bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex decisions made simple: a primer on stochastic dynamic programming
Authors: Marescot Lucile , Chapron Guillaume , Chadès Iadine , Fackler Paul L. , Duchamp Christophe , Marboutin Eric , Gimenez Olivier 
Published: June 2013

SummaryUnder increasing environmental and financial constraints, ecologists are faced with making decisions about dynamic and uncertain biological systems. To do so, stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) is the most relevant tool for determining an optimal sequence of decisions over time.Despite an increasing number of applications in ecology,SDPstill suffers from a lack of widespread understanding. The required mathematical and programming knowledge as well as the absence of introductory material provide plausible explanations for this.Here, we fill this gap by explaining the main concepts ofSDPand providing useful guidelines to implement this technique, including R code.We illustrate each step ofSDPrequired to derive an optimal strategy using a wildlife management problem of the French wolf population.Stochastic dynamic programming is a powerful technique to make decisions in presence of uncertainty about biological stochastic systems changing through time. We hope this review will provide an entry point into the technical literature aboutSDPand will improve its application in ecology.
Dispersal and predation of diaspores of Coula edulis Baill. in an evergreen forest of Gabon
Authors: Moupela Christian , Doucet Jean‐Louis , Daïnou Kasso , Tagg Nikki , Bourland Nils , Vermeulen Cédric 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe African walnut (Coula edulis) is a tree species of African evergreen forests, the seeds of which are collected and traded by African people. Many animal species consume African walnut diaspores; however, their roles as dispersers or predators have yet to be clarified. In this study, we present observations conducted in two different habitats of a Gabonese region over a 3‐year period. The originality of this research resides in the combination of three complementary approaches: (i) the use of camera‐traps (ii) the exploration of land rodent burrows and (iii) the examination of elephant dung. In total, 408 camera‐trap photographs have shown seven animal species involved in the dispersal/predation of C. edulis. Among these seven frugivorous species, the bush pig was found to be the main consumer and predator of seeds. Land rodents (Muridae) are potential predators, as they damaged the seeds and buried them deep in the soil. They may also play a role in the regeneration process as a result of the loss of seeds during transportation. Finally, no seeds appeared to emerge intact from elephant faeces. These results indicate that the natural regeneration rate of this tree species is low, unless other complex mechanisms are involved.
β‐adrenoceptor blockers and pulmonary function in the general population: the Rotterdam Study
Authors: Loth Daan W. , Brusselle Guy G. , Lahousse Lies , Hofman Albert , Leufkens Hubert G. M. , Stricker Bruno H. 
Published: June 2013

Aimβ‐adrenoceptor blockers have been used with caution in patients with obstructive lung diseases such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), due to the potentially increased airway reactivity and risk of bronchial obstruction. Cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers have a more beneficial profile than non‐cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers and can be safely prescribed to patients with both cardiovascular disease and COPD. We hypothesized that cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers also affect pulmonary function.MethodsThis study was performed within the Rotterdam Study, a prospective population‐based cohort study. Effects of cardioselective and non‐cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers on pulmonary function were analysed using regression techniques with multivariable adjustment for potential confounders.ResultsCurrent use of non‐cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers was significantly associated with a lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of −198 ml (95% CI −301, −96), with a lower forced vital capacity (FVC) of −223 ml (95% CI −367, −79) and with a decreased FEV1 : FVC of −1.38% (95% CI −2.74, −0.13%). Current use of cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers was significantly associated with a lower FEV1 of −118 ml (95% CI −157, −78) and with a lower FVC of −167 ml (95% CI −222, −111), but did not affect FEV1 : FVC. After exclusion of patients with COPD, asthma and heart failure the effects of cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers remained significant for FEV1 (−142 ml [95% CI −189, −96]) and for FVC (−176 ml [95% CI −236, −117]).ConclusionIn our study both non‐cardioselective and cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers had a clinically relevant effect on both FEV1 and FVC. In contrast to cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers, use of non‐cardioselective β‐adrenoceptor blockers was associated with a significantly lower FEV1 : FVC.
Clinical and descriptive genetic study of polydactyly: a Pakistani experience of 313 cases
Authors: Malik S. , Ullah S. , Afzal M. , Lal K. , Haque S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractPolydactyly, a common hereditary condition with additional digits in hands and/or feet, is a very attractive model to appreciate clinical and genetic heterogeneity. In order to get an insight into its phenotypic manifestations, we ascertained a cohort of 313 independent families with polydactyly from Pakistan; 35% cases turned out to be familial while 65% were sporadic. In majority of the index cases, polydactyly was presented as an isolated digit defect. Preaxial polydactyly types were 48.24% and postaxial were 51.8%. Familial polydactylies mainly had bilateral and symmetrical presentations, whereas sporadic cases were mostly unilateral and less often symmetrical. In the 313 index subjects a total of 508 limbs with additional digits were recorded. Variable expression was evident as the involvement of upper limbs was more common than the lower, right hand than the left, and left foot than the right. The present cohort establishes interesting epidemiological attributes of polydactyly in the Pakistani population and highlights its extraordinary clinical heterogeneity. Molecular analyses of this cohort are anticipated to elucidate novel genetic factors involved in the origin of additional digits in the growing limb and may provide clues to the role of stochastic factors in the etiology of phenotypic variability in polydactyly.
Perioperative fluid infusion and its influence on anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer surgery: implications for prevention strategies
Authors: Boesen A. K. , Maeda Y. , Rørbæk Madsen M. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThis study aimed to identify modifiable risk factors for anastomotic leakage during the postoperative period to recognize areas of clinical practice that could be improved.MethodMedical charts of patients who underwent elective open anterior resection for rectal cancer over a 5‐year period were reviewed retrospectively.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐four patients [64 men, mean age (± SD) 68.0 ± 9.0 years] underwent an anterior resection for rectal cancer during the study period. Twenty‐two (17.7%) patients had anastomotic leakage. Patients who were given more than 8000 ml of intravenous fluid during the 72‐h perioperative period had a statistically significant increased risk of developing anastomotic leakage [odds ratio (OR) 3.20, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.10–9.31, P = 0.049] and the risk increased further when patients were given more than 8500 ml of intravenous fluid (OR 3.86, 95% CI 1.29–11.5, P = 0.019). The incidence of anastomotic leakage was not influenced by baseline comorbidity or tumour stage.ConclusionPerioperative intravenous fluid of more than 8000 ml was associated with increased occurrence of anastomotic leakage. Vigorous monitoring of intravenous fluid use in the perioperative period may minimize this complication.
Changes in proliferation, differentiation, fibroblast growth factor 2 responsiveness and expression of syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 with turkey satellite cell age
Authors: Harthan Laura B. , McFarland Douglas C. , Velleman Sandra G. 
Published: June 2013

Myogenic satellite cells are heterogeneous multipotential stem cells that are required for muscle repair, maintenance, and growth. The membrane‐associated heparan sulfate proteoglycans syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 differentially regulate satellite cell proliferation, differentiation, fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) signal transduction, and expression of the myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and myogenin. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of age on syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 satellite cell populations, proliferation, differentiation, FGF2 responsiveness, and expression of syndecan‐4, glypican‐1, MyoD, and myogenin using satellite cells isolated from the pectoralis major muscle of 1‐day‐old, 7‐week‐old and 16‐week‐old turkeys. Proliferation was significantly reduced in the 16‐week‐old satellite cells, while differentiation was decreased in the 7‐week‐old and the 16‐week‐old cells beginning at 48 h of differentiation. Fibroblast growth factor 2 responsiveness was highest in the 1‐day‐old and 7‐week‐old cells during proliferation; during differentiation there was an age‐dependent response to FGF2. Syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 satellite cell populations decreased with age, but syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 were differentially expressed with age during proliferation and differentiation. MyoD and myogenin mRNA expression was significantly decreased in 16‐week‐old cells compared to the 1‐day‐old and 7‐week‐old cells. MyoD and myogenin protein expression was higher during proliferation in the 16‐week‐old cells and decreased with differentiation. These data demonstrate an age‐dependent effect on syndecan‐4 and glypican‐1 satellite cell subpopulations, which may be associated with age‐related changes in proliferation, differentiation, FGF2 responsiveness, and the expression of the myogenic regulatory factors MyoD and myogenin.
Putting television's portrayal of schizophrenia into reverse: an evaluation of the impact on public opinion
Authors: Turner Niall , Foley Sharon R. , Kinsella Anthony , O'Callaghan Eadbhard , Clarke Mary 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimWe examined whether it is possible to use a television programme to improve mental health literacy about schizophrenia by investigating the impact of the introduction of a realistic portrayal of schizophrenia into a popular television soap opera.MethodA population level omnibus survey method was used. A market research company conducted face‐to‐face interviews with a representative sample of the Irish population (n = 993). A specifically developed questionnaire was used which included a question on the extent to which the relevant television programme was watched. A grouping variable ‘viewers/non‐viewers’ was then created. Groups were subsequently compared for differences in demographic characteristics, mental health literacy and attitudes towards schizophrenia.ResultsOf the sample, 370 were regarded as viewers. When compared, viewers and non‐viewers did not differ on demographic characteristics but there were significant differences between the groups in both knowledge and attitudes regarding schizophrenia. Viewers were better informed on where to go for help and were more optimistic regarding the likelihood of recovery. However, on a question regarding willingness to have an intimate relationship with someone with a previous history of mental illness, viewers had greater concerns than non‐viewers.ConclusionIt is possible to use television dramas to educate the public about mental illnesses. Piloting of the educational material may offer an opportunity to refine the storyline so that the relevant messages are clearly communicated.
Perceived discrimination in those at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Saleem Majid M. , Stowkowy Jacqueline , Cadenhead Kristin S. , Cannon Tyrone D. , Cornblatt Barbara A. , McGlashan Thomas H. , Perkins Diana O. , Seidman Larry J. , Tsuang Ming T. , Walker Elaine F. , Woods Scott W. , Addington Jean 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThere is evidence to suggest that perceived discrimination may be associated with psychosis. Less is known about its potential impact on those at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of perceived discrimination in a CHR sample and its possible relationship to attenuated positive symptoms and negative self‐beliefs.MethodsParticipants were 360 CHR individuals and 180 healthy controls. Assessments included a self‐report measure of perceived discrimination, the Scale of Prodromal Symptoms and the Brief Core Schema Scale.ResultsCHR participants reported significantly more perceived discrimination. Perceived discrimination was significantly associated with negative schemas, but not with attenuated positive symptoms.ConclusionsThese results suggest that individuals at CHR for psychosis endorse a higher level of perceived discrimination, which is associated with increased negative schemas, but not attenuated positive symptoms.
Functional alteration patterns of default mode networks: comparisons of normal aging, amnestic mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Cha Jungho , Jo Hang Joon , Kim Hee Jin , Seo Sang Won , Kim Han‐Soo , Yoon Uicheul , Park Hyunjin , Na Duk L. , Lee Jong‐Min 
Published: June 2013

AbstractMost default mode network (DMN) studies in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) are based on the comparison of only two groups, namely patients and controls. Information derived from comparing three groups, normal, aMCI and AD, simultaneously may lead us to better understand the progression of dementia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional connectivity of DMN in the continuum from normal through aMCI to AD. Differences in functional connectivity were compared between the three groups using independent component analysis. The relationship between functional connectivity and disease progression was investigated using multiple regression analysis with Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores. The results revealed differences throughout the left posterior cingulate cortex (PCC), left middle temporal gyrus (MTG), right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) and bilateral parahippocampal gyrus (PHG). Both patients with aMCI and those with AD showed decreased connectivity in the left PCC and left PHG compared with healthy subjects. Furthermore, patients with AD also showed decreased connectivity in the left MTG and right PHG. Increased functional connectivity was observed in the right MFG of patients with AD compared with other groups. MMSE scores exhibited significant positive and negative correlations with functional connectivity in PCC, MTG and MFG regions. Taken together, increased functional connectivity in the MFG for AD patients might compensate for the loss of function in the PCC and MTG via compensatory mechanisms in corticocortical connections.
Spreading of tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease by cell‐to‐cell transmission
Authors: Mohamed Nguyen‐Vi , Herrou Thibaut , Plouffe Vanessa , Piperno Nicolas , Leclerc Nicole 
Published: June 2013

AbstractIt is well documented that neurofibrillary tangles composed of aggregated tau protein propagate in a predictable pattern in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The mechanisms underlying the propagation of tau pathology are still poorly understood. Recent studies have provided solid data demonstrating that in several neurodegenerative diseases including AD, the spreading of misfolded protein aggregates in the brain would result from prion‐like cell‐to‐cell transmission. Consistent with this new concept, recent studies have reported that human tau can be released in the extracellular space by an active process of secretion, and can be endocytosed both in vitro and in vivo. Most importantly, it was reported that the spreading of tau pathology was observed along synaptically connected circuits in a transgenic mouse model where human tau overexpression was restricted in the entorhinal cortex. This indicates that secretion of tau by presynaptic neurons and its uptake by postsynaptic neurons could be the sequential events leading to the propagation of tau pathology in the brain.
The adaptive aging brain: evidence from the preservation of communication abilities with age
Authors: Ansado Jennyfer , Marsolais Yannick , Methqal Ikram , Alary Flamine , Joanette Yves 
Published: June 2013

AbstractNeurofunctional reorganization with age is suspected to occur for many cognitive components including communication abilities. Several functional neuroimaging studies of elderly individuals have reported the occurrence of an interhemispheric neurofunctional reorganization characterized by more bilateral activation patterns. Other studies have indicated that the preservation of some other cognitive abilities is associated with some intrahemispheric reorganization following either a posterior–anterior or an anterior–posterior shift in aging. Interestingly, other studies have shown that age‐related neurofunctional reorganization is task‐load‐dependent. Taken together, these studies suggest that neurofunctional reorganization in aging is based on a more dynamic, flexible and adaptive neurofunctional process than previously proposed. This review summarizes the different factors that are thought to support the preservation of the semantic processing of words in aging, and highlights a multidetermined and complex set of processes such as the nature of the specific cognitive processes, task complexity and cognitive strategy, characterizing the neurofunctional reorganization in aging that allows for optimal cognitive abilities. In so doing, it provides the background for future study looking at the neurofunctional dimensions of the impact of neurodegenerative diseases on cognitive abilities.
Functional activation during reading in relation to the sulci of the angular gyrus region
Authors: Segal Emily , Petrides Michael 
Published: June 2013

AbstractNeurological studies suggest that the angular gyrus region of the inferior parietal lobule may be critical for reading. However, unambiguous demonstration of angular gyrus involvement from lesion and functional neuroimaging studies is lacking, partly because of the absence of detailed morphological descriptions of this region. On the basis of our recent anatomical examination of this region and a tightly controlled functional magnetic resonance imaging paradigm, the present investigation demonstrated reading‐related activity in the region of the angular gyrus that lies between the central and posterior branches of the caudal superior temporal sulcus, namely cytoarchitectonic area PG. Analysis of functional connectivity showed increased functional coupling during reading of area PG with the language areas of Broca and Wernicke, and a region previously identified as the visual word form area. Thus, the parietal reading area has been precisely localized, and its interactions with other cortical areas during reading have been demonstrated.
Cholinergic control of morphine‐induced locomotion in rostromedial tegmental nucleus versus ventral tegmental area sites
Authors: Wasserman David I. , Wang Haoran G. , Rashid Asim J. , Josselyn Sheena A. , Yeomans John S. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractM5 muscarinic acetylcholine receptors expressed on ventral tegmental dopamine (DA) neurons are needed for opioid activation of DA outputs. Here, the M5 receptor gene was bilaterally transfected into neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) or the adjacent rostromedial tegmental nucleus (RMTg) in mice by means of a Herpes simplex viral vector (HSV) to increase the effect of endogenous acetylcholine. Three days after HSV‐M5 gene infusion in VTA sites, morphine‐induced locomotion more than doubled at two doses, while saline‐induced locomotion was unaffected. When the HSV‐M5 gene was infused into the adjacent RMTg, morphine‐induced locomotion was strongly inhibited. The sharp boundary between these opposing effects was found where tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and cholinesterase labelling decreases (−4.00 mm posterior to bregma). The same HSV‐M5 gene transfections in M5 knockout mice induced even stronger inhibitory behavioural effects in RMTg but more variability in VTA sites due to stereotypy. The VTA sites where HSV‐M5 increased morphine‐induced locomotion receive direct inputs from many RMTg GAD‐positive neurons, and from pontine ChAT‐positive neurons, as shown by cholera‐toxin B retrograde tracing. Therefore, morphine‐induced locomotion was decreased by M5 receptor gene expression in RMTg GABA neurons that directly inhibit VTA DA neurons. Conversely, enhancing M5 receptor gene expression on VTA DA neurons increased morphine‐induced locomotion via cholinergic inputs.
α‐Tocopherol and β‐carotene contents of forage species in a four‐cut system
Authors: Lindqvist H. , Nadeau E. , Jensen S. K. , Søegaard K. 
Published: June 2013

Abstractα‐Tocopherol and β‐carotene concentrations were measured in herbage of birdsfoot trefoil (Bft), red clover (Rc), white clover (Wc), timothy (Ti) and perennial ryegrass (Pr) grown in four mixtures (Bft+Ti, Rc+Ti, Rc+Pr and Wc+Pr) in a small‐plot field experiment at Foulum, Denmark, over 2 years. Plots were fertilized with cattle slurry and harvested in a four‐cut system: 30 May/7 June, 5 July/12 July, 22 August/21 August and 24 October/9 October in 2005/2006. Bft was the legume with the highest α‐tocopherol concentration in most harvests [86 mg kg−1 dry matter (DM) averaged over all harvests of 2 years], whereas mean α‐tocopherol concentrations in Wc and Rc were 37 and 34 mg kg−1 DM respectively. Bft and Wc had higher β‐carotene concentrations than Rc when averaged over harvests and years (80, 67 and 44 mg kg−1 DM in Bft, Wc and Rc, respectively; P < 0·0001). Vitamin concentrations were similar in harvests 1–3, but in most sward treatments they were considerably higher in harvest 4. No clear differences were found between years. Averaged over years and harvests, mean α‐tocopherol concentrations in timothy and perennial ryegrass were 46 and 50 mg kg−1 DM, respectively, and mean β‐carotene concentrations were 54 and 62 mg kg−1 DM. In conclusion, herbage of birdsfoot trefoil generally had higher vitamin concentrations than white or red clover, but differences between the two grass species were small and inconsistent.
CONSTRUCTIONS OF JEWISH IDENTITY AND THE SPECTRE OF COLONIALISM: OF WHITE SKIN AND BLACK MASKS IN EARLY ZIONIST DISCOURSE
Authors: Stähler Axel 
Published: June 2013

ABSTRACTEarly Zionist discourse was ripe with constructions of a new Jewish identity. Discussing responses to the so‐called Uganda plan of 1903–5 and notions of Jewish colonisation in Africa and elsewhere, the article investigates demarcations of Jewishness from, and identifications with, ‘blackness’ in the early twentieth‐century German Zionist press and literature and their impact on the Zionist imaginary vis‐à‐vis the colonial paradigm. Particular attention is given to Max Jungmann's ‘Briefe aus Neu‐Neuland’, published in the satiric journal Schlemiel between 1903–7. It is argued that with his fictitious account of the Zionist settlement of East Africa (which historically never happened) and with the creation of the black African Mbwapwa Jumbo and his conversion to Judaism Jungmann articulates an intricate and critical response to colonial aspirations, Jewish or otherwise, and formulates a scathing but highly perceptive commentary on the convergence of Zionist, racial, and colonial discourses.