bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are New Democracies Better Human Rights Compliers?
Authors: Grewal Sharanbir , Voeten Erik 
Published: January 2015

AbstractRecent scholarship finds that new democracies are more likely than established democracies to make binding commitments to international human rights institutions. Are new democracies also better at following through on these commitments? Stated differently, does their greater willingness to join international institutions reflect a genuine commitment to human rights reform or is it just “cheap talk?” We analyze this question using a new data set of more than 1,000 leading European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) cases. Since new democracies face judgments that are more difficult to implement than established democracies, we employ a genetic matching algorithm to balance the data set. After controlling for bureaucratic and judicial capacity, we find that new democracies do implement similar ECtHR judgments initially more quickly than established democracies, but this effect reverses the longer a judgment remains pending. Although new democracies have incentives to implement judgments quickly, they sometimes lack checks and balances that help ensure implementation should an executive resist.
The yield response of oilseed rape to plant population density
Authors: ROQUES S. E. , BERRY P. M. 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYEight winter oilseed rape and two spring oilseed rape field experiments were performed in the UK in harvest years 2009–12. Each experiment consisted of at least one hybrid and one open-pollinated variety grown at five seed rates from 10 or 20 seeds/m2 to 160 or 200 seeds/m2. Linear plus exponential curves were used to describe the yield response to seed rate and to calculate economically optimal seed rates. Plant counts were then used to derive optimal plant population densities. These ranged from <10 to 39 plants/m2 for six winter oilseed rape experiments between 73 and >155 plants/m2 in two winter oilseed rape experiments with severe spring droughts, and from 47 to 65 plants/m2 for spring oilseed rape. Optimal plant population densities were lower for hybrid than for open-pollinated varieties, due to a combination of the higher cost of hybrid seed and, for some experimental sites, hybrid varieties compensating better for low plant populations. Across all sites, sowing winter oilseed rape at 30 seeds/m2 rather than common commercial rates of 70 seeds/m2 for hybrids and 100 seeds/m2 for open-pollinated varieties would have increased average gross margin by £29/ha. Sowing spring oilseed rape at 70 seeds/m2 rather than commonly used rates of 120 or 150 seeds/m2 would have increased average gross margin by £64/ha.
Child Support Grants in South Africa: A Pathway to Women's Empowerment and Child Well-being?
Authors: PATEL LEILA , KNIJN TRUDIE , VAN WEL FRITS 
Published: January 2015

AbstractDespite the growth of cash transfers to reduce poverty, promote child and family well-being and women's empowerment, the gender dynamics and impact of social protection remains poorly understood. We hypothesise that poor female care-givers receiving a cash transfer for their children are better able to contribute to the material and social well-being of their children than female care-givers who do not receive a cash transfer. This paper reports results of a household survey in one of the poorest wards in Johannesburg, South Africa. Structural equation modelling is used to analyse the data. We found that cash transfers increase women's individual income, which is in turn positively associated with increased financial independence, decision-making power over financial resources and decisions about children's well-being. Beneficiaries were more actively engaged in care activities with their children. There are two implications for the insertion of gender and care into social protection policies. First that it is not necessary to attach behavioural change conditions to social protection policies in order to stimulate female care-givers to be more engaged in developmental activities with their children. Second, there is no risk of promoting a maternalistic model of care or ‘maternalism’ in the South African context as the transfer contributes to both women's individual incomes and their financial decision-making power.
The impact of socioeconomic status on foodborne illness in high-income countries: a systematic review
Authors: NEWMAN K. L. , LEON J. S. , REBOLLEDO P. A. , SCALLAN E. 
Published: January 2015

SUMMARYFoodborne illness is a major cause of morbidity and loss of productivity in developed nations. Although low socioeconomic status (SES) is generally associated with negative health outcomes, its impact on foodborne illness is poorly understood. We conducted a systematic review to examine the association between SES and laboratory-confirmed illness caused by eight important foodborne pathogens. We completed this systematic review using PubMed for all papers published between 1 January 1980 and 1 January 2013 that measured the association between foodborne illness and SES in highly developed countries and identified 16 studies covering four pathogens. The effect of SES varied across pathogens: the majority of identified studies forCampylobacter, salmonellosis, andE. coliinfection showed an association between high SES and illness. The single study of listeriosis showed illness was associated with low SES. A reporting bias by SES could not be excluded. SES should be considered when targeting consumer-level public health interventions for foodborne pathogens.
A framework for the interpretation of temperature effects on dormancy and germination in seed populations showing dormancy
Authors: Batlla Diego , Benech-Arnold Roberto L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractTemperature is a key factor affecting both dormancy and germination. In non-dormant seeds, when temperature is within the thermal range permissive for germination, it just regulates germination velocity, while in seeds presenting dormancy it can also be affecting dormancy level, dormancy termination and the expression of dormancy itself. This dual effect of temperature on dormancy and germination often leads to misinterpretation of obtained germination results and confounds the analysis of temperature effects in seed populations presenting some degree of dormancy. In the present paper we discuss the effect of temperature in the regulation of dormancy level and its implications in dormancy expression, as an attempt to construct a conceptual framework that allows distinguishing between the effects of temperature on dormancy and germination. Finally, we present examples of how a better understanding of these effects could help us to interpret the mixed effects of temperature on both processes during incubation of seeds presenting dormancy.
Comparison of invasive and non-invasive pressure gradients in aortic arch obstruction
Authors: Wisotzkey Bethany L. , Hornik Christoph P. , Green Amanda S. , Barker Piers C. A. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundAortic arch obstruction can be evaluated by catheter peak-to-peak gradient or by Doppler peak instantaneous pressure gradient. Previous studies have shown moderate correlation in discrete coarctation, but few have assessed correlation in patients with more complex aortic reconstruction.MethodsWe carried out retrospective comparison of cardiac catheterisations and pre- and post-catheterisation echocardiograms in 60 patients with native/recurrent coarctation or aortic reconstruction. Aortic arch obstruction was defined as peak-to-peak gradient ⩾25 mmHg in patients with native/recurrent coarctation and ⩾10 mmHg in aortic reconstruction.ResultsDiastolic continuation of flow was not associated with aortic arch obstruction in either group. Doppler peak instantaneous pressure gradient, with and without the expanded Bernoulli equation, weakly correlated with peak-to-peak gradient even in patients with a normal cardiac index (r=0.36, p=0.016, and r=0.49, p=0.001, respectively). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis identified an area under the curve of 0.61 for patients with all types of obstruction, with a cut-off point of 45 mmHg correctly classifying 64% of patients with arch obstruction (sensitivity 39%, specificity 89%). In patients with aortic arch reconstruction who had a cardiac index ⩾3 L/min/m2, a cut-off point of 23 mmHg correctly classified 69% of patients (71% sensitivity, 50% specificity) with an area under the curve of 0.82.ConclusionThe non-invasive assessment of aortic obstruction remains challenging. The greatest correlation of Doppler indices was noted in patients with aortic reconstruction and a normal cardiac index.
Closure of a secundum atrial septal defect in two infants with chronic lung disease using the Gore HELEX Septal Occluder
Authors: Zussman Matt E. , Freire Grace , Cupp Shawn D. , Stapleton Gary E. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractChildren with a secundum atrial septal defect are usually asymptomatic and are referred for elective closure after 3–4 years of age; however, in premature infants with chronic lung disease, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, or pulmonary hypertension, increased pulmonary blood flow secondary to a left-to-right atrial shunt, may exacerbate their condition. Closure of the atrial septal defect in these patients can result in significant clinical improvement. We report the cases of two premature infants with chronic lung disease, who underwent atrial septal defect closure with the Gore HELEX Septal Occluder and discuss the technical aspects of using the device in these patients and their clinical outcomes.
Serum folate, vitamin B12 and cognitive impairment in Chilean older adults
Authors: Castillo-Lancellotti Cecilia , Margozzini Paula , Valdivia Gonzalo , Padilla Oslando , Uauy Ricardo , Rozowski Jaime , Tur Josep A 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo analyse the relationship between serum folate (SF), vitamin B12 and impaired cognitive function in the Chilean elderly.DesignWe analysed the relationships between impaired cognitive function and age, SF (µg/l) and vitamin B12 (pg/ml) with Student’s t test, as well as between impaired cognitive function and gender, educational level, residence area, diabetes and hypertension with the χ2 test. Multiple logistic regressions with interactions were estimated to assess the impact of SF on impaired cognitive function according to these methods.SettingChile.SubjectsOlder adults (>65 years, n 1051), drawn from representative households of a national prevalence study, assessed using the Modified Mini Mental Status Examination (MMMSE). Individuals with altered MMMSE scores (≤13 points) were sequentially assessed using the Pfeffer Functional Activities Questionnaire (PFAQ).ResultsMultivariate models using the MMMSE demonstrated an increased risk of impaired cognitive function for seniors who had hypertension, diabetes and higher vitamin B12 levels. SF and its square (SF2) were statistically significant, indicating that this predictor of impaired cognitive function displays a U-shaped distribution. The interaction between SF and vitamin B12 was not statistically significant. Models using the MMMSE plus PFAQ suggested that urban residence decreased the risk of impaired cognitive function, whereas male gender, older age, vitamin B12 levels and hypertension increased this risk. The variables SF and SF2 and the SF × vitamin B12 interaction were statistically significant (P<0.05). The risk of impaired cognitive function depended on different combinations of SF and vitamin B12 levels. When SF was low, a one-unit increase in SF (1 µg/l) diminished the risk. When SF was elevated, a further increase in SF raised the risk, especially at low vitamin B12 levels.ConclusionsThe relationship between folate, vitamin B12 and impaired cognitive function warrants further study.
Reliability and validity of the Chinese version of the Nutritional Form For the Elderly
Authors: Gao Han , Söderhamn Ulrika , Zhang Lin , Cui Hui-Xia , Liu Kun 
Published: January 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe present study aimed to translate the English version of the Nutritional Form For the Elderly into Simplified Chinese, as well as to test the reliability (homogeneity and stability) and validity (content and construct validity) of the Chinese version of the Nutritional Form For the Elderly (NUFFE-CHI).DesignThe study adopted a cross-sectional design. The English version of the NUFFE was translated into Simplified Chinese and a questionnaire survey was conducted. The data were analysed with statistical methods to estimate the homogeneity, stability, content and construct validity.SettingJinzhou City, China.SubjectsA total number of 701 community-dwelling older adults answered the questionnaire, including background variables and the NUFFE-CHI. A small group of the participants (n50) completed the NUFFE-CHI twice for test–retest reliability.ResultsCronbach’sαwas 0·65 and the split-half reliability was 0·67. Item-to-total correlation analyses showed that the scale has sufficient internal consistency. The test–retest reliability regarding the total scores of NUFFE-CHI was reflected in an intra-class correlation coefficient of 0·88. The intra-class correlation coefficients between the test and retest of the NUFFE-CHI items varied between 0·43 and 0·98. A content validity index of 0·83 explained good content validity. Construct validity was demonstrated in an exploratory factor analysis with a six-factor solution, explaining 57·65 % of the variance.ConclusionsThis first testing of the NUFFE-CHI indicates sufficient evidence for reliability, content and construct validity. Further testing studies regarding homogeneity, concurrent validity, sensitivity and specificity are required before the NUFFE-CHI can be used as a screening instrument in clinical settings and in research.
A dual-band unequal power divider with flexible choice of implementation
Authors: Tang Cong , Fan Yong , Song Kaijun 
Published: January 2015

In this paper, a new asymmetric structure is proposed for the dual-band unequal application, in which both open- and short-ended stubs are applied. Closed-form design equations are obtained for the proposed power divider using the modified even- and odd-mode analysis method. It is observed that the proposed power divider can operate at high frequency ratio from 2.3 to 3.7 and has a wide operating band. Besides, this proposed circuit can offer flexibility in fabrication. For verification, two power dividers operate at 1/2.5 GHz with different values of line impedance are fabricated and tested. There is good agreement between simulation and experimental results, validating the proposed design concepts.
Clinical decision making and outcome in the routine care of people with severe mental illness across Europe (CEDAR)
Authors: Puschner B. , Becker T. , Mayer B. , Jordan H. , Maj M. , Fiorillo A. , Égerházi A. , Ivánka T. , Munk-Jørgensen P. , Krogsgaard Bording M. , Rössler W. , Kawohl W. , Slade M. ,   for the CEDAR study group
Published: January 2015

Aims.Shared decision making has been advocated as a means to improve patient-orientation and quality of health care. There is a lack of knowledge on clinical decision making and its relation to outcome in the routine treatment of people with severe mental illness. This study examined preferred and experienced clinical decision making from the perspectives of patients and staff, and how these affect treatment outcome.Methods.“Clinical Decision Making and Outcome in Routine Care for People with Severe Mental Illness” (CEDAR; ISRCTN75841675) is a naturalistic prospective observational study with bimonthly assessments during a 12-month observation period. Between November 2009 and December 2010, adults with severe mental illness were consecutively recruited from caseloads of community mental health services at the six study sites (Ulm, Germany; London, UK; Naples, Italy; Debrecen, Hungary; Aalborg, Denmark; and Zurich, Switzerland). Clinical decision making was assessed using two instruments which both have parallel patient and staff versions: (a) The Clinical Decision Making Style Scale (CDMS) measured preferences for decision making at baseline; and (b) the Clinical Decision Making Involvement and Satisfaction Scale (CDIS) measured involvement and satisfaction with a specific decision at all time points. Primary outcome was patient-rated unmet needs measured with the Camberwell Assessment of Need Short Appraisal Schedule (CANSAS). Mixed-effects multinomial regression was used to examine differences and course over time in involvement in and satisfaction with actual decision making. The effect of clinical decision making on the primary outcome was examined using hierarchical linear modelling controlling for covariates (study centre, patient age, duration of illness, and diagnosis). Analysis were also controlled for nesting of patients within staff.Results.Of 708 individuals approached, 588 adults with severe mental illness (52% female, mean age = 41.7) gave informed consent. Paired staff participants (N = 213) were 61.8% female and 46.0 years old on average. Shared decision making was preferred by patients (χ2 = 135.08; p < 0.001) and staff (χ2 = 368.17; p < 0.001). Decision making style of staff significantly affected unmet needs over time, with unmet needs decreasing more in patients whose clinicians preferred active to passive (−0.406 unmet needs per two months, p = 0.007) or shared (−0.303 unmet needs per two months, p = 0.015) decision making.Conclusions.Decision making style of staff is a prime candidate for the development of targeted intervention. If proven effective in future trials, this would pave the ground for a shift from shared to active involvement of patients including changes to professional socialization through training in principles of active decision making.
Femtosecond all-optical synchronization of an X-ray free-electron laser
Authors: Schulz S. , Grguraš I. , Behrens C. , Bromberger H. , Costello J. T. , Czwalinna M. K. , Felber M. , Hoffmann M. C. , Ilchen M. , Liu H. Y. , Mazza T. , Meyer M. , Pfeiffer S. , Prędki P. , Schefer S. , Schmidt C. , Wegner U. , Schlarb H. , Cavalieri A. L. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMany advanced applications of X-ray free-electron lasers require pulse durations and time resolutions of only a few femtoseconds. To generate these pulses and to apply them in time-resolved experiments, synchronization techniques that can simultaneously lock all independent components, including all accelerator modules and all external optical lasers, to better than the delivered free-electron laser pulse duration, are needed. Here we achieve all-optical synchronization at the soft X-ray free-electron laser FLASH and demonstrate facility-wide timing to better than 30 fs r.m.s. for 90 fs X-ray photon pulses. Crucially, our analysis indicates that the performance of this optical synchronization is limited primarily by the free-electron laser pulse duration, and should naturally scale to the sub-10 femtosecond level with shorter X-ray pulses.
Abundance of live 244Pu in deep-sea reservoirs on Earth points to rarity of actinide nucleosynthesis
Authors: Wallner A. , Faestermann T. , Feige J. , Feldstein C. , Knie K. , Korschinek G. , Kutschera W. , Ofan A. , Paul M. , Quinto F. , Rugel G. , Steier P. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractHalf of the heavy elements including all actinides are produced in r-process nucleosynthesis, whose sites and history remain a mystery. If continuously produced, the Interstellar Medium is expected to build-up a quasi-steady state of abundances of short-lived nuclides (with half-lives ≤100 My), including actinides produced in r-process nucleosynthesis. Their existence in today’s interstellar medium would serve as a radioactive clock and would establish that their production was recent. In particular 244Pu, a radioactive actinide nuclide (half-life=81 My), can place strong constraints on recent r-process frequency and production yield. Here we report the detection of live interstellar 244Pu, archived in Earth’s deep-sea floor during the last 25 My, at abundances lower than expected from continuous production in the Galaxy by about 2 orders of magnitude. This large discrepancy may signal a rarity of actinide r-process nucleosynthesis sites, compatible with neutron-star mergers or with a small subset of actinide-producing supernovae.
Origins of multicellular evolvability in snowflake yeast
Authors: Ratcliff William C. , Fankhauser Johnathon D. , Rogers David W. , Greig Duncan , Travisano Michael 
Published: January 2015

AbstractComplex life has arisen through a series of ‘major transitions’ in which collectives of formerly autonomous individuals evolve into a single, integrated organism. A key step in this process is the origin of higher-level evolvability, but little is known about how higher-level entities originate and gain the capacity to evolve as an individual. Here we report a single mutation that not only creates a new level of biological organization, but also potentiates higher-level evolvability. Disrupting the transcription factorACE2inSaccharomyces cerevisiaeprevents mother–daughter cell separation, generating multicellular ‘snowflake’ yeast. Snowflake yeast develop through deterministic rules that produce geometrically defined clusters that preclude genetic conflict and display a high broad-sense heritability for multicellular traits; as a result they are preadapted to multicellular adaptation. This work demonstrates that simple microevolutionary changes can have profound macroevolutionary consequences, and suggests that the formation of clonally developing clusters may often be the first step to multicellularity.
The unexpected role of polyubiquitin chains in the formation of fibrillar aggregates
Authors: Morimoto Daichi , Walinda Erik , Fukada Harumi , Sou Yu-Shin , Kageyama Shun , Hoshino Masaru , Fujii Takashi , Tsuchiya Hikaru , Saeki Yasushi , Arita Kyohei , Ariyoshi Mariko , Tochio Hidehito , Iwai Kazuhiro , Namba Keiichi , Komatsu Masaaki , Tanaka Keiji , Shirakawa Masahiro 
Published: January 2015

AbstractUbiquitin is known to be one of the most soluble and stably folded intracellular proteins, but it is often found in inclusion bodies associated with various diseases including neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. To gain insight into this contradictory behaviour, we have examined the physicochemical properties of ubiquitin and its polymeric chains that lead to aggregate formation. We find that the folding stability of ubiquitin chains unexpectedly decreases with increasing chain length, resulting in the formation of amyloid-like fibrils. Furthermore, when expressed in cells, polyubiquitin chains covalently linked to EGFP also form aggregates depending on chain length. Notably, these aggregates are selectively degraded by autophagy. We propose a novel model in which the physical and chemical instability of polyubiquitin chains drives the formation of fibrils, which then serve as an initiation signal for autophagy.