bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Demographic and genetic connectivity: the role and consequences of reproduction, dispersal and recruitment in seagrasses
Authors: Kendrick Gary A. , Orth Robert J. , Statton John , Hovey Renae , Ruiz Montoya Leonardo , Lowe Ryan J. , Krauss Siegfried L. , Sinclair Elizabeth A. 
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACTAccurate estimation of connectivity among populations is fundamental for determining the drivers of population resilience, genetic diversity, adaptation and speciation. However the separation and quantification of contemporary versus historical connectivity remains a major challenge. This review focuses on marine angiosperms, seagrasses, that are fundamental to the health and productivity of temperate and tropical coastal marine environments globally. Our objective is to understand better the role of sexual reproduction and recruitment in influencing demographic and genetic connectivity among seagrass populations through an integrated multidisciplinary assessment of our present ecological, genetic, and demographic understanding, with hydrodynamic modelling of transport. We investigate (i) the demographic consequences of sexual reproduction, dispersal and recruitment in seagrasses, (ii) contemporary transport of seagrass pollen, fruits and seed, and vegetative fragments with a focus on hydrodynamic and particle transport models, and (iii) contemporary genetic connectivity among seagrass meadows as inferred through the application of genetic markers. New approaches are reviewed, followed by a summary outlining future directions for research: integrating seascape genetic approaches; incorporating hydrodynamic modelling for dispersal of pollen, seeds and vegetative fragments; integrating studies across broader geographic ranges; and incorporating non‐equilibrium modelling. These approaches will lead to a more integrated understanding of the role of contemporary dispersal and recruitment in the persistence and evolution of seagrasses.
Clinical approaches towards asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease based on the heterogeneity of disease pathogenesis
Authors: Hizawa N. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryAsthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are each heterogeneous disease classifications that include several clinical and pathophysiological phenotypes. This heterogeneity complicates characterization of each disease and, in some cases, hinders the selection of appropriate treatment. Therefore, in recent years, emphasis has been placed on improving our understanding of the various phenotypes of asthma and of COPD and identifying biomarkers for each phenotype. Likewise, the concept of the endotype has been gaining acceptance; an endotype is a disease subtype that is defined by unique or distinctive functional or pathophysiological mechanisms. Endotypes of asthma or COPD may be primarily characterized by increased susceptibility to type 2 inflammation, increased susceptibility to viral infections, bacterial colonization or impaired lung development. The ‘Dutch hypothesis’ is as follows: gene variants underlying particular endotypes interact with detrimental environmental stimuli (e.g. smoking, viral infection and air pollution) and contribute to the ultimate development of asthma, COPD or both. Novel approaches that involve multidimensional assessment should facilitate identification and management of the components that generate this heterogeneity. Ultimately, patients with chronic inflammatory lung diseases may be treated based on these endotypes as determined by the respective biomarkers that correspond to individual endotypes instead of on disease labels such as asthma, COPD or even asthma–COPD overlap syndrome (ACOS).
Multicenter evaluation of the utilization of endoscopic ultrasound
Authors: D’Souza Sharlene L. , Holub Jennifer L. , Pavic Brian T. , Rodriguez Sarah A. 
Published: March 2016

Background and AimThere are currently no data regarding the number and type of endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) procedures being carried out in the USA. The aims of the present study are to: (i) estimate the annual number of EUS procedures being carried out in a nationwide database; (ii) describe the indications and types of EUS carried out; and (iii) examine short‐term trends in volume.MethodsRetrospective analysis from the Clinical Outcomes Research Initiative (CORI) of EUS procedures carried out on patients >18 years of age from 1 January 2010 through 31 December 2013.ResultsEUS cases (n = 7614) were carried out by 68 endoscopists at 18 sites over the study period, representing 1.7% of the total number of endoscopic procedures. The most common indications were evaluation of a pancreatic mass (14.7%), diagnostic sampling with fine‐needle aspiration (14.1%), and evaluation of a pancreatic cyst (14.0%). The number of EUS examinations and cases undergoing same‐day endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) increased over the study period (P < 0.0001). Use of general anesthesia or deep sedation increased markedly from 37.8% to 82.8% of procedures (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsThis is the largest survey of EUS practice in the USA. Evaluation of the pancreas accounts for approximately 40% of the indications for EUS. Use of EUS increased over the study period, and the proportion carried out with deep sedation or general anesthesia also increased. These data may have implications regarding the number of endosonographers who should be trained, as well as cost issues pertaining to increasing use of anesthesia providers and same‐day ERCP.
Quantifying multifaceted needs captured at the point of care. Development of a Disabilities Terminology Set and Disabilities Complexity Scale
Authors: Horridge Karen A , Harvey Carl , McGarry Kenneth , Williams Jane , Whitlingum Gabriel , Busk Mary , Fox Suzanne , Baird Gillian , Spencer Andy 
Published: March 2016

AimsTo develop a Disabilities Terminology Set and quantify the multifaceted needs of disabled children and their families in a district disability clinic population.MethodData from structured electronic clinic letters of children attending paediatric disability clinics from June 2007 to May 2012 in Sunderland, north‐east England collected at the point of clinical care were analysed to determine appropriate terms for consistent recording of each need and issue. Terms were collated to count the number of needs per child.ResultsA Systemized Nomenclature of Medicine – Clinical Terms subset of 296 terms was identified and published, and 8392 consultations for 1999 children were reviewed. The required number of clinic appointments correlated strongly with the number of needs identified. Children with intellectual disabilities in addition to cerebral palsy and epilepsy had more than double the number of conditions, technology dependencies, and family‐reported issues than those without. Disabled children who subsequently died had the highest burden of needs (p=0.007).InterpretationDetailed data about needs generated outputs useful for local care pathway development and service planning. Sufficient evidence was provided for successful business cases leading to the appointment of additional paediatric disability consultants. Counting numbers of needs and issues quantifies complexity in a straightforward way. This could underpin needs‐based commissioning of services.
Assessment of Atrial Electromechanical Delay and Left Atrial Mechanical Functions in Patients with Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Nar Gokay , Ergul Bilal , Aksan Gokhan , Inci Sinan 
Published: March 2016

ObjectiveUlcerative colitis (UC) is a common inflammatory bowel disease causing systemic inflammation, which may also affect the cardiovascular system, as well as other organ systems. The aim of the current study was to evaluate left atrial (LA) mechanical functions and duration of atrial electromechanical delay (AEMD) with echocardiography in patients with UC.MethodA total of 91 patients, 45 with UC (Group 1) and 46 healthy individuals as control (Group 2) were included in the study. The demographic and laboratory data were recorded, and echocardiographic measurements were taken for all patients.ResultsIn the evaluation of basal clinical and laboratory findings, no difference was detected between the two groups, except for white blood cell count (WBC) (8.26 ± 2.71 vs. 7.06 ± 1.70, P = 0.013) and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (Hs‐CRP; 3.4 ± 1.7 vs. 1.0 ± 0.8, P < 0.001). The echocardiographic assessment revealed that the diastolic parameters such as E‐, E/A‐, and E‐ waves decreased in the UC group when compared to the control group. LA mechanical functions were different between groups, except for left atrial (LA) maximal volume: LA minimum volume (22.2 ± 12.9 vs. 15.3 ± 4.7, P = 0.001), LA volume before atrial systole (29.9 ± 14.2 vs. 24.2 ± 4.9, P = 0.021), LA ejection fraction (27.4 ± 16.5 vs. 38.6 ± 10.1, P < 0.001), LA total emptying volume (17.9 ± 6.9 vs. 21.9 ± 5.9, P = 0.004), LA active emptying fraction (27.4 ± 16.5 vs. 38.6 ± 10.1, P < 0.001), LA active emptying volume (7.7 ± 3.6 vs. 9.4 ± 2.9, P = 0.013), LA passive emptying fraction (26.8 ± 10.2 vs. 33.2 ± 9.2, P = 0.002), and LA passive emptying volume (10.3 ± 4.9 vs. 12.5 ± 4.5, P = 0.029). There was a significant difference between the groups in terms of AEMD durations, except time interval from the onset of the P‐wave on the surface ECG to the peak of the late diastolic wave (PA) of the tricuspid valve. The correlation analysis revealed that age and duration of disease were correlated with AEMD.ConclusionThe current study reported that LA volume and mechanical functions degenerated and AEMD increased in patients with UC when compared to the control group. These findings demonstrate that UC may have effects on LA electromechanical functions related to duration of disease.
The impact of sub‐national institutions
Authors: Leonard Carol S. , Nazarov Zafar , Vakulenko Elena S. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThis paper assesses the effect of sub‐national institutions on the economic performance of Russia's regions (oblasts, republics, krais and okrugs) from 2001 to 2008, a period of rapid economic advancement and recentralization. Approximating sub‐national institutions with the RA Expert index of investment risk, we find that a reduction in investment risk by one standard deviation increases output by 1.4 percent in the short run and 11.9 percent in the long run, suggesting a substantial regional performance gap in government practices, despite intensive political recentralization. Assuming that the main components of effective governance are running satisfactory public health programmes aimed at decreasing overall mortality among the working‐age population, creating fair labour market conditions and improving the regional institutional climate to encourage investment in fixed assets, we argue that sub‐national institutions remain important for growth in post‐Soviet Russia after 2000. This paper contributes to the literature on institutional persistence.
Preference and performance of generalist and specialist herbivores on chemically defended host plants
Authors: KELLY CAITLIN A. , BOWERS M. DEANE 
Published: March 2016

1. Both the physiological efficiency (PE) hypothesis and the preference–performance (PP) hypothesis address the complex interactions between herbivores and host plants, albeit from different perspectives. The PE hypothesis contends that specialists are better physiologically adapted to their host plants than generalists. The PP hypothesis predicts that larvae perform best on the host plant preferred by ovipositing females.2. This study tests components of both hypotheses using the specialist checkerspot, Euphydryas anicia, the generalist salt marsh caterpillar, Estigmene acrea, and host plants in the genus Penstemon, which are defended by iridoid glycosides.3. In laboratory experiments, the generalist preferred and performed significantly better on the less well defended host plant species. This is consistent with results from a common garden experiment where the less well defended Penstemon species received more damage from the local community of generalists. Larvae of the specialist checkerspot preferred the more chemically defended species in the laboratory, but performed equally well on both hosts. However, field experiments demonstrated that adult checkerspot females preferred to oviposit on the less well defended host plant.4. Components of the physiological efficiency hypothesis were supported in this system, as the specialist outperformed the generalist on the more iridoid glycoside‐rich host plant species. There was no support for the PP hypothesis, however, as there was no clear relationship between female preference in the field and offspring performance in the laboratory.
Tigecycline targets nonsmall cell lung cancer through inhibition of mitochondrial function
Authors: Jia Xuefeng , Gu Zhenfang , Chen Wenming , Jiao Junbo 
Published: March 2016

AbstractNonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer with a high mortality rate and still remains therapeutically a challenge. A strategy to target NSCLC is to identify agents that are effective against NSCLC cells while sparing normal cells. We show that tigecycline, an FDA‐approved antibiotic drug, preferentially targets NSCLC cells. Tigecycline is effective in inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of multiple cell lines derived from two common NSCLC subtypes: adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Tigecycline also dose‐dependently inhibits colony formation of NSCLC subpopulation of cells with highly proliferative and invasive properties. Compared to NSCLC cells, tigecycline affects proliferation and survival of normal fibroblast cells significantly to a less extent. More importantly, tigecycline significantly inhibits NSCLC tumor growth through decreasing proliferation and increasing apoptosis of tumor cells in vivo. Tigecycline significantly inhibits mitochondrial respiration, mitochondrial membrane potential, and ATP levels and increases reactive oxygen species (ROS), suggesting that tigecycline impairs mitochondrial functions. Our study suggests that tigecycline may be a useful therapeutic agent, and inhibiting mitochondrial functions may represent a new targeted therapy for NSCLC.
Sex differences in the incidence of skin and skin‐related diseases in Olmsted County, Minnesota, United States, and a comparison with other rates published worldwide
Authors: Andersen Louise K. , Davis Mark D. P. 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMany skin and skin‐related diseases affect the sexes unequally, with attendant implications for public health and resource allocation. To evaluate better the incidence of skin and skin‐related diseases affecting males vs. females, we reviewed published population‐based epidemiology studies of skin disorders performed utilizing Rochester Epidemiology Project data. Females had a higher incidence of the following diseases: connective tissue diseases (scleroderma, morphea, dermatomyositis, primary Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus [not in all studies]), pityriasis rosea, herpes progenitalis, condyloma acuminatum, hidradenitis suppurativa, herpes zoster (except in children), erythromelalgia, venous stasis syndrome, and venous ulcers. Males had a higher incidence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, basal cell carcinoma (exception, females aged ≤40 years), squamous cell carcinoma, and lentigo maligna. Incidence rates were equal in males and females for cutaneous malignant melanoma (exception, higher in females aged 18–39 years), lower‐extremity cellulitis, cutaneous nontuberculous mycobacterial infection, Behçet disease, delusional infestation, alopecia areata, and bullous pemphigoid. Many of the population‐based sex‐specific incidence rates of skin and skin‐related diseases derived from the Rochester Epidemiology Project are strikingly different from those estimated elsewhere. In general, females are more commonly affected by skin and skin‐related diseases. The reasons for this imbalance remain to be determined and are likely multifactorial.
Multi‐site placebo‐controlled randomised clinical trial to assess protection following oral immunisation with inactivated non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Clancy R. L. , Dunkley M. L. , Sockler J. , McDonald C. F. 
Published: March 2016

BackgroundPrevious studies identified factors that modify response to an oral non‐typeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) vaccine in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): severe COPD, moderate–severe exacerbations as end‐point and a threshold prevalence of NTHi in the study population. More data are needed to confirm parameters that influence clinical outcomes.AimsThe primary aim was to determine the efficacy of an oral NTHi vaccine (HI‐164OV) in reducing the rate of exacerbations requiring systemic corticosteroids or hospitalisation in COPD. Secondary aims included effect on the proportion of patients experiencing such exacerbations, severity of infections and quality of life (St George Respiratory Questionnaire for COPD patients (SGRQ‐C)).MethodsThis multi‐centre, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled study was conducted at 21 Australian sites for 9 months in 2011.ResultsThree‐hundred and twenty subjects with COPD, FEV1
<60% predicted and ≥1 moderate–severe exacerbations in the previous 12 months were recruited. The primary and secondary end‐points for the intention‐to‐treat population aged 40–88 years were not achieved, and only 5% of subjects had an H. influenzae‐positive sputum sample. Subsequent exploratory analysis of patients <65 years (91 subjects) indicated protection with respect to the primary and most of the secondary end‐points, with SGRQ‐C symptom scores lower at 3 and 6 months.ConclusionPatients aged 40–88 years with moderate to severe COPD and low rates of H. influenzae‐positive sputum were not protected against exacerbations by HI‐1640V. Further studies are needed to confirm protection in subjects aged <65 years. Older age and low colonisation rates appear to affect adversely response to this vaccine.
Low pathogenicity of flounder iridovirus (FLIV) and the absence of cross‐protection between FLIV and rock bream iridovirus
Authors: Jung M H , Lee J , Jung S J 
Published: March 2016

AbstractThe genus Megalocytivirus is known to infect a wide range of cultured marine fish. In this study, we examined the pathogenicity of FLIV (Megalocytivirus from olive flounder, genotype III) and RBIV (Megalocytivirus from rock bream, genotype I) to their homologous and heterologous host species. Olive flounder (7.5 ± 1.3 cm) injected with FLIV [major capsid protein (MCP) gene copies, 6.8 × 103–6.5 × 106/fish] at 24 °C did not die until 90 days post‐infection (dpi). The average virus replication in the spleen peaked (1.27 × 106/fish) at 20 dpi. Rock bream (6.5 ± 1.5 cm) injected with FLIV (8.8 × 105 and 6.5 × 106/fish of MCP copies) showed no mortality until 50 dpi. The rock bream that survived after FLIV infection were rechallenged with RBIV at 50 dpi had 100% mortality, showing that there is no cross‐protection between FLIV and RBIV. Temperature shifting (26 °C and 20 °C at 12 h intervals) did not cause FLIV‐specific mortality into olive flounder, but higher virus copies were observed in the fish exposed to higher stocking density. This study demonstrates that FLIV and RBIV have different antigenic and pathogenic characteristics and that FLIV has low pathogenicity to olive flounder.
Global Drivers of Russian Timber Harvest
Authors: Liang Sai , Guo Sen , Newell Joshua P. , Qu Shen , Feng Yu , Chiu Anthony S.F. , Xu Ming 
Published: March 2016

SummaryRussian forest resources are important for global carbon cycling. In contrast to traditional analyses that focus on the harvest and direct use of Russian timber resources (a.k.a. production‐based accounting), this study investigates how the consumption of nations drives Russian timber harvest (a.k.a. consumption‐based accounting or the Russian timber footprint). China is the biggest direct importer and final consumer of Russian timber. The United States, Japan, and major European countries directly import relatively small amounts of Russian timber, but serve to drive large amounts of Russian timber harvest through their final consumption. Through structural path analysis, individual supply chain paths are delineated to show linkages between Russian timber harvest and the final consumption of nations. Findings of this study inform consumption‐side measures for Russian forest conservation, for example, taking shared responsibility and improving the production efficiency of key sectors in consuming nations.
Integrated Life Cycle Assessment and Life Cycle Cost Model for Comparing Plug‐in versus Wireless Charging for an Electric Bus System
Authors: Bi Zicheng , De Kleine Robert , Keoleian Gregory A. 
Published: March 2016

SummaryAn integrated life cycle assessment and life cycle cost (LCC) model was developed to compare the life cycle performance of plug‐in charging versus wireless charging for an electric bus system. The model was based on a bus system simulation using existing transit bus routes in the Ann Arbor–Ypsilanti metro area in Michigan. The objective is to evaluate the LCCs for an all‐electric bus system utilizing either plug‐in or wireless charging and also compare these costs to both conventional pure diesel and hybrid bus systems. Despite a higher initial infrastructure investment for off‐board wireless chargers deployed across the service region, the wireless charging bus system has the lowest LCC of US$0.99 per bus‐kilometer among the four systems and has the potential to reduce use‐phase carbon emissions attributable to the lightweighting benefits of on‐board battery downsizing compared to plug‐in charging. Further uncertainty analysis and sensitivity analysis indicate that the unit price of battery pack and day or night electricity price are key parameters in differentiating the LCCs between plug‐in and wireless charging. Additionally, scenario analyses on battery recycling, carbon emission pricing, and discount rates were conducted to further analyze and compare their respective life cycle performance.
Degrees of (Self‐)Exploitation: Learning to Labour in the Neoliberal University
Authors: Brienza Casey 
Published: March 2016

AbstractMuch has been written on the neoliberalization of the academy on the one hand and precarious creative labour/work in the culture industries on the other, but there has been comparatively little writing which makes explicit the intimate links between these two sociological phenomena and how they have come to complement and reinforce one another. Taking as a case study a new postgraduate MA course in Self‐Publishing, this article aims to fill this gap, arguing that fundamental to learning to labour in the neoliberal university is both ready acquiescence to exploitation and further willingness to self‐exploit on the part of both staff and students. Furthermore, incumbents of a profoundly unequal and managerial knowledge hierarchy benefit from the introduction of programmes which neither train students vocationally nor educate them liberally. This, in turn, threatens the autonomy within institutions of higher education while simultaneously undermining future artistic and intellectual flourishing.