bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Expert judgment and uncertainty regarding the protection of imperiled species
Authors: Heeren Alexander , Karns Gabriel , Bruskotter Jeremy , Toman Eric , Wilson Robyn , Szarek Harmony 
Published: September 2016

AbstractDecisions concerning the appropriate listing status of species under the U.S. Endangered Species Act (ESA) can be controversial even among conservationists. These decisions may determine whether a species persists in the near term and have long‐lasting social and political ramifications. Given the ESA's mandate that such decisions be based on the best available science, it is important to examine what factors contribute to experts’ judgments concerning the listing of species. We examined how a variety of factors (such as risk perception, value orientations, and norms) influenced experts’ judgments concerning the appropriate listing status of the grizzly bear (Ursus arctos horribilis) population in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Experts were invited to complete an online survey examining their perceptions of the threats grizzly bears face and their listing recommendation. Although experts’ assessments of the threats to this species were strongly correlated with their recommendations for listing status, this relationship did not exist when other cognitive factors were included in the model. Specifically, values related to human use of wildlife and norms (i.e., a respondent's expectation of peers’ assessments) were most influential in listing status recommendations. These results suggest that experts’ decisions about listing, like all human decisions, are subject to the use of heuristics (i.e., decision shortcuts). An understanding of how heuristics and related biases affect decisions under uncertainty can help inform decision making about threatened and endangered species and may be useful in designing effective processes for protection of imperiled species.
Sp1 transcription factor promotes TMEPAI gene expression and contributes to cell proliferation
Authors: Li Yuyin , Guo Ailong , Feng Yajuan , Zhang Yueying , Wang Jianjun , Jing Lifang , Yan Yali , Jing Lei , Liu Zhenxing , Ma Long , Diao Aipo 
Published: September 2016

AbstractObjectivesTMEPAI (transmembrane prostate androgen‐induced protein) has been reported to be overexpressed during tumour progression; however, little is known concerning transcriptional mechanisms regulating TMEPAI gene expression.Materials and methodsIn this study, the TMEPAI gene promoter has been identified and characterized, and the effects of Sp1 on TMEPAI‐induced viability of A549 cells were evaluated, using MTT and colony formation assays.ResultsWe found that the sequence between −298 and +24 consists of basal promoter activity for TMEPAI. Further analysis indicated that two Sp1‐binding sites are crucial for maintaining basal transcriptional activity of the TMEPAI promoter, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed direct binding of Sp1 to the TMEPAI promoter. In addition, Sp1 up‐regulated TMEPAI protein expression, as well as Sp1 promoting TMEPAI‐induced cell proliferation.ConclusionsThese results indicate that the sequence between −298 and +24 consists of the basal promoter activity for TMEPAI. Sp1 promotes TMEPAI expression and contributes to cell proliferation.
Using prioritisation tools to strategically restore vegetation communities in fragmented agricultural landscapes
Authors: Jellinek Sacha 
Published: September 2016

SummaryRestoring native habitats in heavily cleared and fragmented areas such as agricultural landscapes is important to maintain and increase remaining native floral and faunal communities. Identifying priority vegetation types for restoration – as well as the parcels of land where this restoration could take place at a landscape scale – may assist in strategically protecting these biodiversity assets. To prioritise the restoration of terrestrial habitats around an ecologically and culturally significant Ramsar‐listed wetland in South Australia, we used the spatial prioritisation tool Marxan. Originally designed for prioritising the protection of reserve areas, Marxan can also be used to identify parcels of land for restoration purposes. We tested how Marxan prioritised the restoration of four distinct vegetation types around the Coorong and Lower Lakes region of South Australia using the inverse of habitat remnancy as a cost and soil type and distance to ecologically significant bird species as a conservation feature. By prioritising restoration activities around certain landscape features, such as remnant areas, our results indicate that we would be able to strategically restore parcels of native habitat that would maximise biodiversity outcomes. This study highlights the need for robust input data, such as priority vegetation types and bird species associated with these habitats, to ensure informative modelling outputs. It also suggests that other measures, such as the cost of different land types, should be included in future restoration planning. Finally, we illustrate how prioritisation tools such as Marxan can be used by natural resource managers to restore areas within fragmented agricultural landscapes.
Effects of Isolation on Stress Responses to Novel Stimuli in Subadult Chickens (Gallus gallus)
Authors: Weldon Kimberly B. , Fanson Kerry V. , Smith Carolynn L. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractExtensive research has examined the effects of social isolation in neonatal and adult animal populations, but few studies have examined the effect of social isolation in early adulthood. Animals reaching reproductive age often experience extensive social changes as they leave their natal site, and a social stressor like isolation may uniquely affect this age group. Furthermore, adolescence is a time when sex differences in behavior become more pronounced. As such, the effects of social stressors are likely to vary by sex. In this study, we used noninvasive methods to evaluate stress responses to social change in male and female subadult chickens (Gallus gallus). Half of the birds experienced regular sessions of social isolation over the course of 2 wk, while the other half were never isolated. Subsequently, all of the animals were exposed to a suite of three novel probes, including an open‐field test. We monitored the birds’ behavioral (head movements) and physiological (fecal glucocorticoid metabolites, FGM) response to the tests. Our results indicate that, for subadult chickens, the effect of social isolation is sex dependent: Male FGM and behavioral responses did not change with subsequent experiences, in contrast to females. Females also exhibited more social reinstatement behavior compared to males. Our results are consistent with the expectations of differences between the sexes based on changes in the social environment due to sex‐biased dispersal patterns. For both sexes, the FGM and behavioral responses varied independently, which highlights the necessity for multiple measures of stress in animal populations.
Does unreported catch lead to overfishing?
Authors: Rudd Merrill B , Branch Trevor A 
Published: September 2016

AbstractCatches are commonly misreported in many fisheries worldwide, resulting in inaccurate data that hinder our ability to assess population status and manage fisheries sustainably. Under‐reported catch is generally perceived to lead to overfishing, and hence, catch reconstructions are increasingly used to account for sectors that may be unreliably reported, including illegal harvest, recreational and subsistence fisheries, and discards. However, improved monitoring and/or catch reconstructions only aid in the first step of a fisheries management plan: collecting data to make inferences on stock status. Misreported catch impacts estimates of population parameters, which in turn influences management decisions, but the pattern and degree of these impacts are not necessarily intuitive. We conducted a simulation study to test the effect of different patterns of catch misreporting on estimated fishery status and recommended catches. If, for example, 50% of all fishery catches are consistently unreported, estimates of population size and sustainable yield will be 50% lower, but estimates of current exploitation rate and fishery status will be unbiased. As a result, constant under‐ or over‐reporting of catches results in recommended catches that are sustainable. However, when there are trends in catch reporting over time, the estimates of important parameters are inaccurate, generally leading to underutilization when reporting rates improve, and overfishing when reporting rates degrade. Thus, while quantifying total catch is necessary for understanding the impact of fisheries on businesses, communities and ecosystems, detecting trends in reporting rates is more important for estimating fishery status and setting sustainable catches into the future.
Genetic diversity of Miscanthus sinensis in US naturalized populations
Authors: Zhao Yongli , Basak Suma , Fleener Christine E. , Egnin Marceline , Sacks Erik J. , Prakash Channapatna S. , He Guohao 
Published: September 2016

AbstractMiscanthus is increasingly gaining popularity as a bioenergy grass because of its extremely high biomass productivity. Many clones of this grass were introduced into United States over the past century from East Asia where it originated, and planted for ornamental and landscaping purposes. An understanding of the genetic diversity among these naturalized populations may help in the efficient selection of potential parents in the Miscanthus breeding program. Here, we report our study analyzing the genetic diversity of 228 MiscanthusDNA samples selected from seven sites in six states (Ohio, North Carolina, Washington D.C., Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Virginia) across the eastern United States. Ten transferable DNA markers from other plant species were employed to amplify genomic DNA of Miscanthus because of the paucity of molecular markers in Miscanthus. There were significant genetic variations observed within and among US naturalized populations. The highest genetic diversity (0.3738) was found among the North Carolina genotypes taken from Biltmore Deer Park and Biltmore, Madison County, Cody Rd. The lowest genetic diversity (0.2776) was observed among Virginia genotypes that were diverged from those from other states, suggesting Virginia genotypes might be independently introduced into the United States from the different origin. By the cluster and structure analysis, 228 genotypes were categorized into two major groups that were further divided into six subgroups at the DNA level and the groups were generally consistent with geographic region.
Examining chronic care patient preferences for involvement in health‐care decision making: the case of Parkinson's disease patients in a patient‐centred clinic
Authors: Zizzo Natalie , Bell Emily , Lafontaine Anne‐Louise , Racine Eric 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundPatient‐centred care is a recommended model of care for Parkinson's disease (PD). It aims to provide care that is respectful and responsive to patient preferences, values and perspectives. Provision of patient‐centred care should entail considering how patients want to be involved in their care.ObjectiveTo understand the participation preferences of patients withPDfrom a patient‐centred care clinic in health‐care decision‐making processes.Design, setting and participants:Mixed‐methods study with early‐stage Parkinson's disease patients from a patient‐centred care clinic. Study involved a modified Autonomy Preference Index survey (N=65) and qualitative, semi‐structured in‐depth interviews, analysed using thematic qualitative content analysis (N=20, purposefully selected from survey participants). Interviews examined (i) the patient preferences for involvement in health‐care decision making; (ii) patient perspectives on the patient–physician relationship; and (iii) patient preferences for communication of information relevant to decision making.ResultsPreferences for participation in decision making varied between individuals and also within individuals depending on decision type, relational and contextual factors. Patients had high preferences for communication of information, but with acknowledged limits. The importance of communication in the patient–physician relationship was emphasized.DiscussionPatient preferences for involvement in decision making are dynamic and support shared decision making. Relational autonomy corresponds to how patients envision their participation in decision making. Clinicians may need to assess patient preferences on an on‐going basis.ConclusionOur results highlight the complexities of decision‐making processes. Improved understanding of individual preferences could enhance respect for persons and make for patient‐centred care that is truly respectful of individual patients’ wants, needs and values.
Prevalence of and factors associated with depression among people living with HIV in France
Authors: Feuillet P , Lert F , Tron L , Aubriere C , Spire B , Dray‐Spira R ,   the Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le Sida et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS)‐VIH: Enquête sur les personnes atteintes (Vespa2) Study Group
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesDepression is common among people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and is associated with poorer therapeutic outcomes and risky behaviours. We sought to estimate the prevalence of major depressive episode (MDE) across PLWHIV groups, to compare this with its prevalence in the general population and to assess factors associated with it.MethodsWe used data from the Agence Nationale de Recherche sur le Sida et les Hépatites Virales (ANRS)‐Vespa2 study, a national study on a representative sample of PLWHIV conducted in France in 2011. The short form of the depression module of the World Health Organization's Composite International Diagnostic Instrument (CIDI‐SF) was used to characterize the occurrence of an MDE during the previous year. MDE prevalence was assessed among the various groups of PLWHIV and compared with that in the general population, accounting for the sociodemographic characteristics of the two populations, using multivariate Poisson regression models. The same method was used to assess associated factors.ResultsMDE prevalence was 28.1% among PLWHIV, ranging from 10.9 to 55.7% across groups. Compared with the general population by sex, regardless of sexual orientation and origin, MDE prevalence was 5.1‐fold higher in HIV‐infected men who have sex with men [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.9–6.6], 3.1‐fold higher in non‐sub‐Saharan African (SSA) heterosexual men (95% CI 2.2–4.4), 1.6‐fold higher in SSA migrant men (95% CI 0.9–2.6), 2.6‐fold higher in non‐SSA heterosexual women (95% CI 2.1–3.3), and 1.9‐fold higher in SSA migrant women (95% CI 1.5–2.5). In the HIV‐infected population, MDE was positively related to unemployment, material deprivation, disclosure, experience of discrimination, and untreated hepatitis C, and negatively related to age.ConclusionsThe prevalence of depression varied across the different groups of PLWHIV, with levels much higher than in the general population. Moreover, there was a strong association with socioeconomic status and HIV experience.
Real‐world cardiovascular assessment of mirabegron treatment in patients with overactive bladder and concomitant cardiovascular disease: Results of a Japanese post‐marketing study
Authors: Katoh Takao , Kuwamoto Kana , Kato Daisuke , Kuroishi Kentarou 
Published: September 2016

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of 25 or 50 mg mirabegron on cardiovascular end‐points and adverse drug reactions in real‐world Japanese patients with overactive bladder and cardiovascular disease.MethodsParticipants had overactive bladder, a history of/coexisting cardiovascular disease and a 12‐lead electrocardiogram carried out ≤7 days before initiating 4 weeks of mirabegron treatment. Patients with “serious cardiovascular disease” (class III or IV on the New York Heart Association functional classification and further confirmed by expert analysis) were excluded. Patient demographics, physical characteristics and cardiovascular history were recorded. After 4 weeks, patients underwent another electrocardiogram. Incidence of cardiovascular adverse drug reactions and change from baseline in electrocardiogram parameters (RR, PR, QRS intervals, Fridericia's corrected QT and heart rate) were assessed.ResultsOf 316 patients registered, 236 met criteria and had baseline/post‐dose electrocardiograms: 61.9% male; 60.2% aged ≥75 years; 93.6% with coexisting cardiovascular disease, notably, arrhythmia (67.8%) and angina pectoris (19.1%). Starting mirabegron daily doses were 25 mg (19.9%) or 50 mg (80.1%). The incidence of cardiovascular adverse drug reactions was 5.51%. After 4 weeks, the mean heart rate increased by 1.24 b.p.m. (statistically significant, but clinically acceptable as per previous trials). No significant changes were observed in PR, QRS or Fridericia's corrected QT. No significant correlations in the total population or age‐/sex‐segregated subgroups were observed between baseline Fridericia's corrected QT and change at 4 weeks. No correlation for heart rate versus change from baseline heart rate with treatment was observed.ConclusionsMirabegron was well tolerated in real‐world Japanese patients with overactive bladder and coexisting cardiovascular disease. No unexpected cardiovascular safety concerns were observed.
Regional Mobility Spaces? Visa Waiver Policies and Regional Integration
Authors: Gülzau Fabian , Mau Steffen , Zaun Natascha 
Published: September 2016

AbstractVisa policies today are a central instrument for filtering wanted and unwanted types of travellers, leading to a hierarchy of mobility rights. While there is evidence of a “global mobility divide”, we still know little about the role of regional integration when it comes to the distribution of mobility rights and the (re)structuring of mobility spaces. Against this background, the article examines the structure of visa relations in different bodies of regional integration (EU,MERCOSUR,ASEAN,ECOWAS,EAC,NAFTA,SADCandSICA). The article compares visa policies in the member states of these institutions in 1969 and 2010 from a social network perspective. While one would generally expect each institution's member states to become more similar with regard to both internal and external mobility regulations, we find that not all regional clusters align their visa policies. Potential explanations for this state of affairs are investigated.
The nonfeeding auricularia of Holothuria mexicana (Echinodermata, Holothuroidea)
Authors: Emlet Richard B. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAmong echinoderms, nonfeeding larvae usually are simplified in body shape, have uniform ciliation, and have lost the larval gut. A few species have nonfeeding larvae that express some remnant features of feeding larvae like ciliated bands and larval skeleton or larval arms, but typically their larval mouth never opens and their gut does not function. Still other species have retained the feeding larval form, a functional gut, and can feed, but they do not require food to metamorphose. The present note describes the development of a tropical holothurian, Holothuria mexicana, which hatches as a gastrula that is already generating coelomic structures. A translucent auricularia forms with a mouth that opens but becomes reduced soon thereafter. In form and ciliation this auricularia resembles a feeding larva, but it does not respond to food. A doliolaria forms on day 4 and the pentactula on day 6 post‐fertilization. Further study of this larva and that of its closely related congener, Holothuria floridana, is warranted.
Observations of false mating behavior in entocytherid ostracods from the northwestern United States
Authors: Weaver Patricia G. , Williams Bronwyn W. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractFive male entocytherid ostracods of four different species recovered from signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus were observed exhibiting false mating behaviors with either another adult male, an A1 sub‐adult male, or an A3 juvenile of indeterminate species and sex. In all five instances, the ostracod being mated was not sclerotized, indicating recent molt. In one case, a male of Uncinocythere thektura was observed in false copulation with an A1 male of a different species, U. occidentalis, suggesting that taxonomic designations of females in mixed populations of Uncinocythere can be problematic. Possible reasons for false mating behavior include stress of being confined post‐collection, lack of available females, or possibly males mistaking non‐sclerotized partners for A1 females.
Automated intravitreal injection system for the efficient treatment of AMD
Authors: Ullrich F. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryIntravitreal therapy is the most common treatment for many ophthalmic diseases, such as age‐related macular degeneration or diabetic retinopathy. To render this procedure time and cost efficient, as well as to increase patient safety, an automated assistive device for intravitreal injections has been designed and is introduced in this talk. The system allows for precise and safe injections through the pars plana but is still controlled and monitored by the treating physician.
Molecular genetic basis of Usher syndrome in the Czech population
Authors: Liskova P. , Kousal B. , Bujakowska K. , Dudakova L. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryA systematic literature search of the PubMed database (1 March 2016) using keywords ‘Usher syndrome’ AND ‘mutation’ AND ‘Czech Republic’ (or Belarus, Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland, Slovakia, Romania, Russia, Ukraine) yielded 3 results. After inspection of retrieved abstracts we concluded that none of the published patients had an established molecular genetic cause of Usher syndrome. This is in striking contrast to numerous reports from Western European populations. In this presentation we will discuss our recently established program at a tertiary referral centre in Prague to genotype patients with Usher syndrome. So far 17 probands and 27 unaffected first degree relatives have been examined and donated DNA samples. The search into the molecular genetic causes is ongoing, however it is already apparent that there is an overrepresentation of the c.11864G>A; p.(Trp3955*) mutation in USH2A which was found on at least one allele in 9 probands (53%). The impact of our findings on clinical care and their potential to provide translational outcomes will be discussed. The spectrum of mutations identified in Czech Usher syndrome patients may also be relevant for neighbouring countries.
Searching for the molecular causes of syndromic inherited retinal degenerations
Authors: Bujakowska K. 
Published: September 2016

SummarySyndromic inherited retinal degenerations (IRDs) include a large group of diseases, called ciliopathies, which affect primary sensory cilia. These rare genetic disorders may affect one or multiple organs including the retina, central nervous system, olfactory epithelium, cardiovascular system, liver, kidneys, skeletal system, gonads and adipose tissue. Mutations in a single gene may lead to an isolated or syndromic phenotype and mutations in at least fourteen genes have been shown to lead to an isolated or a syndromic form of IRD. In certain cases this broad phenotypic spectrum can be explained by the primary disease‐causing mutations in the ciliopathy gene; however in other instances, the relationship between the primary mutation and the phenotype is not clear and epistatic effects of other alleles have been suggested. The presentation will discuss the genetics behind the broad phenotypic spectrum of ciliopathies and will show strategies for functionally classifying mutations, using the Intraflagellar Transport 172 (IFT172) gene as an example.