bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a biodiversity‐based indicator for large‐scale environmental assessment: a case study of proposed shale gas extraction sites in Britain
Authors: Dyer Robert James , Gillings Simon , Pywell Richard F. , Fox Richard , Roy David B. , Oliver Tom H. 
Published: September 2016

Summary

Environmental impact assessments are important tools for predicting the consequences of development and changes in land use. These assessments generally use a small subset of total biodiversity – typically rare and threatened species and habitats – as indicators of ecological status. However, these indicators do not necessarily reflect changes in the many more widespread (but increasingly threatened) species, which are important for ecosystem functions. In addition, assessment of threatened species through field surveys is time‐consuming and expensive and, therefore, only possible at small spatial scales. In contrast, planning changes in land use over large spatial scales (e.g. national infrastructure projects) require assessment and prioritization of biodiversity over large spatial extents.

Here, we provide a method for the assessment of biodiversity, which takes account of species diversity across larger spatial scales, based on occurrence records from 5553 species across 11 taxonomic groups. We compare the efficacy of the biodiversity‐based indicator we developed against one based on threatened species only and then use it to consider spatial and temporal patterns in ecological status across Great Britain. Finally, we develop a case study to investigate biodiversity status in regions proposed for shale gas extraction in Great Britain.

Our results show a strong relationship between the ecological status of areas defined by all biodiversity versus only threatened species, although they also demonstrate that significant exceptions do exist where threatened species do not always accurately indicate the ecological status of wider biodiversity.

Spatial and temporal analyses show large variation in ecological status across Great Britain both within the area made available for shale gas licensing and within individual environmental zones. In total, however, 63% of hectads across Britain have suffered a net reduction in our biodiversity‐based indicator since 1970.

Synthesis and applications. We provide a method and develop a biodiversity‐based indicator for the assessment and prioritization of biodiversity at large spatial scales. We highlight the potential applications of this approach for the prioritization of areas that would benefit from conservation and restoration. We also emphasize the danger of insufficient consideration of more widespread species and not just rare and threatened species and habitats as indicators of ecological status when prioritizing large‐scale national infrastructure projects. Our method should be a useful tool to complement existing environmental impact assessment methods.
Testing the link between perceived and actual risk of predation: mosquito oviposition site selection and egg predation by native and introduced fish
Authors: Segev Ori , Verster Ruhan , Weldon Ché 
Published: September 2016

SummaryAccording to the threat‐sensitivity hypothesis, prey avoidance behaviour should reflect the magnitude of predation risk. Since predation can strongly affect reproduction success, ovipositing females are expected to adaptively adjust their predator avoidance response, or local breeding patch selectivity, in accordance with the perceived level of threat posed for their progeny by specific predators. However, association between avoidance and predation can be disrupted when the prey and the predator lack spatiotemporal opportunities to co‐evolve, such as in cases of non‐native predator introductions.We examined the interactions between mosquitoes (from the genusCulex) and three species of sympatric predaceous freshwater fish, a native cyprinidBarbus paludinosus, a cichlidPseudocrenilabrus philanderand an introduced poeciliid, the western mosquitofishGambusia affinis.In an outdoor mesocosm experiment, we quantified patterns ofCulexoviposition site selection across fish species using free‐roaming, caged and fish‐free treatments. In a complementary laboratory experiment, we tested the effectiveness of each fish species as predators of mosquito eggs and larvae.Synthesis and applications. We found evidence for: (i) mosquito egg raft predation by free‐roaming fish; (ii) fish‐specific avoidance by ovipositingCulex; and (iii) a positive association between fish‐specific oviposition avoidance and fish‐specific efficiency as an egg predator. These results contribute towards a better understanding of predator–prey co‐evolution, predator‐borne cue recognition, and suggest local native fish, the southern mouthbrooderPseudocrenilabrus philander, as an alternative toGambusiafor the biocontrol ofCulexmosquitoes.
Federal Home Loan Bank Advances and Bank and Thrift Holding Company Risk: Evidence from the Stock Market
Authors: Deacle Scott , Elyasiani Elyas 
Published: September 2016

AbstractUsing bivariate GARCH models of stock portfolio returns and risk, we find that bank and thrift holding companies that relied the most on Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) advances exhibited less total risk and market risk than those that relied on them the least between 2001 and 2012. When we control for differences in holding company size, stock trading volume, residential mortgage lending, and holding company type (bank vs. thrift), the most FHLB‐reliant holding companies sustain the aforesaid risk advantages except during the crisis of 2007–2009, when they exhibit greater idiosyncratic risk. The latter finding suggests that investors perceived the high reliance of the borrowing institutions on advances as a sign of distress. Portfolios that consist of only bank holding companies show qualitatively similar results.
Association between the vascular endothelial growth factor single nucleotide polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy risk: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Xiu‐Jing , Yang Yun‐Mei , Jiang Jiu‐Kun , Lu Yuan‐Qiang 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to reveal the relationship between vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and susceptibility to diabetic retinopathy (DR).MethodsA literature review was conducted (PubMed, Web of Science, Embase) to identify papers aboutVEGFSNPsandDRpublished up to 23 September 2015. TheVEGFgeneSNPsanalyzed with regard toDRsusceptibility were rs2010963 (G > C), rs833061 (T > C), rs699947 (C > A), rs3025039 (C > T) and rs1570360 (G > A). Pooled odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated, and meta‐analyses were performed using fixed or random effects models.ResultsSixteen studies were included in the meta‐analysis. Significant associations between the rs3025039 (C > T) polymorphism and increasedDRrisk were found in the allele model (T/C; pooledOR1.60, 95%CI1.07–2.41,P= 0.02), homozygote model (TT/CC; pooledOR2.08, 95%CI1.29–3.35,P= 0.003), heterozygote model (TC/CC; pooledOR1.68, 95%CI1.04–2.72,P= 0.04), dominant model (TT+TC/CC; pooledOR1.72, 95%CI1.06–2.80,P= 0.03), and recessive model (TT/TC+CC; pooledOR1.80, 95%CI1.12–2.90,P= 0.02). For rs833061, a significant association betweenVEGFSNPsandDRwas found only in the allele model (C/T; pooledOR6.34, 95%CI2.10–19.14,P= 0.001).ConclusionsThe rs3025039 and rs833061SNPsare most likely associated with an increased risk ofDR. The T allele in rs3025039 and the C allele in rs833061 are associated with increasedDRsusceptibility.
mTOR regulates the expression of DNA damage response enzymes in long‐lived Snell dwarf, GHRKO, and PAPPA‐KO mice
Authors: Dominick Graham , Bowman Jacqueline , Li Xinna , Miller Richard A. , Garcia Gonzalo G. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryStudies of the mTOR pathway have prompted speculation that diminished mTOR complex‐1 (mTORC1) function may be involved in controlling the aging process. Our previous studies have shown diminished mTORC1 activity in tissues of three long‐lived mutant mice: Snell dwarf mice, growth hormone receptor gene disrupted mice (GHRKO), and in this article, mice deficient in the pregnancy‐associated protein‐A (PAPPA‐KO). The ways in which lower mTOR signals slow aging and age‐related diseases are, however, not well characterized. Here, we show that Snell, GHKRO, and PAPPA‐KO mice express high levels of two proteins involved in DNA repair, O‐6‐methylguanine‐DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) and N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 1 (NDRG1). Furthermore, we report that lowering mTOR enhances MGMT and NDRG1 protein expression via post‐transcriptional mechanisms. We show that the CCR4‐NOT complex, a post‐transcriptional regulator of gene expression, is downstream of the mTORC1 pathway and may be responsible for the upregulation of MGMT and NDRG1 in all three varieties of long‐lived mice. Our data thus suggest a novel link between DNA repair and mTOR signaling via post‐transcriptional regulation involving specific alteration in the CCR4‐NOT complex, whose modulation could control multiple aspects of the aging process.
Mining and Local Corruption in Africa
Authors: Knutsen Carl Henrik , Kotsadam Andreas , Olsen Eivind Hammersmark , Wig Tore 
Published: September 2016

AbstractWe investigate whether mining affects local corruption in Africa. Several cross‐country analyses report that natural resources have adverse effects on political institutions by increasing corruption, whereas other country‐level studies show no evidence of such “political resource curses.” These studies face well‐known endogeneity and other methodological issues, and employing micro‐level data would allow for drawing stronger inferences. Hence, we connect 92,762 Afrobarometer survey respondents to spatial data on 496 industrial mines. Using a difference‐in‐differences strategy, we find that mining increases bribe payments, and this result is robust to using alternative models. Mines are initially located in less corrupt areas, but mining areas turn more corrupt after mines open. When exploring mechanisms, we find that local economic activity relates differently to corruption in mining and non‐mining areas, suggesting that mining income incentivizes and enables local officials already present to require more bribes.
Levator ani trauma and pelvic organ prolapse – a comparison of three translabial ultrasound scoring systems
Authors: Trutnovsky Gerda , Kamisan Atan Ixora , Ulrich Daniela , Martin Andrew , Dietz Hans P. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe study aimed to analyze the relation between the degree of puborectalis muscle trauma and subjective symptoms and objective findings of pelvic organ prolapse (POP), comparing two continuous scoring systems with a discrete scoring system for translabial ultrasound imaging.Material and methodsIn this retrospective observational study the records of patients attending a tertiary urogynecological unit between January 2012 and December 2014 were analyzed. POP assessment included a standardized interview, clinical examination using Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification and four‐dimensional translabial ultrasound. Puborectalis muscle trauma was assessed with tomographic ultrasound imaging using two continuous scoring systems and a previously established discrete system. Receiver operating characteristics and adjusted odds ratios were used for comparison of scoring systems in predicting symptoms and signs of POP.ResultsOf 1258 women analyzed, 52.6% complained of prolapse symptoms. On ultrasound imaging, 65.7% of women had sonographically significant POP. Complete avulsion was diagnosed in 25.3% of women, being unilateral in 13.9% and bilateral in 11.4%. A maximum score in the 6‐point and the 12‐point tomographic ultrasound imaging scale increased the odds for a diagnosis of any significant POP on ultrasound by 4.4 and 4.8 times, respectively, compared with 4.6 times for the discrete diagnosis of bilateral avulsion. For all avulsion scoring systems the relation was strongest for cystocele and uterine prolapse.ConclusionsA continuous avulsion scoring system based on tomographic findings does not provide superior performance for the prediction of subjective symptoms and objective findings of prolapse compared with a discrete diagnostic system of unilateral or bilateral avulsion.
Perceptions of oocyte banking from women intending to circumvent age‐related fertility decline
Authors: de Groot Marije , Dancet Eline , Repping Sjoerd , Goddijn Mariette , Stoop Dominic , van der Veen Fulco , Gerrits Trudie 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIntroductionWomen can now opt to bank their oocytes with the intention of increasing their chances of achieving a pregnancy after their fertility has declined. This exploratory study aimed to gain insight into how women, considering oocyte banking to circumvent age‐related fertility decline, perceive this intervention.Material and methodsWe conducted a qualitative study in a Dutch university medical center and held in‐depth interviews with women on the waiting list for oocyte banking. We recorded the interviews, transcribed them verbatim and used thematic analysis.ResultsAll women were financially independent and lived in single‐person urban households. They opted for oocyte banking because they wished to share parenthood with a future partner rather than becoming a single parent. This strong desire was key in their interpretation of all aspects of the intervention. Women set aside information about the limited success rates and potential risks, as they were optimistic about their own prognosis, thought that the chances for success were equally likely as the chances it would fail, and because of “anticipatory regret”. They perceived oocyte banking as a “helping hand” to achieve shared parenthood. Although women found the costs of the intervention high, they were willing to invest their money to increase their chances for shared parenthood.ConclusionsOocyte banking allows women to circumvent age‐related fertility decline. The prospect of potential shared parenthood overrules the perceived health risks and burden. Health professionals should take this into account when informing potential users of oocyte banking.
Bradykinin receptor blockade restores the baroreflex control of renal sympathetic nerve activity in cisplatin‐induced renal failure rats
Authors: Abdulla M. H. , Duff M. , Swanton H. , Johns E. J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractAimThis study investigated the effect of renal bradykinin B1 and B2 receptor blockade on the high‐ and low‐pressure baroreceptor reflex regulation of renal sympathetic nerve activity (RSNA) in rats with cisplatin‐induced renal failure.MethodsCisplatin (5 mg/kg) or saline was given intraperitoneally 4 days prior to study. Following chloralose/urethane anaesthesia, rats were prepared for measurement of mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate and RSNA and received intrarenal infusions of either Lys‐[des‐Arg9, Leu8]‐bradykinin (LBK), a bradykinin B1 receptor blocker, or bradyzide (BZ), a bradykinin B2 receptor blocker. RSNA baroreflex gain curves and renal sympatho‐inhibitory responses to volume expansion (VE) were obtained.ResultsIn the control and renal failure groups, basal MAP (89 ± 3 vs. 80 ± 8 mmHg) and RSNA (2.0 ± 0.3 vs. 1.7 ± 0.6 μV.s) were similar but HR was lower in the latter group (331 ± 8 vs. 396 ± 9 beats/min). The baroreflex gain for RSNA in the renal failure rats was 39% (P < 0.05) lower than the control but was restored to normal values following intrarenal infusion of BZ, but not LBK. VE had no effect on MAP or HR but reduced RSNA by some 40% (P < 0.05) in control but not renal failure rats. Intrarenal LBK infusion in the renal failure rats normalized the VE induced renal sympatho‐inhibition whereas BZ only partially restored the response.ConclusionThese findings suggest that pro‐inflammatory bradykinin acting at different receptors within the kidney generates afferent neural signals which impact differentially within the central nervous system on high‐ and low‐pressure regulation of RSNA.
Peri‐Conceptual and Mid‐Pregnancy Alcohol Consumption: A Comparison between Areas of High and Low Deprivation in Scotland
Authors: Symon Andrew , Rankin Jean , Sinclair Hazel , Butcher Geraldine , Smith Lesley , Gordon Rhona , Cochrane Lynda 
Published: September 2016

AbstractBackgroundAlcohol‐related mortality and morbidity among women has increased over recent decades, especially in areas of higher deprivation. Pre‐pregnancy alcohol use is associated with continued consumption in pregnancy. We assessed whether general population alcohol consumption patterns were reflected among pregnant women in two Scottish areas with different deprivation levels.MethodsCross‐sectional study in two health boards (HB1, lower deprivation levels, n = 274; HB2, higher deprivation levels, n = 236), using face‐to‐face 7‐day Retrospective Diary estimation of peri‐conceptual and mid‐pregnancy alcohol consumption.ResultsA greater proportion of women in HB2 (higher deprivation area) sometimes drank peri‐conceptually, but women in HB1 (lower deprivation area) were more likely to drink every week (49.6 vs 29.7%; p < 0.001) and to exceed daily limits (6 units) at least once each week (32.1 vs 14.8%; p < 0.001). After pregnancy recognition, consumption levels fell sharply, but women in HB2 were more likely to drink above recommended daily limits (2 units) each week (2.5 vs 0.0%; p < 0.05). However, women in HB1 were more likely to drink frequently. Women with the highest deprivation scores in each area drank on average less than women with the lowest deprivation scores.ConclusionsHeavy episodic and frequent consumption was more common in the lower deprivation area, in contrast with general population data. Eliciting a detailed alcohol history at the antenatal booking visit, and not simply establishing whether the woman is currently drinking, is essential. Inconsistent messages about the effects of alcohol in pregnancy may have contributed to the mixed picture we found concerning peri‐conceptual and mid‐pregnancy alcohol consumption.
The elusive effects of trade on growth: Export diversity and economic take‐off
Authors: Eicher Theo S. , Kuenzel David J. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractThe hallmark of the voluminous growth determinants literature is the absence of a clear‐cut effect of trade on growth. Numerous candidate regressors have been motivated by alternative theories and tested by a multitude of empirical studies, but not one trade regressor has been robustly related to growth. In this paper, we leverage Melitz's (2003) insights regarding sectoral export dynamics and Feenstra and Kee's (2008) approach to productivity and sectoral export diversity to propose a structured approach to trade and growth determinants. Instead of relying on aggregate trade measures as previous studies have done, we examine the diversity of sectoral exports and the development of broad‐based comparative advantage as a potential growth determinant. Controlling for model uncertainty and endogeneity, we find that export diversity serves as a crucial growth determinant for low‐income countries, an effect that weakens with the level of development.
Raised interferon‐β, type 3 interferon and interferon‐stimulated genes – evidence of innate immune activation in neutrophilic asthma
Authors: da Silva J. , Hilzendeger C. , Moermans C. , Schleich F. , Henket M. , Kebadze T. , Mallia P. , Edwards M. R. , Johnston S. L. , Louis R. 
Published: September 2016

SummaryBackgroundInterferons play an important role in innate immunity. Previous studies report deficiency in virus induction of interferon (IFN)‐α, IFN‐β and IFN‐λ in bronchial epithelial and bronchial lavage cells in atopic asthmatics. It is now recognized that asthma is a heterogeneous disease comprising different inflammatory phenotypes, some of which may involve innate immune activation in the absence of overt infection.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate whether the severity of asthma or a specific cellular sputum pattern may be linked to evidence of innate immune activation.MethodsHere we investigate the expression of IFN‐β, IFN‐λ1 (IL‐29), IFN‐λ2/3 (IL‐28A/B) and the interferon‐stimulated genes (ISGs) such as myxovirus resistance 1 (Mx1), oligoadenylate synthetase (OAS) and viperin in unstimulated sputum cells in 57 asthmatics (including 16 mild, 19 moderate and 22 severe asthma patients) and compared them with 19 healthy subjects.ResultsWe observed increased expression of IFN‐β, IFN‐λ1/IL‐29, OAS and viperin in asthmatics compared with healthy subjects, while IL‐28 was not expressed in any group. The overexpression was restricted to neutrophilic asthmatics (sputum neutrophils ≥ 76%), while eosinophilic asthmatics (sputum eosinophils ≥ 3%) did not differ from healthy subjects or even showed a lower expression of Mx1. No difference in interferon or ISG expression was observed according to clinical asthma severity.Conclusion and Clinical RelevanceNeutrophilic, but not eosinophilic, asthmatics display overexpression of IFN‐β, IFN‐λ1/IL‐29 and ISGs in their sputum cells that may reflect ongoing innate immune activation.
The benefit of silicone stents in primary endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Sarode D. , Bari D.A. , Cain A.C. , Syed M.I. , Williams A.T. 
Published: September 2016

ObjectiveTo critically evaluate the evidence comparing success rates of endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (EN‐DCR) with and without silicone tubing and to thus determine whether silicone intubation is beneficial in primary EN‐DCR.DesignSystematic review and meta‐analysis.Search strategyA literature search was performed on AMED, EMBASE, HMIC, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, BNI, CINAHL, HEALTH BUSINESS ELITE, CENTRAL and Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat disorders groups trials register using a combination of various MeSH. The date of last search was January 2016. This review was limited to randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in English language. Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's risk of bias tool. Chi‐square and I2 statistics were calculated to determine the presence and extent of statistical heterogeneity.Evaluation methodStudy selection, data extraction and risk of bias scoring were performed independently by two authors in concordance with the PRISMA statement.ResultsFive RCTs (447 primary EN‐DCR procedures in 426 patients) were included for analysis. Moderate interstudy statistical heterogeneity was demonstrated (Chi2 = 6.18; d.f. = 4; I2 = 35%). Bicanalicular silicone stents were used in 229 and not used in 218 procedures. The overall success rate of EN‐DCR was 92.8% (415/447). The success rate of EN‐DCR was 93.4% (214/229) with silicone tubing and 92.2% (201/218) without silicone tubing. Meta‐analysis using a random‐effects model showed no statistically significant difference in outcomes between the two groups (P = 0.63; RR = 0.79; 95% CI = 0.3–2.06).ConclusionsOur review and meta‐analysis did not demonstrate an additional advantage of silicone stenting. A high‐quality well‐powered prospective multicentre RCT is needed to further clarify on the benefit of silicone stents.
Fatigue in kidney transplant recipients
Authors: Bossola Maurizio , Pepe Gilda , Vulpio Carlo 
Published: September 2016

AbstractFatigue is still present in approximately 40%‐50% of kidney transplant recipients (KTR), rates comparable to that of the hemodialysis population. Correlates of fatigue include inflammation, symptoms of depression, sleep disorders, and obesity. Fatigue in KTR determines a significant severe functional impairment, either when globally considered or when analyzed at the level of the single domains such as sleep and rest, homemaking, mobility, social interaction, ambulation, leisure activities, alertness behavior, and work limitations. In addition, fatigue in KTR is significantly associated with a severe deterioration of quality of life. Fatigue is very common among KTR poorly adherent to immunosuppressive therapy. Unfortunately, there is no evidence of studies about the treatments of this symptom in KTR. Efforts to detect and treat fatigue should be a priority in order to improve quality of life of KTR.