bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Limitations of a morphological criterion of adaptive inference in the fossil record
Authors: Ravosa Matthew J. , Menegaz Rachel A. , Scott Jeremiah E. , Daegling David J. , McAbee Kevin R. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTExperimental analyses directly inform how an anatomical feature or complex functions during an organism's lifetime, which serves to increase the efficacy of comparative studies of living and fossil taxa. In the mammalian skull, food material properties and feeding behaviour have a pronounced influence on the development of the masticatory apparatus. Diet‐related variation in loading magnitude and frequency induce a cascade of changes at the gross, tissue, cellular, protein and genetic levels, with such modelling and remodelling maintaining the integrity of oral structures vis‐à‐vis routine masticatory stresses. Ongoing integrative research using rabbit and rat models of long‐term masticatory plasticity offers unique insight into the limitations of functional interpretations of fossilised remains. Given the general restriction of the palaeontological record to bony elements, we argue that failure to account for the disparity in the hierarchical network of responses of hard versus soft tissues may overestimate the magnitude of the adaptive divergence that is inferred from phenotypic differences. Second, we note that the developmental onset and duration of a loading stimulus associated with a given feeding behaviour can impart large effects on patterns of intraspecific variation that can mirror differences observed among taxa. Indeed, plasticity data are relevant to understanding evolutionary transformations because rabbits raised on different diets exhibit levels of morphological disparity comparable to those found between closely related primate species that vary in diet. Lastly, pronounced variation in joint form, and even joint function, can also characterise adult conspecifics that differ solely in age. In sum, our analyses emphasise the importance of a multi‐site and hierarchical approach to understanding determinants of morphological variation, one which incorporates critical data on performance.
The association between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and metabolic syndrome: a statistical modelling approach
Authors: Ranasinha S. , Joham A.E. , Norman R.J. , Shaw J.E. , Zoungas S. , Boyle J. , Moran L. , Teede H.J. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryObjectivePolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 12–21% of women. Women with PCOS exhibit clustering of metabolic features. We applied rigorous statistical methods to further understand the interplay between PCOS and metabolic features including insulin resistance, obesity and androgen status.DesignRetrospective cross‐sectional analysis.PatientsWomen with PCOS attending reproductive endocrine clinics in South Australia for the treatment of PCOS (n = 172). Women without PCOS (controls) in the same Australian region (n = 335) from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle Study (AusDiab), a national population‐based study (age‐ and BMI‐matched within one standard deviation of the PCOS cohort).MeasurementsThe factor structure for metabolic syndrome for women with PCOS and control groups was examined, specifically, the contribution of individual factors to metabolic syndrome and the association of hyperandrogenism with other metabolic factors.ResultsWomen with PCOS demonstrated clustering of metabolic features that was not observed in the control group. Metabolic syndrome in the PCOS cohort was strongly represented by obesity (standardized factor loading = 0·95, P < 0·001) and insulin resistance factors (loading = 0·92, P < 0·001) and moderately by blood pressure (loading = 0·62, P < 0·001) and lipid factors (loading = 0·67, P = 0·002). On further analysis, the insulin resistance factor strongly correlated with the obesity (r = 0·70, P < 0·001) and lipid factors (r = 0·68, P < 0·001) and moderately with the blood pressure factor (loading = 0·43, P = 0·002). The hyperandrogenism factor was moderately correlated with the insulin resistance factor (r = 0·38, P < 0·003), but did not correlate with any other metabolic factors.ConclusionsPCOS women are more likely to display metabolic clustering in comparison with age‐ and BMI‐matched control women. Obesity and insulin resistance, but not androgens, are independently and most strongly associated with metabolic syndrome in PCOS.
On Variational and PDE‐Based Distance Function Approximations
Authors: Belyaev Alexander G. , Fayolle Pierre‐Alain 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIn this paper, we deal with the problem of computing the distance to a surface (a curve in two dimensional) and consider several distance function approximation methods which are based on solving partial differential equations (PDEs) and finding solutions to variational problems. In particular, we deal with distance function estimation methods related to the Poisson‐like equations and generalized double‐layer potentials. Our numerical experiments are backed by novel theoretical results and demonstrate efficiency of the considered PDE‐based distance function approximations.
The Effect of Insertion Torque on the Clinical Outcome of Single Implants: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Barone Antonio , Alfonsi Fortunato , Derchi Giacomo , Tonelli Paolo , Toti Paolo , Marchionni Saverio , Covani Ugo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe insertion torque value has been extensively used as an indicator for implant primary stability, which is considered a determining parameter for the implants success.PurposeThe primary goal of the present randomized clinical trial was to evaluate and compare the clinical outcome for implants placed with high insertion torque (between 50 Ncm and 100 Ncm) and regular insertion torque (within 50 Ncm) in healed ridges.Materials and MethodsPartially edentulous patients, missing one or more mandibular or maxillary teeth, having an adequate amount of bone, requiring implant placement, were randomized to receive Blossom CT implants with regular insertion torque (<50 Ncm) or CT implants with high insertion torque (≥50 Ncm). Implants were left to heal submerged for 3 months. Implants were restored with individualized abutments and cemented metal‐ceramic crowns. Acquired measurements were: insertion torque values (IT), thickness of buccal bone plate after implant osteotomy preparation (BBT), marginal bone level (MBL), and facial soft tissue level (FST). All patients were followed 12 months after implant placement.ResultsOne hundred sixteen implants were placed in one hundred sixteen patients and enrolled for the study. Fifty‐eight implants were randomly allocated in regular‐IT and high‐IT groups with a mean insertion torque ranging from 20 Ncm to 50 Ncm and from 50 Ncm to 100 Ncm, respectively. Three implants failed, and another five implants showed at the 12‐month evaluation a marginal bone loss (ΔMBL) greater than 1.5 mm, being considered unsuccessful.ConclusionsThe findings suggested that implants inserted with high‐IT (≥50 Ncm) in healed bone ridges showed more peri‐implant bone remodeling and buccal soft tissue recession than implants inserted with a regular‐IT (<50 Ncm). Moreover, sites with a thick buccal bone wall (≥1 mm) – after implant osteotomy site preparation – seemed to be less prone to buccal soft tissue recession after 12 months than sites with a thin buccal bone wall (<1 mm).
Associations of intramyocellular lipid in vastus lateralis and biceps femoris with blood free fatty acid and muscle strength differ between young and elderly adults
Authors: Hioki Maya , Kanehira Nana , Koike Teruhiko , Saito Akira , Takahashi Hideyuki , Shimaoka Kiyoshi , Sakakibara Hisataka , Oshida Yoshiharu , Akima Hiroshi 
Published: June 2015

SummaryThe present study aimed to determine relationships between intramyocellular lipid and biochemical profiles or muscle strength in elderly (n = 15; mean age, 71 years) and young (n = 15; mean age, 21 years) male and female adults. Levels of intramyocellular lipid in the vastus lateralis and biceps femoris muscles were determined using 1H‐magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure levels of glucose, insulin, haemoglobin A1c, total cholesterol, high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, free fatty acid, triglyceride, adiponectin, and high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein. Muscle strength was assessed as maximal voluntary contraction during isometric knee extension. Muscle cross‐sectional area in the vastus lateralis was measured using magnetic resonance imaging. Specific force (N cm−2) indicating force generation capacity was calculated as muscle strength (N) divided by the muscle cross‐sectional area of the vastus lateralis (cm2). The intramyocellular lipid content was similar in both muscles in both groups. The intramyocellular lipid content in the biceps femoris significantly correlated with serum free fatty acid levels (r = 0·62, P<0·05), and that in the vastus lateralis significantly and inversely correlated with specific force (r = −0·58, P<0·05) in the young, but not in the elderly adults. The relationship between the intramyocellular lipid content in the thigh muscles and biochemical profiles, or specific force differed between elderly and young adults. Age‐associated changes in morphology, function and metabolic factors apparently influence intramyocellular lipid metabolism in the thigh muscles.
Evidence for habitat and climatic specializations driving the long‐term distribution trends of UK and Irish bumblebees
Authors: Casey L. M. , Rebelo H. , Rotheray E. , Goulson D. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAimThere is widespread concern over the current state of global pollinator populations; however, lack of monitoring means patterns of decline are not well characterized. We aimed to investigate the influence of habitat and climate specializations on bumblebee distribution trends over time using long‐term species data.LocationOur study is based on data from the UK and Ireland, for which the most comprehensive set of bumblebee records exists. Previous analysis of the UK data highlighted severe range contractions for a number of species by the 1980s.MethodsWe use the most current dataset to quantify the extent of range change over three time periods (pre‐1960, 1960–80 and 1981–2012) and to investigate whether species are becoming more marginal, that is occupying areas with more extreme or specialized climatic conditions within the UK and Ireland. For species that have contracted or become more marginal, we predict their climatic specialization within the UK and Ireland using Maxent models, allowing us to associate records with climatic suitability values for each time period and to investigate whether or not species are contracting towards their climatic optimum.ResultsWe find that populations of most rare bumblebee species appear to have stabilized post‐1980, while the more common species appear to have expanded in range. However, rare species tend to have become more marginal in the sites they occupy post‐1980, some have contracted towards their predicted climatic optimum and some of which also retracted towards coastal areas.Main conclusionsOur results provide a mixed picture of the state of the UK and Ireland's bumblebee fauna, and must be interpreted with caution as changing patterns of recorder effort may distort real trends. They highlight the need for future monitoring of the abundance of pollinators on both a regional and global scale.
Attitudes toward Post‐Trial Access to Medical Interventions: A Review of Academic Literature, Legislation, and International Guidelines
Authors: Cook Kori , Snyder Jeremy , Calvert John 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThere is currently no international consensus around post‐trial obligations toward research participants, community members, and host countries. This literature review investigates arguments and attitudes toward post‐trial access. The literature review found that academic discussions focused on the rights of research participants, but offered few practical recommendations for addressing or improving current practices. Similarly, there are few regulations or legislation pertaining to post‐trial access. If regulatory changes are necessary, we need to understand the current arguments, legislation, and attitudes towards post‐trial access and participants and community members. Given that clinical trials conducted in low‐income countries will likely continue, there is an urgent need for consideration of post‐trial benefits for participants, communities, and citizens of host countries. While this issue may not be as pressing in countries where participants have access to healthcare and medicines through public schemes, it is particularly important in regions where this may not be available.
The biology of circulating microRNAs in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Min Pil‐Ki , Chan Stephen Y. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundSince their first description in mammalian cells, more than 2500 microRNA molecules have been predicted or verified within human cells. Recently, extracellular microRNAs have been described, protected from degradation by specialized packaging in extracellular vesicles or RNA‐binding proteins.Materials and methodsWe will discuss recent data regarding circulating microRNAs, their potential role as novel biomarkers and intercellular communicators, as well as future challenges of studying and applying such novel biology, particularly in the cardiovascular system.ResultsCirculating microRNAs have been proposed as attractive candidates as both diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers in various diseases, including a spectrum of cardiovascular conditions. Moreover, consistent with our evolving appreciation of the role of exosomes and microvesicles in intercellular communication, it has been proposed that delivery of active microRNAs to recipient tissues may serve as a primary mode of intercellular communication. Indeed, the transfer of functional microRNAs has been demonstrated in in vitro models and has been reported in a few in vivo contexts. In addition, therapeutic application of extracellular microRNAs has also been explored.ConclusionOver recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the role of circulating miRNAs in cardiovascular disease. As biomarkers and intercellular communicators, circulating miRNAs could play important roles in the prediction, diagnosis and tailored treatment of cardiovascular diseases in the near future.
A time for every season: soil aggregate turnover stimulates decomposition and reduces carbon loss in grasslands managed for bioenergy
Authors: Bach Elizabeth M. , Hofmockel Kirsten S. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA primary goal of many next‐generation bioenergy systems is to increase ecosystem services such as soil carbon (C) storage and nutrient retention. Evaluating whether bioenergy management systems are achieving these goals is challenging in part because these processes occur over long periods of time at varying spatial scales. Investigation of microbially mediated soil processes at the microbe scale may provide early insights into the mechanisms driving these long‐term ecosystem services. Furthermore, seasonal fluctuations in microbial activity are rarely considered when estimating whole ecosystem functioning, but are central to decomposition, soil structure, and realized C storage. Some studies have characterized extracellular enzyme activity within soil structures (aggregates); however, seasonal variation in decomposition at the microscale remains virtually unknown, particularly in managed ecosystems. As such, we hypothesize that temporal variation in aggregate turnover is a strong regulator of microbial activity, with important implications for decomposition and C and nitrogen (N) storage in bioenergy systems. We address variation in soil microbial extracellular enzyme activity spatially across soil aggregates and temporally across two growing seasons in three ecosystems managed for bioenergy feedstock production: Zea mays L. (corn) agroecosystem, fertilized and unfertilized reconstructed tallgrass prairie. We measured potential N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase (NAG), β‐glucosidase (BG), β‐xylosidase (BX), and cellobiohydrolase (CB) enzyme activity. Aggregate turnover in prairie systems was driven by precipitation events and seasonal spikes in enzyme activity corresponded with aggregate turnover events. In corn monocultures, soil aggregates turned over early in the growing season, followed by increasing, albeit low, enzyme activity throughout the growing season. Independent of management system or sampling date, NAG activity was greatest in large macroaggregates (>2000 μm) and CB activity was greatest in microaggregates (<250 μm). High microbial activity coupled with greater aggregation in prairie bioenergy systems may reduce loss of soil organic matter through decomposition and increase soil C storage.
Self‐reported exhaustion associated with physical activity among older adults
Authors: Tsutsumimoto Kota , Doi Takehiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Makizako Hyuma , Yoshida Daisuke , Uemura Kazuki , Anan Yuya , Park Hyuntae , Suzuki Takao 
Published: June 2015

AimSelf‐reported exhaustion (SE) is a clinical complaint that is associated with a wide range of chronic diseases. However, the association of SE with physical activity, physical function or cognitive function among the older adult Japanese population is unclear. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of SE, as well as whether physical function, cognitive function and physical activity were significant covariates.MethodsA total of 4607 adults (mean age 71 years) were considered eligible for participation based on the study criteria. SE was evaluated using the Study of Osteoporotic Fracture Index. We also evaluated physical activity, physical function (grip strength, Timed Up & Go) and cognitive function (Mini‐Mental State Examination, Trail Making Test part A and B, Symbol Digit Substitution Task).ResultsThe prevalence of SE ranged from 40.9% to 55.0%, and significantly increased with age. The results of the multiple logistic regression analyses showed that in the adjusted model of the 65–69 years age group, physical activity, Timed Up & Go and Symbol Digit Substitution Task were independently associated with SE. In the 70–79 years age group, physical activity, Timed Up & Go, Trail Making Test part A and B and Symbol Digit Substitution Task were independently associated with exhaustion. Only physical activity was associated with exhaustion in the ≥80 years age group.ConclusionsThe prevalence of SE increased with age in the older adult Japanese population. Exhaustion was strongly associated with reduced daily physical activity, especially in those aged ≥80 years. Further studies should be carried out to determine if physical activity causes SE. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 625–630.
Associations between healthy lifestyles and health outcomes among older Koreans
Authors: Lyu Jiyoung , Lee Seungah H , Kim Hae‐Young 
Published: June 2015

AimHealthy lifestyles have been found to be positively associated with physical and mental health outcomes in later life. Although multiple health behaviors have the potential to enhance health among older adults, little is known about a multiple behavior approach. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the relationship between multiple healthy lifestyles and health outcomes among Korean older adults.MethodsThe study sample consisted of 3844 Korean older adults aged 65 years and older from a cross‐section sample being followed in the nationally representative dataset, the 2012 Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Healthy lifestyles included non‐smoking, normal drinking, physical activity and normal weight. Adjusting for covariates (age, sex, marital status, education, household income and having chronic condition), a multivariate logistic regression was carried out to examine self‐rated health, disability, cognitive impairment and depression as four individual health outcomes.ResultsCompared with respondents with no healthy lifestyle factors, respondents with at least one healthy lifestyle factor had better self‐rated health, respondents with at least two healthy lifestyle factors had reduced risk of disability, and respondents with at least three healthy lifestyle factors had reduced risk of cognitive impairment. Interestingly, having just two or three healthy lifestyle factor was associated with reduced risk of depression.ConclusionsThese results suggest that older Koreans with more healthy lifestyles are healthier than those with less healthy lifestyles. Also, the association between multiple healthy lifestyle factors and health outcomes is different by specific health outcome, showing different mechanisms between multiple healthy lifestyle factors and each health outcome. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 663–669.
Factors related to low serum vitamin B12 levels in elderly patients with non‐atrophic gastritis in contrast to patients with normal vitamin B12 levels
Authors: Kalkan Çağdaş , Karakaya Fatih , Tüzün Ali , Gençtürk Zeynep Bıyıklı , Soykan Irfan 
Published: June 2015

AimVitamin B12 deficiency is frequent in older patients, and the main reason is pernicious anemia. However, vitamin B12 deficiency can occur in patients who do not have atrophic gastritis. The aim of the present study was to investigate factors affecting serum vitamin B12 levels in older patients with non‐atrophic gastritis.MethodsA total of 1256 out of 1607 patients aged over 60 years who had undergone upper gastrointestinal endoscopy for various reasons, and who had serum vitamin B12 value and were diagnosed as having “non‐atrophic gastritis” were analyzed by means of factors affecting low serum vitamin B12 levels.ResultsNon‐atrophic gastritis patients were divided into two groups: patients with normal serum vitamin B12 (group I, n = 759) and patients with low serum vitamin B12 (group II, n = 497). The median serum vitamin B12 was 339 pg/mL (range 201–987 pg/mL) in group I and 180 pg/mL (range 50–200 pg/mL) in group II. Helicobacter pylori (n = 154 vs 325, P < 0.001), neutrophil activity (n = 176 vs 367, P < 0.001), intestinal metaplasia (n = 35 vs 14, P < 0.001) and inflammation (n = 230 vs 386, P < 0.001) were present significantly more often in group II compared with group I. A total of 785 patients were both negative for Helicobacter pylori and atrophy. Of these 785 patients, neutrophil activity (n = 56, [32.6%] vs 25, [4.4%], P < 0.001) and inflammation (n = 69, [40.1%] vs 82, [13.4%], P < 0.001) scores were present significantly more often in group II compared with group I.ConclusionsHelicobacter pylori was present significantly more often in older patients whose serum vitamin B12 levels were ≤200 pg/mL, and Helicobacter pylori density was inversely correlated with serum B12 level. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopic examination should be suggested for elderly patients with serum vitamin B12 level ≤200 pg/mL. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; ●●: ●●–●●.
Negotiating Contestations and ‘Chaotic Conceptions’: Engaging ‘Non‐Traditional’ Students in Higher Education
Authors: Trowler Vicki 
Published: June 2015

AbstractStudent engagement has been widely hailed as the solution to all that ails higher education but there is little agreement on the meaning or ambit of the term. Similarly, literature concerning ‘non‐traditional’ students is characterised by a multiplicity of meanings and assumptions, seldom spelled out, ascribed to the term, which is nonetheless imbued with analytical and predictive significance. This paper uses data from early stages of the research to illustrate the importance of conceptual clarity in a study of engaging non‐traditional students, illuminated through the lens of the Marxian notion of ‘chaotic conceptions’. The paper examines the ideological work being done in disguising interests and inequities through the use of chaotic conceptions and uses the examples of students who define themselves as ‘non‐traditional’ in their own study contexts to illustrate the problems of deploying such chaotic conceptions for purposes beyond description.