bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explaining the Intensity of the Arab Spring
Authors: Byun Chonghyun Christie , Hollander Ethan J. 
Published: May 2015

AbstractPoliticians and pundits are quick to say that the Arab Spring has been caused by everything from an ominous “youth bulge” in the region's population to the spread of social media like Facebook and Twitter. Other observers blame the recent unrest on high levels of unemployment or on the government corruption endemic to the region. While there is a certain logic or intuitive sense to any or all these explanations, they have yet to be rigorously tested. Moreover, we do not know if these same factors explain intraregional variation in levels of unrest, or if, instead, factors specific to each particular country have caused some regimes to succumb to the violence while others have emerged unscathed. This article tests the conventional wisdom of the Arab Spring. We find some support for the notion that perceptions of government corruption and sudden price increases correlate with higher levels of unrest, although our confidence in these findings is limited by the small number of countries in our sample. Meanwhile, we find almost no evidence that population pressure or other forms of economic hardship are significant causes of intraregional variation in the intensity of unrest. Most strikingly, despite being touted as the “Twitter Revolution,” we find no evidence that unrest correlates with Internet access, cell phone use, or the use of social media such as Facebook and Twitter. These findings, such as they are, invite political observers and social scientists to search for other, case‐specific causes of civil unrest and regime instability.
Inside Hezbollah: The al‐Mahdi Scouts, Education, and Resistance
Authors: Tagliabue Sofia Maria 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThis article analyzes the al‐Mahdi Scouts, a Lebanese scout group affiliated with Hezbollah. After introducing Hezbollah's social services in Lebanon, the al‐Mahdi Scouts' multifaceted identity and main activities are illustrated. The role in Lebanese society is investigated, along with its cooperation with other scout groups in Lebanon, which takes place mostly within the framework of the Lebanese Scout Federation. I also highlight two controversial issues that emerged in the research. First, it is shown how blurred the distinction is between education and indoctrination. Second, the accusations of terrorism are considered, with two possible approaches identified. The first one looks at Hezbollah as a homogeneous organization, while the second one distinguishes between its military, political, and social wings. While the first approach can legitimately accuse the al‐Mahdi Scouts of terrorism, I argue that the second one is more appropriate because it judges them for their own actions. We cannot just look at this group as Hezbollah's recruitment tool, because its role is more complex and significant. This group provides a portion of Lebanese youth with skills to improve their future and succeed in life, even if it does so by propagating Hezbollah's ideals and beliefs.
Predicting global population connectivity and targeting conservation action for snow leopard across its range
Authors: Riordan Philip , Cushman Samuel A. , Mallon David , Shi Kun , Hughes Joelene 
Published: May 2015

Movements of individuals within and among populations help to maintain genetic variability and population viability. Therefore, understanding landscape connectivity is vital for effective species conservation. The snow leopard is endemic to mountainous areas of central Asia and occurs within 12 countries. We assess potential connectivity across the species’ range to highlight corridors for dispersal and genetic flow between populations, prioritizing research and conservation action for this wide‐ranging, endangered top‐predator.We used resistant kernel modeling to assess snow leopard population connectivity across its global range. We developed an expert‐based resistance surface that predicted cost of movement as functions of topographical complexity and land cover. The distribution of individuals was simulated as a uniform density of points throughout the currently accepted global range. We modeled population connectivity from these source points across the resistance surface using three different dispersal scenarios that likely bracket the lifetime movements of individual snow leopard: 100 km, 500 km and 1000 km.The resistant kernel models produced predictive surfaces of dispersal frequency across the snow leopard range for each distance scenario. We evaluated the pattern of connectivity in each of these scenarios and identified potentially important movement corridors and areas where connectivity might be impeded. The models predicted two regional populations, in the north and south of the species range respectively, and revealed a number of potentially important connecting areas. Discrepancies between model outputs and observations highlight unsurveyed areas of connected habitat that urgently require surveying to improve understanding of the global distribution and ecology of snow leopard, and target land management actions to prevent population isolation. The connectivity maps provide a strong basis for directed research and conservation action, and usefully direct the attention of policy makers.
Laser surgery as a treatment for histologically confirmed sarcoids in the horse
Authors: Compston P. C. , Turner T. , Wylie C. E. , Payne R. J. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyLaser resection for the treatment of sarcoids is an established part of equine practice; however, few studies have provided long‐term follow‐up results. Additionally, many previous reports have evaluated several treatments concurrently or have not been able to provide a definitive histological diagnosis of sarcoid.ObjectivesTo establish the success rate following laser resection as a sole treatment for histologically confirmed sarcoids and evaluate risk factors for recurrence.Study designRetrospective time‐to‐event analysis.MethodsHorses included had laser surgery to remove at least one sarcoid between 1 July 2005 and 1 September 2012. No previous known/concurrent veterinary treatment was administered. Diagnosis was confirmed by histology in all cases. Clinical data were retrieved from the hospital database. Follow‐up information was obtained by telephone questionnaire.ResultsNinety‐nine horses, with a total of 235 sarcoids, were included in the analysis; 82 (83%) had no recurrence of the sarcoid removed and 71 (72%) had no occurrence of any sarcoids following surgery. Horses with sarcoids on the head and neck and those with verrucose sarcoids were at increased risk of recurrence (hazard ratios of 1.61 and 4.03, and 95% confidence intervals of 1.02–2.56 and 1.11–14.7, respectively).ConclusionsLaser resection of sarcoids in the horse has a positive post operative prognosis. Further work is required to fully evaluate risk factors for recurrence fully.
Bar shoes and ambient temperature are risk factors for exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage in Thoroughbred racehorses
Authors: Crispe E. J. , Lester G. D. , Robertson I. D. , Secombe C. J. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyAmbient temperature has been identified as a risk factor for exercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage (EIPH) in racing Thoroughbreds. This warranted a more expansive investigation of climatic conditions on the incidence and severity ofEIPH. The impact of other variables such as the type of bit used, tongue ties and nonstandard shoes has not been reported and also warrant investigation.ObjectivesTo examine the effect of various climatic variables as contributing risk factors forEIPH. Other previously uninvestigated variables as well as standard track and population factors will also be examined.Study designCross‐sectional study.MethodsThoroughbred racehorses competing at metropolitan racetracks in Perth, Western Australia were examined 30–200 min post race with tracheobronchoscopy. Examination took place at 48 race meetings over a 12 month period. Examinations were graded (0–4), independently by two experienced veterinarians. Univariable analyses were performed and variables with a P<0.25 were entered into a multivariable logistic regression analysis. The analysis was performed twice using the presence of blood (EIPHgrade 0vs. grades ≥1) andEIPHgrades ≤1 vs.EIPHgrades ≥2 as dependent variables.ResultsExercise‐induced pulmonary haemorrhage was diagnosed in 56.6% of observations. Lower ambient temperature was significantly associated withEIPHgrades ≥1 (OR0.95; 95%CI0.93–0.98) andEIPHgrades ≥2 (OR0.97; 95%CI0.94–1.0). Bar shoes were significantly associated withEIPHgrades ≥1 (OR6.35; 95%CI2.17–18.54) andEIPHgrades ≥2 (OR2.72; 95%CI1.3–5.68). Increasing race distance was significantly associated withEIPHgrade ≥1 and increasing lifetime starts was significantly associated withEIPHgrade ≥2.ConclusionsAmbient temperature is a risk factor forEIPHin Thoroughbred racehorses, with lower temperatures associated with increased risk. Bar shoes are a novel risk factor forEIPHin this population.
The unfulfilled potential of fisheries selectivity to promote sustainability
Authors: Vasilakopoulos Paraskevas , O'Neill Finbarr G , Marshall C Tara 
Published: May 2015

AbstractThe recent reform of the Common Fisheries Policy (CFP) in Europe highlights the need for improvements in both species and size selectivity. Regarding size selectivity, shifting selectivity towards older/larger fish avoids both growth and recruitment overfishing and reduces unwanted catches. However, the benefits to fish stocks and fishery yields from increasing age/size‐at‐selection are still being challenged and the relative importance of selectivity compared to that of exploitation rate remains unclear. Consequently, exploitation rate regulations continue to dominate management. Here, an age‐structured population model parameterized for a wide range of stocks is used to investigate the effects of selectivity on spawning stock biomass (SSB) and yield. The generic effect of selectivity onSSBand yield over a wide range of stocks is compared to the respective relative effects of exploitation rate and several biological parameters. We show that yield is mainly driven by biological parameters, whileSSBis mostly affected by the exploitation regime (i.e. exploitation rate and selectivity). Our analysis highlights the importance of selectivity for fisheries sustainability. Catching fish a year or more after they mature combined with an intermediate exploitation rate (F ≈ 0.3) promotes high sustainable yields at low levels of stock depletion. Examination of the empirical exploitation regimes of 31NEAtlantic stocks illustrates the unfulfilled potential of most stocks for higher sustainable yields due to high juvenile selection, thus underscoring the importance of protecting juveniles. Explicitly incorporating selectivity scenarios in fisheries advice would allow the identification of optimal exploitation regimes and benefit results‐based management.
Perceptions of fishing access restrictions and the disparity of benefits among stakeholder communities and nations of south‐eastern Africa
Authors: McClanahan Tim R , Abunge Caroline A 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAchieving high compliance with resource‐use management policies is a critical concern to achieving sustainability, particularly in poor countries. Willingness to comply may depend on the values and perceptions of benefits and legitimacy of the restrictions. Consequently, we interviewed and evaluated the perceptions of fishing restrictions among ~2100 marine fisheries stakeholders (resource users and managers) in 102 fishing villages in Kenya, Madagascar, Mozambique and Tanzania. We hypothesized that perceived benefits would decline and social inequity increase along a hypothesized gradient of increasing access restriction – ranging from minimum size of fish to fisheries closures. Managers did not recognize the hypothesized access restriction gradient, seeing most restrictions as beneficial, but with some nation‐specific distinctions. Village‐level responses of resource users varied by country, and overall perceived benefits of access restrictions increased with the wealth, education and membership in fishing organizations. In Kenya and Tanzania, some communities with views that differed greatly from managers were, in places, found near marine protected areas and they perceived more benefits accruing to the government than resource users for the strongest access restrictions. Madagascar and Mozambique fishing villages had low between‐community variability, and their responses did not reflect the hypothesized restriction gradient or strong social disparity, which may reflect limited practical experience with restrictions. These results suggest that countries with stronger central governments contained villages with more between‐community variability and perceived social disparity than weaker governments. We argue that transparent negotiations with stakeholders about the scales of costs and benefits should increase compliance with selected fisheries regulations.
Linking vertebrate species richness to tree canopy height on a global scale
Authors: Roll Uri , Geffen Eli , Yom‐Tov Yoram 
Published: May 2015

AbstractAimIn this paper we explore global links between tree canopy height and species richness of amphibians, birds and mammals. We follow the ideas first laid out by MacArthur and MacArthur in 1961 who found that in the eastern USA higher tree canopies supported more bird species, which they attributed to an increase of available niches as forests grow taller. We test if their findings can be generalized over large regions and other taxa by employing novel methods and using current datasets.LocationGlobalMethodsWe used the global distribution maps of the three above taxa to infer species richness. Our tree canopy height information was derived from remotely sensed LiDAR data. The analysis was conducted globally and within biogeographical realms. We modeled richness, using tree canopy height and other environmental correlates, with generalized additive models and geographically weighted regressions.ResultsGlobally, tree canopy height proved to be of lesser importance in explaining species richness patterns compared to other environmental drivers. Within biogeographical realms, tree canopy height was found to be a more important predictor of diversity in the Neotropic and Australian realms. Regional patterns show that tree canopy height has an important effect on diversity of amphibians throughout the world and in several tropical regions across taxa. Net Primary Productivity (NPP) explains more of the variation in richness both globally and within most regions.Main ConclusionsOverall, tree canopy height is not an important predictor of diversity. However we highlight its relative importance in particular locations and settings.
Wavelet and Gaussian Approaches for Estimation of Groundwater Variations UsingGRACEData
Authors: Fatolazadeh Farzam , Voosoghi Behzad , Naeeni Mehdi Raoofian 
Published: May 2015

AbstractIn this study, a scheme is presented to estimate groundwater storage variations in Iran. The variations are estimated using 11 years of Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiments (GRACE) observations from period of 2003 to April 2014 in combination with the outputs of Global Land Data Assimilation Systems (GLDAS) model including soil moisture, snow water equivalent, and total canopy water storage. To do so, the sums ofGLDASoutputs are subtracted from terrestrial water storage variations determined byGRACEobservations. Because of stripping errors in theGRACEdata, two methodologies based on wavelet analysis and Gaussian filtering are applied to refine theGRACEdata. It is shown that the wavelet approach could better localize the desired signal and increase the signal‐to‐noise ratio and thus results in more accurate estimation of groundwater storage variations. To validate the results of our procedure in estimation of ground water storage variations, they are compared with the measurements of pisometric wells data near the Urmia Lake which shows favorable agreements with our results.
Tandem inversion duplication within F8 Intron 1 associated with mild haemophilia A
Authors: Lannoy N. , Bandelier C. , Grisart B. , Reginster M. , Ronge‐Collard E. , Vikkula M. , Hermans C. 
Published: May 2015

SummaryIn approximately 90% of mild haemophilia A (HA) patients, a missense mutation can be identified using complete gene sequencing. In this study, multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification analysis was performed as a second step in 10 French‐speaking Belgian with mild HA presenting no detectable causal mutation by complete sequencing of the factor VIII (FVIII) (F8) gene's 26 exons and its 1.2 kb of contiguous promoter sequence. This gene dosage technique enabled the detection of exon 1 duplications of F8 in three apparently unrelated subjects. Using array‐comparative genomic hybridization, breakpoint analysis delimited the duplication extent to 210 kb in the F8 intron 1 and VBP1 gene intragenic position. We postulated that the rearrangement responsible for this duplication, never before reported, could be attributed to a symmetrical tandem inversion duplication, resulting in a large 233 kb rearrangement of F8 intron 1. This rearranged intron should lead to the production of a small number of normal mRNA transcripts in relation to the mild HA phenotype. Our analysis of the entire F8 mRNA from index case 1, particularly the segment containing exons 1–9, revealed normal amplification and sequencing. Reduced plasma FVIII antigen levels caused by cross‐reacting material is associated with a quantitative deficiency of plasma FVIII. Male patients were unresponsive to desmopressin (1‐deamino‐8‐D‐arginine vasopressin). All patients displayed identical F8 haplotypes, despite not being related, which suggests a possible founder effect caused by a 210 kb duplication involving F8 exon 1.
Incidence and factors associated with the risk of sexually transmitted diseases in HIV‐infected people seen for care in Italy: data from the Icona Foundation cohort
Authors: Cingolani A , Zona S , Girardi E , Cozzi‐Lepri A , Monno L , Quiros Roldan E , Guaraldi G , Antinori A , D'Arminio Monforte A , Marcotullio S ,   Community‐Oriented Study Group of the Icona Foundation Study Group
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to identify temporal trends in the incidence of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) in a cohort of HIV‐infected people and to evaluate factors associated with the risk of a new STD diagnosis.MethodsAll HIV‐infected patients in the Icona Foundation Study cohort enrolled after 1998 were included in this study. STD incidence rates (IRs) were calculated and stratified by calendar period. Predictors of STDs were identified using a Poisson regression model with sandwich estimates for standard errors.ResultsData for 9168 participants were analysed [median age 37.3 (range 18–81) years; 74% male; 30% men who have sex with men (MSM)]. Over 46 736 person‐years of follow‐up (PYFU), 996 episodes of STDs were observed [crude IR 21.3/1000 PYFU; 95% confidence interval (CI) 20.0–22.6/1000 PYFU]. In multivariable Poisson regression analysis, MSM [rate ratio (RR) 3.03; 95% CI 2.52–3.64 versus heterosexuals], calendar period (RR 1.67; 95% CI 1.42–1.97 for 2008–2012 versus 1998–2002), HIV RNA > 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL (RR 1.44; 95% CI 1.19–1.74 versus HIV RNA ≤ 50 copies/mL) and a current CD4 count < 100 cells/μL (RR 4.66; 95% CI 3.69–5.89; P < 0.001 versus CD4 count > 500 cells/μL) were associated with an increased risk of STDs. In contrast, older age (RR 0.82 per 10 years older; 95% CI 0.77–0.89) and being currently on ART (RR 0.38; 95% CI 0.33–0.45) compared with being ART‐naïve or on a treatment interruption were associated with a lower risk of developing STDs.ConclusionsAn increase in the incidence of STDs was observed in more recent years. Interventions to prevent STDs and potential spread of HIV should target the younger population, MSM and people currently not receiving ART.
Pre‐therapy inflammation and coagulation activation and long‐term CD4 count responses to the initiation of antiretroviral therapy
Authors: Achhra AC , Phillips A , Emery S , MacArthur RD , Furrer H , De Wit S , Losso M , Law MG ,   International Network for Strategic Initiatives in Global HIV Trials (INSIGHT) Strategic Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (SMART) and Flexible Initial Retrovirus Suppressive Therapies (FIRST) study groups
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesPre‐antiretroviral therapy (ART) inflammation and coagulation activation predict clinical outcomes in HIV‐positive individuals. We assessed whether pre‐ART inflammatory marker levels predicted the CD4 count response to ART.MethodsAnalyses were based on data from the Strategic Management of Antiretroviral Therapy (SMART) trial, an international trial evaluating continuous vs. interrupted ART, and the Flexible Initial Retrovirus Suppressive Therapies (FIRST) trial, evaluating three first‐line ART regimens with at least two drug classes. For this analysis, participants had to be ART‐naïve or off ART at randomization and (re)starting ART and have C‐reactive protein (CRP), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and D‐dimer measured pre‐ART. Using random effects linear models, we assessed the association between each of the biomarker levels, categorized as quartiles, and change in CD4 count from ART initiation to 24 months post‐ART. Analyses adjusted for CD4 count at ART initiation (baseline), study arm, follow‐up time and other known confounders.ResultsOverall, 1084 individuals [659 from SMART (26% ART naïve) and 425 from FIRST] met the eligibility criteria, providing 8264 CD4 count measurements. Seventy‐five per cent of individuals were male with the mean age of 42 years. The median (interquartile range) baseline CD4 counts were 416 (350–530) and 100 (22–300) cells/μL in SMART and FIRST, respectively. All of the biomarkers were inversely associated with baseline CD4 count in FIRST but not in SMART. In adjusted models, there was no clear relationship between changing biomarker levels and mean change in CD4 count post‐ART (P for trend: CRP, P = 0.97; IL‐6, P = 0.25; and D‐dimer, P = 0.29).ConclusionsPre‐ART inflammation and coagulation activation do not predict CD4 count response to ART and appear to influence the risk of clinical outcomes through other mechanisms than blunting long‐term CD4 count gain.
Pulmonary hypertension in HIV infection: a prospective echocardiographic study
Authors: Schwarze‐Zander C , Pabst S , Hammerstingl C , Ohlig J , Wasmuth JC , Boesecke C , Stoffel‐Wagner B , Carstensen A , Nickenig G , Strassburg CP , Rockstroh JK , Skowasch D , Schueler R 
Published: May 2015

ObjectivesWhile idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare disease, it is seen more frequently in patients with HIV infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in patients with HIV infection by echocardiographic screening.MethodsEchocardiography and N‐terminal of the prohormone brain natriuretic peptide measurement were used to examine the prevalence of PH prospectively in HIV‐positive patients (n = 374) during routine follow‐up visits for HIV disease.ResultsIn echocardiographic screening, PH was detected in a total of 23 of 374 HIV‐infected patients (6.1%). Of these, three patients (13%) presented with symptoms of dyspnoea and fatigue, and diagnosis of PAH was confirmed by right heart catheterization. Patients with systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP) > 30 mmHg were more likely to be female, to have a history of injecting drug use and to originate from high‐prevalence countries (HPCs).ConclusionsEchocardiographic screening detected PH in a substantial proportion of HIV‐positive patients. Female gender, a history of injecting drug use and HPC origin were associated with a higher prevalence of HIV‐associated PH. The relevance and long‐term outcome of these findings need to be validated in follow‐up studies, which are ongoing.