bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
What shapes cerambycid beetle communities in a tropical forest mosaic? Assessing the effects of host tree identity, forest structure, and vertical stratification
Authors: Li Lin , Aguilar Reinaldo , Berkov Amy 
Published: June 2017

AbstractDue to anthropogenic activities, tropical rain forests face many challenges in sustaining biodiversity and maintaining global climates. This study explores how forest successional stage, tree composition, and stratum affect communities of saproxylic cerambycid beetles—concealed feeders that play important roles in forest nutrient cycling. Forty trees in five families (Fabaceae, Lecythidaceae, Malvaceae, Moraceae, and Sapotaceae) were sampled in a mosaic of old‐growth and secondary forest on the Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica. Bait branches yielded 3549 cerambycid individuals in 49 species. Species richness was almost identical in old‐growth and secondary forest, and both yielded specialists, but abundance was higher in old‐growth forest. Overall community structure was most strongly influenced by host plant species; within most plant families it was also impacted by forest successional status. Moraceae was the exception, presumably because the focal tree species was abundant in both old‐growth and secondary forest. Several host and old‐growth specialist species reached high densities within patches of old‐growth forest, but seldom colonized apparently suitable trees within secondary forest. This suggests that even small areas of old‐growth forest can act as refuges, but that secondary forest may act as a barrier to dispersal. The vulnerability of specialized saproxylic insects to land use change will be linked to the ability of their preferred hosts to disperse to and persist in successional habitats; rearing studies may provide the most accurate method to monitor community changes over time.
A Longitudinal Analysis of Well‐Being of Ghanaian Children in Transnational Families
Authors: Cebotari Victor , Mazzucato Valentina , Appiah Ernest 
Published: June 2017

This study is the first to employ panel data to examine well‐being outcomes—self‐rated health, happiness, life satisfaction, and school enjoyment—of children in transnational families in an African context. It analyzes data collected in 2013, 2014, and 2015 from secondary schoolchildren and youth (ages 12–21) in Ghana (N = 741). Results indicate that children with fathers, mothers, or both parents away and those cared for by a parent, a family, or a nonfamily member are equally or more likely to have higher levels of well‐being as children in nonmigrant families. Yet, there are certain risk factors—being a female, living in a family affected by divorce or by a change in caregiver while parents migrate—that may decrease child well‐being.
Prolactinomas diagnosed in the postmenopausal period: Clinical phenotype and outcomes
Authors: Santharam Sandhya , Tampourlou Metaxia , Arlt Wiebke , Ayuk John , Gittoes Neil , Toogood Andrew , Webster Rachel , Karavitaki Niki 
Published: June 2017

SummaryObjectiveMost prolactinomas in females are diagnosed during the reproductive age, and the majority are microadenomas. Prolactinomas detected in the postmenopausal period are less common with limited published data on their presentation and prognosis. Our objective was to assess the presenting clinical, biochemical and imaging findings, as well as the outcomes of women diagnosed with a prolactinoma in the postmenopausal period.Design and methodsWe undertook a retrospective cohort study of women diagnosed with prolactinoma after menopause and followed up in a large UK pituitary centre. Information on presentation, management and outcomes was collected.ResultsSeventeen women with a median age at diagnosis of 63 years (range 52‐78) were identified. Headaches and/or visual deterioration were the most commonly reported complaints at detection of the adenoma (47%). Acute pituitary apoplexy was diagnosed at presentation or during follow‐up in 18% of the cases. The median serum prolactin was 12 364 mU/L (range 2533‐238 479). Macroprolactinomas comprised 94% of the tumours, and 88% of them had supra/parasellar extension. All patients with macroprolactinoma were offered dopamine agonist, and normal prolactin was achieved in 94% of them (median follow‐up 91.5 months). Adenoma shrinkage was observed in all women. Improvement or resolution of visual disturbances documented at presentation was observed in 86% of cases.ConclusionsThe clinical phenotype of prolactinomas diagnosed in the postmenopausal period is characterized by dominance of macroadenomas, with frequent supra/parasellar extension and a relative high rate of acute pituitary apoplexy. In this group of patients, the response of the macroadenomas to dopamine agonists is good.
Predictors for secondary therapy after surgical resection of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas
Authors: Ratnasingam Jeyakantha , Lenders Nele , Ong Benjamin , Boros Samuel , Russell Anthony W. , Inder Warrick J. , Ho Ken K.Y. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryObjectiveFactors determining recurrence of nonfunctioning pituitary adenomas (NFAs) that require further therapy are unclear as are postoperative follow‐up imaging guidelines. We aimed to identify predictors for secondary therapy after surgical resection of NFAs and use this knowledge to inform postoperative management.Design and patientsA single‐centre retrospective study of surgically resected NFAs in 108 patients followed for up to 15 years. Serial tumour images were analysed for size, location and growth rate (GR) and tissue analysed for hormone cell type and proliferation indices with secondary treatment as outcome measure.ResultsTwenty‐four of 66 (36%) patients harbouring a postoperative remnant required secondary treatment, all occurring within 10 years. No secondary treatment was required in any of 42 patients with complete tumour resection. Age, gender, remnant volume and tumour histology were not different between patients requiring and not requiring secondary therapy. Remnant GRs in those requiring secondary therapy were more than 10‐fold higher (P<.01). Tumours with a GR ≥80 mm3/y (Hazard Ratio[HR]: 8.1, Confidence Interval [CI]: 2.4‐27.3,P<.01) and those located in the suprasellar region (HR: 6.1, CI: 1.1‐32, P=.03) had a higher risk for secondary therapy. Tumour GR in the first three postoperative years correlated significantly (r2=.6, P<.01) with GR during the period of follow‐up.ConclusionIn surgically resected NFAs further treatment is dependent on the presence of residual tumour, growth rate and location but not tumour histology. Postoperative growth rate of NFAs in the first 3 years of imaging can be used to tailor long‐term follow‐up to optimize use of health resources.
Random skin biopsy in the diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma
Authors: Sitthinamsuwan Panitta , Chinthammitr Yingyong , Pattanaprichakul Penvadee , Sukpanichnant Sanya 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundRandom skin biopsy (RSB) is a method for diagnosis of intravascular lymphoma (IVL). However, the indications for RSB to diagnose IVL have not yet been established. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate indications for RSB to diagnose IVL.MethodsThirty‐two patients with fever of unknown origin (FUO) and without skin lesion underwent RSB for diagnosis of IVL. Clinical data, including fever, neurological symptoms, hematologic disorders, organomegaly, bone marrow (BM) study, hypoxemia and serum level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), were evaluated.ResultsSeven of 32 patients were definitively diagnosed with IVL. In addition to FUO, 2 IVL patients also suffered from dyspnea and neurological disorders. Patients who had FUO with accompanying hematologic disorders, high LDH, negative BM study and no lymphadenopathy or hepatosplenomegaly had a significant tendency to have IVL by RSB (P = .03). FUO with hypoxemia was also identified as a significant indication for RSB (P = .02).ConclusionsRSB is a reliable method for diagnosis of IVL, especially in patients with FUO and any 1 or more of the 4 following abnormalities: (1) hematologic abnormalities; (2) high serum LDH; (3) hypoxemia; and/or, (4) unusual neurological symptoms with co‐existing hematologic abnormalities and without lymphadenopathy, hepatosplenomegaly or BM abnormality.
Polo‐like kinase‐1 immunoreactivity is associated with metastases in cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Kaczorowski Maciej , Borowiec Tomasz , Donizy Piotr , Pagacz Konrad , Fendler Wojciech , Lipinski Artur , Halon Agnieszka , Matkowski Rafal 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundPolo‐like kinase‐1 (PLK‐1) is one of the key regulators of cell cycle progression. Increased expression of PLK‐1 was observed in several tumor types.MethodsWe immunohistochemically assessed PLK‐1 expression in neoplastic and stromal compartments of 96 cutaneous melanomas, and analyzed associations between PLK‐1 expression and clinicopathological characteristics.ResultsPLK‐1 expression in cancer cells was not associated with basic clinical (eg, age, gender and tumor location) or histopathological (eg, Breslow thickness, mitotic rate and ulceration) parameters. However, increased PLK‐1 was more frequent in tumors with concurrent regional nodal metastases and positive sentinel lymph node biopsy status. All primary tumors associated with co‐existing distant metastases exhibited high PLK‐1 expression in melanoma cells. Conversely, PLK‐1 expression in stromal cells was more frequent in tumors without nodal metastases. PLK‐1 expression in both compartments was not associated with survival.ConclusionPLK‐1 expression is associated with metastatic potential in cutaneous melanoma.
Developing Local Narratives for Objects in National Collections: Lessons Learned from the “Number Please? Working with the Enfield Exchange” Project
Authors: Geoghegan Hilary , McIlvenna Kathleen , van der Vaart Merel 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMuseums of science, technology, and engineering are developing new ways of interpreting and displaying their collections. Increasingly objects are being placed within narratives of everyday use; the human side of technology. The focus of this article is a section of one of the last UK manual telephone switchboards, which was acquired by the Science Museum, London, following its decommissioning in 1960. This artifact offers a unique insight into a communication technology that relied extensively on female telephonists, a distinct way of understanding gender roles in the twentieth century. The authors explore strategies for developing local narratives for objects from national collections and reflect on lessons learned from a cross‐institutional collaboration. This article highlights: the value of local historians, community events and oral histories to developing local narratives; how these activities informed understandings of the telephone switchboard; work life in the communications industry; the relationship between women and technology; and practical strategies that can enhance collections and museum practice through collaboration.
Research and Practice: One Way, Two Way, No Way, or New Way?
Authors: Bevan Bronwyn 
Published: June 2017

AbstractAs learning institutions, museums have long been buffeted by currents, coming mostly out of formal education, defining what counts as learning. The field has struggled to find its way in these waters. In this article I propose a strategy for gaining a firmer footing and indeed (shifting metaphors) for beginning to shape the very landscape, in educational and cultural policy, that currently constrains how our work is perceived and understood as contributing to learning within broader educational ecosystems. Research‐practice partnerships represent a new, more equitable and perhaps more ethical, strategy for producing evidence‐based knowledge and practice. Leveraging perspectives and expertise of both researchers and museum practitioners, RPPs can help the field begin to redefine what learning looks like and how museums both support and expand it. This paper discusses the need to participate in this new approach to research and provides some strategies for getting started.
Characterizing private investments and implications for poverty reduction and natural resource management in Laos
Authors: Keovilignavong Oulavanh , Suhardiman Diana 
Published: June 2017

AbstractWe examine the patterns and characteristics of private investment in Laos, and how these evolve in relation to the Lao government's investment incentive policies in particular, and the wider State policies in general. Our goals are to: (1) systematically describe and analyze the patterns and characteristics of private investment in the country, and (2) analyze investment outcomes in terms of economic growth, poverty reduction and livelihoods. We argue that while private investments in the resource sector have contributed to economic growth, they have also negatively impacted local resources and communities. From a policy perspective, we highlight the need to examine the actual significance of policy incentives provided by the Lao government, especially with regard to its ability to direct investment decisions, in terms of both geography and sector.
Gestation length and racing performance in 115 Thoroughbred foals with incomplete tarsal ossification
Authors: Haywood L. , Spike‐Pierce D. L. , Barr B. , Mathys D. , Mollenkopf D. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBackgroundIncomplete ossification of the cuboidal bones of the carpus and tarsus in foals has the potential for significant consequences including chronic lameness and decreased athletic ability.ObjectivesTo determine if the degree of ossification of the cuboidal bones is associated with gestational length and if the diagnosis of incomplete ossification is a predictor of performance in Thoroughbred racehorses.Study designRetrospective cohort study.MethodsThe medical records of Thoroughbred foals less than 90 days of age from 1994 to 2011 were examined and records containing tarsal radiographs identified. Radiographs of the tarsus were examined for signs of incomplete ossification and those that were incompletely ossified graded on a scale of 1–4 using a modification of a previously reported index, with Grade 1 being the least ossified and Grade 4 being the most. Gestational length was determined by examining breeding records and foaling dates reported to the Jockey Club. Race records for 2‐ and 3‐year‐old affected foals and their maternal siblings were obtained and compared.ResultsFoals with Grades 1 and 2 ossification were usually premature (gestation length <325 days), but Grades 3 and 4 were not. Foals with Grades 2 and 3 ossification were significantly less likely to race than their maternal siblings and Grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 foals earned less money.Main limitationsA larger sample size of foals with Grade 1 ossification would increase the power of the study. Foals radiographed at an older age may have had lower ossification scores if radiographed earlier.ConclusionsIncomplete ossification, especially Grades 1 and 2, is associated with a short gestation length. Foals with Grades 2 and 3 incomplete ossification were less likely to race and Grades 1, 2 and 3 earned around $30,000 less than their maternal siblings.
Structural studies of a hyperthermophilic thymidylate kinase enzyme reveal conformational substates along the reaction coordinate
Authors: Biswas Ansuman , Shukla Arpit , Chaudhary Santosh Kumar , Santhosh Rajendran , Jeyakanthan Jeyaraman , Sekar Kanagaraj 
Published: June 2017

Thymidylate kinase (TMK) is a key enzyme which plays an important role in DNA synthesis. It belongs to the family of nucleoside monophosphate kinases, several of which undergo structure‐encoded conformational changes to perform their function. However, the absence of three‐dimensional structures for all the different reaction intermediates of a single TMK homolog hinders a clear understanding of its functional mechanism. We herein report the different conformational states along the reaction coordinate of a hyperthermophilic TMK from Aquifex aeolicus, determined via X‐ray diffraction and further validated through normal‐mode studies. The analyses implicate an arginine residue in the Lid region in catalysis, which was confirmed through site‐directed mutagenesis and subsequent enzyme assays on the wild‐type protein and mutants. Furthermore, the enzyme was found to exhibit broad specificity toward phosphate group acceptor nucleotides. Our comprehensive analyses of the conformational landscape of TMK, together with associated biochemical experiments, provide insights into the mechanistic details of TMK‐driven catalysis, for example, the order of substrate binding and the reaction mechanism for phosphate transfer. Such a study has utility in the design of potent inhibitors for these enzymes.DatabaseStructural data are available in the PDB under the accession numbers 2PBR, 4S2E, 5H5B, 5XAI, 4S35, 5XB2, 5H56, 5XB3, 5H5K, 5XB5, and 5XBH.
Factors associated with the difficulty in hospital acceptance among elderly emergency patients: A population‐based study in Osaka City, Japan
Authors: Matsuyama Tasuku , Kitamura Tetsuhisa , Katayama Yusuke , Kiyohara Kosuke , Hayashida Sumito , Kawamura Takashi , Iwami Taku , Ohta Bon 
Published: June 2017

AimWe aimed to investigate prehospital factors associated with difficulty in hospital acceptance among elderly emergency patients.MethodsWe reviewed ambulance records in Osaka City from January 2013 through December 2014, and enrolled all elderly emergency patients aged ≥65 years who were transported by on‐scene emergency medical service personnel to a hospital that the personnel had selected. The definition of difficulty in hospital acceptance was to the requirement for ≥4 phone calls to hospitals by emergency medical service personnel before receiving a decision from the destination hospitals. Prehospital factors associated with difficulty in hospital acceptance were examined through logistic regression analysis.ResultsDuring the study period, 72 105 elderly patients were included, and 13 332 patients (18.5%) experienced difficulty in hospital acceptance. In the simple linear regression model, hospital selection time increased significantly with an increasing number of phone calls (R2 = 0.774). In the multivariable analysis, older age (P for trend <0.001), calls from a healthcare facility (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 1.23, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15–1.32), night‐time (AOR 2.17, 95% CI 2.08–2.26) and weekend/holidays (AOR 1.43, 95% CI 1.38–1.49) were significantly associated with difficulty in hospital acceptance. A positive association was observed between gastrointestinal emergency‐related symptoms and difficulty in hospital acceptance among elderly patients with symptoms of internal disease (AOR 1.71, 95% CI 1.53–1.91).ConclusionsIn Japan, which has a rapidly aging population, a comprehensive strategy for elderly emergency patients, especially for advanced age groups or nursing home residents, is required. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 2441–2448.
Platelet hyperaggregability is associated with decreased ADAMTS13 activity and enhanced endotoxemia in patients with acute cholangitis
Authors: Takaya Hiroaki , Kawaratani Hideto , Kubo Takuya , Seki Kenichiro , Sawada Yasuhiko , Kaji Kosuke , Okura Yasushi , Takeda Kosuke , Kitade Mitsuteru , Moriya Kei , Namisaki Tadashi , Mitoro Akira , Matsumoto Masanori , Fukui Hiroshi , Yoshiji Hitoshi 
Published: June 2017

AimInsufficient ADAMTS13 activity (ADAMTS13:AC) leads to increased levels of unusually large von Willebrand factor (VWF) multimers and causes microcirculatory disturbance and multiple organ failure (MOF). Endotoxin (Et) triggers the activation of coagulation and cytokine cascades, leading to MOF in severe inflammatory response syndrome. Here, we investigated the potential role of endotoxemia‐related ADAMTS13 in acute cholangitis.MethodsTwenty‐four patients with acute cholangitis, including 7 with severe acute cholangitis, were recruited in this study. The levels of ADAMTS13:AC, VWF antigen (VWF:Ag), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐8, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in each patient were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, whereas Et levels were determined by Et activity assay (EAA) analysis.ResultsThe ADAMTS13:AC and VWF:Ag levels were significantly lower and higher, respectively, in patients with acute cholangitis than in controls. The EAA levels were higher in patients with acute cholangitis than in controls, and were inversely correlated with that of ADAMTS13:AC. Patients with severe acute cholangitis had significantly lower ADAMTS13:AC and higher VWF:Ag levels than those with mild to moderate cholangitis. Notably, ADMTS13:AC was directly correlated with platelet counts and inversely correlated with IL‐6 levels, and the VWF:Ag/ADAMTS13:AC ratio was directly correlated with IL‐8 and TNF‐α levels.ConclusionsImbalance of ADAMTS13:AC and VWF:Ag levels might be associated with severe acute cholangitis, reflecting platelet hyperaggregability. Severe acute cholangitis has severe pathophysiological features and is complicated by endotoxemia and MOF. Notably, this is the first report indicating an association between the levels of ADAMTS13:AC and VWF:Ag and those of EAA and cytokines in acute cholangitis.
Feasibility of incorporating buriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) oil nanoemulsions in isotonic sports drink
Authors: Bovi Graziele G. , Petrus Rodrigo R. , Pinho Samantha C. 
Published: June 2017

SummaryBuriti (Mauritia flexuosa L.) oil is one of the richest vegetal sources of carotenoids, and its use in food industry is interesting considering the growing interest of the consumers for healthier products. Nanoemulsions of buriti oil were produced by phase inversion temperature (PIT) method for subsequent incorporation in isotonic beverage. The incorporation of nanoemulsions of buriti oil in beverages aims to replace artificial colouring by natural dyes. The nanoemulsion stability was evaluated by measuring average droplet size (73–86 nm), polydispersity (0.08–0.15), lipid oxidation quantification (0.05–0.1 mmol MDA kg−1), and total carotenoids. The beverages were evaluated in terms of pH (2.72–3.05), osmolality, total titratable acidity (0.164–0.177 g citric acid L−1), soluble solids (4.23–5.13 °Brix), and colorimetric parameters. Microbiology and sensory evaluation were also carried out, and the results indicated that buriti oil nanoemulsions can be incorporated in isotonic beverages.
Microstructural and dynamic oscillatory aspects of yogurt as influenced by hydrolysed guar gum
Authors: Hussain Majid , Bakalis Serafim , Gouseti Ourania , Akhtar Saeed , Hameed Aneela , Ismail Amir 
Published: June 2017

SummaryThe objective of the current study was to explore the influence of crude, purified and hydrolysed guar gum at low and high concentrations on gel structure stability of yogurts at 4 °C throughout 21 days of storage. The rheology and microstructure of yogurts had been perceived by Bohlin rheometer (Malvern Instrument, UK) and cryo‐scanning electron microscopy (Cryo‐SEM), respectively. The viscoelastic behaviour of yogurts characterised at 25 °C exhibited weak gel structural properties (Gʺ > Gʹ). Cryo‐SEM had been used for microstructural image processing. The acidic and enzyme hydrolysed guar gum at low (0.3%) and high (1%) concentrations led to yogurt gels with fine‐stranded microstructure, while gelation with crude, purified and basic hydrolysed guar gum demonstrated diverse behaviour of depletion flocculation, visually observed even at low concentrations of crude guar gum (0.1%) as a thin layer of phase‐separated material. Conclusively, guar gum in its hydrolytic form enhances better structural and rheological properties.