bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Validation of a radioimmunoassay-based fecal corticosteroid assay for Richardson’s ground squirrels Urocitellus richard-sonii and behavioural correlates of stress
Authors: Hare James F. , Ryan Calen P. , Enright Chris , Gardiner Laura E. , Skyner Lindsay J , Berkvens Charlene N. , Anderson W. Gary 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
We validated a radioimmunoassay-based method quantifying fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGMs) from captive male and female Richardson’s ground squirrels Urocitellus richardsonii. Blood samples were drawn to explore the correlation between plasma cortisol and FGM concentrations. We also injected groups of squirrels with normal saline (CTL; control), adre-nocorticotropic hormone (ACTH; stimulating adrenal activity), or dexamethasone (DEX; suppressing adrenal activity). Potential correlations between stress and behaviour were explored through quantification of fecal pellet production and the intervention necessary to elicit defecation, as well as the behaviour of subjects in the context of handling. Changes in plasma cortisol concentration between capture (baseline), and following handling (stress-induced) were also quantified for free-living squirrels. While glucocorticoid concentrations recovered from feces during our captive-animal study were not well correlated with plasma cortisol concentrations, and uncorrelated with defecation or behaviour, FGM concentrations did reflect the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. FGM concentrations increased significantly during initial captivity, but declined to baseline level as individuals acclimated to the novel environment. Injection of subjects with ACTH increased FGMs above baseline, confirming activation of the HPA axis. Plasma cortisol concentrations increased significantly with induced stress, indicating that capture and handling activated the glucocorticoid stress response even among previously handled, free-living subjects. Our findings validate a non-invasive tool that will afford new insight into the physiological processes underlying social, reproductive and antipredator behaviour of Richardson’s ground squirrels.
Persistent variation in spatial behavior affects the structure and function of interaction networks
Authors: Pinter-Wollman Noa 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The function of a network is affected by its structure. For example, the presence of highly interactive individuals, or hubs, influences the extent and rate of information spread across a network. In a network of interactions, the duration over which individual variation in interactions persists may affect how the network operates. Individuals may persist in their behavior over time and across situations, often referred to as personality. Colonies of social insects are an example of a biological system in which the structure of the coordinated networks of interacting workers may greatly influence information flow within the colony, and therefore its collective behavior. Here I investigate the effects of persistence in walking patterns on interaction networks using computer simulations that are parameterized using observed behavior of harvester ants. I examine how the duration of persistence in spatial behavior influences network structure. Furthermore, I explore how spatial features of the environment affect the relationship between persistent behavior and network structure. I show that as persistence increases, the skewness of the weighted degree distribution of the interaction network increases. However, this relationship holds only when ants are confined in a space with boundaries, but not when physical barriers are absent. These findings suggest that the influence of animal personalities on network structure and function depends on the environment in which the animals reside.
From foraging to autonoetic consciousness: The primal self as a consequence of embodied prospective foraging
Authors: Hills Thomas T. , Butterfill Stephen 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The capacity to adapt to resource distributions by modulating the frequency of exploratory and exploitative behaviors is common across metazoans and is arguably a principal selective force in the evolution of cognition. Here we (1) review recent work investigating behavioral and biological commonalities between external foraging in space and internal foraging over environments specified by cognitive representations, and (2) explore the implications of these commonalities for understanding the origins of the self. Behavioural commonalities include the capacity for what is known as area-restricted search in the ecological literature: this is search focussed around locations where resources have been found in the past, but moving away from locations where few resources are found, and capable of producing movement patterns mimicking Lévy flights. Area-restricted search shares a neural basis across metazoans, and these biological commonalities in vertebrates suggest an evolutionary homology between external and internal foraging. Internal foraging, and in particular a form we call embodied prospective foraging, makes available additional capacities for prediction based on search through a cognitive representation of the external environment, and allows predictions about outcomes of possible future actions. We demonstrate that cognitive systems that use embodied prospective foraging require a primitive sense of self, needed to distinguish actual from simulated action. This relationship has implications for understanding the evolution of autonoetic consciousness and self-awareness.
Spring and autumn migration of the red-breasted flycatcher through the Kizilirmak delta, Turkey
Authors: Erciyas-Yavuz Kiraz , Zduniak Piotr , Bariş Y. Sancar 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
The red-breasted flycatcher Ficedula parva is a small passerine bird that breeds in Eastern Europe and across central Asia and winters on the Indian subcontinent. Birds from the western extreme of the breeding range migrating to and from the wintering grounds utilise a large longitudinal component en route that is not typical of the majority of European passerines. Therefore, it is one of the lesser-known species in Europe with respect to migration and biometrics. The aim of this study is to describe the numbers, phenology and biometry of the red-breasted flycatcher in relation to age, sex and migration season at a stopover site in northern Turkey. The number of individuals ringed in autumn was six times higher than in the spring passage. Furthermore, the period of the spring passage was shorter than in autumn, and in spring males migrate six days earlier than females and juveniles; no such differences were found in autumn. Moreover, migrants carried more fuel reserves in spring than in autumn and no differences were recorded in the length of stopover duration. The study underlines the importance of further research into passerine migration across Turkey to better understand the whole migratory system of movements of the Palaearctic migratory passerine populations.
The movement of “false antennae” in butterflies with “false head” wing patterns
Authors: López-Palafox Tania G. , Luis-MartÍnez Armando , Cordero Carlos 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
In many butterfly species of the family Lycaenidae, the morphology and color pattern of the hind wings, together with certain behaviors, suggests the presence of a false head (FH) at the posterior end of the perching individual. This FH is considered an adaptation to escape from visually oriented predators. A frequent component of the FH are the tails that presumably resemble the antennae, and the typical hind wings back-and-forth movement along the sagittal plane (HWM) performed while perching apparently move the tails in a way that mimics antennal movement. By exposing 33 individuals from 18 species of Lycaenidae to a stuffed insectivorous bird, we tested two alternative hypotheses regarding HWM. The first hypothesis proposes that, when the butterfly is observed at close range, the HWM distorts the shape of the false head thus reducing its deceiving effect and, therefore, selection will favor butterflies that stop moving their wings when a predator is close by; the second hypothesis says that an increase in the frequency of HWM improves its deflective effect when the butterfly confronts a predator at close range. Our results tend to support the second hypothesis because half of the butterflies started to move their hind wings or increased the rate of HWM when exposed to the stuffed bird; however a substantial proportion of butterflies (30%) stopped moving their hind wings or decreased the rate of HWM as expected from the first hypothesis. Our observations also showed that there is great variation in the rates of HWM, and demonstrated the existence of alternative ways of producing “vivid” movement of the hind wing tails (the “false antennae”) in the absence of HWM.
Morphology, flight performance, and water crossing tendencies of Afro-Palearctic raptors during migration
Authors: Agostini Nicolantonio , Panuccio Michele , Pasquaretta Cristian 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Raptors primarily use soaring-gliding flight which exploits thermals and ridge lifts over land to reduce energetic costs. However during migration, these birds often have to cross water surfaces where thermal currents are weak; during these times, birds mainly use flapping (powered) flight which increases energy consumption and mortality risk. As a result, some species have evolved strategies to reduce the amount of time spent over water by taking extensive detours over land. In this paper, we conducted a meta-analysis of water-crossing tendencies in Afro-Palearctic migrating raptors in relation to their morphology, their flight performance, and their phylogenetic relationships. In particular, we considered the aspect ratio (calculated as the wing span squared divided by wing area), the energetic cost of powered flight, and the maximum water crossing length regularly performed by adult birds. Our results suggest that energy consumption during powered flight predominately affects the ability of raptors to fly over water surfaces.
Predicting the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition)
Authors: Blashfield Roger K. , Fuller A. Kenneth 
Published: February 2016

Abstract
Twenty years ago, slightly after the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition was published, we predicted the characteristics of the future Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition) (Blashfield and Fuller, 1996). Included in our predictions were how many diagnoses it would contain, the physical size of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (fifth edition), who its leader would be, how many professionals would be involved in creating it, the revenue generated, and the color of its cover. This article reports on the accuracy of our predictions. Our largest prediction error concerned financial revenue. The earnings growth of the DSM’s has been remarkable. Drug company investments, insurance benefits, the financial need of the American Psychiatric Association, and the research grant process are factors that have stimulated the growth of the DSM’s. Restoring order and simplicity to the classification of mental disorders will not be a trivial task.
The First Hand Allotransplantation in Taiwan
Authors: Kuo Yur-Ren , Chen Chien-Chang , Chen Yen-Chou , Yeh Ming-Chung , Lin Pao-Yuan , Lee Chen-Hsiang , Chang Jui-Kun , Lin Yi-Chun , Huang Shun-Chen , Chiang Yuan-Cheng , Chiu Nien-Mu , Lee Yu , Huang Yu-Chi , Liang Jiun-Lung , Wu Re-Wen , Siu Ka-Kit , Chung Kuan-Chih , Chiang Min-Hsien , Pan Cheng-Chung , Wei Fu-Chan 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
Hand transplantations have been initiated and have been encouraged by promising results for more than 1 decade. The aim of this study was to present the first case of hand transplantation performed in Taiwan.

Materials and Methods
On September 3, 2014, we transplanted the left distal forearm and hand of a brain-dead managed 37 years to a man aged 45 years who had traumatic amputation of the distal third of his right forearm 30 years ago. The total ischemic time during the transplantation was 6 hours and 45 minutes. Immunosuppression included anti-thymocyte globulins, and methylprednisolone (Solumedrol) was used for the induction. Maintenance therapy included systemic tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid [mycophenolate mofetil (MMF)], and prednisone. A combination of systemic (tacrolimus/MMF/prednisolone) and topical immunosuppressant cream (clobetasol and tacrolimus) was applied if acute rejection occurred. Follow-up included routine posttransplant laboratory tests, skin biopsies, intensive physiotherapy, and psychological support.

Results
The initial postoperative course was uneventful. No surgical complications were observed. Immunosuppression was well tolerated using tacrolimus, MMF, and prednisone, except for some immune-related complications. One episode of mild clinical and histological signs of cutaneous rejection was seen at 105 days after surgery. These signs disappeared after pulse therapy with Solumedrol and the topical application of immunosuppressive creams (tacrolimus and clobetasol). One infection episode occurred due to local cellulitis and axillary lymphadenopathy on day 140 and was successfully treated with antibiotics. The patient developed cytomegalovirus infection at 7 months that responded to medication. Intensive physiotherapy led to satisfactory progress in motor functioning. Sensory progress (Tinel sign) was good and reached the wrist by 3 months for the median and ulnar nerves, and could be felt in the finger tip by 9 months in response to deep pressure and light touch sensations. The patient has a lateral pinch that allows him to pick up and grip objects during daily living, although his muscle power is still insufficient.

Conclusions
Hand allotransplantation is technically feasible. Currently available immunosuppression methods seem to control vascularized composite tissue allotransplantation rejection. A combination of topical and systemic immunosuppressants is a useful method to prevent acute hand allotransplant rejection.
Reassessment of Mendelian gene pathogenicity using 7,855 cardiomyopathy cases and 60,706 reference samples
Authors: Walsh Roddy , Thomson Kate L , Ware James S , Funke Birgit H , Woodley Jessica , McGuire Karen J , Mazzarotto Francesco , Blair Edward , Seller Anneke , Taylor Jenny C , Minikel Eric V ,   Exome Aggregation Consortium, MacArthur Daniel G , Farrall Martin , Cook Stuart A , Watkins Hugh C 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe accurate interpretation of variation in Mendelian disease genes has lagged behind data generation as sequencing has become increasingly accessible. Ongoing large sequencing efforts present huge interpretive challenges, but also provide an invaluable opportunity to characterize the spectrum and importance of rare variation. Here we analyze sequence data from 7,855 clinical cardiomyopathy cases and 60,706 ExAC reference samples to better understand genetic variation in a representative autosomal dominant disorder. We show that in some genes previously reported as important causes of a given cardiomyopathy, rare variation is not clinically informative and there is a high likelihood of false positive interpretation. By contrast, in other genes, we find that diagnostic laboratories may be overly conservative when assessing variant pathogenicity. We outline improved interpretation approaches for specific genes and variant classes and propose that these will increase the clinical utility of testing across a range of Mendelian diseases.One Sentence SummaryComparing the frequency of very rare variation between patient cohorts and very large genomic reference datasets enables the reliable re-evaluation of genes previously implicated in Mendelian disease and more accurate assessment of the likely pathogenicity of different classes of variants.
Audit and legal implications of PCAOB’s inspections among BRIC
Authors: Huang Henry , Chong H. Gin 
Published: February 2016

Purpose
– This paper aims to analyze Public Companies Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) inspection reports on audit reports of those inspected accounting firms in Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC). In meeting the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the PCAOB conducts inspections on audit reports of firms listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

Design/methodology/approach
– The reports include those submitted by both the US audit parent firms and their secondary firms located outside the USA. In each PCAOB report, it unravels the nature of audit deficiencies. The focus is on Big Four because they play a dominant role in the marketplace and issuers’ market capitalization. All the seven-year deficiencies are documented since publications of the reports from 2004 to 2012.

Findings
– Of the 37 reports, 19 (51 per cent) were issued relating to audits conducted by the Big Four. Out of these 19 reports, 10 (53 per cent) contain inspection criticism. These include audit quality and common recurring audit deficiencies.

Research limitations/implications
– This paper is based solely on those inspection reports published by the PCAOB.

Practical implications
– The findings have significant implications to audit firms and the audit profession on improving audit quality, firms’ internal control and reports.

Originality/value
– No known prior research paper is available on the ramifications of the PCAOB’s inspection reports relating to BRIC.
Impact of a Chronic Pain Protocol on Emergency Department Utilization
Authors: Olsen Jon C. , Ogarek Joseph L. , Goldenberg Eric J. , Sulo Suela 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesPatients suffering from chronic painful conditions frequently present to the emergency department (ED) for pain control. In an effort to better manage these patients we implemented and measured the effect of enrollment in a chronic pain protocol in a single ED.MethodsA retrospective (pre) and prospective (post) study design was utilized. We identified 46 frequent ED users suffering from chronic painful conditions. We then retrospectively documented their ED use and prescription controlled substance use for 6 months prior to enrollment in a chronic pain protocol and then 6 months postenrollment.ResultsPreenrollment participating patients visited the ED on average 6.2 times in a 6‐month period. Postenrollment their mean number of visits in the following 6 months decreased significantly to 2.2 times, or a 65% decrease (p < 0.001). Similarly, preenrollment, the patients were prescribed a median of 664 controlled substance pills in the entire state compared to 471 pills in the 6‐month period postenrollment, or a 29% decrease (p < 0.022).ConclusionsThrough instituting a chronic pain protocol, we found significant reductions in the number of return visits to a single ED and the number of controlled substance medications prescribed by all providers. Additional studies using similar protocols could help establish their impact on the care of patients suffering from chronic pain and the potential to reduce healthcare costs, ED overcrowding, and prescription drug abuse.
Short‐term effects of liraglutide on kidney function and vasoactive hormones in type 2 diabetes: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Skov J. , Pedersen M. , Holst J. J. , Madsen B. , Goetze J. P. , Rittig S. , Jonassen T. , Frøkiær J. , Dejgaard A. , Christiansen J. S. 
Published: February 2016

AimsTo investigate the effects of a single dose of 1.2 mg liraglutide, a once‐daily glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) receptor agonist, on key renal variables in patients with type 2 diabetes.MethodsThe study was a placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, crossover trial in 11 male patients with type 2 diabetes. Measurements included 51Cr‐EDTA plasma clearance estimated glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and MRI‐based renal blood flow (RBF), tissue perfusion and oxygenation.ResultsLiraglutide had no effect on GFR [95% confidence interval (CI) −6.8 to 3.6 ml/min/1.73 m2] or on RBF (95% CI −39 to 30 ml/min) and did not change local renal blood perfusion or oxygenation. The fractional excretion of lithium increased by 14% (p = 0.01) and sodium clearance tended to increase (p = 0.06). Liraglutide increased diastolic and systolic blood pressure (3 and 6 mm Hg) and heart rate (2 beats per min; all p < 0.05). Angiotensin II (ANG II) concentration decreased by 21% (p = 0.02), but there were no effects on other renin‐angiotensin system components, atrial natriuretic peptides (ANPs), methanephrines or excretion of catecholamines.ConclusionsShort‐term liraglutide treatment did not affect renal haemodynamics but decreased the proximal tubular sodium reabsorption. Blood pressure increased with short‐term as opposed to long‐term treatment. Catecholamine levels were unchanged and the results did not support a GLP‐1–ANP axis. ANG II levels decreased, which may contribute to renal protection by GLP‐1 receptor agonists.
The value of crossdating to retain high‐frequency variability, climate signals, and extreme events in environmental proxies
Authors: Black Bryan A. , Griffin Daniel , van der Sleen Peter , Wanamaker Alan D. , Speer James H. , Frank David C. , Stahle David W. , Pederson Neil , Copenheaver Carolyn A. , Trouet Valerie , Griffin Shelly , Gillanders Bronwyn M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHigh‐resolution biogenic and geologic proxies in which one increment or layer is formed per year are crucial to describing natural ranges of environmental variability in Earth's physical and biological systems. However, dating controls are necessary to ensure temporal precision and accuracy; simple counts cannot ensure that all layers are placed correctly in time. Originally developed for tree‐ring data, crossdating is the only such procedure that ensures all increments have been assigned the correct calendar year of formation. Here, we use growth‐increment data from two tree species, two marine bivalve species, and a marine fish species to illustrate sensitivity of environmental signals to modest dating error rates. When falsely added or missed increments are induced at one and five percent rates, errors propagate back through time and eliminate high‐frequency variability, climate signals, and evidence of extreme events while incorrectly dating and distorting major disturbances or other low‐frequency processes. Our consecutive Monte Carlo experiments show that inaccuracies begin to accumulate in as little as two decades and can remove all but decadal‐scale processes after as little as two centuries. Real‐world scenarios may have even greater consequence in the absence of crossdating. Given this sensitivity to signal loss, the fundamental tenets of crossdating must be applied to fully resolve environmental signals, a point we underscore as the frontiers of growth‐increment analysis continue to expand into tropical, freshwater, and marine environments.