bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory Evaluation of the Efficacy of Fluorescent Biomarkers for Sugar-Feeding Sand Flies (Diptera: Psychodidae)
Authors: Mascari T. M. , Foil L. D. 
Published: January 2015

Abstract
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of four fluorescent dyes (rhodamine B, uranine O, auramine O, and erythrosin B) and two nonfluorescent dyes (carmoisine and indigotine) incorporated into sugar baits as biomarkers for phlebotomine sand flies. Each dye could be detected in sand flies fed baits with dye for 24 h when examined using bright field microscopy, although there was considerable variability in the marking produced; all sand flies that had ingested rhodamine B-treated sucrose solution were marked clearly. Sand flies that had ingested sucrose solution containing rhodamine B or uranine O at concentrations as low as 10 mg/L were consistently detected under fluorescence microscopy. None of the treatments in this study reduced the longevity of sand flies. All sand flies fed sucrose solution containing rhodamine B or uranine O were marked for at least 14 d, whereas only 20% of sand flies were marked 3 d after feeding on a carmoisine-treated solution. When rhodamine B and uranine O were combined in a single sucrose solution or when the dyes were fed sequentially to sand flies, both dyes could be detected in sand flies using fluorescence microscopy. We propose that rhodamine B- or uranine O-treated sucrose baits could be used in ecological studies or to identify portions of the adult sand fly population that could be targeted with insecticide-treated sugar baits.
Integrating landscape connectivity and habitat suitability to guide offensive and defensive invasive species management
Authors: Stewart‐Koster Ben , Olden Julian D. , Johnson Pieter T. J. 
Published: January 2015

Summary

Preventing the arrival of invasive species is the most effective way of controlling their impact. Preventative strategies may be ‘offensive’ aimed at preventing the invader leaving colonised locations or ‘defensive’ aimed at preventing its arrival at uninvaded locations. The limited resources for invasive species control must be prioritized, particularly for numerous vulnerable locations or uncertainty about which sites are already invaded.

We developed an integrative modelling framework to prioritise locations for either strategy by incorporating connectivity and habitat suitability. We applied this framework to a data set comprising 5189 water bodies in Wisconsin and Michigan, U.S.A, for zebra mussels Dreissena polymorpha and Eurasian watermilfoil Myriophyllum spicatum. We developed the framework with a spatial graph based on recreational boater movement and habitat suitability models.

An historical graph comprised 3105 natural lakes connected in one of 18 components, whereas a total of 3944 water bodies (lakes and reservoirs) were connected in one of 13 separate components in a graph of the contemporary system. Habitat suitability models accounted for around half of the deviance in the distribution data for each species.

There was a distinct spatial pattern in the levels of risk and subsequent recommended allocation of management interventions across several levels of investment. Higher risk water bodies were generally found in the largest component of the spatial graph. At comparatively low levels of investment, where managers target 5% of all locales to control D. polymorpha, the results suggested that 71% and 27% of this effort should be committed to defensive and offensive strategies, respectively, in the largest component. For M. spicatum, 92% and 8% of this effort should be allocated in this component to defensive and offensive strategies, respectively. It is only with much greater investment that water bodies in other components should be targeted.

Synthesis and applications. Allocating limited resources to prevent the spread of invasive species is a challenge that transcends ecosystems and geography. We successfully identified a reduced number of locations to target for offensive and defensive intervention strategies for two species. This framework is readily applicable to other aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems vulnerable to invasive species.
Qualitative Disclosure and Changes in Sell‐Side Financial Analysts' Information Environment
Authors: Bozanic Zahn , Thevenot Maya 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe examine a routine and timely disclosure, earnings press releases, to determine the extent to which several novel qualitative elements of such disclosures are associated with changes in sell‐side financial analysts' information environment. Using a comprehensive set of GARCH‐based (generalized autoregressive conditional heteroscedasticity) proxies, we examine how disclosure readability's components, across‐document textual similarity, and within‐document lexical diversity alter analysts' information environment. We find that readability in the form of shorter sentences, textual similarity, and lexical diversity are strongly related to decreases in analysts' uncertainty. Further, shorter sentences and lexical diversity improve both public and private information precision, whereas similarity affects solely analysts' private information precision. While the GARCH‐based proxies allow us to alleviate concerns regarding potentially spurious inferences (Sheng and Thevenot 2012), we note as a caveat that such an estimation restricts our inferences to large, stable, and heavily followed firms. These findings should be of interest to analysts who may wish to explore the latent information contained within the qualitative elements of disclosure, regulators who direct the form and content of disclosure, and academics who study the use (and possible misuse) of various forms of information and its presentation.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a CBZ‐AAN‐Dox Prodrug and its in vitro Effects on SiHa Cervical Cancer Cells Under Hypoxic Conditions
Authors: Chen Hongyuan , Liu Xiao , Clayman Eric S. , Shao Fangyuan , Xiao Manshan , Tian Xuyan , Fu Wuyu , Zhang Caiyun , Ruan Bibo , Zhou Pengjun , Liu Zhong , Wang Yifei , Rui Wen 
Published: January 2015

Although doxorubicin (Dox) is widely used in clinical treatment for solid tumors, it causes many side‐effects such as heart and kidney damage, bone marrow suppression, and drug resistance. Legumain is a lysosomal protease that is elevated and associated with an invasive and metastatic phenotype in a number of solid tumors. In this study, we designed and synthesized a Dox prodrug, N‐benzyloxycarbonyl‐Ala‐Ala‐Asn‐Doxorubicin (CBZ‐AAN‐Dox), with 94% purity. Single substrate kinetic assays demonstrated hLegumain‐specific enzymatic cleavage and activation of the prodrug in vitro, and this enzymatic cleavage of the prodrug substrate was more sensitive in acidic conditions, releasing more than 70% of Dox after 24 h. Treatment of tumor cells with our prodrug demonstrated a much higher IC50 value, significantly enhanced uptake of the prodrug, and considerably less cellular toxicity compared to Dox treatment alone. Our study presents a novel prodrug, CBZ‐AAN‐Dox, to potentially increase both the safety and efficacy of clinical treatment of tumors by exploiting the tumor's innate expression of legumain.
Encore for the Enclave: The Changing Nature of the Industry Enclave with Illustrations from the Mining Industry in Chile
Authors: Phelps Nicholas A. , Atienza Miguel , Arias Martin 
Published: January 2015

AbstractConceptual innovation with respect to the enclave concept has been virtually absent compared with industry agglomerations. This is despite the fact that some varieties of agglomeration distinguished in the literature appear to come close to what previously were regarded as industrial enclaves and despite frequent allusions to the enclave nature of economic spaces produced by contemporary processes of globalization. Bringing the literature on agglomeration and enclaves into dialogue, we revisit the concept of the enclave—a concept that has been largely neglected since it enjoyed a popularity in connection with the study of particular (notably extractive) industries and particular (notably dependencia) theories of national economic development during the 1960s and 1970s. Much has changed since this time, which suggests that the concept of the enclave ought to be ripe for reevaluation. In this article we take an initial step in this direction, identifying analytical dimensions to the enclave and illustrating different manifestations of enclaves in the mining industry, drawing on the case of Chile. We conclude by advocating the renewed study of industry enclaves within contemporary economic geographic analysis.
MEDIA AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT: CAN VIDEO GAME PLAYING MAKE YOU SMARTER?
Authors: Suziedelyte Agne 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTAccording to the literature, video game playing can improve such cognitive skills as problem solving, abstract reasoning, and spatial logic. I test this hypothesis using the data from the Child Development Supplement to the Panel Study of Income Dynamics. The endogeneity of video game playing is addressed by using panel data methods and controlling for an extensive list of child and family characteristics. To address the measurement error in video game playing, I instrument children's weekday time use with their weekend time use. After taking into account the endogeneity and measurement error, video game playing is found to positively affect children's problem solving ability. The effect of video game playing on problem solving ability is comparable to the effect of educational activities. (JEL I2, J13, J24)
Rationally engineered flavin‐dependent oxidase reveals steric control of dioxygen reduction
Authors: Zafred Domen , Steiner Barbara , Teufelberger Andrea R. , Hromic Altijana , Karplus P. Andrew , Schofield Christopher J. , Wallner Silvia , Macheroux Peter 
Published: January 2015

The ability of flavoenzymes to reduce dioxygen varies greatly, and is controlled by the protein environment, which may cause either a rapid reaction (oxidases) or a sluggish reaction (dehydrogenases). Previously, a ‘gatekeeper’ amino acid residue was identified that controls the reactivity to dioxygen in proteins from the vanillyl alcohol oxidase superfamily of flavoenzymes. We have identified an alternative gatekeeper residue that similarly controls dioxygen reactivity in the grass pollen allergen Phl p 4, a member of this superfamily that has glucose dehydrogenase activity and the highest redox potential measured in a flavoenzyme. A substitution at the alternative gatekeeper site (I153V) transformed the enzyme into an efficient oxidase by increasing dioxygen reactivity by a factor of 60 000. An inverse exchange (V169I) in the structurally related berberine bridge enzyme (BBE) decreased its dioxygen reactivity by a factor of 500. Structural and biochemical characterization of these and additional variants showed that our model enzymes possess a cavity that binds an anion and resembles the ‘oxyanion hole’ in the proximity of the flavin ring. We showed also that steric control of access to this site is the most important parameter affecting dioxygen reactivity in BBE‐like enzymes. Analysis of flavin‐dependent oxidases from other superfamilies revealed similar structural features, suggesting that dioxygen reactivity may be governed by a common mechanistic principle.DatabaseStructural data are available in PDB database under the accession numbers 4PVE, 4PVH, 4PVJ, 4PVK, 4PWB, 4PWC and 4PZF .
Hurricanes accelerated the Florida–Bahamas lionfish invasion
Authors: Johnston Matthew W. , Purkis Sam J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractIn this study, we demonstrate how perturbations to the Florida Current caused by hurricanes are relevant to the spread of invasive lionfish from Florida to the Bahamas. Without such perturbations, this current represents a potential barrier to the transport of planktonic lionfish eggs and larvae across the Straits of Florida. We further show that once lionfish became established in the Bahamas, hurricanes significantly hastened their spread through the island chain. We gain these insights through: (1) an analysis of the direction and velocity of simulated ocean currents during the passage of hurricanes through the Florida Straits and (2) the development of a biophysical model that incorporates the tolerances of lionfish to ocean climate, their reproductive strategy, and duration that the larvae remain viable in the water column. On the basis of this work, we identify 23 occasions between the years 1992 and 2006 in which lionfish were provided the opportunity to breach the Florida Current. We also find that hurricanes during this period increased the rate of spread of lionfish through the Bahamas by more than 45% and magnified its population by at least 15%. Beyond invasive lionfish, we suggest that extreme weather events such as hurricanes likely help to homogenize the gene pool for all Caribbean marine species susceptible to transport.
Pasting and rheological properties of quinoa‐oat composites
Authors: Inglett George E. , Chen Diejun , Liu Sean X. 
Published: January 2015

SummaryQuinoa (Chenopodium, quinoa) flour, known for its essential amino acids, was composited with oat products containing β‐glucan known for lowering blood cholesterol and preventing heart disease. Quinoa–oat composites were developed and evaluated for their pasting and rheological properties by a Rapid Visco Analyzer (RVA) and an advanced rheometer. All quinoa–oat composites showed increased pasting viscosities with increases in oat contents. The elastic modulus G′ and viscous modulus G″ for all quinoa–oat composites were higher than quinoa, suggesting that oat products increased the viscous properties of composites. Shear‐thinning properties were observed for all the composites. Improved water‐holding capacities (WHC) were found for the composites containing quinoa with nutrim or oat bran concentrate compared to quinoa alone. All the WHC of quinoa–oat composites were increased with the higher amounts of oat components. These quinoa–oat composites have improved nutritional value and texture qualities suitable for functional food applications.
La inspección del trabajo en la China contemporánea: no exactamente el modelo anglosajón
Authors: ZHUANG Wenjia , NGOK Kinglun 
Published: January 2015

ResumenLos autores constatan la falta de control del cumplimiento del creciente número de leyes laborales aprobadas en China, que explican por la evolución del sistema de inspección desde los años ochenta hasta hoy. Este sistema ha tomado del modelo anglosajón el carácter fragmentado y el enfoque reactivo, pero es muy selectivo y carece de medidas coercitivas. Ello se deriva de la combinación de reformas neoliberales con el legado leninista del régimen autoritario. Para aumentar el nivel de cumplimiento se requeriría más cooperación tripartita en el proceso de inspección y la participación de organizaciones sindicales independientes.
Injusticia, conflicto y descontento social ante los accidentes y enfermedades profesionales en China
Authors: ZHU Ying , CHEN Peter Y. , ZHAO Wei 
Published: January 2015

ResumenAnte el número desproporcionado de accidentes y enfermedades profesionales en China en el último decenio y el nivel de conflicto social que han generado, los autores investigan cómo los actores clave afrontan los problemas de seguridad y salud en el trabajo (SST) mediante entrevistas a 25 trabajadores lesionados o enfermos de cinco provincias chinas sobre prácticas de seguridad, causas potenciales de lesiones y tratamiento e indemnizaciones proporcionados (o no); además, formulan recomendaciones para mejorar la cultura de la seguridad empresarial en China, en aras de la justicia social y la armonía social.
Prevalence, Awareness, Treatment, and Control of Hypertension in Lebanon
Authors: Matar Dany , Frangieh Antonio H. , Abouassi Samah , Bteich Fernand , Saleh Aline , Salame Elie , Kassab Roland , Azar Rabih R. 
Published: January 2015

The prevalence and factors related to hypertension (HTN) treatment and control are well investigated in the Western world but remain poorly understood in the Middle East and in middle‐income countries such as Lebanon. In order to measure the prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control rates of HTN in Lebanon, the authors measured blood pressure (BP) in 1697 adults. The prevalence of optimal BP (<120/80 mm Hg) was 33% and that of pre‐HTN (BP ≥120/80 mm Hg but <140/90 mm Hg) was 30%. The prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control (among treated hypertensive) rates of HTN were 36.9%, 53%, 48.9%, and 54.2%, respectively. Overall, only 27% of patients with HTN had their BP under control. Awareness was the most important predictor of treatment. No predictor of control could be identified. The authors concluded that HTN is prevalent in Lebanon and its overall control is low. Improving awareness is the most important target for intervention.
Assessing the relative importance of methodological decisions in classifications of vegetation data
Authors: Lengyel Attila , Podani János 
Published: January 2015

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the relative importance of our methodological decisions concerning sampling (plot size) and data analysis (data transformation, resemblance coefficient, hierarchical clustering strategy and number of clusters) in vegetation classification? Are there differences between the conclusions when the full range or only a more practical narrow range of methodological choices is tested? What is the difference between results for actual and random data?LocationRock grassland in Hungary.MethodsThe full procedure of vegetation classification was simulated using actual and random data. Variation in classification results was partitioned using distance‐based redundancy analysis. The RDA models were subjected to variation partitioning to determine the relative importance of methodological decisions.ResultsRDA models explained more variation in classifications of random than in real data. Classification algorithm, cluster level, data transformation and mean plot size were always included among the most significant variables, however, the other variables also had a considerable effect in certain situations.ConclusionsAs adjusted R2 values suggest, the overall effect of methodological decisions on classifications is larger for randomly structured than actual data, due possibly to a stronger clustering tendency in the latter. The clustering algorithm, cluster level, data transformation and plot size should be chosen most carefully before classification analyses, but any of the examined decisions can significantly affect the result. In addition to the mean, the range of plot sizes should also be carefully delimited during relevé selection for classification studies. The main decision about the classification algorithm is whether a chain‐forming or group‐forming method is used. The data transformation had a more significant effect on real data than on simulations with random variation, thus supporting the ability of the application of different abundance scales in revealing different facets of biologically relevant patterns in community composition. The resemblance measure had a relatively weak effect, suggesting that it is not as influential as previously thought.
Long‐term changes in marsh vegetation in Sanjiang Plain, northeast China
Authors: Lou Yanjing , Zhao Kuiyi , Wang Guoping , Jiang Ming , Lu Xianguo , Rydin Håkan 
Published: January 2015

AbstractQuestionsIs there a consistent change in species composition and species richness across the communities along the wetness zonation? Which species are sensitive to environmental changes? Has species richness increased or decreased? What are the relative effects of climate, geographical position and local environmental factors on the inland marsh community?LocationSanjiang Plain, northeast China (130–133° E, 45–48° N).MethodsA total of 94 plots were re‐surveyed in 2012 and compared with data from 1973. Detrended correspondence analysis (DCA) and indicator species analysis were used to analyse the direction and nature of change in community composition between 1973 and 2012. Paired t‐test was used to test for change in species richness, water level and soil variables between the two surveys. Correlation and step‐wise regression analyses were used to test the relationship between vegetation change (species richness and DCA scores), environmental variables and geographic position.ResultsVegetation has changed towards a drier state, with the greatest changes in the wettest Carex lasiocarpa community and the smallest changes in the driest Calamagrostis angustifolia community. The frequency and cover of hygrophilous species and species typical of oligotrophic wetlands decreased, while grasses and other non‐marsh species increased. Species richness per community and per plot increased over time. The dynamics within each community was only weakly correlated with biogeographic predictors: longitude, latitude, elevation and annual precipitation.ConclusionsHydrology was the main factor controlling changes along the marsh zonation, and was most likely in response to climate warming and land‐use changes. The different responses among the marsh communities along the zonation and between hydrophytes and other species imply that future protection and management need to be based on community type and plant functional types.
Characteristics of particle size for creeping and saltating sand grains in aeolian transport
Authors: Cheng Hong , He Jiajia , Zou Xueyong , Li Jifeng , Liu Chenchen , Liu Bo , Zhang Chunlai , Wu Yongqiu , Kang Liqiang 
Published: January 2015

ABSTRACTCreep and saltation are the primary modes of surface transport involved in the fluid‐like movement of aeolian sands. Although numerous studies have focused on saltation, few studies have focused on creep, primarily because of the experimental difficulty and the limited amount of theoretical information available on this process. Grain size and its distribution characteristics are key controls on the modes of sand movement and their transport masses. Based on a series of wind tunnel experiments, this paper presents new data regarding the saltation flux, obtained using a flat sampler, and on the creeping mass, obtained using a specifically designed bed trap, associated with four friction velocities (0·41, 0·47, 0·55 and 0·61 m sec−1). These data yielded information regarding creeping and saltating sand grains and their particle size characteristics at various heights, which led to the following conclusions: (i) the creeping masses increased as a power function (q = −1·02 + 14·19u*3) of friction wind velocities, with a correlation (R2) of 0·95; (ii) the flux of aeolian sand flow decreases exponentially with increasing height (q = a exp(–z/b)) and increases as a power function (q = −26·30 + 428·40 u*3) of the friction wind velocity; (iii) the particle size of creeping sand grains is ca 1·15 times of the mean diameter of salting sand grains at a height of 0 to 2 cm, which is 1·14 times of the mean diameter of sand grains in a bed; and (iv) the mean diameter of saltating sand grains decreases rapidly with increasing height whereas, while at a given height, the mean diameter of saltating sand grains is positively correlated with the friction wind velocity. Although these results require additional experimental validation, they provide new information for modelling of aeolian sand transport processes.