bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonparametric Estimation of the Number of Drug Users in Hong Kong Using Repeated Multiple Lists
Authors: Huggins Richard M. , Yip Paul S.F. , Stoklosa Jakub 
Published: April 2016

SummaryWe update a previous approach to the estimation of the size of an open population when there are multiple lists at each time point. Our motivation is 35 years of longitudinal data on the detection of drug users by the Central Registry of Drug Abuse in Hong Kong. We develop a two‐stage smoothing spline approach. This gives a flexible and easily implemented alternative to the previous method which was based on kernel smoothing. The new method retains the property of reducing the variability of the individual estimates at each time point. We evaluate the new method by means of a simulation study that includes an examination of the effects of variable selection. The new method is then applied to data collected by the Central Registry of Drug Abuse. The parameter estimates obtained are compared with the well known Jolly–Seber estimates based on single capture methods.
Antimicrobial Wound Dressing Containing Silver Sulfadiazine With High Biocompatibility: In Vitro Study
Authors: Mohseni Mina , Shamloo Amir , Aghababaei Zahra , Vossoughi Manouchehr , Moravvej Hamideh 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMany patients all over the world suffer from acute wounds caused by traumas or burns. In most crucial cases, skin regeneration cannot be promoted spontaneously, and skin grafts are applied as the main treatment. However, this therapy has some drawbacks which motivate researchers to develop wound dressings. In this study, electrospun mats consisting of polycaprolactone (PCL) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) incorporated with silver sulfadiazine (SSD) are proposed to be used as antimicrobial wound dressings with the capability of cell seeding. Various amounts of SSD were loaded into PVA nanofibers, and the effects of SSD particles on the morphological characteristics of nanofibers, mechanical behaviors, and physical properties of the mats were studied for the first time. The cellular viability, antimicrobial properties of the scaffolds, and release behavior of silver were also examined. Finally, the best concentration of SSD was determined based on the quality of nanofibers, antibacterial features, and the ability of cellular attachment and proliferation. Fibronectin was also coated to enhance the biocompatibility of the selective scaffold. It was shown that the mats have appropriate mechanical properties with good handling ability in wet environment and also have a hydrophilic surface to adhere to the wound bed. Results indicate that SSD particles increase the fiber diameter and hydrophilic properties, while they weaken the mechanical characteristics of the mats. Furthermore, 5 wt% SSD/PVA was determined as the best concentration of SSD as it results in a desirable fiber quality for the mats with enough antimicrobial properties and acceptable cell proliferation on the surface. Coating fibronectin was also introduced as an effective method to increase the biocompatibility of the scaffolds incorporated with SSD particles.
Peritoneal Albumin Dialysis as a Novel Approach for Liver Support: Study in a Porcine Model of Acute Hepatic Failure
Authors: Defterevos Georgios , Nastos Constantinos , Papalois Apostolos , Kalimeris Konstantinos , Margelos Vassileios , Fragulidis George , Pafiti Agathi , Mikrovas Aggeliki , Nomikos Tzortzis , Smyrniotis Vassilios , Arkadopoulos Nikolaos 
Published: April 2016

AbstractArtificial liver support gained considerable interest in recent years due to the development of various albumin dialysis systems, which prolong survival of some patients with acute liver failure (ALF). Τhis study aims to examine the role of peritoneal albumin dialysis in a postoperative ALF model. ALF was induced in 14 female Landrace pigs by a combination of major liver resection (70–75% of total parenchyma) and ischemic‐reperfusion injury on the liver remnant. Animals were randomly divided in two groups (n = 7 each). Both were monitored for 12 h of reperfusion and received peritoneal dialysis for 6 h, beginning 6 h after reperfusion. The albumin group received an albumin‐rich solution and the control group received albumin‐free solution. The control group gradually developed intracranial hypertension, whereas, in the albumin group, rise in the intracranial pressure was substantially attenuated (P < 0.01, t = 12 h). Albumin‐treated animals had significantly lower levels of ammonia (P < 0.01), total bile acids (P < 0.01), free fatty acids (P < 0.05), lactate (P < 0.01), and total bilirubin (P < 0.05). Liver malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl were significantly reduced (P = 0.007 and P = 0.001 at t = 12 h) after albumin dialysis. Results suggest that this method may become a useful adjunct in the management of ALF, thus, justifying further study.
An attempt at implementing a holistic inclusive development model: Insights from Malaysia's land settlement scheme
Authors: Mamat Mohd Zufri , Ng Boon‐Kwee , Azizan Suzana Ariff , Chang Lee Wei 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper examines the influences of Malaysia's Federation Land Development Authority (FELDA) scheme in fostering inclusive rural development. Based on the model of holistic inclusive development, the paper investigates the performance of FELDA from four perspectives: social development, industrialisation, modernisation and basic needs. The main findings of the study indicate that, to a large extent, the scheme has successfully stimulated both the social and economic development of the community. Nonetheless, establishing a strong trust, social cohesion and rapport between the public authorities and community remain the main challenges in determining the success of this state‐led agenda. Moreover, keeping traditional values in the modern system will be the key principle for the sustainability of the programme if plans are made to adopt the scheme in other regions.
Aggression, Sibling Antagonism, and Theory of Mind During the First Year of Siblinghood: A Developmental Cascade Model
Authors: Song Ju‐Hyun , Volling Brenda L. , Lane Jonathan D. , Wellman Henry M. 
Published: April 2016

A developmental cascade model was tested to examine longitudinal associations among firstborn children's aggression, theory of mind (ToM), and antagonism toward their younger sibling during the 1st year of siblinghood. Aggression and ToM were assessed before the birth of a sibling and 4 and 12 months after the birth, and antagonism was examined at 4 and 12 months in a sample of 208 firstborn children (initial Mage = 30 months, 56% girls) from primarily European American, middle‐class families. Firstborns' aggression consistently predicted high sibling antagonism both directly and through poorer ToM. Results highlight the importance of examining longitudinal influences across behavioral, social‐cognitive, and relational factors that are closely intertwined even from the early years of life.
On the context‐dependent scaling of consumer feeding rates
Authors: Barrios‐O'Neill Daniel , Kelly Ruth , Dick Jaimie T. A. , Ricciardi Anthony , MacIsaac Hugh J. , Emmerson Mark C. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe stability of consumer–resource systems can depend on the form of feeding interactions (i.e. functional responses). Size‐based models predict interactions – and thus stability – based on consumer–resource size ratios. However, little is known about how interaction contexts (e.g. simple or complex habitats) might alter scaling relationships. Addressing this, we experimentally measured interactions between a large size range of aquatic predators (4–6400 mg over 1347 feeding trials) and an invasive prey that transitions among habitats: from the water column (3D interactions) to simple and complex benthic substrates (2D interactions). Simple and complex substrates mediated successive reductions in capture rates – particularly around the unimodal optimum – and promoted prey population stability in model simulations. Many real consumer–resource systems transition between 2D and 3D interactions, and along complexity gradients. Thus, Context‐Dependent Scaling (CDS) of feeding interactions could represent an unrecognised aspect of food webs, and quantifying the extent of CDS might enhance predictive ecology.
Do white matter hyperintensities mediate the association between brain iron deposition and cognitive abilities in older people?
Authors: Valdés Hernández M. , Allerhand M. , Glatz A. , Clayson L. , Muñoz Maniega S. , Gow A. , Royle N. , Bastin M. , Starr J. , Deary I. , Wardlaw J. 
Published: April 2016

Background and purposeSeveral studies have reported associations between brain iron deposits (IDs), white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) and cognitive ability in older individuals. Whether the association between brain IDs and cognitive abilities in older people is mediated by or independent of total brain tissue damage represented by WMHs visible on structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was examined.MethodsData from 676 community‐dwelling individuals from the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936, with Mini‐Mental State Examination scores >24, who underwent detailed cognitive testing and multimodal brain MRI at mean age 72.7 years were analysed. Brain IDs were assessed automatically following manual editing. WMHs were assessed semi‐automatically. Brain microbleeds were visually counted. Structural equation modelling was used to test for mediation.ResultsOverall, 72.8% of the sample had IDs with a median total volume of 0.040 ml (i.e. 0.004% of the total brain volume). The total volume of IDs, significantly and negatively associated with general cognitive function (standardized β = −0.17, P < 0.01), was significantly and positively associated with WMH volume (std β = 0.13, P = 0.03). WMH volume had a significant negative association with general cognitive function, independent of IDs (std β = −0.13, P < 0.01). The association between cognition and IDs in the brain stem (and minimally the total brain iron load) was partially and significantly mediated by WMH volume (P = 0.03).ConclusionsThe negative association between brain IDs and cognitive ability in the elderly is partially mediated by WMHs, with this mediation mainly arising from the iron deposition load in the brain stem. IDs might be an indicator of small vessel disease that predisposes to white matter damage, affecting the neuronal networks underlying higher cognitive functioning.
Validation of a diagnostic algorithm for the discrimination of actinic keratosis from normal skin and squamous cell carcinoma by means of high‐definition optical coherence tomography
Authors: Marneffe Alice , Suppa Mariano , Miyamoto Makiko , Del Marmol Véronique , Boone Marc 
Published: April 2016

AbstractActinic keratoses (AKs) commonly arise on sun‐damaged skin. Visible lesions are often associated with subclinical lesions on surrounding skin, giving rise to field cancerization. To avoid multiple biopsies to diagnose subclinical/early invasive lesions, there is an increasing interest in non‐invasive diagnostic tools, such as high‐definition optical coherence tomography (HD‐OCT). We previously developed a HD‐OCT‐based diagnostic algorithm for the discrimination of AK from squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and normal skin. The aim of this study was to test the applicability of HD‐OCT for non‐invasive discrimination of AK from SCC and normal skin using this algorithm. Three‐dimensional (3D) HD‐OCT images of histopathologically proven AKs and SCCs and images of normal skin were collected. All images were shown in a random sequence to three independent observers with different experience in HD‐OCT, blinded to the clinical and histopathological data and with different experience with HD‐OCT. Observers classified each image as AK, SCC or normal skin based on the diagnostic algorithm. A total of 106 (38 AKs, 16 SCCs and 52 normal skin sites) HD‐OCT images from 71 patients were included. Sensitivity and specificity for the most experienced observer were 81.6% and 92.6% for AK diagnosis and 93.8% and 98.9% for SCC diagnosis. A moderate interobserver agreement was demonstrated. HD‐OCT represents a promising technology for the non‐invasive diagnosis of AKs. Thanks to its high potential in discriminating SCC from AK, HD‐OCT could be used as a relevant tool for second‐level examination, increasing diagnostic confidence and sparing patients unnecessary excisions.
Activation of the human keratinocyte B1 bradykinin receptor induces expression and secretion of metalloproteases 2 and 9 by transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor
Authors: Matus Carola E. , Ehrenfeld Pamela , Pavicic Francisca , González Carlos B. , Concha Miguel , Bhoola Kanti D. , Burgos Rafael A. , Figueroa Carlos D. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe B1 bradykinin receptor (BDKRB1) is a component of the kinin cascade localized in the human skin. Some of the effects produced by stimulation of BDKRB1 depend on transactivation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), but the mechanisms involved in this process have not been clarified yet. The primary purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a BDKRB1 agonist on wound healing in a mouse model and the migration and secretion of metalloproteases 2 and 9 from human HaCaT keratinocytes and delineate the signalling pathways that triggered their secretion. Although stimulation of BDKRB1 induces weak chemotactic migration of keratinocytes and wound closure in an in vitro scratch‐wound assay, the BDKRB1 agonist improved wound closure in a mouse model. BDKRB1 stimulation triggers synthesis and secretion of both metalloproteases, effects that depend on the activity of EGFR and subsequent phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinases and PI3K/Akt. In the mouse model, immunoreactivity for both gelatinases was concentrated around wound borders. EGFR transactivation by BDKRB1 agonist involves Src kinases family and ADAM17. In addition to extracellular matrix degradation, metalloproteases 2 and 9 regulate cell migration and differentiation, cell functions that are associated with the role of BDKRB1 in keratinocyte differentiation. Considering that BDKRB1 is up‐regulated by inflammation and/or by cytokines that are abundant in the inflammatory milieu, more stable BDKRB1 agonists may be of therapeutic value to modulate wound healing.
A primer for studying cell cycle dynamics of the human hair follicle
Authors: Purba Talveen S. , Brunken Lars , Hawkshaw Nathan J. , Peake Michael , Hardman Jonathan , Paus Ralf 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe cell cycle is of major importance to human hair follicle (HF) biology. Not only is continuously active cell cycling required to facilitate healthy hair growth in anagen VI HFs, but perturbations in the cell cycle are likely to be of significance in HF pathology (i.e. in scarring, non‐scarring, chemotherapy‐induced and androgenic alopecias). However, cell cycle dynamics of the human hair follicle (HF) are poorly understood in contrast to what is known in mouse. The current Methods Review aims at helping to close this gap by presenting a primer that introduces immunohistological/immunofluorescent techniques to study the cell cycle in the human HF. Moreover, this primer encourages the exploitation of the human HF as a powerful and clinically relevant tool to investigate mammalian cell cycle biology in situ. To achieve this, we describe methods to study markers of general ‘proliferation’ (nuclei count, Ki‐67 expression), apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick‐end labelling, cleaved caspase 3), mitosis (phospho‐histone H3, ‘pS780’), DNA synthesis (5‐ethynyl‐2′‐deoxyuridine) and cell cycle regulation (cyclins) in the human HF. In addition, we provide specific examples of dual immunolabelling for instructive cell cycle analyses and for investigating the cell cycle behaviour of specific HF keratinocyte subpopulations, such as keratin 15+ stem/progenitor cells.
When human needs meet beetle preferences: tenebrionid beetle richness covaries with human population on the Mediterranean islands
Authors: Fattorini Simone , Galassi Diana M. P. , Strona Giovanni 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Human presence can affect biodiversity in many ways. If anthropization is one of the major drivers of species extinctions, at the same time, human induced increase in environmental heterogeneity may also increase species richness.

In many cases, however, heterogeneity is not enough to explain the unexpectedly high biodiversity found in some densely populated areas.

A possible explanation to such situations is the partial overlap in resource requirements between man and other species, which promotes a tendency for humans to settle in sites characterised by environmental conditions that are particularly favourable also for many other organisms.

To test this hypothesis, we investigated the relationships between human population and species richness of native (non‐synanthropic) tenebrionid beetles in the Mediterranean islands, many of which have been inhabited by humans for millennia.

Using partial correlation analyses, we found that tenebrionid diversity increased not only with island area and maximum elevation (used herein as a measure of environmental heterogeneity), but also with human population.

This may suggest that the islands that were (and are) more accessible and hospitable to humans are also those which can be more easily colonised by tenebrionids, owing to their larger areas and higher environmental heterogeneity.
Demographic history inferred from genome‐wide data reveals two lineages of sheldgeese endemic to a glacial refugium in the southern Atlantic
Authors: Kopuchian Cecilia , Campagna Leonardo , Di Giacomo Adrián S. , Wilson Robert E. , Bulgarella Mariana , Petracci Pablo , Mazar Barnett Juan , Matus Ricardo , Blank Olivia , McCracken Kevin G. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThe Malvinas/Falkland Islands (MFI) constitute the largest archipelago in the southern Atlantic, and harbour endemic lineages that presumably evolved after sea‐level rise, associated with glacial periods, isolated ancestral populations. We investigate the role of the MFI in isolating populations from continental counterparts of two highly vagile species: the sheldgeese Chloephaga picta and Chloephaga rubidiceps.LocationPatagonia and the Malvinas/Falkland Islands.MethodsWe sampled C. picta and C. rubidiceps on the continent and MFI. Using a reduced‐representation genomic approach, we quantified the genetic differentiation between insular and continental populations of both species, and used coalescent‐based analyses to model their demography.ResultsThe MFI harbour independently evolving lineages of C. picta and C. rubidiceps, which diverged from their continental counterparts during the Middle‐Late Pleistocene and have since experienced negligible gene flow.Main conclusionsThe c. 450 km that separate the archipelago from the continent are sufficient to isolate populations of these putatively highly vagile species. Ancestral lineages may have reached the MFI refugium during glacial cycles. Without conservation measures, the drastic decline of the morphologically, behaviourally and ecologically distinct continental population of C. rubidiceps, to < 1000 individuals, may lead to the extinction of an independently evolving taxon.
Biogeographical history and coalescent species delimitation of Pacific island skinks (Squamata: Scincidae: Emoia cyanura species group)
Authors: Klein Elaine R. , Harris Rebecca B. , Fisher Robert N. , Reeder Tod W. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimA prevailing hypothesis for how Pacific islands organisms have obtained their extant distributions is that of a stepping‐stone model, in which populations originate from Papua New Guinea in the western Pacific and gradually disperse eastward. Here, we test this model using a spatiotemporal framework for Emoia cyanura and E. impar, two species within the Emoia cyanura species group (ECSG; Family: Scincidae). We further assess species limits within the group, utilizing novel coalescent methods.LocationPacific Islands.MethodsWe obtained DNA sequence data from one mitochondrial and three nuclear markers for 117 individuals, representing seven of the nine species within the ECSG. These data were analysed for concordance with the stepping‐stone model using estimation of population structure, divergence dates, and historical biogeographical range. To assess hypotheses of independent lineages within each widespread species, we also employed the Bayesian Phylogenetics & Phylogeography (BPP) program to define operational taxonomic units in *BEAST.ResultsPopulation structure analyses consistently found individuals from western island groups representing divergent populations, with central and eastern populations demonstrating minimal genetic variation. Phylogenetic hypotheses support a western origin for E. cyanura and E. impar, while biogeographical and divergence time estimations predict a recent and rapid expansion out of the western Pacific. The BPP and *BEAST analyses found evidence for five independent lineages within E. impar and five independent lineages within E. cyanura/E. pseudocyanura.Main conclusionsIn contrast to the expectations of a stepping‐stone model, E. cyanura and E. impar each exhibit the genetic signature of a rapid radiation during the mid to late Pleistocene, with evidence for newly identified lineages, mainly on western islands. Of these recovered lineages, we propose three to be elevated to species status. These findings expand our understanding of endemic Pacific biota, which are subject to conservation threats from human impacts and climate change.
Supporting executive functions during children's preliteracy learning with the computer
Authors: van de Sande E. , Segers E. , Verhoeven L. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe present study examined how embedded activities to support executive functions helped children to benefit from a computer intervention that targeted preliteracy skills. Three intervention groups were compared on their preliteracy gains in a randomized controlled trial design: an experimental group that worked with software to stimulate early literacy with embedded executive‐functioning support (EL + EF group), an experimental group that worked with the same early literacy software without the explicit EF‐support (EL group) and a control group that played with language discovery games from the same software. These groups were contrasted on their preliteracy progress over time and on their learning behaviours while working with the software. Results showed that children in the two experimental groups progressed more in preliteracy skills on the long‐term, with the EL + EF group showing the highest learning effects. These results were mainly shown for the children with lower levels of EFs. Moreover, children in the EL + EF group showed more independent behaviour and played more games than children in the EL group. These results indicate that young children can show more effective learning over time during computer interventions when their executive functions are kept active.