bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Group Size Dynamics over 15+ Years in an African Forest Primate Community
Authors: Gogarten Jan F. , Jacob Aerin L. , Ghai Ria R. , Rothman Jessica M. , Twinomugisha Dennis , Wasserman Michael D. , Chapman Colin A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractGroup size affects many aspects of the ecology and social organization of animals. We investigated group size stability for five primate species in Kibale National Park, Uganda from 1996 to 2011 at three nested spatial scales. Survey data indicated that group sizes did not change for most species, with the exception of red colobus monkeys (Procolobus rufomitratus), in which group size increased at all spatial scales. Mangabey (Lophocebus albigena) group size increased in old‐growth forest, but the sample size and increase were small. To augment this survey data, we collected several years of demographic data on three habituated groups of redtail monkeys (Cercopithecus ascanius), eight groups of black‐and‐white colobus (Colobus guereza), and one red colobus group. The red colobus group increased from 59 to 104 individuals, while redtail monkey and black‐and‐white colobus group sizes were stable, mirroring our survey results. To understand mechanisms behind group size changes in red colobus versus stability in other primates, we monitored forest dynamics at two spatial scales between 1990 and 2013, considered changes in predator population, and explored evidence of disease dynamics. The cumulative size of all trees and red colobus food trees increased over 24 yr, suggesting that changing food availability was driving group size changes for red colobus, while predation and disease played lesser roles. Overall, our results and evidence of changing primate densities suggest that the Kibale primate community is in a non‐equilibrium state. We suggest future conservation and management efforts take this into consideration.
Seed Dispersal by Avian Frugivores: Non‐random Heterogeneity at Fine Scales
Authors: Viswanathan Ashwin , Naniwadekar Rohit , Datta Aparajita 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSeed dispersal studies have primarily examined dispersal as a function of distance from the parent tree and/or heterogeneity in dispersal due to animal use of nesting, roosting and sleeping sites. However, non‐random heterogeneity in seed dispersal is also likely to result from the post‐foraging behavior and movement of frugivores which prefer certain trees. To characterize variation in seed rain at fine scales, we studied the dispersal curve of Prunus ceylanica, a primarily bird‐dispersed species. We compared seed rain at conspecifics, heterospecific fruiting trees with similar frugivore assemblages, emergent trees, and the landscape surrounding these trees. Seed rain of P. ceylanica was found to peak globally under the canopy of conspecifics but to peak locally under the canopy and immediate neighborhood of heterospecific fruiting trees. Our results demonstrate that seed rain is highly clumped even at fine spatial scales. A large proportion of seeds are dispersed in specific, localized regions. This variation can have important implications for plant population dynamics and might significantly alter the impact of post‐dispersal processes. Seed dispersal models may need to incorporate this heterogeneity to explain manifestations of spatially explicit dynamics like mixed species ‘orchards’.
Testing Chronosequences through Dynamic Approaches: Time and Site Effects on Tropical Dry Forest Succession
Authors: Mora Francisco , Martínez‐Ramos Miguel , Ibarra‐Manríquez Guillermo , Pérez‐Jiménez Alfredo , Trilleras Jenny , Balvanera Patricia 
Published: December 2014

AbstractChronosequences, commonly used to assess succession, have been questioned because of their failure to project successional trajectories. Here, we develop a simple analytical approach combining both chronosequence and dynamic data to test the power of age of abandonment and site factors to explain and predict succession. The approach proceeds by first fitting statistical models relating age to attribute values (the chronosequence model) and their observed changes (the dynamic model) to test explanatory power. Predictive power is then tested by bootstrapping the chronosequence model to derive confidence intervals for expected changes and comparing them with the dynamic model. Finally, residuals from both models are tested against site factors. The procedure was applied to six attributes (basal area, plant density, mean plant height, species richness, evenness, and composition) of the woody community (plants >1 cm dbh within 0.1‐ha plots) in nine abandoned cattle pastures (0–12 yr) and three old growth tropical dry forests monitored over 6 yr. Age explained 60–97 percent of the variance in community attributes and only 32–57 percent in observed changes. It significantly overestimated basal area and mean height, while species richness and composition were highly predicted. Besides age, management history also explained successional dynamics. Our results suggest age is not necessarily a reliable predictor of short‐term successional dynamics, and explanatory power is not indicative of predictive power. Because of this low reliability, caution is needed when applying chronosequences to evaluate ecosystem services' recovery. The analytical approach developed here contributes to a better exploration of those possible limitations.
Synthesis, Docking, In Vitro and In Vivo Antimalarial Activity of Hybrid 4‐aminoquinoline–1,3,5‐triazine Derivatives Against Wild and Mutant Malaria Parasites
Authors: Bhat Hans Raj , Singh Udaya Pratap , Gahtori Prashant , Ghosh Surajit Kumar , Gogoi Kabita , Prakash Anil , Singh Ramendra K. 
Published: December 2014

A new series of hybrid 4‐aminoquinoline–1,3,5‐triazine derivatives was synthesized by a four‐step reaction. Target compounds were screened for in vitro antimalarial activity against chloroquine‐sensitive (3D‐7) and chloroquine‐resistant (RKL‐2) strains of Plasmodium falciparum. Compounds exhibited, by and large, good antimalarial activity against the resistant strain, while two of them, that is 8g and 8a, displayed higher activity against both the strains of P. falciparum. Additionally, docking study was performed on both wild (1J3I.pdb) and quadruple mutant (N51I, C59R, S108 N, I164L, 3QG2.pdb) type pf‐DHFR‐TS to highlight the structural features of hybrid molecules.
Value of sonographic features in predicting malignancy in thyroid nodules diagnosed as follicular neoplasm on cytology
Authors: Chng Chiaw‐Ling , Kurzawinski Tom R. , Beale Tim 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackgroundThe cytological diagnosis of follicular neoplasm (Thy3F) remains a diagnostic challenge. The main aim of this study was to stratify the risk of malignancy in thyroid nodules diagnosed as Thy3F on cytology (Thy3F) using thyroid imaging reporting and data system (TIRADS).MethodsA database of thyroid nodules with Thy3F cytological results from ultrasound‐guided FNA (US‐FNA) between January 2007 and March 2014 was studied retrospectively. Information on patient demographics, ultrasound characteristics and final histology of the nodules was collated. The number of suspicious US features of each thyroid nodule was counted based on TIRADS. The malignancy rate of each of the TIRADS category was also calculated based on the final histological outcomes of the nodules and compared to that calculated using a recently proposed thyroid malignancy risk prediction model.ResultsThe overall malignancy rate of Thy3F cytology was 24·3%. There were significantly higher percentages of malignant nodules with irregular margins (20·0% vs 0%, P = 0·000), hypo‐echogenicity (74·3% vs 51·4%, P = 0·013) and taller‐than‐wide morphology (17·1% vs 0·9%, P = 0·001) when compared to benign nodules. The risk of malignancy increased with advancing TIRADS score: TIRADS 4A (14·3%), TIRADS 4B (23·1%), TIRADS 4C (87·5%) and TIRADS 5 (100%). The malignancy rate calculated using the prediction model similarly increased with advancing TIRADS score: TIRADS 4A (6·2%), TIRADS 4B (32·5%), TIRADS 4C (79·9%) and TIRADS 5 (90%).ConclusionThyroid nodules with TIRADS scores 4C and 5 should be considered for single definitive surgery in view of the high malignant rate.
Prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in women in early pregnancy: does it increase with maternal age?
Authors: Diéguez Marta , Herrero Ana , Avello Noelia , Suárez Patricio , Delgado Elías , Menéndez Edelmiro 
Published: December 2014

SummaryObjectiveRecent studies report high rates of thyroid disorders in pregnant women. However, the need for universal thyroid screening remains controversial. Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction (TD) during pregnancy and to analyse the association with maternal age.Design and methodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study in a referral centre in collaboration with the primary care units from April 2010 to March 2011. The study included 2509 consecutive pregnant women resident in an iodine‐sufficient area, mean age 32 years (range 16–47) who were universally screened for TD in their first trimester (median gestation 8 weeks, range 4–13 weeks). Thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 (FT4) were analysed during the first antenatal visit. We applied first trimester‐specific population‐based TSH and FT4 reference ranges.ResultsWe identified 416 women with positive TD screening [16·6%, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 15·1–18·0]. Of these, 47 had overt hypothyroidism (1·9%), 90 subclinical hypothyroidism (3·6%), 23 overt hyperthyroidism (0·9%), 20 subclinical hyperthyroidism (0·8%) and 236 had isolated hypothyroxinaemia (9·4%). Applying a logistic regression model, age ≥30 years was not associated with a higher risk of TD [odds ratio (OR) 0·85, 95% CI 0·67–1·08] or hypothyroidism (OR 0·72, 95% CI 0·50–1·06).ConclusionsTD affects one in six pregnant women in an iodine‐sufficient population. Maternal age ≥30 years do not increase the risk of TD.
Learning and development journeys towards effective communication with children
Authors: Lefevre Michelle 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere are continuing concerns about the quality of social workers' communication and engagement with children. This has led to a focus in England on whether qualifying courses prepare students sufficiently for practice. Although research has uncovered the capabilities social workers need to engage and communicate effectively with children, there has continued to be limited evidence in relation to which pedagogical approaches might best enable students to develop capability. This paper attempts to address some of this deficit by reporting in‐depth case study findings from a larger longitudinal study into the factors that supported a cohort of students in England in learning to communicate with children. Case analyses are presented in respect of two participants whose learning journeys were emblematic of many in the cohort. Their trajectories draw attention to the significant role that pre‐course experience with children can play in the development of students' self‐efficacy and in providing a rich source of experiential learning that can be built upon. Suggestions are made for how qualifying courses might provide alternative experiential learning opportunities, including role play, child observation and opportunities for reflection on pre‐course experience with adults to help students establish the transferability of their learning.
Getting behind the closed door of care leavers: understanding the role of emotional support for young people leaving care
Authors: Adley Natasha , Jupp Kina Victoria 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThere have been significant changes in the legislative frameworks and guidance that surround social work practice with young people leaving the care system over the recent years. However, care leavers continue to face a range of challenges, achieve poor outcomes and research has consistently highlighted the insufficient attention paid to sources of emotional support. This paper provides empirical data from a small number of care leavers reflecting on their experiences of transitioning to independence. The findings provide further evidence of the lack of attention paid to emotional support by professionals and highlight the impact that this had on the young people's experiences. The young people identify their changing perceptions and needs as their experiences post‐care change, the complex reasons for why they may have rejected offers of support and make key recommendations for practice. This paper provides valuable insight into the process of leaving the care system from the perspective of care leavers themselves and raises key questions that challenge the structure of the current support systems, the nature of the professional relationship with young people in care and the priorities of current policy initiatives.
Challenging the generational transmission of tobacco smoking: a novel harm reduction approach in vulnerable families
Authors: Robertson Francesca 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAnti‐smoking measures have been effective in reducing smoking in the general population but have been less effective with people in lower economic quintiles. The effects of parental smoking on children are adverse, long reaching and increase the likelihood of smoking in adulthood. Thus, persistent tobacco smoking is often a feature in generational patterns of poverty and marginalization. In this project, the researcher, a social worker, developed a hypothesis about how links between poverty, smoking and its impact on children at risk could be challenged. A literature review was conducted to explore the hypothesis and the findings were used to develop a strategy to work with impoverished, marginalized parents of children considered at risk by the Child Protection system. The strategy was applied as an exploratory study using qualitative methods to garner insights into factors that changed smoking behaviour at home. Quantitative methods were used to measure change. The study indicated that the strategy is promising, with all parents either ceasing or significantly reducing daily smoking. The number of children exposed to tobacco smoke at home was reduced from 36 to 5. The promising results of this study may enhance the range of solution behaviours for parents and social workers seeking to improve the health and well‐being of vulnerable children.
Comparison of different surface modifications for titanium implants installed into the goat iliac crest
Authors: van Oirschot Bart A. J. A. , Meijer Gert J. , Bronkhorst Ewald M. , Närhi Timo , Jansen John A. , van den Beucken Jeroen J. J. P. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectivesThis in vivo study with implants installed in the goat iliac crest was performed to determine whether the biological and mechanical properties of the bone‐to‐implant interface are influenced by (i) the type of implant anchorage (i.e., mono‐ vs. bicortical placement), and (ii) the presence of a bioactive hydroxyapatite (HA) or composite HA/bioactive glass (BG) coatings.Materials and methodsA total of 96 titanium (Ti) implants w/‐ coatings (Ti, Ti‐HA & Ti‐HABG; n = 8) were mono‐ or bicortically placed in the iliac crest of eight goats. At installation and after 4 weeks, implant stability was determined using insertion and removal torque testing (ITQ & RTQ). The peri‐implant bone response was histologically and histomorphometrically evaluated by means of bone‐to‐implant contact (BIC%) and bone area (BA%).ResultsMonocortical implants demonstrated significantly lower RTQ values in comparison to ITQ values, whereas for bicortical implant placement RTQ and ITQ were similar. Further, mean RTQ values for monocortical implants were significantly lower in comparison to bicortical implants. Histomorphometrical evaluation demonstrated higher BIC% and BA% for bicortical implants compared to monocortical implants. For bicortical implants, BA% in the inner peri‐implant region (0–500 μm) was significantly higher compared to the middle (500–1000 μm) and outer (1000–1500 μm) region. Also, a significant correlation was observed for monocortical implants between RTQ and BIC% and BA%. For surface modifications, no significant differences were found in ITQ and RTQ, for neither mono‐ nor bicortical implants. Histomorphometrically, HABG‐coated implants demonstrated significantly higher BIC% compared to GAE surfaces for both mono‐ and bicortical implants. Bicortical HA‐coated implants revealed significant higher BA% in the inner peri‐implant region (0–500 μm) in comparison to bicortical GAE implants.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that bicortical implant placement beneficially affects implant stability during the early phase of osseointegration. A significant correlation between removal torque and bone‐to‐implant contact and bone area for monocortical implants was observed, but not for bicortical implants. Therefore, histomorphometrical data should be interpreted with caution to predict the biomechanical implant fixation of bone implants over time. Regarding surface modifications, in the present implantation model, the addition of BG to an RF magnetron sputtered HA coating enhanced the biological behavior of the coating compared to grit‐blasted/acid‐etched implants.
Impact of payments for environmental services and protected areas on local livelihoods and forest conservation in northern Cambodia
Authors: Clements Tom , Milner‐Gulland E. J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe potential impacts of payments for environmental services (PES) and protected areas (PAs) on environmental outcomes and local livelihoods in developing countries are contentious and have been widely debated. The available evidence is sparse, with few rigorous evaluations of the environmental and social impacts of PAs and particularly of PES. We measured the impacts on forests and human well‐being of three different PES programs instituted within two PAs in northern Cambodia, using a panel of intervention villages and matched controls. Both PES and PAs delivered additional environmental outcomes relative to the counterfactual: reducing deforestation rates significantly relative to controls. PAs increased security of access to land and forest resources for local households, benefiting forest resource users but restricting households’ ability to expand and diversify their agriculture. The impacts of PES on household well‐being were related to the magnitude of the payments provided. The two higher paying market‐linked PES programs had significant positive impacts, whereas a lower paying program that targeted biodiversity protection had no detectable effect on livelihoods, despite its positive environmental outcomes. Households that signed up for the higher paying PES programs, however, typically needed more capital assets; hence, they were less poor and more food secure than other villagers. Therefore, whereas the impacts of PAs on household well‐being were limited overall and varied between livelihood strategies, the PES programs had significant positive impacts on livelihoods for those that could afford to participate. Our results are consistent with theories that PES, when designed appropriately, can be a powerful new tool for delivering conservation goals whilst benefiting local people.
Young children's automatic encoding of social categories
Authors: Weisman Kara , Johnson Marissa V. , Shutts Kristin 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe present research investigated young children's automatic encoding of two social categories that are highly relevant to adults: gender and race. Three‐ to 6‐year‐old participants learned facts about unfamiliar target children who varied in either gender or race and were asked to remember which facts went with which targets. When participants made mistakes, they were more likely to confuse targets of the same gender than targets of different genders, but they were equally likely to confuse targets within and across racial groups. However, a social preference measure indicated that participants were sensitive to both gender and race information. Participants with more racial diversity in their social environments were more likely to encode race, but did not have stronger racial preferences. These findings provide evidence that young children do not automatically encode all perceptible features of others. Further, gender may be a more fundamental social category than race.
Calcifediol improves lipid profile in osteopenicatorvastatin‐treated postmenopausal women
Authors: Catalano Antonino , Morabito Nancy , Basile Giorgio , Cucinotta Domenico , Lasco Antonino 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundLow vitamin D serum levels have been associated with unfavourable lipid profile and poorer response to atorvastatin. Aims of this study were to test the effects of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (calcifediol) compared to parental vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) supplementation on modifications of plasma 25(OH)D levels and lipid profile.Materials and methodsFifty‐seven postmenopausal women (aged 59·03 ± 6·73 years) who were at low risk of fracture and with basal plasma 25(OH)D < 30 ng/mL were included if they were on atorvastatin treatment prescribed as appropriate. Recruited women were randomized to receive oral calcifediol or cholecalciferol, both at a dose of 140 μg according to a weekly regimen.ResultsAt baseline, 25(OH)D was negatively associated with BMI (r = −0·37; P = 0·004), total cholesterol (r = −0·31; P = 0·01) and LDL‐C (r = −0·32; P = 0·02). After 24 weeks, 25(OH)D increased significantly in both groups (P < 0·001), although higher levels were obtained with calcifediol as compared with cholecalciferol (P < 0·001). Only in the calcifediol group, a significant reduction of LDL‐C (P = 0·01) and an increase of HDL‐C (P = 0·02) were obtained, even after adjustment for age, and baseline BMI, 25(OH)D and lipid levels (P < 0·05). The percentage changes in 25(OH)D levels were associated with the variations of LDL‐C (r = −0·44; P = 0·01) and HDL‐C levels (r = 0·30; P = 0·10).ConclusionCalcifediol administration in osteopenic and dyslipidemic postmenopausal women with low 25(OH)D improves lipid profile when added to an ongoing atorvastatin treatment.