bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antipoaching standards in onshore hydrocarbon concessions drawn from a Central African case study
Authors: Vanthomme Hadrien P.A. , Tobi Elie , Todd Angelique F. , Korte Lisa , Alonso Alfonso 
Published: October 2016

AbstractUnsustainable hunting outside protected areas is threatening tropical biodiversity worldwide and requires conservationists to engage increasingly in antipoaching activities. Following the example of ecocertified logging companies, we argue that other extractive industries managing large concessions should engage in antipoaching activities as part of their environmental management plans. Onshore hydrocarbon concessions should also adopt antipoaching protocols as a standard because they represent a biodiversity threat comparable to logging. We examined the spatiotemporal patterns of small‐ and large‐mammal poaching in an onshore oil concession in Gabon, Central Africa, with a Bayesian occupancy model based on signs of poaching collected from 2010 to 2015 on antipoaching patrols. Patrol locations were initially determined based on local intelligence and past patrol successes (adaptive management) and subsequently with a systematic sampling of the concession. We generated maps of poaching probability in the concession and determined the temporal trends of this threat over 5 years. The spatiotemporal patterns of large‐ and small‐mammal poaching differed throughout the concession, and likely these groups will need different management strategies. By elucidating the relationship between site‐specific sampling effort and detection probability, the Bayesian method allowed us to set goals for future antipoaching patrols. Our results indicate that a combination of systematic sampling and adaptive management data is necessary to infer spatiotemporal patterns with the statistical method we used. On the basis of our case study, we recommend hydrocarbon companies interested in implementing efficient antipoaching activities in their onshore concessions to lay the foundation of long‐needed industry standards by: adequately measuring antipoaching effort; mixing adaptive management and balanced sampling; setting goals for antipoaching effort; pairing patrols with large‐mammal monitoring; supporting antipoaching patrols across the landscape; restricting access to their concessions; performing random searches for bushmeat and mammal products at points of entry; controlling urban and agricultural expansion; supporting bushmeat alternatives; and supporting land‐use planning.
Return to normal activities and work after living donor laparoscopic nephrectomy
Authors: Larson Dawn B. , Jacobs Cheryl , Berglund Danielle , Wiseman Jennifer , Garvey Catherine , Gillingham Kristen , Ibrahim Hassan N. , Matas Arthur J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTransplant programs inform potential donors that they should be able to return to normal activities within ~2 weeks and to work by 6 weeks after laparoscopic nephrectomy. We studied actual time. Between 10/2004 and 9/2014, 911 donors having laparoscopic nephrectomy were surveyed 6 months post‐donation. Surveys asked questions specific to their recovery experience, including time to return to normal activities and work and a description of their recovery time relative to pre‐donation expectations. Of the 911, 646 (71%) responded: mean age at donation was 43.5±10.6 years; 65% were female, 95% were white, 51% were biologically related to their recipient, and 83% reported education beyond high school. Of the 646 respondents, a total of 35% returned to normal activities by 2 weeks post‐donation; 79% by 4 weeks post‐donation; 94% by 5‐6 weeks; however, 6% took >6 weeks. Of the 646, 551 (85%) were working for pay; of these, mean time to return to work was 5.3±2.8 weeks; median, 5 weeks. Of the 551, a total of 14% returned to work in 1‐2 weeks, 46% by 3‐4 weeks, and 76% by 5‐6 weeks. Importantly, 24% required >6 weeks before returning to work with the highest rates for donors in manual labor or a skilled trade. Significantly longer return to work was reported by females (vs males; P=.01), those without (vs those with) post‐high school education (P=.010, those with longer hospital stay (P=.01), and those with a postoperative complication (P=.02). Of respondents, 37% described their recovery time as longer than expected. During the donor informed consent process, additional emphasis on realistic expectations around recovery to baseline activities and return to work is warranted.
Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists compared with basal insulins for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Singh Sonal , Wright Eugene E. , Kwan Anita Y. M. , Thompson Juliette C. , Syed Iqra A. , Korol Ellen E. , Waser Nathalie A. , Yu Maria B. , Juneja Rattan 
Published: October 2016

AimsSince 2005, several glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs) have been approved to treat people with type 2 diabetes. These agents are considered for use at the same point in the treatment paradigm as basal insulins. A comprehensive comparison of these drug classes, therefore, can help inform treatment decisions. This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the clinical efficacy and safety of GLP‐1 RAs compared with basal insulins.Materials and methods
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL and PubMed databases were searched. Randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of ≥16 weeks’ duration comparing GLP‐1 RAs vs basal insulins in adults with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with oral antihyperglycemic drugs were included. Data on the change from baseline to 26 weeks (±10 weeks) of treatment in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) and weight, as well as the proportion of patients experiencing hypoglycaemia, were extracted. Fixed‐effect pairwise meta‐analyses were conducted where data were available from ≥2 studies.ResultsFifteen RCTs were identified and 11 were meta‐analysed. The once‐weekly GLP‐1 RAs, exenatide long acting release (LAR) and dulaglutide, led to greater, statistically significant mean HbA1c reductions vs basal insulins (exenatide: −0.31% [95% confidence interval −0.42, −0.19], dulaglutide: −0.39% [−0.49, −0.29]) whilst once‐daily liraglutide and twice‐daily exenatide did not (liraglutide: 0.06% [−0.06, 0.18], exenatide: 0.01% [−0.11, 0.13]). Mean weight reduction was seen with all GLP‐1 RAs while mean weight gain was seen with basal insulins. Interpretation of the analysis of hypoglycaemia was limited by inconsistent definitions and reporting. Because of the limited number of available studies sensitivity analyses to explore heterogeneity could not be conducted.ConclusionsAlthough weight reduction is seen with all GLP‐1 RA’s, only the once‐weekly agents, exenatide LAR and dulaglutide, demonstrate significant HbA1c reductions when compared to basal insulins.
The Evolution of Administrative Systems in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar: The Challenge of Implementing Market Based Reforms
Authors: Biygautane Mhamed , Gerber Paula , Hodge Graeme 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe dramatic plunge in oil prices since the second half of 2014 poses serious challenges for the oil dependent states of Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, and revives their interest in accelerating the implementation of market‐based reforms such as outsourcing, privatization, and public–private partnerships. This article challenges the assumption that these reforms offer a panacea for administrative change, and argues that while they might appear to be a solution to the growing fiscal constraints in the three Gulf states, considerable administrative, cultural, economic, and political barriers hinder their effective implementation. The conclusion reached is that western labels of market‐based reforms offer limited options for the three states in the absence of strong political will to make fundamental reforms that could alter the state–society relations. It is suggested that further theorization of administrative change is required in cultural contexts, such as the Gulf region, where administration and society are intertwined, and where trying to minimize the role and size of the state, poses a direct threat to the political legitimacy of the ruling elites.
High sensitivity of spontaneous spike frequency to sodium leak current in a Lymnaea pacemaker neuron
Authors: Lu T. Z. , Kostelecki W. , Sun C. L. F. , Dong N. , Pérez Velázquez J. L. , Feng Z.‐P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe spontaneous rhythmic firing of action potentials in pacemaker neurons depends on the biophysical properties of voltage‐gated ion channels and background leak currents. The background leak current includes a large K+ and a small Na+ component. We previously reported that a Na+‐leak current via U‐type channels is required to generate spontaneous action potential firing in the identified respiratory pacemaker neuron, RPeD1, in the freshwater pond snail Lymnaea stagnalis. We further investigated the functional significance of the background Na+ current in rhythmic spiking of RPeD1 neurons. Whole‐cell patch‐clamp recording and computational modeling approaches were carried out in isolated RPeD1 neurons. The whole‐cell current of the major ion channel components in RPeD1 neurons were characterized, and a conductance‐based computational model of the rhythmic pacemaker activity was simulated with the experimental measurements. We found that the spiking rate is more sensitive to changes in the Na+ leak current as compared to the K+ leak current, suggesting a robust function of Na+ leak current in regulating spontaneous neuronal firing activity. Our study provides new insight into our current understanding of the role of Na+ leak current in intrinsic properties of pacemaker neurons.
Behavioural Type Affects Space Use in a Wild Population of Crows (Corvus corone)
Authors: Deventer Sarah A. , Uhl Florian , Bugnyar Thomas , Miller Rachael , Fitch W. Tecumseh , Schiestl Martina , Ringler Max , Schwab Christine 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWhile personality‐dependent dispersal is well studied, local space use has received surprisingly little attention in this context, despite the multiple consequences on survival and fitness. Regarding the coping style of individuals, recent studies on personality‐dependent space use within a habitat indicate that ‘proactive’ individuals are wider ranging than ‘reactive’ ones. However, such studies are still scarce and cover limited taxonomic diversity, and thus, more research is needed to explore whether this pattern generalises across species. We examined the link between coping style and space use in a population of crows (Corvus corone) freely inhabiting the urban zoo of Vienna, Austria. We used a binary docility rating (struggle during handling vs. no struggle) and a tonic immobility test to quantify individual coping style. Individual space use was quantified as the number of different sites at which each crow was observed, and we controlled for different number of sightings per individual by creating a space use index. Only the binary docility rating showed repeatability over time, and significantly predicted space use. In contrast to previous studies, we found that reactive crows (no struggle during handling) showed wider ranging space use within the study site than proactive individuals (who struggled during handling). The discrepancy from previous results suggests that the relationship between behavioural type and space use may vary between species, potentially reflecting differences in socioecology.
Cynomolgus monkey model of interleukin‐31‐induced scratching depicts blockade of human interleukin‐31 receptor A by a humanized monoclonal antibody
Authors: Oyama Sohei , Kitamura Hidetomo , Kuramochi Taichi , Higuchi Yoshinobu , Matsushita Hiroaki , Suzuki Tsukasa , Goto Masaaki , Adachi Hideki , Kasutani Keiko , Sakamoto Akihisa , Iwayanagi Yuki , Kaneko Akihisa , Nanami Masahiko , Fujii Etsuko , Esaki Keiko , Takashima Yoshiaki , Shimaoka Shin , Hattori Kunihiro , Kawabe Yoshiki 
Published: October 2016

AbstractScratching is an important factor exacerbating skin lesions through the so‐called itch‐scratch cycle in atopic dermatitis (AD). In mice, interleukin (IL)‐31 and its receptor IL‐31 receptor A (IL‐31RA) are known to play a critical role in pruritus and the pathogenesis of AD; however, study of their precise roles in primates is hindered by the low sequence homologies between primates and mice and the lack of direct evidence of itch sensation by IL‐31 in primates. We showed that administration of cynomolgus IL‐31 induces transient scratching behaviour in cynomolgus monkeys and by that were able to establish a monkey model of scratching. We then showed that a single subcutaneous injection of 1 mg/kg nemolizumab, a humanized anti‐human IL‐31RA monoclonal antibody that also neutralizes cynomolgus IL‐31 signalling and shows a good pharmacokinetic profile in cynomolgus monkeys, suppressed the IL‐31‐induced scratching for about 2 months. These results suggest that the IL‐31 axis and IL‐31RA axis play as critical a role in the induction of scratching in primates as in mice and that the blockade of IL‐31 signalling by an anti‐human IL‐31RA antibody is a promising therapeutic approach for treatment of AD. Nemolizumab is currently under investigation in clinical trials.
Local paleoenvironmental controls on the carbon‐isotope record defining the Bitter Springs Anomaly
Authors: Klaebe R. M. , Kennedy M. J. , Jarrett A. J. M. , Brocks J. J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLarge magnitude (>10‰) carbon‐isotope (δ13C) excursions recorded in carbonate‐bearing sediments are increasingly used to monitor environmental change and constrain the chronology of the critical interval in the Neoproterozoic stratigraphic record that is timed with the first appearance and radiation of metazoan life. The ~10‰ Bitter Springs Anomaly preserved in Tonian‐aged (1000–720 Ma) carbonate rocks in the Amadeus Basin of central Australia has been offered as one of the best preserved examples of a primary marine δ13C excursion because it is regionally reproducible and δ13C values covary in organic and carbonate carbon arguing against diagenetic exchange. However, here we show that δ13C values defining the excursion coincide with abrupt lithofacies changes between regularly cyclic grainstone and microbial carbonates, and desiccated red bed mudstones with interbedded evaporite and dolomite deposits, recording local environmental shifts from restricted marine conditions to alkaline lacustrine and playa settings that preserve negative (−4‰) and positive (+6‰) δ13C values, respectively. The stratigraphic δ13C pattern in both organic and carbonate carbon recurs within the basin in a similar way to associated sedimentary facies, reflecting the linkage of local paleoenvironmental conditions and δ13C values. These local excursions may be time transgressive or record a relative sea‐level influence manifest through exposure of sub‐basins isolated by sea‐level fall below shallow sills, but are independent of secular seawater variation. As the shallow intracratonic setting of the Bitter Springs Formation is typical of other Neoproterozoic carbonate successions used to construct the present δ13C seawater record, it identifies the potential for local influences on δ13C excursions that are neither diagenetic nor representative of the global exogenic cycle.
Validation of the Rostock fermentation test as an in vitro method to estimate ensilability of forages using glass jar model silages as a basis for comparison
Authors: Pieper B. , Hoedtke S. , Wensch‐Dorendorf M. , Korn U. , Wolf P. , Zeyner A. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study compared the predictive power of an in vitro fermentation test [Rostock fermentation test (RFT)] with common glass jar silages (GLASS) using maize, fresh and wilted perennial ryegrass and fresh and wilted lucerne. Treatments were made in quadruplicate and included a control variant without additives, sucrose (20 g kg−1), a homolactic inoculant (Lactobacillus plantarum, 3 × 105 cfu g−1), a heterolactic inoculant (Lactobacillus buchneri, 1 × 105 cfu g−1) and combinations of each inoculant with sucrose. The pH was measured in GLASS at days 1·5, 3, 10 and 90, and in RFT at 14, 18, 22, 26, 38 and 46 h, whereas fermentation products were determined at days 3 and 90 in GLASS, and at 46 h in RFT. Linear regressions revealed the closest relation for pH between 10‐d silages of GLASS and 38‐h measurement of RFT (adjusted R2 = 0·808) and coefficients of determination for fermentation products were always higher when 3‐d instead of 90‐d silages were compared with 46‐h measurement of RFT. A pH increase in GLASS as indicator of insufficient anaerobic stability was not reproduced by RFT, suggesting that the in vitro test reflects the initial phase of fermentation, which was also indicated by the absence of 1,2‐propanediol in RFT.
Total anticholinergic burden and survival within a cohort of elderly Mexican Americans
Authors: Sarbacker G Blair , Espino David V , Wood Robert C , Oakes Sandra L , Anand Dheeraj , Markides Kyriakos A 
Published: October 2016

AimStudies examining the association between mortality and anticholinergic burden in the geriatric population are conflicting and are absent in the Mexican American population. The present study aimed to determine whether higher anticholinergic burden increases mortality in a cohort representative of community‐based older Mexican Americans in the USA.MethodsThis retrospective cohort database study used the Hispanic Established Populations for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly cohort. The primary outcome, mortality, was assessed beginning at the second interview in 1995 until the fifth interview in 2005. Medications were classified for anticholinergic burden according to the modified‐Anticholinergic Drug Scale and were summed across all reported medications creating a measure of total anticholinergic burden. Anticholinergic burden was tested for association with mortality using survival analysis.ResultsThe 1497 older adults reporting medication usage were included. Survival analysis showed a statistically significant (P < 0.05) relationship between anticholinergic burden and increased mortality.ConclusionsAnticholinergic burden is associated with increased mortality in Southwestern Mexican American older adults who report taking prescription or non prescription medications. These findings suggest that anticholinergic burden might be a risk factor for mortality in this selected population, with additional studies required to further define the risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1515–1521.
Association between the older adults’ social relationships and functional status in Japan
Authors: Watanabe Kumi , Tanaka Emiko , Watanabe Taeko , Chen Wencan , Wu Bailiang , Ito Sumio , Okumura Rika , Anme Tokie 
Published: October 2016

AimPrevious studies have shown that social relationships positively contribute to the functioning of older adults. However, the particular aspects of social relationships that are most predictive remain unknown. Consequently, the current study aimed to clarify what elements of social relationships impacted the maintenance of functioning among older adults.MethodsThe present study used baseline data collected in 2011, and follow‐up surveys were carried out 3 years later. Participants included individuals aged 65 years or older who lived in a suburban community in Japan. A total of 434 participants met inclusion criteria for the study and were included in analysis. The Index of Social Interaction measure consists of five subscales (independence, social curiosity, interaction, participation and feeling of safety), and was used to assess the multiple elements of social relationships.ResultsAfter controlling for age, sex, disease status and mobility in 2011, the results showed that the social curiosity subscale was significantly associated with functional status after 3 years (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.02–1.63). Other Index of Social Interaction subscales were non‐significant.ConclusionsThe current study suggests that interaction with environment and multifaceted social relationships have the strongest impact on functional ability for older adults in Japan. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1522–1526.
Evapotranspiration and quality characteristics of some bermudagrass turf cultivars under deficit irrigation
Authors: Aydinsakir Koksal , Buyuktas Dursun , Bastug Ruhi , Yilmaz Serpil 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis study was carried out to determine the effects of deficit irrigation on evapotranspiration and quality of bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon L.) turfgrass cultivars under Mediterranean conditions. Eight bermudagrass turf cultivars ‘Blackjack’, ‘Mohawk’, ‘Princess’, ‘Riviera’, ‘Sahara’, ‘Sultan’, ‘Swi–1044’ and ‘Swi–1045’ were used. Irrigation experiments were conducted from June to October 2008. Experimental plots were irrigated at 7 days intervals, at three levels of irrigation based on the potential evaporation as measured by a Class A pan (Epan) as follows I1 = 0.50 Epan, I2 = 0.75 Epan and I3 = 1.00 Epan. Volumetric soil water content was measured using soil moisture meter before and after irrigation. It was found that the irrigation levels affect sward color, visual quality and leaf firing. Among the cultivars, ‘Swi–1045’ and ‘Princess’ showed the best color and quality while ‘Mohawk’ and ‘Sultan’ gave the poorest color and quality in all irrigation levels. No statistically significant differences between I1 and I2 irrigation treatments were obtained in terms of color, quality and leaf firing for bermudagrass cultivars. It is concluded that when the amount of water is limited in arid and semiarid regions such as the Mediterranean, the bermudagrass can be irrigated at a level of 50% of pan evaporation to get an acceptable visual quality with improved water conservation.
The Partners in Health scale for older adults: design and examination of its psychometric properties in a Dutch population of older adults
Authors: Veldman Karin , Reijneveld Sijmen A. , Lahr Maarten M. H. , Uittenbroek Ronald J. , Wynia Klaske 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundSelf‐management is an important asset in helping older adults remain independent and in control for as long as possible. There is no reliable and valid measurement instrument to evaluate self‐management behaviour of older adults.ObjectiveThis study aims to design a measurement instrument, that is the Partners in Health scale for older adults (PIH‐OA), to assess self‐management knowledge and behaviour of community‐living older adults and to examine its psychometric properties in a Dutch context.Methods/designThe original PIH scale was translated into Dutch and adapted to the context of community‐living older adults, resulting in the PIH‐OA. Data for 1127 participants (mean age 81.7, SD=4.5) from the Embrace study were used to assess the psychometric properties.ResultsData fitted a three‐factor model, covering the constructs Knowledge, Management and Coping, with good internal consistencies (Cronbach's alphas ranging from .77 to .84). Known groups validity was confirmed: no differences were found between gender, age and marital status groups, and differences were found between the education level and health status groups. Discriminant validity was confirmed by weak correlations between PIH‐OA scales and scales evaluating “Perceived integrated care” and “Activities of daily living (ADL)” (r<.30), and a moderate correlation between the PIH‐OA subscale “Coping” and the scale evaluating “ADL” (r=.41).ConclusionThe PIH‐OA appears to be a reliable and valid measurement instrument for assessing the self‐management knowledge and behaviour of older adults. This could help professionals provide tailored support to improve the well‐being and independence of older adults.