. Several studies have shown that two major tributaries, Rio Branco and Rio Negro, are important barriers to gene flow for birds, amphibians and primates. No botanical studies have considered the potential role of the Rio Branco as a barrier, while a single botanical study has evaluated the Rio Negro as a barrier. We studied an Amazon shrub, Amphirrhox longifolia (A. St.‐Hil.) Spreng (Violaceae), as a model to test the riverine barrier hypothesis. Twenty‐six populations of A. longifolia were sampled on both banks of the Rio Branco and Rio Negro in the core Amazon Basin. Double‐digest RADseq was used to identify 8,010 unlinked SNP markers from the nuclear genome of 156 individuals. Data relating to population structure support the hypothesis that the Rio Negro acted as a significant genetic barrier for A. longifolia. On the other hand, no genetic differentiation was detected among populations spanning the narrower Rio Branco, which is a tributary of the Rio Negro. This study shows that the strength of riverine barriers for Amazon plants is dependent on the width of the river separating populations and species‐specific dispersal traits. Future studies of plants with contrasting life history traits will further improve our understanding of the landscape genetics and allopatric speciation history of Amazon plant diversity.
Tolerance or avoidance: drought frequency determines the response of an N2‐fixing tree
Authors: Minucci Jeffrey M. , Miniat Chelcy Ford , Teskey Robert O. , Wurzburger Nina 
Published: April 2017

Summary

Climate change is increasing drought frequency, which may affect symbiotic N2 fixation (SNF), a process that facilitates ecosystem recovery from disturbance. Here, we assessed the effect of drought frequency on the ecophysiology and SNF rate of a common N2‐fixing tree in eastern US forests.

We grew Robinia pseudoacacia seedlings under the same mean soil moisture, but with different drought frequency caused by wet–dry cycles of varying periodicity.

We found no effect of drought frequency on final biomass or mean SNF rate. However, seedlings responded differently to wet and dry phases depending on drought frequency. Under low‐frequency droughts, plants fixed carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) at similar rates during wet and dry phases. Conversely, under high‐frequency droughts, plants fixed C and N at low rates during dry phases and at high rates during wet phases.

Our findings suggest that R. pseudoacacia growth is resistant to increased drought frequency because it employs two strategies – drought tolerance or drought avoidance, followed by compensation. SNF may play a role in both by supplying N to leaf tissues for acclimation and by facilitating compensatory growth following drought. Our findings point to SNF as a mechanism for plants and ecosystems to cope with drought.
Quantile Aggregation of Density Forecasts
Authors: Busetti Fabio 
Published: April 2017

AbstractQuantile aggregation (or ‘Vincentization’) is a simple and intuitive way of combining probability distributions, originally proposed by S.B. Vincent in 1912. In certain cases, such as under Gaussianity, the Vincentized distribution belongs to the same family as that of the individual distributions and it can be obtained by averaging the individual parameters. This article compares the properties of quantile aggregation with those of the forecast combination schemes normally adopted in the econometric forecasting literature, based on linear or logarithmic averages of the individual densities. Analytical results and Monte Carlo experiments indicate that the properties of quantile aggregation are between those of the linear and the logarithmic pool. Larger differences among the combination schemes occur when there are biases in the individual forecasts: in that case quantile aggregation seems preferable on the whole. The practical usefulness of Vincentization is illustrated empirically in the context of linear forecasting models for Italian GDP and quantile predictions of euro area inflation.
China, An Upstream Hegemon: A Destabilizer for the Governance of the Mekong River?
Authors: Han Heejin 
Published: April 2017

AbstractTransboundary rivers have remained one of the sources of contention and cooperation among states in international politics. The Mekong is one such river along which China and five Southeast Asian countries have organized their political, economic, and social lives. Studies examining the water politics of this river have argued that the lack of a comprehensive institution to govern this regional common pool resource and the growing power asymmetry between China, an upstream riparian state, and its Southeast Asian neighbors dampen the prospect for an effective governance of the river. Particularly, the economic rise of China and its concomitant increase in demand for energy and water resources has raised concerns about the negative impacts that this would have on the downstream countries. Examination of recent developments regarding the Mekong River suggests, however, that China has adopted a more collaborative approach by engaging in joint development projects and exchanging information and technology via existing sub‐regional and regional multilateral bodies since the early 2000s. The study concludes that this growing evidence of cooperation should be taken into consideration for a more comprehensive understanding of China's policy towards the Mekong River.
The Offensive Realists Are Not Wrong: China's Growth and Aggression, 1976–2001
Authors: Jung Sung Chul , Lee Kihyun 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIs China's rise a threat? Offensive realists see rising China as a main cause of global instability in the 21st century. Because all states seek security through power maximization, China will clash with the United States for regional hegemony in Asia. But critics of the offensive realist view emphasize common interests, global institutions, and domestic constraints, particularly since China's rapid growth makes the country more open to and dependent on the global economy. This study compares these competing approaches to China's growth and regional stability and develops hypotheses based on four factors that could influence China's interaction with other nations: China's own level of economic power, its growth rate, whether a potential antagonist is allied with the United States, and whether the two countries have a territorial dispute. Then it conducts a logit analysis of China's military aggression against Asian states and major powers in the post‐Mao period. The results show that China's growing power has encouraged its initiation of military conflicts, and that Beijing has become aggressive against its opponents in territorial disputes, but not more so against America's Asian allies than against other countries. The findings suggest that China's continued rise will likely contribute to its firm position in the South and East China Seas and its resolute protection of core strategic and economic interests.
The transition time from the juvenile phase to the adult phase differs in soybean cultivars ‘Enrei’ and ‘Peking’
Authors: Ozawa Suguru , Hatakeyama Katsunori , Takahata Yoshihito , Yokoi Shuji 
Published: April 2017

AbstractPlants develop juvenile phase to adult phase in vegetative stage. Although soybean is a very important crop worldwide, there has been only one study of the juvenile–adult phase change. In this study, we determined that the juvenile–adult phase change occurred at different stages in two soybean cultivars that differ in their photosensitivity. Cultivar ‘Enrei’ (E1e2e3E4) is weakly photosensitive and cultivar ‘Peking’ (E1E2E3E4) is strongly photosensitive. In ‘Enrei’, the leaf size gradually increased at a constant leaf position regardless of the difference in day length. In ‘Peking’ plants transferred to short‐day conditions at several leaf development stages, leaf size gradually increased at different leaf positions. Expression of miR156 by ‘Enrei’ transferred to short‐day conditions had nearly the same pattern as that of ‘Enrei’ grown under long‐day conditions. In ‘Peking’, the expression of miR156 had different patterns in younger leaves of plants subjected to either a short‐day treatment or long‐day conditions. These results indicate that the E2 and E3 loci that regulate photosensitivity also regulate the expression of miR156 and the juvenile–adult phase change in soybean.
HLAMatchmaker is effective for selecting appropriate platelet units for alloimmunised thrombocytopaenic patients who are refractory to random donor platelets
Authors: O'Rafferty C. , Rooney G. , Hagan R. , Woolfson M. , O'Donghaile D. , Fitzgerald J. 
Published: April 2017

SUMMARYBackgroundHLAMatchmaker has been used in the Irish Blood Transfusion Service (IBTS) to select platelets for HLA‐alloimmunised, platelet refractory thrombocytopaenic patients since 2006. Although available since 2002, only three studies have been published supporting the programme's effectiveness for this indication.ObjectivesWe sought to examine increments to HLA‐matched platelets (HMPs) at various matchmaker scores and to examine the impact of transfusing older platelets and ABO‐mismatched platelets to this patient group.Methods/MaterialsA total of 20 consecutive HLA‐alloimmunised thrombocytopaenic patients were retrospectively studied. Data collected included: pre‐ and post‐transfusion platelet count, indication for transfusion, HLAMatchmaker score, age of unit and degree of ABO mismatch. Data were also collected on the last 3 U of (RDPs). The Mann–Whitney U‐test was used to compare increments between transfusion episodes of random donor platelets (RDPs) vs HMPs with matchmaker scores <3, 4–7 or >8.ResultsIncrements at <2 h were available for 63 transfusion episodes. Increments at 2–24 h were available for 93 transfusion episodes. Increments were higher when transfusing HMPs than when transfusing RDPs. Increments for HMPs that were ABO mismatched were no different than for ABO‐identical units, with the exception of late increments post‐transfusing HMPs with a major ABO mismatch. Age of platelets did not influence increments.ConclusionThe use of HLAMatchmaker to select platelet units for thrombocytopaenic HLA‐alloimmunised patients produced satisfactory platelet increments. When providing HLAMatchmaker‐selected HMPs, ABO mismatch and the use of platelet units that are up to 7 days old should be permissible.
Analysis of platelet‐derived extracellular vesicles in plateletpheresis concentrates: a multicenter study
Authors: Black Anne , Orsó Evelyn , Kelsch Reinhard , Pereira Melanie , Kamhieh‐Milz Julian , Salama Abdulgabar , Fischer Michael B. , Meyer Eduardo , Frey Beat M. , Schmitz Gerd 
Published: April 2017

BACKGROUNDRoutine quantification of platelet‐derived extracellular vesicles (PL‐EVs) may be useful in the quality control (QC) of platelet concentrates (PCs). The aim of this multicenter study was to establish and validate a consensus protocol for the standardized PL‐EV quantification using conventional flow cytometers.STUDY DESIGN AMD METHODSEighty‐six PCs were investigated in five blood transfusion centers (A‐E) on Days 0 and 5. The centers used different apheresis instruments: Trima Accel (n = 56) and/or Amicus (n = 30). PCs were prepared using standard methods (sd‐PCs; n = 73; A‐D) or with pathogen inactivation (PI [PI‐PCs]; n = 13; E). Platelet (PLT) count was determined using conventional hematology analyzers. PLT degranulation (P‐selectin expression in response to thrombin receptor PAR1 activation) and PL‐EVs were analyzed by flow cytometry.RESULTSDuring storage, PLT count remained stable in 58 PCs (A, C, E), whereas a decrease was observed in 12 PCs (B). PLT degranulation declined in all PCs (p < 0.001) and PL‐EVs increased in 74 PCs (A, C‐E; p < 0.001). Certain donor variables (e.g., plasma cholesterol, immature PLT fraction) were associated with lower PL‐EVs. In Trima‐produced PCs, PL‐EVs were significantly lower (D) and PLT degranulation was superior compared to PCs prepared with the Amicus (A, D). PL‐EVs were 10‐fold lower in PI‐PCs, compared to sd‐PCs. However, similar QC trends were demonstrated for both PC groups during storage.CONCLUSIONPL‐EV analysis in a QC program of PCs was successfully performed with results comparable among the different centers. PLT degranulation and vesiculation were primarily affected by preparation techniques.
A Randomized Controlled Trial Provides Evidence to Support Aromatherapy to Minimize Anxiety in Women Undergoing Breast Biopsy
Authors: Trambert Renee , Kowalski Mildred Ortu , Wu Betty , Mehta Nimisha , Friedman Paul 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundAromatherapy has been used to reduce anxiety in a variety of settings, but usefulness associated with breast biopsies has not been documented.AimsThis study was conducted in women undergoing image‐guided breast biopsy. We explored the use of two different aromatherapy scents, compared to placebo, aimed at reducing anxiety with the intent of generating new knowledge.MethodsThis was a randomized, placebo‐controlled study of two different types of external aromatherapy tabs (lavender‐sandalwood and orange‐peppermint) compared with a matched placebo‐control delivery system. Anxiety was self‐reported before and after undergoing a breast biopsy using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory Scale.Results and FindingsEighty‐seven women participated in this study. There was a statistically significant reduction in self‐reported anxiety with the use of the lavender‐sandalwood aromatherapy tab compared with the placebo group (p = .032). Aromatherapy tabs reduced anxiety during image‐guided breast biopsy.Linking Evidence to ActionThe completion of the biopsy provided some relief from anxiety in all groups. The use of aromatherapy tabs offers an evidence‐based nursing intervention to improve adaptation and reduce anxiety for women undergoing breast biopsy. Lavender‐sandalwood aromatherapy reduced anxiety and promoted adaptation more than orange‐peppermint aromatherapy or placebo.