bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cost‐effectiveness of a carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) based follow‐up programme for colorectal cancer (the CEA Watch trial)
Authors: Verberne C. J. , Wiggers T. , Grossmann I. , de Bock G. H. , Vermeulen K. M. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractAimThe study CEA Watch (Netherlands Trial Register 2182) has shown that an intensified follow‐up schedule with more frequent carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) measurements but fewer outpatient visits detects more curable recurrences compared with the usual follow‐up protocol in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The aim of the study was to compare the cost and cost‐effectiveness between various follow‐up programmes.MethodIn total, 3223 patients with stage I–III CRC were followed between October 2010 and October 2012. Direct medical costs were calculated per patient adding the costs for all visits, CEA measurements and imaging. Productivity losses and travel expenses were calculated using answers from questionnaires. The cost‐effectiveness displayed the additional costs per additional patient with recurrent disease and used an incremental cost‐effectiveness ratio (ICER) to compare them.ResultsThe mean yearly cost per patient was €548 in the intensified protocol and €497 in the control protocol. The ICER was €94 (95% CI €76–€157) per cent; to detect one additional patient with a recurrence in the intervention protocol compared with the control protocol would require an additional €9400. For curable recurrences, the ICER was €607 (95% CI €5695–€5728). Annual patient‐reported costs were €509 per year in the intervention protocol and €488 in the control protocol.ConclusionThe current study demonstrates that the direct medical and patient‐reported cost of a newly introduced, safe and effective way of CRC follow‐up was comparable to that of standard care. The ICER per curable recurrence was considered acceptably low.
Cross‐National Governance Research: A Systematic Review and Assessment
Authors: Schiehll Eduardo , Martins Henrique Castro 
Published: January 2016

AbstractManuscript TypeReviewResearch Question/IssueUsing a systematic literature review approach, we survey 192 cross‐national comparative studies published in 23 scholarly journals in the fields of accounting, economics, finance, and management for the period 2003 to 2014. The purpose is to synthesize and appraise the extant empirical research on the interplay between country‐ and firm‐level governance mechanisms and the effects on firm outcomes. Particular focus is placed on studies that examine firm economic performance.Research Findings/ResultsWe identify and distinguish between two groups of cross‐national governance studies. The first type compares macro, country‐level outcomes and the second compares three different firm‐level outcomes: economic performance, governance mechanisms, and strategic decisions. We compare the theoretical frameworks used and further analyze the country‐level factors and firm‐level governance attributes that have been combined to investigate their interplay and the effects on firm outcomes. We find substantial variation in the use and measurement of country‐level factors as well as a variety of causal forms used to explain the combined effects of country‐ and firm‐level governance mechanisms. This wide variability precludes comparison, and consequently prevents identifying consistent patterns of influence between country‐level governance factors and firm‐level governance mechanisms and/or performance. We identify research gaps and provide fruitful directions for future research on this topic.Theoretical ImplicationsThe cross‐national governance research has been guided mainly by an economic perspective focusing on international differences in the effectiveness of specific governance mechanisms. Few comparative studies have integrated an institutional perspective or examined the external forces that drive the diffusion and use of specific governance mechanisms. Such integrative framework would improve the understanding of cross‐national differences in the salient dimensions of country‐level governance factors and how they mediate the effectiveness of firm‐level governance mechanisms.Practitioner ImplicationsOur results reveal that firm‐ and country‐level governance mechanisms have been interacted and combined, either to address various agency problems or to compensate for a weak national environment. This calls for regulators and investors to consider national governance factors when assessing firm‐level governance practices.
Patients with Parkinson disease present high ambulatory blood pressure variability
Authors: Kanegusuku Hélcio , Silva‐Batista Carla , Peçanha Tiago , Silva‐Junior Natan , Queiroz Andreia , Costa Luiz , Mello Marco , Piemonte Maria , Ugrinowitsch Carlos , Forjaz Cláudia 
Published: January 2016

SummaryPatients with Parkinson disease (PD) present blunted nocturnal blood pressure fall and similar ambulatory blood pressure variability (ABPV) measured by standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV) compared with healthy subjects. However, these classical indices of ABPV have limited validity in individuals with circadian blood pressure alterations. New indices, such as the average of daytime and night‐time standard deviation weighted by the duration of the daytime and night‐time intervals (SDdn) and the average real variability (ARV), remove the influence of the daytime and the night‐time periods on ABPV. This study assessed ABPV by SDdn and ARV in PD. Twenty‐one patients with PD (11 men, 66 ± 2 years, stages 2–3 of modified Hoehn & Yahr) and 21 matched controls without Parkinson disease (9 men, 64 ± 1 years old) underwent blood pressure monitoring for 24 h. ABPV was analysed by 24 h, daytime and night‐time SD and CV, and by the SDdn and ARV. Systolic/diastolic 24‐h and night‐time SD and CV were similar between the patients with PD and the controls. The patients with PD presented higher daytime systolic/diastolic CV and SD than the controls (10·4 ± 0·9/12·3 ± 0·8 versus 7·0 ± 0·3/9·9 ± 0·5%, P<0·05; 12·6 ± 1·0/9·1 ± 0·5 versus 8·6 ± 0·4/7·5 ± 0·3 mmHg, P<0·05, respectively) as well as higher systolic/diastolic SDdn (10·9 ± 0·8/8·2 ± 0·5 versus 8·2 ± 0·3/7·1 ± 0·2 mmHg, P<0·05, respectively) and ARV (8·8 ± 0·6/6·9 ± 0·3 versus 7·2 ± 0·2/6·0 ± 0·2 mmHg, P<0·05, respectively). In conclusion, patients with PD have higher ABPV than control subjects as assessed by SDd, CVd, SDdn and AVR.
ADA, a fast‐growth medium for Hymenoscyphus fraxineus
Authors: Botella L. , Čermáková V. , Bačová A. , Dvořák M. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryThe growth rate of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus was evaluated on five different media under laboratory conditions. Statistically significant differences were found among them, where H. fraxineus demonstrated the highest growth rate on ADA medium (a newly designed nutritive medium). This study suggests that ADA is a suitable medium for growing H. fraxineus.
Rapid identification of polymorphic sequences in non‐model fungal species: the PHYLORPH method tested in Armillaria species
Authors: Dutech C. , Prospero S. , Heinzelmann R. , Fabreguettes O. , Feau N. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryDevelopment of molecular markers for phylogenetic, population genetics and phylogeographic studies remains arduous in non‐model species with low or no genomic resources. Sequencing the whole or a large part of the genome of the target species using next‐generation sequencing technologies is considered a promising method, although it still needs a large investment in bioinformatics. To quickly find polymorphic markers in fungal species, we tested an alternative method, named PHYLORPH. This method allows users to quickly target polymorphic regions of single copy genes in fungi using public databases. We applied this method to Armillaria species, which are important fungal pathogens and saprophytes playing a central role in the dynamics of forest ecosystems worldwide. We isolated 32 single copy genes with numerous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) sites. A genetic analysis of two French populations validated the polymorphism of 80 among 92 SNPs tested, and seven of these sequences exactly reconstructed the known phylogenetic tree of four tested Armillaria species. These results confirmed that the PHYLORPH method is efficient to identify various markers at both the intra‐ and interspecific levels for fungal species with no or few previous genetic markers.
Stand factors influencingPinus halepensisdecline in north‐western Spain
Authors: Sanz‐Ros A. V. , Valladares F. , Diez J. J. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryAlthough decline of Aleppo pine was observed long ago and several climatic and biotic factors have been previously associated with this complex process, site factors involved in this decline remain poorly understood. The objective of the work described here was to identify site factors associated with canopy condition. Canopy condition was estimated both by a visual estimation of defoliation, and by an indirect estimation of leaf area index (LAI) and other stand‐ and light‐related parameters through the analysis of hemispherical photographs. A high percentage of damaged trees (81%) along with high levels of defoliation in plots (up to 53%) and trees (up to 85%) were recorded. Regression models showed that the site factors associated with defoliation were basal area, age, crown depth and elevation, while those associated withLAIwere diameter at breast height, tree density and canopy openness. Analysis of hemispherical photographs proved to be a useful method forLAIestimation, but not for estimation of defoliation due to heterogeneous defoliation patterns caused by fungal pathogens detected in the study area. Soils and climatic conditions were common to all plots, so their influence could not be tested, but poor soil conditions and climatic restraints are known in this area, including low soil productivity, frequent summer droughts and high numbers of frost days. The results obtained suggest that several factors were associated with the decline ofPinus halepensis, including age, basal area, canopy openness, diameter, height and tree density. These factors can influence canopy condition, and thus, they might be acting as predisposing factors for the decline. The modulation of these factors is possible if suitable forest management strategies are applied, which could lead to a decrease of the decline incidence.
Stability and distribution of predator–prey systems: local and regional mechanisms and patterns
Authors: Lampert Adam , Hastings Alan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractExplaining the coexistence and distribution of species in time and space remains a fundamental challenge. While species coexistence depends on both local and regional mechanisms, it is sometimes unclear which role each mechanism takes in a given ecosystem. Consequently, it is very hard to predict the response of the ecosystem to environmental changes. Here, we develop a model to study spatial patterns of coexistence, focusing on predator–prey and host–parasite populations. We show, both theoretically and empirically, that these systems may exhibit both local and regional patterns and mechanisms of coexistence. Changes in environmental parameters, such as spatial connectivity, may lead to a transition from regional to local coexistence or it may lead directly to extinction, depending on demographic parameters. This demonstrates the importance of simultaneously analysing interacting mechanisms that act at different spatial scales to understand the response of ecosystems to environmental changes.
Phylogenetic Correlation Between Male Nuptial Color and Behavioral Responses to Color Across a Diverse and Colorful Genus of Freshwater Fish (Etheostoma spp., Teleostei: Percidae)
Authors: Ciccotto Patrick J. , Mendelson Tamra C. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractSexual selection theory predicts that preferences in both sexes select for the elaboration of male nuptial coloration, with empirical evidence supporting these predictions. Empirical studies are often limited in their taxonomic inclusiveness, however, and typically do not examine how male and female preferences contribute to macroevolutionary patterns of male color variation across multiple lineages in a clade. This study examined color preferences in a group of dichromatic freshwater fishes known as darters (genus Etheostoma) that vary in the presence of male coloration. The strengths of attraction to black, blue, gray, and red models were tested in females of 18 species, in addition to males of five species. We found a positive association between the presence of red or orange on the body and the amount of time associating with red models, suggesting color variation is at least in part due to variation in female preferences between species. Males also spent more time associating with colors that most closely resembled conspecifics, suggesting that preferential responses to color in males also can contribute to the diversity of nuptial coloration in darters.
Intense selective hunting leads to artificial evolution in horn size
Authors: Pigeon Gabriel , Festa‐Bianchet Marco , Coltman David W. , Pelletier Fanie 
Published: January 2016

AbstractThe potential for selective harvests to induce rapid evolutionary change is an important question for conservation and evolutionary biology, with numerous biological, social and economic implications. We analyze 39 years of phenotypic data on horn size in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) subject to intense trophy hunting for 23 years, after which harvests nearly ceased. Our analyses revealed a significant decline in genetic value for horn length of rams, consistent with an evolutionary response to artificial selection on this trait. The probability that the observed change in male horn length was due solely to drift is 9.9%. Female horn length and male horn base, traits genetically correlated to the trait under selection, showed weak declining trends. There was no temporal trend in genetic value for female horn base circumference, a trait not directly targeted by selective hunting and not genetically correlated with male horn length. The decline in genetic value for male horn length stopped, but was not reversed, when hunting pressure was drastically reduced. Our analysis provides support for the contention that selective hunting led to a reduction in horn length through evolutionary change. It also confirms that after artificial selection stops, recovery through natural selection is slow.
True cementomas (cementoblastomas) associated with a nonvital left maxillary second premolar in an 11‐year‐old miniature horse
Authors: Luedke L. , Rawlinson J. E. , Sánchez M. D. , Bass L. , Engiles J. 
Published: January 2016

SummaryAn 11‐year‐old miniature horse gelding presented for a left maxillary facial swelling and surgical removal of 2 ovoid mineralised masses located near the tooth roots of the left maxillary second and third premolars. Preoperative radiographs were performed to triangulate the location of the calcified masses for removal, and an oral examination revealed that the left maxillary second premolar was nonvital with multiple feed‐packed pulp exposures. Both the radiographs and oral examination indicated that the mineralised masses were associated with the nonvital second premolar. Therefore, the tooth was extracted intraorally, and the masses were removed via a maxillary trephine dorsal to the extracted tooth. Both masses were submitted for histopathology, which diagnosed the masses as true cementomas (cementoblastomas) with adenomatous hyperplasia of the surrounding nasal glandular tissue.
The TDP‐43 N‐terminal domain structure at high resolution
Authors: Mompeán Miguel , Romano Valentina , Pantoja‐Uceda David , Stuani Cristiana , Baralle Francisco E. , Buratti Emanuele , Laurents Douglas V. 
Published: January 2016

Transactive response DNA‐binding protein 43 kDa (TDP‐43) is an RNA transporting and processing protein whose aberrant aggregates are implicated in neurodegenerative diseases. The C‐terminal domain of this protein plays a key role in mediating this process. However, the N‐terminal domain (residues 1–77) is needed to effectively recruit TDP‐43 monomers into this aggregate. In the present study, we report, for the first time, the essentially complete 1H, 15N and 13C NMR assignments and the structure of the N‐terminal domain determined on the basis of 26 hydrogen‐bond, 60 torsion angle and 1058 unambiguous NOE structural restraints. The structure consists of an α‐helix and six β‐strands. Two β‐strands form a β‐hairpin not seen in the ubiquitin fold. All Pro residues are in the trans conformer and the two Cys are reduced and distantly separated on the surface of the protein. The domain has a well defined hydrophobic core composed of F35, Y43, W68, Y73 and 17 aliphatic side chains. The fold is topologically similar to the reported structure of axin 1. The protein is stable and no denatured species are observed at pH 4 and 25 °C. At 4 kcal·mol−1, the conformational stability of the domain, as measured by hydrogen/deuterium exchange, is comparable to ubiquitin (6 kcal·mol−1). The β‐strands, α‐helix, and three of four turns are generally rigid, although the loop formed by residues 47–53 is mobile, as determined by model‐free analysis of the 15N{1H}NOE, as well as the translational and transversal relaxation rates.DatabaseStructural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank under accession code: 2n4p. The NMR assignments have been deposited in the BMRB database under access code: 25675.
Metacommunity patterns across three Neotropical catchments with varying environmental harshness
Authors: Datry Thibault , Melo Adriano S. , Moya Nabor , Zubieta Jose , De la Barra Evans , Oberdorff Thierry 
Published: January 2016

Summary

Most metacommunity studies indicate that dispersal processes play a minor role compared with species sorting in explaining metacommunity organisation, in particular, in stream systems. However, the role of dispersal could vary with environmental harshness, as a result of frequent resetting of community succession by disturbances and the selection of generalist species from regional species pools. The importance of dispersal may also be mitigated by species dispersal ability.

In this study, we explored how species sorting and dispersal shaped invertebrate and fish metacommunities across streams in three tropical headwater catchments in Bolivia with contrasting environmental harshness, including flow regime, altitude and climate conditions. We addressed the hypothesis that the relative roles of dispersal and species sorting vary with environmental harshness: we predicted that the role of species sorting would predominate in benign conditions, whereas that of dispersal would predominate under moderate environmental harshness, and that neither dispersal nor species sorting would be relevant to explain metacommunities under high environmental harshness. We also hypothesised that the role of dispersal would decrease with increasing species dispersal ability.

Although there was little or no spatial autocorrelation of environmental distances (i.e. environmental differences) across the headwater catchments, community similarity correlated more strongly with environmental than spatial distances among headwater sites that had low environmental harshness, but the opposite pattern was observed among sites with moderate environmental harshness. Under high environmental harshness, neither environmental harshness nor spatial distances between sites explained community similarity.

Under moderate environmental harshness, the correlation between community similarity and spatial distances was the strongest for moderate dispersers of both invertebrates and fish. Yet, in contrast to fish, strongly dispersing invertebrate taxa were spatial structured, suggesting that they were not able to reach all sites as predicted.

Our results suggest the role of dispersal might be underestimated, notably in systems prone to environmental harshness. Better proxies for dispersal, along with the use of spatial distances to account for resistance to animal movements in river systems and that account for flow magnitude and directionality, slope, riparian vegetation, wind and streambed roughness, may promote a more realistic integration of dispersal processes in basic and applied metacommunity research.
Water‐level fluctuations affect sediment properties, carbon flux and growth of the isoetid Littorella uniflora in oligotrophic lakes
Authors: Baastrup‐Spohr Lars , Møller Claus L. , Sand‐Jensen Kaj 
Published: January 2016

Summary

Amphibious isoetids such as Littorella uniflora dominate the littoral zone in north‐temperate oligotrophic, softwater lakes. Accumulation of labile organic matter in the sediments from eutrophication represents a threat to isoetids because of insufficient root oxygenation, reduced anchorage and enhanced growth of taller competitors. These threats might be alleviated by fluctuating water levels potentially increasing sediment mineralisation and plant growth.

We hypothesised that L. uniflora would produce higher areal biomass when sediments are drained because air exposure assists oxygenation, mineralisation and consolidation of sediments. If so, changing water level offers a possible restoration measure. We tested this hypothesis by measuring sediment metabolism and plant performance under drained, fluctuating and submerged conditions in the laboratory and along an elevation gradient in the field in natural and organically enriched sandy sediments.

Laboratory and field experiments confirmed that L. uniflora grew in biomass under all conditions and maintained high leaf chlorophyll and photosynthesis. Increase in plant biomass was highest under drained conditions, particularly for roots probably in response to higher sediment oxygenation and leaf transpiration. The increase in biomass was lowest under fluctuating conditions as a logical consequence of higher costs of frequent shifts between aerial and aquatic growth forms.

In the laboratory experiment, mineralisation of sediment organic matter was 5.5‐fold higher under drained compared to submerged conditions in un‐vegetated sediments measured as release of CO2. Fluctuating conditions led to an intermediary release of CO2. In vegetated sediments, part of the CO2 released from mineralisation was incorporated into plant biomass, and taking this into account yielded twofold increase in mineralisation rate from submerged and fluctuating to drained conditions. During the field experiment, a substantial part of the added organic matter was mineralised particularly in the dry part of the gradient.

The proportion of reduced Fe2+ to total Fe as a measure of oxygenation of sediments declined from submerged to fluctuating and permanently drained sediments. The proportion of reduced Fe2+ was lower in plant covered than bare sediments reflecting root release of O2. Drainage and air contact increased sediment density and thus potentially the root anchorage compared to submerged conditions.

Periodic drainage and air exposure of isoetid beds is a natural phenomenon in oligotrophic lakes causing beneficial sediment conditions for isoetids and positively affect the growth of L. uniflora. Reinstating water‐level fluctuations in regulated lakes or periodically lowering water levels could be used as a restoration measure.