bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Maternal egg hormones in the mating context: The effect of pair personality
Authors: Ruuskanen Suvi , Groothuis Ton G. G. , Baugh Alexander T. , Schaper Sonja V. , de Vries Bonnie , van Oers Kees 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAnimal personality traits emerge developmentally from the interaction of genetic and early environmental factors. Maternal hormones, such as androgens (testosterone, T and androstenedione, A4), transferred to embryos and egg yolks may simultaneously organize multiple behavioural and physiological traits. Although previous studies demonstrated an association between the mother's personality and yolk androgen levels, the independent effects of the male partner's personality and pair combination remains unknown.We test this association using an ecological model species for personality research, the great tit (Parus major) using multiple approaches: (1) a wild population, (2) a randomly mated captive population and (3) an experimental study with (dis)assortatively mated pairs from lines selected for fast exploration/boldness or slow exploration/shyness.Egg androgen concentrations were associated with variation in female personality traits, and the experimental data suggested that this is independent of male personality: Experimental females from the slow‐shy line tended to have higher egg T concentrations than females from the fast‐bold line, with no effect of male personality. Shy females from the wild population had higher egg A4 concentration than bold females. However, in the correlative data yolk hormones were linked with male personality, as well as the interaction between female and male traits: Male handling responsiveness correlated negatively with egg A4 concentration in wild birds. In randomly mated birds, pairs that were mated assortatively for personality had lower egg T concentrations than disassortatively mated pairs.Given that egg androgens are known mediators of avian personality, our results suggest that maternal hormones might contribute to the heritability of personality, may be sensitive to the social context of mating, and act as key drivers of individual differences.Aplain language summaryis available for this article.
Administrative Justice in the Wake of I, Daniel Blake
Authors: O'Brien Nick 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis article argues that Ken Loach's film, I, Daniel Blake, invites deep reflection on the relationship between the individual and the state, and, more particularly, on the role of administrative justice in restoring a re‐imagined sense of citizenship. Drawing on earlier debates from the 1950s, as well as on more recent advocacy of the ‘connected society’, the article proposes that to meet such an ambition, administrative justice must be recognised as an overarching set of principles and values, rooted in a framework of human rights and with a reinvigorated public‐sector ombud‐institution at its centre. In this way, administrative justice might serve as an effective and restorative counterweight to more legalistic options for responding to public grievance, whether the result of routine encounters with the state or of a major breakdown in trust, such as that occasioned by ‘Grenfell Tower’.
Statistical and Hybrid Methods Implemented in a Web Application for Predicting Reservoir Inflows during Flood Events
Authors: Zhao Tingting , Minsker Barbara , Salas Fernando , Maidment David , Diev Vesselin , Spoelstra Jacob , Dhingra Prashant 
Published: September 2017

AbstractReservoir management is a critical component of flood management, and information on reservoir inflows is particularly essential for reservoir managers to make real‐time decisions given that flood conditions change rapidly. This study's objective is to build real‐time data‐driven services that enable managers to rapidly estimate reservoir inflows from available data and models. We have tested the services using a case study of the Texas flooding events in the Lower Colorado River Basin in November 2014 and May 2015, which involved a sudden switch from drought to flooding. We have constructed two prediction models: a statistical model for flow prediction and a hybrid statistical and physics‐based model that estimates errors in the flow predictions from a physics‐based model. The study demonstrates that the statistical flow prediction model can be automated and provides acceptably accurate short‐term forecasts. However, for longer term prediction (2 h or more), the hybrid model fits the observations more closely than the purely statistical or physics‐based prediction models alone. Both the flow and hybrid prediction models have been published as Web services through Microsoft's Azure Machine Learning (AzureML) service and are accessible through a browser‐based Web application, enabling ease of use by both technical and nontechnical personnel.
In situ measurements of animal morphological features: A non‐invasive method
Authors: Mahendiran Mylswamy , Parthiban Mylswamy , Azeez Parappurath Abdul , Nagarajan Rajarathinavelu 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Measurements of morphological features are important for ecological studies, especially on free‐ranging wild animal species. Conventionally, specimens either dead or in captivity are used for morphometric studies, which is difficult in the case of wild species for several reasons. Capturing would be even futile when research questions are relating to issues such as prey size selection or estimation of intake rate under field conditions, where in situ morphometric measurements are inevitable. Remotely estimating morphometric features via, avian bill and head lengths are always laden with wide variances. Hence, we developed this technique for in situ measurements of animal morphology through digital photographs.

This non‐invasive novel method for in situ estimation of individuals’ morphometric measurements uses digital photographs’ metadata. We extracted the metadata (field of view, focal length, subject‐distance, etc.,) in exchangeable image file format from digital images using freely available software, and the unknown sizes were estimated from each image. Cardboard (fish) models were, at first, used to estimate the accuracy of measurements comparing actual and estimated values, and the same protocol was repeated on museum specimens (bird). Finally, we checked the repeatability of this method under field conditions using free‐ranging Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). The results under different conditions were subjected to rigorous statistical testing.

Upon comparing the actual with estimated values, obtained from three distinct types of objects (1. Cardboard model, 2. Museum specimens and 3. Live birds under field conditions), variations were found non‐significant affirming the assumption that actual value (Y) = estimated value (X) with inconsequential variance of the Y from X. Moreover, both the relative and absolute errors between the actual and estimated values were so low, indicating that this method yielded neither overestimation nor underestimation.

The advantage of this non‐invasive method is that it could generate reasonably accurate morphometric measurements at a relatively low cost for routine morphometric works in field conditions. We envisage significant utility of this non‐invasive technique in different fields of science such as biology, morphology, ecology, evolution, wildlife, conservation science, agriculture, forensics and engineering design.
A simplified mark–release–recapture protocol to improve the cost effectiveness of repeated population size quantification
Authors: Turlure Camille , Pe'er Guy , Baguette Michel , Schtickzelle Nicolas 
Published: September 2017

AbstractObtaining an accurate quantification of population size is often of prime importance in ecology and conservation biology (e.g. population viability analysis, a basic step for assessing species and population status in a given area and guiding effective conservation). When obtaining a reliable quantification of absolute (vs. relative) population size is required, Mark–Release–Recapture (MRR) is a method of choice for many organisms. This is a highly reliable but costly procedure in terms of time and potential impact on species and sites. Consequently, less costly alternatives are highly desirable for conservation and population ecologists.We present here a simplifiedMRRprotocol to mitigate this cost of repeatedMRRsampling with little compromise on the quality of the population size estimation. Using one of the largest existing butterflyMRRdatabases, collected on two fritillary species over a period of 20 years and >20 populations in Belgium, we assessed the possibility to reduce the effort of collectingMRRdata while keeping accurate quantification of total population size. By downsampling from the full datasets and calculating a range of demographic census metrics, we specifically investigated whether marking individuals is necessary, and whether the number of sampling sessions can be reduced.We found that (1) counting individuals is not enough: some individual marking, even in a simplistic way to differentiate newly recorded from previously seen individuals, is essential for estimating population size. (2) A simple linear conversion function (number of “missed” individuals for each marked one) can be used to compute population size from the number of individuals marked over a small number ofMRRsampling sessions. (3) Parameterizing this function is system specific, because it depends on detectability of individuals, but only requires an initial effort of traditional high‐effortMRRin a few populations encompassing the expected range of population size, combined with previous knowledge on the species about potential factors affecting detectability.Our simplifiedMRRprotocol should allow scientists to obtain absolute population size estimates almost as good as with traditional high‐effortMRR, but at a cost lowered in both the marking procedure and the intensity of field visits.
Alcohol e‐Help: study protocol for a web‐based self‐help program to reduce alcohol use in adults with drinking patterns considered harmful, hazardous or suggestive of dependence in middle‐income countries
Authors: Schaub Michael P. , Tiburcio Marcela , Martinez Nora , Ambekar Atul , Balhara Yatan Pal Singh , Wenger Andreas , Monezi Andrade André Luiz , Padruchny Dzianis , Osipchik Sergey , Gehring Elise , Poznyak Vladimir , Rekve Dag , Souza‐Formigoni Maria Lucia Oliveira ,   the WHO e‐Health Project on Alcohol and Health Investigators Group
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground and aimsGiven the scarcity of alcohol prevention and alcohol use disorder treatments in many low and middle‐income countries, the World Health Organization launched an e‐health portal on alcohol and health that includes a Web‐based self‐help program. This paper presents the protocol for a multicentre randomized controlled trial (RCT) to test the efficacy of the internet‐based self‐help intervention to reduce alcohol use.DesignTwo‐arm randomized controlled trial (RCT) with follow‐up 6 months after randomization.SettingCommunity samples in middle‐income countries.ParticipantsPeople aged 18+, with Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) scores of 8+ indicating hazardous alcohol consumption.Intervention and comparatorOffer of an internet‐based self‐help intervention, ‘Alcohol e‐Health’, compared with a ‘waiting list’ control group. The intervention, adapted from a previous program with evidence of effectiveness in a high‐income country, consists of modules to reduce or entirely stop drinking.MeasurementsThe primary outcome measure is change in the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) score assessed at 6‐month follow‐up. Secondary outcomes include self‐reported the numbers of standard drinks and alcohol‐free days in a typical week during the past 6 months, and cessation of harmful or hazardous drinking (AUDIT < 8).AnalysisData analysis will be by intention‐to‐treat, using analysis of covariance to test if program participants will experience a greater reduction in their AUDIT score than controls at follow‐up. Secondary outcomes will be analysed by (generalized) linear mixed models. Complier average causal effect and baseline observations carried forward will be used in sensitivity analyses.CommentsIf the Alcohol e‐Health program is found to be effective, the potential public health impact of its expansion into countries with underdeveloped alcohol prevention and alcohol use disorder treatment systems world‐wide is considerable.
Assessing causal relationships using genetic proxies for exposures: an introduction to Mendelian randomization
Authors: Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal , Green Michael J. , Taylor Amy E. , Davey Smith George , Munafò Marcus R. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackground and aimsStudying the consequences of addictive behaviours is challenging, with understanding causal relationships from observational data being particularly difficult. For example, people who smoke or drink excessively are often systematically different from those who do not, are less likely to participate in research and may misreport their behaviours when they do. Furthermore, the direction of causation between an addictive behaviour and outcome may be unclear. Mendelian randomization (MR) offers potential solutions to these problems.MethodsWe describe MR's principles and the criteria under which it is valid. We identify challenges and potential solutions in its application (illustrated using two applied examples) and describe methodological extensions in its application.ResultsMR is subject to certain assumptions, and requires the availability of appropriate genetic data, large sample sizes and careful design and conduct. However, it has already been applied successfully to the addiction literature. The relationship between alcohol consumption (proxied by a variant in the ADH1B gene) and cardiovascular risk has been investigated, finding that alcohol consumption increases risk, with no evidence of a cardioprotective effect at moderate consumption levels. In addition, heaviness of smoking (proxied by a variant in the CHRNA5‐A3‐B4 gene cluster) and risk of depression and schizophrenia have been investigated, with no evidence of a causal effect of smoking on depression but some evidence of a causal effect on schizophrenia.ConclusionsMendelian randomization analyses are already producing robust evidence for addiction‐related practice and policy. As genetic variants associated with addictive behaviours are identified, the potential for Mendelian randomization analyses will grow. Methodological developments are also increasing its applicability.
Factors associated with attrition in substance using patients enrolled in an intensive outpatient program
Authors: Mckowen James , Carrellas Nicholas , Zulauf Courtney , Ward Emin Nalan , Fried Ronna , Wilens Timothy 
Published: September 2017

Background and ObjectivesData suggest individuals with substance use disorders (SUD) have high rates of attrition from treatment and exhibit impairments on measures of executive functioning (EF). The primary aim of this pilot study was to investigate if EF is associated with attrition from a 1 month intensive outpatient program (IOP) for SUD, and examine the feasibility of implementing the project.MethodsBaseline neurocognitive functioning was assessed by the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) and the self‐reported Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Functioning (BRIEF‐A) questionnaire.ResultsThirty subjects enrolled in the pilot study: including 20 “completers” (age 39.5 ± 13.1 years) and 10 “drop‐outs” who discontinued the IOP prior to completion (age 32 ± 11.1 years). IOP drop‐out was associated with earlier age of substance use onset (all p‐values <0.05) and male gender, as well as greater SUD, opiate use, and past week substance use. Overall a high level of executive dysfunction was found on the BRIEF‐A and CANTAB assessments, and specific differences emerged between completers and drop outs. However, no statistically significant differences were found between these groups on measures of depression, anxiety, or ADHD.Conclusions and Scientific SignificanceOverall, findings from this pilot study suggest high levels of self‐reported executive dysfunction, but EF's predictive association with drop‐out was limited. Measures of addiction severity were more strongly associated with attrition, suggesting potential utility of brief motivational interventions prior to commencing an IOP may improve retention. Further investigations with larger and more diverse samples are warranted. (Am J Addict 2017;26:780–787)
Expansion of CD4 phenotype among CD160 receptor‐expressing lymphocytes in murine pregnancy
Authors: Meggyes Matyas , Szereday Laszlo , Jakso Pal , Bogar Barbara , Bogdan Agnes , Nörenberg Jasper , Miko Eva , Barakonyi Aliz 
Published: September 2017

ProblemCD160, a cell surface co‐receptor, is capable of up‐ or downregulating cell proliferation, cytotoxicity or cytokine production on lymphocytes. Our aim was to investigate CD160+ lymphocytes in the periphery and at the maternal‐foetal interface during murine pregnancy.Method of studyCD4+, CD8+ and gamma/delta T‐cell phenotype, TIM3 co‐expression and cytotoxic activity of CD160+ lymphocytes of pregnant BALB/c mice were analysed by flow cytometry.ResultsThe percentage of CD160+ lymphocytes in the decidua was unchanged compared to non‐pregnant endometrium; however, the ratio of CD4+ cells within the CD160 population was significantly increased. The co‐expression of TIM3 co‐inhibitory molecule and cytotoxicity of CD160+ cells were increased in the decidua.ConclusionThe expansion of CD4‐expressing CD160+ decidual lymphocytes is a new observation suggesting a potential regulatory role of T‐cell function during mouse pregnancy. The altered immunological character of CD160+ lymphocytes could play a role in the maintenance of murine pregnancy.
Transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein‐β upregulates microRNA, let‐7f‐1 in human endocervical cells
Authors: Ayyar Kanchana , Reddy Kudumula Venkata Rami 
Published: September 2017

ProblemIn endocervical epithelial cells (End1/E6E7), miRNA let‐7f plays an important role in the control of innate immunity. The underlying molecular mechanism for let‐7f regulation in these cells remains largely unclear.Methods of studylet‐7f was knocked down in End1/E6E7 cells using siRNA, and differential gene expression was analyzed by microarray. Differentially expressed genes were validated by qPCR and Western blot. Expression of let‐7f was studied by qPCR after inhibition of C/EBPβ with betulinic acid (BA) and pCMVβ plasmid and after overexpression of C/EBPβ with pCMVβ+ plasmid. ChIP assay was performed to confirm binding of C/EBPβ to let‐7f promoter. Levels of Lin28A/B were checked by qPCR after similar treatment.Resultslet‐7f knockdown (KD) affects the expression of many transcription factors (eg, C/EBPβ) which are important regulators of immune responses. We observed let‐7f‐1 promoter to contain 6 C/EBPβ binding sites. KD of C/EBPβ led to decreased let‐7f expression while overexpression of C/EBPβ increased its expression. Treatment of End1/E6E7 cells with TLR‐3 ligand, poly(I:C) increased binding of C/EBPβ at binding sites 3, 5, and 6. Expression of Lin28A/B also changed upon inhibition and overexpression of C/EBPβ. Its expression is opposite to that of let‐7f in End1/E6E7 cells.Conclusionlet‐7f‐1 is a direct target of transcription factor, C/EBPβ in End1/E6E7 cells.
Unicortical and bicortical plating in the fixation of comminuted fractures of the clavicle: a biomechanical study
Authors: Looft John M. , Corrêa Lincoln , Patel Minoo , Rawlings Mathew , Ackland David C. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundIntraoperative neurovascular complications with clavicle fracture fixation are often due to far cortex penetration by drills and screws, but could be avoided using a unicortical construct. The objective of this study was to compare the bending and torsional strength of a unicortical locking screw plate construct and a hybrid (with central locked and outer non‐locked long oblique screws) unicortical plate construct for clavicle fracture fixation with that of a conventional bicortical locking screw construct of plate fixation.MethodsTwenty‐four human clavicle specimens were harvested and fractured in a comminuted mid‐shaft butterfly configuration. Clavicles were randomly allocated to three surgical fixation groups: unicortical locking screw, bicortical locking screw and hybrid unicortical screw fixation. Clavicles were tested in torsion and cantilever bending. Construct bending and torsional stiffness were measured, as well as ultimate strength in bending.ResultsThere were no significant differences in bending stiffness or ultimate bending moment between all three plating techniques. The unicortical locked construct had similar torsional stiffness compared with the bicortical locked construct; however, the hybrid technique was found to have significantly lower torsional stiffness to that of the bicortical locking screw construct (mean difference: 87.5 Nmm/degree, P = 0.028).ConclusionsUnicortical locked screw plate fixation and hybrid unicortical plating fixation with centrally locked screws and outer long, oblique screws may alleviate far cortex penetration, protecting nearby anatomical structures, and may ease implant removal and conversion to bicortical fixation for revision surgery; however, use of long oblique screws may increase the risk of early loosening under torsion.
Survival improvements with adjuvant therapy in patients with glioblastoma
Authors: Jayamanne Dasantha , Wheeler Helen , Cook Raymond , Teo Charles , Brazier David , Schembri Geoff , Kastelan Marina , Guo Linxin , Back Michael F. 
Published: September 2017

BackgroundEvaluate survival of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) managed with adjuvant intensity modulated radiation therapy and temozolomide since the introduction of the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer and National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group (EORTC‐NCIC) protocol.MethodsAll patients with GBM managed between May 2007 and December 2014 with EORTC‐NCIC protocol were entered into a prospective database. The primary endpoint was the median survival. Univariate predictors of survival were evaluated with respect to tumour resection, age and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status using log‐rank comparisons.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty‐three patients were managed under the protocol and analysed for outcome. The median age was 57 years; the rate of gross total resection, subtotal resection and biopsy were 47.2%, 35.2% and 17.6%, respectively. At progression, 49 patients had re‐resection, and in addition to second‐line chemotherapy, 86 patients had Bevacizumab including 26 with re‐irradiation. Median survival was 17.0 months (95% CI: 15.4–18.6). On univariate evaluation, extent of resection (P = 0.001), age, ECOG performance status and recursive partitioning analysis class III were shown to significantly improve survival (P < 0.0001). The median survival for gross total resection, age <50 years, ECOG 0–1 and recursive partitioning analysis class III were 21, 27, 20 and 47 months, respectively.ConclusionThis study confirms the significant improvement in median survival in GBM that has occurred in recent years since introduction of the EORTC‐NCIC protocol. Further improvements have occurred presumably related to subspecialized care, improved resection rates, sophisticated radiotherapy targeting and early systemic salvage therapies. However, the burden of the disease within the community remains high and the median survival improvements over time have plateaued.