bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Are Assemblages of Aquatic‐Breeding Anurans (Amphibia) Niches Structured or Neutral?
Authors: Melo Muryllo , Fava Fernanda , Pinto Hugo B. , Nomura Fausto 
Published: August 2014

AbstractLocal niche‐based processes and dispersal are important determinants of assemblage composition and species diversity. However, there is no consensus about the relative importance of niche and spatial processes to explain the distribution of anuran species in tropical systems. In our study, we analyzed the niche and neutral effects on anuran assemblages and found that biotic interactions were a predictor of assemblage structure. The Eltonian concept of niche was the best predictor for the structure of aquatic‐breeding anuran assemblages, as species tended to co‐occur more often than would be expected by chance. We suggest that the lack of environmental effect could be explained by differences in the pattern of movement between arboreal and non‐arboreal anurans. Once there is a reduction in the number of arboreal anurans in open areas, the importance of habitat heterogeneity to explain assemblage composition should decrease. The lack of correlation between the spatial component in our model and species composition is evidence that spatial processes, such as migration, did not play a major role in structuring local assemblages. Anurans are generally assumed as having poor dispersal ability, yet this assumption is not true for all anuran species. We suggest that future studies should include key behavioral traits, such as site fidelity and homing behavior, as these traits can represent the dispersal abilities of anurans and dispersal ability seems to be important when we try to predict patterns of anuran distribution.
Complotype affects the extent of down-regulation by Factor I of the C3b feedback cyclein vitro
Authors: Lay E , Nutland S , Smith J E , Hiles I , Smith R A G , Seilly D J , Buchberger A , Schwaeble W , Lachmann P J 
Published: August 2014

SummarySera from a large panel of normal subjects were typed for three common polymorphisms, one in C3 (R102G) and two in Factor H (V62I and Y402H), that influence predisposition to age-related macular degeneration and to some forms of kidney disease. Three groups of sera were tested; those that were homozygous for the three risk alleles; those that were heterozygous for all three; and those homozygous for the low-risk alleles. These groups vary in their response to the addition of exogenous Factor I when the alternative complement pathway is activated by zymosan. Both the reduction in the maximum amount of iC3b formed and the rate at which the iC3b is converted to C3dg are affected. For both reactions the at-risk complotype requires higher doses of Factor I to produce similar down-regulation. Because iC3b reacting with the complement receptor CR3 is a major mechanism by which complement activation gives rise to inflammation, the breakdown of iC3b to C3dg can be seen to have major significance for reducing complement-induced inflammation. These findings demonstrate for the first time that sera from subjects with different complement alleles behave as predicted in an in-vitro assay of the down-regulation of the alternative complement pathway by increasing the concentration of Factor I. These results support the hypothesis that exogenous Factor I may be a valuable therapeutic aid for down-regulating hyperactivity of the C3b feedback cycle, thereby providing a treatment for age-related macular degeneration and other inflammatory diseases of later life.
Serum LDL cholesterol levels and new onset of arterial hypertension: an 8‐year follow‐up
Authors: Cicero Arrigo F.G. , Rosticci Martina , Baronio Cristina , Morbini Martino , Parini Angelo , Grandi Elisa , D'Addato Sergio , Borghi Claudio ,   the Brisighella Heart Study Group
Published: August 2014

AbstractBackgroundSerum cholesterol has been demonstrated to correlate with blood pressure values; therefore, abnormal levels of serum cholesterol might contribute to the development of hypertension. The aim of this study was to assess the new onset of hypertension over a period of 8 years in a pharmacologically untreated population sample in normo‐ and hypercholesterolemic individuals.Design1864 Caucasian subjects with baseline blood pressure values <140/90 mmHg were subdivided into two different groups, according to LDL cholesterol changes observed over a period of 8 years. Group 1 included subjects whose LDL cholesterol levels remained or decreased within the normal range, while Group 2 included those whose LDL cholesterol levels were persistently increased above the normal range. The 8‐year incidence of new‐onset hypertension was 7·1% in Group 1 and 13·8% in Group 2 (P = 0·02), after adjustment for the main confounding risk factors. The difference between Groups 1 and 2 was confirmed in men (8·2 vs. 13·1%, P = 0·04) and women (6·1. vs. 14·5%, P = 006), as well as in subjects younger than 65 years (5·7 vs. 10·9%; P = 0·011), but not in older ones.ConclusionsBaseline serum LDL cholesterol levels are related to the rate of new‐onset hypertension in patients with normal or marginally elevated blood pressure values.
Lineage‐specific evolution of cnidarian Wnt ligands
Authors: Hensel Katrin , Lotan Tamar , Sanders Steve M. , Cartwright Paulyn , Frank Uri 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYWe have studied the evolution of Wnt genes in cnidarians and the expression pattern of all Wnt ligands in the hydrozoan Hydractinia echinata. Current views favor a scenario in which 12 Wnt sub‐families were jointly inherited by cnidarians and bilaterians from their last common ancestor. Our phylogenetic analyses clustered all medusozoan genes in distinct, well‐supported clades, but many orthologous relationships between medusozoan Wnts and anthozoan and bilaterian Wnt genes were poorly supported. Only seven anthozoan genes, Wnt2, Wnt4, Wnt5, Wnt6, Wnt 10, Wnt11, and Wnt16 were recovered with strong support with bilaterian genes and of those, only the Wnt2, Wnt5, Wnt11, and Wnt16 clades also included medusozoan genes. Although medusozoan Wnt8 genes clustered with anthozoan and bilaterian genes, this was not well supported. In situ hybridization studies revealed poor conservation of expression patterns of putative Wnt orthologs within Cnidaria. In polyps, only Wnt1, Wnt3, and Wnt7 were expressed at the same position in the studied cnidarian models Hydra, Hydractinia, and Nematostella. Different expression patterns are consistent with divergent functions. Our data do not fully support previous assertions regarding Wnt gene homology, and suggest a more complex history of Wnt family genes than previously suggested. This includes high rates of sequence divergence and lineage‐specific duplications of Wnt genes within medusozoans, followed by functional divergence over evolutionary time scales.
The ontogenetic origins of skull shape disparity in the Triturus cristatus group
Authors: Cvijanović Milena , Ivanović Ana , Kalezić Miloš L. , Zelditch Miriam L. 
Published: August 2014

SUMMARYComparative studies of ontogenies of closely related species provide insights into the mechanisms responsible for morphological diversification. Using geometric morphometrics, we investigated the ontogenetic dynamics of postlarval skull shape and disparity in three closely related crested newt species. The skull shapes of juveniles just after metamorphosis (hereafter metamorphs) and adult individuals were sampled by landmark configurations that describe the shape of the dorsal and ventral side of the newt skull, and analyzed separately. The three species differ in skull size and shape in metamorphs and adults. The ontogenies of dorsal and ventral skull differ in the orientation but not lengths of the ontogenetic trajectories. The disparity of dorsal skull shape increases over ontogeny, but that of ventral skull shape does not. Thus, modifications of ontogenetic trajectories can, but need not, increase the disparity of shape. In species with biphasic life‐cycles, when ontogenetic trajectories for one stage can be decoupled from those of another, increases and decreases in disparity are feasible, but our results show that they need not occur.
Stress intensity factor estimation for unbalanced rotating cracked shafts by artificial neural networks
Authors: Muñoz‐Abella B. , Rubio L. , Rubio P. 
Published: August 2014

ABSTRACTThe knowledge of the stress intensity factor (SIF) values along a crack front is essential to calculate the crack growth rate and the remaining life of a mechanical component. In the case of a rotating shaft, usually it presents disalignments, which modify the SIF data with regard to a balanced one. This paper presents the use of an artificial neural network (ANN) for estimating the SIF at the crack front in an unbalanced shaft under rotating bending, previously, a quasi‐static numerical (finite element) model, which simulates a rotating shaft, has been developed to create the training cases for the ANN. The obtained results allow to study the influence of the unbalance of rotating shafts in the crack breathing mechanism and will allow to predict the influence of this behaviour on the values of the SIF and in the propagation of cracks.
Fluorescence in‐situ hybridization identifies Mastermind‐like 2 (MAML2) rearrangement in odontogenic cysts with mucous prosoplasia: a pilot study
Authors: Argyris Prokopios P , Wehrs Rebecca N , García Joaquín J , Koutlas Ioannis G 
Published: August 2014

AimsThe pathogenesis of intraosseous mucoepidermoid carcinoma (IMEC) remains unknown. Coexistence with odontogenic cysts (ODC) has been reported in 32–48% of IMEC. Furthermore, prosoplastic mucous cells are often seen in the epithelial lining of ODCs. MECT1–MAML2 fusion transcripts have been identified in >66% of salivary gland MEC cases. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of MAML2 rearrangement in ODCs featuring mucous prosoplasia.Methods and resultsTen cases of ODC with a mucous cell component and three cases of IMEC were evaluated using fluorescence in‐situ hybridization. All cases occurred in the mandible. The ODCs exhibited a M:F ratio of 4:1 (mean age 49.2 years), while all IMECs occurred in women (mean age 68.3 years). All three IMECs demonstrated MAML2 rearrangement, in 26–61% of tumour cells. Successful hybridization was observed in nine of 10 cases of ODC. In two of these nine, there was MAML2 rearrangement in 12% and 24% of the lining epithelial cells, while three of the nine showed rearrangement in 7–8% of cells; the remaining four cases were negative.ConclusionsWe identified MAML2 rearrangements in five of nine ODCs lined by mucus‐secreting cells. This suggests that at least a subset of ODCs with mucous prosoplasia are characterized by molecular events considered diagnostic for intraosseous and extraosseous MEC.
Assessing the risks and opportunities of presence‐only data for conservation planning
Authors: Hermoso Virgilio , Kennard Mark J. , Linke Simon 
Published: August 2014

AbstractAimPresence‐only data represent a significant source of information for quantifying biodiversity distributions and provide opportunities for use in conservation planning. The large databases of presence‐only records that are available and the lower cost of acquisition could help overcome the traditional problem of lack of data for conservation. However, there are risks associated with the use of presence‐only data inherent with the lack of true absences that might cause omission errors (species are erroneously thought to be absent) and loss of efficiency (more areas are thought to be necessary than needed). These errors could constrain the economic viability of conservation plans and thus the success of conservation practice. We therefore evaluated the opportunities and risks of using presence‐only data for conservation planning.LocationNorthern Australia.MethodsThe effects of using two different types (presence‐only and presence–absence) and different quantities of data were simulated by building predictive models on different subsets of data with increasing numbers of presence–absence or presence‐only records or a combination of both, for 80 freshwater fish species. We then compared the performance of conservation planning outcomes with the best information attainable (a true model built on the complete set of presence–absence data). We measured omission and commission errors in conservation planning outcomes, and the efficiency of and return on the investment in data acquisition.ResultsIncluding presence‐only data helped reduce commission and omission errors in conservation planning outcomes, but only when used in combination with at least some presence–absence data. The use of just a large quantity of presence‐only data resulted in significant reductions in the efficiency of conservation planning outcomes, as more areas than actually needed were required to achieve conservation targets. This reduction in efficiency was mainly related to inflated omission errors.Main conclusionsWe recommend using presence‐only data cautiously if this is the only source of data available; whenever possible, presence‐only data should be complemented with presence–absence data.
Effect of Part D Coverage Restrictions for Antidepressants, Antipsychotics, and Cholinesterase Inhibitors on Related Nursing Home Resident Outcomes
Authors: Stevenson David G. , O'Malley A. James , Dusetzina Stacie B. , Mitchell Susan L. , Zarowitz Barbara J. , Chernew Michael E. , Newhouse Joseph P. , Huskamp Haiden A. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesIn 2006, Medicare Part D transitioned prescription drug coverage for dual‐eligible nursing home residents from Medicaid to Medicare and randomly assigned them to Part D prescription drug plans (PDPs). Because PDPs may differ in coverage, plans may be more or less generous for drugs that an individual is taking. Taking advantage of the fact that randomization mitigates potential selection bias common in observational studies, this study sought to assess the effect of PDP coverage on resident outcomes for three medication classes—antidepressants, antipsychotics, and cholinesterase inhibitors.DesignRetrospective cohort study to examine the effect of coverage restrictions—including noncoverage and coverage with restrictions—on depression, hallucinations and delusions, aggressive behaviors, cognitive performance, and activities of daily living for dual‐eligible nursing home residents randomized to PDPs in 2006 to 2008. The analyses further adjusted for baseline health status to address any residual imbalances in the comparison groups.SettingLinked data from Medicare claims, Minimum Data Set assessments, pharmacy claims, and PDP formulary information.ParticipantsDual‐eligible nursing home residents aged 65 and older living in facilities that contracted with a single pharmacy provider.ResultsPDP coverage restrictions in three medication classes of interest were not significantly associated with the resident outcomes examined. Although cholinesterase inhibitor users facing coverage restrictions had a 0.04‐point lower depression rating score than residents facing no restrictions, this difference was not statistically significant after adjusting for multiple comparisons.ConclusionThe findings suggest that exogenous changes in coverage for three commonly used medication classes had no detectable effect on nursing home resident outcomes in 2006 to 2008. There are several possible explanations for this lack of association, including the role of policy protections for dual‐eligible nursing home residents and the possibility that suitable clinical alternatives were identified or that previously used medications offered little clinical benefit.
Long‐Term Systemic Inflammation and Cognitive Impairment in a Population‐Based Cohort
Authors: Wichmann Margarete A. , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Carlsson Cynthia M. , Chappell Rick , Fischer Mary E. , Klein Barbara E. K. , Klein Ronald , Tsai Michael Y. , Schubert Carla R. 
Published: August 2014

ObjectivesEvidence suggests inflammation is associated with cognitive impairment, but previous epidemiological studies have reported conflicting results.DesignProspective population‐based cohort.SettingEpidemiology of Hearing Loss Study participants.ParticipantsIndividuals without cognitive impairment in 1998–2000 (N = 2,422; 1,947 with necessary data).MeasurementsCognitive impairment (Mini‐Mental State Examination score <24 or diagnosis of dementia) was ascertained in 1998–2000, 2003–2005, and 2009–2010. Serum C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were measured in 1988–1990, 1998–2000, and 2009–2010; tumor necrosis factor‐alpha was measured from 1998–2000.ResultsParticipants with high CRP in 1988–1990 and 1998–2000 had lower risk of cognitive impairment than those with low CRP at both time points (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.46, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.26–0.80). Risk did not differ according to 10‐year IL‐6 profile or baseline inflammation category in the whole cohort. In sensitivity analyses restricted to statin nonusers, those with high IL‐6 at both times had greater risk of cognitive impairment than those with low IL‐6 at both times (HR = 3.35, 95% CI = 1.09–10.30). In secondary analyses, each doubling of IL‐6 change over 20 years was associated with greater odds of cognitive impairment in 2009–2010 in the whole cohort (odds ratio (OR) = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.04–1.89), whereas a doubling of CRP change over 20 years was associated with cognitive impairment only in statin nonusers (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.06–1.65).ConclusionWith data collected over 20 years, this study demonstrated greater likelihood of cognitive impairment in individuals with repeated high or increasing IL‐6. The inconsistent CRP findings may reflect effects of statin medications, survival effects, or adverse effects associated with chronically low CRP. Further studies of long‐term inflammation and cognitive impairment are needed.
Patient Needs, Required Level of Care, and Reasons Delaying Hospital Discharge for Nonacute Patients Occupying Acute Hospital Beds
Authors: Afilalo Marc , Xue Xiaoqing , Soucy Nathalie , Colacone Antoinette , Jourdenais Emmanuelle , Boivin Jean-François 
Published: August 2014

Abstract:
This study aims to determine the proportion of nonacute patients occupying acute care beds and to describe their needs, the appropriate level of alternative care, and reasons preventing discharge. Data from 952 patients hospitalized in an acute care unit for 30 days were obtained from their medical charts and by consulting with the medical team at two tertiary teaching hospitals. Among them, 333 (35%) were determined nonacute on day 30 of hospitalization. According to the Appropriateness Evaluation Protocol (AEP), 55% had no medical, nursing, or patient needs. Among nonacute patients with AEP needs, 88% were related to nursing/life‐support services and 12% related to patient condition factors. Regarding alternative level of care, 186 (56%) were waiting for out‐of‐hospital resources, of which 36% were waiting for palliative care, 33% for long‐term care, 18% for rehabilitation, and 12% for home care. For the remaining 147 (44%) nonacute patients, the alternative resources remained undetermined although acute care was no longer required. Main reasons preventing discharge included unavailability of alternative resources, ongoing assessment to determine appropriate resources, ongoing process with community care, and family/patient education/counseling. Available subacute facilities and community‐based care would liberate acute care beds and facilitate their appropriate use.
Impact of the Quadrivalent HPV Vaccine on Disease Recurrence in Men Exposed to HPV Infection: A Randomized Study
Authors: Coskuner Enis Rauf , Ozkan Tayyar Alp , Karakose Ayhan , Dillioglugil Ozdal , Cevik Ibrahim 
Published: August 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Human papillomavirus (HPV) is one of the most common sexually transmitted infections and is the cause of several different diseases in men and women. Although little is known about HPV infection in men, they are also in the risk group of HPV infection and play an important role in transmitting the virus to women.

Aim
To define the efficacy of the HPV vaccine through cross-immunization and its role in clearance of HPV infection, and to assess infection-associated factors in men.

Methods
This prospective randomized clinical study enrolled 171 evaluable men with genital warts between June 2009 and October 2013. After the initial treatment intervention, 91 patients were randomly assigned to receive HPV vaccine in three doses. Eighty patients were in the control (unvaccinated) group. One hundred-eleven men were single and 60 men were married. Patients who had previous treatment for pre-existing warts and medical disorders that needed chronic treatment or immunosuppression were not included in the randomization. Also 29 men with follow-up less than 12 months and incomplete vaccination were not included.

Main Outcome Measures
The patients were assessed regarding age, condom use, marital status, number of visible genital warts, and smoking status. Post-treatment follow-up was monthly up to 12th month.

Results
Mean age was 34±7.6. One hundred fifteen patients were smokers. For the recurrence of warts, age, smoking, vaccination status were insignificant and marital status was significant in the univariable analysis; only marital status preserved significance (HR: 2.0 CI:1.29–3.12 P =0.002) in the multivariable analysis including vaccination status, marital status, and smoking.

Conclusion
Among the investigated factors vaccination status was not but marital status significantly influenced wart recurrence. Married men had more recurrences in our population. Larger multicenter randomized clinical trials are lacking and seriously required to investigate the therapeutic effect of current quadrivalent HPV vaccine in genital warts.
Tree line dynamics in the tropical African highlands – identifying drivers and dynamics
Authors: Jacob Miro , Annys Sofie , Frankl Amaury , De Ridder Maaike , Beeckman Hans , Guyassa Etefa , Nyssen Jan 
Published: August 2014

AbstractQuestionsWhat are the potential drivers of tree line change in the tropical African highlands? Are the temperature‐sensitive tree lines in these highlands shifting as a result of climate change?SignificanceThe high‐altitude forests provide important ecosystem services for the vulnerable environment of the tropical highlands. Climate change is expected to have pronounced effects on the tree line limit of these forests. Afro‐alpine tropical tree lines are therefore potentially valuable as a proxy of climate change and the related response of ecosystems in the tropical highlands.LocationTropical African highlands.ResultsThe influence of climatic factors in the African tropical highlands is significantly different compared to other regions. The potentially determining factors for tree line distribution in tropical Africa are temperature, precipitation and cloudiness, carbon balance, fire and anthropo‐zoogenic impacts. Despite recent temperature increase, tree lines have not risen to higher altitudes in the tropical African highlands. Instead, high human pressure has caused stabilization and even recession of the tree lines below their natural climatic limit, particularly through livestock herding. But, even neglecting human pressure, there might be a lag in response time between temperature and tree line change.ConclusionsThe actual drivers of tree line change in the African tropical highlands are mainly fire and anthropogenic pressure rather than climate change. But long‐term drought periods can be a trigger for fire‐induced deforestation of the tree line vegetation. Additionally, in volcanic active mountains, volcanic activity is also a potentially limiting factor for the tree line distribution. Tree line dynamics can thus not be used as a proxy of climate change for the African tropical highlands.