bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
US forest response to projected climate‐related stress: a tolerance perspective
Authors: Liénard Jean , Harrison John , Strigul Nikolay 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAlthough it is widely recognized that climate change will require a major spatial reorganization of forests, our ability to predict exactly how and where forest characteristics and distributions will change has been rather limited. Current efforts to predict future distribution of forested ecosystems as a function of climate include species distribution models (for fine‐scale predictions) and potential vegetation climate envelope models (for coarse‐grained, large‐scale predictions). Here, we develop and apply an intermediate approach wherein we use stand‐level tolerances of environmental stressors to understand forest distributions and vulnerabilities to anticipated climate change. In contrast to other existing models, this approach can be applied at a continental scale while maintaining a direct link to ecologically relevant, climate‐related stressors. We first demonstrate that shade, drought, and waterlogging tolerances of forest stands are strongly correlated with climate and edaphic conditions in the conterminous United States. This discovery allows the development of a tolerance distribution model (TDM), a novel quantitative tool to assess landscape level impacts of climate change. We then focus on evaluating the implications of the drought TDM. Using an ensemble of 17 climate change models to drive this TDM, we estimate that 18% of US ecosystems are vulnerable to drought‐related stress over the coming century. Vulnerable areas include mostly the Midwest United States and Northeast United States, as well as high‐elevation areas of the Rocky Mountains. We also infer stress incurred by shifting climate should create an opening for the establishment of forest types not currently seen in the conterminous United States.
Association between posterior teeth occlusion and functional dependence among older adults in nursing homes in Japan
Authors: Takeuchi Kenji , Izumi Maya , Furuta Michiko , Takeshita Toru , Shibata Yukie , Kageyama Shinya , Ganaha Seijun , Yamashita Yoshihisa 
Published: April 2016

AimTo examine whether posterior teeth occlusion is associated with functional dependence regardless of the number of natural teeth among Japanese nursing home residents.MethodsThe present cross‐sectional study included 234 residents aged >60 years from eight nursing homes in Aso City, Japan. Functional dependence in basic activities of daily living was measured using the Barthel Index, and the primary outcome was independence for essential personal care (Barthel Index ≥ 60 points). Posterior teeth occlusion was assessed by a dentist using the total number of functional tooth units, depending on the number and location of the remaining natural and artificial teeth on implant‐supported, fixed, and removable prostheses. Logistic regression models were used to assess univariate and multivariate associations between the total number of functional tooth units and independence for essential personal care. Models were sequentially adjusted for the number of natural teeth, demographic characteristics, socioeconomic status, health behaviors and comorbidities.ResultsIndependence for essential personal care was found in 14.1% of participants. Greater total numbers of functional tooth units were significantly associated with greater odds of independence for essential personal care (odds ratio 1.12; 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.24). The association remained significant after adjustment for the number of natural teeth and other possible confounders (odds ratio 1.14, 95% confidence interval 1.01–1.29).ConclusionsPosterior teeth occlusion was independently associated with functional dependence among nursing home older residents in Japan. The maintenance and restoration of posterior teeth occlusion might be preventive factors against late‐life functional decline. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 622–627.
Yield and water productivity of Buffel and Rhodes grasses under different irrigation water regimes using the sprinkler line‐source system
Authors: Mazahrih Naem , Al‐Wahaibi Hamdan , Al‐Farsi Safa , Ouled Belgacem Azaiez 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe indigenous forage species such as Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) are capable of surviving with less water than most introduced species such as Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana) and alfalfa. However, the productivity of Buffel grass as a function of the amount of water applied is unknown. A case study was conducted in Oman to evaluate the response of Buffel and Rhodes grasses to different irrigation levels using line‐source sprinkler irrigation system. Four irrigation treatments (40, 65, 100 and 125%) based on reference evapotranspiration (ETo) with two grass species (Buffel and Rhodes grasses) were investigated as sub‐main treatments in strip plot design with four replications. The average total amount of applied water during the study period were 15 126, 24 580, 37 815 and 47 269 m3 ha−1, for the four irrigation treatments, respectively. The results of 12 cuts during 514 days indicated that Buffel grass has significantly higher dry weight production (DW) and water productivity than Rhodes grass at all irrigation levels. Irrigation by 65% of ETo for Buffel grass has the highest water productivity value reached to 0.95 kg m−3 and 42% of applied water can be saved to produce the same amount of DW of Rhodes grass. Soil salinity increased in the soil profile for 40, 65 and 100% ETo irrigation levels during the summer season and the soil salinity values were higher at Rhodes than Buffel grasses location for these irrigation levels.
The German temporary staffing industry: growth, development, scandal and resistance
Authors: Ferreira Jennifer 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn Germany the size of the temporary agency workforce has almost doubled between 2002 and 2012 prompted by deregulation and expansion of temporary staffing agency networks. This article examines the growth of the temporary staffing industry in Germany revealing important milestones in the regulatory framework transformation. The article then explores the role of key actors in the development of temporary staffing industry in the Germany labour market, in particular the shifting positions of trade unions in relation to temporary agency work, as well as intervention from the state with re‐regulation in order to mitigate for exploitative affecting temporary agency workers. The findings highlight that while the growth of the German temporary staffing industry has been substantial, and that the state has been an active agent, it has not been without its controversies and challenges, and that features of the industry remain potential barriers for its future development. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Opaque Financial Contracting and Toxic Term Sheets in Venture Capital
Authors: Brown Keith C. , Wiles Kenneth W. 
Published: April 2016

In a recent article in this journal, the authors documented the growing tendency of emerging growth companies to raise substantial equity while remaining privately held through private IPOs, or PIPOs. PIPO financing has created scores of “unicorn” firms—private enterprises with imputed market values of $1.0 billion or more—while allowing them to avoid the challenges of being publicly traded. But as has also been noted, the PIPO process, with its multiple financing rounds and increasingly complex terms, has almost certainly result in some inflated market valuations.Along with inflated values, the contracting process and many of the provisions that result from it often have economic consequences that are poorly understood by at least some of the participants, including the potential for significant wealth transfer between stakeholders as well as overall destruction of enterprise value. And the term sheets containing such provisions appear to become even more “opaque” and more “toxic” with each round of financing. More specifically, the liquidation preferences and ratchets often provided new investors in the later rounds of PIPOs can greatly affect the allocation of the risks and the ownership shares and, in so doing, transfer significant wealth from the entrepreneurs and other older owners.Using a numerical analysis of a representative term sheet, the authors discuss the process of financial contracting for early‐stage companies, providing examples of how negotiations can go wrong and showing exactly when and where the agreed‐upon conditions start to turn toxic for some of the stakeholders. The article closes with the authors’ assessment of the disincentives for entrepreneurs and early‐stage investors created by this often confusing and dilutive venture capital contracting and funding process.
Are U.S. Companies Really Holding That Much Cash—And If So, Why?
Authors: Zenner Marc , Junek Evan , Chivukula Ram 
Published: April 2016

Non‐financial S&P 500 companies are now estimated to hold a total of $2.1 trillion of “cash,” a figure that is larger than the annual GDP of all but eight countries. In this report, J.P. Morgan's Corporate Finance Advisory team notes that while many observers have attributed the buildup to offshore cash growth alone, onshore cash levels are also up significantly.To be sure, the companies that have shown the greatest increases also tend to be highly successful, with strong cash flow and business performance. And the managers of such companies tend to prefer to retain much if not most of this cash to take advantage of investment opportunities and to maintain the flexibility to respond to the next economic downturn. Also adding to the cash build‐ups, the executives of large MNCs with significant overseas cash holdings typically try to avoid the higher tax bill triggered by repatriating funds to the U.S.Nevertheless, investors continue to expect growth and high returns on capital; and corporate distributions of capital in the form of dividends and stock buybacks can play an important role in encouraging companies to operate efficiently. While pursuing both of these goals—preservation of enough cash to weather downturns and invest in all positive‐NPV projects, and commitment to paying out excess capital—boards and senior decision makers should continuously reexamine their cash holdings and capital allocation policies to ensure they are appropriate not only for today's environment, but throughout the economic cycle.
Connecting performance to social structure and pedagogy as a pathway to scaling learning analytics in MOOCs: an exploratory study
Authors: Goggins S.P. , Galyen K.D. , Petakovic E. , Laffey J.M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis exploratory study focuses on the design and evaluation of teaching analytics that relate social learning structure with performance measures in a massive open online course (MOOC) prototype environment. Using reflexive analysis of online learning trace data and qualitative performance measures we present an exploratory empirical study that: (a) rigorously evaluates a novel, multi‐dimensional performance construct; (b) describes differences in small group dynamics and structure; and (c) draws a connection between learning performance and group structure. Performance is operationalized using a combination of knowledge construction measurement from discussion boards, rigorous analysis of student work products and several indicators of small group identity in the course examined. Interview and observational data are used to develop an approach for deriving and validating a model of the social structure of students in the course using traces of interaction data. The connection between performance and structure is developed at the small group unit of analysis. Implications for MOOC design, scaling MOOC analytics and a vision for developing social sensors in MOOC environments are presented in the discussion and conclusion.
Human CD8+ T cells transduced with an additional receptor bispecific for both Mycobacterium tuberculosis and HIV‐1 recognize both epitopes
Authors: Zhou Chao‐Ying , Wen Qian , Chen Xiao‐Jie , Wang Rui‐Ning , He Wen‐Ting , Zhang Shi‐Meng , Du Xia‐Lin , Ma Li 
Published: April 2016

AbstractTuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1) infection are closely intertwined, with one‐quarter of TB/HIV coinfected deaths among people died of TB. Effector CD8+ T cells play a crucial role in the control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) and HIV‐1 infection in coinfected patients. Adoptive transfer of a multitude of effector CD8+ T cells is an appealing strategy to impose improved anti‐MTB/HIV‐1 activity onto coinfected individuals. Due to extensive existence of heterologous immunity, that is, T cells cross‐reactive with peptides encoded by related or even very dissimilar pathogens, it is reasonable to find a single T cell receptor (TCR) recognizing both MTB and HIV‐1 antigenic peptides. In this study, a single TCR specific for both MTB Ag85B199‐207 peptide and HIV‐1 Env120‐128 peptide was screened out from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of a HLA‐A*0201+ healthy individual using complementarity determining region 3 spectratype analysis and transferred to primary CD8+ T cells using a recombinant retroviral vector. The bispecificity of the TCR gene‐modified CD8+ T cells was demonstrated by elevated secretion of interferon‐γ, tumour necrosis factor‐α, granzyme B and specific cytolytic activity after antigen presentation of either Ag85B199‐207 or Env120‐128 by autologous dendritic cells. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first report proposing to produce responses against two dissimilar antigenic peptides of MTB and HIV‐1 simultaneously by transfecting CD8+ T cells with a single TCR. Taken together, T cells transduced with the additional bispecific TCR might be a useful strategy in immunotherapy for MTB/HIV‐1 coinfected individuals.
A 5‐year prospective study on single immediate implants in the aesthetic zone
Authors: Cosyn Jan , Eghbali Aryan , Hermans Alexander , Vervaeke Stijn , De Bruyn Hugo , Cleymaet Roberto 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimThere is a paucity of long‐term data on soft tissue aesthetics of single immediate implants. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 5‐year clinical and aesthetic outcome of this treatment concept.Materials and methodsTwenty‐two periodontally healthy patients (12 men, 10 women; mean age 50) with low risk for aesthetic complications (thick gingival biotype, intact buccal bone wall, both neighbouring teeth present) were consecutively treated with a single immediate implant in the aesthetic zone (15–25). Flapless surgery was performed and the gap between the implant and buccal bone wall was systematically filled with bovine bone particles. Implants were immediately non‐functionally loaded with a screw‐retained provisional crown. Cases demonstrating major alveolar process changes and/or advanced mid‐facial recession (>1 mm) at 3 months were additionally treated with a connective tissue graft (CTG). Permanent crowns were installed at 6 months. The clinical and aesthetic results at 5 years were compared to those obtained at 1 year.ResultsSeventeen patients attended the 5‐year re‐assessment, of whom five had been treated with aCTGfor early aesthetic complications. There was one early implant failure and one complication after 1 year (porcelain chipping). Mean marginal bone loss was 0.12 mm at 1 year and 0.19 mm at 5 years (p = 0.595) with the moment of implant installation as baseline. Papilla height increased between 1 and 5 years (p ≤ 0.007), whereas mid‐facial contour (p = 0.005) and alveolar process deficiency (p = 0.008) deteriorated. Mean mid‐facial recession was on average 0.28 mm (SD0.48) at 1 year and 0.53 mm (SD0.53) at 5 years (p = 0.072) with the preoperative status as baseline. Three implants demonstrated advanced mid‐facial recession (>1 mm) at 5 years. All three were in a central incisor position and none had been treated with aCTG. Thus, 8/17 implants showed aesthetic complications (five early and three late aesthetic complications). Implants in a lateral incisor position showed stable soft tissue levels. The pink aesthetic score was on average 12.15 at 1 year and 11.18 at 5 years (p = 0.030).ConclusionSingle immediate implants showed high implant survival and limited marginal bone loss in the long term. However, mid‐facial recession, mid‐facial contour and alveolar process deficiency deteriorated after 1 year. With an aesthetic complication rate of 8/17 in well‐selected patients who had been treated by experienced clinicians, type I placement may not be recommended for daily practice.
Evolution of sex chromosomes prior to speciation in the dioecious Phoenix species
Authors: Cherif E. , Zehdi‐Azouzi S. , Crabos A. , Castillo K. , Chabrillange N. , Pintaud J.‐C. , Salhi‐Hannachi A. , Glémin S. , Aberlenc‐Bertossi F. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the driving forces and molecular processes underlying dioecy and sex chromosome evolution, leading from hermaphroditism to the occurrence of male and female individuals, is of considerable interest in fundamental and applied research. The genus Phoenix, belonging to the Arecaceae family, consists uniquely of dioecious species. Phylogenetic data suggest that the genus Phoenix has diverged from a hermaphroditic ancestor which is also shared with its closest relatives. We have investigated the cessation of recombination in the sex‐determination region within the genus Phoenix as a whole by extending the analysis of P. dactylifera SSR sex‐related loci to eight other species within the genus. Phylogenetic analysis of a date palm sex‐linked PdMYB1 gene in these species has revealed that sex‐linked alleles have not clustered in a species‐dependent way but rather in X and Y‐allele clusters. Our data show that sex chromosomes evolved from a common autosomal origin before the diversification of the extant dioecious species.
Risk and predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma for chronic hepatitis B patients with newly developed cirrhosis
Authors: Chien Justin , Liu Jessica , Lee Mei‐Hsuan , Jen Chin‐Lan , Batrla‐Utermann Richard , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Wang Li‐Yu , You San‐Lin , Yang Hwai‐I , Chen Chien‐Jen 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackground and AimsMost studies on risk predictors of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) among cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B patients do not confirm the date at cirrhosis diagnosis. We examined HCC risk and predictors in chronic hepatitis B patients with newly diagnosed cirrhosis.Methods4155 HBsAg seropositive participants were followed every 6–12 months with seromarker testing. Cirrhosis was ascertained through abdominal ultrasonography and computerized linkage with national health insurance profiles. Predictors included in Cox proportional hazards models were age, HBeAg serostatus, serum levels of HBsAg, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP), and ALDH2 rs671 genotypes.ResultsA total of 301 patients developed cirrhosis, 76 of whom later developed HCC after 2462 person‐years, showing an average annual incidence of 3.1%. The 15‐year cumulative HCC risk among cirrhotics was 39.8% with a lifetime (30–80 years old) HCC risk of 78.5%. The adjusted HR's (95% CI, P‐value) were 14.26 (3.17–64.08, P = 0.0005) for age at cirrhosis diagnosis of ≥60 years (vs 30–39 years), 2.85 (1.49–5.46, P = 0.0015) for HBeAg seropositivity (vs HBeAg seronegativity with HBsAg levels <1000 IU/mL), 0.35 (0.20–0.59, P < 0.0001) for AA/AG genotypes of rs671 (vs GG genotype), 3.68 (1.70–7.99, P = 0.0010) for ALT levels >45 U/L (vs <15 U/L), 3.52 (1.78–6.93, P = 0.0003) for AFP levels >20 ng/mL (vs <10 ng/mL), and 2.64 (1.38–5.07, P = 0.0035) for HBsAg levels ≥1000 IU/mL (vs <1000 IU/mL among HBeAg seronegatives).ConclusionsOlder age, GG genotype of ALDH2 rs671, HBeAg seropositivity, and elevated serum levels of ALT, AFP, and HBsAg at cirrhosis diagnosis were HCC risk predictors in cirrhotic chronic hepatitis B patients.
PREVALENCE OF CONSTIPATION IN PATIENTS WITH ADVANCED KIDNEY DISEASE
Authors: Lee Anna , Lambert Kelly , Byrne Pauline , Lonergan Maureen 
Published: April 2016

SUMMARYBackgroundFor people on peritoneal dialysis (PD), constipation is associated with technique failure. For those on haemodialysis (HD), constipation has been associated with a reduction in quality of life.ObjectivesThe objectives of this study were to (i) determine the prevalence of functional constipation; (ii) compare patient perception of constipation with Rome III criteria for functional constipation; (iii) describe the prevalence of constipation and stool form using Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS); (iv) determine differences in bowel habit and stool form between those on dialysis compared to pre‐dialysis; and (v) determine the diagnostic accuracy of self‐perception and the Rome III criteria against the BSFS. A cross‐sectional group of pre‐dialysis (eGFR < 15 ml/min) and dialysis patients were recruited. A total of 148 patients participated (98 HD, 21 PD and 21 pre‐dialysis).Participantscompleted a questionnaire consisting of self‐perception of the presence of constipation, simplified questions from the Rome III criteria for functional constipation, scored their stool form using the BSFS and reported laxative use.ResultsThe prevalence of constipation using the Rome III criteria was 12.3%; patient perception 46.3% and 25.7% using the BSFS. Prevalence differed according to the tool used.ConclusionNo single method alone is sufficient for accurately determining if a patient is constipated. Relying on patients’ self‐perception may be unreliable. Ideally patient assessment of constipation should incorporate both the Rome III criteria and BSFS in a method such as the one designed as a result of this research. Further research is needed to assess its usability and practicality in clinical practice.
Promoting oral cancer examinations to medical primary care providers: a cluster randomized trial
Authors: Wee Alvin G. , Zimmerman Lani M. , Anderson James R. , Nunn Martha E. , Loberiza Fausto R. , Sitorius Michael A. , Pullen Carol H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectivesTo compare the percentage of patients who had an oral cancer examination (OCE) by their primary care provider (PCP) in medical clinics participating in a web‐based education with poster reminder intervention to that of patients in control clinics. To also determine the effects for PCPs in medical clinics participating in the web‐based education with poster reminder intervention as compared with those in control clinics regarding: a) index of knowledge of oral cancer risk factors (RiskOC) and b) index of knowledge of oral cancer diagnostic procedures (DiagOC).MethodsSix medical clinics were recruited to participate in this study and randomly assigned to an intervention group or a control group. PCPs (physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses) took a pretest; 2 weeks later, they participated in the web‐based educational program, including a posttest (intervention group) or took a posttest only (control group). In each clinic, 1 week following completion of the PCPs' posttests, 94 patients were recruited to complete a one‐page survey.ResultsThe intervention clinics were found to be a significant factor for the PCPs to perform patient OCEs, after controlling for significant covariates, that is, age, main reason for clinic visit, OCE for patient in the past year, clinic's mean DiagOC score, and clinic's mean RiskOC score. The intervention also resulted in the PCPs increasing their pretest to posttest RiskOC scores.ConclusionsThe use of intervention has the potential to increase PCPs' short‐term knowledge and to increase the frequency of PCPs' routine, nonsymptomatic opportunistic OCE on patients.