bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling landscape connectivity for greater horseshoe bat using an empirical quantification of resistance
Authors: Pinaud David , Claireau Fabien , Leuchtmann Maxime , Kerbiriou Christian 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Habitat fragmentation and isolation as a result of human activities have been recognized as great threats to population viability. Evaluating landscape connectivity in order to identify and protect linkages has therefore become a key challenge in applied ecology and conservation.

One useful approach to evaluate connectivity is least‐cost path (LCP) analysis. However, several studies have highlighted importance of parameterization with empirical, biologically relevant proxies of factors affecting movements as well as the need to validate the LCP model with an independent dataset.

We used LCP analysis incorporating quantitative, empirical data about behaviour of the greater horseshoe bat Rhinolophus ferrumequinum to build up a model of functional connectivity in relation to landscape connecting features. We then validated the accumulated costs surface from the LCP model with two independent datasets; one at an individual level with radiotracking data and one at a population level with acoustic data.

When defining resistance, we found that the probability of bat presence in a hedgerow is higher when the distance between hedgerows is below 38 m, and decrease rapidly when gaps are larger than 50 m. The LCP model was validated by both datasets: the independent acoustic data showed that the probability of bat presence was significantly higher in areas with lower accumulated costs, and the radiotracking data showed that foraging was more likely in areas where accumulated costs were significantly lower.

Synthesis and applications. Through our modelling approach, we recommend a maximum of 38 m (and no more than 50 m) between connecting features around colonies of greater horseshoe bats. Our quantitative study highlights the value of this framework for conservation: results are directly applicable in the field and the framework can be applied to other species sensitive to habitat loss, including other bats. Provided that it is parameterized with empirical, biologically relevant data, this modelling approach can be used for restoring and evaluating green networks in agri‐environmental schemes and management plans.
Regional Practice Patterns and Racial/Ethnic Differences in Intensity of End‐of‐Life Care
Authors: Wang Shi‐Yi , Hsu Sylvia H. , Huang Siwan , Doan Kathy C. , Gross Cary P. , Ma Xiaomei 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo examine whether regional practice patterns impact racial/ethnic differences in intensity of end‐of‐life care for cancer decedents.Data SourcesThe linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)‐Medicare database.Study DesignWe classified hospital referral regions (HRRs) based on mean 6‐month end‐of‐life care expenditures, which represented regional practice patterns. Using hierarchical generalized linear models, we examined racial/ethnic differences in the intensity of end‐of‐life care across levels of HRR expenditures.Principal FindingsThere was greater variation in intensity of end‐of‐life care among Hispanics, Asians, and whites in high‐expenditure HRRs than in low‐expenditure HRRs.ConclusionsLocal practice patterns may influence racial/ethnic differences in end‐of‐life care.
The Impact of Medicaid Managed Care Plan Type on Continuous Medicaid Enrollment: A Natural Experiment
Authors: Gordon Sarah H. , Lee Yoojin , Ndumele Chima D. , Vivier Patrick M. , Gutman Roee , Swaminathan Shailender , Gadbois Emily A. , Shield Renee R. , Kind Amy Jo Haavisto , Trivedi Amal N. 
Published: June 2018

ObjectiveTo assess the impact of assignment to a Medicaid‐focused versus mixed managed care plan on continuity of Medicaid coverage.Data Sources2011–2016 Medicaid claims from a Northeastern state.Study DesignFollowing the exit of a Medicaid managed care insurer, Medicaid administrators prioritized provider networks in reassigning enrollees, but randomly assigned beneficiaries whose providers were equally represented in the two plans. We leveraged the natural experiment created by random plan assignment and conducted an instrumental variable analysis.Data CollectionWe analyzed Medicaid claims for 12,083 beneficiaries who were members of the exiting Blue Cross Blue Shield plan prior to January 1, 2011.Principal FindingsManaged care plan type did not significantly impact continuous enrollment in the Medicaid program. Greater outpatient utilization and the presence of a special need among children were associated with longer enrollment in Medicaid.ConclusionsManaged care plans did not differ in their capacity to keep Medicaid beneficiaries continuously enrolled in coverage, despite differences in plan features.
Traveling There and Back Again: A Fingernail's Tale
Authors: Mancuso Christy J. , Ehleringer James R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThis study focuses on the examination of stable isotope biomarkers in human fingernails of travelers who ventured away from Salt Lake City, UT and subsequently returned. Here, we describe three case studies examining: individual travelers (n = 4), paired travelers (n = 2), and a traveler (n = 1) who repeatedly left and returned. Our case studies examined the influences of dietary and drinking water inputs on fingernail stable isotope profiles for reconstructing travel histories. Stable isotope data were compared with theoretical and predictive models that laid the groundwork for anthropological and forensic geospatial reconstruction of travel histories. Drinking water inputs strongly influenced stable isotope profiles and the patterns observed were consistent with reported travel histories. Finally, observed fingernail stable isotope ratio data were consistent with modeled rates of stable isotope turnover and transition to expected values for the new environment. The results of our study further support the use of fingernail tissues for travel history reconstruction.
Prognostic value of the number of negative lymph nodes in esophageal carcinoma without lymphatic metastasis
Authors: Wu HanRan , Liu ChangQing , Xu MeiQing , Guo MingFa , Xu ShiBin , Xie MingRan 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundThe impact of the number of negative lymph nodes (LNs) on survival in patients with esophageal cancer remains a controversial issue. This study investigated the association between the number of resected LNs and the prognosis of patients with node‐negative esophageal carcinoma.MethodsA retrospective review was performed of the data of 429 patients who underwent esophagectomy with modern two‐field lymphadenectomy for the treatment of esophageal cancer between January 1998 and December 2008. Histopathology showed no LN involvement in the patient sample. The prognostic impact of the number of negative LNs and the clinicopathological factors were analyzed.ResultsThe overall median survival time and the one, three, and five‐year overall survival rates were 63.0 months and 78.5%, 64.0%, and 51.2%, respectively. Survival analysis confirmed that the number of negative LNs and the depth of tumor invasion were independent prognostic factors. Patients with a high number of negative LNs had a better overall survival rate than patients with a low number of negative LNs (P < 0.001). Patients with dissected LNs > 14 for pT1 tumors (P < 0.001) and > 19 for pT2–3 tumors (P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively) had better long‐term survival outcomes.ConclusionsThe number of negative LNs is an independent prognostic factor for node‐negative esophageal carcinoma. Extended LN dissection is recommended to improve the survival of patients with node‐negative esophageal carcinoma.
S100B and Inflammatory Cytokine Levels in Blood as Potential Markers of Blood–Brain Barrier Damage and Psychiatric Impairment in Comorbid Hepatitis C Viral Infection and Alcohol Use Disorder
Authors: Loftis Jennifer M. , Valerio Juno , Taylor Jonathan , Huang Elaine , Hudson Rebekah , Taylor‐Young Patricia , Chang Michael , Ho Samuel B. , Dieperink Eric , Miranda Juan Luis , Hauser Peter 
Published: June 2018

BackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and alcohol use disorder (AUD) both adversely affect the immune system resulting in alterations in immune cell signaling and inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to investigate how comorbid AUD contributes to abnormalities in inflammatory mediators and psychiatric impairments in adults with HCV.MethodsAlcohol use, mood, and inflammatory factors were evaluated at 3 time points (baseline, week 4, and week 12) in Veterans with HCV, with (n = 42) and without (n = 13) comorbid AUD. Peripheral indices of immune activation, blood–brain barrier (BBB) damage (S100 calcium‐binding protein B [S100B]), liver function, and viral load were measured using immunoassays and polymerase chain reaction assays.ResultsComorbid AUD was associated with increased symptoms of depression and anxiety, elevated levels of liver enzymes, and altered expression of inflammatory factors. Alcohol consumption was positively correlated with the severity of psychiatric symptoms. Univariate analysis identified significant group differences in interleukin (IL)‐8 (p = 0.006), IL‐10 (p = 0.03), and S100B (p = 0.048), with increased levels in participants with AUD, which persisted over time despite reductions in alcohol use and no significant change in HCV viral load. Statistically significant effects of study group or time were not found for the other immune factors assessed. Exploratory receiver operating characteristic curve analysis evaluated the ability of IL‐8, IL‐10, and S100B to differentiate between levels of alcohol consumption and generated biomarker cutoff values used to identify low risk and unhealthy alcohol use groups.ConclusionsThese results demonstrate that HCV and comorbid AUD are associated with greater psychiatric impairments, potentially resulting from increased inflammation, dysregulated cytokine expression, and compromised BBB function. Alcohol‐induced BBB damage may increase the risk of neuropathological consequences within the context of chronic HCV infection.
Which institutional investor types are the most informed?
Authors: Chen Zhe , Forsberg David , Gallagher David R. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractWe examine the informativeness of quarterly disclosed portfolio holdings across four institutional investor types: hedge funds, mutual funds, pension funds and private banking firms. Overweight positions outperform underweight positions only for hedge funds. By decomposing holdings and stock returns, we find that hedge funds are superior to other institutional investors both at picking industries and stocks and that they are better at forecasting long‐term as well as short‐term returns. Furthermore, our results show that hedge funds, mutual funds and pension funds are able to successfully time the market. The outperformance of hedge funds is not explained by a liquidity premium.
Temperature can limit the invasion range of the ambrosia beetle Euwallacea nr. fornicatus
Authors: Umeda Colin , Paine Timothy 
Published: June 2018

Abstract

Temperature heavily affects the development rate of insects. Until temperatures become too extreme, insects will generally experience greater rates of development at higher temperatures and slower rates of development at lower temperatures.
The invasive ambrosia beetle Euwallacea nr. fornicatus Eichhoff, referred to as the polyphagous shot hole borer (PSHB), was tested for development rates at a range of temperatures between 15 and 32 °C.
Based on the development rates recorded, it was calculated that the tmin, tmax and topt were 13.34, 33.08 and 27.51 °C, respectively.
The number of degree days required for PSHB to complete development from egg to adult was estimated to be approximately 398 degree days.
These results can be used to predict the potential distribution of PSHB, as well as where climatic factors may limit their establishment. Furthermore, the development information can be of use when predicting an increase in beetle activity.
Differences in cost consciousness between physicians and nurses in German neonatal intensive care units
Authors: Schmitz Hannah , Martakis Kyriakos , Roth Bernd , Pfaff Holger , Scholten Nadine 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimThis study assessed the cost consciousness of nurses and physicians in German neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and identified factors affecting cost consciousness.MethodsThis study on cost consciousness was part of the German Safety4NICU study, a cross‐sectional survey conducted from 2015 to 2016. All 224 German NICUs were invited to take part in the survey, and written consent was obtained from the leading physicians and nurses. The various professions were addressed via specific questionnaires. The cost survey tool identified the participants' responsibility and their desired focus on cost consciousness.ResultsOf the 1406 nurses and 496 physicians from 84 NICUs, 64.4% of the nurses and 62.5% of the physicians agreed that they shared responsibility for controlling costs. The computed score to define the overall cost consciousness level was 4.47. We identified a significantly positive association between cost consciousness, longer total clinical work experience and a decreased number of NICU intensive care beds. Increased cost consciousness was found in both men and physicians. Other hospital characteristics did not have an effect.ConclusionNeonatology is a medical speciality where the tension between economics and the benefit of patients is extremely high. We found a moderate level of cost consciousness among NICU physicians and nurses.
Low‐saturated‐fat and low‐cholesterol diet does not alter pubertal development and hormonal status in adolescents
Authors: Sadov Sergey , Virtanen Helena E. , Main Katharina M. , Andersson Anna‐Maria , Juul Anders , Jula Antti , Raitakari Olli T. , Pahkala Katja , Niinikoski Harri , Toppari Jorma 
Published: June 2018

AbstractAimThe aim was to assess the influence of dietary counselling on the pubertal development and hormonal status in healthy adolescents.MethodsWe used a subcohort of 193 healthy boys (52%) and girls (48%) from the Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project. Participants were recruited by nurses at the well‐baby clinics in Turku Finland in 1990–1992 and randomised into intervention and control groups. Intervention children received low‐saturated fat and low‐cholesterol dietary counselling initiated at seven months of age. Participants were examined once a year with Tanner staging, anthropometric measurements and serial reproductive hormones from 10 to 19 years of age. In girls, postmenarcheal hormones were not analysed.ResultsPubertal hormones in boys or girls did not differ between the intervention and control groups. However, we observed slight differences in pubertal progression by Tanner staging and in anthropometric parameters. The intervention boys progressed faster to G4 (p = 0.008), G5 (p = 0.008) and P5 (p = 0.03). The intervention boys were taller than control boys (p = 0.04), while weight and body mass index did not differ.ConclusionDietary intervention did not affect pubertal hormonal status. This finding supports the safety of implemented counselling in respect to puberty.
Potential mechanisms in fear of birth: The role of pain catastrophizing and intolerance of uncertainty
Authors: Rondung Elisabet , Ekdahl Johanna , Sundin Örjan 
Published: June 2018

AbstractBackgroundAlthough many pregnant women experience fear, worry, or anxiety relating to the upcoming birth, little is known regarding the psychological mechanisms contributing to these experiences. In this study, we wanted to take a first step in trying to identify mechanisms of potential interest. The objective of this cross‐sectional study was thus to investigate pain catastrophizing, intolerance of uncertainty, positive worry beliefs, and cognitive avoidance as potential mechanisms predicting fear of birth among pregnant women.MethodsA sample of 499 pregnant women, recruited in antenatal health care settings in 2 Swedish regions, completed the Fear of Birth Scale, along with measurements of the mechanisms of interest. Linear and logistic hierarchical regression analyses were used to investigate the extent to which pain catastrophizing, intolerance of uncertainty, positive worry beliefs, and cognitive avoidance predicted fear of birth, both as a continuous and a dichotomous measure.ResultsLogistic regression analysis showed high levels of pain catastrophizing and intolerance of uncertainty to be the best predictors of fear of birth, OR 3.49 (95% CI 2.17‐5.61) and OR 3.25 (95% CI 2.00‐5.27), respectively. Positive beliefs about worry and cognitive avoidance were both correlated with fear of birth as a continuous measure, but did not contribute to the logistic regression model.ConclusionsPain catastrophizing and intolerance of uncertainty were the most evident predictors of fear of birth. Although preliminary, the findings suggest that interventions targeting catastrophic cognitions and intolerance of uncertainty might be relevant to psychological treatment for fear, worry, or anxiety relating to giving birth.
Sinapic acid phenethyl ester as a potent selective 5‐lipoxygenase inhibitor: Synthesis and structure–activity relationship
Authors: Touaibia Mohamed , Hébert Martin J. G. , Levesque Natalie A. , Doiron Jérémie A. , Doucet Marco S. , Jean‐François Jacques , Cormier Marc , Boudreau Luc H. , Surette Marc E. 
Published: June 2018

Given the hepatotoxicity and an unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile of zileuton (Zyflo®), currently the only approved and clinically used 5‐Lipoxygenase (5‐LO) inhibitor, the search for potent and safe 5‐LO inhibitors is highly demanded. The action of several phenolic acid phenethyl esters as potential 5‐Lipoxygenase (5‐LO) inhibitors has been investigated. For this purpose, a series of 14 phenethyl esters was synthesized and their impact on 5‐LO inhibition was evaluated. The effects of position and number of hydroxyl and methoxy groups on the phenolic acid were investigated. The shortening of the linker between the carbonyl and the catechol moiety as well as the presence of the α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl group was also explored. The sinapic acid phenethyl ester (10), which can be named SAPE (10) by analogy to caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), inhibited 5‐LO in a concentration‐dependent manner and outperformed both zileuton (1) and CAPE (2). With an IC50 of 0.3 μm, SAPE (10) was threefold more potent than CAPE (2) and 10‐fold more potent than zileuton (1), the only 5‐LO inhibitor approved for clinical use. Unlike CAPE (2), SAPE (10) had no effect on 12‐lipoxygenase (12‐LO) and less effect on cyclooxygenase 1 (COX‐1) which makes it a more selective 5‐LO inhibitor.
Retracted: Unified Framework for Efficient and Enriched Water Animation with Surface and Wave Foams
Authors: Kim Jong‐Hyun , Lee Jung 
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe above article from Computer Graphics Forum, published online on 28 June 2018 in Wiley Online Library (wileyonlinelibrary.com), has been retracted by agreement between the authors, the journal Editors Min Chen and Bedrich Benes and John Wiley & Sons Ltd. The retraction has been agreed due to both authors wishing to adhere to the high professional standard for academic publications.
“We Are Visioning It”: Aspirational Planning and the Material Landscapes of Delhi's Metro
Authors: Sadana Rashmi 
Published: June 2018

AbstractTo what extent is Delhi's metro rail system a social leveler and a global emblem of middle‐class modernity—in idea and practice? This essay illustrates how the language and aims of planning and infrastructural development achieve class‐based goals in a city of deep social inequalities. Based on fieldwork in Delhi, the essay details architects' visions and work practices on the Metro, and how they interact with new forms of technocratic governance instituted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. By breaking down the broader development‐based ideology that the Metro represents, the essay tracks how architects and planners are involved in diverse forms of “aspirational planning” that ultimately privilege and enact a notion of upward mobility rather than social equality.
Profilometric changes of peri‐implant tissues over 5 years: A randomized controlled trial comparing a one‐ and two‐piece implant system
Authors: Sapata Vitor Marques , Sanz-Martín Ignacio , Hämmerle Christoph H. F. , Cesar Neto João B. , Jung Ronald E. , Thoma Daniel S. 
Published: June 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the profilometric changes of the buccal soft tissues between baseline and 5 years of loading using a one‐ and two‐piece dental implant system.Materials and methodsSixty patients randomly received dental implants of either a two‐piece type (BRA) or a one‐piece type (STM). Casts were obtained at baseline (after crown insertion), at the 1‐year and at the 5‐year follow‐up. Stereolithography files were obtained from the casts for digital superimposition. One implant and the contralateral natural tooth were selected for the analysis. Thirty‐three patients (BRA = 16; STM = 17) were included. Measurements included changes for crown height (CH) and estimated soft tissue thickness, as well as the profilometric change at the implant and the tooth site. Nonparametric methods were applied for the statistical analyses and medians and quartiles presented.ResultsThe BRA group lost −0.39 mm and the STM group lost −0.40 mm of volume between baseline and the 5‐year follow‐up at the implant site (p > 0.05). The tooth site lost −0.18 mm (BRA) and −0.12 mm (STM) (p > 0.05). Volume differences between implants and teeth amounted to −0.05 mm (baseline to 1 year) and −0.25 mm (baseline to 5 years) for BRA, while for STM, the values were 0.03 mm (baseline to 1 year) and −0.16 mm (baseline to 5 years). The changes for implant CH at 1 and 5 years of follow‐up amounted 0.10 and 0.09 mm (BRA) and to 0.03 and 0.22 mm (STM). The changes in tissue thickness at 1 and 5 years in the BRA group amounted to −0.28 and −0.66 mm at 1 mm, −0.21 and −0.46 mm at 3 mm, and −0.32 and −0.45 mm at 5 mm, respectively. The changes in the STM group amounted to −0.15 and −0.54 mm at 1 mm, −0.24 and −0.48 mm at 3 mm, and −0.32 and −0.57 mm at 5 mm, respectively. No significantly different medians were observed.ConclusionsMinimal profilometric and linear changes occurred at implant sites between baseline and 5 years, between implant and tooth sites and between the two implant systems.