bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial variation in the ongoing and widespread decline of a keystone plant species
Authors: Dickson Catherine R. , Baker David J. , Bergstrom Dana M. , Bricher Phillippa K. , Brookes Rowan H. , Raymond Ben , Selkirk Patricia M. , Shaw Justine D. , Terauds Aleks , Whinam Jennie , McGeoch Melodie A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractExtensive dieback in dominant plant species in response to climate change is increasingly common. Climatic conditions and related variables, such as evapotranspiration, vary in response to topographical complexity. This complexity plays an important role in the provision of climate refugia. In 2008/2009, an island‐wide dieback event of the keystone cushion plant Azorella macquariensis Orchard (Apiaceae) occurred on sub‐Antarctic Macquarie Island. This signalled the start of a potential regime shift, suggested to be driven by increasing vapour pressure deficit. Eight years later, we quantified cover and dieback across the range of putative microclimates to which the species is exposed, with the aim of explaining dieback patterns. We test for the influence of evapotranspiration using a suite of topographic proxies and other variables as proposed drivers of change. We found higher cover and lower dieback towards the south of the island. The high spatial variation in A. macquariensis populations was best explained by latitude, likely a proxy for macroscale climate gradients and geology. Dieback was best explained by A. macquariensis cover and latitude, increasing with cover and towards the north of the island. The effect sizes of terrain variables that influence evapotranspiration rates were small. Island‐wide dieback remains conspicuous. Comparison between a subset of sites and historical data revealed a reduction of cover in the north and central regions of the island, and a shift south in the most active areas of dieback. Dieback remained comparatively low in the south. The presence of seedlings was independent of dieback. This study provides an empirical baseline for spatial variation in the cover and condition of A. macquariensis, both key variables for monitoring condition and ‘cover‐debt’ in this critically endangered endemic plant species. These findings have broader implications for understanding the responses of fellfield ecosystems and other Azorella species across the sub‐Antarctic under future climates.
Oncoplastic breast surgery versus conventional breast‐conserving surgery: a comparative retrospective study
Authors: Behluli Ilmi , Le Renard Pol‐Edern , Rozwag Kamila , Oppelt Peter , Kaufmann Andreas , Schneider Achim 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundIn addition to conventional breast‐conserving surgery (BCS), oncoplastic breast surgery (OBS) is an operation technique that strives simultaneously to increase oncological safety and patient's satisfaction. It is the combination of the best‐proven techniques in plastic surgery with surgery for breast cancer. In a growing number of indications, OBS overcomes the limit of conventional BCS by allowing larger resection volumes while avoiding deformities. The aim of our retrospective study (2012–2014) was to compare oncological outcomes of OBS versus BCS.MethodsWe compared two groups of patients with primary non‐metastatic breast tumours: group A (n = 291), where BCS was performed, versus group B (n = 52), where OBS was performed. Surgical interventions were performed in German and Swiss teaching hospital settings. The surgeon for group B had subspecialist training in OBS. We assessed outcome in term of re‐excision rates, resection margin and complications.ResultsGroups were homogenous (no significant differences in terms of age, tumour size, tumour type or grade). The resection margin was larger in group B (7 mm) than in group A (3 mm). Re‐excision rate of group B (8%) was significantly lower than in group A (31%). Complication rates were comparably low in groups A and B.ConclusionDespite the limits of retrospective design, our study confirms that OBS is safe and reduces the re‐excision rates and the need for further surgery. OBS has the potential to improve oncological care and should be more widely adopted.
Interactive Iconized Grammar‐Based Pailou Modelling
Authors: Cai Zhong‐Qi , Luo Ying‐Sheng , Lai Yu‐Chi , Chan Chih‐Shiang , Tai Wen‐Kai 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPailous are representative Chinese architectural works used for commemoration. However, their geometric structure and semantic construction rules are too complex for quick and intuitive modelling using traditional modelling tools. We propose an intuitive modelling system for the stylized creation of pailous for novices. Our system encapsulates structural components as icons and semantic layouts as topological graphs, using which users create and manipulate icons with topological recommendations. The interpreter automatically and immediately transforms a graph to its corresponding model using built‐in components with the proposed parametric L‐system grammars derived from architectural rules. Using this system to re‐create existing representative pailous and design imaginary ones yields results with the desired visual complexities. In comparison to Maya, a 3D modelling tool, when modelling a pailou and toukung, our system is effective and simple, and eliminates the need to remember and understand complex rules.
The Place of Bitter Cassava in the Social Organization and Belief Systems of Two Indigenous Peoples of Guyana
Authors: Bulkan Janette 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis article examines the continuing centrality of cassava to the ontologies of the Makushi and Akawaio, two of the nine surviving Indigenous Peoples (IPs) of Guyana, as well as the critical role played by women in cassava‐related social practices. Makushi nomenclature, the combination of vegetative and sexual propagation techniques, and the wide networks for exchanging stem cuttings reflect the fundamental importance of bitter cassava to their food security and ontology. Women take primary responsibility for processing the poisonous root into food and drink and possess greater knowledge of landraces. Cassava also remains central to Akawaio ontologies, reflected in the areruya system of belief. In the annual eki siku (young cassava festival), the value of cassava and of women is affirmed in the sacred texts and transmitted in visions through prophets. Cassava cultivation and cassava‐related rituals remain central to the Indigenous social systems in spite of acculturation to coastlander dietary staples.
Modeling (and Learning from) Inventory Inaccuracies in E‐retailing/B2B contexts
Authors: Rekik Yacine , Syntetos Aris A. , Glock Christoph H. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTPractical experience and scientific research show that there is scope for improving the performance of inventory control systems by taking into account the discrepancies between the actual physical inventory levels and those recorded in the information system (IS). Such discrepancies, which are often referred to as inventory (record) inaccuracies, are a major concern in contemporary supply chains where commitments to orders are usually made based on IS records only. Empirical data obtained in two case studies motivate the development of a multiperiod inventory control model that explicitly accounts for the differences between physical inventory levels and IS stock records. Numerical experiments help derive some key managerial insights. We find that previous important results on the behavior of the optimal order quantity in the retailing environment do not necessarily apply in an e‐retailing/Business‐To‐Business (B2B) context. We adjust and apply the zero balance walk technique to the e‐retailing/B2B case and deduce a simple and efficient learning mechanism about the errors’ distributions. We close with an agenda for further research in this area.
Why does stress aggravate itch? A possible role of the amygdala
Authors: Pavlenko Darya , Akiyama Tasuku 
Published: April 2019

AbstractStress is the exacerbating factor of itch across patients with chronic itch due to different origins. However, the precise mechanisms behind stress‐induced exacerbation of itch remain unknown. Chronic stress induces hyperexcitability of the amygdala, the centre of emotional processing. Recent findings on the itch neuronal pathways support a pivotal role of the amygdala for itch processing. We hypothesized that itch is enhanced by stress through hyperexcitation of the amygdala. Modulation of amygdala activity, therefore, may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of chronic itch.
Translational drug discovery and development with the use of tissue‐relevant biomarkers: Towards more physiological relevance and better prediction of clinical efficacy
Authors: Florian Peter , Flechsenhar Klaus R. , Bartnik Eckart , Ding‐Pfennigdorff Danping , Herrmann Matthias , Bryce Paul J. , Nestle Frank O. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDue to the clinical development of drugs such as secukinumab, ustekinumab and dupilumab, major changes have been achieved in the treatment of patients diagnosed with psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. In academia and the pharmaceutical industry, research is increasingly moving towards the development of bispecific antibodies and multi‐specific nanobodies, as there is a compelling need for new treatment modalities for patients suffering from autoimmune or malignant disease. The purpose of this review is to discuss aspects of translational drug development with a particular emphasis on indications such as psoriasis and atopic dermatitis. The identification of biomarkers, the assessment of target organ pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics interactions and a wide range of in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models should contribute to an appropriate prediction of a biological effect in the clinical setting. As human biology may not be perfectly reflected by approaches such as skin equivalents or animal models, novel approaches such as the use of human skin and dermal microperfusion assays in healthy volunteers and patients appear both reasonable and mandatory. These models may indeed generate highly translationally relevant data that have the potential to reduce the failure rate of drugs currently undergoing clinical development.
Physiological acclimation and persistence of ectothermic species under extreme heat events
Authors: Morley S. A. , Peck L. S. , Sunday J. M. , Heiser S. , Bates A. E. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimTo test if physiological acclimation can buffer species against increasing extreme heat due to climate change.LocationGlobal.Time period1960 to 2015.Major taxa studiedAmphibians, arthropods, brachiopods, cnidarians, echinoderms, fishes, molluscs, reptiles.MethodsWe draw together new and existing data quantifying the warm acclimation response in 319 species as the acclimation response ratio (ARR): the increase in upper thermal limit per degree increase in experimental temperature. We develop worst‐case scenario climate projections to calculate the number of years and generations gained by ARR until loss of thermal safety. We further compute a vulnerability score that integrates across variables estimating exposure to climate change and species‐specific tolerance through traits, including physiological plasticity, generation time and latitudinal range extent.ResultsARR is highly variable, but with marked differences across taxa, habitats and latitude. Polar terrestrial arthropods show high ARRs [95% upper confidence limit (UCL95%) = 0.68], as do some polar aquatic invertebrates that were acclimated for extended durations (ARR > 0.4). While this physiological plasticity buys 100s of years until thermal safety is lost, combination with long generation times leads to decreased potential for evolutionary adaptation. Additionally, 27% of marine polar invertebrates have no capacity for acclimation and reptiles and amphibians have minimal ARR (UCL95% = 0.16). Low physiological plasticity, long generations times and restricted latitudinal ranges combine to distinguish reptiles, amphibians and polar invertebrates as being highly vulnerable amongst ectotherms.Main conclusionsIn some taxa the combined effects of acclimation capacity and generation time can provide 100s of years and generations before thermal safety is lost. The accuracy of assessments of vulnerability to climate change will be improved by considering multiple aspects of species’ biology that, in combination may increase persistence under extreme heat events, and increase the probability for evolutionary rescue.
The Efficacy and Safety of Prochlorperazine in Patients With Acute Migraine: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Golikhatir Iraj , Cheraghmakani Hamed , Bozorgi Farzad , Jahanian Fatemeh , Sazgar Mohammad , Montazer Seyed Hosein 
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveThe aim of this review was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of prochlorperazine (PCP) in patients with acute migraine headache in the emergency department (ED).MethodsElectronic databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched for randomized clinical trials that investigated the effect of PCP on headache relief. The outcomes were the number of patients without headache or with reduced headache severity, the number of adverse events, and the need for rescue analgesia.ResultsFrom 450 citations, 11 studies (n = 771) with 15 comparison arms met the inclusion criteria. Overall, PCP was more effective than placebo (OR = 7.23; 95% CI = 3.82‐3.68), metoclopramide (OR = 2.89; 95% CI = 1.42‐5.86), and other active comparators (OR = 3.70; 95% CI = 2.41‐5.67) for headache relief. The odds ratio of experiencing adverse events with PCP compared with placebo was 5.79 (95% CI = 2.43‐13.79). When PCP compared with other active comparators, no statistical difference was found regarding the overall number of adverse events (OR = 1.88; 95% CI = 0.99‐3.59). However, PCP significantly increased the odds of akathisia/dystonia (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 1.03‐6.31). The request for rescue analgesia was significantly lower in the PCP group compared with other groups (16% vs 84%; OR = 0.16; 95% CI = 0.09‐27).ConclusionsFor adult patients with acute migraine, PCP could effectively abort the acute attack and reduce the request for rescue analgesia in the ED. However, compared with placebo, PCP could increase the risk of adverse events.
Colorectal large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma with lymphoid stroma: further evidence confirming a unique subtype associated with MLH1/PMS2 loss, BRAF mutation, Epstein–Barr virus negativity, and the possibility of a better prognosis
Authors: Chetty Runjan , Capo‐Chichi Jose‐Mario , Serra Stefano 
Published: April 2019

AimsPure large‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC) is an uncommon but well‐recognised primary tumour of the colorectum. It is characterised by large cells organised in a discernible neuroendocrine pattern with >20 mitoses per 10 high‐power fields (HPFs), and/or a Ki67 index of >20%, and coagulative tumour necrosis is invariably present. These features are supplemented by positivity for neuroendocrine immunohistochemical markers. The aim of this study was to highlight three primary LCNECs of the colorectum.Methods and resultsAll three patients were elderly females, aged 79, 85 and 89 years, who presented with ascending colon (two) tumours and a rectal tumour. All three tumours were large, ulcerated, polypoid masses (85, 76 and 55 mm; average size 72 mm) and were pT3N2. Histologically, the tumours were composed of packets and nests of cells with rosettes; other areas were in sheets composed of large cells. The mitotic counts were 23/10 HPFs, 27/10 HPFs and 24/10 HPFs, respectively. There was no mucosal dysplasia, precursor adenoma or associated adenocarcinoma component. All cases contained mainly peritumoral lymphoid aggregates, with smaller numbers of intratumoral lymphocytes. Synaptophysin, chromogranin (less intensely) and epithelial markers were expressed in all cases in the majority of the tumour cells. The Ki67 proliferative indices were 95%, 100%, and 80%, respectively. Two patients survived for 48 and 72 months, whereas the third is alive after 12 months without evidence of recurrence.ConclusionsThese unusual primary colorectal LCNECs with an accompanying lymphoid component are characterised by loss of MLH1/PMS2, BRAF mutation, microsatellite instability, and Epstein–Barr virus negativity. The patients also have better overall survival than those with LCNECs lacking an accompanying lymphoid component.
Soldiering On? The Prison‐Military Complex and Ex‐Military Personnel as Prison Officers: Transition, Rehabilitation and Prison Reform
Authors: MORAN DOMINIQUE , TURNER JENNIFER , ARNOLD HELEN 
Published: April 2019

AbstractArguing that criminology has thus far inadequately theorised militarism as it relates to the prison system, this agenda‐setting article introduces the ‘prison‐military complex’ as a means to initiate examination of militarism in relation to institutions and practices of incarceration. In so doing, it identifies a key knowledge gap vis‐à‐vis the role of ex‐military personnel employed as prison staff; and poses key questions about the ways in which military staff and military methods are being directly targeted as a means to reform a prison service reeling from unprecedented levels of violence, self‐harm, riots, and escapes. Encouraging criminologists to think beyond stereotypical ideas about the military, the article revolves around a multiscalar articulation of the prison‐military complex, discussed here as it relates to reform of the prison system as a whole; the rehabilitation of offenders; and individuals’ ex‐military transitions to civilian life.
VOTING AND SOCIAL PRESSURE UNDER IMPERFECT INFORMATION
Authors: Clark Alexander T. , Tenev Nicholas H. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractWe develop a model in which costly voting in a large, two‐party election is a sequentially rational choice of strategic, self‐interested players who can reward fellow voters by forming stronger ties in a network formation coordination game. The predictions match a variety of stylized facts, including explaining why an individual's voting behavior may depend on what she knows about her friends' actions. Players have imperfect information about others' voting behavior, and we find that some degree of privacy may be necessary for voting in equilibrium, enabling hypocritical but useful social pressure. Our framework applies to any costly prosocial behavior.
Prior‐free Bayes Factors Based on Data Splitting
Authors: Hart Jeffrey D. , Malloure Matthew 
Published: April 2019

SummaryBayes factors that do not require prior distributions are proposed for testing one parametric model versus another. These Bayes factors are relatively simple to compute, relying only on maximum likelihood estimates, and are Bayes consistent at an exponential rate for nested modelseven when the smaller model is true. These desirable properties derive from the use of data splitting. Large sample properties, including consistency, of the Bayes factors are derived, and a simulation study explores practical concerns. The methodology is illustrated with civil engineering data involving compressive strength of concrete.
Phantom testing of the sensitivity and precision of a sub‐epidermal moisture scanner
Authors: Peko Cohen Lea , Gefen Amit 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe majority of pressure ulcers (PUs) including deep tissue injuries (DTIs) are preventable, and even reversible if detected in their early phase. One of the greatest barriers in PU prevention is that clinicians traditionally depended on subjective and qualitative techniques, particularly routine visual skin assessments that would only document existing, macroscopic PUs/DTIs, rather than preventing them or detecting them at their microscopic phase. At the early phase of cell damage, when a forming PU is still microscopic, there is a local increase in extracellular fluid contents within affected tissues, which is called sub‐epidermal moisture (SEM). This new understanding has led to an emerging technology, a SEM Scanner (BBI LLC, Bruin Biometrics) that has been designed to effectively examine the health status of tissues, by measuring local changes in the biophysical SEM marker. In the present work, the SEM Scanner was tested under controlled laboratory conditions to experimentally determine its sensitivity and precision in identifying small (1 mL) water content changes in phantoms of the human heel and skull/face, which simulated common PU development scenarios. In both phantom configurations, the locally increased water contents resulted in consistent, statistically significant elevated SEM readings, which confirms that the SEM Scanner is able to detect fluid content changes that are as small as 1 mL. In agreement with a simplified theoretical (mathematical) SEM model, which was also developed here, changes in water contents had a consistent trend of effect on SEM delta values, which increased with each 1 mL increment in intra‐tissue‐substitute water contents.
The modification of surface, size and shape of barium zirconate powder via salt flux
Authors: Charoonsuk Thitirat , Kolodiazhnyi Taras , Vittayakorn Naratip 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe “top‐down” process via direct conversion of the micro (μm)‐to‐submicroscale (sub‐μm) particle was applied in this work by using eutectic chloride salts to prepare BaZrO3. The particle size at optimum condition could be decreased by more than 10 times from 2.1 ± 0.9 μm to 168 ± 23 nm without destroying the 1:1 of Ba:Zr stoichiometry. The uniform sub‐μm‐BaZrO3 powder was sintered in order to obtain ~98% dense ceramic at 1400°C/10 h, which is significantly lower than the 1650°C in normal cases. The microwave dielectric constant, tan δ, and quality factor were also determined. Furthermore, this method also was applied to lead‐free piezoelectric material in the 0.87BaTiO3–0.13BaZrO3–CaTiO3 (0.87BT–0.13BZ–CT) system. The particle size of 0.87BT–0.13BZ–CT was reduced greatly from >10 µm to 2.8 ± 0.4 µm. It can be proved that salt flux dissolution method enables high‐purity with uniform sub‐micro/nanometer powder production in one step by using simple laboratory equipment and low‐cost raw materials.
Alpha lipoic acid inhibits oxidative stress‐induced apoptosis by modulating of Nrf2 signalling pathway after traumatic brain injury
Authors: Xia Dayong , Zhai Xiaofu , Wang Honglian , Chen Zhiyong , Fu Chuanjing , Zhu Meihua 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAlpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a powerful antioxidant which has been widely used in the treatment of different system diseases, such as cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. But, there are few studies that refer to protective effects and potential mechanisms on traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study was carried out to investigate the neuroprotective effect following TBI and illuminate the underlying mechanism. Weight drop‐injured model in rats was induced by weight‐drop. ALA was administrated via intraperitoneal injection after TBI. Neurologic scores were examined following several tests. Neurological score was performed to measure behavioural outcomes. Nissl staining and TUNEL were performed to evaluate the neuronal apoptosis. Western blotting was engaged to analyse the protein content of the Nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream protein factors, including hemeoxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and quinine oxidoreductase‐1 (NQO1). ALA treatment alleviated TBI‐induced neuron cell apoptosis and improved neurobehavioural function by up‐regulation of Nrf2 expression and its downstream protein factors after TBI. This study presents new perspective of the mechanisms responsible for the neuronal apoptosis of ALA, with possible involvement of Nrf2 pathway.