bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A longer vernal window: the role of winter coldness and snowpack in driving spring transitions and lags
Authors: Contosta Alexandra R. , Adolph Alden , Burchsted Denise , Burakowski Elizabeth , Green Mark , Guerra David , Albert Mary , Dibb Jack , Martin Mary , McDowell William H. , Routhier Michael , Wake Cameron , Whitaker Rachel , Wollheim Wilfred 
Published: November 2016

AbstractClimate change is altering the timing and duration of the vernal window, a period that marks the end of winter and the start of the growing season when rapid transitions in ecosystem energy, water, nutrient, and carbon dynamics take place. Research on this period typically captures only a portion of the ecosystem in transition and focuses largely on the dates by which the system wakes up. Previous work has not addressed lags between transitions that represent delays in energy, water, nutrient, and carbon flows. The objectives of this study were to establish the sequence of physical and biogeochemical transitions and lags during the vernal window period and to understand how climate change may alter them. We synthesized observations from a statewide sensor network in New Hampshire,USA, that concurrently monitored climate, snow, soils, and streams over a three‐year period and supplemented these observations with climate reanalysis data, snow data assimilation model output, and satellite spectral data. We found that some of the transitions that occurred within the vernal window were sequential, with air temperatures warming prior to snow melt, which preceded forest canopy closure. Other transitions were simultaneous with one another and had zero‐length lags, such as snowpack disappearance, rapid soil warming, and peak stream discharge. We modeled lags as a function of both winter coldness and snow depth, both of which are expected to decline with climate change. Warmer winters with less snow resulted in longer lags and a more protracted vernal window. This lengthening of individual lags and of the entire vernal window carries important consequences for the thermodynamics and biogeochemistry of ecosystems, both during the winter‐to‐spring transition and throughout the rest of the year.
Responses of arthropod populations to warming depend on latitude: evidence from urban heat islands
Authors: Youngsteadt Elsa , Ernst Andrew F. , Dunn Robert R. , Frank Steven D. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBiological effects of climate change are expected to vary geographically, with a strong signature of latitude. For ectothermic animals, there is systematic latitudinal variation in the relationship between climate and thermal performance curves, which describe the relationship between temperature and an organism's fitness. Here, we ask whether these documented latitudinal patterns can be generalized to predict arthropod responses to warming across mid‐ and high temperate latitudes, for taxa whose thermal physiology has not been measured. To address this question, we used a novel natural experiment consisting of a series of urban warming gradients at different latitudes. Specifically, we sampled arthropods from a single common street tree species across temperature gradients in four US cities, located from 35.8 to 42.4° latitude. We captured 6746 arthropods in 34 families from 111 sites that varied in summer average temperature by 1.7–3.4 °C within each city. Arthropod responses to warming within each city were characterized as Poisson regression coefficients describing change in abundance per °C for each family. Family responses in the two midlatitude cities were heterogeneous, including significantly negative and positive effects, while those in high‐latitude cities varied no more than expected by chance within each city. We expected high‐latitude taxa to increase in abundance with warming, and they did so in one of the two high‐latitude cities; in the other, Queens (New York City), most taxa declined with warming, perhaps due to habitat loss that was correlated with warming in this city. With the exception of Queens, patterns of family responses to warming were consistent with predictions based on known latitudinal patterns in arthropod physiology relative to regional climate. Heterogeneous responses in midlatitudes may be ecologically disruptive if interacting taxa respond oppositely to warming.
Decoupling of latitudinal gradients in species and genus geographic range size: a signature of clade range expansion
Authors: Tomašových Adam , Jablonski David 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimClade range size is a function of species range sizes but also depends on the geographic deployment of species: clade range expansion should therefore depend partly on the tendency of a clade to produce new species. Previous work has shown empirically that species‐rich clades are more likely to expand outside their present distributions, i.e. to overcome niche conservatism, than species‐poor ones. This pattern can follow from a neutral probabilistic model of clade‐level range expansion arising from differences in net species diversification between clades. We show that predictions of this model discriminate between weaker and stronger climatic niche conservatism, and compare these predictions with range‐size patterns of marine bivalves at the species and clade (genus) level.LocationWestern Pacific, eastern Pacific and western Atlantic.MethodsWe decompose the latitudinal and thermal distribution of genera into within‐species and among‐species components. We use a neutral model in which species range expansion does not vary with latitude and descendants originate within the ranges of their ancestors (model with spatial dependency) or where descendants originate independently of ancestral ranges (model without spatial dependency).ResultIn accord with model predictions: (1) genus latitudinal range size is weakly related to the latitudinal range sizes of congeneric species, but strongly depends on per‐genus species richness; (2) among‐species latitudinal distances correlate positively with per‐genus species richness; and (3) genus latitudinal and thermal range sizes increase towards higher latitudes because genera that are species rich anywhere within their range increase in proportion towards higher latitudes.Main conclusionsApplication of the neutral probabilistic model to marine bivalves shows that tropical niche conservatism is only moderately strong, and that species diversification plays a significant role in range expansion of bivalve genera to new latitudes and climates, even when thermal range sizes and limits of congeneric species show significant correlations, and are thus conserved to some degree.
Patient and nurse preferences for implementation of bedside handover: Do they agree? Findings from a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Whitty Jennifer A. , Spinks Jean , Bucknall Tracey , Tobiano Georgia , Chaboyer Wendy 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo describe and compare patients' and nurses' preferences for the implementation of bedside handover.DesignDiscrete choice experiment describing handover choices using six characteristics: whether the patient is invited to participate; whether a family member/carer/friend is invited; the number of nurses present; the level of patient involvement; the information content; and privacy.SettingTwo Australian hospitals.ParticipantsAdult patients (n=401) and nurses (n=200) recruited from medical wards.Main outcome measuresMean importance scores for handover characteristics estimated using mixed multinomial logit regression of the choice data.ResultsBoth patient and nurse participants preferred handover at the bedside rather than elsewhere (P<.05). Being invited to participate, supporting strong two‐way communication, having a family member/carer/friend present and having two nurses rather than the nursing team present were most important for patients. Patients being invited to participate and supporting strong two‐way communication were most important for nurses. However, contrary to patient preferences, having a family member/carer/friend present was not considered important by nurses. Further, while patients expressed a weak preference to have sensitive information handed over quietly at the bedside, nurses expressed a relatively strong preference for handover of sensitive information verbally away from the bedside.ConclusionsAll participants strongly support handover at the bedside and want patients to participate although patient and nurse preferences for various aspects of bedside handover differ. An understanding of these preferences is expected to support recommendations for improving the patient hospital experience and the consistent implementation of bedside handover as a safety initiative.
Similar perspectives on prostate cancer screening value and new guidelines across patient demographic and PSA level subgroups: A qualitative study
Authors: Partin Melissa R. , Lillie Sarah E. , White Katie M. , Wilt Timothy J. , Chrouser Kristin L. , Taylor Brent C. , Burgess Diana J. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractBackgroundIn 2012, the United States Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommended against prostate‐specific antigen (PSA)‐based prostate cancer screening for all men.ObjectiveTo inform educational materials addressing patient questions and concerns about the 2012 USPSTF guidelines, we sought to: (i) characterize patient perceptions about prostate cancer screening benefits, harms and recommendations against screening, and (ii) compare perceptions across race, age and PSA level subgroups.MethodsWe conducted qualitative interviews with a sample of 26 men from the Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Health Care System, stratified by race (African American, other), age (50‐69, 70‐84) and PSA level (documented PSA level ≥4 in Veterans Health Administration electronic medical records vs no such documentation). We used an inductive approach informed by grounded theory to analyse transcribed interviews.ResultsMost men in all subgroups expressed misperceptions about the benefits of prostate cancer screening and had difficulty identifying harms associated with screening. In all subgroups, reactions to recommendations against screening ranged from unconditionally receptive to highly resistant. Some men in every subgroup initially resistant to the idea said they would accept a recommendation to discontinue screening from their provider.ConclusionsGiven the similarity of perceptions and reactions across subgroups, materials targeted by race, age and PSA level may not be necessary. Efforts to inform decision making about prostate cancer screening should address misperceptions about benefits and lack of awareness of harms. Provider perspectives and recommendations may play a pivotal role in shaping patient reactions to new guidelines.
Texture‐based characterization of subskin features by specified laser speckle effects at λ = 650 nm region for more accurate parametric ‘skin age’ modelling
Authors: Orun A. B. , Seker H. , Uslan V. , Goodyer E. , Smith G. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe textural structure of ‘skin age’‐related subskin components enables us to identify and analyse their unique characteristics, thus making substantial progress towards establishing an accurate skin age model.MethodsThis is achieved by a two‐stage process. First by the application of textural analysis using laser speckle imaging, which is sensitive to textural effects within the λ = 650 nm spectral band region. In the second stage, a Bayesian inference method is used to select attributes from which a predictive model is built.ResultsThis technique enables us to contrast different skin age models, such as the laser speckle effect against the more widely used normal light (LED) imaging method, whereby it is shown that our laser speckle‐based technique yields better results.ConclusionThe method introduced here is non‐invasive, low cost and capable of operating in real time; having the potential to compete against high‐cost instrumentation such as confocal microscopy or similar imaging devices used for skin age identification purposes.
Apical transportation and canal straightening with different continuously tapered rotary file systems in severely curved root canals: F6 SkyTaper and OneShape versus Mtwo
Authors: Bürklein S. , Jäger P. G. , Schäfer E. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimTo compare apical transportation and canal straightening when using three continuous tapered rotary NiTi systems [F6 SkyTaper (Komet/Brasseler, Lemgo, Germany), Mtwo (VDW, Munich, Germany) and OneShape (Micro Méga, Besançon, France)] in severely curved root canals.MethodologyA total of 60 root canals in extracted human teeth with angles of curvatures ranging between 25° and 35° and radii ranging between 4 and 9 mm were divided into three groups (n = 20). Based on radiographs taken prior to instrumentation, the groups were balanced with respect to the angle and the radius of canal curvature (P = 1.0 and P = 0.994, respectively). All canals were prepared to an apical size 30 according to the manufacturer's instructions. Pre‐ and post‐instrumentation radiographs were superimposed and apical transportation and canal straightening were analysed using a computer imaging program. Preparation time and instrument failure were also recorded. Data were analysed statistically using anova and Student–Newman–Keuls test.ResultsDuring preparation, no file fractured. All instruments maintained the original canal curvature well with no significant differences between the instruments (P = 0.542). Concerning apical transportation, no significant differences were obtained (P = 0.414). Regarding preparation time, no significant differences were obtained between F6 SkyTaper and OneShape (P > 0.05), but both were significantly faster than Mtwo (P < 0.05).ConclusionUnder the conditions of this study, all instruments respected the original canal curvature well and apical transportation was negligible. Instruments were safe to use. Preparation with F6 SkyTaper and OneShape was faster than with Mtwo.
Effect of sonic and ultrasonic activation on organic tissue dissolution from simulated grooves in root canals using sodium hypochlorite and EDTA
Authors: Conde A. J. , Estevez R. , Loroño G. , Valencia de Pablo Ó. , Rossi‐Fedele G. , Cisneros R. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimTo compare soft‐tissue dissolution by sodium hypochlorite, with an EDTA intermediate rinse, with or without activation with passive ultrasonic activation (PUI) or sonic activation using the Endoactivator (EA) or Eddy tips (ED).MethodologyThe root canals of eighty‐three human maxillary central incisors were chemo‐mechanically prepared and the teeth split. A standardized longitudinal intracanal groove was created in one of the root halves. Eighty‐three porcine palatal mucosa samples were collected, adapted to fit into the grooves and weighed. The re‐assembled specimens were randomly divided into four experimental groups (n = 20), based on the final rinse: no activation; EA; PUI; ED, using 2.5% sodium hypochlorite, with an EDTA intermediate rinse. A control group (n = 3) was irrigated with distilled water without activation. The solutions were delivered using a syringe and needle 2 mm from working length. Total irrigation time was 150 s, including 60 s of activation in the specific groups. The study was carried out at 36 ± 2 °C. The porcine palatal mucosa samples were weighed after completion of the assays. Student paired t‐test and anova were used to assess the intra‐ and intergroup weight changes. The multiple comparisons were evaluated using Bonferroni correction (α = 0.05).ResultsWeight loss occurred in all experimental groups. Irrigant activation resulted in greater weight loss when compared to the nonactivated group [vs. EA (P = 0.001); vs. PUI (P < 0.001); vs. ED (P < 0.001)]. No significant differences were found amongst the different activation systems.ConclusionsActivation increased the tissue‐dissolving activity of irrigants from artificial grooves in root canals of maxillary central incisors.
Endogenous timing of moves in Bertrand–Edgeworth triopolies
Authors: Tasnádi Attila 
Published: November 2016

AbstractWe determine the endogenous order of moves in which the firms set their prices in the framework of a capacity‐constrained Bertrand–Edgeworth triopoly. A three‐period timing game that determines the period in which the firms announce their prices precedes the price‐setting stage. We show that the firm with the largest capacity sets its price first, while the two other firms set their prices later. Our result extends a finding by Deneckere and Kovenock from duopolies to triopolies. This extension was made possible by Hirata's recent advancements on the mixed‐strategy equilibria of Bertrand–Edgeworth games.
Neutrophil volume distribution width as a new marker in detecting inflammatory bowel disease activation
Authors: Aydemir Y. , Pınar A. , Hızal G. , Demir H. , Saltık Temizel İ. N. , Özen H. , Akbıyık F. , Yüce A. 
Published: November 2016

SummaryIntroductionWe sought to investigate the value of neutrophil volume distribution width in detecting inflammatory bowel disease activation.MethodsPatients with infection and accompanying inflammatory disease were excluded. All the patients were diagnosed and classified according to Porto criteria and Paris classification, respectively. Physician global assessment, pediatric Crohn's disease and pediatric ulcerative colitis activity indexes and fecal calprotectin were used to define disease activation.ResultsA total of 34 pediatric patients with Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and 29 controls were enrolled in the study. Neutrophil volume distribution width (NVDW) was significantly higher in patients with IBD compared to healthy controls (P < 0.001). An increased NVDW level was observed in IBD patients in activation (22.42 ± 2.13) compared to those in remission (19.22 ± 1.63) (P < 0.001). There was no statistically significant difference between IBD patients in remission and healthy controls. The best cutoff of NVDW for prediction of disease activation in Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis in this series was 20.39 with a sensitivity of 90.9% and a specificity of 75% (AUC: 0.852 CI: 0.698–1.000 P < 0.001) and 19.74 with a sensitivity of 92.9% and a specificity of 90.9% (AUC: 0.961, CI: 0.889–1.000, P < 0.001), respectively.ConclusionsAs a quantitative, objective, and sensitive parameter, we believe that the NVDW has a potential to be an additional test detecting disease activation in IBD.
T‐bet‐mediated Tim‐3 expression dampens monocyte function during chronic hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Yi Wenjing , Zhang Peixin , Liang Yan , Zhou Yun , Shen Huanjun , Fan Chao , Moorman Jonathan P. , Yao Zhi Q. , Jia Zhansheng , Zhang Ying 
Published: November 2016

SummaryHepatitis C virus (HCV) induces a high rate of chronic infection via dysregulation of host immunity. We have previously shown that T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain protein‐3 (Tim‐3) is up‐regulated on monocyte/macrophages (M/Mφ) during chronic HCV infection; little is known, however, about the transcription factor that controls its expression in these cells. In this study, we investigated the role of transcription factor, T‐box expressed in T cells (T‐bet), in Tim‐3 expression in M/Mφ in the setting of HCV infection. We demonstrate that T‐bet is constitutively expressed in resting CD14+ M/Mφ in the peripheral blood. M/Mφ from chronically HCV‐infected individuals exhibit a significant increase in T‐bet expression that positively correlates with an increased level of Tim‐3 expression. Up‐regulation of T‐bet is also observed in CD14+ M/Mφ incubated with HCV+ Huh7.5 cells, as well as in primary M/Mφ or monocytic THP‐1 cells exposed to HCV core protein in vitro, which is reversible by blocking HCV core/gC1qR interactions. Moreover, the HCV core‐induced up‐regulation of T‐bet and Tim‐3 expression in M/Mφ can be abrogated by incubating the cells with SP600125 – an inhibitor for the c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signalling pathway. Importantly, silencing T‐bet gene expression decreases Tim‐3 expression and enhances interleukin‐12 secretion as well as signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 phosphorylation. These data suggest that T‐bet, induced by the HCV core/gC1qR interaction, enhances Tim‐3 expression via the JNK pathway, leading to dampened M/Mφ function during HCV infection. These findings reveal a novel mechanism for Tim‐3 regulation via T‐bet during HCV infection, providing new targets to combat this global epidemic viral disease.
A Promising approach to the kinetics of crystallization processes: The sample controlled thermal analysis
Authors: Perejón Antonio , Sánchez‐Jiménez Pedro E. , Criado José M. , Pérez‐Maqueda Luis A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractConstant Rate Thermal Analysis (CRTA) method implies controlling the temperature in such a way that the reaction rate is maintained constant all over the process. This method allows determining simultaneously both the kinetic parameters and the kinetic model from a single experiment as the shape of the CRTA α‐T curves strongly depends on the kinetic model. CRTA method has been developed in the market only for thermogravimetric and thermodilatometric systems and, therefore, its use has been limited until now to the kinetic study of processes involving changes in mass or size of the samples, respectively. To overcome this obstacle, a method has been developed in this work for using the DSC signal for controlling the process rate in such a way that CRTA would be applied to the kinetic analysis of either phase transformations or crystallizations. The advantages of CRTA for performing the kinetics of crystallization processes have been here successfully demonstrated for the first time after selecting the crystallization of zirconia gel as test reaction.
Computation of sintering stress and bulk viscosity from microtomographic images in viscous sintering of glass particles
Authors: Okuma Gaku , Kadowaki Daiki , Hondo Tsuyoshi , Sato Akihiro , Tanaka Satoshi , Wakai Fumihiro 
Published: November 2016

AbstractSintering stress and bulk viscosity were derived as functions of relative density from microtomographic images in viscous sintering of glass particles. Three methods were proposed to estimate the sintering stress from relative density, specific surface area, and average of curvature on pore surface, which were directly measured by X‐ray microtomography. The surface energy method gave valid value in the final stage of sintering, while the mixed method gave better estimation in the intermediate stage. For the initial stage of sintering, the sintering stress was calculated from the average contact radius and the average coordination number observed by X‐ray microtomography. The sintering stress at the final stage increased in free sintering, but it decreased in constrained sintering due to pore coarsening. The bulk viscosity was calculated from the shrinkage rate and the sintering stress.