bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vital sites and actions: an integrated framework for prioritizing conservation actions and reporting achievement
Authors: Overton Jacob McC. , Walker Susan , Price Robbie , Stephens R. T. Theo , Henson Sarah , Earl Richard , Wright Elaine 
Published: January 2015

AbstractAimWe describe the Vital Sites and Actions (Vital Sites) model and computational framework for prioritizing conservation actions, describing biodiversity trends and reporting the difference made to biodiversity by conservation management.LocationWe demonstrate the model in New Zealand using ecological integrity as a national biodiversity goal.MethodsVital Sites implements a model of biodiversity, pressures on biodiversity and the benefits to biodiversity of management. Effects of pressures on biodiversity are used to predict vulnerability and future biodiversity patterns over a given time period (e.g. a decade), and management actions affect future biodiversity patterns by reducing pressures. A generalized expression ofsignificance(the marginal contribution to conservation goals) is combined with vulnerability to estimate thebenefits of management(BOM), defined as the marginal contribution to goals achieved by conservation action. Because of their dependence on biodiversity and management context,BOMis estimated relative to a defined biodiversity configuration and management scenario.ResultsConservation actions with the highestBOMare those that make the largest gains or avert the most loss to national ecological integrity. The 2009 pest control operations are predicted to decreaseBOMfrom additional operations – even far beyond operational boundaries – becauseBOMdepends on the expected future biodiversity configuration. National ecological integrity was predicted to decline, with the 2009 operations making only a small reduction in this predicted decline.Main conclusionsVital Sites provides important advantages for conservation planning and reporting by: (1) incorporating threats, effects of management and future vulnerabilities into identifying conservation priorities, (2) accounting for fundamental contextual and scaling relationships in conservation reporting, and (3) providing a shared conceptual and computational platform for conservation planning and performance reporting. This demonstrates the feasibility of a shared platform for planning and reporting, providing many advantages for conservation agencies.
Multicenter outpatient dinner/overnight reduction of hypoglycemia and increased time of glucose in target with a wearable artificial pancreas using modular model predictive control in adults with type 1 diabetes
Authors: Del Favero S. , Place J. , Kropff J. , Messori M. , Keith‐Hynes P. , Visentin R. , Monaro M. , Galasso S. , Boscari F. , Toffanin C. , Di Palma F. , Lanzola G. , Scarpellini S. , Farret A. , Kovatchev B. , Avogaro A. , Bruttomesso D. , Magni L. , DeVries J. H. , Cobelli C. , Renard E. ,   on behalf of the AP@home Consortium
Published: January 2015

AimsTo test in an outpatient setting the safety and efficacy of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) driven by a modular model predictive control (MMPC) algorithm informed by continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) measurement.Methods13 patients affected by type 1 diabetes participated to a non‐randomized outpatient 42‐h experiment that included two evening meals and overnight periods (in short, dinner & night periods). CSII was patient‐driven during dinner & night period 1 and MMPC‐driven during dinner&night period 2. The study was conducted in hotels, where patients could move around freely. A CGM system (G4 Platinum; Dexcom Inc., San Diego, CA, USA) and insulin pump (AccuChek Combo; Roche Diagnostics, Mannheim, Germany) were connected wirelessly to a smartphone‐based platform (DiAs, Diabetes Assistant; University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA) during both periods.ResultsA significantly lower percentage of time spent with glucose levels <3.9 mmol/l was achieved in period 2 compared with period 1: 1.96 ± 4.56% vs 12.76 ± 15.84% (mean ± standard deviation, p < 0.01), together with a greater percentage of time spent in the 3.9–10 mmol/l target range: 83.56 ± 14.02% vs 62.43 ± 29.03% (p = 0.04). In addition, restricting the analysis to the overnight phases, a lower percentage of time spent with glucose levels <3.9 mmol/l (1.92 ± 4.89% vs 12.7 ± 19.75%; p = 0.03) was combined with a greater percentage of time spent in 3.9–10 mmol/l target range in period 2 compared with period 1 (92.16 ± 8.03% vs 63.97 ± 2.73%; p = 0.01). Average glucose levels were similar during both periods.ConclusionsThe results suggest that MMPC managed by a wearable system is safe and effective during evening meal and overnight. Its sustained use during this period is currently being tested in an ongoing randomized 2‐month study.
An open‐label phase I/II study of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, and dexamethasone in newly diagnosed myeloma
Authors: Nishihori Taiga , Baz Rachid , Shain Kenneth , Kim Jongphil , Ochoa‐Bayona Jose L. , Yue Binglin , Sullivan Daniel , Dalton William , Alsina Melissa 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWe conducted a phase 1/2 trial evaluating the combination of cyclophosphamide, bortezomib, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin, and dexamethasone (CVDD) for newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (MM). The primary objective of the phase 1 was to evaluate the safety and tolerability of maximum planned dose (MPD) and the phase 2 was to assess the overall response rate. Patients received 6–8 cycles of CVDD at four dose levels. There were no dose‐limiting toxicities. The MPD was cyclophosphamide 750 mg/m2 IV on day 1, bortezomib 1.3 mg/m2 IV on days 1, 4, 8, 11, pegylated liposomal doxorubicin 30 mg/m2 IV on day 4, and dexamethasone 20 mg orally on the day of and after bortezomib (21‐d cycle). Forty‐nine patients were treated at the MPD of which 22% had high‐risk myeloma. The most common grade ≥3 toxicities included myelosuppression, infection, and fatigue. Overall response and complete response rates were 91% and 26% in standard‐risk, and 100% and 58% in high‐risk cohort, respectively. After a median follow‐up of 34 months, the median progression‐free survival was 31.3 months. The 2‐yr overall survival was 91.1% in the standard‐risk and 88.9% in the high‐risk cohort, respectively. CVDD regimen was well tolerated and was highly active in newly diagnosed MM.
Climate‐driven extinctions shape the phylogenetic structure of temperate tree floras
Authors: Eiserhardt Wolf L. , Borchsenius Finn , Plum Christoffer M. , Ordonez Alejandro , Svenning Jens‐Christian 
Published: January 2015

AbstractWhen taxa go extinct, unique evolutionary history is lost. If extinction is selective, and the intrinsic vulnerabilities of taxa show phylogenetic signal, more evolutionary history may be lost than expected under random extinction. Under what conditions this occurs is insufficiently known. We show that late Cenozoic climate change induced phylogenetically selective regional extinction of northern temperate trees because of phylogenetic signal in cold tolerance, leading to significantly and substantially larger than random losses of phylogenetic diversity (PD). The surviving floras in regions that experienced stronger extinction are phylogenetically more clustered, indicating that non‐random losses of PD are of increasing concern with increasing extinction severity. Using simulations, we show that a simple threshold model of survival given a physiological trait with phylogenetic signal reproduces our findings. Our results send a strong warning that we may expect future assemblages to be phylogenetically and possibly functionally depauperate if anthropogenic climate change affects taxa similarly.
Stress singularity analysis for orthotropic V‐notches in the generalised plane strain state
Authors: Cheng C. Z. , Zhou W. , Niu Z. R. , Recho N. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe singularity for the V‐notch under the generalised plane deformation is investigated by the combination of the asymptotic analysis with the interpolating matrix method developed by part of the authors before. The displacement asymptotic expansions at the vicinity of the V‐notch vertex are introduced into the equilibrium equations, which are transformed into a set of characteristic ordinary differential equations with respect to the notch singularity orders. The boundary conditions and interfacial compatibility conditions are also represented by the combination of the singularity orders and characteristic angular functions. The determination of the singularity orders and characteristic angular functions are transformed into solving the ordinary differential equations with variable coefficients, which are solved by the interpolating matrix method. The present method is suitable for the singularity analysis for isotropic and orthotropic V‐notches. It is versatile for analysing the stress singularity of single material V‐notches, bi‐material V‐notches, interface edges and cracks. The correctness of the results by the proposed method is ensured by the comparison with the published ones.
Genomic copy number alterations of primary and secondary metastasizing pleomorphic adenomas
Authors: Mariano Fernanda Viviane , Gondak Rogério de Oliveira , Martins Antonio Santos , Coletta Ricardo Della , Paes de Almeida Oslei , Kowalski Luiz Paulo , Krepischi Ana Cristina Victorino , Altemani Albina 
Published: January 2015

AimsMetastasizing pleomorphic adenoma (MPA) is a rare tumour, and its mechanism of metastasis still is unknown. To date, there has been no study on MPA genomics. We analysed primary and secondary MPAs with array comparative genomic hybridization to identify somatic copy number alterations and affected genes.Methods and resultsTumour DNA samples from primary (parotid salivary gland) and secondary (scalp skin) MPAs were subjected to array comparative genomic hybridization investigation, and the data were analysed with NEXUS COPY NUMBER DISCOVERY. The primary MPA showed copy number losses affecting 3p22.2p14.3 and 19p13.3p123, and a complex pattern of four different deletions at chromosome 6. The 3p deletion encompassed several genes: CTNNB1, SETD2, BAP1, and PBRM1, among others. The secondary MPA showed a genomic profile similar to that of the primary MPA, with acquisition of additional copy number changes affecting 9p24.3p13.1 (loss), 19q11q13.43 (gain), and 22q11.1q13.33 (gain).ConclusionOur findings indicated a clonal origin of the secondary MPA, as both tumours shared a common profile of genomic copy number alterations. Furthermore, we were able to detect in the primary tumour a specific pattern of copy number alterations that could explain the metastasizing characteristic, whereas the secondary MPA showed a more unbalanced genome.
Preliminary identification of key coral species from New Caledonia (Southwest Pacific Ocean), their significance to reef formation, and responses to environmental change
Authors: Hongo Chuki , Wirrmann Denis 
Published: January 2015

AbstractThe recognition of key coral species (KCS) in the geological record, i.e. those that contribute to reef formation and maintenance of coral reef ecosystems, is important for understanding the development and evolution of reef ecosystems and for forecasting their responses to climate change and anthropogenic impacts in the near future. This study examined the contribution to reef formation and maintenance of KCS from Pleistocene and Holocene barrier reefs in New Caledonia, based on analyses of six cores retrieved from three different reefs: Islets Kendec, Amédée, and Bayes. Our results indicate that at least 19 genera and 33 species of corals contributed to reef formation and maintenance during the Holocene in New Caledonia. Among them, Goniastrea retiformis, Isopora palifera, Dipsastraea pallida/speciosa complex, corymbose Acropora sp., massive Porites sp., and encrusting Porites sp. were KCS during the Holocene. This observation suggests that KCS will potentially contribute to the formation and persistence of reefs in the near future under conditions of estimated global sea‐level rise of 0.2–0.6 m/100 years. However, the distributions and abundances of these species are currently decreasing. This study emphasizes the need for further research on the restoration and conservation of potential KCS.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for chronic post‐herpetic neuralgia
Authors: Ing Malcolm R. , Hellreich Philip D. , Johnson Douglas W. , Chen John J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPostherpetic neuralgia remains a therapeutic challenge for the clinician. Many modalities have been utilized with limited success. In this pilot randomized study of patients who were refractory to previous medicinal treatment, the patients were treated with transcutaneous nerve stimulation with a biofeedback capability. After every two treatments with the sham and true device, the patients were required to fill out a standard neuropathic pain scale score. The patients were allowed to select the other device after three consecutive treatments if they felt an inadequate decrease in their pain. The true device was chosen over the sham device by all patients. The majority of these patients treated by the true device reported a statistically significant decrease in pain scores (P < 0.001). Further investigation of this Food and Drug Administration, class 2 accepted, electronic device for relief of pain is warranted for patients with a history of recalcitrant postherpetic neuralgia.
The therapeutic impact of HNP‐1 in condyloma acuminatum
Authors: Zhao Shuyun , Zhou Hong Ying , Li Huijuan , Yi Tao , Zhao Xia 
Published: January 2015

AbstractBackgroundCondyloma acuminatum is one of the most commonly occurring sexually transmitted diseases. HNP1 is a small antimicrobial peptide that has been reported to have antiviral activities.AimUsing the condyloma acuminatum tissue culture to resemble the situation more closely in vivo, we investigate the therapeutic effect of a recombinant plasmid encoding HNP1 gene in condyloma acuminatum tissue.MethodsRecombinant plasmid DNA carrying HNP1 cDNA was constructed and identified. Then the recombinant plasmid was transfected into a condyloma acuminatum tissue fragment, and the HNP1 expression was determined on these tissue fragments by immunohistochemistry. TUNEL staining and flow cytometry techniques were used to examine cell apoptosis of condyloma acuminatum tissue. Relative real‐time polymerase chain reaction was used to validate antihuman papillomavirus therapeutics of the treatment groups.ResultsTransfected HNP1 gene was expressed mainly in the cytoplasmic granules of the condyloma acuminatum tissues. Positive apoptotic cells were observed in condyloma acuminatum tissues transfected with the HNP1 gene. In addition, the HPV expression was lower in the HNP1 treatment tissues as compared to their corresponding control tissues.ConclusionThe results indicate that HNP1 can directly promote condyloma acuminatum cell apoptosis and play an antivirus role in the condyloma acuminatum tissue by limiting viral replication. These observations suggest a possible application for human HNP1 on condyloma acuminatum therapy.
Preoperative factors predicting spontaneous clearance of residual stone fragments after flexible ureteroscopy
Authors: Ito Hiroki , Kuroda Shinnosuke , Kawahara Takashi , Makiyama Kazuhide , Yao Masahiro , Matsuzaki Junichi 
Published: January 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate factors predicting spontaneous clearance of residual renal fragments after flexible ureteroscopy.MethodsAmong 546 patients who underwent lithotripsy with flexible ureteroscopy, 81 had residual renal fragments, as determined by kidney–ureter–bladder films on postoperative day 1. The final outcome was determined at 3 months after the last flexible ureteroscopy session using non‐contrast computed tomography. Patient characteristics and preoperative factors were analyzed using the unpaired t‐test and χ2‐test. Correlations between the possible predictive factors and the spontaneous clearance of residual renal fragments after flexible ureteroscopy were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model with backward selection.ResultsNon‐contrast computed tomography at postoperative month 3 showed that 33 cases (40.7%) had spontaneous clearance of residual renal fragments, whereas 48 (59.3%) showed non‐clearance. Significant differences were found between these cases in terms of stone number, stone location, presence of lower pole calculi and preoperative stent placement. Multivariate assessment showed that stone number (P = 0.004), presence of lower pole calculi (P = 0.021) and presence of hydronephrosis (P = 0.024) were independent predictors of the spontaneous clearance of residual renal fragments after flexible ureteroscopy.ConclusionsStone number, presence of lower pole calculi and presence of hydronephrosis are independent predictive factors of the spontaneous clearance of residual renal fragments after flexible ureteroscopy.
How Do We Diagnose Syncope?
Authors: FARWELL DAVID , SULKE NEIL 
Published: January 2015

Diagnosis of Syncope. Introduction: The Eastbourne Syncope Assessment Study aims to increase diagnostic yield in unexplained syncope while reducing investigational costs. The initial study phase was a retrospective analysis of every presentation to the Eastbourne General Hospital (a busy nontertiary center in the United Kingdom serving a population of 250,000; 24% are older than 65 years) with syncope for the year 1998.Methods and Results: A total of 1,334 cases with syncopal codes were identified. Six hundred sixty patients (mean age 64 years) had actually suffered an episode of syncope. Forty percent had recurrent syncope, with a mean of 4.7 previous episodes. Twenty‐nine percent of syncope cases remained undiagnosed. Forty‐four percent were diagnosed as vasovagal, 12% neurologic, 6% due to an arrhythmia, 2% drug related, and 2% due to hemorrhage. Thirteen different types of investigation were undertaken, with an overall total of 3,264 investigations performed at a cost of £104285. Diagnosis was achieved by history and examination alone in 61% of cases. Excluding history and examination, the most cost‐effective diagnostic tools were the 7‐day patient‐activated recorder (R test) and tilt testing (£260 and £401 per diagnosis, respectively). Investigations also were graded by their relative diagnostic power. Hospital admission alone accounted for 67% of the cost of investigating syncope.Conclusion: In syncope, diagnostic rates can be improved and investigational costs reduced by concentrating on the most specific, sensitive, and cost‐effective investigations and by minimizing hospital stay. Such a protocol currently is under investigation at our institution.
Automatic External Defibrillator: Key Link in the Chain of Survival
Authors: KOSTER RUDOLPH W. 
Published: January 2015

Automatic External Defibrillator. Introduction: Sudden cardiac death is a major health problem. Worldwide success of resuscitation from out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest is modest, with 5% to 10% survival to hospital discharge.Methods and Results: In the chain of survival, early defibrillation (goal <5 min after collapse) is a major determinant of successful outcome of resuscitation. This goal is rarely achieved, but the automatic external defibrillator (AED) is a promising tool for lay defibrillation. The AED is a safe and effective device with nearly 100% accurate detection of ventricular fibrillation and nearly 100% accurate detection of a nonshockable rhythm. A large uncontrolled experience suggests improved outcome in nontraditional responders such as police. Controlled studies of community application of the AED are under way.Conclusion: The AED is a promising tool in the fight against sudden cardiac death and should be studied and supported by all scientists involved, including electrophysiologists.
Second Phase‐Induced Degradation of Fused MgO Partially Stabilized Zirconia Aggregates
Authors: Quadling Amanda , Vandeperre Luc , Parkes Maria , Lee William E. 
Published: January 2015

Magnesia‐partially stabilized zirconia (Mg‐PSZ) fired refractory crucibles used under vacuum induction melting (VIM) furnaces, are routinely cycled above 1500°C in service, sometimes experiencing failure in under a dozen cycles. This has negative financial implications, given the high value Ni–Co superalloys melted in them. To evaluate aggregate response to cycling, the microstructural evolution of two commercial varieties of fused Mg‐PSZ aggregate has been studied within their host refractories, over eight cycles to 1700°C. The aggregates contain 0.1–0.2 wt% alumina and silica impurities and at 1700°C, these generate a liquid phase which on cooling, crystallizes segregated secondary phases of spinel, forsterite, and cordierite. These minerals have thermal expansion coefficients that are markedly different to zirconia and the mismatch in volume change rates between adjacent phases leads to aggregate breakdown. Micro‐Raman mapping reveals internal boundaries within the aggregates which are attributed to retention of original surface concentrations of alumina and silica on zircon sand particles at the time of conversion into zirconia and which act as the main location for secondary phase development. Crucibles made with aggregates containing higher concentrations of stabilizer (>2 wt% MgO) and MgO fines in their matrix phase, show significantly greater aggregate breakdown.
Molecular Evidence for the Polyphyly of Macrotrichomonas (Parabasalia: Cristamonadea) and a Proposal for Macrotrichomonoides n. gen.
Authors: Gile Gillian H. , James Erick R. , Okamoto Noriko , Carpenter Kevin J. , Scheffrahn Rudolf H. , Keeling Patrick J. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractMacrotrichomonas (Cristamonadea: Parabasalia) is an anaerobic, amitochondriate flagellate symbiont of termite hindguts. It is noteworthy for being large but not structurally complex compared with other large parabasalians, and for retaining a structure similar in appearance to the undulating membrane (UM) of small flagellates closely related to cristamonads, e.g. Tritrichomonas. Here, we have characterised the SSU rDNA from two species described as Macrotrichomonas: M. restis Kirby 1942 from Neotermes jouteli and M. lighti Connell 1932 from Paraneotermes simplicicornis. These species do not form a clade: M. lighti branches with previously characterised Macrotrichomonas sequences from Glyptotermes, while M. restis branches with the genus Metadevescovina. We examined the M. restis UM by light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy, and we find common characteristics with the proximal portion of the robust recurrent flagellum of devescovinids. Altogether, we show the genus Macrotrichomonas to be polyphyletic and propose transferring M. restis to a new genus, Macrotrichomonoides. We also hypothesise that the macrotrichomonad body plan represents the ancestral state of cristamonads, from which other major forms evolved.
Are Related‐Party Sales Value‐Adding or Value‐Destroying? Evidence from China
Authors: Wong Raymond M. K. , Kim Jeong‐Bon , Lo Agnes W. Y. 
Published: January 2015

AbstractPrior literature provides mixed and relatively little evidence on the economic consequences of related‐party transactions. We examine a hitherto underexplored issue of whether transactions among firms within the same business group increase or reduce firm value. Using a large sample of Chinese listed firms, we find that related‐party sales increase firm value. However, this value enhancement disappears for firms with (i) large percentage of parent directors, (ii) high government ownership, or (iii) tax avoidance incentives that often couple with management's rent extraction activities. Although we find that intragroup sales improve firm value in general, we also find that corporate insiders use intragroup sales to deprive value from minority shareholders. Overall, our findings highlight the interplay between ownership structure and tax avoidance incentives in determining the economic consequences of related‐party transactions.