bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protected areas do not mitigate biodiversity declines: A case study on butterflies
Authors: Rada Stanislav , Schweiger Oliver , Harpke Alexander , Kühn Elisabeth , Kuras Tomáš , Settele Josef , Musche Martin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimTo assess the effectiveness of protected areas in preventing biodiversity decline. We first test whether species richness of butterfly assemblages is higher within European Natura 2000 (N2000) sites than in their surroundings. We then assess temporal trends in butterfly richness and test whether these trends differ inside and outside the N2000 network.LocationGermany, Europe.MethodsWe utilized generalized linear mixed‐effects models (GLMM) to analyse an 11‐year data series on species richness of butterfly assemblages collected on 245 transects across Germany, located inside and outside N2000 sites, and comprising a total of 122 butterfly species.ResultsButterfly species richness was highest inside N2000 protected areas, while outside it constantly declined with increasing distance from N2000 sites. We found an overall decline in species richness by 10% within 11 years. This decline neither differed between transects located inside or outside the N2000 network nor varied with distance from N2000 sites.Main conclusionsThe higher species richness inside the N2000 network underlines their proper designation and their potential for the conservation of biodiversity. However, the current negative trend in butterfly species richness across Germany is not mitigated by the N2000 network, and we assume insufficient management or measures targeted at other organisms than butterflies as potential reasons.
The use of course grades as metrics in L2 research: A systematic review
Authors: Brown Alan V. , Plonsky Luke , Teimouri Yasser 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMuch of applied linguistics research has been concerned with classroom‐based second language (L2) development as it offers an ideal setting for examining the institutional ecology of L2 learning and teaching. However, scholars have continued to call for greater attention to the operationalization of constructs, selection of valid assessments, and use of appropriate statistical analyses. One cause for concern is the use of instructor‐constructed evaluations for research purposes, commonly found both as single assessments and, in their composite form, as course grades. The present study examined justifications for and uses of course grades in L2 research by systematically searching, coding, and analyzing course grades as variables in a sample of published L2 research in four prominent L2 journals: Foreign Language Annals, Language Learning, Modern Language Journal, and TESOL Quarterly. To provide a concrete example, this meta‐analysis investigated the relationship between L2 grades and anxiety. A number of suggestions for the use of grades and other assessment tools in educationally oriented L2 research are offered.
Ontogenetic feeding shift and size‐based zooplanktivory in Sardinella lemuru (Pisces, Clupeidae) during an upwelling in southeastern Sulu Sea, The Philippines
Authors: Metillo Ephrime B. , Campos Wilfredo L. , Villanoy Cesar L. , Hayashizaki Ken‐ichi , Tsunoda Takashi , Nishida Shuhei 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDiet overlap and the importance of plankton were investigated by comparing stomach contents and 13C and 15N isotopes using a Bayesian linear mixed model of early juvenile, juvenile and adult Sardinela lemuru Bleeker during a coastal upwelling event in southeastern Sulu Sea. Assimilated food of all life stages was mainly due to the preferential ingestion of large size meso‐zooplankton at inshore areas while keeping the ability to ingest smaller zooplankton sizes. Few phytoplankton cells were ingested, and only by adults. Early juveniles and adults showed more depleted δ13C values than juveniles, indicating ontogenetic and spatial dietary shift with juveniles ingesting large herbivorous zooplankton in deeper inshore areas least influenced by terrestrial food particles. Hence, S. lemuru is chiefly an omnivorous zooplanktivore, but combined approaches of stomach contents and C and N stable isotope analyses provided new insights of its trophic ecology useful to the management of the species in the Sulu Sea.
Varroa chemosensory proteins: some are conserved across Arthropoda but others are arachnid specific
Authors: Eliash N. , Thangarajan S. , Goldenberg I. , Sela N. , Kupervaser M. , Barlev J. , Altman Y. , Knyazer A. , Kamer Y. , Zaidman I. , Rafaeli A. , Soroker V. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe tight synchronization between the life cycle of the obligatory parasitic miteVarroa destructor(Varroa) and its host, the honeybee, is mediated by honeybee chemical stimuli. These stimuli are mainly perceived by a pit organ located on the distal part of the mite’s foreleg. In the present study, we searched for Varroa chemosensory molecular components by comparing transcriptomic and proteomic profiles between forelegs from different physiological stages, and rear legs. In general, a comparative transcriptomic analysis showed a clear separation of the expression profiles between the rear legs and the three groups of forelegs (phoretic, reproductive and tray‐collected mites). Most of the differentially expressed transcripts and proteins in the mite’s foreleg were previously uncharacterized. Using a conserved domain approach, we identified 45 transcripts with known chemosensory domains belonging to seven chemosensory protein families, of which 14 were significantly upregulated in the mite’s forelegs when compared to rear legs. These are soluble and membrane bound proteins, including the somewhat ignored receptors of degenerin/epithelial Na+ channels and transient receptor potentials. Phylogenetic clustering and expression profiles of the putative chemosensory proteins suggest their role in chemosensation and shed light on the evolution of these proteins in Chelicerata.
Optimal extended warranty strategy: uniform or nonuniform pricing?
Authors: Zheng Bin , Bian Yiwen , Sun Yanhong , Ding Husong 
Published: November 2018

AbstractManufacturers are increasingly selling extended warranties to achieve high profitability. An important question is to sell the traditional or flexible extended warranty (TEW vs. FEW). TEW is sold at the time of product sales with a uniform price, while FEW can be sold at the time of product sales (the first point) or at the end of base warranty (the second point) with nonuniform prices. When selling FEW, manufacturers need to decide whether to preannounce the difference between the first‐point and second‐point warranty prices. To address such challenging issues, we develop theoretical models regarding selling TEW or FEW and find that neither of the two warranty services is always superior to the other. Particularly, FEW outperforms TEW when the manufacturer's cost efficiency of warranty is relatively high and/or the total warranty duration is relatively short. Interestingly, when selling FEW, it is not always better off concealing the price difference information, which is counterintuitive.
A two‐period pricing model with intertemporal and horizontal reference price effects
Authors: Zha Yong , Zhang Lu , Xu Chuanyong , Zhang Tingting 
Published: November 2018

AbstractConsumers tend to compare the current price with historical prices of the same brand and selling prices of other brands, when they make purchase decisions. The intertemporal and horizontal reference price effect (RPE), formed by the historical price and the competitor's price, respectively, should be taken into account when developing optimal pricing strategies over several periods and in a competitive environment. This paper considers a two‐period pricing problem with two competing sellers, incorporating both types of RPE. We first develop a duopoly game to study the impacts and interactions of RPE of different types. Then we study a practice of price commitment when one firm gives up dynamic pricing. We find different types of RPEs have distinct impacts. The intertemporal RPE (IRPE) leads to a Hi‐Lo pricing strategy, while the horizontal RPE (HRPE) drives the selling prices of both periods downward. The IRPE is weakened by the HRPE, while the HRPE is weakened (intensified) in the first (second) period as the IRPE becomes stronger. Also we find price commitment is not beneficial. On the contrary, both firms may be worse off if one firm makes price commitment. Furthermore, if one firm decides to make price commitment he should announce the selling price well in advance.
Migratory birds as vehicles for parasite dispersal? Infection by avian haemosporidians over the year and throughout the range of a long‐distance migrant
Authors: Pulgarín‐R Paulo C. , Gómez Camila , Bayly Nicholas J. , Bensch Staffan , FitzGerald Alyssa M. , Starkloff Naima , Kirchman Jeremy J. , González‐Prieto Ana M. , Hobson Keith A. , Ungvari‐Martin Judit , Skeen Heather , Castaño María Isabel , Cadena Carlos Daniel 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAimThe role of migratory birds in the spread of parasites is poorly known, in part because migratory strategies and behaviours potentially affecting transmission are not easy to study. We investigated the dynamics of infection by blood parasites through the annual cycle of a long‐distance Nearctic–Neotropical migratory songbird to examine the role of this species in dispersing parasites between continents.LocationThe Americas.TaxonGrey‐cheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus, Aves, Passeriformes, Turdidae), Birds.MethodsWe used molecular and microscopy screening of haemosporidian parasites (Plasmodium,Haemoproteus, andLeucocytozoon) to examine the prevalence, distribution, and diversity of lineages through the annual cycle (breeding, migration, and wintering) of the grey‐cheeked thrush in North and Central America, Santa Marta mountains, the Andes, and the Amazon. We aimed to identify transmission areas, to examine the degree of sharing of haemosporidian lineages with resident birds in various areas and to assess the potential role of immunologically naïve juvenile individuals in parasite transmission.ResultsPrevalence and lineage diversity of haemosporidians varied significantly over time, being higher during breeding and fall and spring migration, and declining during wintering. Grey‐cheeked thrush shared few parasite lineages with tropical resident birds and slightly more lineages with other migratory and resident boreal species. We detected gametocytes in blood during spring migration stopover, but these were of lineages not found in resident tropical birds, indicating relapses of parasites transmitted elsewhere. Transmission likely occurs mostly on the breeding grounds, where juveniles and adults carried lineages restricted to closely related species of thrushes and other species of boreal birds.Main conclusionsLong‐distance migratory songbirds are likely not important dispersers of blood parasites because there are ecological and evolutionary barriers to the interchange of parasites across vastly separated areas. Further work with thorough spatial and temporal sampling across other species, and considering the role of vectors, is necessary to understand the ecological and evolutionary factors explaining the distribution of parasites over broad scales.
On‐line rheology of pearl millet flours during extrusion: Effect of native amylose
Authors: Rudra Shalini Gaur , Nishani Srikrishna , Singh B. P. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPearl millet is a micro‐nutrient rich crop grown in arid regions of Asia and Africa. Millet based extruded products can ensure both food and economic security amongst these malnutrition prone areas. The effect of flour crystallinity and amylose content on the rheological attributes during thermo‐mechanical processing of pearl millet cultivars was determined using on‐line rheometer during twin‐screw extrusion. The shear strain measurements indicated shear thinning behavior which was modeled using modified Power law (R2 > 0.8). Upon increase in moisture content and barrel temperature, the consistency index of pearlmillet flour was found to decrease. Higher amylose cultivars demonstrated higher consistency index. The flow behavior index increased with moisture and temperature. Modified Arrhenius model was used to explain the effect of temperature and moisture on consistency index. This study underlines the effect of crystallinity and amylose on the rheology of millets during extrusion.Practical applicationsThe findings of this study shall be helpful in:
determining extrusion conditions for processing whole pearl millet flours.
screening varieties of pearlmillet suitable for different types of extruded products varying in degrees of polymeric modification.
Mitogen‐activated protein kinase signaling mediates opioid‐induced presynaptic NMDA receptor activation and analgesic tolerance
Authors: Deng Meichun , Chen Shao‐Rui , Chen Hong , Luo Yi , Dong Yingchun , Pan Hui‐Lin 
Published: November 2018

AbstractOpioid‐induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance can lead to dose escalation and inadequate pain treatment with μ‐opioid receptor agonists. Opioids cause tonic activation of glutamate NMDA receptors (NMDARs) at primary afferent terminals, increasing nociceptive input. However, the signaling mechanisms responsible for opioid‐induced activation of pre‐synaptic NMDARs in the spinal dorsal horn remain unclear. In this study, we determined the role of MAPK signaling in opioid‐induced pre‐synaptic NMDAR activation caused by chronic morphine administration. Whole‐cell recordings of excitatory post‐synaptic currents (EPSCs) were performed on dorsal horn neurons in rat spinal cord slices. Chronic morphine administration markedly increased the frequency of miniature EPSCs, increased the amplitude of monosynaptic EPSCs evoked from the dorsal root, and reduced the paired‐pulse ratio of evoked EPSCs. These changes were fully reversed by an NMDAR antagonist and normalized by inhibiting extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, or c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). Furthermore, intrathecal injection of a selective ERK1/2, p38, or JNK inhibitor blocked pain hypersensitivity induced by chronic morphine treatment. These inhibitors also similarly attenuated a reduction in morphine's analgesic effect in rats. In addition, co‐immunoprecipitation assays revealed that NMDARs formed a protein complex with ERK1/2, p38, and JNK in the spinal cord and that chronic morphine treatment increased physical interactions of NMDARs with these three MAPKs. Our findings suggest that opioid‐induced hyperalgesia and analgesic tolerance are mediated by tonic activation of pre‐synaptic NMDARs via three functionally interrelated MAPKs at the spinal cord level.Open science badgesThis article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.
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Injectable profiloplasty: Forehead, nose, lips, and chin filler treatment
Authors: Bertossi Dario , Lanaro Luca , Dell'Acqua Irene , Albanese Massimo , Malchiodi Luciano , Nocini Pier Francesco 
Published: November 2018

SummaryIntroductionWe propose a medical filler treatment algorithm of the profile which includes forehead, nose, and chin and to evaluate profilometric results and complications.Materials and Methods83 case reviews of associated liquid forehead, nose, and chin plasty performed consecutively from 2014 to 2016. We monitored the horizontal and vertical sagittal stability into two age group: <40 y.o. and >40 y.o. using profilometric Arnett analysis measurements on the F, Gb, Na, Nd, Nt, Sn, ULA, LLA, B, Pg, and Gn soft‐tissue points.ResultsThe results at both 3 and 6 months were consistent with the normal ranges indicated by Arnett, with a 0.8 mm maximum of defect/excess. Forehead treatment was performed in 51 (61.4%) patient. Patients >40 y.o. always needed a global correction of the forehead profile. We performed nasal treatment in 83 (100%) patient, acute nasolabial angles was the more frequent nasal defect. The lips were injected in 59 patients (71.1) more frequently >40 y.o. In 83 (100%) patients we perform a chin augmentation. The average advancement of the chin was 3 mm.ConclusionsThe correction of the projection of the forehead, of the profile and shape of the nose, of the lips and chin as well as an overall improvement in face aesthetics and harmony gives a good solution in patients avoiding the need for a surgical intervention, scars and cost of general anesthesia, thus providing the optimum in patient satisfaction.
Genetic determinants of steatosis and fibrosis progression in paediatric non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Hudert Christian A. , Selinski Silvia , Rudolph Birgit , Bläker Hendrik , Loddenkemper Christoph , Thielhorn Ria , Berndt Nikolaus , Golka Klaus , Cadenas Cristina , Reinders Jörg , Henning Stephan , Bufler Philip , Jansen Peter L. M. , Holzhütter Hermann‐Georg , Meierhofer David , Hengstler Jan G. , Wiegand Susanna 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackground and AimsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in children and adolescents today. In comparison with adult disease, paediatric NAFLD may show a periportal localization, which is associated with advanced fibrosis. This study aimed to assess the role of genetic risk variants for histological disease pattern and severity in childhood NAFLD.MethodsWe studied 14 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in a cohort of 70 adolescents with biopsy‐proven NAFLD. Genotype was compared to an adult control cohort (n = 200) and analysed in relation to histological disease severity and liver tissue proteomics.ResultsThree of the 14 SNPs were significantly associated with paediatric NAFLD after FDR adjustment, rs738409 (PNPLA3, P = 2.80 × 10−06), rs1044498 (ENPP1, P = 0.0091) and rs780094 (GCKR, P = 0.0281). The severity of steatosis was critically associated with rs738409 (OR=3.25; 95% CI: 1.72‐6.52, FDR‐adjusted P = 0.0070). The strongest variants associated with severity of fibrosis were rs1260326, rs780094 (both GCKR) and rs659366 (UCP2). PNPLA3 was associated with a portal pattern of steatosis, inflammation and fibrosis. Proteome profiling revealed decreasing levels of GCKR protein with increasing carriage of the rs1260326/rs780094 minor alleles and downregulation of the retinol pathway in rs738409 G/G carriers. Computational metabolic modelling highlighted functional relevance of PNPLA3, GCKR and UCP2 for NAFLD development.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence for the role of PNPLA3 as a determinant of portal NAFLD localization and severity of portal fibrosis in children and adolescents, the risk variant being associated with an impaired hepatic retinol metabolism.
Lost in translation? Paradigm conflict at the primary–secondary care interface
Authors: Johnston Jennifer L , Bennett Deirdre 
Published: November 2018

ContextHistorically, primary care (community and family) medicine has often been viewed as lower status than secondary care (hospital) practice. Current evidence suggests this pattern continues to impact medical practice and education. Medical education has however, yet to fully reflect this power dynamic, with undergraduate training in many institutions maintaining the hegemonic position of secondary care as the prime context for learning.MethodsIn this paper, we present primary and secondary care as conflicting paradigms of medical practice. Using a sociocultural lens drawing on Figured Worlds theory, implications for medical education are explored.ConclusionsWe outline the two paradigms as having distinct epistemologies, identities and practices. Tensions at the primary–secondary care interface can, from a sociocultural perspective, be seen to impact developing identity and day‐to‐day clinical practice issues such as patient safety. We offer possibilities for engaging with paradigm conflict in meaningful ways and suggest potential changes for future educational policy and practice.
Competence‐based training needs assessment for basic life support instructors
Authors: Kim Eun Jin , Roh Young Sook 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBasic life support instructors play an important role in the planning, implementation, and evaluation of basic life support education. However, little is known about basic life support instructors' competence. The aim of the present study was to identify basic life support instructors' competence attributes and assess their competence‐based training needs according to their expertise. This was a descriptive survey study to identify the educational needs of basic life support instructors using importance and performance analysis. A Web‐based survey with a 29 item Competence Importance–Performance scale was undertaken with a convenience sample of 213 Korean instructors. Factor analysis identified several important factors for the competence of instructors: assessment, professional foundations, planning and preparation, educational method and strategies and evaluation. The importance and performance analysis matrix showed that training priorities for novice instructors were communication with learners and instructors, learner motivation, educational design, and qualifications of instructors, whereas checking equipment status and educational environment had the highest training priority for experienced instructors. Assessment was the most important factor in basic life support instructor's competence. A competence‐based training program is needed according to basic life support instructors' expertise.
Clinical features and long‐term outcomes of lower esophageal sphincter‐dependent and lower esophageal sphincter‐independent jackhammer esophagus
Authors: Kahn Allon , Al‐Qaisi Mohanad T. , Obeid Robert A. , Katzka David A. , Ravi Karthik M. , Ramirez Francisco C. , Crowell Michael D. , Vela Marcelo F. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe most recent Chicago Classification expanded the criteria for diagnosis of jackhammer esophagus (JHE) to include the distal contractile integral (DCI) of the lower esophageal sphincter (LES). The clinical impact of the manometric inclusion of LES hypercontractility remains unclear. We aimed to analyze the clinical features and long‐term outcomes of measured LES‐dependent (LD‐JHE) and LES‐independent (LI‐JHE) jackhammer esophagus.MethodsPatients meeting diagnostic criteria for JHE were identified at two academic medical centers. High‐resolution esophageal manometry data were re‐analyzed with inclusion and exclusion of the LES DCI. LD‐JHE was defined by falling outside JHE diagnostic criteria with exclusion of the LES. A telephone survey was conducted for follow‐up utilizing the impact dysphagia (IDQ‐10) questionnaire.Key ResultsEighty‐one patients met study inclusion criteria, with 12 (14.8%) classified as LD‐JHE. LD‐JHE patients had a significantly lower mean DCI and fewer swallows with DCI >8000 mm Hg‐s‐cm. Basal LES pressure was higher in patients with dysphagia to solids than those with dysphagia to solids and liquids. Clinical and manometric parameters were otherwise similar between groups. Sixty‐six patients had clinical or phone follow‐up at a median of 46.6 months. Forty‐one patients (62.1%) received therapies directed at JHE. There was no difference in symptom improvement for treated vs untreated patients or for JHE subtype.Conclusions and InferencesOur findings suggest that LD‐JHE and LI‐JHE are clinically indistinguishable and thus support existing diagnostic criteria. Furthermore, our long‐term follow‐up data suggest that JHE, irrespective of LES involvement, may improve without treatment. Further study is needed to clarify which patients merit therapeutic intervention.