bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic basis, evolutionary origin and spread of resistance to herbicides inhibiting acetolactate synthase in common groundsel (Senecio vulgaris)
Authors: Délye Christophe , Causse Romain , Michel Séverine 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDFollowing control failure by herbicides inhibiting acetolactate synthase (ALS) in French wheat fields and vineyards, we aimed to confirm resistance evolution and investigate the evolutionary origin and spread of resistance in the tetraploid species Senecio vulgaris (common groundsel), a widespread, highly mobile weed.RESULTSSequencing of two ALS homeologues in S. vulgaris enabled the first identification and characterisation of ALS‐based resistance in this species. Cross‐resistance patterns associated with Leu‐197 and Ser‐197 ALS1 were established using eight herbicides. Sequencing and genotyping showed that ALS‐based resistance evolved by multiple, independent appearances of mutant ALS1 and ALS2 alleles followed by spread. Spread of a mutant ALS1 allele issued from one particular appearance event was observed over 60 km. Independent resistance appearance events and easy seed dispersion are the most likely reasons for populations of S. vulgaris containing different mutant ALS alleles. Accumulation of different alleles probably due to sexual reproduction was observed in the same plant.CONCLUSIONMutant ALS alleles and possibly other mechanisms cause resistance to ALS inhibitors in S. vulgaris. Management strategies should aim at limiting S. vulgaris establishment and seed set. Considering the mobility of this species, control coordination at a regional level is clearly necessary if resistance spread is to be contained. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Evaluation of the Logarithmic Law of the Wall for River Flows
Authors: Petrie J. , Diplas P. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe logarithmic law of the wall is commonly used to determine the shear stress applied to the river bed by the flow field. The shear stress calculation requires a velocity profile at the location of interest—data that can be obtained with a boat‐mounted acoustic Doppler current profiler (ADCP). ADCP survey procedures use either a fixed‐vessel (FV) or moving‐vessel (MV) with each providing different spatial and temporal resolution. MV procedures require significantly less field effort but the data lack the temporal resolution of FV measurements. This fact has motivated investigators to seek MV procedures and analysis techniques that provide equivalent results to FV measurements. This study compares results of the two survey procedures for depth‐averaged quantities (velocity and flow direction), mean velocity profiles, shear velocity and equivalent sand grain roughness. Mean velocity profiles are produced by time averaging for the FV measurements and spatial averaging for the MV measurements. Shear velocity and equivalent sand grain roughness are determined using simple linear regression applied to the logarithmic law of the wall. These procedures are demonstrated using data obtained during bankfull flow on the lower Roanoke River, North Carolina, USA. The results indicate comparable estimates of depth‐averaged quantities from both survey procedures. Estimates of the mean velocity profiles were found to be more variable. The agreement for shear velocity and equivalent sand grain roughness was generally poor indicating that further work is necessary to produce comparable results with MV survey procedures. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DVB‐S2X‐enabled precoding for high throughput satellite systems
Authors: Arapoglou Pantelis‐Daniel , Ginesi Alberto , Cioni Stefano , Erl Stefan , Clazzer Federico , Andrenacci Stefano , Vanelli‐Coralli Alessandro 
Published: June 2015

SummaryMulti‐user multiple‐input multiple‐output (MU‐MIMO) has allowed recent releases of terrestrial long‐term evolution (LTE) standards to achieve significant improvements in terms of offered system capacity. The publication of the DVB‐S2X standard and particularly of its novel superframe structure is a key enabler for applying similar interference management techniques –such as precoding– to multibeam high throughput satellite (HTS) systems. This paper presents results from the European Space Agency‐funded R&D activities concerning the practical issues that arise when precoding is applied over an aggressive frequency re‐use HTS network. In addressing these issues, the paper also proposes pragmatic solutions that have been developed in order to overcome these limitations. Through the application of a comprehensive system simulator, it is demonstrated that important capacity gains (beyond 40%) are to be expected from applying precoding even after introducing a number of significant practical impairments. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identifying correlations of findings for building process improvement packages using graph clustering
Authors: Choi Su‐Jin , Kim Dae‐Kyoo , Park Sooyong 
Published: June 2015

AbstractSoftware process improvement (SPI) begins with process assessment based on a process reference model such as CMMI. Process improvement action items in SPI are determined according to the identified strengths and weaknesses of the current practice. Therefore, given that a list of assessment findings has been identified, it is important to analyze correlations of findings and identify relevant findings for building improvement items. However, correlation analysis requires expertise and considerable efforts, which makes it difficult for practitioners to perform it in process improvement projects. In this work, we present a CMMI‐based method for identifying correlations of findings and building improvement packages using graph clustering techniques. We evaluate the method using industrial data. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
We're Not in Kansas Anymore
Authors: Meese Ruth Lyn 
Published: June 2015

AbstractVowel teams such as vowel digraphs present a challenge to struggling readers. Some researchers assert that phonics generalizations such as the “two vowels go walking and the first one does the talking” rule do not hold often enough to be reliable for children. Others suggest that some vowel teams are highly regular and that children can apply their knowledge of vowel sounds to decode unknown words containing vowel teams. The TOTO Strategy provides a means for students to systematically use information about vowel sounds and the frequency of these sounds to “Try One and Try the Other” in order to decode words that make sense in context.
Challenges affecting access to cesarean delivery and strategies to overcome them in low‐income countries
Authors: Irani Mohamad , Deering Shad 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundMost maternal deaths occur in low‐income countries where access to appropriate medical care is restricted.ObjectivesTo evaluate rates of cesarean deliveries and identify barriers to this mode of delivery in low‐income countries.Search strategyA review of Medline and PubMed was performed to identify reports published in English or French using the keywords “cesarean section,” “maternal mortality,” and “developing countries.”Selection criteriaStudies investigating the obstacles to cesarean delivery and plans to overcome them in low‐income countries were included.Data collection and analysisData from included studies were extracted and analyzed.Main resultsStudies from 16 countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa were included. The average rate of cesarean delivery was 3.6% (range 1.5%–7.1%). The rate was negatively correlated with the maternal mortality ratio (r = −0.63; P = 0.005), neonatal mortality rate (r = −0.81; P < 0.001), and infant mortality rate (r = −0.80; P < 0.001). Major barriers to achieving higher rates of cesarean deliveries include poverty, limited access to healthcare services, and a shortage of skilled providers.ConclusionsMaternal and infant mortality rates could be lowered by increasing access to cesarean delivery. Additional education of patients and providers, establishment of more heath facilities, and governmental support of obstetric care could help to reach this goal.
A phase 2 randomized, controlled trial of the α7 agonist ABT‐126 in mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's dementia
Authors: Gault Laura M. , Ritchie Craig W. , Robieson Weining Z. , Pritchett Yili , Othman Ahmed A. , Lenz Robert A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIntroductionThe safety and efficacy of the novel α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist ABT‐126 were investigated in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate Alzheimer's dementia (AD).MethodsSubjects not currently receiving acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were randomized to ABT‐126 (5 or 25 mg once daily), donepezil 10 mg once daily, or placebo for 12 weeks. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline to final evaluation in the 11‐item Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale‐cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog) total score.ResultsA total of 274 subjects were randomized. Although the study did not meet its primary end point, trends toward improvement were seen with ABT‐126 25 mg (least squares mean [standard error] difference from placebo −1.19 [0.90]; one‐sided P = .095) and donepezil (−1.43 [0.90]; one‐sided P = .057) on the 11‐item ADAS‐Cog total score change from baseline to the final evaluation. ABT‐126 5 mg was numerically similar to placebo. An exposure‐response analysis indicated a statistically significant relationship between ABT‐126 exposure and the change from baseline in ADAS‐Cog, with no evidence of a plateau. No clinically meaningful differences in safety were observed among treatment groups.DiscussionAlthough the ABT‐126 25 mg dose did not demonstrate statistically significant improvement, results of the exposure‐response analysis suggest that higher doses may produce better efficacy, and the safety profile of ABT‐126 in this study supports additional studies with higher doses in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate AD.Clinical trial register numberNCT00948909.
Consciousness Without Attention
Authors: JENNINGS CAROLYN DICEY 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT:This paper explores whether consciousness can exist without attention. This is a hot topic in philosophy of mind and cognitive science due to the popularity of theories that hold attention to be necessary for consciousness. The discovery of a form of consciousness that exists without the influence of attention would require a change in the way that many global workspace theorists, for example, understand the role and function of consciousness. Against this understanding, at least three forms of consciousness have been argued to exist without attention: perceptual gist, imagistic consciousness, and phenomenal consciousness. After first arguing that the evidence is inconclusive on the question of whether these forms of consciousness exist without attention, I here present a fourth form of consciousness that is likely to be more successful: conscious entrainment. I argue that conscious entrainment is a form of consciousness associated with skilled behavior in which attention is sometimes absent.
What Is Democracy (and What Is Its Raison D’Etre)?
Authors: GOLDMAN ALVIN I. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACT:This article aims to say what democracy is or what the predicate ‘democratic’ means, as opposed to saying what is good, right, or desirable about it. The basic idea—by no means a novel one—is that a democratic system is one that features substantial equality of political power. More distinctively it is argued that ‘democratic’ is a relative gradable adjective, the use of which permits different, contextually determined thresholds of democraticness. Thus, a system can be correctly called ‘democratic’ even if it does not feature perfect equality of power. The article's central undertaking is to give greater precision to the operative notion(s) of power. No complete or fully unified measure of power is offered, but several conceptual tools are introduced that help give suitable content to power measurement. These tools include distinctions between conditional versus unconditional power and direct versus indirect power. Using such tools, a variety of prima facie problems for the power equality approach are addressed and defused. Finally, the theory is compared to epistemic and deliberative approaches to democracy; and reasons are offered for the attractiveness of democracy that flows from the power equality theme.
Fear of crime and older people in low- and middle-income countries
Authors: LLOYD-SHERLOCK PETER , AGRAWAL SUTAPA , MINICUCI NADIA 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper analyses data from the World Health Organization's Study on Global AGEing and Adult Health (SAGE) on the prevalence of reported fear of crime at home and on the street among older people in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa. SAGE provides nationally representative data for 35,125 people aged 50 and over. These reveal large national variations in reported crime fear: for example, 65 per cent of older South Africans felt unsafe on the street, compared to only 9 per cent of older Ghanaians. The paper examines factors potentially associated with crime fear, including age, socio-economic status and frailty, and relates these to different theoretical models of crime fear. Female sex and frailty are associated with higher rates of crime fear across the study countries. Other associations are less consistent, e.g. urban residence is associated with higher levels of fear in some countries and lower levels in others. The paper considers the potential effects of crime fear on mobility beyond the home, health status and quality of life. A strong association is found for mobility, but effects on health and quality of life are harder to interpret as the direction of causality can be two-way. Overall, the paper demonstrates the potential impact of crime fear on older people's wellbeing and highlights a need for further, more contextualised research.
The 2011 Debt-Ceiling Controversy and the 2012 US House Elections
Authors: Monogan James E. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTThis article considers how a key legislative vote—that is, the August 2011 vote to raise the federal debt ceiling—influenced the 2012 elections for the US House of Representatives. Two outcomes are analyzed: (1) the incumbents’ ability to retain their seats through the 2012 general election, and (2) their share of the two-party vote for members who faced a general-election competitor. In developing this study, the research design was registered and released publicly before the votes were counted in 2012. Therefore, this article also illustrates how study preregistration can work in practice for political science. The findings show that seat retention did not vary with the treatment; however, incumbents who voted against raising the debt ceiling earned an additional 2.4 percentage points of the two-party vote.
Finding the Invisible Women: Gender Stereotypes versus Student Interest in Foreign Policy and Security Subfields
Authors: Buhr Renee L. , Sideras Nicholas 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTForeign policy and security studies typically are considered male-dominated domains in the discipline of international relations (IR), yet many women work in these policy domains, particularly in the United States. The “invisible women” working in foreign policy often come from fields such as IR, in which gender stereotypes may influence their understanding of the careers available to them. This research project seeks to understand student assumptions about gender roles in IR and the effects of those assumptions. Survey data collected from students in IR courses in 2011 and 2012 reveal that stereotyping of IR subfields is common but that individual students’ academic and career interests often diverge from those stereotypes. This finding is relevant not simply because it may explain the presence of women in foreign-policy careers but also because it provides useful pedagogical information for instructors in the IR field.
Want to Study the Nature of Power? Start by Moving the Chairs!
Authors: Mott Meg 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTAt first glance, the political-theory classroom can seem like a “philosophy class in disguise.” How can we make our text-based classes more “political”? This article considers how three teaching formats—debate, fishbowl, and forum theater—enact different types of power in the classroom and how those enactments necessitate political judgments. In addition to creating the need for political analysis, each of these formats embodies a particular rhetorical strategy often used by political theorists. By physicalizing the argumentative, introspective, and descriptive devices that writers of political theory use, students become better readers of these often old and usually dense texts.
Determinants of vitamin D supplement use in Canadians
Authors: McCormack Daniel , Mai Xiaomei , Chen Yue 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the prevalence of vitamin D supplement use in Canadian adults and associations with demographic and socio-economic variables.DesignData from the Healthy Aging module of the Canadian Community Health Survey were used to investigate the prevalence of vitamin D supplement use in Canadians aged 45 years and over. The prevalence of supplement use stratified by various behavioural and demographic characteristics was calculated and adjusted models were used to find associations with those factors.SettingThe ten provinces of Canada.SubjectsCanadians aged 45 years and over who participated in the Healthy Aging module of the Canadian Community Health Survey from 2008–2009.ResultsThe highest observed prevalence for women was 48·0 % in the 65–69 years age group and the highest prevalence for men was 25·3 % in the 70–74 years age group. Women had higher odds of vitamin D supplement use than men in all age groups. Not using supplements was more common in smokers, those who did not engage in leisure-time physical activities and who were either overweight or obese. Vitamin D supplement use increased with household income and level of education, and decreased with self-perceived health. Supplement use was higher in those with chronic conditions.ConclusionsThe inverse association with self-perceived health could be partly explained by age, chronic conditions and increased use of health-care services. Associations with higher income and education suggest a strong socio-economic influence and that individuals may not have the expendable income to purchase vitamin D supplements or knowledge of their health benefits.
Development of an existential support training program for healthcare professionals
Authors: Henoch Ingela , Strang Susann , Browall Maria , Danielson Ella , Melin-Johansson Christina 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjective:Our aim was to describe the developmental process of a training program for nurses to communicate existential issues with severely ill patients.Method:The Medical Research Council (MRC) framework for the development and evaluation of complex interventions was used to develop a training program for nurses to communicate about existential issues with their patients. The steps in the framework were employed to describe the development of the training intervention, and the development, feasibility and piloting, evaluation, and implementation phases. The development and feasibility phases are described in the Methods section. The evaluation and implementation phases are described in the Results section.Results:In the evaluation phase, the effectiveness of the intervention was shown as nurses' confidence in communication increased after training. The understanding of the change process was considered to be that the nurses could describe their way of communicating in terms of prerequisites, process, and content. Some efforts have been made to implement the training intervention, but these require further elaboration.Significance of results:Existential and spiritual issues are very important to severely ill patients, and healthcare professionals need to be attentive to such questions. It is important that professionals be properly prepared when patients need this communication. An evidence-based training intervention could provide such preparation. Healthcare staff were able to identify situations where existential issues were apparent, and they reported that their confidence in communication about existential issues increased after attending a short-term training program that included reflection. In order to design a program that should be permanently implemented, more knowledge is needed of patients' perceptions of the quality of the healthcare staff's existential support.
Efficiency of Arithmetic Procedures Modulates the Problem-Size Effect in Subtraction
Authors: Núñez-Peña M. Isabel , Colomé Angels , Tubau Elisabet 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe aim of this study was to examine whether differences in strategy selection and/or strategy efficiency can explain the modulation of the problem-size effect by arithmetic skill. More specifically, we wondered whether arithmetic skill increases the use of retrieval strategy in large problems, and/or enhances the efficiency of either retrieval or procedural strategies. The performance of highly-skilled (HS) and less highly-skilled (LS) individuals on a subtraction verification task was analyzed according to problem size and to the strategy reported on a trial-by-trial basis after each problem. The problem size effect was larger for LS individuals than for their HS peers, both in response time and in hit rate. Nevertheless, groups did not differ regarding the strategy reported for each subtraction size. As expected, problems in which retrieval strategy was reported were solved more quickly and more accurately than problems solved by procedural strategies. Responses using retrieval strategy were equally fast in the two groups, but HS individuals performed better than LS when using procedural strategies. The results therefore suggest that the differences in behavioral measures between groups might specifically be due to differences in the efficiency of procedural strategies.
Emergent vortices in populations of colloidal rollers
Authors: Bricard Antoine , Caussin Jean-Baptiste , Das Debasish , Savoie Charles , Chikkadi Vijayakumar , Shitara Kyohei , Chepizhko Oleksandr , Peruani Fernando , Saintillan David , Bartolo Denis 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCoherent vortical motion has been reported in a wide variety of populations including living organisms (bacteria, fishes, human crowds) and synthetic active matter (shaken grains, mixtures of biopolymers), yet a unified description of the formation and structure of this pattern remains lacking. Here we report the self-organization of motile colloids into a macroscopic steadily rotating vortex. Combining physical experiments and numerical simulations, we elucidate this collective behaviour. We demonstrate that the emergent-vortex structure lives on the verge of a phase separation, and single out the very constituents responsible for this state of polar active matter. Building on this observation, we establish a continuum theory and lay out a strong foundation for the description of vortical collective motion in a broad class of motile populations constrained by geometrical boundaries.