bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental origin of the clavicle, and its implications for the evolution of the neck and the paired appendages in vertebrates
Authors: Nagashima Hiroshi , Sugahara Fumiaki , Watanabe Keisuke , Shibata Masahiro , Chiba Akina , Sato Noboru 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn fish, the pectoral appendage is adjacent to the head, but during vertebrate evolution a long neck region emerged via caudal relocation of the pectoral appendage. The pectoral appendage is comprised of endochondral portions, such as the humerus and the scapula, and a dermal portion, such as the clavicle, that contributes to the shoulder girdle. In the search for clues to the mechanism of the caudal relocation of the pectoral appendage, the cell lineage of the rostral lateral plate mesoderm was analyzed in chickens. It was found that, despite the long neck region in chickens, the origin of the clavicle attached to the head mesoderm ranged between 1 and 14 somite levels. Because the pectoral limb bud and the endochondral pectoral appendage developed on 15–20 and 15–24 somite levels, respectively, the clavicle‐forming region corresponds to the embryonic neck, which suggests that the relocation would have been executed by the expansion of the source of the clavicle. The rostral portion of the clavicle‐forming region overlaps the source of the cucullaris muscle, embraces the pharyngeal arches caudally, and can be experimentally replaced with the head mesoderm to form the cucullaris muscle, which implies that the mesodermal portion could have been the head mesoderm and that the clavicle would have developed at the head/trunk boundary. The link between the head mesoderm and the presumptive clavicle appears to have been the developmental constraint needed to create the evolutionarily conserved musculoskeletal connectivities characterizing the gnathostome neck. In this sense, the dermal girdle of the ganathostomes would represent the wall of the branchial chamber into which the endochondral pectoral appendage appears to have attached since its appearance in evolution.
3D‐Microarchitectural patterns of Hyperostosis frontalis interna: a micro‐computed tomography study in aged women
Authors: Bracanovic Djurdja , Djonic Danijela , Nikolic Slobodan , Milovanovic Petar , Rakocevic Zoran , Zivkovic Vladimir , Djuric Marija 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAlthough seen frequently during dissections and autopsies, Hyperostosis frontalis interna (HFI) – a morphological pattern of the frontal bone thickening – is often ignored and its nature and development are not yet understood sufficiently. Current macroscopic classification defines four grades/stages of HFI based on the morphological appearance and size of the affected area; however, it is unclear if these stages also depict the successive phases in the HFI development. Here we assessed 3D‐microarchitecture of the frontal bone in women with various degrees of HFI expression and in an age‐ and sex‐matched control group, hypothesizing that the bone microarchitecture bears imprints of the pathogenesis of HFI and may clarify the phases of its development. Frontal bone samples were collected during routine autopsies from 20 women with HFI (age: 69.9 ± 11.1 years) and 14 women without HFI (age: 74.1 ± 9.7 years). We classified the HFI samples into four groups, each group demonstrating different macroscopic type or stage of HFI. All samples were scanned by micro‐computed tomography to evaluate 3D bone microarchitecture in the following regions of interest: total sample, outer table, diploe and inner table. Our results revealed that, compared to the control group, the women with HFI showed a significantly increased bone volume fraction in the region of diploe, along with significantly thicker and more plate‐like shaped trabeculae and reduced trabecular separation and connectivity density. Moreover, the inner table of the frontal bone in women with HFI displayed significantly increased total porosity and mean pore diameter compared to controls. Microstructural reorganization of the frontal bone in women with HFI was also reflected in significantly higher porosity and lower bone volume fraction in the inner vs. outer table due to an increased number of pores larger than 100 μm. The individual comparisons between the control group and different macroscopic stages of HFI revealed significant differences only between the control group and the morphologically most pronounced type of HFI. Our microarchitectural findings demonstrated clear differences between the HFI and the control group in the region of diploe and the inner table. Macroscopic grades of HFI could not be distinguished at the level of bone microarchitecture and their consecutive nature cannot be supported. Rather, our study suggests that only two different types of HFI (moderate and severe HFI) have microstructural justification and should be considered further. It is essential to record HFI systematically in human postmortem subjects to provide more data on the mechanisms of its development.
Psychosocial interventions for infertile couples: a critical review
Authors: Chow Ka‐Ming , Cheung Mei‐Chun , Cheung Irene KM 
Published: June 2016

Aims and objectivesThis critical review aims to identify, summarize and critically appraise the current literature evaluating the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions to improve infertile couples’ well‐being. It also aims to identify the design implications of effective psychosocial interventions for the management of psychosocial distress in infertile couples, especially culturally specific interventions for Chinese infertile couples. Directions for future research are discussed.BackgroundInfertility is a life crisis affecting 15% of couples in most countries. The affected couples experience considerable psychological distress and impaired interpersonal relationships. Assisted reproductive technologies offer couples hope for pregnancy, but pose an unbearable psychological burden. Psychosocial interventions have been developed to offer support; however, their effectiveness has been inconsistent.DesignA thorough analysis of the literatures on the topic of psychosocial interventions for infertile couples.MethodsA systematic search of MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index and GoogleScholar from 2003–2015 was conducted to identify English language articles with the keywords ‘psychosocial intervention’ and ‘infertility’. Two authors assessed all of the identified articles independently for inclusion in the review.ResultsTwelve studies were included in the review: seven were interventional studies and five were review studies. The findings indicated that the psychosocial interventions in general improved psychological outcomes, marital relationships and pregnancy rates among infertile couples.ConclusionsPsychosocial interventions should be incorporated into routine practice for infertile couples to provide timely support and counselling.Relevance to clinical practiceThe implications of the review findings for the effective design of psychosocial interventions, including the content, format, duration and intervener for clinical practice are discussed. In confirming the efficacy of such intervention design, randomized controlled trials are needed to compare the interventions and usual care at clinical setting. Longitudinal design is also needed to examine the long‐term effects of psychosocial interventions in infertile couples’ well‐being.
EFFECTS OF LABOR REALLOCATION ON PRODUCTIVITY AND INEQUALITY—INSIGHTS FROM STUDIES ON TRANSITION
Authors: Tyrowicz Joanna , van der Velde Lucas , Svejnar Jan 
Published: June 2016

AbstractFrom a theoretical perspective, the link between the speed and scope of rapid labor reallocation and productivity growth or income inequality is ambiguous. Do reallocations with more flows tend to produce higher productivity growth? Does such a link appear at the expense of higher income inequality? We explore the rich evidence from earlier studies on worker flows in the period of massive and rapid labor reallocation, that is, the economic transition from a centrally planned to a market‐oriented economy in CEE. We have collected over 450 estimates of job flows from the literature and used these inputs to estimate the short‐run and long‐run relationship between labor market flows, labor productivity, and income inequality. We apply the tools typical for a meta‐analysis to verify the empirical regularities between labor flows and productivity growth as well as income inequality. Our findings suggest only weak and short‐term links with productivity, driven predominantly by business cycles. However, data reveal a strong pattern for income inequality in the short run—more churning during reallocation is associated with a level effect toward increased Gini indices.
Serum markers of pre‐eclampsia identified on proteomics
Authors: Lu Qi , Liu Chongdong , Liu Ye , Zhang Nawei , Deng Haiteng , Zhang Zhenyu 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimPre‐eclampsia (PE) is a disorder of pregnancy associated with maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity. The aim of the present study was to use proteomics to identify biomarkers of, and elucidate the pathogenesis of, PE.MethodsSerum samples were analyzed using peptide ligand library beads (PLLB) on liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Retinol‐binding protein 4 (RBP4) was used as the target protein for further validation on enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry and real‐time polymerase chain reaction. Transwell invasion assay was used to evaluate whether RBP4 affects the invasive ability of trophoblast tumor cells.ResultsTwenty upregulated and 17 downregulated proteins were differentially expressed between severe PE patients and healthy pregnant women. Those proteins were further classified according to molecular function and biological process according to the gene ontology terms. RBP4 concentration was significantly lower in women with severe PE than in those with healthy pregnancy.ConclusionsRBP4 is able to function as biomarker to distinguish severe PE from normal pregnancy. More importantly, these results may shed light on the role of RPB4 in the pathogenesis in PE. Further studies are required to validate these results, and determine the precise role of RBP4 in the pathogenesis of PE.
Analysis of antenatal‐onset cerebral palsy secondary to transient ischemia in utero using a national database in Japan
Authors: Fukushima Kotaro , Morokuma Seiichi , Kitadai Yuzo , Tazaki Yukiko , Sumie Masahiro , Nakanami Naoyuki , Ushiro Shin , Matsuda Yoshio , Tsukimori Kiyomi 
Published: June 2016

AbstractAimWe conducted a retrospective analysis of summary medical reports of children diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) to identify clinical features of antenatal onset of CP secondary to transient ischemia in utero.MethodsThe 658 brief summary reports available in the Japan Obstetric Compensation System for Cerebral Palsy were screened, and we identified cases of singleton pregnancy, delivered at gestational age ≥ 33 weeks and those with cord blood gas pH ≥ 7.20. Of the 137 cases identified, 84 were excluded for the following reasons: no evidence of ischemic brain lesion, clear post‐natal causative factor of CP, presence of a congenital condition, and sentinel hypoxic event, such as uterine rupture. The demographic profiles of the 53 cases included in our analysis were compared to identify those with and without an abnormal variability in fetal heart rate.ResultsBetween‐group comparison identified an association between abnormal heart rate variability and a lower Apgar score at 1 min (2 vs 6; P < 0.001) and 5 min (5.5 vs 8; P = 0.002), and more frequent episodes of fetal movement loss (41% vs 10%; P = 0.027). An hypoxic event ≤ 1 week before delivery was more likely to be associated with abnormal heart rate variability (89%) and low Apgar score (82%), while events at > 1 week were associated with development of polyhydramnios (44%).ConclusionIn utero transient ischemic events can contribute to term or near‐term CP. Careful follow‐up is recommended for fetuses with a history of fetal movement loss, abnormal variability in heart rate, and polyhydramnios of unknown causes.
Dynamic Longevity Hedging in the Presence of Population Basis Risk: A Feasibility Analysis From Technical and Economic Perspectives
Authors: Zhou Kenneth Q. , Li Johnny Siu‐Hang 
Published: June 2016

AbstractIn this article, we study the feasibility of dynamic longevity hedging with standardized securities that are linked to broad‐based mortality indexes. On the technical front, we generalize the dynamic “delta” hedging strategy developed by Cairns (2011) to incorporate the situation when population basis risk exists. On the economic front, we discuss the potential financial benefits of an index‐based hedge over a bespoke risk transfer. By considering data from a large group of national populations, we find evidence supporting the diversifiability of population basis risk. We further propose a customized surplus swap—executed between a hedger and reinsurer—to utilize the diversifiability. As standardized instruments demand less illiquidity premium, a combination of a dynamic index‐based hedge and the proposed customized surplus swap may possibly be a more economical (and equally effective) alternative to a bespoke risk transfer.
Effects of different forage sources as a free‐choice provision on the performance, nutrient digestibility, selected blood metabolites and structural growth of Holstein dairy calves
Authors: Movahedi B. , Foroozandeh A. D. , Shakeri P. 
Published: June 2016

SummaryThe objective of this study was to determine the effects of different forage sources on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility and blood metabolites of dairy calves. Individually housed calves (n = 40; body weight = 41.2 ± 3.5 kg) were randomly allocated (n = 10 calves per treatment: five males and five females) to one of the following four treatments: (i) starter without forage provision (CON), (ii) starter plus chopped alfalfa hay (AH), (iii) starter plus chopped wheat straw (WS) and 4) starter plus dried sugar beet pulp (BP) flakes. Calves fed AH diets had lowest (p < 0.05) starter intake than those fed other diets, and WS promoted a significant increase (p < 0.01) in starter intake during 43–80 days. Forage intake was greatest (p < 0.01) for calves fed AH than those fed WS and BP. Calves in the AH treatment consumed less (p < 0.01) total dry matter intake than those offered other forage treatments. Final body weight was greatest (p < 0.05), and age of weaning was lowest for calves fed BP than other treatments. Calves in the BP treatment had greater (p < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) than CON and WS treatments, but similar to AH calves. Digestibility of NDF and ADF was greater (p < 0.05) in BP treatment than other treatments. Calves fed BP had greater (p < 0.05) digestibility of DM and OM than those fed CON diets and similar to those fed AH and WS diets. Calves in the AH treatment had greater (p < 0.05) CP digestibility than CON, but similar to WS and BP calves. Blood beta‐hydroxybutyrate concentration was lower in forage‐offered calves than CON one. Body measurements (with the exception of body barrel) did not differ across treatments. It was concluded that BP improves final body weight, ADG and nutrient digestibility of calves than starter without forage provision during weaning transition.
Epidemiology of hyperadrenocorticism among 210,824 dogs attending primary‐care veterinary practices in the UK from 2009 to 2014
Authors: O'Neill D. G. , Scudder C. , Faire J. M. , Church D. B. , McGreevy P. D. , Thomson P. C. , Brodbelt D. C. 
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVESTo estimate prevalence and risk factors for diagnosis with hyperadrenocorticism in dogs attending primary‐care veterinary practices in the UK from 2009 to 2014.METHODSCases were identified by searching the de‐identified electronic patient records from UK primary‐care veterinary practices participating in the VetCompass Programme.RESULTSThe estimated prevalence for hyperadrenocorticism diagnosis in dogs was 0·28% (95% confidence interval: 0·25 to 0·31). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed four associated risk factors: breed, breed‐relative bodyweight, age and insurance status. The bichon frise had 6·5 times the odds (95% CI: 3·5 to 12·1, P<0·001) of hyperadrenocorticism compared with crossbreds. Dogs weighing more than or equal to their breed mean had 1·7 times the odds (95% CI: 1·3 to 2·3, P<0·001) of hyperadrenocorticism compared with dogs weighing less than the breed mean. Dogs aged 12·0 years and above showed 5·7 times the odds (95% CI: 3·7 to 8·7, P<0·001) of hyperadrenocorticism compared with dogs aged 6·0 to 8·9 years. Insured dogs had 4·0 times the odds (95% CI: 2·8 to 5·6, P<0·001) of hyperadrenocorticism compared with non‐insured dogs.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThis is the first epidemiological report of a non‐referral hospital population of dogs diagnosed with hyperadrenocorticism in the UK and describes important breed, age and bodyweight associations with this disorder which may improve diagnosis and enhance understanding of the underlying pathophysiology.
Residual Empirical Processes and Weighted Sums for Time‐Varying Processes with Applications to Testing for Homoscedasticity
Authors: Chandler Gabe , Polonik Wolfgang 
Published: June 2016

In the context of heteroscedastic time‐varying autoregressive (AR)‐process we study the estimation of the error/innovation distributions. Our study reveals that the non‐parametric estimation of the AR parameter functions has a negligible asymptotic effect on the estimation of the empirical distribution of the residuals even though the AR parameter functions are estimated non‐parametrically. The derivation of these results involves the study of both function‐indexed sequential residual empirical processes and weighted sum processes. Exponential inequalities and weak convergence results are derived.As an application of our results we discuss testing for the constancy of the variance function, which in special cases corresponds to testing for stationarity.
Association between Body Condition Score and Cancer Prognosis in Dogs with Lymphoma and Osteosarcoma
Authors: Romano F.R. , Heinze C.R. , Barber L.G. , Mason J.B. , Freeman L.M. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundIn humans and rodents obesity appears to promote some cancers by increasing incidence, tumor aggressiveness, recurrence, and fatality. However, the relationship between obesity and cancer in dogs has not been thoroughly evaluated.Hypothesis/ObjectivesWhether body condition score (BCS) at the time of lymphoma (LSA) or osteosarcoma (OSA) diagnosis in dogs is predictive of survival time (ST) or progression‐free interval (PFI). We hypothesized that an overweight body state at the time of cancer diagnosis would be associated with negative outcomes.AnimalsDogs with LSA (n = 270) and OSA (n = 54) diagnosed and treated between 2000 and 2010.MethodsRetrospective case review. Signalment, body weight, BCS, cancer diagnosis and treatment, relevant clinicopathologic values, and survival data were collected. Dogs were grouped by BCS (underweight, ideal, and overweight) and ST and PFI were compared.ResultsOverall, 5.5% of dogs were underweight, 54.0% were ideal weight, and 40.4% were overweight at diagnosis. Underweight dogs with LSA had shorter ST (P = .017) than ideal or overweight dogs. BCS was not associated with ST for OSA (P = .474). Progression‐free interval did not differ among BCS categories for either cancer.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceObesity was not associated with adverse outcomes among dogs with LSA or OSA in this retrospective study; however, being underweight at the time of diagnosis of LSA was associated with shorter survival. More research is needed to elucidate the relationship between excessive body weight and cancer development and progression in dogs.
Treatment of MRI‐Diagnosed Trigeminal Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors by Stereotactic Radiotherapy in Dogs
Authors: Hansen K.S. , Zwingenberger A.L. , Théon A.P. , Pfeiffer I. , Kent M.S. 
Published: June 2016

BackgroundStereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) is an emerging technique for treating tumors in animals.ObjectivesTo assess the outcome of dogs with suspected intracranial trigeminal nerve peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNST) treated with SRT.AnimalsEight dogs with presumptive PNST.MethodsThis was a retrospective study of dogs identified by searching UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital medical records for dogs treated with SRT for a presumed PNST. Presumptive diagnosis was based on magnetic resonance imaging. SRT was delivered in 3 dose fractions of 8 Gray (Gy) on consecutive days or every other day to a total dose of 24 Gy.ResultsMedian disease‐specific survival was 745 days (range: 99–1375 days, n = 6). No signs of acute adverse effects of radiation treatment were recorded. Late radiation effects versus tumor progression could not be confirmed histopathologically because of few animals undergoing necropsy.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study provides preliminary evidence that dogs with PNST benefit from SRT in terms of long‐term survival. The treatment appears to be well tolerated and requires fewer anesthetic events for animals compared to full‐course radiation.
Thermal constraints and the influence of reproduction on thermoregulation in a high‐altitude gecko (Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus)
Authors: Bouazza A. , Slimani T. , El Mouden H. , Blouin‐Demers G. , Lourdais O. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractTemperature plays a crucial role for ectotherm performance and thus for fitness. Terrestrial ectotherms, including reptiles, regulate their body temperature mainly by behavioural means. At high altitude, however, thermal constraints make precise thermoregulation costly. The cost–benefit model of lizard thermoregulation predicts that thermally challenging environments should favour the evolution of thermoconformity. Yet, several species maintain high and stable body temperatures even in cool environments. We studied the Atlas Day Gecko, Quedenfeldtia trachyblepharus, a cold‐adapted lizard endemic to the High Atlas Mountains of Morocco. We quantified thermoregulation in gravid females, non‐gravid adult females, and adult males during the active season. Geckos thermoregulated during their active season, and thermoregulated with more effectiveness early in the season than late in the season. In the laboratory, the preferred body temperature ranges of gravid females, non‐gravid females, and males were not significantly different. In the field, however, gravid females had smaller deviations from the preferred body temperature and maintained higher body temperatures than males and non‐gravid females. Our study suggests that cold‐adapted reptiles adjust their thermoregulatory behaviour in response to thermal constraints and reproductive status.