bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanisms and implications of a type IV functional response for short‐term intake rate of dry matter in large mammalian herbivores
Authors: Mezzalira Jean C. , Bonnet Olivier J. F. , Carvalho Paulo C. de F. , Fonseca Lidiane , Bremm Carolina , Mezzalira Carlos C. , Laca Emilio A. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

The functional response (i.e. the relationship between consumers’ intake rate and resource density) is central in plant–herbivore interactions. Its shape and the biological processes leading to it have significant implications for both foraging theory and ecology of grazing systems.
A type IV functional response (i.e. dome‐shaped relationship) of short‐term intake rate of dry matter (intake while grazing) has rarely been reported for large herbivores and the conditions that can lead to it are poorly understood.
We report a type IV functional response observed in heifers grazing monocultures of Cynodon sp. and Avena strigosa. The mechanisms and consequences of this type of functional response for grazed system dynamics are discussed.
Intake rate was higher at intermediate than at short or tall sward heights in both grass species. The type IV functional response resulted from changes in bite mass instead of a longer time needed to encounter and process bites. Thus, the decrease of intake rate of dry matter in tall swards is not explained by a shift from process 3 (potential bites are concentrated and apparent) to process 2 (potential bites are apparent but dispersed, Spalinger & Hobbs 1992). Bite mass was smaller in tall than in intermediate swards due to a reduction of bite volume possibly caused by the greater proportion of stem and sheath acting as a physical barrier to bite formation.
It is generally accepted that potential bites are abundant and apparent in most grassland and meadow systems, as they were in the present experiments. Therefore, a type IV response of intake rate not directly related to digestive constraints may determine the dynamics of intake and defoliation under a much larger set of conditions than previously thought. These results have implications for foraging theory and stability of grazing systems. For example, if animals prefer patches of intermediate stature that yield the highest intake rate, grazing should lead to the widely observed bimodal distribution of plant mass per unit area, even when tall patches are not of significantly lower digestive quality than the pasture average.
Seed polyphenols in a diverse tropical plant community
Authors: Gripenberg Sofia , Rota Jadranka , Kim Jorma , Wright S. Joseph , Garwood Nancy C. , Fricke Evan C. , Zalamea Paul‐Camilo , Salminen Juha‐Pekka 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

Polyphenols are one of the most common groups of secondary metabolites in plants and thought to play a key role in enhancing plant fitness by protecting plants against enemies. Although enemy‐inflicted mortality at the seed stage can be an important regulator of plant populations and a key determinant of community structure, few studies have assessed community‐level patterns of polyphenol content in seeds.

We describe the distribution of the main seed polyphenol groups across 196 tree and liana species on Barro Colorado Island (Panama) and community‐level patterns in two aspects of their biological activity (protein precipitation and oxidative capacity). Taking advantage of substantial variation in morphological and ecological traits in the studied plant community, we test for correlations and trade‐offs between seed polyphenols and nonchemical plant traits hypothesised to make plant species more or less likely to invest in polyphenol production.

The majority of species have polyphenols in their seeds. The incidence and concentrations of polyphenols were related to a set of nonchemical plant traits. Polyphenols were most likely to be present (and where present, to be expressed in high concentrations) in species with large seeds, short seed dormancy times, low investment in mechanical seed defences, high wood density, high leaf mass per area, tough leaves and slow growth rates.

Synthesis. Our study reveals a potential trade‐off between chemical and mechanical seed defences and shows that plant species that invest in physical defences at later life stages (high wood density and tough leaves) tend not to invest in physical defences of seeds but instead produce secondary metabolites likely to act as seed defences. Overall, our results conform to predictions from the resource availability hypothesis, which states that species in resource‐limited environments (such as slow‐growing shade‐tolerant tree species) will invest more in defences than fast‐growing pioneer species.
Report of the Editor‐in‐Chief
Authors: Harvey David 
Published: May 2017

SummarySubmissions to the Journal appear to have stabilised, but continue a strong international pattern. Our response times continue to meet our targets. The JAE's citation impact factor has recovered to 1.5 in 2015 with current indications that 2016's score will be similar. Wiley continue to provide a strong publishing platform with our full archive generating a continuing increase in the number of downloads.
Elevated pretreatment neutrophil/white blood cell ratio and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio predict poor survival in patients with curatively resected non‐small cell lung cancer: Results from a large cohort
Authors: Yuan Cheng , Li Ning , Mao Xiaoyong , Liu Zui , Ou Wei , Wang Si‐yu 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThe prognostic values of preoperative neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte/lymphocyte ratio (MLR), and platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been previously described. This study assessed the prognostic values of other pretreatment complete blood cell parameters in Chinese patients with curatively resected NSCLC.MethodsA total of 1466 consecutive NSCLC patients who received curative surgery from January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009 with complete data from pretreatment blood tests were enrolled in this retrospective study. Correlations between each blood test parameter and overall survival were examined by Kaplan–Meier method or Cox proportional hazards regression, followed by a stratification analysis of significant variables.ResultsOptimal cut‐off values of 0.55 for neutrophil/white blood cell ratio (NWR), 0.28 for lymphocyte/white blood cell ratio (LWR), 0.09 for monocyte/white blood cell ratio (MWR), 2.06 for NLR, 0.35 for MLR, 204.00 for PLR, and 38.25 for platelet/white blood cell ratio (PWR) were identified using X‐tile software. Univariate analysis suggested that NWR ≥ 0.55, LWR < 0.28, MWR ≥ 0.09, NLR ≥ 2.06, MLR ≥ 0.35, and PLR ≥ 204.00 predicted a poor prognosis in NSCLC patients. However, only NWR and MLR were identified as independent significant prognostic factors in multivariable analysis, especially in tumor node metastasis stage I and I/II/III NSCLCs.ConclusionPretreatment NWR, MWR, LWR, NLR, MLR, and PLR values are associated with poor overall survival for patients with curatively resected NSCLC. NWR and MLR are independent prognostic factors in curatively resected NSCLC.
Board Gender Diversity, Auditor Fees, and Auditor Choice
Authors: Lai Karen M. Y. , Srinidhi Bin , Gul Ferdinand A. , Tsui Judy S. L. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe examine whether the presence of female directors and female audit committee members affect audit quality in terms of audit effort and auditor choice by using observations from a sample of U.S. firms, spanning the years 2001–2011. We find, after controlling for endogeneity and other board, firm, and industry characteristics, that firms with gender‐diverse boards (audit committees) pay 6 percent (8 percent) higher audit fees and are 6 percent (7 percent) more likely to choose specialist auditors compared to all‐male boards (audit committees). Our findings suggest that boards (audit committees) with female directors (members) are likely to demand higher audit quality, ceteris paribus.
Aggregate Margin Debt and the Divergence of Price from Accounting Fundamentals
Authors: Burger Marcus , Curtis Asher 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe examine whether, in the aggregate, margin debt is associated with the divergence of price from accounting fundamentals. We find that investors increase their margin debt following upward price movements away from accounting fundamentals, consistent with these investors being extrapolative in aggregate. We also find evidence that margin debt appears to be linked to temporary overpricing in recent periods, as the aggregate ratio of margin debt to price is reliably associated with negative future returns since at least 1992. Our results are consistent with the theoretical literature that predicts extrapolative traders have a destabilizing effect on market prices, and helps explain why prices diverge from accounting fundamentals.
Anti‐aging drugs reduce hypothalamic inflammation in a sex‐specific manner
Authors: Sadagurski Marianna , Cady Gillian , Miller Richard A. 
Published: May 2017

SummaryAging leads to hypothalamic inflammation, but does so more slowly in mice whose lifespan has been extended by mutations that affect GH/IGF‐1 signals. Early‐life exposure to GH by injection, or to nutrient restriction in the first 3 weeks of life, also modulate both lifespan and the pace of hypothalamic inflammation. Three drugs extend lifespan of UM‐HET3 mice in a sex‐specific way: acarbose (ACA), 17‐α‐estradiol (17αE2), and nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), with more dramatic longevity increases in males in each case. In this study, we examined the effect of these anti‐aging drugs on neuro‐inflammation in hypothalamus and hippocampus. We found that age‐associated hypothalamic inflammation is reduced in males but not in females at 12 months of age by ACA and 17αE2 and at 22 months of age in NDGA‐treated mice. The three drugs blocked indices of hypothalamic reactive gliosis associated with aging, such as Iba‐1‐positive microglia and GFAP‐positive astrocytes, as well as age‐associated overproduction of TNF‐α. This effect was not observed in drug‐treated female mice or in the hippocampus of the drug‐treated animals. On the other hand, caloric restriction (CR; an intervention that extends the lifespan in both sexes) significantly reduced hypothalamic microglia and TNF‐α in both sexes at 12 months of age. Together, these results suggest that the extent of drug‐induced changes in hypothalamic inflammatory processes is sexually dimorphic in a pattern that parallels the effects of these agents on mouse longevity and that mimics the changes seen, in both sexes, of long‐lived nutrient restricted or mutant mice.
Short‐term rapamycin treatment increases ovarian lifespan in young and middle‐aged female mice
Authors: Dou Xiaowei , Sun Yan , Li Jiazhao , Zhang Jing , Hao Dandan , Liu Wenwen , Wu Rui , Kong Feifei , Peng Xiaoxu , Li Jing 
Published: May 2017

SummaryAlthough age‐related ovarian failure in female mammals cannot be reversed, recent strategies have focused on improving reproductive capacity with age, and rapamycin is one such intervention that has shown a potential for preserving the ovarian follicle pool and preventing premature ovarian failure. However, the application is limited because of its detrimental effects on follicular development and ovulation during long‐term treatment. Herein, we shortened the rapamycin administration to 2 weeks and applied the protocol to both young (8 weeks) and middle‐aged (8 months) mouse models. Results showed disturbances in ovarian function during and shortly after treatment; however, all the treated animals returned to normal fertility 2 months later. Following natural mating, we observed prolongation of ovarian lifespan in both mouse models, with the most prominent effect occurring in mice older than 12 months. The effects of transient rapamycin treatment on ovarian lifespan were reflected in the preservation of primordial follicles, increases in oocyte quality, and improvement in the ovarian microenvironment. These data indicate that short‐term rapamycin treatment exhibits persistent effects on prolonging ovarian lifespan no matter the age at initiation of treatment. In order not to disturb fertility in young adults, investigators should in the future consider applying the protocol later in life so as to delay menopause in women, and at the same time increase ovarian lifespan.
Undetectable Concentrations of a Food and Drug Administration–approved High‐sensitivity Cardiac Troponin T Assay to Rule Out Acute Myocardial Infarction at Emergency Department Arrival
Authors: McRae Andrew D. , Innes Grant , Graham Michelle , Lang Eddy , Andruchow James E. , Ji Yunqi , Vatanpour Shabnam , Abedin Tasnima , Yang Hong , Southern Danielle A. , Wang Dongmei , Seiden‐Long Isolde , DeKoning Lawrence , Kavsak Peter 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe objective of this study was to quantify the sensitivity of very low concentrations of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hsTnT) at ED arrival for acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in a large cohort of chest pain patients evaluated in real‐world clinical practice.MethodsThis retrospective study included consecutive ED patients with suspected cardiac chest pain evaluated in four urban EDs, excluding those with ST‐elevation AMI, cardiac arrest or abnormal kidney function. The primary outcomes were AMI at 7, 30, and 90 days. Secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiac events (MACE; all‐cause mortality, AMI, and revascularization) and the individual MACE components. Test characteristics were calculated for hsTnT values from 3 to 200 ng/L .ResultsA total of 7,130 patients met inclusion criteria. AMI incidences at 7, 30, and 90 days were 5.8, 6.0, and 6.2%. When the hsTnT assay was performed at ED arrival, the limit of blank of the assay (3 ng/L) ruled out 7‐day AMI in 15.5% of patients with 100% sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV). The limit of detection of the assay (5 ng/L) ruled out AMI in 33.6% of patients with 99.8% sensitivity and 99.95% NPV for 7‐day AMI. The limit of quantification (the Food and Drug Administration [FDA]‐approved cutoff for lower the reportable limit) of 6 ng/L ruled out AMI in 42.2% of patients with 99.8% sensitivity and 99.95% NPV. The sensitivities of the cutoffs of <3, <5, and <6 ng/L for 7‐day MACE were 99.6, 97.4, and 96.6%, respectively. The NPVs of the cutoffs of <3, <5, and <6 ng/L for 7‐day MACE were 99.8, 99.5, and 99.4%, respectively. A secondary analysis was performed in a subgroup of 3,549 higher‐risk patients who underwent serial troponin testing. In this subgroup, a cutoff of 3 ng/L ruled out 7‐day AMI in 9.6% of patients with 100% sensitivity and NPV, a cutoff of 5 ng/L ruled out 7‐day AMI in 23.3% of patients with 99.7% sensitivity and 99.9% NPV, and a cutoff of 6 ng/L ruled out 7‐day AMI in 29.8% of patients with 99.7 and 99.9% NPV. In the higher‐risk subgroup, the sensitivities of cutoffs of <3, <5, and <6 ng/L for 7‐day MACE were 99.8, 97.4, and 96.6%, respectively. In this higher‐risk subgroup, the NPV of cutoffs of <3, <5, and <6 ng/L for 7‐day MACE were 99.7, 98.5, and 98.4%, respectively.ConclusionsWhen used in real‐world clinical practice conditions, hsTnT concentrations < 6 ng/L (below the lower reportable limit for an FDA‐approved assay) at the time of ED arrival can rule out AMI with very high sensitivity and NPV. The sensitivity for MACE is unacceptably low, and thus a single‐troponin rule‐out strategy should only be used in the context of a structured risk evaluation.
Alcohol consumption and risk of unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension in Denmark: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jørgensen Maja Bæksgaard , Thygesen Lau Caspar , Becker Ulrik , Tolstrup Janne S. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAimsWe investigated the association between weekly alcohol consumption and binge drinking and the risk of unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension.DesignProspective register‐based cohort study.SettingDenmark.ParticipantsA sample of 17 690 men and women, aged 18–60 years from the Danish Health and Morbidity Survey in 2000, 2005 and 2010 participated in the study. Participants worked the entire year prior to baseline.MeasurementsAdministrative registers were used to obtain information on unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension during a 5‐year follow‐up period. Data were analysed by multivariate Cox regression model with random effect (frailty) adjusted for cohabitation status, educational level, Charlson comorbidity index, smoking habits, calendar year and geographic region.FindingsAmong males, adjusted hazards ratios (HR) of unemployment were 1.24 (95% CI 1.05–1.46, P = 0.01), 1.28 (95% CI 1.04–1.59, P =0.02) and 1.48 (95% CI 1.21–1.81, P = 0.00) respectively, for abstainers and those with alcohol consumption of 21–27 and ≥ 28 drinks per week when compared with individuals who had 1–13 drinks per week. Corresponding HRs for sickness absence were 1.16 (95% CI 1.02–1.33, P = 0.03), 1.02 (95% CI 0.85–1.23, P = 0.84), and 1.23 (95 % CI 1.04–1.46, P = 0.02). Male abstainers had increased HR for subsequently receiving disability pension. Female abstainers had increased HR of unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension compared to women with moderate alcohol consumption. Binge drinking was associated with higher HR of unemployment compared to non‐binge drinking in women: HR of 1.21 (95 % CI 1.03–1.41, P = 0.02).ConclusionsIn Danish men aged 18–60, alcohol abstinence and heavy consumption is associated with increased subsequent risk of unemployment and sickness absence compared with low consumption. In Danish women abstainers have increased risk of unemployment, sickness absence and disability pension, while binge drinkers are more likely to become unemployed subsequently.
Impact of abiotic factors on some biological indices of Cyprinus carpio (L., 1758) in Ghrib dam lake, (Algeria)
Authors: Attal Meriem , Attou Fouzia , Baha Mounia , Arab Abdeslem 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis study was conducted with a sample of 733 Cyprinus carpio collected between May 2013 and February 2016 from the ecosystem lake in the Ghrib dam which is eutrophic. Cyprinus carpio in this dam is characterized by a single fractional spawning that begins in the spring and ends in the late summer. The distributions of the viscerosomatic and gonadosomatic indices decrease between the spring and summer seasons. These periods correspond to the spawning period and the biological break of this species. They progressively increase between autumn and winter when the biological activity of the species returns. The hepatosomatic index progressively decreases between the spring and the summer when the hepatic reserves are used for reproduction. The repletion index shows that the trophic activity of C. carpio is intense in the spring. The condition factor varies between 1.1 and 1.35. The evolution of the biological indices of both sexes is well stressed in well‐defined periods according to the seasons. The values are weak for males and high for females. The redundancy analysis allows the characterization of the influence of the physico‐chemical parameters of the dam water, especially the role of the nutritious elements, in the biological seasonal cycle of C. carpio.
Diversity and distribution of millipedes (Diplopoda) in the Campo Ma'an National Park, southern Cameroon
Authors: Mbenoun Masse Paul Serge , Nzoko Fiemapong Armand Richard , VandenSpiegel Didier , Golovatch Sergei I. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDiplopods (millipedes) are one of the important groups of terrestrial Arthropoda in tropical forest ecosystems. Despite their ecological importance, data on millipede populations are still scarce and outdated in Cameroon. The first comparative eco‐faunistic analysis is presented of two local populations of Diplopoda in two lowland rainforests (nearly primary and secondary) during 12 months (2015–2016) at the southern periphery of the Campo Ma'an National Park in southern Cameroon. The millipedes were collected using pitfall trapping and quadrat sampling, their diversity and distribution analyzed with the help of two diversity indexes and two nonparametric estimators. Overall, 27 species in eighteen genera, ten families and four orders were revealed in the two forests, yet each faunule was about equally rich (23 and 22 species in the primary and secondary forest, respectively) and peculiar (five and four species unique, respectively). The Odontopygidae was the most abundant family, which made up to 33% of the total species diversity. The most abundant species in both forests wasAporodesmus gabonicus(26.8% of occurrences). This study shows that despite the similarity in millipede species richness between both habitats, the species composition of all habitats was different. Some species occurred in two habitats whilst others were restricted to only one habitat.
The burden of chronic spontaneous urticaria is substantial: Real‐world evidence from ASSURE‐CSU
Authors: Maurer M. , Abuzakouk M. , Bérard F. , Canonica W. , Oude Elberink H. , Giménez‐Arnau A. , Grattan C. , Hollis K. , Knulst A. , Lacour J.‐P. , Lynde C. , Marsland A. , McBride D. , Nakonechna A. , Ortiz de Frutos J. , Proctor C. , Sussman G. , Sweeney C. , Tian H. , Weller K. , Wolin D. , Balp M.‐M. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundChronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) can be debilitating, difficult to treat, and frustrating for patients and physicians. Real‐world evidence for the burden of CSU is limited. The objective of this study was to document disease duration, treatment history, and disease activity, as well as impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and work among patients with inadequately controlled CSU, and to describe its humanistic, societal, and economic burden.MethodsThis international observational study assessed a cohort of 673 adult patients with CSU whose symptoms persisted for ≥12 months despite treatment. Demographics, disease characteristics, and healthcare resource use in the previous 12 months were collected from medical records. Patient‐reported data on urticaria and angioedema symptoms, HRQoL, and work productivity and activity impairment were collected from a survey and a diary.ResultsAlmost 50% of patients had moderate‐to‐severe disease activity as reported by Urticaria Activity Score. Mean (SD) Dermatology Life Quality Index and Chronic Urticaria Quality of Life Questionnaire scores were 9.1 (6.62) and 33.6 (20.99), respectively. Chronic spontaneous urticaria markedly interfered with sleep and daily activities. Angioedema in the previous 12 months was reported by 66% of enrolled patients and significantly affected HRQoL. More than 20% of patients reported ≥1 hour per week of missed work; productivity impairment was 27%. These effects increased with increasing disease activity. Significant healthcare resources and costs were incurred to treat CSU.ConclusionsChronic spontaneous urticaria has considerable humanistic and economic impacts. Patients with greater disease activity and with angioedema experience greater HRQoL impairments.