bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ovarian function and pregnancy outcome in pony mares following immunocontraception with native and recombinant porcine zona pellucida vaccines
Authors: Joonè C. J. , Bertschinger H. J. , Gupta S. K. , Fosgate G. T. , Arukha A. P. , Minhas V. , Dieterman E. , Schulman M. L. 
Published: December 2015

SummaryReasons for performing studyFew studies have investigated ovarian function in the mare undergoing porcine zona pellucida (pZP) immunocontraception despite reported ovarian dysfunction in other species.ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe ovarian function and oestrous cyclicity in pony mares following treatment with either the conventional pZP vaccine or a novel recombinant form of the vaccine derived from porcine ZP3 and ZP4 (reZP). In addition, the contraceptive efficacy of pZP vs. reZP was assessed.Study designBlinded, randomised, prospective clinical trial.MethodsMares (n = 21) were randomised into 3 groups of 7: Group I received the pZP vaccine, with a booster 5 weeks later; Group II received the reZP vaccine, with a booster 5 weeks later; and Group III (controls) received 2 treatments, 5 weeks apart, of saline and adjuvant alone. Mares underwent weekly monitoring via transrectal palpation and ultrasound examination of the reproductive tract, with daily monitoring during oestrus. Data were collected over a 24 week period coinciding with the physiological breeding season; treatments commenced in Week 4. Serum samples were obtained for antibody titres and ovarian steroid level analyses at 7 day intervals. Cycling mares were bred via fresh semen artificial inseminations over a maximum of 2 consecutive oestrous cycles, commencing 5 weeks post booster vaccination.ResultsControl mares cycled throughout the trial. After treatment, 6 of 7 pZP mares (86%) and one reZP mare (14%) had an extended anoestrus that correlated with basal serum oestradiol and progesterone levels. All mares resumed cyclicity by 10 months post treatment. Pregnancies were diagnosed in all controls, 4 reZP‐ (57%) and none of the pZP‐immunised mares.ConclusionsThe current study demonstrates the reversible suppression of ovarian function in pony mares following treatment with pZP. The effect of the reZP vaccine on pregnancy outcome requires further investigation.
Towards a body hair atlas of women of caucasian ethnicity
Authors: Schweiger D. , Hoff A. , Scheede S. , Fischer F. , Tilsner J. , Lüttke J. , Neumann Y. , Hagens R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractObjectiveA preliminary study was conducted in 17 female volunteers (mean age 29.8 years) to gain deeper insights into the characteristics of terminal Caucasian female body hair of different body parts. The focus on Caucasian women was driven by the high number of different scalp hair phenotypes in this ethnicity and intended to identify relevant differences between body areas to improve body hair removal approaches.MethodsMultiple growth parameters and structural parameters were assessed for hair on the upper arm, forearm, upper leg, lower leg, axilla and intimate area and compared to scalp data.ResultsIn particular, macroscopic and much less microscopic or hair surface properties differ strikingly in the investigated body areas. Hair density on the body is much lower than on scalp with the highest hair density in the axilla and intimate area. Multihair follicular units are described for scalp but were also found to a smaller proportion in the axilla and the intimate area. Substantial percentages of hair triplets are only found on the scalp and intimate area. Hair diameter is highest in the intimate area, followed by axillary and lower leg hair and correlates with a faster hair growth rate. The angle of emerging hair is smallest in the intimate area, axilla and on the lower leg. Hair shafts on the lower leg and in the axilla have most overlapping cuticle layers, but independent of body region, no significant differences in the mean thickness of cuticle layers were detectable. In addition, no differences were found in the mean distance between cuticle layer edges along the hair shaft and the hair surface roughness. Hair on the scalp, forearm, upper arm and upper leg had an almost round shape, whereas hair of the lower leg, intimate area and axilla had more elliptical shape. Hairs on the arm showed the highest luminance values and no visible medulla. The darkest hairs were in the axilla and intimate area containing the highest level of visible medulla in hair shafts.ConclusionTo our knowledge, this is the first systematic study comparing terminal hair properties in all cosmetically relevant body regions in Caucasian women.
Effect of endodontic irrigants on biofilm matrix polysaccharides
Authors: Tawakoli P. N. , Ragnarsson K. T. , Rechenberg D. K. , Mohn D. , Zehnder M. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimTo specifically investigate the effect of endodontic irrigants at their clinical concentration on matrix polysaccharides of cultured biofilms.MethodologySaccharolytic effects of 3% H2O2, 2% chlorhexidine (CHX), 17% EDTA, 5% NaOCl and 0.9% saline (control) were tested using agarose (α 1‐3 and β 1‐4 glycosidic bonds) blocks (n = 3) in a weight assay. The irrigants were also applied to three‐species biofilms (Streptococcus mutans UAB 159, Streptococcus oralis OMZ 607 and Actinomyces oris OMZ 745) grown anaerobically on hydroxyapatite discs (n = 6). Glycoconjugates in the matrix and total bacterial cell volumes were determined using combined Concanavalin A‐/Syto 59‐staining and confocal laser‐scanning microscopy. Volumes of each scanned area (triplicates/sample) were calculated using Imaris software. Data were compared between groups using one‐way anova/Tukey HSD, α = 0.05.ResultsThe weight assay revealed that NaOCl was the only irrigant under investigation capable of dissolving the agarose blocks. NaOCl eradicated stainable matrix and bacteria in cultured biofilms after 1 min of exposure (P < 0.05 compared to all groups, volumes in means ± standard deviation, 10−3 mm3 per 0.6 mm2 disc; NaOCl matrix: 0.10 ± 0.08, bacteria: 0.03 ± 0.06; saline control matrix: 4.01 ± 1.14, bacteria: 11.56 ± 3.02). EDTA also appeared to have some effect on the biofilm matrix (EDTA matrix: 1.90 ± 0.33, bacteria: 9.26 ± 2.21), whilst H2O2 and CHX merely reduced bacterial cell volumes.ConclusionSodium hypochlorite can break glycosidic bonds. It dissolves glycoconjugates in the biofilm matrix. It also lyses bacterial cells.
Corporate Governance, Companies’ Disclosure Practices and Market Transparency: A Cross Country Study
Authors: Beekes Wendy , Brown Philip , Zhan Wenwen , Zhang Qiyu 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe examine the link between corporate governance, companies’ disclosure practices and their equity market transparency in a study of more than 5,000 listed companies in 23 countries covering the period 1 January 2003 to 31 December 2008. Our results confirm the belief that better‐governed firms make more frequent disclosures to the market. We also find greater disclosure in common law relative to code law countries. However firms with better governance in both code and common law countries make more frequent disclosures. We measure market transparency by the timeliness of prices. In contrast to single country studies, results show, for the 23 countries collectively, better corporate governance is associated with less timely share prices. This would suggest that a firm substitutes better corporate governance for transparency. We are thus led to the conclusion that even if information is disclosed more frequently by better‐governed firms, it does not necessarily follow that information is reflected in share prices on a timelier basis.
What Drives Target Price Forecasts and Their Investment Value?
Authors: Da Zhi , Hong Keejae P. , Lee Sangwoo 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis paper examines the informativeness of analysts’ target price forecasts by relating the investment value of target prices to their primary drivers. Decomposing target price forecasts into near‐term earnings forecasts and price‐to‐earnings ratio forecasts, we show that target price revisions reflect information from both components. In addition, we also find that the relative importance of each component in target price revisions is related to firm characteristics. A portfolio based on target price implied expected returns delivers significant abnormal returns. More importantly, we find that the abnormal returns are associated with both earnings and price‐to‐earnings forecasts, which suggests that the informativeness of target price forecasts comes not only from analysts’ ability to forecast short‐term earnings but also from their ability to assess risk and long‐term growth prospect implied in price‐to‐earnings forecasts.
Annual Research Review: Transdiagnostic neuroscience of child and adolescent mental disorders – differentiating decision making in attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder, conduct disorder, depression, and anxiety
Authors: Sonuga‐Barke Edmund J. S. , Cortese Samuele , Fairchild Graeme , Stringaris Argyris 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundIneffective decision making is a major source of everyday functional impairment and reduced quality of life for young people with mental disorders. However, very little is known about what distinguishes decision making by individuals with different disorders or the neuropsychological processes or brain systems underlying these. This is the focus of the current review.Scope and methodologyWe first propose a neuroeconomic model of the decision‐making process with separate stages for the prechoice evaluation of expected utility of future options; choice execution and postchoice management; the appraisal of outcome against expectation; and the updating of value estimates to guide future decisions. According to the proposed model, decision making is mediated by neuropsychological processes operating within three domains: (a) self‐referential processes involved in autobiographical reflection on past, and prospection about future, experiences; (b) executive functions, such as working memory, inhibition, and planning, that regulate the implementation of decisions; and (c) processes involved in value estimation and outcome appraisal and learning. These processes are underpinned by the interplay of multiple brain networks, especially medial and lateralized cortical components of the default mode network, dorsal corticostriatal circuits underpinning higher order cognitive and behavioral control, and ventral frontostriatal circuits, connecting to brain regions implicated in emotion processing, that control valuation and learning processes.Findings and conclusionBased on clinical insights and considering each of the decision‐making stages in turn, we outline disorder‐specific hypotheses about impaired decision making in four childhood disorders: attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), conduct disorder (CD), depression, and anxiety. We hypothesize that decision making inADHDis deficient (i.e. inefficient, insufficiently reflective, and inconsistent) and impulsive (biased toward immediate over delayed alternatives). InCD, it is reckless and insensitive to negative consequences. In depression, it is disengaged, perseverative, and pessimistic, while in anxiety, it is hesitant, risk‐averse, and self‐deprecating. A survey of current empirical indications related to these disorder‐specific hypotheses highlights the limited and fragmentary nature of the evidence base and illustrates the need for a major research initiative in decision making in childhood disorders. The final section highlights a number of important additional general themes that need to be considered in future research.
Mixotrophy in the terrestrial green alga Apatococcus lobatus (Trebouxiophyceae, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Gustavs Lydia , Schumann Rhena , Karsten Ulf , Lorenz Maike 
Published: December 2015

The green microalga Apatococcus lobatus is widely distributed in terrestrial habitats throughout many climatic zones. It dominates green biofilms on natural and artificial substrata in temperate latitudes and is regarded as a key genus of obligate terrestrial consortia. Until now, its isolation, cultivation and application as a terrestrial model organism has been hampered by slow growth rates and low growth capacities. A mixotrophic culturing approach clearly enhanced the accumulation of biomass, thereby permitting the future application of A. lobatus in different types of bio‐assays necessary for material and biofilm research. The ability of A. lobatus to grow mixotrophically is assumed as a competitive advantage in terrestrial habitats.
Potential distribution of the invasive freshwater dinoflagellate Ceratium furcoides (Levander) Langhans (Dinophyta) in South America
Authors: Meichtry de Zaburlín Norma , Vogler Roberto E. , Molina María J. , Llano Víctor M. 
Published: December 2015

Dinoflagellates of the genus Ceratium are predominantly found in marine environments, with a few species in inland waters. Over the last decades, the freshwater species Ceratium hirundinella and Ceratium furcoides have colonized and invaded several South American basins. The purpose of this study was to create a distribution model for the invasive dinoflagellate C. furcoides in South America in order to further investigate the basins at potential risk, as well as the environmental conditions that influence its expansion. This species is known to develop blooms due to its mobility, resistance to sedimentation, and optimized use of resources. Although nontoxic, blooms of the species cause many problems to both the natural ecosystems and water users. Potential distribution was predicted by using a maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt). Model was run with 101 occurrences obtained from the scientific literature, and climatic, hydrological and topographic variables. The developed model had a very good performance for the study area. The most susceptible areas identified were mainly concentrated in the basins between southeastern Brazil and northeastern Argentina. Besides already affected regions, new potentially suitable areas were identified in temperate regions of South America. The information generated here will be useful for authorities responsible for water and watershed management to monitor the spread of this species and address problems related to its establishment in new environments.
Out of Africa: Complete and partial remissions as a combined outcome in patients with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis in Cape Town
Authors: Ameh Oluwatoyin I , Swanepoel Charles R , Aderibigbe Ademola , Kengne Andre´ P , Okpechi Ikechi G 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimRemission outcomes among patients with idiopathic membranous glomerulonephritis is unknown in Africa. We sought to determine remission outcomes in a cohort of South African adult patients with IMGN.MethodsThis was a retrospective review of patients with biopsy‐proven IMGN over a 10 year period. Secondary causes of MN were excluded. Demographic, clinical, biochemical and histological records were retrieved for analysis. The trends in biochemical parameters from baseline were determined. The primary outcome was the attainment of a complete or partial remission (CR / PR) at the last follow‐up.ResultsFifty‐six patients met the criteria for inclusion and 43 had subsequent follow‐up care with a median duration of follow‐up of 23.0 (13.0–48.0) months. Sixteen patients (37.2%) were treated with immunosuppression (corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide) and 81.4% received anti‐proteinuric agents. There were no significant differences in demographic and clinical features of patients categorized by immunosuppression (ISP) use. Changes in level of proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were also not significantly different between the two groups. Eighteen patients (41.9%) reached CR or PR at the last visit. The median times‐to‐remission of patients according to ISP status were similar at 48.6 and 48.7 months respectively (P = 0.104) while the proportions of patients not reaching CR/PR at 12 and 24 months were 94.6% and 80.8% respectively. Gender and race did not predict remission status (P > 0.05). Predictors of CR/PR at last visit were eGFR [OR 1.01 (95%CI: 1.00 – 1.02); P = 0.041], and systolic BP (OR 0.97 [95%CI: 0.95 – 0.99); P = 0.036].ConclusionRemission outcomes in this African IMGN cohort are delayed and poor.
Public Reception of Climate Science: Coherence, Reliability, and Independence
Authors: Hahn Ulrike , Harris Adam J. L. , Corner Adam 
Published: December 2015

AbstractPossible measures to mitigate climate change require global collective actions whose impacts will be felt by many, if not all. Implementing such actions requires successful communication of the reasons for them, and hence the underlying climate science, to a degree that far exceeds typical scientific issues which do not require large‐scale societal response. Empirical studies have identified factors, such as the perceived level of consensus in scientific opinion and the perceived reliability of scientists, that can limit people's trust in science communicators and their subsequent acceptance of climate change claims. Little consideration has been given, however, to recent formal results within philosophy concerning the relationship between truth, the reliability of evidence sources, the coherence of multiple pieces of evidence/testimonies, and the impact of (non‐)independence between sources of evidence. This study draws on these results to evaluate exactly what has (and, more important, has not yet) been established in the empirical literature about the factors that bias the public's reception of scientific communications about climate change.
An integrative approach for species delimitation in the spider genus Grammostola (Theraphosidae, Mygalomorphae)
Authors: Montes de Oca Laura , D'Elía Guillermo , Pérez‐Miles Fernando 
Published: December 2015

The mygalomorph genus Grammostola (family Theraphosidae) is endemic to South America. The species Grammostola anthracina is one of the largest spiders in Uruguay and reputed to be the longest lived tarantula in the world. This nominal species has two distinct colour morphs comprising black and reddish‐brown forms with controversial taxonomic status. Here, we present a phylogenetic study based on molecular characters (cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) of haplotypes of G. anthracina and closely related species. Our analysis together with new morphological data and biogeographical information indicates that the two morphs of G. anthracina constitute different species that are not sister to each other. Consequently, a new species, Grammostola quirogai is described, diagnosed and illustrated to encompass the black morph. Phylogenetic relationships and new taxonomic characters for Grammostola species included in this study are discussed.
Number of emerged seedlings and seedling longevity of the non-recruiting, Critically Endangered Håyun lågu Tree Serianthes nelsonii Merr. (Fabales: Leguminosae) are influenced by month of emergence
Authors: Marler Thomas E. , Cascasan April N. 
Published: December 2015

<p>Emergence and longevity of seedlings beneath Guam’s only known Håyun lågu Tree <em>Serianthes nelsonii</em> were studied to determine the fate of every observed seedling during 2013. Newly emerged seedlings were marked with wire stakes every 15 days, then the stakes were collected at each seedling upon death. Longevity of each seedling was calculated from the marked ending and emergence dates. The least number of newly emerged seedlings was recorded at the end of the dry season, and the greatest number of newly emerged seedlings was recorded in the beginning of the rainy season. More than half of the year’s 374 seedlings died in less than 30 days. Seedling longevity ranged from a mean of 31 days for seedlings that emerged in May to 78 days for seedlings that emerged in June. Our results reveal that the baseline level of recruitment potential of the lone survivor of this species on Guam is substantial, and underscore the need for further research to determine the factors associated with the acutely limited seedling lifespan.</p><div> </div>
Length-weight and length-length relationships of seven loach species (Teleostei: Cypriniformes) from five localities in northern Western Ghats, India
Authors: Keskar Ashwini , Kumkar Pradeep , Paingankar Mandar S. , Padhye Anand , Dahanukar Neelesh 
Published: December 2015

<p>Length-weight (LWR) and length-length (LLR) relationships of seven loach species (Teleostei: Cypriniformes): <em>Botia striata, Lepidocephalichthys thermalis, Paracanthocobitis mooreh, Indoreonectes evezardi, Nemacheilus anguilla, Nemachilichthys rueppelli</em> and <em>Schistura denisoni</em> were studied from five localities within the Krishna River system of the Indian Western Ghats: Lonawala (Indrayani River), Paud (Mula River), Warje (Mutha River), Bhor (Nira River) and Patan (Koyna River). With the exception of <em>L. thermalis</em> all species are endemic to peninsular India, and to our knowledge this is the first presentation of LWR and LLR data for them. New maximum lengths are also reported for <em>I. evezardi, N. anguilla, N. rueppelli </em>and<em> S. denisoni.</em> </p><div><em><br /></em></div>
Birds of sacred groves of northern Kerala, India
Authors: Jyothi K. M. , Nameer P. O. 
Published: December 2015

<p>Sacred groves are patches of vegetation preserved due to religious or cultural tradition. They are protected through spiritual beliefs. Sacred groves provide an excellent abode to the biodiversity of the region where they are located. Scientific exploration of fauna from sacred groves of India is few and far between. The present study was conducted to explore the bird diversity and abundance in 15 selected sacred groves of northern Kerala, eight from Kannur District and seven from Kasargod District each. A total of 111 bird species were observed belonging to 49 families and 16 orders. The sacred groves of northern Kerala support many of the ‘forest-birds’ such as the Grey Junglefowl <em>Gallus sonneratii</em>, Asian Fairy-bluebird <em>Irena puella</em>, Tickell’s Blue-flycatcher <em>Cyornis tickelliae</em>, Malabar Trogon <em>Harpactes fasciatus</em>, Heart-spotted Woodpecker <em>Hemicircus canente</em>, Malabar Whistling-Thrush <em>Myophonus horsfieldii</em>, Little Spiderhunter <em>Arachnothera longirostra, </em>etc. The sacred groves of northern Kerala also support two endemic bird species of the Western Ghats, such as the Malabar Grey Hornbill <em>Ocyceros griseus</em> and Rufous Babbler <em>Turdoides subrufa</em>. Five species of raptors and four owl species were reported from the sacred groves of north Kerala during the present study. The breeding of the White-bellied Sea-Eagle has been reported at Edayilakadu Kavu, a sacred grove in Kasargod District. The sacred groves of northern Kerala also supported 17 species of long distant migratory birds. Thazhe Kavu, recorded the Black-headed Ibis <em>Threskiornis melanocephalus</em>, a Near-Threatened bird according to IUCN.</p><div> </div>
A review of the genus Platecrizotes Ferrière (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea: Pteromalidae) with the description of a new species from India
Authors: Sureshan P. M. , Farsana V.K. Raseena , Nikhil K. 
Published: December 2015

<p>The genus <em>Platecrizotes</em> Ferrière (1934) (Hymenoptera: Pteromalidae) is reviewed, and a new species, <em>P. keralensis</em> is described from India. Affinities of the new species with the other known species are discussed and a key to the world species is also provided.</p><div> </div>
New records of Cerambycidae (Insecta: Coleoptera) from Madhya Pradesh, India
Authors: Majumder Amitava , Raha Angshuman , Mitra Bulganin , Chandra Kailash 
Published: December 2015

<p>The present study reports new distribution records of seven species of Cerambycid beetles belonging to seven genera of seven tribes and under two subfamilies from Madhya Pradesh. As a result, based on the past literature and the present study, a total of 18 species of Cerambycidae are known from Madhya Pradesh. The paper also provides detailed diagnostic characters of the eight studied species. </p><div> </div>