bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional responses in animal movement explain spatial heterogeneity in animal–habitat relationships
Authors: Mason Tom H. E. , Fortin Daniel 
Published: April 2017

SummaryUnderstanding why heterogeneity exists in animal–habitat spatial relationships is critical for identifying the drivers of animal distributions. Functional responses in habitat selection – whereby animals adjust their habitat selection depending on habitat availability – are useful for describing animal–habitat spatial heterogeneity. However, they could be yielded by different movement tactics, involving contrasting interspecific interactions.Identifying functional responses in animal movement, rather than in emergent spatial patterns like habitat selection, could disentangle the effects of different movement behaviours on spatial heterogeneity in animal–habitat relationships. This would clarify how functional responses in habitat selection emerge and provide a general tool for understanding the mechanistic drivers of animal distributions.We tested this approach using data fromGPS‐collared woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus), a prey species under top‐down control. We tested how caribou selected and moved with respect to a key resource (lichen‐conifer stands) as a function of the availability of surrounding refuge land‐cover (closed‐conifer stands), using step selection functions.Caribou selected resource patches more strongly in areas richer in refuge land‐cover – a functional response in habitat selection. However, adjustments in multiple movement behaviours could have generated this pattern: stronger directed movement towards resource patches and/or longer residency within resource patches, in areas richer in refuges. Different contributions of these behaviours would produce contrasting forager spatial dynamics.We identified functional responses in both movement behaviours: caribou were more likely to move towards resource patches in areas richer in refuge land‐cover, and to remain in these patches during movement steps. This tactic enables caribou to forage for longer in safer areas where they can rapidly seek refuge in dense cover when predators are detected.Our study shows that functional responses in movement can expose the context‐dependent movement decisions that generate heterogeneity in animal–habitat spatial relationships. We used these functional responses to characterise anti‐predator movement tactics employed by a large herbivore, but they could be applied in many different scenarios. The movement rules from functional responses in movement are well‐suited to integration in spatial explicit individual‐based models for forecasting animal distributions in landscapes undergoing environmental change.
Trends in the prescription of novel oral anticoagulants in UK primary care
Authors: Loo Simone Y. , Dell'Aniello Sophie , Huiart Laetitia , Renoux Christel 
Published: April 2017

AimsNovel oral anticoagulants (NOACs) are alternatives to vitamin‐K antagonists (VKAs) for the prevention of thromboembolism. It is unclear how NOACs have been adopted in the UK since first introduced in 2008. The present study was conducted to describe the trends in the prescription of NOACs in the UK, including dabigatran, rivaroxaban and apixaban.MethodsUsing the UK's Clinical Practice Research Datalink, the rates of new use of NOACs and VKAs from 2009 to 2015 were calculated using Poisson regression. Patient characteristics associated with NOAC initiation were identified using multivariate logistic regression.ResultsThe overall rate of oral anticoagulant initiation increased by 58% over the study period [rate ratio (RR) 1.58; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23, 2.03], even as the rate of new VKA use decreased by 31% (RR 0.69; 95% CI 0.52, 0.93). By contrast, the rate of initiation of NOAC increased, particularly from 2012 onwards, with a 17‐fold increase from 2012 to 2015 (RR 17.68; 95% CI 12.16, 25.71). In 2015, NOACs accounted for 56.5% of oral anticoagulant prescriptions, with rivaroxaban prescribed most frequently, followed by apixaban and then dabigatran. Compared to VKAs, new NOAC users were less likely to have congestive heart failure, coronary artery disease and peripheral vascular disease, and more likely to have a history of ischaemic stroke.ConclusionsIn the UK, the rate of initiation of NOACs has increased substantially since 2009, and these agents have now surpassed VKAs as the anticoagulant of choice. Moreover, the characteristics of patients initiated on NOACs have changed over time, and this should be accounted for in future studies comparing NOACs and VKAs.
Inhibition of tyrosinase by 4H‐chromene analogs: Synthesis, kinetic studies, and computational analysis
Authors: Brasil Edikarlos M. , Canavieira Luciana M. , Cardoso Érica T. C. , Silva Edilene O. , Lameira Jerônimo , Nascimento José L. M. , Eifler‐Lima Vera L. , Macchi Barbarella M. , Sriram Dharmarajan , Bernhardt Paul V. , Silva José Rogério Araújo , Williams Craig M. , Alves Cláudio N. 
Published: April 2017

Inhibition of mushroom tyrosinase was observed with synthetic dihydropyrano[3,2‐b]chromenediones. Among them, DHPC04 displayed the most potent tyrosinase inhibitory activity with a Ki value of 4 μm, comparable to the reference standard inhibitor kojic acid. A kinetic study suggested that these synthetic heterocyclic compounds behave as competitive inhibitors for the L‐DOPA binding site of the enzyme. Furthermore, molecular modeling provided important insight into the mechanism of binding interactions with the tyrosinase copper active site.
Comparison of levetiracetam and oxcarbazepine monotherapy among Korean patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy: A long‐term, randomized, open‐label trial
Authors: Kim Ji Hyun , Lee Sang Kun , Loesch Christian , Namgoong Kyungsun , Lee Hyang Woon , Hong Seung Bong ,   the Korean N01367 Study Group
Published: April 2017

SummaryThis open‐label, multicenter, randomized phase IV trial (NCT01498822) of noninferiority design compared the long‐term effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of levetiracetam (LEV) monotherapy with those of oxcarbazepine (OXC) monotherapy in adults with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy. Korean patients (16–80 years), with ≥2 unprovoked focal seizures in the year preceding the trial, who had not taken any antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) in the last 6 months, were randomized to receive LEV or OXC (1:1). Effectiveness, safety, and tolerability were assessed over a 50‐week period. Treatment failure rates (per protocol set) were 15/118 (12.7%) in the LEV‐treated group and 30/128 (23.4%) in the OXC‐treated group, an absolute difference of −10.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] −20.2, −1.2). Because the upper 95% CI limit was less than the pre‐specified noninferiority margin of 15%, LEV was considered noninferior to OXC. Twenty‐four‐week and 48‐week seizure freedom rates were 53.8% and 34.7% for LEV vs. 58.5% and 40.9% for OXC. Both LEV and OXC were well tolerated, with 8.7% and 8.6% of patients reporting serious treatment‐emergent adverse events, respectively. By comparing LEV with OXC, another newer AED, LEV can be considered a useful option as initial monotherapy for patients with newly diagnosed focal epilepsy.
The association between health utility and joint status among people with severe haemophilia A: findings from the KAPPA register
Authors: Osooli M. , Steen Carlsson K. , Baghaei F. , Holmström M. , Rauchensteiner S. , Holme P. A. , Hvitfeldt L. , Astermark J. , Berntorp E. 
Published: April 2017

IntroductionPeople with severe haemophilia A have reportedly impaired health related quality of life (utility) mainly due to recurrent bleeding, arthropathy and treatment burden.AimTo estimate utilities and evaluate their potential correlates – most importantly the joint status – among people with severe haemophilia A.MethodsIn this cross‐sectional study, eligible participants had severe haemophilia A, were aged ≥15, negative for factor VIII inhibitor and included in the KAPPA register of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Data on demographics, treatment history, haemophilia joint health score, and EQ‐5D utility were obtained from the register. We used box plots to present utilities and joint status and ordinary least squares regression to evaluate correlates of utilities. Participants were consecutively enrolled in the KAPPA register between April 2013 and June 2016.ResultsOverall, 173 participants with median age of 34 (interquartile range: 25–45) were included. Twelve (6.9%) participants were on episodic treatment while 161 (93.1%) were treated using prophylaxis. Concomitant diseases and positive inhibitor history were reported for 73 (43.2%) and 21 (12.1%) participants, respectively. The highest median utility (1.0) was observed among those aged <29 on prophylaxis and those aged 30–44 who had started prophylaxis by age 3. In the multi‐variable regression, joint scores of 16–25 (Coef. −0.18, 95% CI: −0.30, −0.06), 26–35 (Coef. −0.21, 95% CI: −0.36, −0.06) and >35 (Coef. −0.37, 95% CI: −0.52, −0.23) were associated with lower utilities.ConclusionModerate to severe joint manifestations are associated with reduced utilities among persons with severe haemophilia A.
Influence of different commercial active dry yeasts on histaminol production during wine alcoholic fermentation
Authors: Bordiga Matteo , Guzzon Raffaele , Larcher Roberto , Travaglia Fabiano , Arlorio Marco , Coïsson Jean Daniel 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe performance of different selected yeast strains regarding the capacity to convert histidine into histaminol during fermentation has been described and discussed in a model grape must (Chardonnay). First, the activity of 10 commercial active dry yeast strains (ADY) in the native grape must both with and without a nitrogen supplementation has been compared. In the second set of fermentations, after selecting the four best‐performing strains, their performances using four different nitrogen sources have been tested. During fermentation process it was not possible to identify a common trend. In some cases, histaminol content appeared related to the nutrient supplementation, however, in other cases a different behaviour emerged. However, as shown by the experimental evidences, among the two variables considered the nature of yeast strain was slightly prevalent.
Fermented soy‐powder milk with Lactobacillus plantarum P1201 protects against high‐fat diet‐induced obesity
Authors: Xie Cheng‐liang , Hwang Chung Eun , Oh Cheol Kyu , Yoon Nal Ae , Ryu Jin Hyun , Jeong Joo Yeon , Roh Gu Seob , Kim Hyun Joon , Cho Gyeong Jae , Choi Wan Sung , Kang Sang Soo , Cho Kye Man , Lee Dong Hoon 
Published: April 2017

SummaryFermented soy‐powder milk (FSPM) with Lactobacillus plantarum P1201 contains more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and isoflavone aglycones compared with unfermented soy‐powder milk (UFSPM). In this study, the antiobesity effect of FSPM was investigated in a high‐fat diet (HFD)‐induced obesity model. Results showed that FSPM reduced the weight of body, body weight gain, liver and mesenteric white adipose tissue by 10.7%, 17.7%, 32.8% and 24.1%, respectively, compared with the HFD group. Meanwhile, FSPM suppressed the HFD‐induced increase of serum parameters such as total and low‐density lipoprotein, cholesterol, alanine transaminase, glucose and c‐peptide. To investigate how FSPM ameliorated obesity, several lipid metabolism and inflammation‐related genes in liver were analysed. FSPM significantly ameliorated HFD‐induced hepatic steatosis by down‐regulating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma, lipoprotein lipase, fatty acid synthase, acetyl CoA carboxylase, adipocyte fatty acid‐binding protein, tumour necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 1 beta. Our results showed FSPM can protect against HFD‐induced obesity.
Physical, antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil nanoemulsion
Authors: Shahabi Nasim , Tajik Hossein , Moradi Mehran , Forough Mehrdad , Ezati Parya 
Published: April 2017

SummaryIt was evaluated physical, antibacterial and antibiofilm properties of Zataria multiflora Boiss essential oil (ZEO) and its nanoemulsion. Long‐term stability of nanoemulsion prepared by emulsion phase inversion was satisfying based on low narrow size distribution (polydispersity index ˜0.2) and low droplet size (200 nm) over 21 days of storage. Nanoemulsion showed lower minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) on Listeria monocytogenes (2500 µg mL−1) than Salmonella Typhimurium (5000 µg mL−1). Killing kinetics study revealed that nanoemulsion was more effective in inhibiting the growth of bacteria in milk than culture media. Both bacteriostatic and bactericidal effects were observed depending on the type of bacteria, nanoemulsion concentration and the time of exposure. Nanoemulsion at 4×MIC concentration reduced 64% and 75% of one‐day‐old biofilm of L. monocytogenes and S. Typhimurium, respectively. In conclusion, nanoemulsion revealed antimicrobial activity, but converting the ZEO to nanoemulsion did not improve its antibacterial activity; however, antibiofilm properties were enhanced.
Protection des travailleurs et emploi informel en Europe, 2004–2012
Authors: FLÓREZ Luz Adriana , PERALES Francisco 
Published: April 2017

RésuméL'emploi informel nuit à la productivité, réduit l'assiette fiscale, freine la croissance. On s'attache partout à le combattre, alors qu'il semble paradoxalement renforcé par les mesures de lutte contre le chômage à l'honneur dans beaucoup de pays européens depuis 2008, à savoir des dispositions visant à limiter la protection de l'emploi et restreindre les prestations sociales. Les auteurs tentent d'en savoir plus et parviennent à établir, avec des méthodes sur pseudo‐panel et des données de l'Enquěte sociale européenne pour 2004–2012, que la protection contre le licenciement, les prestations de chômage et les dépenses sociales contribuent effectivement à réduire l'emploi informel salarié.
A cytochrome P450 gene plays a role in the recognition of sex pheromones in the tobacco cutworm, Spodoptera litura
Authors: Feng B. , Zheng K. , Li C. , Guo Q. , Du Y. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractCytochrome P450 (P450 or CYP) genes are involved in fundamental physiological functions, and might be also associated with the olfactory recognition of sex pheromones in beetles and moths. A P450 gene, Spodoptera litura CYP4L4 (SlituCYP4L4), was cloned for the first time from the antennae of S. litura. SlituCYP4L4 was almost exclusively expressed in the adult stage and predominantly expressed in the adult antennae. In situ hybridization showed that SlituCYP4L4 localized mainly at the base of the long sensilla trichoidea, which responds to sex pheromone components. Pretreatment with an S. litura sex pheromone significantly reduced the expression levels of SlituCYP4L4, consistent with other genes involved in sex pheromone recognition. The expression level of SlituCYP4L4 was different in moths collected with different ratios of sex pheromone lures and collected in different geographical locations. After gene knockdown of SlituCYP4L4 in the antennae, the electroantennogram (EAG) responses of male and female moths to (9Z,11E)‐tetradecadienyl acetate or (9Z,12E)‐tetradecadienyl acetate were significantly decreased. In contrast, EAG responses to plant volatiles and sex pheromones of other moth species were not significantly influenced in these moths. SlituCYP4L4 was also expressed in the gustatory tissues and sensilla, which suggests that SlituCYP4L4 may have other functions in the chemosensory system. Our results have shown for the first time the function of a CYP gene with appendage‐specific expression in insect sex pheromone recognition, especially in adult moths.
Nanocrystalline buildup, relaxor behavior, and polarization characteristic in PZT–PNZN quaternary ferroelectrics
Authors: Zheng Mupeng , Hou Yudong , Ai Zhirong , Zhu Mankang 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe Pb(Zr0.47Ti0.53)O3–Pb[(Ni0.6Zn0.4)1/3Nb2/3]O3 (PZT–PNZN) quaternary ferroelectrics presenting the high piezoelectric coefficients are the active element in a range of piezoelectric devices. However, the buildup of nanoceramics with stable perovskite structure is still a big challenge, which prohibits the miniaturization of piezoelectric devices. In this work, the high dense PZT–PNZN nanoceramics with average grain size of 130 nm were prepared by a combination of high‐energy ball milling (HEBM) and spark plasma sintering (SPS). The domain configuration and relaxor behavior in this nanoceramic are reported for the first time. Although the noncubic crystal structure and dielectric anomaly suggest a ferroelectric behavior, only very slim polarization–electric (P–E) hysteresis loops are observed. The suppression of macroscopic ferroelectric polarization mainly originates from the decrease in crystal tetragonality and the enhanced clamping effect on domain wall motion. The piezoelectric properties, d33=65 pC/N and kp=17%, raise the possibility of PZT–PNZN nanoceramics for application in multilayer piezoelectric devices.
Marked alteration of glycemic profile surrounding lanreotide administration in acromegaly: A case report
Authors: Tanaka Sho , Haketa Akira , Yamamuro Shun , Suzuki Toshiko , Kobayashi Hiroki , Hatanaka Yoshinari , Ueno Takahiro , Fukuda Noboru , Abe Masanori , Yoshino Atsuo , Soma Masayoshi 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWhether somatostatin analogs for acromegaly improve or worsen a patient's glycemic profile is controversial. A risk of hypoglycemia should be presumed, especially when patients receive insulin therapy, as the package inserts caution. However, a detailed clinical course of such a case has never been reported in research articles. An 80‐year‐old Japanese female diabetes patient treated with insulin therapy was diagnosed with acromegaly, and the somatostatin analog, lanreotide, was given. On day 4 of lanreotide treatment, repeated hypoglycemia as a result of exogenous insulin arose and the patient required inpatient care. After lanreotide treatment, the total daily insulin dose could be reduced, but her fasting C‐peptide level decreased from 1.6 to 0.4 ng/mL, implying improved insulin resistance and impaired endogenous insulin secretion. In the present case, marked alteration surrounding lanreotide administration was observed; careful co‐administration with insulin therapy is required, as the package insert cautions.
Perceptions and opinions of Canadian pet owners about anaesthesia, pain and surgery in small animals
Authors: Steagall P. V. , Monteiro B. P. , Ruel H. L. M. , Beauchamp G. , Luca G. , Berry J. , Little S. , Stiles E. , Hamilton S. , Pang D. 
Published: April 2017

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to evaluate the perceptions and opinions of Canadian pet owners about anaesthesia, pain and surgery in dogs and cats.MethodsSix Canadian veterinary hospitals participated. Each practice received 200 copies of a questionnaire that were distributed to pet owners. Questions regarding the use of analgesics, anaesthesia, surgery and onychectomy (cats) were included. Responses were transformed into ordinal scores and analysed with a Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel test.ResultsA total of 849 out of 1200 questionnaires were returned. Owners believed more frequently that analgesics are needed for surgical procedures than for the medical conditions. Owners rated as very important/important: “knowing what to expect during illness/injury/surgery” (99·3%), “being assured that all necessary analgesic drugs/techniques will be used” (98·6%), “being informed about procedures/risk” (98·5%), and having a board‐certified anaesthesiologist (90·5%). Most owners agreed/partly agreed that pain impacts quality of life (94·2%), and affects their pet's behaviour (89·5%). Most respondents (69%) were women; they were significantly more concerned than men about anaesthesia, pain, cost and client‐communication. Cat owners believed that analgesics were necessary for some procedures/conditions significantly more often than canine‐only owners. Pet owners with previous surgery disagreed more frequently that “pain after surgery can be helpful” and that “pain in animals is easy to recognize” than those without previous surgery. Most owners think onychectomy should be banned in cats (56·4%).Clinical SignificanceThis study identified important areas of client communication regarding pain and its control in pets.
Is Decentralization Really Welfare Enhancing? Empirical Evidence from Survey Data (1994‐2011)
Authors: Espasa Marta , Esteller‐Moré Alejandro , Mora Toni 
Published: April 2017

SummaryDecentralization is believed to constitute the optimal institutional arrangement for the provision of public expenditure. In contrast to centralization, it is thought to offer a better match between the provision of public services and individual preferences. We test this fundamental hypothesis propounded by the fiscal federalism literature by analyzing the process of decentralization undergone by Spain since the beginning of the 1980s. We exploit survey data in which respondents (coded according to their region of residence) are asked about their level of satisfaction with the provision of public goods. A higher degree of satisfaction is expressed when responsibility for education and health expenditure is assigned to the intermediate tier of government rather than to central government. This level of satisfaction, however, is not recorded in the case of Spain's largest regions. Likewise, the simultaneous presence of tax revenue decentralization does not guarantee further welfare gains. In the case of the administration of justice—where the nature of the responsibility assigned to some regional governments is of a merely administrative nature—decentralization does not appear to have any impact on the level of satisfaction expressed.
Deciphering conjugative plasmid permissiveness in wastewater microbiomes
Authors: Jacquiod Samuel , Brejnrod Asker , Morberg Stefan M. , Abu Al‐Soud Waleed , Sørensen Søren J. , Riber Leise 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are designed to robustly treat polluted water. They are characterized by ceaseless flows of organic, chemical and microbial matter, followed by treatment steps before environmental release. WWTPs are hotspots of horizontal gene transfer between bacteria via conjugative plasmids, leading to dissemination of potentially hazardous genetic material such as antimicrobial resistance genes (AMRGs). While current focus is on the threat of AMRGs spreading and their environmental maintenance, conjugative plasmid transfer dynamics within and between bacterial communities still remains largely uncharted. Furthermore, current in vitro methods used to assess conjugation in complex microbiomes do not include in situ behaviours of recipient cells, resulting in partial understanding of transfers. We investigated the in vitro conjugation capacities of WWTP microbiomes from inlet sewage and outlet treated water using the broad‐host range IncP‐1 conjugative plasmid, pKJK5. A thorough molecular approach coupling metagenomes to 16S rRNA DNA/cDNA amplicon sequencing was established to characterize microbiomes using the ecological concept of functional response groups. A broad diversity of recipient bacterial phyla for the plasmid was observed, especially in WWTP outlets. We also identified permissive bacteria potentially able to cross WWTPs and engage in conjugation before and after water treatment. Bacterial activity and lifestyle seem to influence conjugation extent, as treated water copiotrophs were the most represented strategist amongst transconjugants. Correlation analysis highlighted possible plasmid transmission routes into communities between the sewage to the environment, with identification of keystone members (e.g., Arcobacter) potentially involved in cross‐border exchanges between distant Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative phyla.