bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effects of climate warming and disturbance on the colonization potential of ornamental alien plant species
Authors: Haeuser Emily , Dawson Wayne , van Kleunen Mark 
Published: April 2017

SummaryA large number of alien plant species have been introduced as ornamental garden plants to Europe, but relatively few have become invasive. Low climatic suitability may be limiting the current invasion potential of many alien ornamental species. However, with ongoing disturbance and climate change, this barrier may be reduced for some species.Here, we tested how colonization ability (a prerequisite for invasion) of frequently planted alien ornamentals depends on disturbance and heating, and on their species characteristics. We sowed seeds of 37 non‐naturalized alien herbaceous garden‐plant species into native grassland plots with and without disturbance, and with and without infrared‐heating lamps. To assess whether their responses differ from those within the regional wild flora, we also sowed 14 native species and 12 naturalized alien species. During 2 years, we assessed the likelihoods of germination, first‐year survival, second‐year survival and flowering of these 63 study species.The heating treatment, which also reduced soil moisture, decreased all measures of colonization success, but more so for sown native species than for the non‐naturalized and naturalized alien ones. The disturbance treatment increased colonization success, and because heating decreased productivity of the undisturbed grassland plots, it also increased invasibility of these plots. Average colonization success of non‐naturalized aliens was reduced by heating, but some species were not affected or performed even better with heating, particularly those with an annual life span and a high seed mass. Winter hardiness improved colonization ability of non‐naturalized aliens, but this advantage was reduced in the heated plots.Synthesis. Disturbance increased and heating decreased the absolute colonization success of most of the 63 species sown. However, heating had stronger adverse effects on the resident grassland and sown native species than either type of sown alien species. Together, these results suggest that some alien plants may have greater colonization success relative to native plants under a warmer climate.
Measuring the quality of Hospital Food Services: Development and reliability of a Meal Quality Audit Tool
Authors: Banks Merrilyn , Hannan‐Jones Mary , Ross Lynda , Buckley Ann , Ellick Jennifer , Young Adrienne 
Published: April 2017

AimTo develop and test the reliability of a Meal Quality Audit Tool (MQAT) to audit the quality of hospital meals to assist food service managers and dietitians in identifying areas for improvement.MethodsThe MQAT was developed using expert opinion and was modified over time with extensive use and feedback. A phased approach was used to assess content validity and test reliability: (i) trial with 60 dietetic students, (ii) trial with 12 food service dietitians in practice and (iii) interrater reliability study. Phases 1 and 2 confirmed content validity and informed minor revision of scoring, language and formatting of the MQAT. To assess reliability of the final MQAT, eight separate meal quality audits of five identical meals were conducted over several weeks in the hospital setting. Each audit comprised an ‘expert’ team and four ‘test’ teams (dietitians, food services and ward staff). Interrater reliability was determined using intra‐class correlation analysis.ResultsThere was statistically significant interrater reliability for dimensions of Temperature and Accuracy (P < 0.001) but not for Appearance or Sensory. Composition of the ‘test’ team appeared to influence results for Appearance and Sensory, with food service‐led teams scoring higher on these dimensions. ‘Test’ teams reported that MQAT was clear and easy to use.Conclusions
MQAT was found to be reliable for Temperature and Accuracy domains, with further work required to improve the reliability of the Appearance and Sensory dimensions. The systematic use of the tool, used in conjunction with patient satisfaction, could provide pertinent and useful information regarding the quality of food services and areas for improvement.
Ventilation via the 2.4 mm internal diameter Tritube® with cuff – new possibilities in airway management
Authors: Kristensen M. S. , de Wolf M. W. P. , Rasmussen L. S. 
Published: April 2017

BackgroundA small tube may facilitate tracheal intubation and improve surgical access. We describe our initial experience with the Tritube® that is a novel cuffed endotracheal tube with a 2.4 mm internal diameter.MethodsThe Tritube® was used in seven adult Ear‐Nose‐and Throat surgical patients with airway narrowing or whose surgical access was facilitated by this small‐bore endotracheal tube. Ventilation through Tritube® is performed with the manually operated Ventrain®‐ventilator that allows active suctioning during expiration, therefore facilitating normoventilation through small diameter airways.ResultsThe small diameter of Tritube® seemed to improve glottis visualisation during intubations and gave excellent working conditions for surgery. Two patients were intubated awake with a flexible scope and a guide wire or with an angulated video laryngoscope. One patient had almost complete glottic occlusion that just allowed for passage of the Tritube®. Adequate ventilation was achieved in all patients and intratracheal pressure was kept between 5 and 20 cm H2O. The tube was well tolerated after emergence from anaesthesia and kept intratracheally in five awake patients in the post‐operative recovery unit, in one case for more than 1 h. Ventilating with Ventrain® through Tritube® demands meticulous breath by breath measurement and adjustment of the intratracheal pressure.ConclusionThe 2.4 mm internal diameter Tritube® seems to facilitate tracheal intubation and to provide unprecedented view of the intubated airway during oral, pharyngeal, laryngeal or tracheal procedures in adults. This technique has the potential to replace temporary tracheostomy, jet‐ventilation or extra‐corporal membrane oxygenation in selected patients.
How do ‘busy’ and ‘overlap’ directors relate to CEO pay structure and incentives?
Authors: Pathan Shams , Wong Peh Hwa , Benson Karen 
Published: April 2017

AbstractWe examine how CEO compensation is affected by the presence of busy and overlap directors. We find that CEOs at firms with more busy directors receive greater total pay, fixed salary and equity‐linked pay and exhibit higher pay‐performance (delta) and pay‐risk (vega) sensitivities. Our results also suggest that CEOs at firms with more overlap directors take smaller total pay and equity‐linked pay and reveal lower delta and vega. We further show that the impact of busy and overlap directors on CEO pay is more visible for firms with less complexity and low information acquisition cost.
Dopamine D1 or D2 receptor‐expressing neurons in the central nervous system
Authors: Wei Xiaoyan , Ma Tengfei , Cheng Yifeng , Huang Cathy C.Y. , Wang Xuehua , Lu Jiayi , Wang Jun 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDopamine signals mainly through D1 receptors (D1Rs) and D2 receptors (D2Rs); D1R‐expressing or D2R‐expressing neurons contribute to distinct reward and addictive behaviors. Traditionally, transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under D1R or D2R promoters are used for fluorescent verification in electrophysiology studies, whereas Cre mice are employed for behavioral research. However, it is unknown whether the same neuronal populations are targeted in GFP and Cre mice. Additionally, while D1Rs and D2Rs are known to be expressed in different striatal neurons, their expression patterns outside the striatum remain unclear. The present study addressed these two questions by using several transgenic mouse lines expressing fluorescent proteins (GFP or tdTomato) or Cre under the control of D1R or D2R promoters. We found a high degree of overlap between GFP‐positive and Cre‐positive neurons in the striatum and hippocampus. Additionally, we discovered that D1Rs and D2Rs were highly segregated in the orbitofrontal cortex, prefrontal cortex, dorsal and ventral hippocampus, and amygdala: ~4–34 percent of neurons co‐expressed these receptors. Importantly, slice electrophysiological studies demonstrated that D1R‐positive and D1R‐negative hippocampal neurons were functionally distinct in a mouse line generated by crossing Drd1a‐Cre mice with a Cre reporter Ai14 line. Lastly, we discovered that chronic alcohol intake differentially altered D1R‐positive and D2R‐positive neuron excitability in the ventral CA1. These data suggest that GFP and Cre mice target the same populations of striatal neurons, D1R‐expressing or D2R‐expressing neurons are highly segregated outside the striatum, and these neurons in the ventral hippocampal may exert distinct roles in alcohol addiction.
African wolf diet, predation on livestock and conflict in the Guassa mountains of Ethiopia
Authors: Atickem Anagaw , Simeneh Getachew , Bekele Afework , Mekonnen Tariku , Sillero‐Zubiri Claudio , Hill Russell A. , Stenseth Nils Chr. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe African wolf (Canis lupus lupaster) was first identified in 2011 in the Ethiopian highlands, with its status as a new species confirmed in 2015. We studied the diet of a confirmed African wolf population in the Menz‐Guassa Community Conservation Area of central Ethiopia from scat samples collected by den sites from August to November 2010. Rodents were found to be the principal food items occurring in 88.1% of scats (n = 101), followed by plant material (34.7%) and insects (21.8%). Information on reported livestock predation and ensuing conflict with the agro‐pastoral community was obtained through a questionnaire survey. Interview respondents listed the African wolf as the most serious predator of livestock, accounting for 74.6% of the reported kills (n = 492) and 78.9% of the economic loss. Over 70% of reported livestock predation occurred during the dry season (January–April). Better livestock management during this period may significantly reduce conflict. As sympatric Ethiopian wolves primarily feed on rodents, further studies on the foraging ecology, niche overlap and interspecific interactions between the two species should be studied to determine the extent of competition between the two species.
Autonomic Receptor‐mediated Regulation of Production and Release of Nitric Oxide in Normal and Malignant Human Urothelial Cells
Authors: Winder Michael , Vesela Renata , Aronsson Patrik , Patel Bhavik , Carlsson Thomas 
Published: April 2017

AbstractIn the urinary bladder, the main source of NO seems to be the urothelium and the underlying suburothelium. In this study, we aimed to characterize how receptors in the human urothelium regulate the production and release of NO. For this, we cultured two human urothelial cell lines – the normal immortalized cell line UROtsa and the malignant cell line T24. These were treated with an array of agonists and antagonists with affinity for adrenergic, muscarinic and purinergic receptors. The production of NO and expression of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was studied by immunocytochemistry and Western blotting. The amount of released NO was measured indirectly by detecting nitrite using amperometry and a Griess reaction kit. The results showed that NO, endothelial NOS and inducible NOS were predominantly produced and expressed in the close vicinity of the nucleus in untreated human urothelial cells. Upon treatment with a beta‐adrenoceptor agonist, but not any of the other agonists or antagonists, the pattern of NO production changed, showing a more even production throughout the cytosol. The pattern of expression of endothelial NOS changed in a similar way upon dobutamine treatment. The release of nitrite, as a measurement of NO, increased after treatment with dobutamine from 0.31 ± 0.029 to 1.97 ± 0.18 nmol and 0.80 ± 0.12 to 3.27 ± 0.24 nmol in UROtsa and T24, respectively. In conclusion, our results show that the expression of NOS and production of NO as well as the release of NO from human urothelial cells is regulated by beta‐adrenoceptor activation.
Semiparametric Probit Models with Univariate and Bivariate Current-status Data
Authors: Liu Hao , Qin Jing 
Published: April 2017

Summary
Multivariate current-status data are frequently encountered in biomedical and public health studies. Semiparametric regression models have been extensively studied for univariate current-status data, but most existing estimation procedures are computationally intensive, involving either penalization or smoothing techniques. It becomes more challenging for the analysis of multivariate current-status data. In this article, we study the maximum likelihood estimations for univariate and bivariate current-status data under the semiparametric probit regression models. We present a simple computational procedure combining the expectation–maximization algorithm with the pool-adjacent-violators algorithm for solving the monotone constraint on the baseline function. Asymptotic properties of the maximum likelihood estimators are investigated, including the calculation of the explicit information bound for univariate current-status data, as well as the asymptotic consistency and convergence rate for bivariate current-status data. Extensive simulation studies showed that the proposed computational procedures performed well under small or moderate sample sizes. We demonstrate the estimation procedure with two real data examples in the areas of diabetic and HIV research.
Impact of preoperative risk on metastatic progression and cancer‐specific mortality in patients with adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy
Authors: Boehm Katharina , Leyh‐Bannurah Sami‐Ramzi , Rosenbaum Clemens , Brandi Laurenz S. , Budäus Lars , Graefen Markus , Huland Hartwig , Haferkamp Axel , Tilki Derya 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of preoperative risk category on metastatic disease and prostate cancer‐specific mortality (CSM) in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) with adverse pathology at radical prostatectomy (RP).Patients and MethodsThe records of 6 943 patients who underwent RP at a European tertiary centre were analysed. Biochemical recurrence (BCR), metastatic disease and CSM were assessed for patients with adverse pathology at RP, and stratified according to preoperative low‐ vs intermediate‐/high‐risk PCa groups. Kaplan–Meier, cumulative incidence, Cox regression and competing risk regression analyses were performed.ResultsIn patients with extracapsular extension, the metastatic disease rate was 1.6% vs 8% (P < 0.001) and the CSM rate was 2% vs 5% (P = 0.041) for low vs intermediate‐/high‐risk patients, respectively, at 10 years. In patients with pathological Gleason score ≥3+4, the metastatic disease rate was 3.0% vs 12% (P < 0.001) and the CSM rate was 3% vs 8%, respectively (P < 0.001). In patients with positive surgical margins (PSMs), the metastatic disease rate was 2.9% vs 15% (P < 0.001) and the CSM rate was 4% vs 10%, respectively (P = 0.0001). Low‐risk status was a predictive factor for metastatic disease in patients with pathological Gleason score ≥3+4 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.51), pathological Gleason score ≥4+3 (HR 0.41) and PSMs (HR 0.46) and was a predictive factor for CSM risk in patients with pathological Gleason score ≥3+4 (HR 0.62).ConclusionsPatients with low‐risk PCa were at significantly lower risk of metastatic disease and CSM than their intermediate‐/high‐risk counterparts, when adverse pathological features were identified at RP. This should be emphasized in the decision‐making process after RP.
Men's Eating and Living (MEAL) study (CALGB 70807 [Alliance]): recruitment feasibility and baseline demographics of a randomized trial of diet in men on active surveillance for prostate cancer
Authors: Parsons J. Kellogg , Pierce John P. , Mohler James , Paskett Electra , Jung Sin‐Ho , Morris Michael J. , Small Eric , Hahn Olwen , Humphrey Peter , Taylor John , Marshall James 
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveTo assess the feasibility of performing national, randomized trials of dietary interventions for localized prostate cancer.MethodsThe Men's Eating and Living (MEAL) study (CALGB 70807 [Alliance]) is a phase III clinical trial testing the efficacy of a high‐vegetable diet to prevent progression in patients with prostate cancer on active surveillance (AS). Participants were randomized to a validated diet counselling intervention or to a control condition. Chi‐squared and Kruskal–Wallis analyses were used to assess between‐group differences at baseline.ResultsBetween 2011 and 2015, 478 (103%) of a targeted 464 patients were randomized at 91 study sites. At baseline, the mean (sd) age was 64 (6) years and mean (sd) PSA concentration was 4.9 (2.1) ng/mL. Fifty‐six (12%) participants were African‐American, 17 (4%) were Hispanic/Latino, and 16 (3%) were Asian‐American. There were no significant between‐group differences for age (P = 0.98), race/ethnicity (P = 0.52), geographic region (P = 0.60), time since prostate cancer diagnosis (P = 0.85), PSA concentration (P = 0.96), clinical stage (T1c or T2a; P = 0.27), or Gleason sum (Gleason 6 or 3+4 = 7; P = 0.76). In a pre‐planned analysis, the baseline prostate biopsy samples of the first 50 participants underwent central pathology review to confirm eligibility, with an expectation that <10% would become ineligible. One of 50 participants (2%) became ineligible.ConclusionThe MEAL study shows the feasibility of implementing national, multi‐institutional phase III clinical trials of diet for prostate cancer and of testing interventions to prevent disease progression in AS.
European Section of Urotechnology educational video on fluoroscopic‐guided puncture in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: all techniques step by step
Authors: Kyriazis Iason , Liatsikos Evangelos , Sopilidis Odysseas , Kallidonis Panagiotis , Skolarikos Andreas ,   the European Section of Urotechnology (ESUT)
Published: April 2017

ObjectiveTo describe the most common fluoroscopic‐guided access techniques during percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in a step‐by‐step manner and to assist in the standardisation of their technique and terminology.MethodsA high‐quality animation video was created for each of the respective fluoroscopic techniques, focusing into the parallel projection of external surgical manoeuvres and their effect in the three‐dimensional space of the kidney.ResultsFour predominant fluoroscopic‐guided percutaneous access techniques are available, each with different advantages and limitations. Monoplanar access is used when a stable single‐axis fluoroscopic generator is available and is mostly based on surgeons’ experience. Biplanar access uses a second fluoroscopy axis to assess puncture depth. The ‘bull's eye’ technique follows a coaxial to fluoroscopy puncture path and is associated with a shorter learning curve at the cost of increased hand radiation exposure. Hybrid and conventional triangulate techniques use target projection by two fluoroscopic planes to define the exact localisation of the target in space and access it through a third puncture site.ConclusionsFluoroscopic guidance during PCNL puncture is a very efficient method for access establishment. The percutaneous surgeon should be familiar with all available variations of fluoroscopic approach in order to be prepared to adapt puncture technique for any given scenario.
Strong influences of a dominant, ground‐nesting ant on recruitment, and establishment of ant colonies and communities
Authors: Ennis Katherine K. , Philpott Stacy M. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractMany factors drive the organization of communities including environmental factors, dispersal abilities, and competition. In particular, ant communities have high levels of interspecific competition and dominance that may affect community assembly processes. We used a combination of surveys and nest supplementation experiments to examine effects of a dominant ground‐nesting ant (Pheidole synanthropica) on (1) arboreal twig‐nesting, (2) ground‐foraging, and (3) coffee‐foraging ant communities in coffee agroecosystems. We surveyed these communities in high‐ and low‐density areas of P. synanthropica over 2 years. To test for effects on twig ant recruitment, we placed artificial nesting resources on coffee plants in areas with and without P. synanthropica. The first sampling period revealed differences in ant species composition on the ground, in coffee plants, and artificial nests between high‐ and low‐density sites of P. synanthropica. High‐density sites also had significantly lower recruitment of twig ants and had species‐specific effects on twig ant species. Prior to the second survey period, abundance of P. synanthropica declined in the high‐density sites, such that P. synanthropica densities no longer differed. Subsequent sampling revealed no difference in total recruitment of twig ants to artificial nests between treatments. Likewise, surveys of ground and coffee ants no longer showed significant differences in community composition. The results from the first experimental period, followed by survey results after the decline in P. synanthropica densities suggest that dominant ants can drive community assembly via both recruitment and establishment of colonies within the community.
Genetic variation at the Th2 immune gene IL13 is associated with IgE‐mediated paediatric food allergy
Authors: Ashley S. E. , Tan H.‐T. T. , Peters R. , Allen K. J. , Vuillermin P. , Dharmage S. C. , Tang M. L. K. , Koplin J. , Lowe A. , Ponsonby A.‐L. , Molloy J. , Matheson M. C. , Saffery R. , Ellis J. A. , Martino D. ,   the HealthNuts team
Published: April 2017

SummaryBackgroundFood allergies pose a considerable world‐wide public health burden with incidence as high as one in ten in 12‐month‐old infants. Few food allergy genetic risk variants have yet been identified. The Th2 immune gene IL13 is a highly plausible genetic candidate as it is central to the initiation of IgE class switching in B cells.ObjectiveHere, we sought to investigate whether genetic polymorphisms at IL13 are associated with the development of challenge‐proven IgE‐mediated food allergy.MethodWe genotyped nine IL13 “tag” single nucleotide polymorphisms (tag SNPs) in 367 challenge‐proven food allergic cases, 199 food‐sensitized tolerant cases and 156 non‐food allergic controls from the HealthNuts study. 12‐month‐old infants were phenotyped using open oral food challenges. SNPs were tested using Cochran‐Mantel‐Haenszel test adjusted for ancestry strata. A replication study was conducted in an independent, co‐located sample of four paediatric cohorts consisting of 203 food allergic cases and 330 non‐food allergic controls. Replication sample phenotypes were defined by clinical history of reactivity, 95% PPV or challenge, and IL13 genotyping was performed.ResultsIL13 rs1295686 was associated with challenge‐proven food allergy in the discovery sample (P=.003; OR=1.75; CI=1.20‐2.53). This association was also detected in the replication sample (P=.03, OR=1.37, CI=1.03‐1.82) and further supported by a meta‐analysis (P=.0006, OR=1.50). However, we cannot rule out an association with food sensitization. Carriage of the rs1295686 variant A allele was also associated with elevated total plasma IgE.Conclusions and Clinical RelavanceWe show for the first time, in two independent cohorts, that IL13 polymorphism rs1295686 (in complete linkage disequilibrium with functional variant rs20541) is associated with challenge‐proven food allergy.