bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The introduction of simple cardiorespiratory fitness testing in overweight/obese type 2 diabetics: a pilot study
Authors: Cibičková Ľubica , Karásek David , Lukeš Jiří , Cibiček Norbert 
Published: January 2018

BackgroundLow level of cardiorespiratory fitness has been recognized as an important independent and modifiable risk factor of increased morbidity and mortality. However, in standard outpatient settings, patients are not routinely screened for fitness and advantages of such testing for the management of type 2 diabetes have not been defined.AimTo describe the toleration of a fast, simple and practicable fitness test (2-min step-in-place test) by overweight/obese type 2 diabetics and their performance indicated by 2-min step-in-place test score (STS). To study short-term anthropometric, functional and metabolic changes following the implementation of the test in the selected population.MethodsA total of 33 overweight/obese type 2 diabetics underwent, besides routine examination at the outpatient clinic, the fitness test (group A). Patients were asked to increase their regular physical activity with focus on walking without change in diet and chronic medication. Three to four months later, the subjects were tested again. An identical number of age- and sex-matched obese diabetics followed in our outpatient clinic (without fitness testing), was randomly selected from the Hospital Information System (control group B).FindingsAll patients subjected to fitness testing completed the protocol successfully. STS score was found to have a considerable range with differences between males and females at the borderline of statistical significance. The data are compliant with lower aerobic endurance of obese diabetics compared with healthy population. Within study period, the tested group presented with improvements in STS (referring especially to the males) as well as in several laboratory parameters of glucose and lipid homeostasis, glomerular function and subclinical inflammation with no reflection in anthropometry. Group B demonstrated no significant change. In conclusion, 2-min step-in-place test is fast, undemanding and well-tolerated by patients and personnel. Following its validation based on cardiopulmonary exercise testing, the test may prove recommendable for screening or self-monitoring purposes.
Cultivating climate resilience: a participatory assessment of organic and conventional rice systems in the Philippines
Authors: Heckelman Amber , Smukler Sean , Wittman Hannah 
Published: January 2018

AbstractClimate change poses serious threats to agriculture. As a primary staple crop and major contributor to agriculturally derived greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, rice systems are of particular significance to building climate resilience. We report on a participatory assessment of climate resilience in organic and conventional rice systems located in four neighboring villages in Negros Occidental, Philippines. The Philippines is one of the foremost countries impacted by climate change, with an increasing incidence of climate-related disturbances and extensive coastlines, high population density and heavy dependence on agriculture. Using the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's Self-evaluation and Holistic Assessment of climate Resilience of farmers and Pastoralists (SHARP) tool, we measured 13 agroecosystem indicators of climate resilience, and assessed the degree to which household, farm, and community mechanisms and outcomes impact adaptation capacity, mitigation potential and vulnerability. We used a participatory approach to situate these indicators in their socio-ecological context, and identify targeted interventions for enhancing climate resilience based on local farmer experiences and socio-ecological conditions. Comparison of climate resilience indicators across organic and conventional rice systems in this region indicated that organic rice systems are more climate resilient than their conventional counterparts. As such, increased policy support for the development of organic rice systems are critically important as an adaptive mechanism to augment food security, mitigate GHG emissions and improve climate resilience in the Philippines.
Climate change and agriculture in New York and Pennsylvania: risk perceptions, vulnerability and adaptation among farmers
Authors: Lane David , Chatrchyan Allison , Tobin Daniel , Thorn Kaila , Allred Shorna , Radhakrishna Rama 
Published: January 2018

AbstractClimate change impacts on agriculture have been intensifying in the Northeastern United States. In order to encourage the adoption of climate change adaptation and mitigation practices by farmers, it is critical to understand their perspectives on the risks they face and actions they are taking. However, very few empirical studies have considered how farmers are interpreting and responding to climate impacts, risks and opportunities in the Northeast. This study investigates farmer views and decisions related to climate change using data from six farmer focus groups conducted across New York and Pennsylvania. The study examined how farmers perceived climate impacts on their farms, the practices they are willing to adopt, and how perceived risks and vulnerability affect farmers’ decision-making related to adaptation and mitigation strategies. Although farmers articulated concern regarding climate impacts, they also made clear that other business pressures, such as profitability, market conditions, labor availability or government regulations were often more critical issues that affected their decision-making. Decisions about adopting climate change adaptation and mitigation practices vary widely, and personal experience with extreme weather and changing seasons affected decision-making. The findings from this study provide improved understanding of farmers’ needs and priorities, which can help guide land-grant researchers, extension and policymakers in their efforts to develop and coordinate a comprehensive strategy to address climate change impacts on agriculture in the Northeast.
Shadow markets and hierarchies: comparing and modeling networks in the Dark Net
Authors: NORGAARD JULIA R. , WALBERT HAROLD J. , HARDY R. AUGUST 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis paper analyzes the determinants of network structure, as measured by hierarchy and monopolization, by examining various black market networks. We examine structures of networks on the Internet Dark Net (Virtual) and compare it to network structures of traditional black markets (Ground), using agent-based modeling. The purpose of modeling these two different types of illicit markets is to understand the network structure that emerges from the interactions of the agents in each environment. Traditional black markets are relatively hierarchical, with high degree and high betweenness. We compare the density and average length of the shortest path of the simulated Ground black market networks with our simulated Virtual network. We find that hierarchy and monopolization tendencies in networks are products of different transaction costs and information asymmetries. The Internet is an effective way to lower multiple aspects of network structure. We observe that the network structure surrounding the interactions in the Virtual black market is less hierarchical and slightly more monopolistic than the network structure of the Ground market.
Conditional Monte Carlo for sums, with applications to insurance and finance
Authors: Asmussen Søren 
Published: January 2018

AbstractConditional Monte Carlo replaces a naive estimateZof a numberzby its conditional expectation given a suitable piece of information. It always reduces variance and its traditional applications are in that vein. We survey here other potential uses such as density estimation and calculations for Value-at-Risk and/or expected shortfall, going in part into the implementation in various copula structures. Also the interplay between these different aspects comes into play.
TYCHONOFF HED-SPACES AND ZEMANIAN EXTENSIONS OF S4.3
Authors: BEZHANISHVILI GURAM , BEZHANISHVILI NICK , LUCERO-BRYAN JOEL , MILL JAN VAN 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe introduce the concept of a Zemanian logic above S4.3 and prove that an extension of S4.3 is the logic of a Tychonoff HED-space iff it is Zemanian.
REFERENCE IN ARITHMETIC
Authors: PICOLLO LAVINIA 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSelf-reference has played a prominent role in the development of metamathematics in the past century, starting with Gödel’s first incompleteness theorem. Given the nature of this and other results in the area, the informal understanding of self-reference in arithmetic has sufficed so far. Recently, however, it has been argued that for other related issues in metamathematics and philosophical logic a precise notion of self-reference and, more generally, reference is actually required. These notions have been so far elusive and are surrounded by an aura of scepticism that has kept most philosophers away. In this paper I suggest we shouldn’t give up all hope. First, I introduce the reader to these issues. Second, I discuss the conditions a good notion of reference in arithmetic must satisfy. Accordingly, I then introduce adequate notions of reference for the language of first-order arithmetic, which I show to be fruitful for addressing the aforementioned issues in metamathematics.
When is a conflict international? Time for new control tests in IHL
Authors: Carron Djemila 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis article clarifies the control a State should have over an armed group for the triggering act of an international armed conflict and for the internationalization of non-international armed conflicts in international humanitarian law. It explains the reasons for the distinction between these two types of attribution and details the specificities of each test, with an innovative approach. The author proposes new control tests for both triggering and internationalization, rejecting the effective and overall control tests regarding internationalization proposed by the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. For instance, regarding the internationalization of a non-international armed conflict, a general and strict control test is proposed. Finally, this article addresses specific issues like the difficult question of the control required for an occupation through an armed group.
Eccentric placentae have reduced surface area and are associated with lower birth weight in babies small for gestational age
Authors: Ravikumar G. , Crasta J. , Prabhu J. S. , Thomas T. , Dwarkanath P. , Thomas A. , Sridhar T. S. , Kurpad A. V. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPlacental structure and function determine birth outcomes. Placental mass does not always correlate with fetal birth weight (BW) in uncomplicated pregnancies which raises the possibility of other variables such as placental shape and cord insertion being the determinants of placental efficiency. In total, 160 women with singleton pregnancy, recruited into a pregnancy cohort were studied. Placental weight (PW) was measured and other data were obtained from clinical records. Birth outcomes were classified as small for gestational age (SGA) and appropriate for gestational age (AGA) based on fetal gender, gestational age (GA) and BW. High-resolution images of the chorionic plate were recorded. The shape of the placenta and the insertion of the cord were measured using eccentricity index (EI) and cord centrality index (CCI). Only placentae with eccentrically inserted cords (n=136) were included. The mean BW and PW were 2942 (±435) g and 414 (±82) g with average GA of 38.6 weeks. The mean CCI and EI was 0.483 (±0.17) and 0.482 (±0.16). Neither of these correlated with placental efficiency. However, EI showed negative correlation with placental surface area and breadth. Upon sub-grouping the cohort into SGA (n=32) and AGA (n=104), the SGA babies with the highest EI (third tertile) had significantly lower BW than those with the least eccentric placentae (first tertile). Although eccentric-shaped placentae were present in both SGA and AGA groups, the effect on BW was observed only in the SGA group.
Care-leaving in South Africa: an international and social justice perspective
Authors: Bond Sue 
Published: January 2018

AbstractInternationally, the care-leaving debate began in the 1970s. The poor outcomes associated with care-leaving in the United Kingdom, United States of America and Australia prompted attention resulting in policy change in recent years, which continues to develop. The experience and outcomes for care leavers in South Africa reflects that of their contemporaries in other countries, however, contextual factors compound the problems that they face and there is little support available to them. This paper discusses some of the challenges facing care leavers and the development of the care-leaving debate, legislation and policy in the United Kingdom, United States and Australia. A comparison of the care-leaving arena in South Africa and the support services available to care leavers in the different countries will be presented. The paper concludes by arguing that the absence of services for care leavers is a neglect of the state's responsibility as corporate parent, and represents an issue of social justice.
Primary Non-Response to Tumor Necrosis Factor Antagonists is Associated with Inferior Response to Second-line Biologics in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Singh Siddharth , George John , Boland Brigid S , Vande Casteele Niels , Sandborn William J 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Background and Aims
We sought to analyze whether response to a second-line biologic varies depending on the reason for discontinuation of the primary anti-TNF agent (primary non-response [PNR], secondary loss of response [LOR] after initial response, or intolerance), through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods
Through a systematic search through May 31, 2017, we identified eight randomized controlled trials [RCTs] of biologics in patients with IBD with prior exposure to anti-TNF agents, that stratified response to second-line therapy by reason for discontinuing primary anti-TNF therapy [PNR vs. LOR vs. intolerance]. We estimated relative risk [RR] (and 95% confidence interval [CI]) of achieving clinical remission in patients with PNR as compared with patients with LOR, and intolerance, through random effects meta-analysis.

Results
As compared with patients who discontinued prior anti-TNF due to intolerance, patients with prior PNR were 24% less likely to achieve remission with second-line biologics (RR,0.76 [0.61–0.96]). As compared with patients who discontinued prior anti-TNF due to LOR, patients with prior PNR were 27% less likely to achieve remission with induction therapy with second-line biologics (RR,0.73 [0.56–0.97]), particularly to ustekinumab (RR,0.64 [0.52–0.80]). There was no difference in response to vedolizumab in patients with prior PNR or LOR to anti-TNF agents (RR,1.16 [0.85–1.58]).

Conclusion
Patients with PNR to anti-TNF agents are less likely to respond to second-line non-TNF biologics, as compared with patients who discontinued therapy due to secondary LOR or intolerance. This may be attributed to underlying pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-TNF agents in patients with PNR.
Postcolonializing the
bagne
Authors: Forsdick Charles 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

In Pierre Nora’s
Lieux de mémoire
project, there are no obvious references to the
bagne
. The omission is surprising, for this institution has long played a significant role in the French imagination. It persists in the French language in several prominent expressions, and continues to be associated with key national symbols such as the
bonnet phrygien
. This silencing is associated with representations of the penal colony in popular culture and in heritage practices, both of which tend to associate the
bagne
with ‘dangerous’ white French
bagnards
, failing accordingly to recognize the wider impact of the institution on colonized spaces. The article draws on a corpus of postcolonial representations or discussions of the
bagne
to propose a new, more enabling way of exploring (and memorializing) this essentially nineteenth-century phenomenon. Analysis of texts by Léon-Gontran Damas, Kateb Yacine, Leïla Sebbar, Anouar Benmalek, Mehdi Lallaoui, and Patrick Chamoiseau suggests that this ‘postcolonialization’ of the penal colony through new forms of creative engagement allows the recognition of transcolonial axes of penal transportation, exemplified by the banishment of Kabyle rebels to New Caledonia following their revolt against the impact of French occupation in spring 1871. The article concludes by drawing on recent postcolonial engagement with concepts such as ‘legacies’ and ‘ruins’ — particularly in the work of Ann Laura Stoler and Chamoiseau — to suggest that alternative narratives, and new critical and aesthetic approaches to the penal colony, have begun to emerge.
Highly efficient and versatile plasmid-based gene editing in primary T cells
Authors: Kornete Mara , Marone Romina , Jeker Lukas T. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAdoptive cell transfer (ACT) is an important approach for basic research and emerges as an effective treatment for various diseases including infections and blood cancers. Direct genetic manipulation of primary immune cells opens up unprecedented research opportunities and could be applied to enhance cellular therapeutic products. Here, we report highly efficient genome engineering in primary murine T cells using a plasmid-based RNA-guided CRISPR system. We developed a straightforward approach to ablate genes in up to 90% of cells and to introduce precisely targeted single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in up to 25% of the transfected primary T cells. We used gene editing-mediated allele switching to quantify homology directed repair (HDR), systematically optimize experimental parameters and map a native B cell epitope in primary T cells. Allele switching of a surrogate cell surface marker can be used to enrich cells with successful simultaneous editing of a second gene of interest. Finally, we applied the approach to correct two disease-causing mutations in the Foxp3 gene. Both repairing the cause of the scurfy syndrome, a 2bp insertion in Foxp3, and repairing the clinically relevant Foxp3K276X mutation restored Foxp3 expression in primary T cells.
Descending pathways from the lateral accessory lobe and posterior slope in the brain of the silkmothBombyx mori
Authors: Namiki Shigehiro , Kanzaki Ryohei 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA population of descending neurons connect the brain and thoracic motor cener, playing a critical role in controlling behavior. We examined the anatomical organization of descending neurons (DNs) in the brain of the silkmothBombyx mori. Moth pheromone orientation is a good model to investigate the neuronal mechanisms of olfactory behavior. Based on mass staining and single-cell staining, we evaluated the anatomical organization of neurite distribution by DNs in the brain. Dense innervation was observed in the posterior–ventral part of the brain, called the posterior slope (PS). We examined the morphology of DNs innervating the lateral accessory lobe (LAL), which is assumed to be important for moth olfactory behavior. We observed that the LAL DNs also innervate the PS, suggesting the integration of signals from the LAL and PS. We also identified a set of DNs innervating the PS, but not the LAL. These DNs were sensitive to sex pheromones, suggesting a role of the PS in motor control for pheromone orientation. The organization of descending pathways for pheromone orientation is discussed.
Molecular evolution of DNMT1 in vertebrates: duplications in marsupials followed by positive selection
Authors: Alvarez-Ponce David , Torres-Sánchez María , Feyertag Felix , Kulkarni Asmita , Nappi Taylen 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDNA methylation is mediated by a conserved family of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmts). The human genome encodes five Dnmts: Dnmt1, Dnmt2, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b and Dnmt3L. Despite their high degree of conservation among different species, genes encoding Dnmts have been duplicated and/or lost in multiple lineages throughout evolution, indicating that the DNA methylation machinery has some potential to undergo evolutionary change. However, little is known about the extent to which this machinery, or the methylome, varies among vertebrates. Here, we study the molecular evolution of Dnmt1, the enzyme responsible for maintenance of DNA methylation patterns after replication, in 79 vertebrate species. Our analyses show that all studied species exhibit a single copy of DNMT1, with the exception of tilapia and marsupials (tammar wallaby, koala, Tasmanian devil and opossum), each of which exhibits two apparently functional DNMT1 copies. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that DNMT1 duplicated before the divergence of marsupials (i.e., at least ~75 million years ago), thus giving rise to two DNMT1 copies in marsupials (copy 1 and copy 2). In the opossum lineage, copy 2 was lost, and copy 1 recently duplicated again, generating three DNMT1 copies: two putatively functional genes (copy 1a and 1b) and one pseudogene (copy 1ψ). Both marsupial copies (DNMT1 copies 1 and 2) are under purifying selection, and copy 2 exhibits elevated rates of evolution and signatures of positive selection, suggesting a scenario of neofunctionalization. This gene duplication might have resulted in modifications in marsupial methylomes and their dynamics.
A systematic review ofDrosophilashort-term-memory genetics: meta-analysis reveals robust reproducibility
Authors: Tumkaya Tayfun , Ott Stanislav , Claridge-Chang Adam 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGeneticists use olfactory conditioning inDrosophilato identify learning genes; however, little is known about how these genes are integrated into short-term memory (STM) pathways. Here, we investigated the hypothesis that the STM evidence base is weak. We performed systematic review and meta-analysis of the field. Using metrics to quantify variation between discovery articles and follow-up studies, we found that seven genes were both highly replicated, and highly reproducible. However, ~80% of STM genes have never been replicated. While only a few studies investigated interactions, the reviewed genes could account for >1000% memory. This large summed effect size could indicate irreproducibility, many shared pathways, or that current assay protocols lack the specificity needed to identify core plasticity genes. Mechanistic theories of memory will require the convergence of evidence from system, circuit, cellular, molecular, and genetic experiments; systematic data synthesis is an essential tool for integrated neuroscience.