bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity and community composition of herbaceous plants in different habitat types in south‐east Cameroon
Authors: Willie Jacob , Tagg Nikki , Lens Luc 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe composition of herbaceous vegetation was evaluated with the aim of characterizing forests at various ages of stand development. Herb stems were sampled in 250 4‐m² square plots distributed within six habitat types. A total of 36 herb species belonging to 15 families were recorded. Species richness did not significantly differ between habitat types. Most herb species occurred in all habitat types and were therefore generalists. However, a few indicator herb species were detected, and the results roughly suggested that herb species of the families Poaceae and Araceae were indicative of late successional forests; Zingiberaceae are indicative of early successional forests; and Commelinaceae, Costaceae, Cyperaceae and Marantaceae are indicators of flooded habitats. Species diversity and stem density of herbaceous plants did not change with forest succession as a decrease in abundance and frequency of occurrence of pioneer species in late successional forests was counterbalanced by the presence of generalist and late successional species. However, increasing proportions of dwarf stems in late successional forests translated to changes in the vertical structure of herbaceous plant communities. Herbivory pressure by gorillas did not have a notable effect on herbaceous plant community development. This study contributes to the definition of herbaceous ecological indicators of forest succession in different settings.
Characterization of epitope specificities of reference antibodies used for the quantification of the birch pollen allergen Bet v 1
Authors: Brier S. , Le Mignon M. , Jain K. , Lebrun C. , Peurois F. , Kellenberger C. , Bordas‐Le Floch V. , Mascarell L. , Nony E. , Moingeon P. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundAccurate allergen quantification is needed to document the consistency of allergen extracts used for immunotherapy. Herein, we characterize the epitope specificities of two monoclonal antibodies used in an ELISA for the quantification of the major birch pollen allergen Bet v 1, established as a reference by the BSP090 European project.MethodsThe ability of mAbs 5B4 and 6H4 to recognize Bet v 1 isoforms was addressed by immunochromatography. The capacity of each mAb to compete with patients’ IgE for binding to Bet v 1 was measured by ELISA inhibition. Epitope mapping was performed by pepscan analysis, site‐directed mutagenesis, and hydrogen/deuterium exchange‐mass spectrometry.ResultsThe 5B4 epitope corresponds to a peptide sequence (I56‐K68) overlapping with the binding sites of patients’ serum IgEs. Mutation of residues P59, E60, and K65 abolishes 5B4 binding to Bet v 1 and reduces the level of IgE recognition. In contrast, 6H4 recognizes a conformational epitope lying opposite to the 5B4 binding site, involving residues located in segments I44‐K55 and R70‐F79. Substitution of E45 reduces the binding capacity of 6H4, confirming that it is critical for the interaction. Both mAbs interact with >90% of Bet v 1 content present in the birch pollen extract, while displaying a weak cross‐reactivity with other allergens of the PR‐10 family.ConclusionsMAbs 5B4 and 6H4 recognize structurally distinct epitopes present in the vast majority of Bet v 1 isoforms. These results support the relevance as a reference method of the Bet v 1‐specific quantitative ELISA adopted by the European Pharmacopoeia.
Immunological differences between insect venom‐allergic patients with and without immunotherapy and asymptomatically sensitized subjects
Authors: Arzt L. , Bokanovic D. , Schrautzer C. , Laipold K. , Möbs C. , Pfützner W. , Herzog S. A. , Vollmann J. , Reider N. , Bohle B. , Aberer W. , Sturm G. J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractBackgroundCurrently available tests are unable to distinguish between asymptomatic sensitization and clinically relevant Hymenoptera venom allergy. A reliable serological marker to monitor venom immunotherapy (VIT) does also not exist. Our aim was to find reliable serological markers to predict tolerance to bee and vespid stings.MethodsWe included 77 asymptomatically sensitized subjects, 85 allergic patients with acute systemic sting reactions, and 61 allergic patients currently treated with VIT. Levels of sIgE and sIgG4 to bee and vespid venom, rApi m 1, and rVes v 5 were measured immediately after allergic sting reactions or before sting challenges and 4 weeks later. All sting challenges were tolerated. The inhibitory activity was determined using BAT inhibition and ELIFAB assay.ResultsMedian sIgG4 levels were 96‐fold higher in VIT patients (P < .001) while sIgE/sIgG4 ratios were consistently lower (P < .001). The ELIFAB assay was paralleled by low sIgE/sIgG4 ratios in VIT patients, showing markedly higher allergen‐blocking capacity (P < .001). An almost complete inhibition of the basophil response was seen in all patients treated with vespid venom, but not in those treated with bee venom. Four weeks after the sting, sIgE and sIgG4 levels were increased in allergic and asymptomatically sensitized patients, but not in VIT patients.ConclusionImmunological responses after stings varied in bee and vespid venom‐allergic patients. In patients under VIT, sIgE and sIgG4 remained completely stable after sting challenges. Monitoring VIT efficacy was only possible in vespid venom allergy, and the sIgG4 threshold for rVes v 5 had the highest sensitivity to confirm tolerance. The BAT inhibition test was the most reliable tool to confirm tolerance on an individual basis.
Factors associated with deep circulation in the peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy zone in normal‐tension glaucoma with myopic disc
Authors: Kiyota Naoki , Kunikata Hiroshi , Takahashi Seri , Shiga Yukihiro , Omodaka Kazuko , Nakazawa Toru 
Published: November 2017

AbstractPurposeTo investigate factors associated with choroidal microcirculation in the peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy (PPA) zone in eyes with normal‐tension glaucoma (NTG) and myopic disc.MethodsIn 100 eyes of 100 NTG patients with myopic disc and 20 eyes of 20 age‐matched myopic controls, 4.5 × 4.5 mm scans were made of the optic nerve head with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA). Peripapillary chorioretinal atrophy (PPA) area and PPA superficial choroidal image intensity (PPA‐CI) were calculated with image j software. Clinical characteristics, laser speckle flowgraphy‐measured mean blur rate in the temporal tissue area (temporal MT), the central thresholds (the averaged standard automated perimetry‐measured visual field thresholds in the four paracentral points) and 3D‐OCT‐measured ganglion cell complex thickness in the papillomacular bundle (PMB‐GCCT) were recorded.ResultsThe NTG patients had significantly lower intraocular pressure, PMB‐GCCT and central threshold values, and a larger PPA area, than the controls. The area under the receiver operating characteristics curve to differentiate NTG with parafoveal scotoma (PFS) from controls was 0.76 for temporal MT, 0.85 for PPA‐CI and 0.87 for PMB‐GCCT. Univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that PPA‐CI was negatively correlated with age, pulse rate, best‐corrected visual acuity, axial length and PPA area, and positively correlated with temporal MT, PMB‐GCCT and the central thresholds.ConclusionPeripapillary chorioretinal atrophy (PPA)‐CI was associated with temporal MT, ageing, bradycardia, axial length elongation and changes in central retinal structure and visual function in patients with NTG and myopic disc. Thus, microcirculation deep within the PPA zone might be a clinically useful biomarker of PFS in NTG.
Acquired In‐process Research Development and Earnings Management
Authors: Lee Junyoup , Lee Eunsuh , Kim Kevin H. , Paik Daniel Gyung H. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractNew accounting standards, namely SFAS 141 and 142, were adopted in 2001. The release of these two regulations offers a unique opportunity to explore how managers have changed their earnings manipulation behaviour by using In‐process Research and Development (IPR&D) costs. In this study, we examine whether and how the amount of IPR&D at the acquisition deals is associated with discretionary accruals, which serve as a proxy for earnings management. We use a sample of firms reporting acquired IPR&D over the period 1993–2007 with a matched group based on size and industry. Our results provide evidence that managers strategically use the IPR&D costs as an income‐decreasing earnings management tool, and SFAS 141 and 142 effectively reduced the use of IPR&D costs to manipulate earnings. Furthermore, we examine the effect of SFAS 141R, which was adopted in 2008, on earnings management by using IPR&D. We use a sample of firms reporting acquired IPR&D at the firm level over the period 1993–2011 with a matched group based on size and industry. Results indicate that IPR&D is no longer related to income‐decreasing earnings management after the adoption of SFAS 141R. These findings can help accounting regulators determine how to curb the misleading use of IPR&D for earnings management purposes.
Functional similarity analysis highlights ecosystem impacts and restoration needs
Authors: Pakeman Robin J. , Lewis Rob J. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimsTo test a recently developed method of assessing functional β‐diversity – as the difference in location of the convex hull in trait space – as a means of assessing the impact of species loss and colonization over time on functional composition. This approach was tested using data from a survey and subsequent resurvey of Scottish coastal vegetation.LocationScotland, UK.ResultsFixed dunes, slacks, unimproved grassland and mires showed the highest functional overlap through time (high correspondence in convex hull position between two surveys), while salt marsh, improved grassland and heath showed the lowest. Fixed dune was the most stable in terms of retaining the highest proportion of the original convex hull, while salt marsh was least stable. Salt marsh also showed the highest new functional space occupied, whilst mires and slacks showed the least colonization by functionally distinct species. Generally sites on the west coast of Scotland were most stable, while those on the east showed the greatest functional changes. Assessing functional β‐diversity provided a different picture to assessing species β‐diversity; high species turnover might have little impact on the functional characteristics of the vegetation, whereas the invasion of one functionally different species can have a sizeable impact on ecosystem processes.ConclusionsThe method proved effective in highlighting habitats and sites where species changes had the largest impact on the functional space occupied by the plant assemblage. The method provides complementary information to that derived from other types of analysis, including about the potential needs for improved management or full‐scale restoration.
Interactions of (2S,6S;2R,6R)‐Hydroxynorketamine, a Secondary Metabolite of (R,S)‐Ketamine, with Morphine
Authors: Lilius Tuomas O. , Viisanen Hanna , Jokinen Viljami , Niemi Mikko , Kalso Eija A. , Rauhala Pekka V. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractKetamine and its primary metabolite norketamine attenuate morphine tolerance by antagonising N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Ketamine is extensively metabolized to several other metabolites. The major secondary metabolite (2S,6S;2R,6R)‐hydroxynorketamine (6‐hydroxynorketamine) is not an NMDA antagonist. However, it may modulate nociception through negative allosteric modulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. We studied whether 6‐hydroxynorketamine could affect nociception or the effects of morphine in acute or chronic administration settings. Male Sprague Dawley rats received subcutaneous 6‐hydroxynorketamine or ketamine alone or in combination with morphine, as a cotreatment during induction of morphine tolerance, and after the development of tolerance induced by subcutaneous minipumps administering 9.6 mg morphine daily. Tail flick, hot plate, paw pressure and rotarod tests were used. Brain and serum drug concentrations were quantified with high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Ketamine (10 mg/kg), but not 6‐hydroxynorketamine (10 and 30 mg/kg), enhanced antinociception and decreased rotarod performance following acute administration either alone or combined with morphine. Ketamine efficiently attenuated morphine tolerance. Acutely administered 6‐hydroxynorketamine increased the brain concentration of morphine (by 60%), and brain and serum concentrations of 6‐hydroxynorketamine were doubled by morphine pre‐treatment. This pharmacokinetic interaction did not, however, lead to altered morphine tolerance. Co‐administration of 6‐hydroxynorketamine 20 mg/kg twice daily did not influence development of morphine tolerance. Even though morphine and 6‐hydroxynorketamine brain concentrations were increased after co‐administration, the pharmacokinetic interaction had no effect on acute morphine nociception or tolerance. These results indicate that 6‐hydroxynorketamine does not have antinociceptive properties or attenuate opioid tolerance in a similar way as ketamine.
A dubious defense of ‘after‐birth abortion’: A reply to Räsänen
Authors: Kaczor Christopher 
Published: November 2017

AbstractScholars have offered various critiques of Alberto Giubilini and Francesca Minerva's controversial article, ‘After‐birth abortion: Why should the baby live?’ My book The Ethics of Abortion: Women's Rights, Human Life, and the Question of Justice presents four such critiques. First, Giubilini and Minerva argue from the deeply controversial to the even more controversial. Second, they presuppose a false view of personal identity called body‐self dualism. Third, their view cannot secure human equality. And fourth, their account of harm cannot account for harm found in some cases of murder. In the article, ‘Pro‐life arguments against infanticide and why they are not convincing’, J. Räsänen examines and finds wanting these four critiques. This essay responds to Räsänen's defense of infanticide and argues that his responses to the four objections fail.
Family and individual variables associated with young Filipino children's numeracy interest and competence
Authors: Cheung Sum Kwing , Yang Xiujie , Dulay Katrina May , McBride Catherine 
Published: November 2017

Children's early numeracy outcomes set the foundation for mathematics learning in their future school years. This study examined how different family and individual variables were associated with the numeracy interest and competence of disadvantaged young children in the Philippines. The numeracy and literacy skills of 673 children living in low‐middle income communities were tested. Their parents were also asked to complete a questionnaire on demographics, their home numeracy practices, attitudes about numeracy learning, and children's numeracy interest. Structural equation modelling analyses showed that children's numeracy interest was linked with their parents’ practices and attitudes. Children's numeracy competence, on the other hand, was related to their gender, age, socioeconomic status, and literacy abilities. These findings suggest that family and individual variables might play different roles in disadvantaged children's early numeracy development. Moreover, parents can be encouraged to make effective use of home numeracy experiences to promote their children's numeracy competence.
Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

In developed countries, home environment is occasionally found to link with early numeracy development.

Some individual variables are also found to play significant roles in early numeracy development.

What does this study add?

Among young Filipino children from disadvantaged backgrounds, home environment is related to numeracy interest.

Family socioeconomic status plays a significant role in early numeracy competence.

Early literacy and numeracy skills are interrelated with each other.
Pathogenesis and therapeutic targeting of aberrant MYC expression in haematological cancers
Authors: Schick Markus , Habringer Stefan , Nilsson Jonas A. , Keller Ulrich 
Published: November 2017

SummaryIdentifying and therapeutically targeting cancer cell liabilities is of utmost importance in order to improve the treatment of patients with malignancies of poor prognosis. The MYC family genes (MYC, MYCN and MYCL) are among the most deregulated proto‐oncogenes in human cancer. Aberrant MYC expression is frequently associated with poor prognosis. Although many aspects of MYC‐mediated tumour biology are well characterized, there are currently no effective means for targeting MYC in a specific manner that have been established for clinical use. This review first discusses the role of MYC in the pathogenesis of haematopoietic malignancies, and secondly summarizes how insight into MYC functions could be translated into therapeutic approaches. In particular, we will address the possibilities of taking advantage of MYC‐induced cancer cell vulnerabilities that could be exploited in terms of synthetic lethal interactions.
Organizing artistic activities in a recurrent manner: (on the nature of) entrepreneurship in the performing arts
Authors: Bergamini Michela , Van de Velde Ward , Van Looy Bart , Visscher Klaasjan 
Published: November 2017

A majority of performing arts organizations active in classical music, theatre, and contemporary dance rely on funding from “third parties” in order to organize productions in a recurrent manner. We adopt an entrepreneurial perspective to inform the debate on the economic sustainability of performing arts organizations: Is it a “deficit” in entrepreneurial orientation that condemns these organizations to financial dependence? Relying on a comparative case study design (n = 12), we distill a process model of performing arts entrepreneurship (PAE), which we compare with insights on innovative entrepreneurship. Our findings reveal that it is neither a lack of entrepreneurial dynamics nor the presence of opposing logics that creates dependence on multiple revenue streams. The introduction of a second revenue stream follows from adhering to artistic distinctiveness. Implications for practice and theory are elaborated.
High‐Ability Grouping: Benefits for Gifted Students’ Achievement Development Without Costs in Academic Self‐Concept
Authors: Preckel Franzis , Schmidt Isabelle , Stumpf Eva , Motschenbacher Monika , Vogl Katharina , Scherrer Vsevolod , Schneider Wolfgang 
Published: November 2017

Effects of full‐time ability grouping on students’ academic self‐concept (ASC) and mathematics achievement were investigated in the first 3 years of secondary school (four waves of measurement; students’ average age at first wave: 10.5 years). Students were primarily from middle and upper class families living in southern Germany. The study sample comprised 148 (60% male) students from 14 gifted classes and 148 (57% male) students from 25 regular classes (matched by propensity score matching). Data analyses involved multilevel and latent growth curve analyses. Findings revealed no evidence for contrast effects of class‐average achievement or assimilation effects of class type on students’ ASC. ASC remained stable over time. Students in gifted classes showed higher achievement gains than students in regular classes.
What is the optimal management of an intra‐operative air leak in a colorectal anastomosis?
Authors: Mitchem J. B. , Stafford C. , Francone T. D. , Roberts P. L. , Schoetz D. J. , Marcello P. W. , Ricciardi R. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimAn airtight anastomosis on intra‐operative leak testing has been previously demonstrated to be associated with a lower risk of clinically significant postoperative anastomotic leak following left‐sided colorectal anastomosis. However, to date, there is no consistently agreed upon method for management of an intra‐operative anastomotic leak. Therefore, we powered a noninferiority study to determine whether suture repair alone was an appropriate strategy for the management of an intra‐operative air leak.MethodThis is a retrospective cohort analysis of prospectively collected data from a tertiary care referral centre. We included all consecutive patients with left‐sided colorectal or ileorectal anastomoses and evidence of air leak during intra‐operative leak testing. Patients were excluded if proximal diversion was planned preoperatively, a pre‐existing proximal diversion was present at the time of surgery or an anastomosis was ultimately unable to be completed. The primary outcome measure was clinically significant anastomotic leak, as defined by the Surgical Infection Study Group at 30 days.ResultsFrom a sample of 2360 patients, 119 had an intra‐operative air leak during leak testing. Sixty‐eight patients underwent suture repair alone and 51 underwent proximal diversion or anastomotic reconstruction. The clinically significant leak rate was 9% (6/68; 95% CI: 2–15%) in the suture repair alone arm and 0% (0/51) in the diversion or reconstruction arm.ConclusionSuture repair alone does not meet the criteria for noninferiority for the management of intra‐operative air leak during left‐sided colorectal anastomosis. Further repair of intra‐operative air leak by suture repair alone should be reconsidered given these findings.
Emerging adulthood and Type 1 diabetes: insights from the DAWN2 Study
Authors: Vallis M. , Willaing I. , Holt R. I. G. 
Published: November 2017

AbstractAimsTo compare clinical, psychological, education and social variables in emerging adults (aged 18–30 years) with Type 1 diabetes with their adult counterparts aged >30 years.MethodsA single assessment multinational sample was surveyed as part of the larger second Diabetes Attitudes, Wishes and Needs (DAWN2) study. Participants completed a series of surveys incorporating demographic as well as clinical questions (comorbidities, hypoglycaemia) and validated self‐report scales concerning psychosocial (health impact, quality of life, beliefs and attitudes, self‐management behaviours, healthcare experience and family support) and diabetes education factors.ResultsEmerging adults differed from adults aged >30 years with regard to a number of psychosocial variables. Emerging adults reported better overall quality of life, social support and support from their healthcare team compared with adults aged >30 years of age; however, emerging adults experienced greater diabetes‐specific distress and were less engaged in self‐management. Diabetes education was related to a number of indicators, while experience of discrimination was harmful, but these impacts did not differ between emerging adults and adults aged >30 years. An analysis of geographical regions suggested that emerging adults in North America and Europe had better well‐being than older adults, while the opposite was observed in Asia.ConclusionsEmerging adults, particularly those in the later phase (ages 25–30 years) are especially at risk in terms of diabetes‐specific distress. There is a need for novel interventions to meet the needs of these vulnerable emerging adults more effectively.