bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain size variation in extremophile fish: local adaptation versus phenotypic plasticity
Authors: Eifert C. , Farnworth M. , Schulz‐Mirbach T. , Riesch R. , Bierbach D. , Klaus S. , Wurster A. , Tobler M. , Streit B. , Indy J. R. , Arias‐Rodriguez L. , Plath M. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe brain is a plastic organ, and so intraspecific studies that compare results obtained from wild individuals with those from common‐garden experiments are crucial for studies aiming to understand brain evolution. We compared volumes of brain regions between reproductively isolated populations of a neotropical fish, Poecilia mexicana, that has locally adapted to perpetual darkness (Cueva Luna Azufre), toxic hydrogen sulphide in a surface stream (El Azufre) or a combination of both stressors (Cueva del Azufre). Wild fish showed habitat‐dependent differences: enlarged telencephalic lobes and reduced optic tecta were found in fish living in darkness and sulphidic waters, in darkness without hydrogen sulphide or exposed to light and sulphide; fish from the sulphidic cave additionally showed enlarged cerebella. Comparison with common‐garden reared fish detected a general decrease in brain size throughout populations in the lab, and little of the brain size divergence between lab‐reared ecotypes that was seen in wild‐caught fish. The pronounced differences in brain region volumes between ecotypes in the wild might be interpreted within the framework of mosaic evolution; however, the outcomes of common‐garden experiments indicate a high amount of phenotypic plasticity. Our study thus highlights the importance of combining the investigation of brain size in wild populations with common‐garden experiments for answering questions of brain evolution.
Affective State of School Pupils During Their First Lesson of the Day—Effect of Morningness–Eveningness
Authors: Randler Christoph , Rahafar Arash , Arbabi Talat , Bretschneider Rebekka 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTOne of the most intriguing results concerning chronopsychological effects at school is the worse school performance in evening‐oriented adolescents. The study intends to correlate affective state with chronotype. Therefore, we carried out a field study in adolescents in a natural setting (in school) and assessed their actual affective state during the very first lesson at school (8:00 a.m.). A total of 97 pupils (60 boys and 37 girls; mean age 13.14 ± SD 1.84; range 10–17 years) from class Grades 5, 6, 8, 9, and 10 participated in this study. We used the Composite Scale of Morningness (CSM) to assess morningness and the Adjective Checklist for Children (EWL40‐KJ) to assess mood. Morningness was positively associated with relaxation, good mood, and activation, and negatively related to bad mood, anger, and deactivation. No significant relationship was found related to excitation, aggression, anxiety, and depressiveness. Concerning the two general dimensions, CSM scores were positively related to positive mood and negatively to negative mood.
Childcare arrangements and infant feeding practices by family structure and household income among US children aged 0 to 2 years
Authors: Kim Juhee , Gallien Tara L 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe primary objective of this study is to examine the disparities in childcare and infant feeding practices by family structure (single‐mother vs. two‐parent households) and whether household income level may modify the observed associations by family structure. The cross‐sectional data analysis was conducted using a nationally representative sample of children aged 0 to 2 years enrolled in the 2007 National Survey of Children's Health. The analytic sample is children from single mothers (n = 1801, 16.0%) and children from two parents (n = 11 337, 84.0%). Children of single mothers used more non‐parental childcare [adjusted odds ratios (AOR) = 2.67, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 1.99–3.58], especially relative care and centre care, than children of two parents. Lower rates of any breastfeeding for 6 months (AOR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.43–0.77) and ever breastfed (AOR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.50–0.89) were reported among children of single mothers than those of two parents. The many observed differences in childcare arrangements and breastfeeding by family structure remained significant in both low‐ and high‐income households. However, children of low‐income single mothers had more last‐minute changes of childcare arrangement (AOR = 2.34, 95% CI = 1.55–3.52) than children of low‐income two‐parent households and children of high‐income single mothers had more early introduction of complementary foods (AOR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.12–3.29) than children of high‐income two‐parent households. This study documented disparities in childcare arrangements and infant feeding practices by family structure, regardless of income level. These findings support the need to for comprehensive policies that address maternal employment leave, childcare support and workplace accommodations and support for breastfeeding for children 0 to 2 years, especially among single mothers, regardless of income.
Detection of induced mutations in CaFAD2 genes by next‐generation sequencing leading to the production of improved oil composition in Crambe abyssinica
Authors: Cheng Jihua , Salentijn Elma M. J. , Huang Bangquan , Denneboom Christel , Qi Weicong , Dechesne Annemarie C. , Krens Frans A. , Visser Richard G. F. , van Loo Eibertus N. 
Published: November 2014

SummaryCrambe abyssinica is a hexaploid oil crop for industrial applications. An increase of erucic acid (C22:1) and reduction of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents in crambe oil is a valuable improvement. An increase in oleic acid (C18:1), a reduction in PUFA and possibly an increase in C22:1 can be obtained by down‐regulating the expression of fatty acid desaturase2 genes (CaFAD2), which code for the enzyme that converts C18:1 into C18:2. We conducted EMS‐mutagenesis in crambe, followed by Illumina sequencing, to screen mutations in three expressed CaFAD2 genes. Two novel analysis strategies were used to detect mutation sites. In the first strategy, mutation detection targeted specific sequence motifs. In the second strategy, every nucleotide position in a CaFAD2 fragment was tested for the presence of mutations. Seventeen novel mutations were detected in 1100 one‐dimensional pools (11 000 individuals) in three expressed CaFAD2 genes, including non‐sense mutations and mis‐sense mutations in CaFAD2‐C1, ‐C2 and ‐C3. The homozygous non‐sense mutants for CaFAD2‐C3 resulted in a 25% higher content of C18:1 and 25% lower content of PUFA compared to the wild type. The mis‐sense mutations only led to small changes in oil composition. Concluding, targeted mutation detection using NGS in a polyploid was successfully applied and it was found that a non‐sense mutation in even a single CaFAD2 gene can lead to changes in crambe oil composition. Stacking the mutations in different CaFAD2 may gain additional changes in C18:1 and PUFA contents.
Accumulation of terpenoid phytoalexins in maize roots is associated with drought tolerance
Authors: Vaughan Martha M. , Christensen Shawn , Schmelz Eric A. , Huffaker Alisa , Mcauslane Heather J. , Alborn Hans T. , Romero Maritza , Allen Leon Hartwell , Teal Peter E. A. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractMaize (Zea mays) production, which is of global agro‐economic importance, is largely limited by herbivore pests, pathogens and environmental conditions, such as drought. Zealexins and kauralexins belong to two recently identified families of acidic terpenoid phytoalexins in maize that mediate defence against both pathogen and insect attacks in aboveground tissues. However, little is known about their function in belowground organs and their potential to counter abiotic stress. In this study, we show that zealexins and kauralexins accumulate in roots in response to both biotic and abiotic stress including, Diabrotica balteata herbivory, Fusarium verticillioides infection, drought and high salinity. We find that the quantity of drought‐induced phytoalexins is positively correlated with the root‐to‐shoot ratio of different maize varieties, and further demonstrate that mutant an2 plants deficient in kauralexin production are more sensitive to drought. The induction of phytoalexins in response to drought is root specific and does not influence phytoalexin levels aboveground; however, the accumulation of phytoalexins in one tissue may influence the induction capacity of other tissues.
Biophysical impacts of climate‐smart agriculture in theMidwestUnitedStates
Authors: BAGLEY JUSTIN E. , MILLER JESSE , BERNACCHI CARL J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe potential impacts of climate change in theMidwestUnitedStates present unprecedented challenges to regional agriculture. In response to these challenges, a variety of climate‐smart agricultural methodologies have been proposed to retain or improve crop yields, reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, retain soil quality and increase climate resilience of agricultural systems. One component that is commonly neglected when assessing the environmental impacts of climate‐smart agriculture is the biophysical impacts, where changes in ecosystem fluxes and storage of moisture and energy lead to perturbations in local climate and water availability. Using a combination of observational data and an agroecosystem model, a series of climate‐smart agricultural scenarios were assessed to determine the biophysical impacts these techniques have in theMidwestUnitedStates. The first scenario extended the growing season for existing crops using future temperature andCO2concentrations. The second scenario examined the biophysical impacts of no‐till agriculture and the impacts of annually retaining crop debris. Finally, the third scenario evaluated the potential impacts that the adoption of perennial cultivars had on biophysical quantities. Each of these scenarios was found to have significant biophysical impacts. However, the timing and magnitude of the biophysical impacts differed between scenarios.
Effects of self‐disclosure and responsiveness between couples on passionate love within couples
Authors: WELKER KEITH M. , BAKER LYNZEY , PADILLA ALEXANDRA , HOLMES HANNAH , ARON ARTHUR , SLATCHER RICHARD B. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractPrevious work shows that high‐self‐disclosure interactions between couples can increase feelings of closeness within couples. We investigated whether couple friendships created in the lab through high‐self‐disclosure and closeness‐building activities would boost feelings of passionate love. In Study 1, couples randomly assigned to a high (vs. low) closeness induction task, either alone or with another couple, showed significantly greater increases in passionate love when they were highly self‐disclosing with other couples. Study 2 showed that the responsiveness of the other couple mediated the effects of self‐disclosure on increases in passionate love following high‐self‐disclosure interactions with other couples. The creation of couple friendships may be an additional way to reignite feelings of passionate love in romantic relationships.
Flume tank study of surface morphology and stratigraphy of a fan delta
Authors: Wang Junhui , Jiang Zaixing , Zhang Yuanfu , Gao Liming , Wei Xiaojie , Zhang Wenzhao , Liang Yu , Zhang Haiying 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe morphodynamics of a river flood on a fan delta and its resultant stratigraphic and sedimentary signatures have been studied by means of a flume experiment under controlled boundary conditions. The experiment revealed that deposition was dominant in flood periods when the channels were highly loaded with sediments. In contrast, erosion was dominant in periods of low flow. Mouth bars were formed when a subaqueous channel began to backfill. The development of a mouth bar began with progradation in the down‐dip direction and proceeded by aggradation, then retrogradation and finally transverse growth. A channel bifurcated in multiple stages by sequentially forming mouth bars or by simultaneously forming arrays of mouth bars. During the bifurcation, the diffluent point moved upstream, which resulted in channel migration and the development of a delta lobe. Flood events triggered fan‐delta front slide‐slump deposits.
Effects of storage‐aged red blood cell transfusions on endothelial function in hospitalized patients
Authors: Neuman Robert , Hayek Salim , Rahman Ayaz , Poole Joseph C. , Menon Vivek , Sher Salman , Newman James L. , Karatela Sulaiman , Polhemus David , Lefer David J. , De Staercke Christine , Hooper Craig , Quyyumi Arshed A. , Roback John D. 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundClinical and animal studies indicate that transfusions of older stored red blood cells (RBCs) impair clinical outcomes as compared to fresh RBC transfusions. It has been suggested that this effect is due to inhibition of nitric oxide (NO)‐mediated vasodilation after transfusion of older RBC units. However, to date this effect has not been identified in human transfusion recipients.Study Design and MethodsForty‐three hospitalized patients with transfusion orders were randomly assigned to receive either fresh (<14 days) or older stored (>21 days) RBC units. Before transfusion, and at selected time points after the start of transfusion, endothelial function was assessed using noninvasive flow‐mediated dilation assays.ResultsAfter transfusion of older RBC units, there was a significant reduction in NO‐mediated vasodilation at 24 hours after transfusion (p = 0.045), while fresh RBC transfusions had no effect (p = 0.231).ConclusionsThis study suggests for the first time a significant inhibitory effect of transfused RBC units stored more than 21 days on NO‐mediated vasodilation in anemic hospitalized patients. This finding lends further support to the hypothesis that deranged NO signaling mediates adverse clinical effects of older RBC transfusions. Future investigations will be necessary to address possible confounding factors and confirm these results.
Optimal Currency Composition for China's Foreign Reserves: A Copula Approach
Authors: Zhang Zhichao , Ding Li , Zhang Fan , Zhang Zhuang 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper investigates the optimal currency composition for a country's foreign reserves. In the context of China, we examine the asymmetric, fat‐tail and complex dependence structure in distributions of currency returns. A skewed, fat‐tailed and pair‐copula construction is then built to capture features of higher moments. In a D‐vine copula approach, we show that under the disappointment aversion effect, the central bank in our model can achieve sizeable gains in expected economic value from switching from the mean‐variance to copula modelling. We find that this approach will lead to an optimal currency composition that allows China to have more space for international currency diversification while maintaining the leading position of the US dollar in the currency shares of China's reserves.
Three‐dimensional texture analysis of contrast enhanced CT images for treatment response assessment in Hodgkin lymphoma: Comparison with F‐18‐FDG PET
Authors: Knogler Thomas , El‐Rabadi Karem , Weber Michael , Karanikas Georgios , Mayerhoefer Marius E. 
Published: November 2014

Purpose:To determine the diagnostic performance of three‐dimensional (3D) texture analysis (TA) of contrast‐enhanced computed tomography (CE‐CT) images for treatment response assessment in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL), compared with F‐18‐fludeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/CT.Methods:3D TA of 48 lymph nodes in 29 patients was performed on venous‐phase CE‐CT images before and after chemotherapy. All lymph nodes showed pathologically elevated FDG uptake at baseline. A stepwise logistic regression with forward selection was performed to identify classic CT parameters and texture features (TF) that enable the separation of complete response (CR) and persistent disease.Results:The TF fraction of image in runs, calculated for the 45° direction, was able to correctly identify CR with an accuracy of 75%, a sensitivity of 79.3%, and a specificity of 68.4%. Classical CT features achieved an accuracy of 75%, a sensitivity of 86.2%, and a specificity of 57.9%, whereas the combination of TF and CT imaging achieved an accuracy of 83.3%, a sensitivity of 86.2%, and a specificity of 78.9%.Conclusions:3D TA of CE‐CT images is potentially useful to identify nodal residual disease in HL, with a performance comparable to that of classical CT parameters. Best results are achieved when TA and classical CT features are combined.
Changes in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior During the Transition From Elementary to Secondary School
Authors: Rutten Cindy , Boen Filip , Seghers Jan 
Published: November 2014

Background:The purpose of this study was to identify longitudinal changes in physical activity (PA) and sedentary behavior (SB) and to analyze its association with gender and weight status during the transition from elementary to secondary school.Methods:Flemish children were recruited in 6th grade of elementary school (age = 10.97 ± 0.41) and reassessed 2 years later (age = 12.96 ± .40). Children completed a questionnaire on moderate-to-vigorous PA and SB and wore pedometers to monitor habitual PA. Longitudinal data from 472 children were analyzed.Results:A significant decrease was observed in self-reported moderate to vigorous PA (-12.2%), but not in pedometer-determined PA. With respect to SB, a pronounced increase in recreational computer use was found (+3.22 hours/week), particularly in overweight boys (+8.18 hours/week). Finally, a significant increase in time spent on homework was observed in girls (+3.57 hours/week) and normal weight children (+2.83 hours/week).Conclusions:No longitudinal change in pedometer-determined PA was observed. Nevertheless, the decline in self-reported moderate-to-vigorous PA suggests that the transition to secondary school induced a change in the contribution of different types of PA. Finally, time spent on homework and recreational computer use increased during the school transition.
Adult Physical Activity Counseling by Health Professionals in Brazil: A National Urban Population Survey
Authors: Duro Suele Manjourany Silva , Tomasi Elaine , Siqueira Fernando Vinholes , Silveira Denise Silva , Thumé Elaine , Facchini Luiz Augusto 
Published: November 2014

Background:Physical activity counseling is an attribution of health professionals. As such, this paper aims to analyze the receipt of this form of counseling.Methods:Cross-sectional national study interviewing 12,402 adults living in the urban area of 100 Brazilian municipalities.Results:Overall counseling prevalence was 30%, falling to 20% when considering only counseling provided by health professionals. Counseling was significantly more frequent among women and among individuals who were older, married, had higher socioeconomic status, were former smokers, physically active, and reporting hypertension, diabetes, and excess weight.Conclusions:Little counseling was found to be done, this being a missed opportunity for health promotion. Health services and professionals therefore need to be trained and encouraged to provide adequate information to all health service users on the benefits of leading healthy lifestyles.
Accounting for Sitting and Moving: An Analysis of Sedentary Behavior in Mass Media Campaigns
Authors: Knox Emily , Biddle Stuart , Esliger Dale W. , Piggin Joe , Sherar Lauren 
Published: November 2014

Background:Mass media campaigns are an important tool for promoting health-related physical activity. The relevance of sedentary behavior to public health has propelled it to feature prominently in health campaigns across the world. This study explored the use of messages regarding sedentary behavior in health campaigns within the context of current debates surrounding the association between sedentary behavior and health, and messaging strategies to promote moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA).Methods:A web-based search of major campaigns in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, and Australia was performed to identify the main campaign from each country. A directed content analysis was then conducted to analyze the inclusion of messages regarding sedentary behavior in health campaigns and to elucidate key themes. Important areas for future research were illustrated.Results:Four key themes from the campaigns emerged: clinging to sedentary behavior guidelines, advocating reducing sedentary behavior as a first step on the activity continuum and the importance of light activity, confusing the promotion of MVPA, and the demonization of sedentary behavior.Conclusions:Strategies for managing sedentary behavior as an additional complicating factor in health promotion are urgently required. Lessons learned from previous health communication campaigns should stimulate research to inform future messaging strategies.
Differential Mycobacterium bovis BCG Vaccine-Derived Efficacy in C3Heb/FeJ and C3H/HeOuJ Mice Exposed to a Clinical Strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Henao-Tamayo Marcela , Obregón-Henao Andrés , Creissen Elizabeth , Shanley Crystal , Orme Ian , Ordway Diane J. 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTThe global epidemic caused by the bacterial pathogenMycobacterium tuberculosiscontinues unabated. Moreover, the only available vaccine against tuberculosis,Mycobacterium bovisbacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG), demonstrates variable efficacy. To respond to this global threat, new animal models that mimic the pathological disease process in humans are required for vaccine testing. One new model, susceptible C3Heb/FeJ mice, is similar to human tuberculosis in that these animals are capable of forming necrotic tubercle granulomas, in contrast to resistant C3H/HeOuJ mice. In this study, we evaluated the impact of prior BCG vaccination of C3Heb/FeJ and C3H/HeOuJ mice on exposure to a low-dose aerosol ofMycobacterium tuberculosisW-Beijing strain SA161. Both BCG-vaccinated murine strains demonstrated reduced bacterial loads 25 days after infection compared to controls, indicating vaccine efficacy. However, during chronic infection, vaccine efficacy waned in C3H/HeOuJ but not in C3Heb/FeJ mice. Protection in vaccinated C3Heb/FeJ mice was associated with reduced numbers of CD11b+Gr1+cells, increased numbers of effector and memory T cells, and an absence of necrotic granulomas. BCG vaccine efficacy waned in C3H/HeOuJ mice, as indicated by reduced expression of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) and increased expressions of interleukin-17 (IL-17), IL-10, and Foxp3 by T cells compared to C3Heb/FeJ mice. This is the first murine vaccine model system described to date that can be utilized to dissect differential vaccine-derived immune efficacy.
Supplementary Testing Is Not Required in the cobas 4800 CT/NG Test for Neisseria gonorrhoeae Weak-Positive Urogenital Samples
Authors: Bromhead Collette , Liyanarachchy Nadika , Mayes Julia , Upton Arlo , Balm Michelle 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACT

Weak-positive
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
nucleic acid amplification test results are difficult to interpret. We show that the frequency of unconfirmed
N. gonorrhoeae
results from the cobas 4800 test rises exponentially after 38.0 cycles, where the likelihood of an unconfirmed result exceeds 29%. Supplementary testing of such samples should be avoided; instead, treatment should be based on clinical pretest probability.