bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Yellow tails in the Red Sea: phylogeography of the Indo‐Pacific goatfish Mulloidichthys flavolineatus reveals isolation in peripheral provinces and cryptic evolutionary lineages
Authors: Fernandez‐Silva Iria , Randall John E. , Coleman Richard R. , DiBattista Joseph D. , Rocha Luiz A. , Reimer James D. , Meyer Carl G. , Bowen Brian W. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimBroadly distributed reef fishes tend to have high gene flow mediated by a pelagic larval phase. Here, we survey a reef‐associated fish distributed across half the tropical oceans, from the Red Sea to the central Pacific. Our goal is to determine whether genetic structure of the broadly distributed Yellowstripe Goatfish (Mulloidichthys flavolineatus) is defined by biogeographical barriers, or facilitated via larval dispersal.LocationRed Sea, Indian Ocean, Pacific OceanMethodsSpecimens were obtained at 19 locations from the Red Sea to Hawai'i. Genetic data include mtDNA cytochrome b (n = 217) and 12 microsatellite loci (n = 185). Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), structure, a parsimony network and coalescence analyses were used to resolve recent population history and connectivity.ResultsPopulation structure was significant (mtDNA ϕST = 0.68, P < 0.001; microsatellite FST = 0.08, P < 0.001), but mostly driven by samples from the North‐western (NW) Indian Ocean (including the Red Sea) and Hawai'i. There was little population structure across the Indian Ocean to the central Pacific. Hawai'i was distinguished as an isolated population (mtDNA ϕST = 0.03–0.08, P = n.s.; microsatellites FST = 0.05–0.10, P < 0.001). Specimens from the NW Indian Ocean clustered as a distinct phylogenetic lineage that diverged approximately 493 ka (d = 1.7%), which indicates that these fish persisted in isolation through several Pleistocene glacial cycles.Main conclusionsThese data reinforce the emerging themes that: (1) phylogeographical breaks within species often coincide with biogeographical breaks based on species distributions, and (2) populations on the periphery of the range (NW Indian Ocean and Hawai'i) are isolated and may be evolutionary incubators producing new species.
Differences in the relative roles of environment, prey availability and human activity in the spatial distribution of two marine mesopredators living in highly exploited ecosystems
Authors: Navarro Joan , Cardador Laura , Fernández Ángel M. , Bellido José M. , Coll Marta 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimIdentifying the main factors affecting the spatial distribution of marine predators is essential in order to evaluate their distribution patterns, predict the potential impact of human activities on their populations and design accurate management actions. This information is also valuable from a more general management perspective, as marine predators are often considered indicators of habitat quality. In this context, we aimed to determine the degree to which environmental features, prey availability and human activities interact and influence spatial distribution of two marine mesopredator elasmobranchs, the small‐spotted catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula) and the Mediterranean starry ray (Raja asterias), living in a highly human‐exploited environment.LocationMediterranean Sea.MethodsWith information obtained from an extended experimental survey, we investigated the relative importance of environmental variables, prey availability and human activities on the spatial distribution of the abundance, biomass and occurrence rate of these marine mesopredators using deviance partitioning analyses.ResultsOur results revealed that environmental variables were the most important factors explaining the spatial distribution of Mediterranean starry ray, whereas small‐spotted catshark distribution was also influenced by prey availability and human factors. From a management point of view, these findings suggest that Mediterranean starry ray could be a good candidate as an indicator species of demersal environmental quality. On the other hand, the distribution of the small‐spotted catshark, which responds in an interactive and complex way to environment, prey availability and particular human activities, may be misleading as an environmental indicator.Main conclusionsThe spatial distribution of elasmobranchs in highly human‐impacted marine areas can reflect the interactive and combined effects of multiple factors. To avoid misunderstandings, attention should be paid to statistical procedures allowing the separation of pure and joint contribution of the factors driving the observed spatial patterns.
Control of parental investment changes plastically over time with residual reproductive value
Authors: Takata M. , Doi H. , Thomas C. E. , Koyama S. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEvolutionary conflict between parents and offspring over parental resource investment is a significant selective force on the traits of both parents and offspring. Empirical studies have shown that for some species, the amount of parental investment is controlled by the parents, whereas in other species, it is controlled by the offspring. The main difference between these two strategies is the residual reproductive value of the parents or opportunities for future reproduction. Therefore, this could explain the patterns of control of parental investment at the species level. However, the residual reproductive value of the parents will change during their lifetime; therefore, parental influence on the amount of investment can be expected to change plastically. Here, we investigated control of parental investment when parents were young and had a high residual reproductive value, compared to when they were old and had a low residual reproductive value using a cross‐fostering experiment in the burying beetle Nicrophorus quadripunctatus. We found that parents exert greater control over parental investment when they are young, but parental control is weakened as the parents age. Our results demonstrate that control of parental investment is not fixed, but changes plastically during the parent's lifetime.
Preparedness for End of Life—a Survey of Jerusalem District Nursing Homes
Authors: Shaulov Adir , Frankel Meir , Rubinow Alan , Maaravi Yoram , Brezis Mayer 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo evaluate the quality of end‐of‐life (EOL) care in nursing homes.DesignSurvey and semistructured interviews.SettingJerusalem district nursing homes.ParticipantsStaff members of 28 long‐term care and skilled nursing facilities in the Jerusalem area in Israel of various ethnic, religious, and administrative affiliations (N = 207).MeasurementsQualitative analysis of semistructured interviews and statistical analysis of questionnaires.ResultsMost staff members reported that EOL preferences were unknown for more than 90% of residents and that fewer than 10% had a healthcare proxy. Most staff members recalled conducting fewer than five EOL conversations over the past year with residents or family members and could recall fewer than five cases in which a resident was allowed to die in the nursing home. According to staff opinions the prevalence of tube feeding was estimated at greater than 10%, initiated because of aspiration, malnutrition, and understaffing, often against family's preferences. More than 25% of staff members believed that pain management was inadequate. Knowledge about management of chronic pain was poor in half of nurses and nearly one‐third of physicians. Most staff would rather not receive the treatments they administered to residents.ConclusionNursing homes in Jerusalem lack competency for quality EOL care, and there are multiple psychological, training, and policy challenges to improvement.
Increase in Disability Prevalence Before Hip Fracture
Authors: Smith Alexander K. , Cenzer Irena Stijacic , John Boscardin W. , Ritchie Christine S. , Wallhagen Margaret L. , Covinsky Kenneth E. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo establish the prevalence and correlates of disability during the 2 years before hip fracture.DesignData from participants who experienced hip fracture in the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) with hip fracture identified using linked Medicare claims. Each participant was interviewed at varying time points in the 2 years before hip fracture. Disability was defined as self‐report of the need for assistance in any activity of daily living (walking across the room, eating, bathing, dressing, using the toilet, transferring). Based on the timing between interview and hip fracture, prevalence of disability was calculated in the cohort as a whole over the 2 years before hip fracture and in subgroups defined according to demographic and clinical characteristics.SettingThe HRS is a nationally representative longitudinal study (1992–2010).ParticipantsHRS participants aged ≥65 with hip fracture (mean age at fracture 84, 77% female).ResultsThe adjusted prevalence of disability was 20% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 14–25%) 2 years before hip fracture, with little change until approximately 10 months before fracture, when it started to rise, reaching 44% (95% CI = 33–55%) in the month before hip fracture. The prevalence of disability was highest in the last month before fracture for persons aged 85 and older (53%) and for those with dementia (60%).ConclusionCare models for hip fracture need to consider not only the acute medical and surgical needs, but also the high level of need for supportive care and caregiver assistance that chronically disabled individuals require.
Diabetes Mellitus Care Provided by Nurse Practitioners vs Primary Care Physicians
Authors: Kuo Yong‐Fang , Goodwin James S. , Chen Nai‐Wei , Lwin Kyaw K. , Baillargeon Jacques , Raji Mukaila A. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo compare processes and cost of care of older adults with diabetes mellitus cared for by nurse practitioners (NPs) with processes and cost of those cared for by primary care physicians (PCPs).DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingPrimary care in communities.ParticipantsIndividuals with a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus in 2009 who received all their primary care from NPs or PCPs were selected from a national sample of Medicare beneficiaries (N = 64,354).MeasurementsPropensity score matching within each state was used to compare these two cohorts with regard to rate of eye examinations, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL‐C) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) testing, nephropathy monitoring, specialist consultation, and Medicare costs. The two groups were also compared regarding medication adherence and use of statins, angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers (for individuals with a diagnosis of hypertension), and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs).ResultsNurse practitioners and PCPs had similar rates of LDL‐C testing (odds ratio (OR) = 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.94–1.09) and nephropathy monitoring (OR = 1.05, 95% CI = 0.98–1.03), but NPs had lower rates of eye examinations (OR = 0.89, 95% CI = 0.84–0.93) and HbA1C testing (OR = 0.88, 95% CI = 0.79–0.98). NPs were more likely to have consulted cardiologists (OR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.21–1.37), endocrinologists (OR = 1.64, 95% CI = 1.48–1.82), and nephrologists (OR = 1.90, 95% CI = 1.67–2.17) and more likely to have prescribed PIMs (OR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.12). There was no statistically significant difference in adjusted Medicare spending between the two groups (P = .56).ConclusionNurse practitioners were similar to PCPs or slightly lower in their rates of diabetes mellitus guideline–concordant care. NPs used specialist consultations more often but had similar overall costs of care to PCPs.
Neuroprotective effects of levetiracetam target xCT in astrocytes in parkinsonian mice
Authors: Miyazaki Ikuko , Murakami Shinki , Torigoe Nao , Kitamura Yoshihisa , Asanuma Masato 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAstrocytes but not neurons express cystine/glutamate exchange transporter (xCT), which takes up cystine, and consequently supplies the substrate for GSH synthesis in neurons. It is recognized that GSH synthesis in neurons is dependent on the expression of xCT in astrocytes. Previous studies reported that levetiracetam (LEV), an anti‐epileptic drug, increased xCT expression in vivo. The purpose of this study was to examine neuroprotective effects of LEV in parkinsonian models and demonstrate xCT in astrocytes as a target of neuroprotection against dopaminergic neurodegeneration. We identified striatal astrocytes cultured with LEV showed significant increase in xCT expression and GSH levels. Preincubation of primary cultured mesencephalic dopamine neurons with conditioned media from LEV‐treated astrocytes protected against 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced neurotoxicity. These protective effects were canceled by xCT inhibitor. Furthermore, reduction of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in 6‐OHDA‐lesioned parkinsonian mice was significantly abrogated by repeated injections of LEV. Treatment with LEV significantly increased the expression of xCT in striatal astrocytes in the hemi‐parkinsonian mice. In conclusion, LEV exerts neuroprotective effects against neurodegeneration via up‐regulation of xCT and GSH in astrocytes. Thus, xCT in astrocytes could be a potential target in novel neuroprotective approaches to prevent degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.
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Glutathione (GSH) is the most potent intrinsic antioxidant. Since extracellular cysteine is readily oxidized to form cystine, cystine transport mechanisms are essential to provide cells with cysteine. Cystine uptake is mediated by cystine/glutamate exchange transporter (xCT), expressed primarily on astrocytes, but not on neurons. Astrocytes take up cystine via xCT and reduce it to cysteine to supply cysteine, the substrate for GSH synthesis in neurons. This study demonstrated that levetiracetam (LEV), an anti‐epileptic drug, increased GSH in/from astrocytes via xCT up‐regulation. GSH derived from astrocytes protects dopamine neurons against neurotoxicity induced by dopaminergic neurotoxin 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA). Thus, xCT in astrocytes could be a potential target in novel neuroprotective approaches to prevent degeneration of dopaminergic neurons.
Eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase regulates the synthesis of microtubule‐related proteins in neurons
Authors: Kenney Justin W. , Genheden Maja , Moon Kyung‐Mee , Wang Xuemin , Foster Leonard J. , Proud Christopher G. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractModulation of the elongation phase of protein synthesis is important for numerous physiological processes in both neurons and other cell types. Elongation is primarily regulated via eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K). However, the consequence of altering eEF2K activity on the synthesis of specific proteins is largely unknown. Using both pharmacological and genetic manipulations of eEF2K combined with two protein‐labeling techniques, stable isotope labeling of amino acids in cell culture and bio‐orthogonal non‐canonical amino acid tagging, we identified a subset of proteins whose synthesis is sensitive to inhibition of eEF2K in murine primary cortical neurons. Gene ontology (GO) analyses indicated that processes related to microtubules are particularly sensitive to eEF2K inhibition. Our findings suggest that eEF2K likely contributes to neuronal function by regulating the synthesis of microtubule‐related proteins.
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Modulation of the elongation phase of protein synthesis is important for numerous physiological processes in neurons. Here, using labeling of new proteins coupled with proteomic techniques in primary cortical neurons, we find that the synthesis of microtubule‐related proteins is up‐regulated by inhibition of elongation. This suggests that translation elongation is a key regulator of cytoskeletal dynamics in neurons.
Surgical anatomy and pathology of the middle ear
Authors: Luers Jan Christoffer , Hüttenbrink Karl‐Bernd 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMiddle ear surgery is strongly influenced by anatomical and functional characteristics of the middle ear. The complex anatomy means a challenge for the otosurgeon who moves between preservation or improvement of highly important functions (hearing, balance, facial motion) and eradication of diseases. Of these, perforations of the tympanic membrane, chronic otitis media, tympanosclerosis and cholesteatoma are encountered most often in clinical practice. Modern techniques for reconstruction of the ossicular chain aim for best possible hearing improvement using delicate alloplastic titanium prostheses, but a number of prosthesis‐unrelated factors work against this intent. Surgery is always individualized to the case and there is no one‐fits‐all strategy. Above all, both middle ear diseases and surgery can be associated with a number of complications; the most important ones being hearing deterioration or deafness, dizziness, facial palsy and life‐threatening intracranial complications. To minimize risks, a solid knowledge of and respect for neurootologic structures is essential for an otosurgeon who must train him‐ or herself intensively on temporal bones before performing surgery on a patient.
Ecological scaling laws link individual body size variation to population abundance fluctuation
Authors: Xu Meng 
Published: October 2015

Scaling research has seen remarkable progress in the past several decades. Many scaling relationships were discovered within and across individual and population levels, such as species–abundance relationship, Taylor's law, and density mass allometry. However none of these established patterns incorporate individual variation in the formulation. Individual body size variation is a key evolutionary phenomenon and closely related to ecological diversity and species adaptation. Using a macroecological approach, I test 57 Long‐Term Ecological Research data sets and show that a power‐law and a generalized power‐law function describe well the mean‐variance scaling of individual body mass. This relationship connects Taylor's law and density mass allometry, and leads to a new scaling pattern between the individual body size variation and population abundance fluctuation, which is confirmed using freshwater fish and forest tree data. Underlying mechanisms and implications of the proposed scaling relationships are discussed. This synthesis shows that integration and extension of existing ecological laws can lead to the discovery of new scaling patterns and complete our understanding of the relation between individual trait and population abundance.SynthesisScaling relationships are useful for community ecology as they reveal ubiquitous patterns across different levels of biological organizations. This work extends and integrates two existing scaling laws: Taylor's law and density‐mass allometry, and derives a new variance allometry between individual body mass and population abundance. The result shows that diverse individual body size is associated with stable population fluctuation, reflecting the effect of individual traits on population characteristics. Confirmed by several empirical data sets, these scaling relationships suggest new ways to study the underlying mechanisms of Taylor's law and have profound implications for fisheries and other applied sciences.
Electrophysiological signatures of the race model in human primary motor cortex
Authors: Hughes Matthew E. , Fulham W. Ross , Michie Patricia T. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractFor 30 years, the independent race model has been used to account for the attempt to reactively inhibit on‐going responses in the stop‐signal task (reactive behavioral inhibition). The success of the race model derives in part by assuming that motor response activation speed is not different on inhibition trials compared to trials where inhibition is not required. To date, neurophysiological evidence supporting this assumption (context independence) has been limited, especially in human participants. In this study, we used EEG to investigate stop‐signal task performance in human participants, focusing on lateralized readiness potentials (LRPs) to examine context independence in human primary motor cortex (M1). The current results provided support for the context independence assumption, and further showed that successful inhibition was largely contingent upon the timing of response activation in M1 relative to stop‐signal onset. These data afford a valuable insight into how stop‐signal response inhibition is effected in the human brain.
Towards a Trans‐border Identity in the Upper Rhine Area? Regional Cohesion in the Grip of the Nation‐State
Authors: Koukoutsaki‐Monnier Angeliki 
Published: October 2015

AbstractHow should we discuss trans‐border identities across the Franco‐German‐Swiss border area? Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, this article aims to establish a conceptual framework in order to apprehend and study border regions. Focusing on the Franco‐German‐Swiss border area usually designated as the ‘Upper Rhine’, the article seeks to show how actors' strategies – mainly those of institutional agents – articulate with, complement, or contradict the habitus (i.e. the practices and materialities of everyday life), giving rise to a diverse set of identity constructions and sketching a more or less precise contour of this region, and of border territories in general.
Course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and HCV core antigen testing are predictors for reaching sustained virologic response in liver transplant recipients undergoing sofosbuvir treatment in a real‐life setting
Authors: Pischke S. , Polywka S. , Proske V.M. , Lang M. , Jordan S. , Nashan B. , Lohse A.W. , Sterneck M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundHepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with reduced graft survival in orthotopic liver transplant recipients. Treatment with the new direct‐acting antivirals (DAAs) is safe and efficient, but no reliable predictive factors for sustained virologic response (SVR) have been identified so far. The HCV core antigen assay (HCV‐core‐Ag) is a new, inexpensive, and efficient method to detect viral antigens, but the value of this technique to predict treatment response in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) patients is still unclear.MethodsAll OLT patients who were treated with a sofosbuvir‐based antiviral regimen at our center between March 2014 and August 2014 were included in the analysis (n = 20). HCV‐core‐Ag and HCV RNA (polymerase chain reaction [PCR]) were determined at each visit. Primary endpoints of this study were SVR at 4 or 12 weeks after end of treatment (SVR 4 and SVR 12).ResultsHCV‐core‐Ag tested negative after a median of 2 weeks (range 1–16 weeks) while PCR tests became negative after a median of 4 weeks (range 2–12 weeks). Time until PCR negativity and until HCV‐core‐Ag negativity showed a good correlation (R = 0.711, P < 0.001, Fig. ). Seventeen of 20 patients (85%) achieved SVR 12. SVR 12 was associated with a short time interval between treatment start and HCV PCR negativity (P = 0.005) or HCV‐core‐Ag negativity (P = 0.003, Mann–Whitney test). No severe side effects were observed.ConclusionsDAA treatment is safe and well tolerated in OLT. The time points of HCV‐core‐Ag loss and PCR negativity were predictors of SVR 12.