bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrated population modeling reveals the impact of climate on the survival of juvenile emperor penguins
Authors: Abadi Fitsum , Barbraud Christophe , Gimenez Olivier 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEarly‐life demographic traits are poorly known, impeding our understanding of population processes and sensitivity to climate change. Survival of immature individuals is a critical component of population dynamics and recruitment in particular. However, obtaining reliable estimates of juvenile survival (i.e., from independence to first year) remains challenging, as immatures are often difficult to observe and to monitor individually in the field. This is particularly acute for seabirds, in which juveniles stay at sea and remain undetectable for several years. In this work, we developed a Bayesian integrated population model to estimate the juvenile survival of emperor penguins (Aptenodytes forsteri), and other demographic parameters including adult survival and fecundity of the species. Using this statistical method, we simultaneously analyzed capture–recapture data of adults, the annual number of breeding females, and the number of fledglings of emperor penguins collected at Dumont d'Urville, Antarctica, for the period 1971–1998. We also assessed how climate covariates known to affect the species foraging habitats and prey [southern annular mode (SAM), sea ice concentration (SIC)] affect juvenile survival. Our analyses revealed that there was a strong evidence for the positive effect of SAM during the rearing period (SAMR) on juvenile survival. Our findings suggest that this large‐scale climate index affects juvenile emperor penguins body condition and survival through its influence on wind patterns, fast ice extent, and distance to open water. Estimating the influence of environmental covariates on juvenile survival is of major importance to understand the impacts of climate variability and change on the population dynamics of emperor penguins and seabirds in general and to make robust predictions on the impact of climate change on marine predators.
The competitive status of trees determines their responsiveness to increasing atmospheric humidity – a climate trend predicted for northern latitudes
Authors: Tullus Arvo , Kupper Priit , Kaasik Ants , Tullus Hardi , Lõhmus Krista , Sõber Anu , Sellin Arne 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThe interactive effects of climate variables and tree–tree competition are still insufficiently understood drivers of forest response to global climate change. Precipitation and air humidity are predicted to rise concurrently at high latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere. We investigated whether the growth response of deciduous trees to elevated air humidity varies with their competitive status. The study was conducted in seed‐originated silver birch and monoclonal hybrid aspen stands grown at the free air humidity manipulation (FAHM) experimental site in Estonia, in which manipulated stands (n = 3 for both species) are exposed to artificially elevated relative air humidity (6–7% over the ambient level). The study period included three growing seasons during which the stands had reached the competitive stage (trees were 7 years old in the final year). A significant ‘treatment×competitive status’ interactive effect on growth was detected in all years in birch (P < 0.01) and in one year in aspen stands (P = 0.015). Competitively advantaged trees were always more strongly affected by elevated humidity. Initially the growth of advantaged and neutral trees of both species remained significantly suppressed in humidified stands. In the following years, dominance and elevated humidity had a synergistic positive effect on the growth of birches. Aspens with different competitive status recovered more uniformly, attaining similar relative growth rates in manipulated and control stands, but preserved a significantly lower total growth yield due to severe initial growth stress. Disadvantaged trees of both species were never significantly affected by elevated humidity. Our results suggest that air humidity affects trees indirectly depending on their social status. Therefore, the response of northern temperate and boreal forests to a more humid climate in future will likely be modified by competitive relationships among trees, which may potentially affect species composition and cause a need to change forestry practices.
Association between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular diseases: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Berlin‐Broner Y. , Febbraio M. , Levin L. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA systematic review was conducted to assess the association between apical periodontitis (AP) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Studies published from the earliest date available until September 2015 were retrieved from the Medline, PubMed and Embase databases. The included studies reported the results from observational studies and assessed the link between AP and CVD as confirmed by one of the following criteria: diagnosed coronary artery disease, angina pectoris, acute myocardial infarction, stroke or mortality caused by cardiac pathology. The study characteristics were abstracted by independent researchers following the PRISMA standard protocol. NOS criteria were used to rate the quality of the studies, and the GRADE was used for level of evidence evaluation. Nineteen epidemiological studies fulfilled the predetermined inclusion criteria: 10 case–control studies, five cross‐sectional studies and four cohort studies. There was considerable heterogeneity amongst the included studies in terms of their study design, population, outcomes of interest and AP evaluation methods. Considering the limited availability and the heterogeneity amongst the studies, meta‐analysis was not attempted. Thirteen of the 19 included studies found a significant positive association between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, although in two of them, the significance was present only in univariate analysis. Five studies failed to reveal positive significance, and one study reported a negative association. In conclusion, although most of the published studies found a positive association between apical periodontitis and cardiovascular disease, the quality of the existing evidence is moderate–low and a causal relationship cannot be established.
Effect of sodium hypochlorite and saline on cyclic fatigue resistance of WaveOne Gold and Reciproc reciprocating instruments
Authors: Elnaghy A. M. , Elsaka S. E. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimTo compare the cyclic fatigue resistance of WaveOne Gold (Dentsply Tulsa Dental Specialties, Tulsa, OK, USA) and Reciproc (VDW, Munich, Germany) reciprocating instruments during immersion in sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl) and saline solutions at body temperature.MethodologyA total of 180 new WaveOne Gold primary size 25, .07 taper, and Reciproc size 25, .08 taper were randomly divided into three groups: group 1: no immersion (control, air); group 2: immersion in saline at 37 ± 1 °C; and group 3: immersion in 5% NaOCl at 37 ± 1 °C. The instruments were reciprocated in the test solution until fracture, and the number of cycles to failure was recorded. The data were analysed statistically using t‐tests and one‐way analysis of variance (anova) with the significance level set at P < 0.05. A Weibull analysis was performed on number of cycles to failure data.ResultsWaveOne Gold instruments had significantly greater number of cycles to failure than Reciproc instruments in all groups (P < 0.001). Fatigue resistance for both instruments tested in air was significantly higher than that in saline and NaOCl solutions (P < 0.001). For both instruments, there was no significant difference in the fatigue resistance between saline and NaOCl solutions (P > 0.05). The Weibull analysis showed that the predicted cycles of WaveOne Gold in air was 1027 cycles for 99% survival. However, Reciproc instruments tested in NaOCl solution had the lowest predicted cycles (613 cycles) among the groups.ConclusionsImmersion of WaveOne Gold and Reciproc reciprocating instruments in saline and NaOCl solutions decreased considerably their cyclic fatigue resistance. The fatigue resistance of WaveOne Gold instruments was higher than that of Reciproc instruments.
Oncological and functional outcomes of postoperative total parenteral nutrition after radical cystectomy in bladder cancer patients: A single‐center randomized trial
Authors: Vidal Alvaro , Arnold Nicolas , Vartolomei Mihai Dorin , Kiss Bernhard , Burkhard Fiona , Thalmann George N , Roth Beat 
Published: October 2016

ObjectivesTo prospectively evaluate the long‐term oncological and functional outcomes of postoperative total parenteral nutrition after radical cystectomy.MethodsA total of 157 consecutive patients (≤cT3, cN0, cM0) who underwent extended pelvic lymph node dissection, radical cystectomy and ileal urinary diversion from September 2008 to March 2011 at a single center were randomized to receive either postoperative total parenteral nutrition (group A; n = 74) or oral nutrition alone (group B; n = 83). All but two patients in group B (who were thus excluded from further analysis) had regular postoperative follow up at the Department of Urology, University of Bern, Switzerland. Computed tomography and bone scan were carried out to assess local recurrences and distal metastases. We used validated questionnaires to evaluate bowel function, sexual function and quality of life, and an institutional questionnaire to evaluate neobladder function.ResultsThe median follow up was 50 months (IQR 21–62). The rate of local recurrences (4/74 [5.4%] in group A; 4/81 [4.9%] in group B; P = 0.9) and the rate of distant metastases (23/74 [31%] in group A; 23/81 [28%] in group B; P = 0.72) did not differ between the two groups. There was no difference in cancer‐specific (P = 0.86) and overall survival (P = 0.85). Group B patients had significantly better bowel function at 3 months (P = 0.03) and 12 months (P = 0.01). There was no difference in terms of quality of life, and sexual and neobladder function.ConclusionsThe administration of total parenteral nutrition after radical cystectomy does not impair long‐term oncological outcomes. It does, however, negatively influence long‐term bowel function.
RNA interference and dietary inhibitors induce a similar compensation response in Tribolium castaneum larvae
Authors: Perkin L. C. , Elpidina E. N. , Oppert B. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractTribolium castaneum is a major agriculture pest damaging stored grains and cereal products. The T. castaneum genome contains 26 cysteine peptidase genes, mostly cathepsins L and B, and seven have a major role in digestion. We targeted the expression of the most highly expressed cathepsin L gene on chromosome 10, TC011001, by RNA interference (RNAi), using double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) constructs of different regions of the gene (3′, middle, 5′ and entire coding regions). RNA sequencing and quantitation (RNA‐seq) was used to evaluate knockdown and specificity amongst the treatments. Overall, target gene expression decreased in all treatment groups, but was more severe and specific in dsRNA targeting the 3′ and entire coding regions, encoding the proteolytic active site in the enzyme. Additional cysteine cathepsin genes also were down‐regulated (off‐target effects), but some were up‐regulated in response to RNAi treatment. Notably, some serine peptidase genes were increased in expression, especially in dsRNA targeting 5′ and middle regions, and the response was similar to the effects of dietary cysteine protease inhibitors. We manually annotated these serine peptidase genes to gain insight into function and relevance to the RNAi study. The data indicate that T. castaneum larvae compensate for the loss of digestive peptidase activity in the larval gut, regardless of the mechanism of disruption.
Randomized controlled trial of family‐based education for patients with heart failure and their carers
Authors: Srisuk Nittaya , Cameron Jan , Ski Chantal F. , Thompson David R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate a heart failure education programme developed for patients and carers in Thailand.BackgroundHeart failure is major health problem. This is the first trial of a family‐based education programme for heart failure patients and carers residing in rural Thailand.DesignRandomized controlled trial.MethodsOne hundred patient‐carer dyads attending cardiac clinics in southern Thailand from April 2014 ‐ March 2015 were randomized to usual care (n = 50) or a family‐based education programme (n = 50) comprising face‐to‐face counselling, a heart failure manual and DVD and telephone support. Assessments of heart failure knowledge, health‐related quality of life, self‐care behaviours and perceived control were conducted at baseline, three and six months.ResultsLinear mixed‐effects model revealed that patients and carers who received the education programme had higher knowledge scores at three and six months than those who received usual care. Among those who received the education programme, when compared with those who received usual care, patients had better self‐care maintenance and confidence, and health‐related quality of life scores at three and six months, and better self‐care management scores at six months, whereas carers had higher perceived control scores at three months.ConclusionAddressing a significant service gap in rural Thailand, this family‐based heart failure programme improved patient knowledge, self‐care behaviours and health‐related quality of life and carer knowledge and perceived control.
What Drives the Consequences of Intentional Misstatements? Evidence from Rating Analysts’ Reactions
Authors: Bierey Martin , Schmidt Martin 
Published: October 2016

AbstractThis paper aims to identify the mechanisms through which intentional misstatements adversely affect firms by analyzing rating analysts’ reaction to misstatements. In order to identify the mechanisms through which the misstatement affects firms’ credit ratings, we analyze the content of rating reports. Rating analysts are concerned about seven different mechanisms. They are most concerned about misstatement‐related violations of debt covenants that increase a firm's liquidity risk. We find that, subsequent to an intentional misstatement becoming publicly known, credit ratings of misreporting firms are adversely affected for up to seven years. The adverse impact of an intentional misstatement on a firm's credit rating is most pronounced in cases in which rating analysts mention concerns about misstatement‐related violations of covenants. Our results suggest that these covenant violations are the most severe mechanism through which misstatements adversely affect firms’ creditworthiness.
Islands as biological substrates: classification of the biological assemblage components and the physical island types
Authors: Ali Jason R. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimBiological suites on marine islands attract the attention of many researchers because their natural seclusion enables a variety of key processes to be studied in considerable detail. The present‐day classification of marine‐island biotic systems is based largely on 19th Century ideas, specifically those of Darwin and Wallace. However, along a number of fronts, knowledge has advanced dramatically, particularly regarding the dynamic ‘solid’ Earth (plate tectonics, ocean‐floor thermal‐cooling subsidence, mantle‐plume hotspots, etc.), as well as the behaviour of the planet's liquid and gaseous envelopes, today and in the geological past. This manuscript serves as an introduction to a series of articles aimed at providing the biological/biogeographical community with an overview of the current understanding of the physical settings of the marine islands, that is, the substrates upon which the biotas accumulate and develop.LocationGlobal.ResultsI propose separate classification systems for the biotic assemblage components and the physical island types to replace the current mixed scheme of recent continental, ancient continental and oceanic. The lifeforms can be assigned to one of four classes reflecting how an organism's founder ancestors colonized an island: recent land bridge, recent ice‐sheet, overwater dispersed and deep‐time vicariant (an island may host two or more of these types). The nomenclature for the islands reflects their geo‐physical setting and has the advantage of indicating the ontogenetic path the landmass is on. In turn, this may feed back into the way the hosted biology is viewed. Four major categories are recognized: continental, island arc, composite terrane and mantle‐plume hotspot, plus a handful of left‐overs. These groups can be further split into between three and nine types.Main conclusionSeparating the classifications of the island biotic assemblage components and the physical island varieties (of which there are many sorts) makes it possible to assign all islands and their biotas unambiguously. It thus provides an appreciably more nuanced scheme than Wallace's threefold system.
Does range‐restricted evolutionary history predict extinction risk? A case study in lizards
Authors: Di Virgilio Giovanni , Laffan Shawn W. , Nielsen Stuart V. , Chapple David G. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimConservation is often prioritized by identifying regional clusters of threatened or endemic species. Another approach is to assess the evolutionary distinctiveness of groups of taxa using phylodiversity measures. However, quantification of evolutionary history has traditionally not accounted for its uneven geographical distribution due to the variation in species ranges. We assess the efficacy of phylogenetic endemism (PE) to predict high extinction risk in comparison to estimates of species range restriction (weighted endemism, WE) and phylogenetic diversity (PD). PE measures the relative range restriction of evolutionary history (lineages), while WE concentrates on the tips of the tree of life, treating all such branches as being of equal length.Location/MethodsUsing New Zealand's endemic skinks and geckos, we mapped the geographical variation in their extinction risk, PE, WE and PD and measured the extent to which extinction risk exhibited phylogenetic clustering for each group. Correlations between geographical concentrations of high skink and gecko extinction risk with PE, WE and PD were calculated.ResultsPE was predictive of spatial clusters of high extinction risk for geckos (r2 = 0.34, P < 0.001) while WE was markedly less so (r2 = 0.19, P < 0.001). The reverse applied to skinks, with WE most predictive of high risk (r2 = 0.26, P < 0.001). The phylogenetic signal of extinction risk was significantly conserved for geckos, but was weaker and non‐significant for skinks. PE and WE were not predictive of low risk. PD was not predictive of risk.Main conclusionsPE and related measures may be predictive of extinction risk when risk is phylogenetically conserved. Mapping the geographical variation in PE could be a useful first assessment of extinction risk for many groups because phylogenies are increasingly available, while full risk status categories are not. These findings might apply to other groups and locations and warrant further investigation.
Evolutionary history of the thicket rats (genus Grammomys) mirrors the evolution of African forests since late Miocene
Authors: Bryja Josef , Šumbera Radim , Kerbis Peterhans Julian C. , Aghová Tatiana , Bryjová Anna , Mikula Ondřej , Nicolas Violaine , Denys Christiane , Verheyen Erik 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimGrammomys are mostly arboreal rodents occurring in forests, woodlands and thickets throughout sub‐Saharan Africa. We investigated whether the divergence events within the genus follow the existing evolutionary scenario for the development of African forests since the late Miocene.LocationSub‐Saharan African forests and woodlands.MethodsWe inferred the molecular phylogeny of Grammomys using Bayesian and maximum likelihood methods and DNA sequences of 351 specimens collected from across the distribution of the genus. We mapped the genetic diversity, estimated the divergence times by a relaxed clock model and compared evolution of the genus with forest history.ResultsPhylogenetic analysis confirms the monophyly of Grammomys and reveals five main Grammomys lineages with mainly parapatric distributions: (1) the poensis group in Guineo‐Congolese forests; (2) the selousi group with a distribution mainly in coastal forests of southern and eastern Africa; (3) the dolichurus group restricted to the easternmost part of South Africa; (4) the macmillani group in the northern part of eastern and Central Africa with one isolated species in Guinean forests; and (5) the surdaster group, widely distributed in eastern Africa south of the equator. Every group contains well supported sublineages suggesting the existence of undescribed species. The earliest split within the genus (groups 1 vs. 2–5) occurred in the late Miocene and coincides with the formation of the Rift Valley which resulted in the east–west division of the initially pan‐African forest. The subsequent separation between groups (2 vs. 3–5) also dates to the end of the Miocene and suggests the split between Grammomys from coastal to upland forests in eastern Africa followed by a single dispersal event into western Africa during the Pleistocene.ConclusionsThe evolutionary history of the genus Grammomys closely reflects the accepted scenario of major historical changes in the distribution of tropical African forests since the late Miocene.
Metacommunity structuring in Himalayan streams over large elevational gradients: the role of dispersal routes and niche characteristics
Authors: Tonkin Jonathan D. , Tachamo Shah Ram Devi , Shah Deep Narayan , Hoppeler Felicitas , Jähnig Sonja C. , Pauls Steffen U. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAimTo examine metacommunity structuring in stream communities over large elevational gradients by disentangling physical and environmental structuring and the importance of different dispersal routes and niche characteristics.LocationHeadwater streams in three catchments in the Hindu‐Kush Himalaya of central and eastern Nepal.MethodsWe explored metacommunity structuring of stream invertebrates (including deconstructed assemblages by niche position and breadth) using a combination of approaches, including the elements of metacommunity structure and distance–decay relationships. We compared the importance of dispersal routes, elevation and local environmental conditions through five distance matrices: Euclidean, topographic, river network, elevational and environmental.ResultsCommunities were structured along the elevational gradient with clear turnover apparent in two catchments, with Clementsian (compartmentalized) and Gleasonian (individualistic) distributions. Local environment played a minor role, and the selected distance matrices (i.e. elevation, three physical distances and environment) varied between catchments and niche groups. Contrary to expectation, specialists were more spatially than environmentally controlled, potentially reflecting dispersal limitation.Main conclusionsIn these physically dominated systems, local environment was overridden by dispersal limitation, particularly when considering specialists. Where barriers were not limiting dispersal, niche sorting along the elevational gradients represented the key structuring force. Overall, our findings reveal the importance of elevation and the spatial arrangement of sites in structuring metacommunities. We emphasize the value of considering physical structuring and spatial extent in modulating species sorting in metacommunities.