bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling the spatial abundance of a migratory predator: A call for transboundary marine protected areas
Authors: García‐Barón Isabel , Authier Matthieu , Caballero Ainhoa , Vázquez José A. , Santos M. Begoña , Murcia José Luis , Louzao Maite 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAimDuring their migration, highly mobile species cross multiple jurisdictional boundaries and multiple not‐specific marine protected areas (MPAs). When identifying the critical habitats where individuals aggregate, these areas can be ideal candidates for MPAs. This study was focused on the endangered fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) for which there is little knowledge on its distribution and abundance in non‐breeding temperate latitudes.LocationBay of Biscay (BoB).MethodsFirstly, we modelled the relative abundance of fin whales by means of generalized additive models (GAMs) using data collected on the PELACUS (2007–2008) and JUVENA (2013–2016) oceanographic surveys during late summer. Secondly, we evaluated the reliability of the predictions by distinguishing environmental extrapolations and interpolations. Finally, we identified critical areas of highest predicted abundance and we assessed whether existing MPAs comprised within the Natura 2000 network and designated for other species offer protection to fin whales in the BoB.ResultsFin whales were especially abundant in deep off‐shore waters, mainly associated with intermediate temperature water values in the inner part of the BoB. The years with the highest relative predicted abundances (an average of 1,500 whales) matched with years when warmer sea surface temperature extended into larger areas. In colder years, the average predicted abundance dropped to 400 whales. The main critical area for fin whales (defined by the highest 40% of abundance) was common for both surveys, and it was located in the south‐eastern part of the BoB.Main conclusionsOur study contributes to the identification of important concentration areas of fin whales during late summer, based on reliable spatial predictions. The assessment of the current Natura 2000 network highlights the fact that only three MPAs marginally covered the critical area we have identified for fin whales. We propose a transboundary potential MPA to aid the conservation of the species in the BoB.
Protection against stroke with glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor agonists: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Barkas F. , Elisaf M. , Milionis H. 
Published: January 2019

In experimental stroke models pretreatment with the newly introduced antidiabetic agents, glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP‐1R) agonists, has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects. Published evidence with regard to the effect of treatment with GLP‐1R agonists on the risk of stroke was evaluated. Data from prospective randomized placebo‐controlled trials up to October 2018 involving GLP‐1R agonists which reported cardiovascular outcomes as primary end‐points of efficacy and/or safety were meta‐analysed. Five eligible multicentre randomized placebo‐controlled trials (ELIXA, LEADER, SUSTAIN, EXSCEL and HARMONY) were included. The pooled analysis (n = 42 358) showed a significant reduction by 13% in the risk of total stroke from treatment with GLP‐1R agonists versus placebo (risk ratio 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.78–0.98, P = 0.021) with no significant heterogeneity between trials (Q = 4.094, P = 0.393, I2 = 2.307%). When only fatal stroke was included (this applied for the ELIXA, LEADER, EXSCEL and HARMONY trials), active treatment was associated with a non‐significant reduction by 16% compared with placebo (risk ratio 0.84, 95% confidence interval 0.60–1.17, P = 0.29). The findings of this meta‐analysis support the evidence from earlier experimental studies calling attention to potential ‘stroke protective’ effects from treatment with GLP‐1R.
Tonic electromyographic activity following bilateral tonic–clonic seizures is associated with periictal respiratory dysfunction and postictal generalized EEG suppression
Authors: Park Katherine J. , Seyal Masud 
Published: January 2019

SummaryObjectiveNo biomarkers reliably predict risk for sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Postictal generalized electroencephalography (EEG) suppression (PGES) is a possible biomarker for SUDEP risk. However, its utility in predicting SUDEP remains uncertain. We had observed that postictal tonic electromyography (PTEMG) activity follows some generalized convulsive seizures (GCS). PTEMG activity and PGES may have a common pathophysiologic basis. PGES is associated with periictal respiratory distress. There is evidence that tonic EMG occurs with brain hypoxia. Thus PTEMG activity may be related to seizure‐associated hypoxemia. Pronounced variation occurs among expert clinicians in identifying PGES, thereby limiting its utility as a biomarker. Characteristics of PTEMG activity and its relationship to preceding GCS have not been explored. We studied PTEMG activity characteristics, its relationship to the preceding seizure and associated respiratory dysfunction.MethodsWe reviewed 145 GCS in 66 patients undergoing video‐EEG telemetry (VET). The presence of PTEMG activity was defined when tonic EMG occurred for at least 3 seconds following seizure termination and was identified with filter settings at 5‐200 Hz. Duration of PTEMG activity, the seizure, PGES, seizure‐associated peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) change, and end‐tidal CO2 were analyzed. We compared data from GCS with and without PTEMG activity.ResultsNinety of 145 seizures with GCS had PTEMG activity. The remainder had postictal slowing without PTEMG activity, and cessation of activity was followed by EEG slowing. Duration of the initial PTEMG discharge was 39.1 (mean) ± (standard deviation) 17.9 seconds. SpO2 nadir was lower (P = 0.005) in seizures with PTEMG activity than in those without (72% vs 77%). End‐tidal CO2 was higher (P = 0.05) in seizures with PTEMG activity than in those without (63 vs 56 mm Hg). PGES duration was 35.6 ± 22.2 seconds and associated with duration of PTEMG activity (P < 0.001).SignificanceThe novel finding is that PTEMG activity occurs following 62% of GCS and that seizures with PTEMG activity have greater severity of respiratory dysfunction than seizures without. PTEMG activity is readily discerned by visual analysis of VET at appropriate filter settings and has the potential of being a complementary or surrogate biomarker of PGES for assessing SUDEP risk.
Changes to vertical thermoregulatory movements of juvenile bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in the northwestern Pacific Ocean with time of day, seasonal ocean vertical thermal structure, and body size
Authors: Hino Haruhiko , Kitagawa Takashi , Matsumoto Takayuki , Aoki Yoshinori , Kimura Shingo 
Published: January 2019

AbstractVertical movements related to the thermoregulation were investigated in 12 juvenile bigeye tuna (Thunnus obesus) in Japanese waters using archival tag data. Movements changed with time of day, season, and body size. During daytime, bigeye tuna descended to greater depths, presumably to feed in the deep scattering layer (DSL). Thereafter, they repeatedly ascended to shallower layers, suggesting attempts at behavioral thermoregulation, although the beginning of vertical thermoregulatory ascents might reflect a shift in DSL depth. By the end of such movement, the whole‐body heat‐transfer coefficient might decrease because, although the depth and ambient temperature of the upper layers did not change, the body temperature gradually decreased significantly just after ascent for thermoregulation. Seasonal patterns indicated that the vertical thermal structure of the ocean might influence this ascent behavior. For example, from January to May, bigeye tuna made fewer ascents to less shallow waters, suggesting that they respond to increasing depths of the mixed surface layer by reducing energy expenditure during vertical migration. In addition, as body size increased, fewer thermoregulatory ascents were required to maintain body temperature, and fish remained deeper for longer periods. Thus, vertical thermoregulatory movements might change with body size as bigeye tuna develop better endothermic and thermoregulatory abilities. We hypothesize that bigeye might also increase cold tolerance as they grow, possibly due to ontogenetic shifts in cardiac function.
Managing the middle: A shift in conservation priorities based on the global human modification gradient
Authors: Kennedy Christina M. , Oakleaf James R. , Theobald David M. , Baruch‐Mordo Sharon , Kiesecker Joseph 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAn increasing number of international initiatives aim to reconcile development with conservation. Crucial to successful implementation of these initiatives is a comprehensive understanding of the current ecological condition of landscapes and their spatial distributions. Here, we provide a cumulative measure of human modification of terrestrial lands based on modeling the physical extents of 13 anthropogenic stressors and their estimated impacts using spatially explicit global datasets with a median year of 2016. We quantified the degree of land modification and the amount and spatial configuration of low modified lands (i.e., natural areas relatively free from human alteration) across all ecoregions and biomes. We identified that fewer unmodified lands remain than previously reported and that most of the world is in a state of intermediate modification, with 52% of ecoregions classified as moderately modified. Given that these moderately modified ecoregions fall within critical land use thresholds, we propose that they warrant elevated attention and require proactive spatial planning to maintain biodiversity and ecosystem function before important environmental values are lost.
Effects of tannins and monensin on the modulation of in vitro ruminal fermentation and ammonia production of nitrogen‐fertilized and non‐fertilized Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu
Authors: Brutti Danielle Dias , De Paula Nelcino Francisco , Zervoudakis Joanis Tilemahos , Cabral Luciano da Silva , Fonseca Mozart Alves , Macedo Bruna Gomes , Lima Leni Rodrigues 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the increasing levels of tannin supplementation—0 (control—no additive), 2, 4 and 6 mg/g of dry matter (DM)—versus monensin (0.02 mg/g DM) on in vitro ruminal fermentation of either nitrogen (N)‐fertilized or non‐fertilized Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu. Ruminal fluid was obtained from two grazing Nellore bulls receiving 0.3% of the body weight of a supplement free of additives. The incubations were conducted for four consecutive weeks with gas production (GP) recorded up to 96 hr, whereas pH and ruminal ammonia (N‐NH3) were measured at 24 and 48 hr, and volatile fatty acids at 48 hr. Additionally, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) were measured at 24, 48 and 96 hr. The crude protein (CP) contents for N‐fertilized and non‐fertilized forages were 11.77% and 7.75, respectively. There was no interaction between forage and additives (p > 0.05) for fermentation kinetic parameters. Nitrogen fertilization reduced (p < 0.05) the theoretical maximum of gas production (ml) (a), the maximum gas production rate (ml/hr) (b) and the lag time (L). The inclusion of monensin reduced (p < 0.05) b and L compared with control and inclusion of tannin. In general, the inclusion of monensin and tannins reduced (p < 0.05) the IVDMD and IVNDFD. Compared to monensin, tannin reduced (p < 0.05) the N‐NH3 and the acetate:propionate ratio. The use of N fertilization in tropical forage reduces in vitro gas production. Tannins and monensin influence the modulation of ruminal fermentation mainly by reducing neutral detergent fiber (NDF) digestibility. Tannins reduce N‐NH3 concentration regardless of the use of N fertilization of Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu.
Molecular profiling of the biphasic components of hepatic carcinosarcoma by the use of targeted next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Zhang Xin , Bai Qianming , Xu Yifan , Wang Wei , Chen Lingli , Han Jing , Zhu Hongguang , Zhang Zhigang , Hou Yingyong , Zhou Jian , Zhou Yuhong , Ji Yuan 
Published: January 2019

AimsTo better understand the tumourogenesis and molecular features of hepatic carcinosarcoma (HCS).Methods and resultsWe selected 13 cases of HCS, including the clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features, and analysed the molecular alterations in separately microdissected carcinomatous and sarcomatous components in eight cases by using targeted next‐generation sequencing with a panel of 329 cancer‐related genes. As a result, transitional areas were observed between the two components of HCS in all cases. Concordance and overlap in genetic alterations were identified in the two histological components of the eight HCS patients, indicating the clonal relatedness of the two tumour components. The most common gene alterations found in both components were TP53 (75%, 6/8) and NF1/2 (38%, 3/8) mutations and VEGFA amplification (25%, 2/8), which may be strongly associated with HCS tumorigenesis. Unique mutations and amplifications found only in one component were also identified. Amplifications involving MET (38%, n = 3/8) and PDGFRA (25%, n = 2/8) were present only in the sarcomatous components, whereas mutation affecting ERBB4 (25%, n = 2/8) and amplifications of CCND1 and FGF3/4/19 (38%, n = 3/8) were present only in the carcinomatous components, indicating their involvement in the clonal evolution of HCS. Furthermore, multiple potential therapeutic targets were identified for HCS.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that HCS could have been of monoclonal origin, and that the diverse clonal evolution might be driven by special molecular alterations in each tumour component. Our results also identify multiple therapeutic targets of HCS, which are valuable for the personalised treatment of HCS.
Exploring soybean management options for environments with contrasting water availability
Authors: Di Mauro Guido , Borrás Lucas , Rugeroni Pablo , Rotundo Jose L. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractSoybean is commonly cultivated under rainfed conditions being water availability the main constraint. We evaluated the performance of different managements under contrasting water availability to test possible trade‐offs among managements, and to determine physiological variables explaining these yield differences. Four treatments were designed through specific combinations of cultivar, row spacing and stand density. They were classified as stress tolerance or yield potential strategies and were evaluated under two contrasting water availability treatments. Treatments ranged from 349 to 954 mm total water availability. Water stress treatments yielded 72% and 59% of the well‐watered treatment each year, similar to frequent soybean water stress levels for our production region. Management treatments showed significant yield differences (p < 0.05), but the management × water availability interaction did not (p = 0.42). No management option helped reduce negative water stress effects. Highest yields were achieved using 0.25 m row spacing, a stand density of 60 pl per m2, and a high yield potential genotype. Yield variations were explained by differences in harvested seeds per unit area (R2 = 0.75; p < 0.001) and total N uptake at maturity (R2 = 0.93; p < 0.001) across environments. Because management strategies specifically tailored to cope with water shortages showed limited value, farmers need to target yield potential management options.
Chinese undergraduate students' perceptions of mobile learning: Conceptions, learning profiles, and approaches
Authors: Lin Xiao‐Fan , Deng Cailing , Hu Qintai , Tsai Chin‐Chung 
Published: January 2019

AbstractClose links between students' conceptions of and approaches to learning were established in the past research. However, only a few quantitative studies investigated this relationship particularly with regard to mobile learning (m‐learning). The correlation between learners' conceptions and approaches to m‐learning was analysed using a partial least squares analysis applied to data obtained from a sample of 971 undergraduate students in China. The results indicated that students' conceptions of m‐learning could be classified into reproductive, transitional, and constructive levels. Students may hold multiple m‐learning applications than a predominant one; hence, examining m‐learning as one monolithic entity may provide limited information. Latent profile analysis identified four learning profiles based on students' preferred m‐learning applications: passive, mixed, surface‐supportive, and high‐engagement.. Moreover, a general trend was observed, whereby students with reproductive and surface‐supportive learning profiles showed a tendency to adopt surface approaches, whereas those expressing constructive and mixed learning profiles were more inclined to adopt deep approaches. Interestingly, students with transitional conceptions and high‐engagement learning profiles tended to take both surface and deep approaches.
Defensive caesarean section: A reality and a recommended health care improvement for Romanian obstetrics
Authors: Ionescu Cringu Antoniu , Dimitriu Mihai , Poenaru Elena , Bănacu Mihai , Furău Gheorghe Otto , Navolan Dan , Ples Liana 
Published: January 2019

AbstractRationaleDefensive caesarean section (CS) has become one of the most common medical procedure worldwide. Additionally, performing CS in accordance with the patient's choice is an appropriate professional practice.Aims and ObjectiveThis paper reports a prospective, observational, multicenter study to quantify the use of this type of practice that is performed by obstetricians to avoid medico‐legal complaints and decrease the frequency of malpractice litigations.MethodsWe interviewed 73 obstetricians from three distinct units of obstetrics and gynaecology, to assess their opinion regarding defensive caesarean delivery and caesarean delivery performed upon maternal request. We conducted an opinion‐based survey using questionnaires based on nine, close‐ended questions.ResultsOut of 73 respondents, 51 (69.9%) stated that they perform defensive CS; 63 (86.3%) declared that their choice of birth delivery is influenced by the risk of being accused of malpractice; 60 (82.2%) indicated that it is normal for the patient to be able to decide on the type of delivery; and 63 (86.3%) declared that they consult their patients regarding their delivery preferences. We found statistically significant differences between the respondents who declare that they perform defensive CS (69.9%) and those who said that they are influenced by the risk of malpractice when they choose the method of delivery for their patients (86.3%) (P < .001; McNemar Test).ConclusionsThe results of our study indicate that defensive caesarean section is a widespread practice among obstetrics practitioners in Romania.
Morphological and Molecular Identification of a New Ciliate, Zoothamnium palmphlatum nov. spec. (Ciliophora, Peritrichia) from North China
Authors: Wang Xueyan , Ji Daode 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA new peritrichous ciliate, Zoothamnium palmphlatum nov. spec., was collected from an estuary in Yantai, China. It was investigated, using both live observation and silver staining. The new species can be identified by a palm‐shaped colony consisting of highly developed and alternately arranged secondary branches, a double‐layered peristomial lip, and an infundibular polykinety 3 composed of two parallel kinetosomal rows. Phylogenetic analyses of the small subunit (SSU) rRNA gene sequence show that Z. palmphlatum clusters with other members of the family Zoothamniidae. Furthermore, the comparison of primary and secondary SSU rDNA structures indicates that Z. palmphlatum is distinctly different from its morphologically similar species (93.2–97.0% in sequence similarity) in combination of H10 and H31 regions. Although Z. palmphlatum shares highest sequence similarity with Zoothamnium mucedo (98.9%), the new species has distinctly different structures in the H11, H12, H18, and H31 regions compared to Z. mucedo, which indicates that sequence similarity may not determine the similarity of the secondary structure.
Developing behavioural indicators for intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour for ICD‐11 disorders of intellectual development
Authors: Tassé M. J. , Balboni G. , Navas P. , Luckasson R. , Nygren M. A. , Belacchi C. , Bonichini S. , Reed G. M. , Kogan C. S. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBackgroundWe present the work conducted to arrive at deriving behavioural indicators that could be used to guide clinical judgement in determining the presence and severity of deficits in intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour for the purpose of making a diagnosis of disorders of intellectual development.MethodsAn interdisciplinary expert panel provided guidance in developing behavioural indicators for intellectual functioning. A national dataset of adaptive behaviour on a sample of individuals with a diagnosis of intellectual disability was used to develop the behavioural indicators for the adaptive behaviour. The adaptive behaviour data were analysed using a cluster analysis procedure to define the different severity groupings by chronological age groups.ResultsWe present a series of tables containing behavioural indicators across the lifespan for intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour, including conceptual, social and practical skills. These tables of behavioural indicators have been proposed for use in the clinical version of the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD‐11) to be published by the World Health Organization.ConclusionsThe proposed behavioural indicators for disorders of ID described in the present article and to be included in the ICD‐11 Clinical Descriptions and Diagnostic Guidelines are put forth to assist professionals in making an informed clinical decision regarding an individual's level of intellectual functioning and adaptive behaviour for the purpose of making a determination about the presence and severity of disorders of ID.
The mechanical hypothesis of septal aperture formation tested in an early medieval population from Ostrów Lednicki (Poland)
Authors: Myszka Anna , Kubicka Anna M. , Tomczyk Jacek 
Published: January 2019

AbstractThe aetiology of septal aperture formation is still an open question. The influence of bone robusticity, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, and the size and shape of ulnar processes has been discussed. Some researchers have shown that weaker muscles lead to greater joint hypermobility, the impingement of ulnar processes on the humeral lamina, and, consequently, septal aperture formation. Assuming this theory is correct, the question is whether flexion or extension or both play a role in septal lamina perforation. The aim of the study was to examine the mechanical hypothesis of septal aperture formation in samples of skeletal material derived from an early medieval cemetery in Ostrów Lednicki (Poland). A total of 136 pairs of bones (humeri and ulnae) were examined. Septal aperture was scored as present or absent. Entheseal changes in ulna were used as markers of activity patterns, especially involving elbow extension and flexion. Entheseal changes were assessed based on a three‐point rating scale. A significant negative correlation between septal aperture and triceps muscles was noted in right bones in females (τ = –0.331) and in both sexes combined (τ = −0.322). The relationship between septal aperture and the brachialis muscle was positive but non‐significant. This means that looser triceps lead to greater looseness of the elbow, greater protrusion of the olecranon process, and consequent septal aperture formation. Different results were obtained for the brachialis, which may suggest that forearm flexion does not significantly affect septal lamina perforation.