bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuroimaging effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing human brain: a magnetic resonance imaging review
Authors: Donald Kirsten Ann , Eastman Emma , Howells Fleur Margaret , Adnams Colleen , Riley Edward Patrick , Woods Roger Paul , Narr Katherine Louise , Stein Dan Joseph 
Published: March 2015

ObjectiveThis paper reviews the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) literature on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing human brain.MethodA literature search was conducted through the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. Combinations of the following search terms and keywords were used to identify relevant studies: ‘alcohol’, ‘fetal alcohol spectrum disorders’, ‘fetal alcohol syndrome’, ‘FAS’, ‘FASD’, ‘MRI’, ‘DTI’, ‘MRS’, ‘neuroimaging’, ‘children’ and ‘infants’.ResultsA total of 64 relevant articles were identified across all modalities. Overall, studies reported smaller total brain volume as well as smaller volume of both the white and grey matter in specific cortical regions. The most consistently reported structural MRI findings were alterations in the shape and volume of the corpus callosum, as well as smaller volume in the basal ganglia and hippocampi. The most consistent finding from diffusion tensor imaging studies was lower fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies are few to date, but showed altered neurometabolic profiles in the frontal and parietal cortex, thalamus and dentate nuclei. Resting-state functional MRI studies reported reduced functional connectivity between cortical and deep grey matter structures.DiscussionThere is a critical gap in the literature of MRI studies in alcohol-exposed children under 5 years of age across all MRI modalities. The dynamic nature of brain maturation and appreciation of the effects of alcohol exposure on the developing trajectory of the structural and functional network argue for the prioritisation of studies that include a longitudinal approach to understanding this spectrum of effects and potential therapeutic time points.
Uptake and bioavailability of anthocyanins and phenolic acids from grape/blueberry juice and smoothie in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kuntz Sabine , Rudloff Silvia , Asseburg Heike , Borsch Christian , Fröhling Bettina , Unger Franziska , Dold Sebastian , Spengler Bernhard , Römpp Andreas , Kunz Clemens 
Published: March 2015

The goal of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day has not yet been achieved. The intake of polyphenols such as anthocyanins (ACN) could be improved by consuming smoothies and juices that are increasingly popular, especially in children; however, bioavailability data concerning food matrix effects are scarce. Thus, we conducted a randomised, cross-over, bioavailability study (n 10) to determine the bioavailability of ACN and their metabolites from an ACN-rich grape/blueberry juice (841 mg ACN/litre) and smoothie (983 mg ACN/litre) in vivo, and the uptake of a corresponding grape/blueberry extract in vitro. After the intake of beverage (0·33 litres), plasma and fractionated urine samples were collected and analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to MS. The most abundant ACN found in plasma and urine were malvidin and peonidin as native ACN and as glucuronidated metabolites as well as 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB); minor ACN (delphinidin, cyanidin and petunidin) were only detected as native glycosides. Plasma pharmacokinetics and recoveries of urinary metabolites of ACN were not different for juice or smoothie intake; however, the phenolic acid 3,4-DHB was significantly better bioavailable from juice in comparison to smoothie. In vitro data with absorptive intestinal cells indicated that despite their weak chemical stability, ACN and 3,4-DHB could be detected at the basal side in their native forms. Whether smoothies as well as juices should be recommended to increase the intake of potentially health-promoting ACN and other polyphenols requires the consideration of other ingredients such as their relatively high sugar content.
Consistency in compensatory eating responses following acute exercise in inactive, overweight and obese women
Authors: Unick Jessica L. , O'Leary Kevin C. , Dorfman Leah , Thomas J. Graham , Strohacker Kelley , Wing Rena R. 
Published: March 2015

It is often assumed that some individuals reliably increase energy intake (EI) post-exercise (‘compensators’) and some do not (‘non-compensators’), leading researchers to examine the characteristics that distinguish these two groups. However, it is unclear whether EI post-exercise is stable over time. The present study examined whether compensatory eating responses to a single exercise bout are consistent within individuals across three pairs of trials. Physically inactive, overweight/obese women (n28, BMI 30·3 (sd2·9) kg/m2) participated in three pairs of testing sessions, with each pair consisting of an exercise (30 min of moderate-intensity walking) and resting testing day. EI was measured using a buffet meal 1 h post-exercise/rest. For each pair, the difference in EI (EIdiff= EIex− EIrest) was calculated, where EIexis the EI of the exercise session and EIrestis the EI of the resting session, and women were classified as a ‘compensator’ (EIex>EIrest) or ‘non-compensator’ (EIex≤ EIrest). The average EI on exercise days (3328·0 (sd1686·2) kJ) was similar to those on resting days (3269·4 (sd1582·4) kJ) (P= 0·67). Although EI was reliable within individuals across the three resting days (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0·75, 95 % CI 0·60, 0·87;P< 0·001) and three exercise days (ICC 0·83, 95 % CI 0·70, 0·91;P< 0·001), the ICC for EIdiffacross the three pairs of trials was low (ICC 0·20, 95 % CI − 0·02, 0·45;P= 0·04), suggesting that compensatory eating post-exercise is not a stable construct. Moreover, the classification of ‘compensators’/‘non-compensators’ was not reliable (κ =− 0·048;P= 0·66). The results were unaltered when ‘relative’ EI was used, which considers the energy expenditure of the exercise/resting sessions. Acute compensatory EI following an exercise bout is not reliable in overweight women. Seeking to understand what distinguishes ‘compensators’ from ‘non-compensators’ based on a single eating episode post-exercise is not justified.
Investigation of insecticide-resistance status of Cydia pomonella in Chinese populations
Authors: Yang X.-Q. , Zhang Y.-L. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) is an economically important fruit pest and it has been directly targeted by insecticides worldwide. Serious resistance to insecticides has been reported in many countries. As one of the most serious invasive pest, the codling moth has populated several areas in China. However, resistance to insecticides has not been reported in China. We investigated the insecticide-resistance status of four field populations from Northwestern China by applying bioassays, enzyme activities, and mutation detections. Diagnostic concentrations of lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, carbaryl, and imidacloprid were determined and used in bioassays. Field populations were less susceptible to chlorpyrifos-ethyl and carbaryl than laboratory strain. Insensitive populations displayed an elevated glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activity. Reduced carboxylesterase (CarE) activity was observed in some insecticide insensitive populations and reduced acetylcholinesterase activity was observed only in the Wuw population. The cytochrome P450 polysubstrate monooxygenases activities in four field populations were not found to be different from susceptible strains. Neither the known-resistance mutation F399V in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene, ace1, nor mutations in CarE gene CpCE-1 were found in adult individuals from our field populations. Native-PAGE revealed that various CarE isozymes and AChE insensitivity were occurring among Chinese populations. Our results indicate that codling moth populations from Northwestern China were insensitivity to chlorpyrifos-ethyl and carbaryl. Increased GST activity was responsible for insecticides insensitivity. Decreased CarE activity, as well as the presence of CarE and AChE polymorphisms might also be involved in insecticides insensitivity. New management strategies for managing this pest are discussed.
Construction of a GeogDetector-based model system to indicate the potential occurrence of grasshoppers in Inner Mongolia steppe habitats
Authors: Shen J. , Zhang N. , Gexigeduren  , He B. , Liu C.-Y. , Li Y. , Zhang H.-Y. , Chen X.-Y. , Lin H. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractGrasshopper plagues have seriously disturbed grassland ecosystems in Inner Mongolia, China. The accurate prediction of grasshopper infestations and control of grasshopper plagues have become urgent needs. We sampled 234, 342, 335, and 369 plots in Xianghuangqi County of Xilingol League in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively, and measured the density of the most dominant grasshopper species,Oedaleus decorus asiaticus, and the latitude, longitude, and associated relatively stable habitat factors at each plot. We used Excel–GeogDetector software to explore the effects of individual habitat factors and the two-factor interactions on grasshopper density. We estimated the membership of each grasshopper density rank and determined the weights of each habitat category. These results were used to construct a model system evaluating grasshopper habitat suitability. The results showed that our evaluation system was reliable and the fuzzy evaluation scores of grasshopper habitat suitability were good indicators of potential occurrence of grasshoppers. The effects of the two-factor interactions on grasshopper density were greater than the effects of any individual factors.O. d. asiaticuswas most likely to be found at elevations of 1300–1400 m, flat terrain or slopes of 4–6°, typical chestnut soil with 70–80% sand content in the top 5 cm of soil, and medium-coverage grassland. The species preferred temperate bunchgrass steppe dominated byStipa kryloviiandCleistogenes squarrosa. These findings may be used to improve models to predict grasshopper occurrence and to develop management guidelines to control grasshopper plagues by changing habitats.
Molecular analysis of isolates of the cestode Rodentolepis nana from the great gerbil, Rhombomys opimus
Authors: Mirjalali H. , Kia E.B. , Kamranrashani B. , Hajjaran H. , Sharifdini M. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractRodentolepis nana (syn. Hymenolepis nana) is a cyclophyllidean zoonotic enteric parasite with worldwide distribution. In humans, it is more prevalent in children, especially in temperate zones. A morphologically similar species of R. nana occurs in different rodents, including gerbils. In the present study molecular characterization of five isolates of R. nana from Rhombomys opimus in the Golestan Province (n= 2) and Razavi Khorasan Province (n= 3), both in north-eastern Iran, were analysed. After DNA extraction, the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of the R. nana isolates was amplified and sequenced, and genetic variation was analysed. Accordingly, two isolates from the Razavi Khorasan Province showed ITS2 signatures that differed from the isolates from the Golestan Province. The third isolate from Razavi Khorasan did not reveal these specific signatures, but exhibited sparse nucleotide polymorphisms in the ITS2 sequence. The ITS gene is conserved, and variation in this fragment could be an interesting subject for further inspection of existing variation in the genome of R. nana, among different domestic and wildlife host species and from different areas.
Neuralgic amyotrophy associated with temporary vocal fold paralysis: successful treatment by vocal fold augmentation with hyaluronic acid
Authors: Geißler K , Klingner C M , Guntinas-Lichius O , Bitter T 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackground:Neuralgic amyotrophy is a polyneuropathy that classically involves the brachial plexus. This paper reports an unusual clinical manifestation associated with vocal fold paralysis.Case report:A 36-year-old male presented with hoarseness and progressive weakness of the right shoulder and upper arm muscles. Laryngoscopy revealed a limited adduction of the right vocal fold.Results:Subsequent speech therapy did not improve the symptoms. Therefore, vocal fold augmentation by application of hyaluronic acid in the right vocal fold was performed.Conclusion:Vocal fold augmentation with resorbable material seems to be a more effective transient treatment than speech therapy alone for patients with neuralgic amyotrophy and laryngeal involvement.
Intrinsic facial nerve tumours of the temporal bone: a proposed management guideline
Authors: Watson G J , Irving R M 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjective:The aim of this paper was to propose a guideline for the management of intrinsic facial nerve tumours based on our practice and findings in the literature.Method:A retrospective review of intrinsic facial nerve tumours over the last 15 years was performed. Parameters measured included age, presenting symptoms, pre- and post-treatment hearing and House–Brackmann grading, tumour position, treatment and duration of follow up.Results:A total of 15 patients presented with intrinsic facial nerve tumours over the study period. The most common presenting complaint was facial symptoms (93.3 per cent), followed by hearing loss (46.7 per cent). Three patients with stable facial nerve function (House–Brackmann grades II–III) were treated conservatively. Twelve patients underwent surgery to treat progressive or recurrent symptoms. Facial function was maintained or improved in 60.0 per cent of patients and hearing was preserved in 66.7 per cent.Conclusion:We propose that all stable tumours associated with good facial function of grade III or below should be treated conservatively. For symptomatic or progressive lesions, tailored surgery depending on the tumour site and hearing level should be offered to preserve native nerve function and facial musculature. For patients with prolonged paralysis, tumours can be monitored and other forms of facial reanimation and support offered.
The challenge of intermediary coordination in smallholder sugarcane production in Tanzania
Authors: Mmari Donald Eliapenda 
Published: March 2015

AbstractOrthodox approaches to development view the market as a key institution for driving economic transformation and for fostering innovation and competitiveness. The working of markets alone, however, does not always lead to improved outcomes such as increase in productivity or production efficiency in the context of smallholders. The role of non-market institutions, therefore, remains important. This paper examines the role of intermediary coordination in addressing constraints to efficiency and productivity of smallholder sugarcane producers in Tanzania. It also makes a contrastive analysis of a different organisational arrangement for smallholder sugarcane producers in Malawi. The key proposition is that while intermediary organisations of cane outgrowers in Tanzania have played a significant role in promoting effective market linkage, an increase in productivity required for competitiveness is limited by the lack of effective horizontal coordination.
Militant Islamists or borderland dissidents? An exploration into the Allied Democratic Forces' recruitment practices and constitution
Authors: Scorgie-Porter Lindsay 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDescriptions of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) – a relatively resilient rebel group in the Congo–Uganda borderland – are almost solely focused upon the rebellion's Islamic extremist characteristics. Through looking specifically at the ADF's recruitment practices, this paper seeks to problematise existing accounts of the group's constitution. It discusses how Islamic extremism has had a significant influence on various aspects of ADF recruitment, and therefore helps to explain particular dimensions of the ADF's composition. Nevertheless, this paper demonstrates that focusing on the role of Islamismalone, leaves a large part of the ADF's story untold – such as the important role played by recruitment networks associated with marginalised and militarised ex-combatants, or the populations of disenfranchised youth in the borderlands. Indeed, unresolved political and socio-economic injustices amongst the people of the Rwenzories have been just as significant motivating factors for joining the rebels as have Islamic sources. Thus, this paper argues that the ADF's recruitment practices and constitution cannot be sufficiently analysed without adequate recognition of the rebel group's position within a borderland context.
Interplay of land governance and large-scale agricultural investment: evidence from Ghana and Kenya
Authors: Nolte Kerstin , Väth Susanne Johanna 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis comparative analysis examines how large-scale agricultural land acquisitions are implemented in Ghana and Kenya, using embedded case studies of two specific investment projects. We find that insufficiencies in these countries' land governance systems are partly caused by discrepancies betweende jureand de facto procedures and that powerful actors tend to operate in the legal grey areas. These actors determine the implementation of projects to a large extent. Displacement and compensation are highly emotive issues that exacerbate tensions around the investment. We also find that large-scale land acquisitions have a feedback effect on the land governance system, which suggests that large-scale land acquisitions can be drivers of institutional change. We suggest there may be a window of opportunity here to reform these land governance systems.
“Become you apes, repelled!” (Quran 7:166): The transformation of the Israelites into apes and its biblical and midrashic background
Authors: Rubin Uri 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn Quran 7:163–6, God punishes the inhabitants of “a town by the sea” who have collected fish from the sea on a Sabbath by transforming them into apes (qirada). Almost none of the attempts to find a precedent for this punishment in pre-Islamic texts have been plausible. This article argues that this scene reflects post-biblical traditions referring to Numbers 11:19–20. This biblical passage deals with the Israelites who consumed quails that had come from the sea; they were doomed to partake of the meat until it came out of their nostrils and became loathsome to them. This was their punishment after having expressed their discontent with the manna, while craving for meat and fish and vegetables. The midrashic sources describe various obnoxious bodily effects which the meat of the quails had on their unrestrained eaters. It will be suggested that the punitive transformation into apes, suffered by the people of the town by the sea who ate fish, represents the Quranic reshaped version of the bodily infliction which the quail eaters suffered as a result of eating the quails that came from the sea. In support of this suggestion, several points common to the biblical quail eaters and the Quranic people of the “town by the sea” will be highlighted.
Holy places in Umayyad al-Andalus
Authors: Fierro Maribel 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWhile for the sixth/twelfth century onwards there is no lack of data allowing the recovery of the sacred geography of al-Andalus, such data are scarce for the earlier period. This article surveys the available information for Umayyad al-Andalus and how it relates to the different strata of the population, analysing it within the context of the Islamicization.
Problems in sura 53
Authors: Crone Patricia 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper argues that sura 53 contains a number of problems, of which the most intractable is the question: who is speaking in the oracular, part I? The answer is not God, nor is it easy to see how it could be the Prophet. Since the Prophet is undoubtedly responsible for the sura as a whole, the solution tentatively proposed here is that he found part I in an earlier text current among his people, such as a collection of oracular verdicts.
Influence of target curvature on ion acceleration in radiation pressure acceleration regime
Authors: Dahiya Deepak , Kumar Ashok , Tripathi V. K. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIon acceleration from submicron thick foil target irradiated by a circularly polarized laser is studied using multidimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Convex, flat, and concave target shapes are considered. Radius of curvature of curved target is of the order of laser width in transverse direction. Accelerated ion beam of highest peak energy and least energy spread is obtained from concave target, whereas total accelerated charge is highest in convex target. It is attributed to the change in the growth of transverse instabilities and geometrical effects due to target curvature in initial stages of acceleration process. The variation in the radius of curvature of the foil depends on the ratio of initial spot size to the radius of curvature. Faster reduction in curvature is achieved for tightly focused Gaussian pulses as conjectured by the model.
A history of bovine tuberculosis eradication policy in Northern Ireland
Authors: ROBINSON P. A. 
Published: March 2015

SUMMARYDespite many years of state-sponsored efforts to eradicate the disease from cattle through testing and slaughter, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is still regarded as the most important and complex of animal health challenges facing the British livestock agricultural industry. This paper provides a historical analysis of the ongoing bTB statutory eradication programme in one part of the UK – Northern Ireland (NI) – which began in 1949 as a voluntary scheme, but between 1959 and 1960 became compulsory for all cattle herd-owners. Tracing bTB back through time sets the eradication efforts of the present day within a deeper context, and provides signposts for what developed in subsequent decades. The findings are based primarily on empirical research using historical published reports of the Ministry of Agriculture and state documents held in the public archives in NI, and they emphasize the need to consider the economic, social and political contexts of disease eradication efforts and their influences on both the past and the present.
Bicoloromyces kyffinensis: a new genus and species of lichen-inhabiting conidial fungi from 83°46'S
Authors: Heuchert Bettina , Sancho Leopoldo G. , Braun Uwe , Hawksworth David L. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe new genus and speciesBicoloromyces kyffinensisis described as new to science from a sterile crustose lichen, perhapsLecanora fuscobrunneaorLecidellasp. from Ebony Ridge of Mount Kyffin, Antarctica. The fungus recalls superficially the lichenicolous species referred toTaeniolella, but differs in having semi-macronematous conidiophores, tissues encrusted with calcium oxalate, aeruginose to blue-black colouration under the microscope, and conidia which are distoseptate and formed in basipetal chains. Energy dispersive spectroscopy established that the encrustations were of calcium oxalate. Differences from genera of rock-inhabiting fungi described from the Antarctic are discussed. This appears to be the furthest south any lichen-inhabiting fungus has been reported.