bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and functional connectivity between the lateral posterior–pulvinar complex and primary visual cortex in the ferret
Authors: Yu Chunxiu , Sellers Kristin K. , Radtke‐Schuller Susanne , Lu Jinghao , Xing Lei , Ghukasyan Vladimir , Li Yuhui , Shih Yen‐Yu I. , Murrow Richard , Fröhlich Flavio 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe role of higher‐order thalamic structures in sensory processing remains poorly understood. Here, we used the ferret (Mustela putorius furo) as a novel model species for the study of the lateral posterior (LP)–pulvinar complex and its structural and functional connectivity with area 17 [primary visual cortex (V1)]. We found reciprocal anatomical connections between the lateral part of the LP nucleus of the LP–pulvinar complex (LPl) and V1. In order to investigate the role of this feedback loop between LPl and V1 in shaping network activity, we determined the functional interactions between LPl and the supragranular, granular and infragranular layers of V1 by recording multiunit activity and local field potentials. Coherence was strongest between LPl and the supragranular V1, with the most distinct peaks in the delta and alpha frequency bands. Inter‐area interaction measured by spike‐phase coupling identified the delta frequency band being dominated by the infragranular V1 and multiple frequency bands that were most pronounced in the supragranular V1. This inter‐area coupling was differentially modulated by full‐field synthetic and naturalistic visual stimulation. We also found that visual responses in LPl were distinct from those in V1 in terms of their reliability. Together, our data support a model of multiple communication channels between LPl and the layers of V1 that are enabled by oscillations in different frequency bands. This demonstration of anatomical and functional connectivity between LPl and V1 in ferrets provides a roadmap for studying the interaction dynamics during behaviour, and a template for identifying the activity dynamics of other thalamo‐cortical feedback loops.
Potential drivers of virulence evolution in aquaculture
Authors: Kennedy David A. , Kurath Gael , Brito Ilana L. , Purcell Maureen K. , Read Andrew F. , Winton James R. , Wargo Andrew R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractInfectious diseases are economically detrimental to aquaculture, and with continued expansion and intensification of aquaculture, the importance of managing infectious diseases will likely increase in the future. Here, we use evolution of virulence theory, along with examples, to identify aquaculture practices that might lead to the evolution of increased pathogen virulence. We identify eight practices common in aquaculture that theory predicts may favor evolution toward higher pathogen virulence. Four are related to intensive aquaculture operations, and four others are related specifically to infectious disease control. Our intention is to make aquaculture managers aware of these risks, such that with increased vigilance, they might be able to detect and prevent the emergence and spread of increasingly troublesome pathogen strains in the future.
Multi‐generational responses of a marine polychaete to a rapid change in seawater pCO2
Authors: Rodríguez‐Romero Araceli , Jarrold Michael D. , Massamba‐N'Siala Gloria , Spicer John I. , Calosi Piero 
Published: October 2015

AbstractLittle is known of the capacity that marine metazoans have to evolve under rapid pCO2 changes. Consequently, we reared a marine polychaete, Ophryotrocha labronica, previously cultured for approximately 33 generations under a low/variable pH regime, under elevated and low pCO2 for six generations. The strain used was found to be tolerant to elevated pCO2 conditions. In generations F1 and F2 females’ fecundity was significantly lower in the low pCO2 treatment. However, from generation F3 onwards there were no differences between pCO2 treatments, indicating that trans‐generational effects enabled the restoration and maintenance of reproductive output. Whilst the initial fitness recovery was likely driven by trans‐generational plasticity (TGP), the results from reciprocal transplant assays, performed using F7 individuals, made it difficult to disentangle between whether TGP had persisted across multiple generations, or if evolutionary adaptation had occurred. Nonetheless, both are important mechanisms for persistence under climate change. Overall, our study highlights the importance of multi‐generational experiments in more accurately determining marine metazoans’ responses to changes in pCO2, and strengthens the case for exploring their use in conservation, by creating specific pCO2 tolerant strains of keystone ecosystem species.
Does imagery reduce stigma against depression? Testing the efficacy of imagined contact and perspective‐taking
Authors: Na Jennifer Jiwon , Chasteen Alison L. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWhile the stigma surrounding mental illness has been well‐established, less is known about methods for reducing that bias. In both laboratory (Study 1) and community (Study 2) samples, we tested the efficacy of imagined contact and perspective‐taking for reducing stigma against depression. Participants first read a vignette about an individual with depression and then imagined either interacting with the individual (imagined contact), putting themselves in the individual's shoes (perspective‐taking) or a neutral scene (control). In both samples, imagined contact was more effective in reducing stigma against depression than perspective‐taking. The findings suggest that different prejudice reduction strategies should be used for different stigmatized groups.
Constraining Political Budget Cycles: Media Strength and Fiscal Institutions in the Enlarged EU
Authors: Ademmer Esther , Dreher Ferdinand 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article revisits institutional constraints to political budget cycles (PBCs) in the enlarged European Union (EU). Based on a panel of 25 Member States, we show that governments frequently fiscally stimulate the economy prior to elections. We argue that the occurrence of PBCs in the enlarged EU can be well explained by a peculiar interaction of two prominently discussed institutional constraints: fiscal institutions and media strength. Fiscal rules only help to limit the extent of PBCs in countries where the media is relatively weak, whereas they fail to do so in countries that host a strong press. Suggesting that this may be due to the usage of creative accounting practices in weaker media environments, we conclude that a powerful press remains key to eradicating PBCs in the EU.
Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale: Development and Preliminary Psychometric Properties
Authors: Annear Michael J. , Toye Christine M. , Eccleston Claire E. , McInerney Frances J. , Elliott Kate‐Ellen J. , Tranter Bruce K. , Hartley Thomas , Robinson Andrew L. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo develop a reliable and valid dementia knowledge scale to address limitations of existing measures, support knowledge evaluation in diverse populations, and inform educational intervention development.DesignA five‐stage, systematic scale development process was employed to construct and assess the psychometric properties of the Dementia Knowledge Assessment Scale (DKAS).SettingData for the study were generated in an online environment and during clinical dementia care placements from Australian (n = 1,321) and international respondents (n = 446).ParticipantsVolunteers from a dementia‐related massive open online course (n = 1,651), medical students on clinical placement in a residential aged care facility (n = 40), and members of the Australian health workforce (n = 76).MeasurementsPsychometric properties of the DKAS were established using a literature review to assess the veracity of scale items, respondent feedback during pilot testing, a Delphi study with dementia experts, construction and review by an expert panel, evaluation of item difficulty, item‐total and interitem correlations. Principal components analysis (PCA) was also performed along with measures of test–retest reliability, internal consistency, construct validity, and concurrent validity.ResultsThe pilot DKAS was reduced from 40 to 27 items during analysis. PCA identified four distinct and interpretable factors. The revised DKAS displays high levels of test–retest reliability; internal consistency; and preliminary construct, concurrent, and factorial validity.ConclusionThe 27‐item DKAS is reliable and shows preliminary validity for the assessment of knowledge deficiencies and change in those who provide care and treatment for people with dementia.
Newly Developed Chronic Conditions and Changes in Health‐Related Quality of Life in Postmenopausal Women
Authors: Luo Juhua , Hendryx Michael , Safford Monika M. , Wallace Robert , Rossom Rebecca , Eaton Charles , Bassuk Shari , Margolis Karen L. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo prospectively assess the effects of newly developed chronic conditions on changes in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in postmenopausal women.DesignProspective cohort study.SettingForty clinical centers in the United States.ParticipantsWomen aged 50 to 79 enrolled in the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study during 1993–98 (N = 75,198).MeasurementsOnset of seven chronic conditions (hypertension, heart disease, stroke, cancer, osteoporosis, diabetes mellitus, arthritis), HRQoL based on the Medical Outcomes Study 36‐item Short Form survey (SF‐36), and change in HRQoL from baseline to Year 3 in scores on the Physical (PCS) and Mental (MCS) Component Summary of the SF‐36.ResultsEach of the seven chronic conditions was statistically significantly associated with HRQoL for physical and mental health. Women with incident stroke had the greatest decline in HRQoL for physical and mental health (PCS: 10.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.3–12.1; MCS: 10.4, 95% CI = 8.8–12.1), which exceeded minimal clinically important differences (MCID). Having more new chronic conditions was associated with greater decrease in HRQoL. Declines in HRQoL in women with two or more chronic conditions exceeded MCID. Those with heart disease and stroke had the largest decline in physical health, and those with stroke and arthritis had the greatest decline in mental health. For all conditions other than stroke and diabetes mellitus, the more recently a condition was diagnosed, the greater the decrease in PCS. For stroke and cancer, a similar pattern was observed for MCS.ConclusionThe more conditions a woman developed, the greater reduction in HRQoL she experienced. Declines in HRQoL in women with stroke, cancer, and some combinations exceeded MCID. Findings from this study might lead to more‐effective patient‐centered approaches to health care for women with multiple chronic conditions.
Trajectories of Substance Use: Onset and Adverse Outcomes Among North American Indigenous Adolescents
Authors: Sittner Kelley J. 
Published: October 2015

North American Indigenous communities experience disproportionately high rates of substance use, abuse, and dependence and their accompanying consequences. This study uses group‐based trajectory modeling of past‐year substance use (alcohol, marijuana, and cigarettes) with a longitudinal sample of Indigenous adolescents from the northern Midwest and Canada (spanning ages 10–18 years). The early‐onset trajectory (36.3%) had more adverse psychosocial difficulties at baseline than the mid‐onset group (38.3%); both trajectories were associated with several negative outcomes at the end of the study. The late‐onset trajectory (25.3%) did not initiate substance use until later adolescence and had far better outcomes at the last wave of the study. Timing of onset matters. Prevention efforts should begin in late childhood and continue through mid‐adolescence.
Developing xylem‐preferential expression of PdGA20ox1, a gibberellin 20‐oxidase 1 from Pinus densiflora, improves woody biomass production in a hybrid poplar
Authors: Jeon Hyung‐Woo , Cho Jin‐Seong , Park Eung‐Jun , Han Kyung‐Hwan , Choi Young‐Im , Ko Jae‐Heung 
Published: October 2015

SummaryWoody biomass has gained popularity as an environmentally friendly, renewable and sustainable resource for liquid fuel production. Here, we demonstrate biotechnological improvement of the quantity and quality of woody biomass by employing developing xylem (DX)‐preferential production of gibberellin (GA), a phytohormone that positively regulates stem growth. First, for the proof of concept experiment, we produced transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing GA20‐oxidase, a key enzyme in the production of bioactive GAs, from Pinus densiflora (PdGA20ox1) under the control of either a constitutive 35S promoter, designated 35S::PdGA20ox1, or a DX‐specific promoter (originated from poplar), designated DX15::PdGA20ox1. As we hypothesized, both transgenic Arabidopsis plants (35S::PdGA20ox1 and DX15::PdGA20ox1) exhibited an accelerated stem growth that resulted in a large increase of biomass, up to 300% compared to wild‐type control plants, together with increased secondary wall thickening and elongation of fibre cells. Next, we applied our concept to the production of transgenic poplar trees. Both transgenic poplar trees (35S::PdGA20ox1 and DX15::PdGA20ox1) showed dramatic increases in biomass, up to 300%, with accelerated stem growth and xylem differentiation. Cell wall monosaccharide composition analysis revealed that in both Arabidopsis and poplar, glucose and xylose contents were significantly increased. However, undesirable phenotypes of 35S::PdGA20ox1 poplar, including poor root growth and leaf development, were found. Interestingly, DX15::PdGA20ox1 poplar resulted in a reduction of undesirable phenotypes. Our results indicate that the controlled production of GAs through a tissue‐specific promoter can be utilized as an efficient biotechnological tool for producing enhanced plant biomass, minimizing unwanted effects.
Interaction of Methanol Spray and Water‐Deficit Stress on Photosynthesis and Biochemical Characteristics of Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Sadry
Authors: Armand Nezam , Amiri Hamzeh , Ismaili Ahmad 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis study was a factorial experiment with a completely randomized design and three replications. The four levels of methanol spraying were used. Spraying was carried out three times during the growing season at 10‐day intervals beginning at 4 weeks after sowing. The spraying of solution continued until saturation of droplets on the leaves was achieved. The levels of water‐deficit stress applied were nonstress, moderate water stress and severe water stress. The results showed that there was a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between the methanol and water‐deficit stress treatments for chlorophyll (Chl) a and Chl b, carotenoid, total chlorophyll, net photosynthesis (PN), intercellular CO2 (Ci), maximal quantum yield of photosystem II photochemistry (Fv/Fm), leaf moisture, water use efficiency and relative water content. The application of foliar methanol at all levels of water‐deficit stress significantly decreased the catalase activity of the roots. Under all levels of water‐deficit stress, the 30% (v/v) methanol treatment significantly decreased peroxidase activity in the roots over that for the control. The results suggest that foliar application of methanol can decrease the negative effects of water‐deficit stress on Phaseolus vulgaris L. cv. Sadry.
Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress post‐lung resection: Effect of pretreatment with N‐acetylcysteine
Authors: Bastin Anthony J. , Davies Nathan , Lim Eric , Quinlan Greg J. , Griffiths Mark J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveN‐acetylcysteine has been used to treat a variety of lung diseases, where is it thought to have an antioxidant effect. In a randomized placebo‐controlled double‐blind study, the effect of N‐acetylcysteine on systemic inflammation and oxidative damage was examined in patients undergoing lung resection, a human model of acute lung injury.MethodsEligible adults were randomized to receive preoperative infusion of N‐acetylcysteine (240 mg/kg over 12 h) or placebo. Plasma thiols, interleukin‐6, 8‐isoprostane, ischaemia‐modified albumin, red blood cell glutathione and exhaled breath condensate pH were measured pre‐ and post‐operatively as markers of local and systemic inflammation and oxidative stress.ResultsPatients undergoing lung resection and one‐lung ventilation exhibited significant postoperative inflammation and oxidative damage. Postoperative plasma thiol concentration was significantly higher in the N‐acetylcysteine‐treated group. However, there was no significant difference in any of the measured biomarkers of inflammation or oxidative damage, or in clinical outcomes, between N‐acetylcysteine and placebo groups.ConclusionPreoperative administration of N‐acetylcysteine did not attenuate postoperative systemic or pulmonary inflammation or oxidative damage after lung resection.Clinical trial registration: NCT00655928 at ClinicalTrials.gov
Two-Stage Model for Time Varying Effects of Zero-Inflated Count Longitudinal Covariates with Applications in Health Behaviour Research
Authors: Yang Hanyu , Li Runze , Zucker Robert A. , Buu Anne 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThis study proposes a two-stage approach to characterize individual developmental trajectories of health risk behaviours and to delineate their time varying effects on short-term or long-term health outcomes. Our model can accommodate longitudinal covariates with zero-inflated counts and discrete outcomes. The longitudinal data of a well-known study of youths at high risk of substance abuse are presented as a motivating example to demonstrate the effectiveness of the model in delineating critical developmental periods of prevention and intervention. Our simulation study shows that the performance of the model proposed improves as the sample size or number of time points increases. When there are excess 0s in the data, the regular Poisson model cannot estimate either the longitudinal covariate process or its time varying effect well. This result, therefore, emphasizes the important role that the model proposed plays in handling zero inflation in the data.
Life Expectancy Heterogeneity and the Political Support for Collective Annuities
Authors: Cremer Helmuth , De Donder Philippe 
Published: October 2015

AbstractIndividuals, differing in productivity and life expectancy, vote over the size and type of a collective annuity. Its type is represented by the fraction of the contributive (Bismarckian) component (based on the worker's past earnings) as opposed to the non‐contributive (Beveridgean) part (based on average contribution). The equilibrium collective annuity is either a large mostly Bismarckian program, a smaller pure Beveridgean one (in accordance with empirical evidence), or nil. A larger correlation between longevity and productivity, or a larger average life expectancy, both make the equilibrium collective annuity program more Beveridgean, although at the expense of its size.
Comparative morphology of the mandibles and head structures of corbiculate bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Apini)
Authors: PORTO DIEGO S. , VILHELMSEN LARS , ALMEIDA EDUARDO A. B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPhylogenetic relationships of corbiculate bees have been a well‐known focus of controversies over the past 30 years. The majority of the morphological datasets support the monophyly of Apina + Meliponina, whereas molecular datasets recover Meliponina as sister to Bombina. This issue is especially critical to the proper understanding of the evolution of clusters of traits that define the corbiculate eusocial behaviour. This work provides a description and discussion on characters of the head capsule, mandibles and sitophore of bees. Thirty‐three characters are proposed and optimized within concurrent phylogenetic hypotheses for corbiculate bees, which results in seven derived character‐states supporting the monophyly of the Apina + Meliponina + Bombina and nine supporting the Apina + Meliponina clades. Although some striking synapomorphies (e.g. tentorial bridge, pleurostomal condyle, hypopharyngeal lobe) support the former clade, most characters supporting the latter (i.e. Apina + Meliponina) were losses/reductions. Moreover, two previously undescribed character transformations on hypostoma and sitophore favour the Bombina + Meliponina clade. Internal head capsule characters are useful for phylogenetic analysis in comparative studies of bees, and corbiculate bees in particular, when efforts are made to solve the ‘corbiculate controversy’. An attempt is made to standardize the current terminology used for bees and for other Hymenoptera.
Quality of antenatal and childbirth care in rural health facilities in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania: an intervention study
Authors: Duysburgh Els , Temmerman Marleen , Yé Maurice , Williams Afua , Massawe Siriel , Williams John , Mpembeni Rose , Loukanova Svetla , Haefeli Walter E. , Blank Antje 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo assess the impact of an intervention consisting of a computer‐assisted clinical decision support system and performance‐based incentives, aiming at improving quality of antenatal and childbirth care.MethodsIntervention study in rural primary healthcare (PHC) facilities in Burkina Faso, Ghana and Tanzania. In each country, six intervention and six non‐intervention PHC facilities, located in one intervention and one non‐intervention rural districts, were selected. Quality was assessed in each facility by health facility surveys, direct observation of antenatal and childbirth care, exit interviews, and reviews of patient records and maternal and child health registers. Findings of pre‐ and post‐intervention and of intervention and non‐intervention health facility quality assessments were analysed and assessed for significant (P < 0.05) quality of care differences.ResultsPost‐intervention quality scores do not show a clear difference to pre‐intervention scores and scores at non‐intervention facilities. Only a few variables had a statistically significant better post‐intervention quality score and when this is the case this is mostly observed in only one study‐arm, being pre‐/post‐intervention or intervention/non‐intervention. Post‐intervention care shows similar deficiencies in quality of antenatal and childbirth care and in detection, prevention, and management of obstetric complications as at baseline and non‐intervention study facilities.ConclusionOur intervention study did not show a significant improvement in quality of care during the study period. However, the use of new technology seems acceptable and feasible in rural PHC facilities in resource‐constrained settings, creating the opportunity to use this technology to improve quality of care.
English and language shift in Paraguay's New Australia
Authors: PEREZ DANAE 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTThis paper sheds new light on English in Latin America, more specifically in Paraguay, a still relatively underresearched region in the context of world Englishes. At the turn of the 20th century, almost 600 colonizers from Australia and the UK settled in Paraguay with the goal of setting up an independent English‐speaking society. However, the New Australia community was soon divided, and its English language and culture faded away. This paper describes the sociolinguistic history of the Anglo‐Paraguayan community and addresses the question of why English disappeared in Paraguay.
Economy, modernity, Islam, and English in Egypt
Authors: ABOUELHASSAN RADI S. MOUSTAFA , MEYER LOIS M. 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTAfter the January 2011 Egyptian revolution led to the fall of the pro‐western dictator Hosni Mubarak and popular elections that brought Islamist parties to the political forefront, the international community speculated about the country's future. Discussion about Egypt's future involved diverse issues, among them globalization, the English language, and how Islam and modernity interact. In this paper, the authors examine the story of English and its widespread use in Egypt to illustrate how modernization and Islamization have contributed to the spread of the once colonial, now global language—English—in the Arab Republic of Egypt.