bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Amblyomma sculptum haplotypes in an area endemic for Brazilian spotted fever
Authors: BITENCOURTH K. , VOLOCH C. M. , SERRA‐FREIRE N. M. , MACHADO‐FERREIRA E. , AMORIM M. , GAZÊTA G. S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAmblyomma sculptum (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Berlese, 1888, a member of the Amblyomma cajennense complex, is the major vector of Brazilian spotted fever (BSF) in southeastern Brazil. In this study, the genetic diversity of A. sculptum populations in the state of Rio de Janeiro (RJ), Brazil, was investigated because genetic variability in tick populations may be related to vector competence. Samples of A. sculptum from 19 municipalities in 7 regions of RJ were subjected to DNA extraction, amplification and sequencing of D‐loop, cytochrome oxidase II and 12S rDNA mitochondrial genes. These sequences were used to map the genetic diversity of this tick. Amblyomma sculptum populations are genetically diverse in RJ, especially in the South Centre and Highland regions. Few unique haplotypes were observed in all populations, and the majority of genetic variation found was among ticks within each population. Phylogenetic reconstruction reinforced the assumption that all the haplotypes identified in RJ belong to A. sculptum. However, some RJ haplotypes are closer to A. sculptum from Argentina than to A. sculptum from elsewhere in Brazil. In RJ, A. sculptum has high genetic diversity, although little genetic differentiation. Observations also indicated a high level of gene flow among the studied populations and no evidence of population structure according to region in RJ.
Coevolutionary elaboration of pollination‐related traits in an alpine ginger (Roscoea purpurea) and a tabanid fly in the Nepalese Himalayas
Authors: Paudel Babu Ram , Shrestha Mani , Burd Martin , Adhikari Subodh , Sun Yong‐Shuai , Li Qing‐Jun 
Published: April 2016

Summary

Geographical variation in the interacting traits of plant–pollinator mutualism can lead to local adaptive differentiation. We tested Darwin's hypothesis of reciprocal selection as a key driving force for the evolution of floral traits of an alpine ginger (Roscoea purpurea) and proboscis length of a tabanid fly (Philoliche longirostris).

We documented the pattern of trait variation in R. purpurea and P. longirostris across five populations. At each site, we quantified pollinator‐mediated selection on floral display area, inflorescence height and corolla length of R. purpurea by comparing selection gradients for flowers exposed to natural pollination and to supplemental hand pollination. Reciprocal selection between plant and fly was examined at two sites via the relationship between proboscis length and nectar consumption (fly benefit) and corolla length and pollen deposition (plant benefit).

Local corolla tube length was correlated with local fly proboscis length among the five sites. We found strong linear selection imposed by pollinators on corolla tube length at all sites, but there was no consistent relationship of fitness to inflorescence height or floral display area. Selection between corolla length and proboscis length was reciprocal at the two experimental sites examined.

The geographical pattern of trait variation and the evidence of selection is consistent with a mosaic of local, species‐specific reciprocal selection acting as the major driving force for the evolution of corolla length of R. purpurea and proboscis length of P. longirostris.
Left Axillary Implantation of Loop Recorder versus the Traditional Left Chest Area: A Prospective Randomized Study
Authors: MIRACAPILLO GENNARO , ADDONISIO LUIGI , BRESCHI MARCO , DE SENSI FRANCESCO , MANFREDINI ENRICO , CORBUCCI GIORGIO , SEVERI SILVA , BAROLD S. SERGE 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundBased upon the results of a previous small pilot study, we present the results of a prospective single‐center randomized study comparing the performance of the implantable loop recorder (ILR) at two implanting sites.MethodsA group of patients whose ILRs were implanted via a left axillary approach were compared with a group who received an ILR in the traditional left site of the chest. Follow‐up (FU) was scheduled every 6 months or when symptoms occurred. All patients enrolled in the study had a complete FU from implantation to explantation. R‐ and P‐wave amplitudes were measured at implantation and during FU. Explantation of the device was programmed at the end of service life or when ILR analysis resulted in a complete and exhaustive diagnosis.ResultsSixty‐three patients were enrolled (70 ± 12 years, range: 21–92, 59% male): 31 standard and 32 with axillary access. The R‐wave amplitude obtained with the new technique was comparable with that obtained with the standard procedure. The diagnostic accuracy of the ILR was comparable in the two groups. The axillary implantation procedure was slightly longer but no complications were observed.ConclusionThis long‐term randomized study confirmed that axillary access for ILR implantation is feasible, safe, well tolerated, and reliable in terms of device performance. Moreover, it is aesthetically superior to the standard approach and carries the potential of minimizing permanent scarring after ILR extraction.
Genetic‐Quantitative Study of the First‐Service Pregnancy Probability of Murrah Heifers
Authors: Fernandes PB , Marques KO , de Araujo Neto FR , de Oliveira DP , Hurtado‐Lugo NA , Aspilcueta‐Borquis RR , Tonhati H 
Published: April 2016

ContentsBecause of the importance of reproduction in stock breeding systems, it is necessary to find selection criteria that increase reproductive efficiency. The aim of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for the probability of conception on first service (PROB) in Murrah heifers, and its association with other traits of economic interest [age at first calving (AFC), service period, calving interval and milk yield at 270 days], with the purpose of evaluating their use as selection criteria. Reproductive information and first lactation records of 1200 Murrah heifers were used to perform two‐trait analyses betweenPROBand the other characteristics. Bayesian inference was used to estimate the variance components, consideringPROBas threshold and the other as linear factors. The results demonstrate that this trait has heritability of 0.15, indicating the possibility of a genetic gain by using it for selection. With respect to the genetic correlation estimates, the only high‐magnitude association was with AFC (−0.899), which is the current criterion indicating sexual precocity of females. In the light of the parameters estimated, the first‐service pregnancy rate is an alternative for indication of sexual precocity, although presenting a smaller genetic gain than the current standard AFC. Nevertheless, additional research should be conducted regarding this trait to assess the economic importance of its use in dairy buffalo production systems.
We Send Thrombosed AV Accesses to the Operating Room
Authors: Jorge Cabrera Valerie , Brewster Ursula C. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA thrombosed dialysis access can be declotted either through an open surgical procedure or a percutaneous one. In choosing how the access should be managed, a nephrologist should balance the experience and outcomes of local providers to ensure the efficient and safe salvage of the vascular access. Percutaneous procedures often offer less disruption to the schedule of the patient and dialysis clinic, give more information about the central vasculature, are less invasive, and ultimately are preferred. Nephrologist should encourage local vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists to become proficient in these procedures to avoid unnecessary open cases.
Governing Deviance in Public Space through Mayoral Orders: Fields Mismatch and Metropolitan Turbulence
Authors: Maggioni Alessandro 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis article addresses the issue of policy change and its consequences on the organizational field and institutional context, looking at the role of an instrument transfer process. We adopt a political sociology approach to policy instruments to account for the impact that the introduction of a securitarian instrument, the mayoral order, had on the implementation process of a social policy. Through a genealogy of the instrument we identify a constitutive, normative and cognitive dimension. Our aim is to explain the interaction between these institutional dimensions, the re‐definition of the organizational field of the policy, and the dynamics of metropolitan politics. Following a synthesis of the policy process and the institutional arrangements where the policy is implemented, we show how the instrument transfer triggered a division within the organizational field, and the rise of institutional tensions amongst local authorities. In the conclusion, we identify the institutional dimensions of the instruments and the policy implementation scale as elements that are to interact with public‐private relationships and institutional arrangements, and that have an impact on implementation process and policy outcome.
How good is the evidence to support investment in soil protection?
Authors: Kibblewhite M. G. , Chambers B. J. , Goulding K. W. T. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWe review options for assembling evidence to support investment in protection from soil degradation by erosion, decline in organic matter, compaction and contamination. Convincing rationales for investment in soil resources need evidence about the benefits of improved soil status and the efficacy of possible actions. Changes in the bulk properties of soil over large areas are difficult to measure within the timescales of policy reviews, so soil monitoring rarely supports timely policy assessment. In addition, there are gaps in our understanding of the impacts of changes in soil properties at landscape scales. There is adequate quantitative evidence about the effects of land use change on soil erosion and soil organic matter (SOM) but rather less for compaction. Quantitative predictions of the effects at above field‐scale on soil properties from altered land management within a given land use are quite limited, but can be described qualitatively. The effects of controls on soil contamination at regional scales are predictable from mass flows. There are accepted narratives about the benefits of reduced erosion and compaction, and enhanced SOM on levels of services and goods, including agricultural productivity and hydrology. However, quantitative models for estimating these benefits require more development. The impacts on greenhouse gas emissions of changes in soil organic carbon levels can be quantified and the impacts of contamination interpreted using threshold levels for protection of food and the environment. Overall, there is an urgent requirement for better quantitative models to predict soil‐based policy outcomes from altered land use and especially land management.
Association between alcohol drinking behaviour and cognitive function: results from a nationwide longitudinal study of South Korea
Authors: Kim Sujin , Kim Yongjoo , Park Sang Min 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesThis research intends to determine how drinking behaviour, such as episodic heavy drinking, is related to cognitive performance in middle-aged and old-aged people in South Korea.MethodsA cohort data of 5157 adults, age 45 years or older, with normal cognitive function (the Korean version of the Mini-mental state examination (K-MMSE) ≥24) at baseline (2006), was derived from the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging. Alcohol drinking behaviour was assessed using the CAGE (Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener) questionnaire. The relationships between baseline drinking behaviour (in 2006) to the extent of cognitive decline (between 2006 and 2012) and development of cognitive impairment (in 2012) were assessed.ResultsIndividuals with problematic drinking behaviour at baseline experienced a faster decline in cognitive function than those with non-problematic drinking (p<0.05) during 6 years of follow-up, especially among those with relatively lownormal K-MMSE score (24–26) at baseline (p<0.05). Problematic alcohol drinking behaviour was also significantly associated with onset of severe cognitive impairment (SCI) (K-MMSE score ≤17) among those with relatively low-normal K-MMSE score (adjusted OR (aOR)=3.76, 95% CI 1.46 to 9.67). In addition, abstinence, compared with non-problematic drinking, was related to higher risk for developing SCI among men (aOR=1.62, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.39).ConclusionsOur results suggest that those with problematic alcohol drinking behaviour could be at an increased risk of cognitive impairment/decline. While further research will provide stronger evidence, intervention targeting alcohol abuse may play a role in prevention of cognitive impairment.
Interventions to delay functional decline in people with dementia: a systematic review of systematic reviews
Authors: Laver Kate , Dyer Suzanne , Whitehead Craig , Clemson Lindy , Crotty Maria 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveTo summarise existing systematic reviews that assess the effects of non-pharmacological, pharmacological and alternative therapies on activities of daily living (ADL) function in people with dementia.DesignOverview of systematic reviews.MethodsA systematic search in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, DARE, Medline, EMBASE and PsycInfo in April 2015. Systematic reviews of randomised controlled trials conducted in people with Alzheimer's disease or dementia measuring the impact on ADL function were included. Methodological quality of the systematic reviews was independently assessed by two authors using the AMSTAR tool. The quality of evidence of the primary studies for each intervention was assessed using GRADE.ResultsA total of 23 systematic reviews were included in the overview. The quality of the reviews varied; however most (65%) scored 8/11 or more on the AMSTAR tool, indicating high quality. Interventions that were reported to be effective in minimising decline in ADL function were: exercise (6 studies, 289 participants, standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.68, 95% CI 0.08 to 1.27; GRADE: low), dyadic interventions (8 studies, 988 participants, SMD 0.37, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.69; GRADE: low) acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and memantine (12 studies, 4661 participants, donepezil 10 mg SMD 0.18, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.32; GRADE: moderate), selegiline (7 studies, 810 participants, SMD 0.27, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.41; GRADE: low), huperzine A (2 studies, 70 participants, SMD 1.48, 95% CI 0.95 to 2.02; GRADE: very low) andGinkgo biloba(7 studies, 2530 participants, SMD 0.36, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.44; GRADE: very low).ConclusionsHealthcare professionals should ensure that people with dementia are encouraged to exercise and that primary carers are trained and supported to provide safe and effective care for the person with dementia. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors or memantine should be trialled unless contraindicated.Trial registration numberCRD42015020179.
Prologue: Tropical Meteorology 1960–2010—Personal Recollections
Authors: Matsuno Taroh 
Published: April 2016

This volume consists of some papers presented at the AMS Symposium held to honor the memory of the late Professor Michio Yanai as well as additional works inspired by his research. By the nature of this volume, many of the contributed papers describe the development of tropical meteorology over the past half-century or so in connection with Professor Yanai’s influence on it. While most of the chapters address specific areas and discuss timely issues, in this prologue I will describe some of Professor Yanai’s contributions during the early period of his career from my own point of view. As this is a personal reminiscence, I would like to emphasize how Professor Yanai influenced me.
Both Professor Yanai and I became graduate students at the University of Tokyo to begin our career as meteorologists in 1956 and 1957, respectively. Since we studied and worked together so closely for a long time, in this article I will call him Yanai-san as I have done in our personal interactions.
Cross–Time Scale Interactions and Rainfall Extreme Events in Southeastern South America for the Austral Summer. Part II: Predictive Skill
Authors: Muñoz Á. G. , Goddard L. , Mason S. J. , Robertson A. W. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Potential and real predictive skill of the frequency of extreme rainfall in southeastern South America for the December–February season are evaluated in this paper, finding evidence indicating that mechanisms of climate variability at one time scale contribute to the predictability at another scale; that is, taking into account the interference of different potential sources of predictability at different time scales increases the predictive skill. Part I of this study suggested that a set of daily atmospheric circulation regimes, or weather types, was sensitive to these cross–time scale interferences, conducive to the occurrence of extreme rainfall events in the region, and could be used as a potential predictor. At seasonal scale, a combination of those weather types indeed tends to outperform all the other candidate predictors explored (i.e., sea surface temperature patterns, phases of the Madden–Julian oscillation, and combinations of both). Spatially averaged Kendall’s τ improvements of 43% for the potential predictability and 23% for real-time predictions are attained with respect to standard models considering sea surface temperature fields alone. A new subseasonal-to-seasonal predictive methodology for extreme rainfall events is proposed based on probability forecasts of seasonal sequences of these weather types. The cross-validated real-time skill of the new probabilistic approach, as measured by the hit score and the Heidke skill score, is on the order of twice that associated with climatological values. The approach is designed to offer useful subseasonal-to-seasonal climate information to decision-makers interested not only in how many extreme events will happen in the season but also in how, when, and where those events will probably occur.
Views of the workplace as a health promotion arena among managers of small companies
Authors: Wiman Virginia , Lydell Marie , Nyholm Maria 
Published: April 2016

Introduction: Several studies have shown that workplace health promotion leads to better health, increased productivity, as well as reduced absenteeism and presenteeism among employees. The objective of this study was to describe how managers in small companies (10–19 employees) perceive their company as an arena for promoting employees’ health. Method: A sample of 10 managers (four women) was strategically selected. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with each person. Interviews were transcribed and analysed using qualitative content analysis. The analysis focused on both manifest and latent content. Results: Three main categories emerged from the analysis: the potential to promote employees’ health, responsibility as an employer and the need for external support. An arena for workplace health promotion is created when managers prioritise health at the workplace. Conclusion: Small companies often lack the knowledge and resources to manage health and safety problems and also have less access to occupational health services. This paper highlights the importance of the views of small company managers as resources for the development of health promotion.
Effects of Continuous Positive Airway Pressure on Middle Ear Pressure and Acoustic Stapedial Reflex
Authors: Li Jinrang , Li Keliang 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveThis study investigated the effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) on middle ear pressure and acoustic stapedial reflex and the correlation between CPAP and middle ear pressure.Study DesignProspective cohort study.SettingTertiary hospitals.Subjects and MethodsFifty patients with obstructive sleep apnea‐hypopnea syndrome were assigned to the study group, and 50 healthy volunteers were assigned to the control group. The subjects underwent standard tympanometry while wearing a CPAP device (ie, simulated CPAP treatment), which was set to 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O, respectively. Tympanometry was performed before and after swallowing at each pressure of CPAP treatment.ResultsThe mean middle ear pressures were 21.2, 22.6, 22.7, and 23.4 daPa (before swallowing) and 21.6, 42.6, 81.4, and 118.6 daPa (after swallowing) in the study group and 17.6, 18.7, 19.5, and 20.8 daPa (before swallowing) and 17.7, 44.2, 85.6, and 120.5 daPa (after swallowing) in the control group at the CPAPs of 0, 5, 10, and 15 cm H2O, respectively. While the CPAPs were at 0 and 15 cm H2O, the stapedial muscle reflex at 1.0 kHz did not have a significant difference between the 2 groups (χ2 = 0.521, P =. 470). The Pearson correlation coefficient of the CPAP pressure and the middle ear pressure after swallowing was 0.812 (P <. 001).ConclusionCPAP affected middle ear pressure and was directly proportional to the pressure of the CPAP. However, CPAP treatment had no significant effect on stapedial muscle reflex.
Essential Considerations for Equine Oral Examination, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Authors: Menzies Robert A. , Lewis John R. , Reiter Alexander M. , Lundström Torbjörn S. 
Published: April 2016

Equine dentistry should no longer be thought of as art over science. To be an effective equine dental clinician requires considerable investment in knowledge beyond the basic veterinary degree. It requires current scientific dental knowledge and adherence to the fundamental principles of medicine, dentistry, and surgery. Knowledge and principles will provide clinicians with the necessary information to make more evidence-based decisions as the scientific literature continues to evolve. Diagnosis and therapy should be seen as journeys with a destination, keeping in mind the values of the Hippocratic oath. Equine dentistry no longer needs to be seen as hard physical work with considerable risk to all involved. There is a demand for providers of equine dental care to be appropriately trained veterinarians and for veterinarians to further develop the science of equine dentistry. The rewards to the horse, client, and clinician are likely to be evident to those who make the investment.
Perceived quality of private education and fears of stratification: Investigating the propositions of human capital theory by exploring the case of Colombia
Authors: Nel Páez Pedro , Teelken Christine 
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the recent developments in the higher education system of Colombia in order to illustrate how these encourage stratification between (types of) universities and their students. We do so by discussing propositions generated by human capital theory and apply them to the experiences of students and graduates from Colombian universities. We conducted a survey ( n = 700) amongst graduate and undergraduate students at 12 low-fee private universities. Four interviews with (former) students served as an illustration. The majority of undergraduate students perceived the quality of their education as poor and wanted to attend another university. Both students and graduates expressed uncertainty about finding a job and anticipated difficulties as they felt they lacked essential skills. Due to relatively unhindered privatization and marketization of the columbian higher education sector, low-quality private provision in Colombia demonstrates this structural inequality. Our study shows that investing in higher education does not always correlate positively with skills gained or future income, thereby revealing the necessity to use human capital theory in a more nuanced manner.