bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the Ecological and Phenological Predictors of Fruit Consumption by Gibbons (Hylobates albibarbis)
Authors: Dillis Christopher , Beaudrot Lydia , Feilen Katie L. , Clink Dena J. , Wittmer Heiko U. , Marshall Andrew J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractUnderstanding the ecological interactions between plant reproductive strategies and frugivore feeding behavior can offer insight into the maintenance of tropical forest biodiversity. We examined the role of plant ecological and phenological characteristics in influencing fruit consumption by the White‐bearded gibbon (Hylobates albibarbis) in Gunung Palung National Park, Indonesian Borneo. Gibbons are widespread across Borneo, highly frugivorous and perform important seed dispersal services. We compare multiple models using information criteria to identify the ecological and phenological predictors that most strongly influence gibbon fruit use of 154 plant genera. The most important predictors of resource use were the overall abundance of a genus and the consistency of fruit availability. Plant genera can maintain constant fruit availability as a result of (1) individual stems fruiting often or (2) stems fruiting out of synchrony with each other (asynchrony). Our results demonstrate that gibbons prefer to feed on plant genera that provide consistent fruit availability due to fruiting asynchrony. Because gibbons feed more often on genera that fruit asynchronously, gibbons are more likely to disperse seeds of plant genera with this reproductive strategy. Research on other frugivorous species is needed to determine whether the results for gibbons are generalizable more broadly. Finally, these results suggest that asynchronously fruiting plant genera may be particularly important for habitat restoration in tropical forests designed for frugivore conservation.
Differential Responses of Dipterocarp Seedlings to Soil Moisture and Microtopography
Authors: Born Julia , Bagchi Robert , Burslem David , Nilus Reuben , Tellenbach Christoph , Pluess Andrea R. , Ghazoul Jaboury 
Published: December 2014

AbstractNiche diversification is prominent among the mechanisms proposed to explain tropical rain forest tree diversity, with many studies focusing on trade‐offs among shade tolerance and growth. Less obvious is the impact of occasional, ephemeral and often minor disturbances on tree seedling survival. We propose that differential tolerances to soil waterlogging can contribute to the distribution of tree seedling communities along microtopographical gradients. We test this hypothesis experimentally by evaluating survival and performance of planted seedlings across microtopographical gradients in a periodically inundated tropical rain forest environment. Survival and relative growth rates were assessed for six Shorea (Dipterocarpaceae) species in Sepilok Forest Reserve (Sabah, Malaysia) over a 2‐yr period, during which seedlings were subjected to two brief flooding events. The species were selected on the basis of soil habitat affinities, with two species being primarily associated with low‐lying alluvial flats subject to inundation, two being associated with non‐flooded mudstone hills, and two species occurring in both habitats. Seedling performance was related to microtopographic elevation within and among plots and to soil moisture among plots. The faster growing species, Shorea argentifolia, Shorea leprosula and Shorea parvifolia, tended to be more vulnerable to high soil moisture in terms of mortality than the three species with lower growth rates. Within plots, soil moisture was inversely correlated with microelevation, and seedlings located at higher microelevations had an increased probability of survival. Microtopographical differences in seedling position could therefore contribute to species assembly processes through differential mortality, particularly in areas subject to minor and ephemeral flooding events.
Evolution and Conservation of Central African Biodiversity: Priorities for Future Research and Education in the Congo Basin and Gulf of Guinea
Authors: Anthony Nicola M. , Atteke Christiane , Bruford Michael W. , Dallmeier Francisco , Freedman Adam , Hardy Olivier , Ibrahim Brama , Jeffery Kathryn J. , Johnson Mireille , Lahm Sally A. , Lepengue Nicaise , Lowenstein Jacob H. , Maisels Fiona , Mboumba Jean‐François , Mickala Patrick , Morgan Katy , Ntie Stephan , Smith Thomas B. , Sullivan John P. , Verheyen Erik , Gonder Mary K. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe tropical forests of the Congo Basin and Gulf of Guinea harbor some of the greatest terrestrial and aquatic biological diversity in the world. However, our knowledge of the rich biological diversity of this region and the evolutionary processes that have shaped it remains limited, as is our understanding of the capacity for species to adapt or otherwise respond to current and projected environmental change. In this regard, research efforts are needed to increase current scientific knowledge of this region's biodiversity, identify the drivers of past diversification, evaluate the potential for species to adapt to environmental change and identify key populations for future conservation. Moreover, when evolutionary research is combined with ongoing environmental monitoring efforts, it can also provide an important set of tools for assessing and mitigating the impacts of development activities. Building on a set of recommendations developed at an international workshop held in Gabon in 2011, we highlight major areas for future evolutionary research that could be directly tied to conservation priorities for the region. These research priorities are centered around five disciplinary themes: (1) documenting and discovering biodiversity; (2) identifying drivers of evolutionary diversification; (3) monitoring environmental change; (4) understanding community and ecosystem level processes; (5) investigating the ecology and epidemiology of disease from an evolutionary perspective (evolutionary epidemiology). Furthermore, we also provide an overview of the needs and priorities for biodiversity education and training in Central Africa.
Father's involvement in the lives of children in foster care
Authors: Icard Larry D. , Fagan Jay , Lee Yookyong , Rutledge Scott E. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractLimited understandings exist about non‐resident fathers' views of their involvement with their children in foster care placements. Guided by the ecological systems framework, the purpose of this exploratory study was to gain insights into fathers' perceptions of their involvement with a child in foster care. Data were collected from demographic questionnaires and two focus groups with 17 men. Fathers expressed how kinship compared with non‐kinship placements affected their involvement. Fathers were also in agreement that their financial hardships were a significant factor affecting their involvement. Several fathers also reported how they experienced discrimination in the child welfare system as men. Surprisingly, uncommon to findings from other studies, few men viewed the child's mother as being a barrier to their involvement. The findings provide insights into factors requiring attention to help non‐residential fathers become involved with their children.
Mechanisms of Intrinsic Epileptogenesis in Human Gelastic Seizures with Hypothalamic Hamartoma
Authors: Wu Jie , Gao Ming , Shen Jian‐Xin , Qiu Shen‐Feng , Kerrigan John F. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryHuman hypothalamic hamartoma (HH) is a rare developmental malformation often characterized by gelastic seizures, which are refractory to medical therapy. IctalEEGrecordings from theHHhave demonstrated that the epileptic source of gelastic seizures lies within theHHlesion itself. Recent advances in surgical techniques targetingHHhave led to dramatic improvements in seizure control, which further supports the hypothesis that gelastic seizures originate within theHH. However, the basic cellular and molecular mechanisms of epileptogenesis in this subcortical lesion are poorly understood. Since 2003, Barrow Neurological Institute has maintained a multidisciplinary clinical program to evaluate and treat patients withHH. This program has provided a unique opportunity to investigate the basic mechanisms of epileptogenesis using surgically resectedHHtissue. The first report on the electrophysiological properties ofHHneurons was published in 2005. Since then, ongoing research has provided additional insights into the mechanisms by whichHHgenerate seizure activity. In this review, we summarize this progress and propose a cellular model that suggests thatGABA‐mediated excitation contributes to epileptogenesis inHHlesions.
Acute and Chronic Efficacy of Bumetanide in an in vitro Model of Posttraumatic Epileptogenesis
Authors: Dzhala Volodymyr , Staley Kevin J. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryBackgroundSeizures triggered by acute injuries to the developing brain respond poorly to first‐line medications that target the inhibitory chloride‐permeable GABAA receptor. Neuronal injury is associated with profound increases in cytoplasmic chloride ([Cl−]i) resulting in depolarizing GABA signaling, higher seizure propensity and limited efficacy of GABAergic anticonvulsants. The Na+‐K+‐2Cl− (NKCC1) cotransporter blocker bumetanide reduces [Cl−]i and causes more negative GABA equilibrium potential in injured neurons. We therefore tested both the acute and chronic efficacy of bumetanide on early posttraumatic ictal‐like epileptiform discharges and epileptogenesis.MethodsAcute hippocampal slices were used as a model of severe traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic epileptogenesis. Hippocampal slices were then incubated for 3 weeks. After a 1‐week latent period, slice cultures developed chronic spontaneous ictal‐like discharges. The anticonvulsant and anti‐epileptogenic efficacy of bumetanide, phenobarbital, and the combination of these drugs was studied.ResultsBumetanide reduced the frequency and power of early posttraumatic ictal‐like discharges in vitro and enhanced the anticonvulsant efficacy of phenobarbital. Continuous 2–3 weeks administration of bumetanide as well as phenobarbital in combination with bumetanide failed to prevent posttraumatic ictal‐like discharges and epileptogenesis.ConclusionsOur data demonstrate a persistent contribution of NKCC1 cotransport in posttraumatic ictal‐like activity, presumably as a consequence of chronic alterations in neuronal chloride homeostasis and GABA‐mediated inhibition. New strategies for more effective reduction in posttraumatic and seizure‐induced [Cl−]i accumulation could provide the basis for effective treatments for posttraumatic epileptogenesis and the resultant seizures.
Psychometric properties of functional balance tests in children: a literature review
Authors: Verbecque Evi , Lobo Da Costa Paula Hentschel , Vereeck Luc , Hallemans Ann 
Published: December 2014

AimIdentifying balance problems are the first step towards monitoring and rehabilitation. Therefore, this paper aims to make an overview of the psychometric properties of the functional balance tests available for children.MethodA literature search was performed in PubMED and Web of Science on 8 February 2014 and updated on 6 July 2014. A conceptual framework for functional balance tests was defined, taking balance control components and task constraints into account. The tests were selected for inclusion by consensus of 2‐3 reviewers using the conceptual framework.ResultsFourteen tests were investigated in 25 articles and analysed within the conceptual framework. The Timed Up and Go test, Pediatric Balance Scale, and Pediatric Reach Test are well investigated and all show good reliability. Validity remains unclear because of lack of a criterion standard to measure balance control.InterpretationBecause of the lack of good methodological studies, strong evidence for the use of one or more functional balance tests in children cannot be provided. Moreover, it is necessary that a criterion standard to measure balance is established.
Spatial Competition and Interdependence in Strategic Decisions: Empirical Evidence from Franchising
Authors: Chen Shaoling , Wang Susheng , Yang Haisheng 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThis article investigates spatial competition and spatial interdependence in two key strategic variables in franchising: the proportion of franchised outlets (PFO; i.e.,franchise proportion) and the royalty rate. Employing a simultaneous equations model and data from 353U.S. franchise chains in 43 sectors in 2005, we find robust evidence for significant spatial competition and stable interdependence in these two strategic variables. Specifically, we find spatial competition in each strategic variable, and spatial interdependence between the two strategic variables. Each strategic variable and its spatial lag are strategic complements in spatial competition due to the market share effect, while the two strategic variables are strategic substitutes in spatial interdependence due to the market power effect, and the former effect is stronger than the latter effect. Besides, we also find that franchisors are strongly inclined to a combination of a low royalty rate and a high franchise proportion, which evolves and stabilizes in the long‐run equilibrium. These findings provide a consistent framework with which to explain many stylized facts in franchising, such as the time‐invariance of a uniform royalty rate, the stability of a mixed organizational structure, and the coexistence of head‐on competition and diversification of chains of different sizes.
Multiple paternity and mating group size in the European earwig, Forficula auricularia
Authors: SANDRIN LINA , MEUNIER JOËL , RAVEH SHIRLEY , WALSER JEAN‐CLAUDE , KÖLLIKER MATHIAS 
Published: December 2014

1. The patterns of multiple paternity among the progeny of females are key properties of genetic mating systems. Female multiple mating should evolve due to direct or indirect benefits, but it may also partly be driven by the encounter rate with different potential mates.2. In this study this hypothesis was experimentally tested in the European earwig (Forficula auricularia L.) by establishing experimental mating groups that differed in the number of males and females (i.e. density). The number of sires and mean sibling relatedness in each clutch were estimated using microsatellite‐based paternity analysis.3. As predicted, the mean number of sires per clutch was significantly increased, and sibling relatedness decreased, in the higher density treatment where more potential male mates were available. This change was less than proportional to the number of males in the mating groups, indicating that mechanisms limiting multiple paternity in large mating groups were involved. There were no significant relationships between female reproductive success or male siring success with morphology (body size, weight, and forceps size).4. The present results show that multiple paternity in F. auricularia clutches is partly determined by the availability of male mates and suggest that this effect is modulated by mechanisms in males and/or females that limit multiple paternity.
Alteration of N‐glycan profiles in patients with chronic hepatitis and hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Miyahara Koji , Nouso Kazuhiro , Dohi Chihiro , Morimoto Yuki , Kinugasa Hideaki , Wada Nozomu , Takeuchi Yasuto , Kuwaki Kenji , Onishi Hideki , Ikeda Fusao , Miyake Yasuhiro , Nakamura Shinichiro , Shiraha Hidenori , Takaki Akinobu , Amano Maho , Nishimura Shin‐Ichiro , Yamamoto Kazuhide 
Published: December 2014

AimMost of the modification of N‐glycosylation reported in cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were based on the examinations of a small number of patients or particular proteins. The aim of this study is to reveal changes in whole serum N‐glycan profiles systematically during the process of hepatocarcinogenesis and to elucidate their clinical application.MethodsWe analyzed sera from 105 patients with chronic hepatitis/liver cirrhosis (CH/LC) and age‐/sex‐matched healthy volunteers (HLT), as well as from 114 patients with HCC. Serum N‐glycan profiles were measured comprehensively by a new, quantitative, high‐throughput method and compared with clinical parameters.ResultsThe total amount of N‐glycan expression was significantly higher in patients with CH/LC than in HLT; however, no differences were observed between CH/LC and HCC patients. In HCC patients, multi‐antennary glycans with fucose residues, particularly m/z 3195, were increased compared with CH/LC patients. The expression of m/z 3195 was high, especially in patients with a high number of intrahepatic lesions (>3), large tumor size (>3 cm), macroscopic vascular invasion or metastasis. The ratio of pairs of glycans on the same path of the biosynthesis pathway (m/z 3195/1914) showed a higher area under the receiver–operator curve of 0.810 than any other single glycan to distinguish HCC from CH/LC.ConclusionWe demonstrate the full spectrum of the alterations of serum N‐glycans comprehensively in patients with liver disease, and elucidate the possible use of glycans as novel biomarkers of liver disease progression.
Barriers to shared decisions in the most serious of cancers: a qualitative study of patients with pancreatic cancer treated in the UK
Authors: Ziebland Sue , Chapple Alison , Evans Julie 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundLess than 20% of patients with pancreatic cancer present with localized, potentially curable tumours. Even when potentially curative surgery is possible, mortality is high. Only 20–25% of patients who have had resected ductal adenocarcinoma of the pancreatic head survive 5 years. Other treatments include chemotherapy, radiotherapy and palliative care.AimTo explore patients' perceptions of barriers to shared decision making in a condition in which shared decision making might be difficult.MethodThematic analysis of narrative interviews with 32 people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in the UK; interviews with a social scientist, usually in people's homes.ResultsWe found that barriers to shared decisions include the idea that investigations are conducted to determine whether the patient qualifies for surgery, rather than to establish whether surgery is an option to consider; a sense of being pressured to accept treatment, a sense that in a life‐threatening situation, there are no ‘real options’; and the confusion that can be caused when clinical opinions differ.ConclusionWe need to ask how patients can be expected to engage in an informed, shared decision if they are made to feel that they are one of the ‘winners’ if they qualify for surgery. When each treatment decision might have serious consequences for a patient's remaining months, we suggest that there is a particularly strong imperative to make sure that the patient is not subject to other people's assumptions about what is best for them and that patients are offered the opportunity to share in decisions.
Knockdown of T‐bet expression in Mart‐127–35‐specific T‐cell‐receptor‐engineered human CD4+ CD25− and CD8+ T cells attenuates effector function
Authors: Jha Sidharth S. , Chakraborty Nitya G. , Singh Prashant , Mukherji Bijay , Dorsky David I. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryGene transfer to create tumour epitope‐specific cytolytic T cells for adoptive immunotherapy of cancer remains an area of active inquiry. When the Mart‐127–35‐specific DMF5 T‐cell receptor (TCR) is transferred into peripheral human CD4+ T cells, the reprogrammed cells exhibit a T helper type 1 (Th1) phenotype with significant multifactorial effector capabilities. The T‐bet transcription factor plays an important role in determination of the Th1 differentiation pathway. To gain a deeper understanding of how T‐bet controls the outcome of human T‐cell reprogramming by gene transfer, we developed a system for examining the effects of short hairpin RNA‐mediated T‐bet gene knockdown in sorted cell populations uniformly expressing the knockdown construct. In this system, using activated peripheral human CD4+ CD25− and CD8+ T cells, T‐bet knockdown led to attenuation of the interferon‐γ response to both antigen‐specific and non‐specific TCR stimulation. The interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) antigen‐specific response was not attenuated by T‐bet knockdown. Also, in TCR‐reprogrammed CD8+ cells, the cytolytic effector response was attenuated by T‐bet knockdown. T‐bet knockdown did not cause redirection into a Th2 differentiation pathway, and no increased IL‐4, IL‐10, or IL‐17 response was detected in this system. These results indicate that T‐bet expression is required for maintenance of the CD4+ CD25− and CD8+ effector phenotypes in TCR‐reprogrammed human T cells. They also suggest that the activation protocol necessary for transduction with retrovectors and lentivectors may commit the reprogrammed cells to the Th1 phenotype, which cannot be altered by T‐bet knockdown but that there is, nevertheless, a continuous requirement of T‐bet expression for interferon‐γ gene activation.
Effect of professional mechanical plaque removal performed on a long‐term, routine basis in the secondary prevention of periodontitis: a systematic review
Authors: Trombelli Leonardo , Franceschetti Giovanni , Farina Roberto 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimsTo systematically review the evidence evaluating the efficacy of long‐term, routine, professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) in the prevention of periodontitis progression.MethodsA literature search was conducted to identify prospective studies evaluating the effect of PMPR in periodontitis patients undergoing active periodontal therapy and enrolled in a maintenance programme including PMPR for at least 3 years.ResultsNo RCTs evaluating the efficacy of the intervention when compared with no treatment during maintenance were found. Nineteen prospective studies assessing the effect of PMPR as part of the supportive therapy were included. In general, studies reported no to low incidence of tooth loss during follow‐up. The weighted mean yearly rate of tooth loss was 0.15 ± 0.14 and 0.09 ± 0.08 for follow‐up of 5 years or 12–14 years, respectively, with no significant differences between groups. Mean clinical attachment loss was <1 mm at follow‐up ranging from 5 to 12 years.ConclusionsSupportive therapy, which encompasses PMPR, may limit the incidence and yearly rate of tooth loss as well as the loss in clinical attachment in patients treated for periodontitis. However, whether and to what extent the intervention may impact on long‐term periodontal parameters still needs to be assessed.
Risk indicators for peri‐implant mucositis: a systematic literature review
Authors: Renvert Stefan , Polyzois Ioannis 
Published: December 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo examine the existing evidence in identifying risk indicators in the aetiology of peri‐implant mucositis.Material and MethodsA search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science (WOS) and The Cochrane Library databases for articles published until June 2014.ResultsThis search gave 3135 results of which 15 studies fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The current review revealed that only a few studies provided data on risk indicators for the development of peri‐implant mucositis. Based on the data available, there is evidence that plaque is a risk indicator for peri‐implant mucositis. Smoking has also been identified as an independent risk indicator whereas the overall evidence for surface roughness, residual cement, the dimension of the keratinized tissue and time of implant in function is weak. There are limited data available to support systemic conditions as risk indicators for peri‐implant mucositis.ConclusionsPlaque accumulation at implants will result in development of peri‐implant mucositis. Smoking should also be considered as a risk indicator for the development of peri‐implant mucositis.