bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cryptic inbreeding depression in a growing population of a long‐lived species
Authors: Taylor Helen R. , Colbourne Rogan M. , Robertson Hugh A. , Nelson Nicola J. , Allendorf Fred W. , Ramstad Kristina M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractGenetic effects are often overlooked in endangered species monitoring, and populations showing positive growth are often assumed to be secure. However, the continued reproductive success of a few individuals may mask issues such as inbreeding depression, especially in long‐lived species. Here, we test for inbreeding depression in little spotted kiwi (Apteryx owenii) by comparing a population founded with two birds to one founded with 40 birds, both from the same source population and both showing positive population growth. We used a combination of microsatellite genotypes, nest observations and modelling to examine the consequences of assessing population viability exclusively via population growth. We demonstrate (i) significantly lower hatching success despite significantly higher reproductive effort in the population with two founders; (ii) positive growth in the population with two founders is mainly driven by ongoing chick production of the founding pair; and (iii) a substantial genetic load in the population founded with two birds (10–15 diploid lethal equivalents). Our results illustrate that substantial, cryptic inbreeding depression may still be present when a population is growing, especially in long‐lived species with overlapping generations.
Arabidopsis thaliana GLUTATHIONE‐S‐TRANSFERASE THETA 2 interacts with RSI1/FLD to activate systemic acquired resistance
Authors: Banday Zeeshan Zahoor , Nandi Ashis Kumar 
Published: January 2017

SummaryA partly infected plant develops systemic acquired resistance (SAR) and shows heightened resistance during subsequent infections. The infected parts generate certain mobile signals that travel to the distal tissues and help to activate SAR. SAR is associated with epigenetic modifications of several defence‐related genes. However, the mechanisms by which mobile signals contribute to epigenetic changes are little known. Previously, we have shown that the Arabidopsis REDUCED SYSTEMIC IMMUNITY 1 (RSI1, alias FLOWERING LOCUS D; FLD), which codes for a putative histone demethylase, is required for the activation of SAR. Here, we report the identification of GLUTATHIONE‐S‐TRANSFERASE THETA 2 (GSTT2) as an interacting factor of FLD. GSTT2 expression increases in pathogen‐inoculated as well as pathogen‐free distal tissues. The loss‐of‐function mutant of GSTT2 is compromised for SAR, but activates normal local resistance. Complementation lines of GSTT2 support its role in SAR activation. The distal tissues of gstt2 mutant plants accumulate significantly less salicylic acid (SA) and express a reduced level of the SA biosynthetic gene PAL1. In agreement with the established histone modification activity of FLD, gstt2 mutant plants accumulate an enhanced level of methylated and acetylated histones in the promoters of WRKY6 and WRKY29 genes. Together, these results demonstrate that GSTT2 is an interactor of FLD, which is required for SAR and SAR‐associated epigenetic modifications.
Parsimonious Higher Order Markov Models for Rating Transitions
Authors: Baena-Mirabete S. , Puig P. 
Published: January 2017

SummaryWe propose several parsimonious models for higher order Markov chains, applied to the study of municipal rating migrations in credit risk. In full parameterized Markov chain models, the number of parameters increases very rapidly as the order in the Markov chain grows and this can yield biased estimates when certain sequences of states are rare. For some processes, as in the case of credit ratings, this problem is accentuated because the transitions between distant states are unlikely (persistent transitions). We introduce the short and long persistence models and compare them with the full parameterized Markov chain, achieving a better fit with a lower number of parameters. Furthermore, downgrade momentum effects are found in the rating process, which are consistent with recent empirical findings.
Lake sedimentological and ecological response to hyperthermals: Boltysh impact crater, Ukraine
Authors: Ebinghaus Alena , Jolley David W. , Andrews Steven D. , Kemp David B. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe Boltysh meteorite impact crater, Ukraine, formed at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary at ca 65·2 Ma. A borehole drilled in the central part of the crater cored a >400 m thick high‐resolution lacustrine succession that covers the Dan‐C2 hyperthermal event associated with a negative carbon isotope excursion. Continuous terrestrial records of past hyperthermals are of limited availability, which makes this record a unique case study of the continental impact of rapid climate warming. This study uses high‐resolution sedimentological core log data together with thin‐section, X‐ray diffraction, microprobe and palynological analyses to: (i) reconstruct lake sedimentological and ecological development across the carbon isotope excursion; and (ii) assess the environmental effect of hyperthermals on terrestrial ecosystems. Based on detailed facies analysis, five gradual stages of lake formation are identified, which show a strong relationship to carbon isotope shifts and associated climatic trends. Initially, sediment supply into the Boltysh lake was controlled by crater morphology. During later lake stages, sediment supply was increasingly controlled by changes in inflow–evaporation ratios which affected seasonal stratification patterns and longer term lake levels. An inferred increase in atmospheric pCO2 related to the carbon isotope excursion, together with increasing mean annual temperatures, was probably responsible for periodic increases in biological activity of photosynthesising organisms and biomass production. These fluctuations in facies and lake settings largely correspond to orbital‐paced moisture availability oscillations. The gradual reduction in sediment supply commencing during early lake formation prior to carbon isotope excursion inception suggest that the Dan‐C2 event did not initiate sedimentary changes, but intensified sedimentary response to orbital controlled climate change.
Reciprocal Tariff Reductions Under Asymmetric Bargaining Power
Authors: Freund Florian 
Published: January 2017

AbstractIncreasing heterogeneity of participants that form the basis of WTO trade negotiations has raised concerns about unfair treatment of weak countries due to their lack of bargaining power. The WTO responds to these concerns by arguing that the institutional design with its specific rules such as the principle of reciprocity serves to reduce inequalities in bargaining power by giving smaller (weaker) countries more voice. A recent study has challenged this result for a particular type of reciprocity, namely the volume approach. Given the wide discretion of how reciprocal concessions are conducted, I give a more complete picture of how different kinds of reciprocity affect the bargaining outcome of asymmetric countries. It turns out that, while the volume approach amplifies the negative effects of power asymmetries, a tariff formula approach has the ability to reverse this effect. For low symmetries, the Swiss formula does the best job, whereas for larger power differences, a linear formula is best suited to reduce the impact of power asymmetries.
Effect of Concussion on Performance of National Football League Players
Authors: Reams Nicole , Hayward Rodney A. , Kutcher Jeffrey S. , Burke James F. 
Published: January 2017

Purpose:Lingering neurologic injury after concussion may expose athletes to increased risk if return to play is premature. The authors explored whether on-field performance after concussion is a marker of lingering neurologic injury.Design:Retrospective cohort study on 1882 skill-position players who played in the National Football League (NFL) during 2007–2010.Methods:Players with concussion based on the weekly injury report were compared with players with other head and neck injuries (controls) on measures of on-field performance using Football Outsiders’ calculation of defense-adjusted yards above replacement (DYAR), a measure of a player’s contribution controlling for game context. Changes in performance, relative to a player’s baseline level of performance, were estimated before and after injury using fixed-effects models.Results:The study included 140 concussed players and 57 controls. Players with concussion performed no better or worse than their baseline on return to play. However, a decline in DYAR relative to their prior performance was noted 2 wk and 1 wk before appearing on the injury report. Concussed players performed slightly better than controls in situations where they returned to play the same week as appearing on the injury report.Conclusions:On return, concussed NFL players performed at their baseline level of performance, suggesting that players have recovered from concussion. Decline in performance noted 2 wk and 1 wk before appearing on the injury report may suggest that concussion diagnosis was delayed or that concussion can be a multihit phenomenon. Athletic performance may be a novel tool for assessing concussion injury and recovery.
Efficacy of an Exercise and Nutritional Supplement Program on Physical Performance and Nutritional Status in Older Adults With Mobility Limitations Residing at Senior Living Facilities
Authors: Corcoran Michael P. , Nelson Miriam E. , Sacheck Jennifer M. , Reid Kieran F. , Kirn Dylan , Fielding Roger A. , Chui Kenneth K.H. , Folta Sara C. 
Published: January 2017

This cluster-randomized trial was designed to determine the efficacy of a 6-month exercise-nutritional supplement program (ENP) on physical function and nutritional status for older adults and the feasibility of implementing this program in a senior living setting. Twenty senior-living facilities were randomized to either a 3 day per week group-based ENP led by a trained facility staff member or a health education program (SAP). Participants (N = 121) completed a short physical performance battery, 400-m walk, handgrip strength test, and mini-nutrition assessment. 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D], insulin-like growth-factor 1 (IGF-1), and activity level were also measured. The ENP did not significantly improve physical function or nutritional status compared with the SAP. Compared with baseline, participants in the ENP engaged in 39 min less physical activity per week at 6 months. Several facility characteristics hindered implementation of the ENP. This study highlights the complexity of implementing an evidence-based program in a field setting.
The Relationship Between 2-Dimensional Knee-Valgus Angles During Single-Leg Squat, Single-Leg-Land, and Drop-Jump Screening Tests
Authors: Munro Allan , Herrington Lee , Comfort Paul 
Published: January 2017

Context:Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and patellofemoral joint (PFJ) are a significant problem in female athletes. A number of screening tasks have been used in the literature to identify those at greatest risk of injury. To date, no study has examined the relationship in 2-dimensional (2D) knee valgus between common screening tasks to determine whether individuals exhibit similar movement patterns across tasks.Objective:To establish whether frontal-plane projection angle (FPPA) during the single-leg squat (SLS), single-leg land (SLL), and drop jump (DJ) are related.Design:Cross-sectional study.Setting:University laboratory.Participants:52 national-league female football players and 36 national-league female basketball players.Main Outcome Measures:2D FPPA during the SLS, SLL, and DJ screening tasks.Results:Significant correlations were found between tasks. FPPA in the SLS was significantly correlated with SLL (r = .52) and DJ (r = .30), whereas FPPA in the SLL was also significantly correlated to DJ (r = .33). FPPA was significantly greater in the SLS than in the SLL (P < .001) and DJ (P < .001) and in the SLL than in the DJ (P < .001).Conclusion:The results showed that 2D FPPA is correlated across the SLS, SLL, and DJ tasks. However, significantly greater FPPA values in the unilateral tasks suggest that the DJ may not identify risk of injury in sports where primary injury mechanisms are during unilateral loading tasks. Therefore, it is recommended that both unilateral and bilateral tasks be included when screening for ACL and PFJ injury risk.
The Effect of Following Clinical Practice Guidelines on the Pain and Disability Outcomes of Patients With Low Back Pain—A Critically Appraised Topic
Authors: Golec Sara J. , Valier Alison R. 
Published: January 2017

Clinical Scenario: Health care clinicians are encouraged to practice according to the best available evidence for the purpose of improving patient outcomes. Clinical practice guidelines are one form of evidence that has been developed to enhance the care that patients receive for particular conditions. Low back pain is a common condition in rehabilitation medicine that places a significant financial burden on the healthcare system. Patients with low back pain often suffer great pain and disability that can last a long time, making effective and efficient care a priority. Several guidelines for the treatment of low back pain have been created; however, there is no consensus on whether following these guidelines will positively reduce the pain and disability experienced by patients. Clinical Question: Does adherence to clinical practice guidelines for patients with nonspecific low back pain reduce pain and disability? Summary of Key Findings: A total of 4 studies of level 3 or higher were found. Four studies noted an improvement in disability following guidelines adherent care. Two studies reported greater reduction in pain with guideline adherent care and 2 did not. Clinical Bottom Line: Moderate evidence exists to support adherence to clinical practice guidelines to improve pain and disability ratings in patients with nonspecific low back pain.
Stretching Exercises for Subacromial Impingement Syndrome: Effects of 6-Week Program on Shoulder Tightness, Pain, and Disability Status
Authors: Turgut Elif , Duzgun Irem , Baltaci Gul 
Published: January 2017

Context: Increasing soft tissue flexibility and joint mobility is one of the important aims of studies to treat subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a stretching program on posterior capsule tightness, pectoralis minor tightness, pain severity, and disability status in SIS. Design: Single-group pretest posttest design. Setting: University outpatient clinic. Participants: 18 participants diagnosed with SIS (34.8±9.4 y, symptoms duration 5.8±4.9 months) were included in the study. Intervention: The 6-week self-stretching program for pectoralis minor, posterior capsule, levator scapula, and latissimus dorsi was performed. Main Outcome Measures: Posterior capsule tightness, pectoralis minor tightness, pain severity (visual analog scale), and self-reported shoulder-related pain and disability status (Shoulder Pain and Disability Index) were used to assess changes in flexibility and symptoms. Results: Comparisons showed that there was significantly less posterior capsule and pectoralis minor tightness, less pain severity on activity and at night, and a lower disability score reported after the 6-week stretching program (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in pain severity at rest after the 6-week stretching program (P > 0.05). Conclusions: The findings of the study showed that flexibility, pain severity, and disability gains can be achieved with a 6-week stretching exercise training for participants with SIS. Therefore, shoulder girdle stretching exercises should be recommended early in shoulder rehabilitation program.
Which is best for osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures: balloon kyphoplasty, percutaneous vertebroplasty or non-surgical treatment? A study protocol for a Bayesian network meta-analysis
Authors: Kan Shun-Li , Yuan Zhi-Fang , Chen Ling-Xiao , Sun Jing-Cheng , Ning Guang-Zhi , Feng Shi-Qing 
Published: January 2017

IntroductionOsteoporotic vertebral compression fractures (OVCFs) commonly cause both acute and chronic back pain, substantial spinal deformity, functional disability and decreased quality of life and increase the risk of future vertebral fractures and mortality. Percutaneous vertebroplasty (PVP), balloon kyphoplasty (BK) and non-surgical treatment (NST) are mostly used for the treatment of OVCFs. However, which treatment is preferred is unknown. The purpose of this study is to comprehensively review the literature and ascertain the relative efficacy and safety of BK, PVP and NST for patients with OVCFs using a Bayesian network meta-analysis.Methods and analysisWe will comprehensively search PubMed, EMBASE and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, to include randomided controlled trials that compare BK, PVP or NST for treating OVCFs. The risk of bias for individual studies will be assessed according to the Cochrane Handbook. Bayesian network meta-analysis will be performed to compare the efficacy and safety of BK, PVP and NST. The quality of evidence will be evaluated by GRADE.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval and patient consent are not required since this study is a meta-analysis based on published studies. The results of this network meta-analysis will be submitted to a peer-reviewed journal for publication.PROSPERO registration numberCRD42016039452; Pre-results.
Adiposity, physical activity and risk of diabetes mellitus: prospective data from the population-based HUNT study, Norway
Authors: Hjerkind Kirsti Vik , Stenehjem Jo S , Nilsen Tom I L 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundPhysical activity may counteract the adverse effects of adiposity on cardiovascular mortality; however, the evidence of a similar effect on diabetes is sparse. This study examines whether physical activity may compensate for the adverse effect of adiposity on diabetes risk.MethodsThe study population consisted of 38 231 individuals aged 20 years or more who participated in two consecutive waves of the prospective longitudinal Nord-Trøndelag Health Study in Norway: in 1984–1986 and in 1995–1997. A Poisson regression model with SEs derived from robust variance was used to estimate adjusted risk ratios of diabetes between categories of body mass index and physical activity.ResultsRisk of diabetes increased both with increasing body mass (Ptrend<0.001) and with decreasing physical activity level (Ptrend<0.001 in men and 0.01 in women). Combined analyses showed that men who were both obese and had low activity levels had a risk ratio of 17 (95% CI 9.52 to 30) compared to men who were normal weight and highly active, whereas obese men who reported high activity had a risk ratio of 13 (95% CI 6.92 to 26). Corresponding analysis in obese women produced risk ratios of 15 (95% CI 9.18 to 25) and 13 (95% CI 7.42 to 21) among women reporting low and high activity levels, respectively.ConclusionsThis study shows that overweight and obesity are associated with a substantially increased risk of diabetes, particularly among those who also reported being physically inactive. High levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of diabetes within all categories of body mass index, but there was no clear evidence that being physically active could entirely compensate for the adverse effect of adiposity on diabetes risk.
Forty years of shunt surgery at Rigshospitalet, Denmark: a retrospective study comparing past and present rates and causes of revision and infection
Authors: Kofoed Månsson Philip , Johansson Sofia , Ziebell Morten , Juhler Marianne 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveThe objective of this study is to review our experience of shunt surgery by investigating 40 years of development in terms of rates of revision and infection, shunt survival and risk factors.Design and participantsMedical records and operative reports were reviewed retrospectively for all patients who underwent primary shunt surgery at our department in the years 2010 to 2012. All results were compared with a previous study from our department. A mixed population consisting of 434 patients was included. Adults (≥15 years) accounted for 89.9% of all patients and the mean follow-up time was 1.71 years.ResultsOverall, 42.6% had a revision of which 65.4% fell within 6 months postoperatively. Low age, high-risk diagnoses and less severe brain injury were associated with a higher risk of revision. One and 5-year shunt survival probabilities were 66.2% (61.5–70.9) and 48.0% (41.1–54.9). Within 4 weeks postoperatively, 3.2% had an infection and overall infection rate was 5.5%. Short duration of surgery and the use of antibiotic prophylaxis were associated with a lower risk of infection. The most frequent causes of revision were valve defects (18.4%) and proximal defects or obstructions (15.7%). Compared to the previous study, no convincing improvement was found with regard to the revision rate (42.6% vs 48.3%, p 0.060) or overall infection rate (5.5% vs 7.4%, p 0.261).ConclusionsRegardless of changes in patient demographics, techniques and equipment, risk of revision and infection still constitutes a major challenge in shunt surgery. The absence of convincing improvements calls for more studies concerning strategies to reduce complications.
Asthma and lung cancer, after accounting for co-occurring respiratory diseases and allergic conditions: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Denholm Rachel , Crellin Elizabeth , Arvind Ashwini , Quint Jennifer 
Published: January 2017

IntroductionAsthma is one of the most frequently diagnosed respiratory diseases in the UK, and commonly co-occurs with other respiratory and allergic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and atopic dermatitis. Previous studies have shown an increased risk of lung cancer related to asthma, but the evidence is mixed when accounting for co-occurring respiratory diseases and allergic conditions. A systematic review of published data that investigate the relationship between asthma and lung cancer, accounting for co-occurring respiratory and allergic diseases, will be conducted to investigate the independent association of asthma with lung cancer.Methods and analysisA systematic review will be conducted, and include original reports of cohort, cross-sectional and case–control studies of the association of asthma with lung cancer after accounting for co-occurring respiratory diseases. Articles published up to June 2016 will be included, and their selection will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. A standardised data extraction form will be developed and pretested, and descriptive analyses will be used to summarise the available literature. If appropriate, pooled effect estimates of the association between asthma and lung cancer, given adjustment for a specific co-occurring condition will be estimated using random effects models. Potential sources of heterogeneity and between study heterogeneity will also be investigated.Ethics and disseminationThe study will be a review of published data and does not require ethical approval. Results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication.Trial registration numberInternational Prospective Register for Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) number CRD42016043341