bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A nonlinear, low data requirement model for producing spatially explicit fishery forecasts
Authors: Glaser Sarah M. , Ye Hao , Sugihara George 
Published: July 2013

AbstractSpatial variability can confound accurate estimates of catch per unit effort (CPUE), especially in highly migratory species. The incorporation of spatial structure into fishery stock assessment models should ultimately improve forecasts of stock biomass. Here, we describe a nonlinear time series model for producing spatially explicit forecasts of CPUE that does not require ancillary environmental or demographic data, or specification of a model functional form. We demonstrate this method using spatially resolved (1° × 1° cells) CPUE time series of North Pacific albacore in the California Current System. The spatial model is highly significant (P < 0.00001) and outperforms two spatial null models. We then create a spatial forecast map for years beyond the range of data. Such approaches can guide spatial management of resources and provide a complement to more data‐intensive, highly parameterized population dynamics and ecosystem models currently in use.
Projecting future grassland productivity to assess the sustainability of potential biofuel feedstock areas in the Greater Platte River Basin
Authors: Gu Yingxin , Wylie Bruce K. , Boyte Stephen P. , Phuyal Khem P. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis study projects future (e.g., 2050 and 2099) grassland productivities in the Greater Platte River Basin (GPRB) using ecosystem performance (EP, a surrogate for measuring ecosystem productivity) models and future climate projections. The EP models developed from a previous study were based on the satellite vegetation index, site geophysical and biophysical features, and weather and climate drivers. The future climate data used in this study were derived from the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate System Model 3.0 ‘SRES A1B’ (a ‘middle’ emissions path). The main objective of this study is to assess the future sustainability of the potential biofuel feedstock areas identified in a previous study. Results show that the potential biofuel feedstock areas (the more mesic eastern part of the GPRB) will remain productive (i.e., aboveground grassland biomass productivity >2750 kg ha−1 year−1) with a slight increasing trend in the future. The spatially averaged EPs for these areas are 3519, 3432, 3557, 3605, 3752, and 3583 kg ha−1 year−1 for current site potential (2000–2008 average), 2020, 2030, 2040, 2050, and 2099, respectively. Therefore, the identified potential biofuel feedstock areas will likely continue to be sustainable for future biofuel development. On the other hand, grasslands identified as having no biofuel potential in the drier western part of the GPRB would be expected to stay unproductive in the future (spatially averaged EPs are 1822, 1691, 1896, 2306, 1994, and 2169 kg ha−1 year−1 for site potential, 2020, 2030, 2040, 2050, and 2099). These areas should continue to be unsuitable for biofuel feedstock development in the future. These future grassland productivity estimation maps can help land managers to understand and adapt to the expected changes in future EP in the GPRB and to assess the future sustainability and feasibility of potential biofuel feedstock areas.
Composition of eggplant cultivars of the Occidental type and implications for the improvement of nutritional and functional quality
Authors: San José Raquel , Sánchez María C. , Cámara María M. , Prohens Jaime 
Published: July 2013

SummaryWe have investigated the diversity for composition in seven eggplant (Solanum melongena) cultivars of the Occidental type. The results show that, with the exception of moisture content and pH, there is a wide diversity for all the analysed traits. Protein content was variable, but generally low. The content in available carbohydrates ranged between 2.99 and 4.19 mg 100 g−1, and the main soluble sugars were glucose and fructose. The fibre content was the most variable trait. In all cases, the dehydroascorbic acid content was higher than the ascorbic acid content. Total phenolics content was on average thirty‐nine‐fold higher than vitamin C content. Multivariate analysis showed that accessions from the black and striped groups presented a similar composition profile, while the white and pickling fruits were very distinct. The pickling eggplant H11 is identified as the best source for improving the nutritional and functional properties of Occidental eggplants.
Investigating the in vitro bioaccessibility of polyphenols in fresh and sun‐dried figs (Ficus carica L.)
Authors: Kamiloglu Senem , Capanoglu Esra 
Published: July 2013

SummaryIn this study, in order to evaluate the in vitro bioaccessibility of fresh and sun‐dried figs, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total proanthocyanidin content (TPA) and the major phenolic compounds were determined at different phases of simulated gastrointestinal (GI) tract digestion for Sarilop and Bursa siyahi fig varieties. Four major phenolic compounds (chlorogenic acid, rutin, cyanidin‐3‐glucoside (C3G) and cyanidin‐3‐rutinoside (C3R)) were investigated for GI tract digestion. The results of in vitro GI tract digestion revealed that the dialysed fraction (IN) represented 9–26% and 1–22% of the initial TAC of the whole‐fresh yellow and purple figs, respectively. Moreover, in case of 2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline)‐6‐sulphonic acid (ABTS), TPA and chlorogenic acid contents, drying caused an increase in the IN fraction of yellow figs (38, 140, 50%, respectively). The bioaccessibility of C3G and C3R were quite low for fresh figs (0–5% of the initial values), whereas for dried figs, anthocyanins were not detected at all in the IN fraction.
Transition to a smoke‐free culture within mental health and drug and alcohol services: A survey of key stakeholders
Authors: Glover Marewa , Fraser Trish , Bullen Chris , Wallace‐Bell Mark , McRobbie Hayden , Hadwen Georgy 
Published: July 2013

AbstractTobacco smoking is common among people with mental illnesses, and they carry a higher burden of smoking‐related illnesses. Despite this, smoke‐free policies and systems for supporting cessation have proved difficult to introduce in mental health and drug and alcohol services (MHDAS). This paper examines the barriers to becoming smoke free within New Zealand services. Key informants, including staff, smoke‐free coordinators, and cessation specialists were interviewed. Of the 142 invited informants 61 agreed (42%) to participate in a telephone interview, and 56 provided useable data. Organizations had a permissive or transitioning smoking culture, or were smoke free, defined by smoke‐free environments, smoke‐free‐promoting attitudes and behaviours of management and staff, and cessation support. Most organizations were on a continuum between permissive and transitional cultures. Only eight services had a fully smoke‐free culture. MHDAS face many challenges in the transition to a smoke‐free culture. They are not helped by exemptions in smoke‐free policies for mental health services, staff smoking, negative staff attitudes to becoming smoke free, poor knowledge of nicotine dependence, smoking‐related harm and comorbidities, and poor knowledge and skills regarding cessation‐support options. Health inequalities will continue across both service and socioeconomic divides without a concerted effort to address smoking.
Animal and cellular models of Friedreich ataxia
Authors: Perdomini Morgane , Hick Aurore , Puccio Hélène , Pook Mark A. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe development and use of animal and cellular models of Friedreich ataxia (FRDA) are essential requirements for the understanding of FRDA disease mechanisms and the investigation of potential FRDA therapeutic strategies. Although animal and cellular models of lower organisms have provided valuable information on certain aspects of FRDA disease and therapy, it is intuitive that the most useful models are those of mammals and mammalian cells, which are the closest in physiological terms to FRDA patients. To date, there have been considerable efforts put into the development of several different FRDA mouse models and relevant FRDA mouse and human cell line systems. We summarize the principal mammalian FRDA models, discuss the pros and cons of each system, and describe the ways in which such models have been used to address two of the fundamental, as yet unanswered, questions regarding FRDA. Namely, what is the exact pathophysiology of FRDA and what is the detailed genetic and epigenetic basis of FRDA?
Impact of the peginterferon‐α 2a and ribavirin plasma levels on viral kinetics and sustained virological response in genotype 1 HCV/HIV‐co‐infected patients with the unfavourable non‐CC IL28B genotypes
Authors: Torres‐Cornejo A. , Ruiz‐Valderas R. , Jimenez‐Jimenez L. , Abad‐Molina C. , Gutierrez‐Valencia A. , Viciana P. , Lopez‐Cortes L. F. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryStudies on the association between the peginterferon‐α and ribavirin levels and sustained virological response (SVR) have shown yielded conflicting results, but most of them were performed before the influence of IL28B polymorphisms was known. Our aim was to assess the effects of peginterferon‐α 2a and ribavirin plasma levels on viral kinetics and SVR in hepatitis C virus genotype 1 HCV‐1/HIV‐co‐infected patients according to IL28B genotype. This was a cohort study of HCV‐1/HIV‐co‐infected patients who were HCV‐treatment naïve and for whom the efficacy of peginterferon‐α 2a plus ribavirin was evaluated by per‐protocol analysis. The peginterferon‐α 2a and ribavirin levels were measured by ELISA and HPLC‐UV, respectively. The relationships among host and viral factors, the trough drugs levels and virological responses were analysed by multivariate regression analyses. A total of 131 Caucasian patients were included (cirrhosis:38.9%). Overall, SVR rate was 39.6%. In patients with CC IL28B genotype, SVR was related neither to peginterferon‐α 2a nor to ribavirin plasma levels, while higher levels of both drugs were the only variables independently associated with SVR in individuals with CT/TT IL28B genotypes (OR, 5.02; CI95, 1.45–17.1; P = 0.001 and 4.0; CI95, 1.08–14.7; P = 0.038, respectively). Moreover, faster viral declines were observed in CT/TT patients when pegIFN‐α 2a and ribavirin plasma levels were greater than 3400 pg/mL and 1.6 μg/mL, respectively. In contrast to the results for CC patients, the results in patients carrying the unfavourable CT/TT IL28B genotypes showed that plasma levels of both drugs have significant effects on viral kinetics and SVR.
IL28RA polymorphism (rs10903035) is associated with insulin resistance in HIV/HCV‐coinfected patients
Authors: Jiménez‐Sousa M. A. , Berenguer J. , Fernández‐Rodríguez A. , Micheloud D. , Guzmán‐Fulgencio M. , Miralles P. , Pineda‐Tenor D. , García–Álvarez M. , López J. C. , Aldámiz‐Echevarria T. , Carrero A. , Resino S. 
Published: July 2013

SummaryHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with insulin resistance (IR), although mechanisms leading to IR in these patients are not completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association of interleukin 28B (IL28B) and interleukin 28 receptor alpha (IL28RA) polymorphisms with IR among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV‐coinfected patients. We carried out a cross‐sectional study on 203 patients. IL28B (rs8099917) and IL28RA (rs10903035) polymorphisms were genotyped by GoldenGate® assay. IR was defined as homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) values ≥3.00. Univariate and multivariate generalized linear models (GLM) were used to compare HOMA values and the percentage of patients with IR according to IL28B and IL28RA genotypes. In total, 32% (n = 65/203) of the patients had IR. IL28B rs8099917 TT was not significantly associated with HOMA values and IR. In contrast, rs10903035 AA was significantly associated with high HOMA values taking into account all patients (P = 0.024), as well as the subgroups of patients with significant fibrosis (P = 0.047) and infected with HCV genotype 3 (P = 0.024). Additionally, rs10903035 AA was significantly associated with IR (HOMA ≥3.00) in all patients (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 2.02; P = 0.034), in patients with significant fibrosis (aOR = 2.86; P = 0.039) and HCV genotype 3 patients (aOR = 4.89; P = 0.031). In conclusions, IL28RA polymorphism (rs10903035) seems to be implicated in the glucose homeostasis because AA genotype increases the likelihood of IR, but this association was different depending on hepatic fibrosis and HCV genotype.
The SpoIIQ landmark protein has different requirements for septal localization and immobilization
Authors: Fredlund Jennifer , Broder Dan , Fleming Tinya , Claussin Clémence , Pogliano Kit 
Published: July 2013

SummaryBacillus subtilis sporulation depends on the forespore membrane protein SpoIIQ, which interacts with the mother cell protein SpoIIIAH at the septum to localize other sporulation proteins. It has remained unclear how SpoIIQ localizes. We demonstrate that localization of SpoIIQ is achieved by two pathways: SpoIIIAH and the SpoIID, SpoIIM, SpoIIP engulfment proteins. SpoIIQ shows diffuse localization only in a mutant lacking both pathways. Super‐resolution imaging shows that in the absence of SpoIIIAH, SpoIIQ forms fewer, slightly larger foci than in wild type. Surprisingly, photobleaching experiments demonstrate that, although SpoIIQ localizes without SpoIIIAH, it is no longer immobilized, and is therefore able to exchange subunits within a localized pool. SpoIIQ mobility is further increased by the additional absence of the engulfment proteins. However an enzymatically inactive SpoIID protein immobilizes SpoIIQ even in the absence of SpoIIIAH, indicating that complete septal thinning is not required for SpoIIQ localization. This suggests that SpoIIQ interacts with both SpoIIIAH and the engulfment proteins or their peptidoglycan cleavage products. They further demonstrate that apparently normal localization of a protein without a binding partner can mask dramatic alterations in protein mobility. We speculate that SpoIIQ assembles foci along the path defined by engulfment proteins degrading peptidoglycan.
Heterophoria adaptation during the viewing of 3D stereoscopic stimuli
Authors: Karpicka Edyta , Howarth Peter Alan 
Published: July 2013

AbstractPurposeIn this experiment two hypotheses were tested. The first hypothesis was that viewing 3D stereoscopic stimuli which are located geometrically beyond the screen on which the images are displayed would induce exophoric heterophoria (phoria) changes (adaptation). The second hypothesis was that participants whose phoria changed as a consequence of adaptation during the viewing of the stereoscopic stimuli would experience less visual discomfort than people whose phoria did not adapt.MethodsTwenty participants aged between 19 and 45 were recruited to play a computer game in 3D and 2D conditions for 20 min each. Heterophoria was measured before and after viewing the stimuli, and visual discomfort was assessed by questionnaire on both occasions.ResultsStatistically significant changes in heterophoria were found in the 3D conditions (p = 0.007), but not in the 2D conditions (p = 0.16). The difference between the two conditions was statistically significant (p = 0.035). On average, there were also significant differences in visual discomfort between pre and post viewing, for both 2D and 3D conditions, however not everyone reported experiencing discomfort. The sample was then divided into groups, those who had reported an increase in discomfort whilst viewing 3D stimuli, and those who had not. No significant differences in heterophoria, or heterophoria change, were found between these two groups.ConclusionsThe present study has shown that heterophoria can change as a result of viewing 3D stereoscopic stimuli, a change which is similar to prism adaptation. There was appreciable variability in the magnitude of this adaptation between individuals, but there was no correlation between the heterophoria change and visual discomfort.
Zur Rolle der Ökonometrie in der wissenschaftlichen Politikberatung
Authors: Kirchgässner Gebhard 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBecause economic theory alone does in many situations not provide unambiguous policy advice, most of the time empirical analyses are needed in addition. Thus, today econometric analyses are often parts of reports for political institutions or courts. However, it is not unusual that reports with contradicting evidence are presented by different groups or parties. Using the relation between government size and economic growth as an example, it is shown how such contradicting results are possible even if all scientists involved behave sincerely and adhere to the rules of scientific research. Our second example, studies investigating whether the death penalty serves as a deterrent to homicide, shows that the results of empirical analyses might to a large extent depend on a priori convictions of the scientists. Thus, the process of scientific policy advice has to be organised in a way so that - similar to the genuinely scientific discourse - open discussion and criticisms of methods and results are possible. In order to disclose possible conflicts of interests, this demand transparency of the whole process and, in particular for empirical analyses, that data and programmes are made available for re-estimations.
Flexible Work Time in Germany: Do Workers Like It and How Have Employers Exploited It Over the Cycle?
Authors: Hunt Jennifer 
Published: July 2013

AbstractAfter describing qualitatively the increasingly flexible organization of work hours in Germany, I turn to the German Socio-Economic Panel to quantify practices and trends, and assess their effects on workers and employers. Measuring flexibility as the extent to which overtime is compensated with time off, and hence receives no overtime premium, I show that hourly-paid workers have undergone a regime shift towards more flexibility since 1984, while salaried workers have maintained an already high level of flexibility. I find weak evidence that flexibility causes workers to be slightly less satisfied with their work and more satisfied with their leisure. Over the boom and bust cycle of 2005-2009, I find that for hourly-paid workers in manufacturing, paid and unpaid overtime hours were equally cyclical, but that the cycle for unpaid overtime led the cycle for paid overtime. The results suggest that while the new practices do free employers to make more cyclical adjustments in hours, they have not eliminated the need for adjustments in paid overtime. I identify as constraints ceilings on cumulated overtime hours to be compensated with time off and the window within which the compensation in time off must occur.
Risk of Very Low Birth Weight Based on Perinatal Periods of Risk
Authors: Demont‐Heinrich Christine M. , Hawkes Allison P. , Ghosh Tista , Beam Rita , Vogt Richard L. 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the risk factors associated with having a very low birth weight (VLBW) infant as a follow‐up to the first phase of a Perinatal Periods of Risk approach.Design and SampleRetrospective cohort analysis of birth certificates. Population‐based sample of 53,427 birth certificates for the city under study during the years 1999–2006.MeasuresThe relationship of selected maternal characteristics as predictors of VLBW using multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe maternal characteristics associated with VLBW were as follows: no prenatal care (OR = 4.04), inadequate weight gain (OR = 3.97), Black, non‐Hispanic race (OR = 1.50), less than 20 years old (OR = 1.42) and more than 35 years old (OR = 1.43). After analyzing age and race/ethnicity together, Black non‐Hispanic women less than 20 years of age (OR = 2.70) or over 35 years of age (OR = 2.45) still had an increased odds for having a VLBW infant whereas Black non‐Hispanic women between the ages of 20 and 35 did not.ConclusionsThe findings of this study suggest educating women on the importance of preconception care, prenatal care, and adequate pregnancy weight gain to reduce the odds of having a VLBW infant.
The Impacts of Technical Barriers to Trade on Different Components of International Trade
Authors: Bao Xiaohua , Chen Wei‐Chih 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThis research studies the impacts of technical barriers to trade (TBT) on trade performance of 103 countries over the period 1995–2008. The paper analyzes how TBT influences the trade probability, trade volume and trade duration. The trade volume is further decomposed into the number of products traded (extensive margin) and the trade value of each product (intensive margin). It is found that TBT imposes inconsistent impacts on the different components of trade, and that the effects differ by country. First, TBT reduces trade probability, but increases the volume and duration of existing trade relationships. Second, the positive effect of TBT on trade volume is mainly driven by an increase in the extensive margin, and the effect on the intensive margin is not statistically significant. Finally, TBT raised by developed countries have a stronger negative impact on trade probability, while TBT implemented by developing countries have a greater positive effect on trade volume.
Religiosity as a Determinant of Happiness
Authors: Gundlach Erich , Opfinger Matthias 
Published: July 2013

AbstractThe empirical relation between happiness and religiosity is considered from the perspective of basic utility theory. An unbalanced cross‐country panel data set is used to study whether religiosity can be considered as a substitute in the happiness function, which itself is held to be a proxy for the utility function. We find that the same level of happiness can be maintained with high and low levels of religiosity as a result of substitution along a standard indifference curve. Our empirical results are consistent with three stylized facts of the empirical literature, namely a positive correlation between happiness and religiosity, a positive correlation between happiness and income, and a negative correlation between religiosity and income.
Environment, Urban Unemployment, and Tariffs in the Harris–Todaro Model
Authors: Nakamura Azusa 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBy incorporating the environment into the Harris–Todaro model, this paper examines how introduction of an import tariff on manufactured goods affects urban unemployment and the environment in a less‐developed country. In the Harris–Todaro model, introduction of an import tariff increases urban unemployment when there is no environmental pollution. In contrast, this paper shows that introduction of a tariff may decrease unemployment if the environment is incorporated into the model. Moreover, it is shown that introduction of a tariff improves the environment.