bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Social structure and space use of Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) in Southern Russian Far East based on GPS telemetry data
Authors: HERNANDEZ‐BLANCO Jose A. , NAIDENKO Sergei V. , CHISTOPOLOVA Maria D. , LUKAREVSKIY Victor S. , KOSTYRYA Alexey , RYBIN Alexandr , SOROKIN Pavel A. , LITVINOV Mikhail N. , KOTLYAR Andrey K. , MIQUELLE Dale G. , ROZHNOV Viatcheslav V. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTo better understand the spatial structure of Amur tigers (Panthera tigris altaica) at the southern edge of their range we fitted 14 tigers (6♀♀ and 8♂♂) with 15 GPS‐Argos collars between 2008 and 2011 in 2 study sites: the Ussuriskii Reserve of southern Sikhote‐Alin and the Land of the Leopard National Park in southwest Primorye, Russian Far East. Fixed kernel estimates of male home ranges were larger than those of female home ranges (P < 0.05 [mean 95% fixed kernel♀ = 401 ± 205 km2; mean 95% fixed kernel♂ = 778 ± 267 km2]). The home range size of females varied greatly, but on average was similar to estimates derived from earlier work further north. Low overlap of adjacent home ranges suggested that females retained exclusive territories. Real core areas of females overlapped only slightly, and remained stable over multiple years. The home ranges of adult males were smaller than those of males to the north, and in contrast to previous studies, high overlap among males indicated the absence of territoriality. Nonetheless, real core areas of males did not overlap, suggesting some spatial separation. In comparison to other tiger populations and other areas of the Russian Far East, the sex ratio in our 2 study areas was highly skewed towards males. We believe this skewed sex ratio resulted in the dissolution of territoriality of males due to an inability to defend individual females, with males resorting to scramble competition for mates. Continued monitoring of these sites to determine whether shifts in the sex ratio might result in a return to male territoriality would provide confirmation of our tentative hypothesis.
High genetic diversity in the endangered and narrowly distributed amphibian speciesLeptobrachium leishanense
Authors: ZHANG Wei , LUO Zhenhua , ZHAO Mian , WU Hua 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThreatened species typically have a small or declining population size, which make them highly susceptible to loss of genetic diversity through genetic drift and inbreeding. Genetic diversity determines the evolutionary potential of a species; therefore, maintaining the genetic diversity of threatened species is essential for their conservation. In this study, we assessed the genetic diversity of the adaptive major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes in an endangered and narrowly distributed amphibian species,Leptobrachium leishanensein Southwest China. We compared the genetic variation of MHC class I genes with that observed in neutral markers (5 microsatellite loci and cytochromebgene) to elucidate the relative roles of genetic drift and natural selection in shaping the current MHC polymorphism in this species. We found a high level of genetic diversity in this population at both MHC and neutral markers compared with other threatened amphibian species. Historical positive selection was evident in the MHC class I genes. The higher allelic richness in MHC markers compared with that of microsatellite loci suggests that selection rather than genetic drift plays a prominent role in shaping the MHC variation pattern, as drift can affect all the genome in a similar way but selection directly targets MHC genes. Although demographic analysis revealed no recent bottleneck events inL. leishanense, additional population decline will accelerate the dangerous status for this species. We suggest that the conservation management ofL. leishanenseshould concentrate on maximizing the retention of genetic diversity through preventing their continuous population decline. Protecting their living habitats and forbidding illegal hunting are the most important measures for conservation ofL. leishanense.
Visions and Stones: Spirit Matters and the Charm of Small Things in South Korean Shamanic Rock Divination
Authors: Kim David J. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThis article considers conceptualizations of the sacred via two of the founding members of The College of Sociology (1937–1939), Michel Leiris and Georges Bataille, as they relate to everyday life. Through this sacred lens everyday life in the city is reflexively intertwined with the stories of a Korean shaman, who through rock divination conjures the spirits of nature for her divinations. Her fantastic and uncanny stories are examined in detail, as well as the intricate relationship between the diviner, patron, and materials used in Korean shamanic in‐house divination. Following Atkinson, Taussig, and others, this piece stresses that power in shamanism is a complicated relation of exchanges and activities, readings and writings, of which the shaman is only one component. Not only is it more and more necessary to consider the perspectives of the patrons and the patients, but the materials, social contexts, and spectral machineries that are brought to the discursive table must also bear equal weight—all of which, in turn, constitute the grounds for what might be considered “shamanic” activity. Through divination, physiognomic traces reveal the interior world of things as a waking dream, which takes part in the mysteries of what another member of The College, Roger Caillois, referred to as the “natural fantastic.” The object of divination—ourselves and our fate—is petrified into thing that can be read and critiqued, and subsequently transformed into a medicine or commodity, which is then consumed as the patron returns to the exterior landscape of the city and awaits its effects.
Shifting Ontologies inHuichol Ritual and Art
Authors: Neurath Johannes 
Published: June 2015

SummaryIn regard to anthropology's contemporary ontological turn, it seems to be necessary to raise the question of polyontologies. UsingDescola's terminology, theHuichols (Wixarika) ofWesternMexico seem to be a case combining animistic and analogist tendencies. I avoid declaring analogism to be the dominant ontology of theHuichol, and animism to being a secondary tendency. Rather, my project is to elucidate the ontological implications of ritual complexity.Huichol ontology and cosmology appear to be unstable and based on contradictory schemes of practice. During the Peyote dance people deny the free gifts of the feathered serpent and oblige it to accept “payment.” The cloud serpent's ethos of free gift clashes with the villagers' insistence on reciprocal exchange. The transition from reciprocity to free gift and back to exchange is always a problematic process. There is no easy complementarity between the two. These same tensions are also expressed in theHuichol's peculiar style of art. Contemplating a yarn painting likeThe Vision ofTatutsiXuweriTimaiwemebyJoséBenítezSánchez, the viewer can go back and forth between incompatible forms of knowledge and ways of viewing.
Trends in maternal obesity in a large university hospital 2009–2013
Authors: McKeating Aoife , Maguire Patrick J. , Daly Niamh , Farren Maria , McMahon Léan , Turner Michael J. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionMaternal obesity has been identified as an important clinical priority in contemporary obstetrics. This study aimed to determine the incidence of maternal obesity in early pregnancy and track recent trends in body mass index (BMI) categories over 5 years 2009–2013.Material and methodsThis prospective observational study included all women who delivered an infant weighing ≥500 g during the 5 years 2009–2013 in a large university teaching hospital in Ireland. Body mass index was calculated using early pregnancy weight and height measured at first antenatal visits. Sociodemographic and clinical data were gathered prospectively. Trends in maternal obesity were tracked over 5 years and epidemiological associations with obesity were examined using logistic regression, adjusted for confounding variables.ResultsOf 42 362 women, 99.0% (n = 41 927) were eligible for analysis with a mean BMI of 25.5 kg/m2, mean age of 30.7 years and 40.7% (n = 17054) primigravidas. The absolute number of cases of severe obesity (BMI ≥40.0 kg/m2) increased by 48.5% from 2009 to 2013 (p < 0.001). After multivariate logistic regression analyses, obesity incidence increased with increasing parity, advancing age and socioeconomic disadvantage. The maternal obesity rate among women born in the 13 European Union Accession countries was 8.6%, nearly half that of those born in existing European Union countries (p < 0.001).ConclusionIt is concerning that while the overall obesity rate remained stable, the number of cases of severe obesity increased over 5 years. We recommend renewed public health efforts addressing obesity rates before pregnancy and reinforcing attempts to optimize a woman's weight after delivery.
Best‐corrected visual acuity and retinal thickness are associated with improved cortical visual processing in treated wet AMD patients
Authors: Vottonen Pasi , Pääkkönen Ari , Tarkka Ina M. , Kaarniranta Kai 
Published: June 2015

AbstractPurposeIn response to anti‐VEGF treatment for wet AMD retinal anatomy and visual acuity is often remedied. In our previous study, we showed that visual evoked potentials (VEP) improve following successful anti‐VEGF treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate, how visual acuity and retinal thickness changes are reflected in VEP parameters. Moreover, we wanted to assess the feasibility of VEP as a novel monitoring tool for wet AMD patients.MethodsA total of 16 patients and six control subjects were enrolled in this study. Patients received three bevacizumab intravitreal injections. At the beginning of the study and four to 6 weeks after the last injection, the best‐corrected visual acuity (BCVA) test, full biomicroscope examination, OCT analysis and VEP were performed.ResultsIn treated eyes, logMAR visual acuity improved on average 0.18 ± 0.32 units, OCT retinal thickness decreased 170 ± 200 micrometres and VEP amplitude increased 1.0 ± 1.4 microvolts. All changes were significant at p < 0.05. There was a significant correlation between the relative changes of VEP amplitude and retinal thickness r = −0.630 (p < 0.05), and between visual acuity (logMAR) and retinal thickness r = 0.576 (p < 0.05).ConclusionWe showed that both the increase in VEP amplitude and the improvement in visual acuity are associated with the decrease in retinal thickness in treated wet AMD patients. The results do not indicate additional usefulness of VEP in the diagnosis or monitoring of wet AMD.
Transition between stunted and nonstunted status: both occur from birth to 15 years of age in Malawi children
Authors: Teivaanmäki Tiina , Cheung Yin Bun , Kortekangas Emma , Maleta Kenneth , Ashorn Per 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimThe timing and frequency of stunting and possible catch‐up growth are ambiguous in low‐income settings. This study explored the timing and extent of becoming stunted and nonstunted between birth and 15 years of age in a resource‐poor area of Malawi, south‐east Africa.MethodsWe followed 767 children from the foetal period until 15 years of age and examined the transition between stunted and nonstunted status and the pubertal stage at 15 years of age. We also plotted smoothed curves for the mean absolute deficits in centimetres and height‐for‐age standard deviation scores (HAZ) according to the World Health Organization's 2006 and 2007 references.ResultsMost two‐year olds (80%) were stunted (HAZ < −2 SD), but this had declined to 37% at 15 years of age. During the three five‐year intervals, new stunting cases ranged from 3.9 to 21.3% and the percentage who became nonstunted was 9.1 to 15%. The majority (85%) of the children, who were moderately stunted at two years of age, became nonstunted during the follow‐up period. Only, 9% of boys and 20% of girls had reached advanced puberty by the age of 15.ConclusionBecoming stunted and nonstunted status both occurred throughout the period from birth to 15 years of age in Malawi children. The small percentage who had reached advanced puberty by the age of 15 suggests significant further growth potential.
Empirical Bayes Scan Statistics for Detecting Clusters of Disease Risk Variants in Genetic Studies
Authors: McCallum Kenneth J. , Ionita-Laza Iuliana 
Published: June 2015

Summary
Recent developments of high-throughput genomic technologies offer an unprecedented detailed view of the genetic variation in various human populations, and promise to lead to significant progress in understanding the genetic basis of complex diseases. Despite this tremendous advance in data generation, it remains very challenging to analyze and interpret these data due to their sparse and high-dimensional nature. Here, we propose novel applications and new developments of empirical Bayes scan statistics to identify genomic regions significantly enriched with disease risk variants. We show that the proposed empirical Bayes methodology can be substantially more powerful than existing scan statistics methods especially so in the presence of many non-disease risk variants, and in situations when there is a mixture of risk and protective variants. Furthermore, the empirical Bayes approach has greater flexibility to accommodate covariates such as functional prediction scores and additional biomarkers. As proof-of-concept we apply the proposed methods to a whole-exome sequencing study for autism spectrum disorders and identify several promising candidate genes.
Anatomical variations in epididymal–testicular fusion in stallions and their possible clinical significance
Authors: Pozor M. , Freeman D. , Troedsson M. , Brown M. , Morton A. , Smith A. , McNaughten J. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyFusion anomalies of the epididymis with the testis may be clinically relevant in horses. However, anatomical variations in epididymal–testicular fusion have not been classified, and their clinical significance is unknown.ObjectivesTo describe anatomical variations and clinical significance of epididymal–testicular fusion in stallions.Study designAnatomical study of testes from castrations, and description of 2 clinical cases with atypical epididymal–testicular fusion.MethodsA total of 104 testes were obtained from equine castrations. Eight patterns of epididymal–testicular fusion were identified. Two clinical cases with epididymal dislocation were also described.ResultsClose attachment of the entire epididymis to the testis was the most common pattern of fusion (40%). Ninety‐five per cent of cryptorchid testes and 34% of scrotal testes in the studied sample had elongated proper ligaments of the testes. Dislocation of the epididymal tail was observed in 2 stallions that had atypically long proper ligaments inserted on the dorsal aspect of the testes.ConclusionsPatterns of epididymal–testicular fusion can vary in stallions. Elongated proper ligaments of the testes occur mostly in cryptorchid testes but are also found in stallions with scrotal testes. Epididymal dislocation may develop in stallions with long proper ligaments that are inserted dorsally on the testes.
Fungal alteration of the elemental composition of leaf litter affects shredder feeding activity
Authors: Cornut Julien , Ferreira Verónica , Gonçalves Ana Lúcia , Chauvet Eric , Canhoto Cristina 
Published: June 2015

Summary

Leaf litter from riparian vegetation provides the main source of matter and energy for food webs of small forest streams. Shredding macroinvertebrates mostly feed on this litter when it has been colonised and conditioned by microorganisms, especially by aquatic hyphomycetes. Since shredders feed selectively, they must make foraging decisions based on the physical and chemical characteristics of the food resource, which can change depending on the identity of fungal species.

Here, we addressed the effect of changes in fungal assemblage structure on the elemental composition of oak (Quercus robur) leaf litter and how variation in litter quality affects the feeding of a stream shredder. Leaf discs were incubated in microcosms for 2 weeks, inoculated with various fungal assemblages comprised of three species each, and offered to a shredder (Schizopelex festiva, Trichoptera: Sericostomatidae) as food.

This shredder ate more leaves with a high mycelial biomass, which depended on fungal assemblage composition. Leaf litter conditioned by different fungal assemblages resulted in different litter N and P concentrations. Mycelial biomass was positively related to litter P concentration, with the lowest and highest P concentrations differing by 40% at most, but not to litter N concentration, even though the lowest and highest N concentrations differed by as much as 35%. The caddisfly larvae ate more leaves with a low C/P ratio.

These findings suggest a key role of litter P concentration in eliciting fungal conditioning effects on shredder‐mediated litter decomposition.
Assessments of outcome in haemophilia – what is the added value of QoL tools?
Authors: van den Berg H. M. , Feldman B. M. , Fischer K. , Blanchette V. , Poonnoose P. , Srivastava A. 
Published: June 2015

IntroductionAccess to treatment and especially to long‐term regular replacement treatment with clotting factor concentrates (prophylaxis) have caused dramatic contrasts in the clinical picture between haemophilia populations. An individual patient with severe haemophilia age 20 years can have normal joints or can be severely crippled and unable to work. Assessment of outcome in a standardized way has therefore become essential.AimDiscuss the relevance and utility of the different outcome assessment tools in patient groups with different access to treatment.MethodsIn the last decade new outcome assessment tools specific for haemophilia have been developed that measure all aspects of health according to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model. These tools are directed at assessing the clinical and radiological status of joints as well as overall functioning, such as participation and psychosocial aspects, evaluating overall health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). For deciding which tools to use in clinical practice or research, one needs to consider the specific context with regard to disease burden, healthcare environment and socioeconomic background of the patients being evaluated.ConclusionProspective systematic assessment of outcome in haemophilia and related bleeding disorders is important. Based upon recent literature a critical appraisal of outcome tools is described.
Typologies of Deification
Authors: Keating Daniel A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractInvestigations into the Christian doctrine of deification have multiplied in recent years. Due especially to the emergence of studies on deification from the Western theological tradition, concerns are being raised about what constitutes a genuine doctrine of deification. This article considers three influential efforts to clarify the types of deification – from Norman Russell, Gösta Hallonsten and Paul Gavrilyuk – and offers critical and constructive proposals for identifying the core content of deification and its various types.
The Impact of Victim Demographics on Case Outcomes in Delinquency Proceedings: An Empirical Test
Authors: McGuire M. Dyan , Fearn Noelle E. , White Norman , Mayo Kenneth , Ondr Megan 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWhile the impact of the defendant's sex and race on processing decisions is well researched, less is known about the impact of the victim's sex and race on juvenile court decision making. Using data from the juvenile court in St. Louis, Missouri, this study explores direct and interactive effects of the victim's sex and race on outcome decisions for juvenile offenders. Findings suggest that legal differences account for most of the observed differences in detention, commitment and adjudication among the sample studied.
Juvenile Shackling Reform: The Judicial Role in Ensuring Trauma‐Informed Courts and Why States Are Rethinking Restraints
Authors: Groman Donna Quigley 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn juvenile courts around the country, youth are routinely shackled, without any evidence that these young people are a danger to anyone or likely to attempt flight. A number of states are moving away from this practice. Shackling reform initiatives are motivated by constitutional issues, emerging science around adolescent development, and a growing recognition of the need for trauma‐informed, evidence‐based courts. Judges are ultimately responsible for safeguarding the rights of the young people who appear in court, and must uphold the dignity of the courtroom. A review of jurisdictions that have adopted limits on juvenile shackling shows that these policies have not resulted in breaches of safety.
Decreased glutathione reductase2 leads to early leaf senescence in Arabidopsis
Authors: Ding Shunhua , Wang Liang , Yang Zhipan , Lu Qingtao , Wen Xiaogang , Lu Congming 
Published: June 2015

AbstractGlutathione reductase (GR) catalyzes the reduction of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) to reduced glutathione (GSH) and participates in the ascorbate‐glutathione cycle, which scavenges H2O2. Here, we report that chloroplastic/mitochondrial GR2 is an important regulator of leaf senescence. Seed development of the homozygous gr2 knockout mutant was blocked at the globular stage. Therefore, to investigate the function of GR2 in leaf senescence, we generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants with decreased GR2 using RNAi. The GR2 RNAi plants displayed early onset of age‐dependent and dark‐ and H2O2‐induced leaf senescence, which was accompanied by the induction of the senescence‐related marker genes SAG12 and SAG13. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis revealed that genes related to leaf senescence, oxidative stress, and phytohormone pathways were upregulated directly before senescence in RNAi plants. In addition, H2O2 accumulated to higher levels in RNAi plants than in wild‐type plants and the levels of H2O2 peaked in RNAi plants directly before the early onset of leaf senescence. RNAi plants showed a greater decrease in GSH/GSSG levels than wild‐type plants during leaf development. Our results suggest that GR2 plays an important role in leaf senescence by modulating H2O2 and glutathione signaling in Arabidopsis.
Weight‐Related Behaviors When Children Are in School Versus on Summer Breaks: Does Income Matter?
Authors: Wang Y. Claire , Vine Seanna , Hsiao Amber , Rundle Andrew , Goldsmith Jeff 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDIncome disparities in US youth in academic achievement appear to widen during the summer because of discontinued learning among children from lower‐income households. Little is known about whether behavioral risk factors for childhood obesity, such as diet and physical activity, also demonstrate a widening difference by income when children are out of school.METHODSData from US children in grades 1‐12 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003‐2008 (N = 6796) were used to estimate screen time, moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA), and consumption of calories, vegetables, and added sugar. Linear regression was used to compare among children of households ≤185% and >185% poverty, as well as during the school year versus on school breaks.RESULTSChildren surveyed during summer breaks consumed fewer vegetables (−0.2 cups/day) and more added sugar (+2.1 teaspoons/day), were more active (+4.6 MVPA minutes/day) and watched more television (+18 minutes/day). However, the nonsignificant interaction between school breaks and income indicated that lower‐income students were not “less healthy” than higher‐income students during the summer breaks.CONCLUSIONObesity‐related risk factors were more prevalent during the summer and among lower‐income youths, but the income disparity in these behaviors was not exacerbated when schools are not in session.