bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of nest site orientation on the breeding success of blue swallowsHirundo atrocaeruleain South Africa
Authors: Evans Steven W. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe globally threatened blue swallowHirundo atrocaerulea, with <1500 pairs remaining, is an intra‐African migrant, breeding in eight countries in East Africa and Southern Africa, with nonbreeding birds in four countries in East Africa. Blue swallows build an open cup‐shaped nest out of mud and straw in an existing hole in the ground. An updated description of a blue swallow's nest site is that it is a hole in the ground, that faces in a region‐specific direction that maximizes reproductive success, with a roof or overhang or vegetation sufficient to keep the rain off the nest and its contents. Blue swallow breeding success was significantly different between KwaZulu‐Natal and Mpumalanga but, within each province, not between natural and artificial nest sites. Based on the number of fledglings per egg, blue swallow breeding success in Mpumalanga was best in north‐ and west‐facing nest sites, and in KwaZulu‐Natal, breeding success was best in north‐ and east‐facing nest sites. Artificial nest sites should continue to be created for blue swallows that are north to west facing in Mpumalanga (and possibly in Swaziland), and north to east facing in KwaZulu‐Natal.
Pre‐operative brachial plexus block compared with an identical block performed at the end of surgery: a prospective, double‐blind, randomised clinical trial
Authors: Holmberg A. , Sauter A. R. , Klaastad Ø. , Drægni T. , Ræder J. C. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryWe evaluated whether pre‐emptive analgesia with a pre‐operative ultrasound‐guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block resulted in better postoperative analgesia than an identical block performed postoperatively. Fifty‐two patients undergoing fixation of a fractured radius were included. All patients received general anaesthesia with remifentanil and propofol. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups: a pre‐operative block or a postoperative block with 0.5 ml.kg−1 ropivacaine 0.75%. After surgery, all patients received regular paracetamol plus opioids for breakthrough pain. Mean (SD) time to first rescue analgesic after emergence from general anaesthesia was 544 (217) min in the pre‐operative block group compared with 343 (316) min in the postoperative block group (p = 0.015). Postoperative pain scores were higher and more patients required rescue analgesia during the first 4 h after surgery in the postoperative block group. There were no significant differences in plasma stress mediators between the groups. Analgesic consumption was lower at day seven in the pre‐operative block group. Pain was described as very strong at block resolution in 27 (63%) patients and 26 (76%) had episodes of mild pain after 6 months. We conclude that a pre‐operative ultrasound‐guided infraclavicular brachial plexus block provides longer and better analgesia in the acute postoperative period compared with an identical postoperative block in patients undergoing surgery for fractured radius.
Compartmentalized cAMP responses to prostaglandin EP2 receptor activation in human airway smooth muscle cells
Authors: Agarwal Shailesh R , Miyashiro Kathryn , Latt Htun , Ostrom Rennolds S , Harvey Robert D 
Published: June 2017

Background and PurposePrevious studies indicate that prostaglandin EP2 receptors selectively couple to AC2 in non‐lipid raft domains of airway smooth muscle (ASM) cells, where they regulate specific cAMP‐dependent responses. The goal of the present study was to identify the cellular microdomains where EP2 receptors stimulate cAMP production.Experimental ApproachFRET‐based cAMP biosensors were targeted to different subcellular locations of primary human ASM cells. The Epac2‐camps biosensor, which expresses throughout the cell, was used to measure bulk cytoplasmic responses. Epac2‐MyrPalm and Epac2‐CAAX were used to measure responses associated with lipid raft and non‐raft regions of the plasma membrane respectively. Epac2‐NLS was used to monitor responses at the nucleus.Key ResultsActivation of AC with forskolin or β2‐adrenoceptors with isoprenaline increased cAMP in all subcellular locations. Activation of EP2 receptors with butaprost produced cAMP responses that were most readily detected by the non‐raft and nuclear sensors, but only weakly detected by the cytosolic sensor and not detected at all by the lipid raft sensor. Exposure to rolipram, a PDE4 inhibitor, unmasked the ability of EP2 receptors to increase cAMP levels associated with lipid raft domains. Overexpression of AC2 selectively increased EP2 receptor‐stimulated production of cAMP in non‐raft membrane domains.Conclusions and ImplicationsEP2 receptor activation of AC2 leads to cAMP production in non‐raft and nuclear compartments of human ASMs, while β2 adrenoceptor signalling is broadly detected across microdomains. The activity of PDE4 appears to play a role in maintaining the integrity of compartmentalized EP2 receptor responses in these cells.
Racial Categorization Predicts Implicit Racial Bias in Preschool Children
Authors: Setoh Peipei , Lee Kristy J. J. , Zhang Lijun , Qian Miao K. , Quinn Paul C. , Heyman Gail D. , Lee Kang 
Published: June 2017

This research investigated the relation between racial categorization and implicit racial bias in majority and minority children. Chinese and Indian 3‐ to 7‐year‐olds from Singapore (N = 158) categorized Chinese and Indian faces by race and had their implicit and explicit racial biases measured. Majority Chinese children, but not minority Indian children, showed implicit bias favoring own race. Regardless of ethnicity, children's racial categorization performance correlated positively with implicit racial bias. Also, Chinese children, but not Indian children, displayed explicit bias favoring own race. Furthermore, children's explicit bias was unrelated to racial categorization performance and implicit bias. The findings support a perceptual–social linkage in the emergence of implicit racial bias and have implications for designing programs to promote interracial harmony.
Unpicking the Developmental Relationship Between Oral Language Skills and Reading Comprehension: It's Simple, But Complex
Authors: Lervåg Arne , Hulme Charles , Melby‐Lervåg Monica 
Published: June 2017

Listening comprehension and word decoding are the two major determinants of the development of reading comprehension. The relative importance of different language skills for the development of listening and reading comprehension remains unclear. In this 5‐year longitudinal study, starting at age 7.5 years (n = 198), it was found that the shared variance between vocabulary, grammar, verbal working memory, and inference skills was a powerful longitudinal predictor of variations in both listening and reading comprehension. In line with the simple view of reading, listening comprehension, and word decoding, together with their interaction and curvilinear effects, explains almost all (96%) variation in early reading comprehension skills. Additionally, listening comprehension was a predictor of both the early and later growth of reading comprehension skills.
Critical discourse analysis of perspectives on knowledge and the knowledge society within the Sustainable Development Goals
Authors: Cummings Sarah , Regeer Barbara , de Haan Leah , Zweekhorst Marjolein , Bunders Joske 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCritical discourse analysis (CDA) is employed to analyze discourses of knowledge and the knowledge society in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Discourse analysis is a collective name for a number of scientific methodologies for analyzing semiosis, namely how meaning is created and communicated though written, vocal or sign language. Employing a genealogical approach which locates discourses in the field of prior discourses, two prior discourses of the knowledge society are identified in the key document of the SDGs. The concepts knowledge and knowledge society are found to have a marginal position within the main policy document “Transforming our world,” adopted by the United Nations in September 2015. The techno‐scientific‐economic discourse is found to be dominant at the level of implementation and of goals, while there is some evidence of the pluralist‐participatory discourse at the level of vision and strategy. Analysis of some of the policy advice provided by international organizations and civil society indicates that more pluralist‐participatory discourses on knowledge were represented when the SDGs were being formulated. Developed countries and the corporate sector were very influential in determining the final text and were probably instrumental in excluding more transformational discourses and maintaining the status quo.
Complexity and biosemiotics in evolutionary ecology of zoonotic infectious agents
Authors: Kosoy Michael , Kosoy Roman 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMore is not automatically better. Generation and accumulation of information reflecting the complexity of zoonotic diseases as ecological systems do not necessarily lead to improved interpretation of the obtained information and understanding of these complex systems. The traditional conceptual framework for analysis of diseases ecology is neither designed for, nor adaptable enough, to absorb the mass of diverse sources of relevant information. The multidirectional and multidimensional approaches to analyses form an inevitable part in defining a role of zoonotic pathogens and animal hosts considering the complexity of their inter‐relations. And the more data we have, the more involved the interpretation needs to be. The keyword for defining the roles of microbes as pathogens, animals as hosts, and environmental parameters as infection drivers is “functional importance.” Microbes can act as pathogens toward their host only if/when they recognize the animal organism as the target. The same is true when the host recognizes the microbe as a pathogen rather than harmless symbiont based on the context of its occurrence in that host. Here, we propose conceptual tools developed in the realm of the interdisciplinary sciences of complexity and biosemiotics for extending beyond the currently dominant mindset in ecology and evolution of infectious diseases. We also consider four distinct hierarchical levels of perception guiding how investigators can approach zoonotic agents, as a subject of their research, representing differences in emphasizing particular elements and their relations versus more unified systemic approaches.
Mutation in IL36RN impairs the processing and regulatory function of the interleukin‐36‐receptor antagonist and is associated with DITRA syndrome
Authors: Bal Elodie , Lim Ai Ching , Shen Min , Douangpanya Jason , Madrange Marine , Gazah Rihab , Tauber Marie , Beghdadi Walid , Casanova Jean Laurent , Bourrat Emmanuelle , Bachelez Hervé , Towne Jennifer E. , Smahi Asma 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe identification of loss‐of‐function mutations of the IL36RN gene encoding the interleukin‐36 receptor antagonist (IL‐36Ra) in generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) emphasized the key role of this pathway in skin innate immunity and systemic inflammation. It has been previously shown in vitro that removal of the N‐terminal amino acid IL36Ra (M1) is critical to its biological activity, but the in vivo contribution of this processing remains unknown. We report herein a new homozygous (c4G>T, pV2F) missense IL36RN mutation segregating in a family with three GPP‐affected patients. The V2F mutation does not alter IL‐36Ra protein expression but was devoid of any antagonist activity. Mass spectrometry showed that the V2F IL‐36Ra mutant retains its first N‐terminal methionine. These results provide the first in vivo demonstration that removal of N‐terminal methionine of native IL‐36Ra is a mandatory step to reach optimal antagonist activity and to prevent sustained skin and systemic inflammation in humans.
Geographic variation in liver transplantation persists despite implementation of Share35
Authors: Stine Jonathan G. , Northup Patrick G. , Stukenborg George J. , Cornella Scott L. , Maluf Daniel G. , Pelletier Shawn J. , Argo Curtis K. 
Published: June 2017

AimGeographic disparities persist in the USA despite locoregional organ sharing policies. The impact of national organ sharing policies on waiting‐list mortality on a regional basis remains unknown.MethodsData on all adult liver transplants between 1 February 2002 and 31 March 2015 were obtained from the United Network for Organ Sharing/Organ and Transplantation Network. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were constructed in a time‐to‐event analysis to estimate waiting‐list mortality for the pre‐ and post‐Share35 eras.ResultsIn the analyzed time period, 134 247 patients were listed for transplantation and 54 510 received organs (42.8%). Listing volume increased following the introduction of the Share35 organ sharing policy (15 976 candidates pre‐ vs. 18 375 post) without significant regional changes as did the number of transplants (7210 pre‐ vs. 8224 post). Waiting‐list mortality improved from 12.2% to 8.1% (P < 0.001). Adjusted waiting‐list mortality ratios remained geographically disparate. Region 10 and region 11 had lower hazard ratios (HR) but still had increased mortality (1.46, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.34–1.60, P < 0.001; and HR 1.49, 95% CI 1.37–1.62, P < 0.001, respectively). Regions 3 and 6 had increased HR with persistently elevated waiting‐list mortality (1.79, 95% CI 1.66–1.93, P < 0.001; and HR 1.29, 95% CI 1.16–1.45, P < 0.001, respectively). Model for End‐state Liver Disease (MELD) exception continued to propagate a survival benefit (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.63–0.68, P < 0.001).ConclusionsAlthough overall waiting‐list mortality has decreased, geographic disparities persist, but appear reduced despite broader sharing policies enacted by Share35. The advantage afforded by MELD exception, while still present, was diminished by Share35 as organs are being shifted to MELD >35 candidates. The disparities highlighted by our findings imply a need to review current allocation policies to best balance local, regional, and national transplant environments.
Three novel HBB mutations, c.‐140C>G (‐90 C>G), c.237_256delGGACAACCTCAAGGGCACCT (FS Cd 78/85 ‐20 bp), and c.315+2T>G (IVS2:2 T>G). Update of the mutational spectrum of β‐Thalassemia in Mexican mestizo patients
Authors: Rizo‐de‐la‐Torre L. C. , Ibarra B. , Sánchez‐López J. Y. , Magaña‐Torres M. T. , Rentería‐López V. M. , Perea‐Díaz F. J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroductionBeta‐thalassemia (β‐thal) is frequent in Mexican patients with microcytosis and hypochromia. We report three novel mutations and analyze the actual mutational spectrum in Mexican population.MethodsOne hundred and forty‐nine β‐thal Mexican mestizo patients were studied (154 alleles). ARMS‐PCR was performed to identify Cd39C>T, IVS1:1G>A, IVS1:110G>A, ‐28A>C, initiation codonA>G and IVS1:5G>A mutations, and gap‐PCR for δβ‐thal Spanish type. DNA sequencing of HBB gene was carried out in negative samples for the initial screening.ResultsFifteen different HBB gene mutations were observed in 148 alleles; three of them are novel: ‐90C>G, 20 bp deletion (at codons 78/85), and IVS2:2T>G; the mutation IVS1:6T>C that was observed for first time in our population; and eleven previously described mutations. Six alleles showed normal HBB sequence. To date, a total of 21 different mutations have been observed in Mexican patients; the four most frequent mutations are of Mediterranean origin: Cd39C>T (37.2%), IVS1:1G>A (17.3%), IVS1:110G>A (13.9%), and δβ‐thal Spanish type (9.0%), which represent 77.4% of the total studied alleles.ConclusionConsidering the novel mutations ‐90C>G, ‐20 bp Cd78/85, IVS2:2T>G and the first observation of IVS1:6T>C, the molecular spectrum of β‐thal in Mexicans comprises 21 different mutations, confirming the high allelic heterogeneity in Mexicans.
CD11c expression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia revisited, related with complications and survival
Authors: Umit E. G. , Baysal M. , Durmus Y. , Demir A. M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractintroductionChronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disorder of mature but dysfunctional monoclonal B cells. Microenvironment, antigenic stimulation and genetical mutations are demonstrated in etiopathogenesis. We aimed to evaluate the expression of CD11c in patients with CLL and its possible clinical significance.MethodsData of 259 patients with CLL between 2010 and 2016 in Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, including age at diagnosis, sex, whole blood count, stage, percentage of CLL cells in bone marrow, line of treatments, development of Richter's transformation and secondary tumors, autoimmune complications, IgG level, prognostic cytogenetic analysis, and length of survival were recorded from files.Results151 patients were male (58.3%) and 108 were male (41.7%). Mean age was 70 (21‐92) years. CD11c was observed to be positive (>%20) in 103 patients (39.8%). Development of Richter's transformation, secondary tumors and ITP was significantly frequent in patients with CD11c positivity (P values .000, .003, .000 respectively). Also, IgG levels were significantly lower in this group (P = .000). Hemoglobin level, RAI stage and bone marrow CLL infiltration percentage were statistically related with CD11c (P values .036, .037, .000 respectively). Finally, CD11c was statistically related (in positive group 70 months, negative group 79 months, P = .001).ConclusionCD11c, expressed not only in Hairy cell leukemia but also in dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes is a differentiation marker for inflammation. Prolonged inflammation in the microenvironment of CLL cells may cause a susceptibility to autoimmune disorders and secondary tumors in CLL, in this way, an increase in mortality.
Thrombophilic gene polymorphisms and recurrent pregnancy loss in Greek women
Authors: Chatzidimitriou M. , Chatzidimitriou D. , Mavridou M. , Anetakis C. , Chatzopoulou F. , Lialiaris T. , Mitka S. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIntroductionRecurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a multifactorial disorder. The aim of this study was the detection of various genetic polymorphisms and their correlation to RPL, in Greek women.MethodsThe impact of 12 thrombophilic polymorphisms was evaluated, among 48 Greek women with a history of RPL, vs 27 healthy parous women. Multiplex PCR and in situ hybridization on nitrocellulose films were performed, to investigate 12 genetic polymorphisms previously reported as risk factors for RPL.ResultsHeterozygous FV Leiden, homozygous PAI‐1 4G/4G, heterozygous MTHFR C677T, homozygous MTHFR A1298C, as much as the combined thrombophilic genotypes MTHFR 677T + ACE Ι/D, MTHFR 677T/1298C + ACE D/D, ACE I/D + b‐fibrinogen ‐455 G/A, FV HR2 + b‐fibrinogen ‐455 G/A showed a correlation as risk factors for RPL, whereas the rest of the investigated polymorphisms and their combinations did not render statistically significant differences between the two groups in study.ConclusionThe results of this study, as well as those of similar studies, concerning the detection of genetic, environmental, and physiological factors underlying RPL, will prove of critical significance in the investigation and treatment of thrombophilic predisposition, in cases of RPL.
Interactive evolutionary approaches to multiobjective feature selection
Authors: Özmen Müberra , Karakaya Gülşah , Köksalan Murat 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn feature selection problems, the aim is to select a subset of features to characterize an output of interest. In characterizing an output, we may want to consider multiple objectives such as maximizing classification performance, minimizing number of selected features or cost, etc. We develop a preference‐based approach for multiobjective feature selection problems. Finding all Pareto‐optimal subsets may turn out to be a computationally demanding problem and we still would need to select a solution. Therefore, we develop interactive evolutionary approaches that aim to converge to a subset that is highly preferred by the decision maker (DM). We test our approaches on several instances simulating DM preferences by underlying preference functions and demonstrate that they work well.
Stochastic multiple‐criteria decision making with 2‐tuple aspirations: a method based on disappointment stochastic dominance
Authors: Liang Xia , Jiang Yanping , Liu Peide 
Published: June 2017

AbstractConsidering the disappointment aversion behavior of decision makers, we define three types of disappointment stochastic dominance rules and disappointment stochastic dominance degree between two stochastic variables. Then we prove some important properties of disappointment stochastic dominance. With respect to the stochastic multiple‐criteria decision‐making (SMCDM) problem with criterion 2‐tuple aspirations, a novel method based on disappointment stochastic dominance is proposed. To begin with, based on the 2‐tuple aspiration on each criterion, for the situations of discrete and continuous stochastic criterion values, the aspiration alternative and its cumulative distribution functions of stochastic criterion values are constructed. Next, the disappointment stochastic dominance relation between each alternative and aspiration alternative is determined based on the definition of disappointment stochastic dominance. Further, the corresponding disappointment stochastic dominance degree is calculated. And the overall disappointment stochastic dominance degree of each alternative over the aspiration alternative is calculated to obtain the ranking result. Finally, an example of selecting desirable computer development project(s) is given to illustrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed method.