bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Riparian reserves help protect forest bird communities in oil palm dominated landscapes
Authors: Mitchell Simon L. , Edwards David P. , Bernard Henry , Coomes David , Jucker Tommaso , Davies Zoe G. , Struebig Matthew J. 
Published: July 2018

Abstract

Conversion of forest to oil palm agriculture is a significant and ongoing threat to tropical biodiversity. Despite this, little is known about the value of riparian reserves in oil palm and how these conservation set‐asides might best be managed to maintain biodiversity.

We characterized bird communities of 28 sites in an oil palm‐forest mosaic in Sabah, Malaysia using 6,104 encounters from 840 point counts. Sites included oil palm riparian reserves of various vegetation quality and reserve widths, which were compared to oil palm streams without a riparian reserve as well as riparian and nonriparian control areas in continuous logged forest.

Riparian reserves, oil palm waterways, and control sites in riparian and nonriparian forest supported distinct avifaunal communities. Riparian reserve width, forest quality, and amount of forest cover were the strongest predictors of bird species richness. For forest‐dependent species, each of these predictors had a stronger effect size when compared with all species. On average, reserves held 31% of all species and 30% of forest specialists, whereas riparian forest controls averaged 32% of all species, but 38% of forest species.

Riparian reserves with >40 m of natural vegetation on each bank supported similar bird diversity to riparian forest control habitats found in continuous forest. However, to support equivalent numbers of forest‐dependent species and species of conservation concern, reserves would need to be at least 100‐m wide on each bank. The largest numbers of species were found in riparian reserves with above‐ground carbon densities exceeding 75 tC/ha, highlighting the importance of forest quality, as well as width, in supporting riparian bird communities.

Synthesis and applications. If designed and protected appropriately, riparian reserves in oil palm estates support diverse bird communities, including many species of conservation concern. This can be achieved by designating large reserves (80–200 m total width). But, to maximize species numbers, forest disturbance should also be minimized prior to conversion as well as during plantation operations.
The Material Constitution
Authors: Goldoni Marco , Wilkinson Michael A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractWhat is the material context of constitutional order? The purpose of this paper is to offer an answer to that question by sketching a theory of the material constitution. Moving beyond the interwar constitutional theories of Heller and Mortati, the paper outlines the four ordering forces of the material constitution: political unity; a set of institutions; social relations, and fundamental political objectives. These forces constitute the substance and dynamic of constitutional ordering, in internal relation with the formal constitution. Because these ordering forces are multiple, and in tension with one another, there is no single determining factor of constitutional development. Neither is order as such guaranteed. The conflict that characterises the modern human condition might but need not be internalised by the process of constitutional ordering. The theory of the material constitution offers an account of the basic elements of this process as well as its internal dynamic.
Equality Law and the Protected Characteristics
Authors: Malleson Kate 
Published: July 2018

AbstractUK anti‐discrimination law is founded on a grounds‐based system of protected characteristics. For this system to function as a legitimate and workable legal framework the characteristics must satisfy three conditions: they must have some definitional and categorical stability, they must broadly reflect people's understanding of social reality and lived experiences and they must align with the most significant axes of discrimination in society. This article argues that all three conditions are becoming increasingly difficult to satisfy as a result of dramatic shifts in social configurations of identity and the ongoing failure to include socio‐economic status as a legally protected characteristic. The future of the legislative framework may depend on the willingness of courts and policy‐makers to adopt a more context‐based approach to the protected characteristics. This would require them to interrogate claims of individual instances of discrimination in the context of wider, but also more particular substantive group disadvantage.
Testing Times Ahead: Non‐Invasive Prenatal Testing and the Kind of Community We Want to Be
Authors: Brownsword Roger , Wale Jeff 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis article reviews the Nuffield Council on Bioethics’ report on Non‐Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT); and introduces two general questions provoked by the report – concerning, respectively, the nature and extent of the informational interests that are to be recognised in today's ‘information societies’ and the membership of today's ‘genetic societies’. The article also considers the role and nature of the Nuffield Council. While the Council's report identifies a range of individual and collective interests that are relevant to determining the legitimate uses of NIPT, we argue that it should put these interests into an order of importance; we sketch how this might be done; and we suggest that, failing such a prioritisation of interests, the Council should present its reflections in a way that engages public debate around a number of options rather than making firm recommendations.
The utility of mortality hazard rates in population analyses
Authors: Ergon Torbjørn , Borgan Ørnulf , Nater Chloé Rebecca , Vindenes Yngvild 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMortality is a key process in ecology and evolution, and much effort is spent on development and application of statistical and theoretical models involving mortality. Mortality takes place in continuous time, and a fundamental representation of mortality risks is the mortality hazard rate, which is the intensity of deadly events that an individual is exposed to at any point in time. In discrete‐time population models, however, the mortality process is represented by survival or mortality probabilities, which are aggregate functions of the mortality hazard rates within given intervals. In this commentary, we argue that focussing on mortality hazard rates, also when using discrete‐time models, aids the construction of biologically reasonable models and improves ecological inference.We discuss three topics in population ecology where mortality hazard rates can be particularly useful for biological inference, but are nevertheless often not used: (a) modelling of covariate effects, (b) modelling of multiple sources of mortality and competing risks, and (c) elasticity analyses of population growth rate with respect to demographic parameters. To facilitate estimation of cause‐specific mortality hazard rates, we provide extensions to the R packagemarked.Using mortality hazard rates sometimes makes it easier to formulate biologically reasonable models with more directly interpretable parameterizations and more explicit assumptions. In particular, interpretations about relative differences between mortality hazard rates, or effects of relative changes in mortality hazard rates on population growth (elasticities), are often more meaningful than interpretations involving relative differences in survival (or mortality) probabilities or odds.The concept of hazard rates is essential for understanding ecological and evolutionary processes and we give an intuitive explanation for this, using several examples. We provide some practical guidelines and suggestions for further methods developments.
Fibrosis and wall thickness affect ventricular repolarization dynamics in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Jalanko Mikko , Väänänen Heikki , Tarkiainen Mika , Sipola Petri , Jääskeläinen Pertti , Lauerma Kirsi , Laitinen Tiina , Laitinen Tomi , Laine Mika , Heliö Tiina , Kuusisto Johanna , Viitasalo Matti 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundHypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is characterized by ventricular repolarization abnormalities and risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Our aim was to study the association between the phenotype and ventricular repolarization dynamics in HCM patients.MethodsHCM patients with either the MYBPC3‐Q1061X or TPM1‐D175N mutation (n = 46) and control subjects without mutation and hypertrophy (n = 35) were studied with 24‐hr ambulatory ECG recordings by measuring time intervals of rate‐adapted QT (QTe), maximal QT, and T‐wave apex to wave end (TPE) intervals and the QTe/RR slope. Findings were correlated to specified echocardiographic and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMRI) findings.ResultsRate‐adapted QTe interval was progressively longer in HCM patients with decreasing heart rates compared to control subjects (p = 0.020). The degree of hypertrophy correlated with measured QTe values. HCM patients with maximal wall thickness higher than the mean (20.6 mm) had longer maximum QTe and median TPE intervals compared to control subjects and HCM patients with milder hypertrophy (p < 0.001 and p = 0.014, respectively). HCM patients with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) on CMRI had steeper QTe/RR slopes compared to HCM patients without LGE and control subjects (p = 0.044 and p = 0.001, respectively). LGE was an independent predictor of QTe/RR slope (p = 0.023, B = 0.043).ConclusionDynamics of ventricular repolarization in HCM are affected by hypertrophy and fibrosis. LGE may confer an independent effect on QT dynamics which may increase the arrhythmogenic potential in HCM.
Development of a novel reference nomogram for endotracheal intubation in neonatal emergency transport setting
Authors: Bellini Carlo , Turolla Giulia , De Angelis Laura C. , Calevo Maria Grazia , Ramenghi Luca A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimNeonatal endotracheal intubation is a challenging procedure during transport. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the emergency intubation guidelines followed by our Neonatal Emergency Transport Service (NETS).MethodsOur transport intubation guidelines follows a weight‐based nomogram for nasal intubation, and the tube position is clinically verified after intubation, while the postintubation chest X‐ray is postponed to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) admission. Data on postnatal age, weight and tube insertion depth were obtained from the online NETS clinical database, and the postintubation chest X‐ray images were assessed.ResultsDuring the study period, 161 newborn infants were nasally intubated during transport, and received a postintubation radiograph at NICU admission. A total of 130 neonates (80.7%) had the endotracheal tube (ETT) correctly positioned between T1 and T2 vertebrae, while 12 (7.5%) was at C7 vertebrae level and 19 (11.8%) at T3. No patients had ETT tip positioned at T4 vertebrae level or below. No adverse events related to intubation were observed.ConclusionOur intubation procedure showed a good reliability and safety in neonatal critical care transport, although chest X‐ray to confirm the tube placement is postponed to NICU arrival. Based on our results, we suggest a revised version of weight‐based nomogram for nasal intubation.
Renal swelling indicates renal damage in infants with their first urinary tract infection
Authors: Simrén Y , Valdimarsson S , Stokland E , Lagerstrand K M , Sixt R , Hansson S 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimWe used ultrasound to evaluate renal swelling as a predictor of acute and permanent renal damage in infants with their first urinary tract infection (UTI).MethodsThe cohort at the Queen Silvia Children's Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden, comprised 101 infants with their first UTI at a mean age of 3.9 ± 3.0 months. Acute and follow‐up ultrasounds were carried out a few days and one month after treatment started, and a 99mtechnetium dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) scan was carried out after one month and after a year if the first scan was abnormal.ResultsThe acute ultrasounds showed that renal length and volume, calculated as standard deviation scores (SDS), were 1.39 ± 1.43 SDS and 1.30 ± 1.08 SDS. We found that 52% of the one‐month DMSA scans and 25% of the one‐year DMSA scans were abnormal. Renal length (p = 0.0026) and initial volume (p = 0.0005) on the ultrasound predicted acute renal damage at the one‐month DMSA scan and initial renal length (p = 0.030) predicted permanent renal damage at the one‐year DMSA scan.ConclusionRenal swelling was associated with renal damage. Although the diagnostic performance compared with the DMSA scan was weak, renal swelling may help clinicians to make decisions about further investigations and follow‐ups of infants with UTIs.
Comparison of outcomes between morphine and concomitant morphine and clonidine treatments for neonatal abstinence syndrome
Authors: Gullickson Courtney , Kuhle Stefan , Campbell‐Yeo Marsha 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAimTo examine whether adding clonidine to the morphine regimen for treatment of neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) is associated with a shorter length of treatment compared with morphine alone.MethodsUsing a retrospective cohort design, infants with NAS resulting from opioid exposure delivered between 2006 and 2015 (n = 174) were identified using the Nova Scotia Atlee Perinatal Database (NSAPD). Maternal and infant characteristics were collected from the NSAPD. The database was augmented with chart review for treatment information.ResultsThe incidence of NAS in the study population increased fivefold from 1.48/1000 live births in 2007 to 7.50/1000 live births in 2015. Of the 174 infants, 22 were treated with morphine and 100 were treated with morphine + clonidine. Longer length of treatment (p = 0.004) and higher peak morphine dose (p = 0.045) were observed in the combination group.ConclusionThe increase in the incidence of NAS is consistent with recent published reports. The increase in length of treatment and peak morphine dose in the morphine + clonidine group is in marked contrast to previous work on this treatment combination. Further study on the impact of clinical characteristics such as methadone and antidepressant exposure on the association is warranted.
Combined laparoscopic and perineal approach for the management of recurrent tailgut cyst
Authors: Patel Ankur , Mandovra Pranav , Majeed Tanveer , Patankar Roy V 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTailgut cyst is an uncommon developmental anomaly arising from the embryonic hindgut in the retrorectal space. The patient frequently is asymptomatic or has vague perineal complaints that pose a diagnostic dilemma. Moreover, the patient is often misdiagnosed and therefore mismanaged. MRI is the investigation of choice for diagnosis. After the diagnosis is established, complete surgical excision is required to alleviate patient discomfort and to prevent complications such as infection, malignant transformation, and recurrence. Proper clinical examination and imaging not only establish the accurate diagnosis but also help in determining the best surgical approach for the patient (anterior abdominal, posterior sacral perineal, or combined approach). We hereby report a case of recurrent tailgut cyst managed with a combined anterior laparoscopic and perineal approach.
A Survey of Simple Geometric Primitives Detection Methods for Captured 3D Data
Authors: Kaiser Adrien , Ybanez Zepeda Jose Alonso , Boubekeur Tamy 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe amount of captured 3D data is continuously increasing, with the democratization of consumer depth cameras, the development of modern multi‐view stereo capture setups and the rise of single‐view 3D capture based on machine learning. The analysis and representation of this ever growing volume of 3D data, often corrupted with acquisition noise and reconstruction artefacts, is a serious challenge at the frontier between computer graphics and computer vision. To that end, segmentation and optimization are crucial analysis components of the shape abstraction process, which can themselves be greatly simplified when performed on lightened geometric formats. In this survey, we review the algorithms which extract simple geometric primitives from raw dense 3D data. After giving an introduction to these techniques, from the acquisition modality to the underlying theoretical concepts, we propose an application‐oriented characterization, designed to help select an appropriate method based on one's application needs and compare recent approaches. We conclude by giving hints for how to evaluate these methods and a set of research challenges to be explored.
Assessing sensitivities of marine areas to stressors based on biological traits
Authors: Hewitt Judi E. , Lundquist Carolyn J. , Ellis Joanne 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAnalysis of the biological traits (e.g., feeding mode and size) that control how organisms interact with their environment has been used to identify environmental drivers of, or impacts on, species and to explain the importance of biodiversity loss. Biological trait analysis (BTA) could also be used within risk‐assessment frameworks or in conservation planning if one understands the groups of traits that predict the sensitivity of habitats or communities to specific human activities. Deriving sensitivities from BTA should extend sensitivity predictions to a variety of habitats, especially those in which it would be difficult to conduct experiments (e.g., due to depth or risk to human life) and to scales beyond the norm of most experiments. We used data on epibenthos, collected via video along transects at 27 sites in a relatively pristine region of the seafloor, to determine scales of natural spatial variability of derived sensitivities and the degree to which predictions of sensitivity differed among 3 stressors (extraction of species, sedimentation, and suspended sediments) or were affected by underlying community compositions. We used 3 metrics (weighted abundance, abundance of highly sensitive species, and number of highly sensitive species) to derive sensitivity to these stressors and simulated the ability of these metrics to detect a range of stressor intensities. Regardless of spatial patterns of sensitivities across the sampled area, BTA distinguished differences in sensitivity to different stressors. The BTA also successfully separated differences in community composition from differences in sensitivity to stressors. Conversely, the 3 metrics differed widely in their ability to detect simulated impacts and likely reflect underlying ecological processes, suggesting that use of multiple metrics would be informative for spatial planning and allocating conservation priorities. Our results suggest BTA could be used as a first step in strategic prioritization of protected areas and as an underlying layer for spatial planning.
The development of a protocol for diagnosing hand dermatitis from photographic images
Authors: Parsons Vaughan , Williams Hywel C. , English John , Llewellyn Joanne , Ntani Georgia , Madan Ira 
Published: July 2018

BackgroundA hand photography protocol was needed to ascertain the presence and severity of dermatitis in a trial testing the effectiveness of a behaviour change intervention to prevent hand dermatitis in nurses.MethodsWe developed the protocol in 3 stages: (1) we established a procedure for collecting hand photographs; (2) we conducted a stepwise validation process to agree rules for diagnosing and determining the severity of hand dermatitis; and (3) we trained a research nurse to screen out “clear” cases.ResultsWe developed and trained fieldworkers (n = 97) in a procedure for collecting hand photographs. Study dermatologists established interpretation rules to diagnose and determine the severity of dermatitis from photographs. Prior to the establishment of the rules, interobserver agreement between the 2 dermatologists on the presence or absence of hand dermatitis was moderate (κ = 0.5). At the final stage of the validation process, the dermatologists agreed on 88% cases from independent assessments, with consensus being reached for the remaining 12% following joint deliberation. Following training, a subgroup analysis of 250 cases screened by the nurse and characterized as “clear” found that 2 (0.8%) “positive” cases were missed.ConclusionWe have developed a hand photography protocol that may be used in other studies or in hand dermatitis health surveillance programmes.
“Passing the Baton”: The effects of CEO succession planning on firm performance and volatility
Authors: Tao Ran , Zhao Hong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractManuscript TypeEmpiricalResearch Question/IssueThis paper seeks to understand the way in which CEO succession planning affects firm performance and volatility during CEO turnover. Specifically, the paper examines a succession type referred to as relay succession, in which the incoming CEO has been groomed as an heir apparent before the turnover.Research Findings/InsightsHeirs apparent are identified by comparing all of a firm's non‐CEO top executives' promotion likelihood estimated based on a set of characteristics. Applying this heir apparent measure to a large sample of CEO turnovers from ExecuComp, the paper delivers robust evidence that firms with relay successions achieve higher post‐turnover accounting performance, higher long‐term stock returns, and lower volatility. Further, the positive effect of relay succession on performance is stronger for firms with higher human capital requirements.Theoretical/Academic ImplicationsThe paper provides comprehensive evidence of the important role of relay succession in smoothing CEO transitions. It also sheds new light on previous research on outside successions by showing that the difference between inside and outside successions is explained largely by the length of relay.Practitioner/Policy ImplicationsThe paper suggests that firms should consider using relay succession to improve performance and reduce volatility during the CEO transition period. The paper's findings also support the US Securities and Exchange Commission's recent appeal for more firm disclosure on its succession planning.
Vitiligo and autoantibodies: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Che‐Wei , Huang Yu‐Chen 
Published: July 2018

SummaryMany studies have reported the prevalence of autoantibodies in patients with vitiligo; however, results were inconsistent for some autoantibodies. This study aimed to conduct a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the prevalence of autoantibodies in vitiligo patients. A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the literature published from inception to Dec 31, 2016 was conducted. Case‐control studies with vitiligo patients and a control group were included. The prevalence of anti‐thyroperoxidase (ATPO) antibodies, anti‐thyroglobulin (ATG) antibodies, antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti‐gastric parietal cell antibodies (AGPCA), anti‐smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA), anti‐mitochondrial antibodies (AMA), and anti‐adrenal antibodies in vitiligo patients were 15.1 %, 9.7 %, 12.5 %, 11.7 %, 12.6 %, 0.2 %, and 2.5 %, respectively. The prevalence of ATPO antibodies (odds ratio [OR]: 3.975; 95 %; confidence interval [CI]: 3.085–5.122), ATG antibodies (OR: 3.759; 95 % CI: 2.554–5.531), ANA (OR: 1.797, 95 % CI: 1.182–2.731), AGPCA (OR: 2.503; 95 % CI: 1.497–2.896), and anti‐adrenal antibodies (OR: 9.808, 95 % CI: 1.809–53.159) (Figure 2a–e) were significantly higher in vitiligo patients than in the control group. The routine screening of anti‐thyroid antibodies should be performed in vitiligo patients to identify those at high risk of developing autoimmune thyroid disease.