bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic structure and ecological and evolutionary determinants of species richness for angiosperm trees in forest communities in China
Authors: Qian Hong , Field Richard , Zhang Jin‐Long , Zhang Jian , Chen Shengbin 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimSite‐level species richness is thought to result from both local conditions and species’ evolutionary history, but the nature of the evolutionary effect, and how much it underlies the correlation with current environment, are debated. Although tropical conservatism is a widely used explanatory framework along temperature gradients, it is unclear whether cold tolerance is primarily a threshold effect (e.g. freezing tolerance) or represents a more continuous constraint. Nor is it clear whether cold tolerance is the only major axis of conservatism or whether others, such as water‐stress tolerance, are additionally important or trade‐off against cold tolerance. We address these questions by testing associated predictions for forest plots distributed across 35° latitude.LocationChina.MethodsWe recorded all trees within 57 0.1‐ha plots, generated a phylogeny for the 462 angiosperm species found, and calculated phylogenetic diversity (standardized PD), net relatedness index (NRI) and phylogenetic species variability (PSV) for each plot. We tested the predictions using regression, variance partitioning and structural equation modelling to disentangle potential influences of key climate variables on NRI and PSV, and of all variables on species richness.ResultsSpecies richness correlated very strongly with minimum temperature, nonlinearly overall but linearly where freezing is absent. The phylogenetic variables also correlated strongly with minimum temperature. While NRI and PSV explained little additional variance in species richness, they accounted for part of the species richness–current climate correlation. Water stress added minimal explanatory power. All these variables showed strong latitudinal gradients.Main conclusionsMinimum temperature appeared to primarily control tree species richness, via both a threshold‐like freezing effect and a linear relationship in climates without freezing. We found no clear signal of water‐stress effects. The modelled contribution of evolutionary history is consistent with cold‐tolerance conservatism, but could not account for all the species richness–climate relationship.
Role of pharmacist in cardiovascular disease‐related health promotion and in hypertension and dyslipidemia management: a cross‐sectional study in the State of Qatar
Authors: El Hajj Maguy Saffouh , Mahfoud Ziyad R. , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Alkhiyami Dania , Alasmar Aya Riyad 
Published: November 2015

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesIn Qatar, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have recently become the leading cause of morbidity and mortality. Prevention, detection and management of CVD risk factors reduce CVD chance. The study objectives were to assess Qatar pharmacists' involvement in CVD health promotion, to identify the activities that they currently provide to patients with CVD risk factors, to describe their attitudes towards their involvement in CVD prevention and to assess their perceived barriers for provision of CVD prevention servicesMethodWe conducted a cross‐sectional survey of community and ambulatory pharmacists in Qatar. Pharmacist characteristics, involvement in CVD‐related activities along with their attitudes and perceived barriers were analysed using frequency distributions. Bivariate linear regression models were used to test for associations between CVD health promotion activity score and each variable. Variables with a P‐value of 0.20 or less were included in the multivariate model.ResultsA total of 141 pharmacists completed the survey (response rate 60%). More than 70% responded with rarely or never to 6 out of the 10 CVD health promotion activities. Eighty‐four per cent and 68% always or often describe to patients the appropriate time to take antihypertensive medications and the common medication adverse effects, respectively. Yet, 50% rarely or never review the medication refill history or provide adherence interventions. Lack of CVD educational materials was the top perceived barrier (55%) in addition to lack of having private counselling area (44.6%), and lack of time (38.3%). Females and community pharmacists were more involved in CVD health promotion (P = 0.046 and P = 0.017, respectively) than their counterparts. Health promotion practice increased with increasing attitudes score and decreased with increased barriers score (P = 0.012 and P = 0.001).ConclusionThe scope of pharmacy practice in CVD prevention is limited in Qatar. Efforts need to be exerted to increase pharmacists' involvement in CVD prevention
Validity and reliability of the Diagnostic Adaptive Behaviour Scale
Authors: Tassé M. J. , Schalock R. L. , Balboni G. , Spreat S. , Navas P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe Diagnostic Adaptive Behaviour Scale (DABS) is a new standardised adaptive behaviour measure that provides information for evaluating limitations in adaptive behaviour for the purpose of determining a diagnosis of intellectual disability. This article presents validity evidence and reliability data for the DABS.MethodValidity evidence was based on comparing DABS scores with scores obtained on the Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scale, second edition. The stability of the test scores was measured using a test and retest, and inter‐rater reliability was assessed by computing the inter‐respondent concordance.ResultsThe DABS convergent validity coefficients ranged from 0.70 to 0.84, while the test–retest reliability coefficients ranged from 0.78 to 0.95, and the inter‐rater concordance as measured by intraclass correlation coefficients ranged from 0.61 to 0.87.ConclusionsAll obtained validity and reliability indicators were strong and comparable with the validity and reliability coefficients of the most commonly used adaptive behaviour instruments. These results and the advantages of the DABS for clinician and researcher use are discussed.
Partial Treatment Requests and Underlying Motives of Applicants for Gender Affirming Interventions
Authors: Beek Titia F. , Kreukels Baudewijntje P.C. , Cohen-Kettenis Peggy T. , Steensma Thomas D. 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Historically, only individuals with a cross-gender identity who wanted to receive a full treatment, were eligible for “complete sex reassignment” consisting of feminizing/masculinizing hormone treatment and several surgical interventions including genital surgery (full treatment). Currently, it is unclear what motives underlie a request for hormones only or surgery only or a combination of hormones and surgery (e.g., a mastectomy), but no genital surgery (partial treatment).

Aims
The aims of this study were (i) to describe treatment requests of applicants at a specialized gender identity clinic in the Netherlands; and (ii) to explore the motives underlying a partial treatment request, including the role of (non-binary) gender identity.

Methods
Information was collected on all 386 adults who applied for treatment at the Center of Expertise on Gender Dysphoria of the VU University Medical Center in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, in the year 2013. Treatment requests were available for 360 individuals: 233 natal men (64.7%) and 127 natal women (35.3%). Treatment requests were systematically collected during assessment. Individuals were classified as either desiring a full or partial treatment. The motives behind a partial treatment request were collected and categorized as well.

Results
The majority of applicants at our gender identity clinic requested full treatment. Among those who requested partial treatment, the most reported underlying motive was surgical risks/outcomes. Only a small number of applicants requested partial treatment to bring their body into alignment with their non-binary gender identity.

Conclusion
It becomes clear that partial treatment is requested by a substantial number of applicants. This emphasizes the need for gender identity clinics to provide information about the medical possibilities and limitations, and careful introduction and evaluation of non-standard treatment options.
Idiopathic Partial Thrombosis (IPT) of the Corpus Cavernosum: A Hypothesis-Generating Case Series and Review of the Literature
Authors: Weyne Emmanuel , Schillebeeckx Charlotte , Jamaer Caroline , D'Hulst Pieter , Bozzini Giorgio , Grunert Richard , d'Hondt Frederiek , Hoebeke Piet , Müller Alexander , Van Renterghem Koenraad , Joniau Steven , Albersen Maarten 
Published: November 2015

Abstract

Introduction
Idiopathic partial thrombosis (IPT) of the corpus cavernosum is a rare condition. The etiology is not fully understood; however, the presence of an either or not congenital web in these patients may contribute to the development of IPT.

Aim
The aim of this study was to describe 18 new IPT cases and compare these with 38 cases found in the literature.

Methods
A multicenter retrospective analysis was performed. Descriptive statistics are given.

Main Outcome Measures
The main outcome measures used were clinical presentation, clinical and radiographical diagnostics, treatment and resolution of symptoms.

Results
Patients most frequently presented with perineal swelling (10/18; 56%) and pain (13/18; 72%), unilateral (12/18; 67%) or bilateral (4/18; 22%), and pain during erection (10/18; 72%). Penile curvature, dysuria or fever (each 1/18; 6%) were uncommon presenting symptoms. In our series, magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a fibrous web in the corpus cavernosum in 100% of cases and was more bilaterally (11/18; 61%) than unilaterally (7/18; 39%) diagnosed. Cycling was found to be a provocative factor for IPT occurrence in patients at risk as 61% (11/18) of patients reported being a frequent cyclist with the episode of IPT occurring immediately after or during cycling activity in 8 out of 18 patients (8/18; 44%). In five centers, 15 patients were treated conservatively, the majority being treated with therapeutic doses of low molecular weight heparin and simultaneous anti-aggregant therapy. In one center, all three patients were treated with a surgical approach. Complete resolution of symptoms was noted in only 50% of cases.

Conclusion
IPT is a condition that presents typically with perineal pain and swelling. Cycling is often seen as a provocative factor, while the presence of a fibrous web at the level of the crurocavernosal junction is the underlying disorder allowing for entrapment of blood in the crura. Conservative treatment provides a reasonably good outcome in most cases. For therapy resistant cases, surgery can be considered.
The macrophage activation marker CD163 is associated with IL28B genotype and hepatic inflammation in chronic hepatitis C virus infected patients
Authors: Dultz G. , Gerber L. , Zeuzem S. , Sarrazin C. , Waidmann O. 
Published: November 2015

SummaryRecent data highlighted the association of the macrophage activation marker CD163 with histological inflammation and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of successful antiviral treatment and IL28B genotypes on macrophage activation reflected by CD163 levels in HCV infected patients. In a retrospective cohort study, serum sCD163 levels were correlated with results of liver histopathology, IL28B genotyping and clinical parameters in 329 patients with HCV infection, 15 healthy controls and in 161 patients who achieved a sustained virologic response after antiviral treatment. sCD163 levels were significantly higher in patients with chronic HCV infection in comparison to healthy controls (5202 vs 896 ng/mL, P < 0.001). In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, sCD163 was independently associated with histologically determined inflammation (P = 0.043) but not with fibrosis (P = 0.091). sCD163 dropped significantly after successful antiviral treatment in comparison to baseline values (5202 vs 3093 ng/mL, P < 0.001). In the univariate analyses, sCD163 was significantly associated with IL28B genotype (C/C vs C/T+T/T) with higher values in the C/C group (6098 vs 4812 ng/mL, P = 0.003). In the multivariate logistic regression model, sCD163 levels were significantly associated with IL28B genotype (P = 0.003) and sustained virologic response (SVR) (P < 0.001). Our data support the association of activated liver macrophages with hepatic necroinflammation in chronic HCV infection as sCD163 levels drop rapidly after SVR. The irresponsiveness of IL28B minor genotypes to interferon might be related to a lower level of macrophage activation in these patients.
Introspection, Anton's Syndrome, and Human Echolocation
Authors: Allen‐Hermanson Sean 
Published: November 2015

AbstractPhilosophers have recently argued that since there are people who are blind, but don't know it, and people who echolocate, but don't know it, conscious introspection is highly unreliable. I contend that a second look at Anton's syndrome, human echolocation, and ‘facial vision’ suggests otherwise. These examples do not support skepticism about the reliability of introspection.
Citizen Attributions of Blame in Third‐Party Governance
Authors: Marvel John D. , Girth Amanda M. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThe authors use a survey experiment to examine how structural differences in governance arrangements affect citizens’ notions of who is culpable for poor service quality. More specifically, two questions are investigated: (1) When things go wrong, do citizens attribute more blame to political actors if the provider of government services is a public agency or a private contractor? (2) Does the length of the accountability chain linking political actors to service providers influence citizens’ attributions of blame? The authors hypothesize that provider sector and accountability chain length affect citizens’ perceptions of political actors’ control over service delivery, which, in turn, inform citizens’ attributions of blame. Mixed support is found for this theory.
Bully Partisan or Partisan Bully?: Partisanship, Elite Polarization, and U.S. Presidential Communication*
Authors: Harrison Brian F. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveThe objective of the study was to investigate the impact of perceptions of elite polarization on presidential communication. Polarization among political elites has been a well‐studied aspect of political science scholarship. Party competition is seen as healthy for democracy; however, polarization often leads to gridlock and legislative inaction. There is ongoing debate about how elite polarization affects individual attitude formation, particularly in relation to important political institutions like the American presidency.MethodsI conducted randomized laboratory experiments in which respondents read information about the state of partisanship in American politics, viewed videos of President Obama, and then answered questions about issues and presidential approval.ResultsThe results show that when participants were primed to think about elite polarization as high, presidential communication yields job‐approval ratings, issue‐importance ratings, and issue stances closer to the party line, compared to participants primed to think elite polarization is low or when there was no prime at all.ConclusionThe findings suggest that when primed to think about strong partisan disagreements, partisan identity overwhelms respondents, and makes them focus most on their partisan identity, regardless of content; without such a prime, respondents are more likely to consider the content of presidential communication. Perceptions of partisan acrimony can affect how partisans perceive important institutions like the presidency in terms of job approval and issue stance.
Globalization, Contact, and Religious Identity: A Cross‐National Analysis of Interreligious Favorability*
Authors: Ciftci Sabri , Nawaz Muhammad Asif , Sydiq Tareq 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesThis article examines cross‐national variation in interreligious favorability across the globe. We develop and test several hypotheses linking globalization to attitudes toward the religious other through mechanisms of religious belonging and contact.MethodsUtilizing cross‐national data in 20 countries from the Pew Global Attitudes Surveys (2011), we run a series of multilevel and logistic regression estimations to test our hypotheses about global contact, religious identity, and interreligious favorability.ResultsWe find that global contact has a positive effect on interreligious favorability, whereas holding religious identity increases negative sentiments toward religious outgroups. We also find that increased levels of globalization inhibit the negative impact of religious belonging and threat perceptions on favorable views of the religious other.ConclusionAlthough globalization increases the salience of religion as an exclusive identity category at the expense of decreased interreligious favorability, individuals become more conducive to interreligious tolerance thanks to frequent social contact at higher levels of globalization.
An Experimental Study of the Impact of Social Comparison on Investment*
Authors: Hoover Gary A. , Kimbrough Erik O. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesWith increasing attention being paid to inequality and poverty, this article attempts to shed light on mechanisms by which the poor arrive at decisions that are suboptimal and lead to “poverty traps.”MethodsWe design a laboratory experiment in which we induce wealth and income differences between subjects to compare their behavior in a simple, two‐period life‐cycle savings and consumption task that controls subjects’ homegrown risk preferences and isolates the impact of social comparison.ResultsWe find evidence that social comparison leads to suboptimal investment choices among the income‐poor.ConclusionsOne interpretation is that this is driven by a discouragement effect among those who are less likely to benefit from their investments—despite that fact that, by design, investment by all types leads to the same increase in expected utility.
Possible mechanism by which renal sympathetic denervation improves left ventricular remodelling after myocardial infarction
Authors: Zheng Xiao‐Xin , Li Xiao‐Yan , Lyu Yong‐Nan , He Yi‐Yu , Wan Wei‐Guo , Zhu Hong‐Ling , Jiang Xue‐Jun 
Published: November 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?
The enzyme system that is responsible for extracellular matrix (ECM) turnover is the matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which can be blocked by the tissue inhibitors of MMPs (TIMPs). Whether renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) is able to ameliorate post‐myocardial infarction left ventricular remodelling through attenuation of ECM via regulation of MMP activity and/or the MMP–TIMP complex remains unknown.

What is the main finding and its importance?
Renal sympathetic denervation has therapeutic effects on post‐myocardial infarction left ventricular remodelling, probably by attenuating the ECM through regulation of the MMP9–TIMP1 complex in the transforming growth factor‐β1 (a profibrotic cytokine that accelerates ECM remodelling after ischaemia) signalling pathway.

Whether renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) is able to ameliorate post‐myocardial infarction (post‐MI) left ventricular (LV) remodelling by attenuation of the extracellular matrix via regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity and/or the MMP–tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP) complex remains unknown. Sixty‐five Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: normal (N, n = 15), RSD (RSD, n = 15), myocardial infarction (MI, n = 15) and RSD 3 days after MI (MI3d+RSD, n = 20). The bilateral renal nerves were surgically denervated 3 days after MI had been induced by coronary artery ligation. Left ventricular function was assessed using echocardiography and a Millar catheter at 6 weeks post‐MI. Plasma noradrenaline, angiotensin II and aldosterone, collagen volume fraction, transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1), MMP2, MMP9 and TIMP1 in heart tissue were measured 6 weeks after MI. In rats with MI3d+RSD compared with MI rats, RSD improved systolic and diastolic function, resulting in an improvement in ejection fraction (P < 0.05), fractional shortening (P < 0.05) and LV internal dimension in systole (P < 0.05) and diastole (P < 0.05). Additionally, RSD treatment decreased left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (P < 0.05) and increased LV systolic pressure (P < 0.05) and maximal and minimal rate of LV pressure (both P < 0.05). Meanwhile, RSD reduced collagen content (P < 0.01). TIMP1 was upregulated (P < 0.05), whereas MMP2, MMP9 and TGF‐β1 were downregulated in the LV of RSD‐treated animals (P < 0.05). Renal sympathetic denervation has therapeutic effects on post‐MI LV remodelling, probably owing to effects on the extracellular matrix by regulation of the MMP9–TIMP1 balance in the TGF‐β1 signalling pathway. Renal sympathetic denervation may be considered as a non‐pharmacological approach for the improvement of post‐MI cardiac dysfunction.
Concurrent Development of Endurance Capacity and Explosiveness: Training Characteristics of World-Class Nordic Combined Athletes
Authors: Tønnessen Espen , Rasdal Vegard , Svendsen Ida S. , Haugen Thomas A. , Hem Erlend , Sandbakk Øyvind 
Published: November 2015

Performing at an elite level in Nordic combined (NC) requires both the explosiveness required for ski jumping performance and the endurance capacity required for cross-country skiing.Purpose:To describe the characteristics of world-class NC athletes’ training and determine how endurance and non–endurance (ie, strength, power, and ski jumping) training is periodized.Methods:Annual training characteristics and the periodization of endurance and non–endurance training were determined by analyzing the training diaries of 6 world-class NC athletes.Results:Of 846 ± 72 annual training hours, 540 ± 37 h were endurance training, with 88.6% being low-, 5.9% moderate-, and 5.5% high-intensity training. While training frequency remained relatively constant, the total training volume was reduced from the general preparatory to the competition phase, primarily due to less low- and moderate-intensity training (P < .05). A total of 236 ± 55 h/y were spent as non–endurance training, including 211 ± 44 h of power and ski-jump-specific training (908 ± 165 ski jumps and ski-jump imitations). The proportion of non–endurance training increased significantly toward the competition phase (P < .05).Conclusion:World-class NC athletes reduce the volume of low- and moderate-intensity endurance training toward the competition phase, followed by an increase in the relative contribution of power and ski-jump training. These data provide novel insight on how successful athletes execute their training and may facilitate more-precise coaching of future athletes in this sport. In addition, this information is of high relevance for the training organization of other sports that require optimization of 2 fundamentally different physical capacities.