bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Puma response to the effects of fire and urbanization
Authors: Jennings Megan K. , Lewison Rebecca L. , Vickers T. Winston , Boyce Walter M. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTIn southern California, wildfire and urbanization influence landscape condition and features. We explored the synergistic effects of these disturbances on puma (Puma concolor) movement and habitat preference in southern California, USA using a telemetry dataset of >40 individuals from 2001 to 2011. We examined post‐fire movement of tracked pumas to consider the relationship between habitat use and availability as animals used the landscape. We also explored puma response to burned areas to examine the influence of vegetation cover, time since fire, fire frequency, and the synergistic effects of urbanization on puma landscape use. We compare our results to those of others by using a complementary approach to evaluate how habitat relationships change with additional puma data and with consideration of the fire history of the landscape. Our analyses suggest that after fires, pumas use burned habitats opportunistically, responding to post‐fire changes in prey density. Additionally, time since fire and fire frequency were useful predictors of puma presence at the individual‐ and population‐level. Our puma habitat models showed a strong relationship between puma habitat use, vegetation, and human developments. Our analysis suggests that fire is an important landscape element to consider when evaluating puma habitat; pumas opportunistically used recently burned areas in the first few years after fire. We identified that pumas avoided grassland vegetation types and areas of sparse cover, suggesting that increasing fire frequency could affect puma habitat suitability and connectivity in the future. Fire frequencies in parts of southern California have already increased beyond the threshold to which the ecosystem is resilient, and if this trend continues across the region, suitable puma habitat may be lost through vegetation‐type conversion to homogenous non‐native annual grasslands, a habitat avoided by pumas during foraging and resting. We suggest monitoring responses to increasing fire frequency to assess how pumas and other carnivores will be affected by large‐scale changes that may pose a threat to landscape integrity and persistence of puma populations in southern California. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Median nerve penetration by a persistent median artery and vein mimicking carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: Stavros Kara , Paik David , Motiwala Rajeev , Weinberger Jesse , Zhou Lan , Shin Susan 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a common clinical syndrome seen in the outpatient setting that is easily confirmed by electrodiagnostic testing. Methods: We describe the case of a patient who presented with the classic symptoms and neurological examination for CTS, but had a normal nerve conduction study and electromyogram. Results: Neuromuscular ultrasound of the median nerve on the symptomatic side revealed penetration of the nerve by a persistent median artery and vein in the mid‐forearm, with a positive sonographic Tinel sign over this spot. This finding is an anatomical variation that has been described sparingly in the literature, mostly in cadavers. It has not been reported previously to be a mimic of CTS. Conclusions: This case demonstrates the diagnostic utility of neuromuscular ultrasound and the importance of considering an anatomical variation involving the median nerve in the differential diagnosis of CTS. Muscle Nerve 53: 485–487, 2016
NUR77 exerts a protective effect against inflammatory bowel disease by negatively regulating the TRAF6/TLR–IL‐1R signalling axis
Authors: Wu Hua , Li Xiu‐Ming , Wang Jing‐Ru , Gan Wen‐Juan , Jiang Fu‐Quan , Liu Yao , Zhang Xin‐Dao , He Xiao‐Shun , Zhao Yuan‐Yuan , Lu Xing‐Xing , Guo Yan‐Bing , Zhang Xiao‐Kun , Li Jian‐Ming 
Published: November 2015

AbstractNur77, an immediate‐early response gene, participates in a wide range of biological functions. Its human homologue, NUR77, is known by several names and has the HGNC‐approved gene symbol NR4A1. However, the role of Nur77 in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and its underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here, using public data from the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium (IIBDGC) on the most recent genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), we found that genetic variants of the NUR77 gene are associated with increased risk for both UC and CD. Accordingly, Nur77 expression was significantly reduced in colon tissues from patients with UC or CD and mice treated with DSS. Nur77 deficiency increased the susceptibility of mice to DSS‐induced experimental colitis and prevented intestinal recovery, whereas treatment with cytosporone B (Csn‐B), an agonist for Nur77, significantly attenuated excessive inflammatory response in the DSS‐induced colitis mouse model. Mechanistically, NUR77 acts as a negative regulator of TLR–IL‐1R signalling by interacting with TRAF6. This interaction prevented auto‐ubiquitination and oligomerization of TRAF6 and subsequently inhibited NF‐κB activation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production. Taken together, our GWAS‐based analysis and in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that Nur77 is an important regulator of TRAF6/TLR–IL‐1R‐initiated inflammatory signalling, and loss of Nur77 may contribute to the development of IBD, suggesting Nur77 as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of IBD. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The throne vs. the kingdom: Founder control and value creation in startups
Authors: Wasserman Noam 
Published: November 2015

Research summary:Does the degree to which founders keep control of their startups affect company value? I argue that founders face a “control dilemma” in which a startup's resource dependence drives a wedge between the startup's value and the founder's ability to retain control of decision making. I develop hypotheses about this tradeoff and test the hypotheses on a unique dataset of 6,130 American startups. I find that startups in which the founder is still in control of the board of directors and/or theCEOposition are significantly less valuable than those in which the founder has given up control. On average, each additional level of founder control (i.e., controlling the board and/or theCEOposition) reduces the pre‐money valuation of the startup by 17.1–22.0 percent.Managerial summary:A founder's vision and capabilities are key ingredients in the early success of a startup. During those early days, it is natural for the founder to have a powerful, central role. However, as the startup grows, founders who keep too much control of the startup and its most important decisions can harm the value of the startup. Both qualitative case studies and quantitative analyses of more than 6,000 private companies highlight that startups in which the founder has maintained control (by retaining a majority of the board of directors and/or by remaining asCEO) have significantly lower valuations than those where the founder has relinquished control. This is especially true when the startup is three years old or more. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Probabilistic degradation modelling of circular tunnels assembled from segmental linings
Authors: Ai Qing , Yuan Yong , Mahadevan Sankaran , Jiang Xiaomo 
Published: November 2015

AbstractCross‐section deformation is considered an important indicator for assessing the structural safety in the inspection and maintenance of tunnels. The way it increases over its lifetime is an indication of the gradual degradation in structural performance. In order to take timely and appropriate maintenance measures before the tunnel reaches the ultimate limit state, a predictive degradation model of cross‐section deformation should be established. In this paper, a probabilistic degradation model is developed based on an average uniform rigidity ring model for circular tunnels assembled from segmental linings. By considering the uncertainties and relevant performance of parameters that vary over time, the model is able to supply probabilistic and time‐dependent predictions. Critical parameters are identified and the model is simplified following sensitivity analysis. Based on the measuring data, a Bayesian updating method is proposed to improve the input assumptions and predictions of the model. This research provides a perspective on the degradation modelling of the cross‐section deformation of circular tunnels assembled from segmental linings and methods for improving the proposed predictive model.
Influence of reinforcing bar layout on fibre orientation and distribution in slabs cast from fibre‐reinforced self‐compacting concrete (FRSCC)
Authors: Žirgulis Giedrius , Švec Oldřich , Geiker Mette Rica , Cwirzen Andrzej , Kanstad Terje 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFibre orientation and volume distribution affect the post‐cracking tensile strength, which is one of the main design parameters of fibre‐reinforced concrete (FRC). This paper discusses the influence of unidirectional and grid reinforcement on fibre orientation and distribution in FRC slabs. Slabs without conventional reinforcing bars were used as a reference. The slab size was 1200 × 1200 × 150 mm. Numerical simulations were used to predict the fibre orientation and X‐ray computed tomography (CT) to determine the actual fibre orientation and distribution. Beams were sawn from each slab, CT‐scanned and tested in three‐point bending tests in accordance with EN 14651. Both the numerical simulations and the CT results show that the rebars caused a more isotropic fibre orientation in the lower halves of the slabs. This was confirmed in the bending tests, where the lowest variation and highest residual tensile strengths were documented for beams sawn from slabs with grid reinforcement. Fibre migration from the upper layer to middle and lower layers of the slabs due to gravity was observed in all slabs, and in the reinforced slabs, migration also depended on the distance from the casting point. The reinforcement led to an accumulation of fibres above the rebars in the middle layer of each reinforced slab. A set of mechanisms is proposed to explain the experimental results.
Narrow subpubic arch angle is associated with higher risk of persistent occiput posterior position at delivery
Authors: Ghi T. , Youssef A. , Martelli F. , Bellussi F. , Aiello E. , Pilu G. , Rizzo N. , Frusca T. , Arduini D. , Rizzo G. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo determine whether the subpubic arch angle (SPA) measured by three‐dimensional ultrasound is associated with the fetal occiput position at delivery and the mode of delivery.MethodsNulliparous women with an uncomplicated singleton pregnancy at ≥ 37 weeks' gestation were recruited from two tertiary centers between September 2013 and August 2015. All women underwent a three‐dimensional transperineal ultrasound examination and the SPA was measured using the previously validated Oblique View Extended Imaging software. Data on the outcome of labor were obtained prospectively in all cases and the correlations between SPA and the fetal occiput position at delivery and the incidence of operative delivery were investigated.ResultsOverall, 368 women were included in the study. Fetal position at delivery was occiput anterior in 339 (92.1%) cases and occiput posterior (OP) in 29 (7.9%) cases. A significantly narrower SPA was found in the OP group compared with the occiput anterior group (104.4 ± 16.8° vs 116.4 ± 11.9°; P < 0.0001). The SPA was significantly narrower in women requiring obstetric intervention compared with in women with a spontaneous vaginal delivery. From multivariable logistic regression analysis, SPA and maternal height appeared to be significant predictors of both the fetal occiput position at delivery and the risk of operative delivery. The best cut‐off value of SPA for predicting an OP position at delivery was 90.5°.ConclusionA narrow SPA is associated with a higher risk of persistent OP position at delivery and of operative delivery. Copyright © 2015 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Is Chemotherapy or Radiation Therapy in Addition to Surgery Beneficial for Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer in the Elderly? A National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) Study
Authors: Bergquist J. R. , Thiels C. A. , Shubert C. R. , Habermann E. B. , Hayman A. V. , Zielinski M. D. , Mathis K. L. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIntroductionCurrent National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for Stages II and III rectal cancer recommend neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by curative intent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy. It is unclear whether therapies in addition to surgery are truly beneficial in elderly patients. Our aim was to compare the survival of patients over 80 with Stages II and III rectal cancer undergoing curative intent surgery with or without additional therapy.Materials and methodsThe National Cancer Data Base (NCDB 2006–2011) was queried for patients over 80 with Stages II and III rectal cancer. The primary outcome was overall survival. Patients were stratified based upon therapy group. Univariate group comparisons were made. Unadjusted Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling survival analyses were performed.ResultsThe query yielded 3098 patients over 80 with Stage II (N = 1566) or Stage III (N = 1532) disease. Approximately, half of the patients received surgery only. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed improved survival for patients receiving neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy in addition to surgery, but there was no significant difference between those that received guideline concordant care (GCC), neoadjuvant chemoradiation only, or post‐operative chemotherapy only. Cox proportional hazard modeling identified age >90 and margin positivity as independent risk factors for decreased overall survival.ConclusionAnalysis of NCDB data for Stages II and III rectal cancer in patients over 80 shows a survival benefit of adjuvant and/or neoadjuvant therapy over surgery alone. There does not appear to be a difference in survival between patients who received neoadjuvant chemoradiation, post‐resection adjuvant chemotherapy, or GCC.
Reproductive Endocrinologists’ Utilization of Genetic Counselors for Oncofertility and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) Treatment of BRCA1/2 Mutation Carriers
Authors: Goetsch Allison L. , Wicklund Catherine , Clayman Marla L. , Woodruff Teresa K. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractGenetic counselors believe fertility preservation and preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) discussions to be a part of their role when counseling BRCA1/2 mutation‐positive patients. This study is the first to explore reproductive endocrinologists’ (REI) practices and attitudes regarding involvement of genetic counselors in the care of BRCA1/2 mutation carriers seeking fertility preservation and PGD. A survey was mailed to 1000 REIs from Reproductive Endocrinology & Infertility (SREI), an American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) affiliate group. A 14.5 % response rate was achieved; data was analyzed using SPSS software. The majority of participating REIs were found to recommend genetic counseling to cancer patients considering fertility preservation (82 %) and consult with a genetic counselor regarding PGD for hereditary cancer syndromes (92 %). Additionally, REIs consult genetic counselors regarding PGD patient counseling (88 %), genetic testing (78 %), and general genetics questions (66 %). Two areas genetic counselors may further aid REIs are: elicitation of family history, which is useful to determine fertility preservation and PGD intervention timing (32 % of REIs utilize a cancer family history to determine intervention timing); and, interpretation of variants of uncertain significance (VOUS) as cancer panel genetic testing becomes more common (36 % of REIs are unfamiliar with VOUS). Given our findings, the Oncofertility Consortium® created an online resource for genetic counselors focused on fertility preservation education and communication strategies.
Das Zusammenspiel von Raum und Technik bei der Etablierung Erneuerbarer Energien. Transformationen in der Energiewende
Authors: Radtke Jörg 
Published: November 2015

This paper examines the effects of the German Energy Transition (“Energiewende”) at the social and par- ticularly at the spatial level. The paper uses a concept of space that acknowledges the role of new technology. The approach differentiates between environmental spaces, spaces of conventional energy production and renewable energy production. Additionally, it addresses the question what happens when renewable energy technology meets space. The analysis addresses three key issues: ● Hybridization: Do technology, individuals and nature form an inseparable unit, which cannot (anymore) be separated? ● Disintegration of counter-spaces: Do renewable ener- gies lead to a disintegration of the clear distinction bet- ween technological spaces and their environment? ● Design of space: Which possibilities of collaboration and participation exist for the local population? Furthermore, the paper investigates socio-spatial landscape outcomes that are affected by technological change. As well equally direct and indirect impacts of technology on human action are separated. Both aspects are important for the implementation of renewable energy in Germany. Wind turbines are installed at specific sites which are connected to a meaning, a use or an identity. Technology affects people in their everyday routines by its visual perception and its non-material value. The paper demonstrates different meanings of space concerning symbols of new technologies in varying con- texts, e.g. the installation of a large number of wind tur- bines shapes landscapes. Theoretical reflections draw on the concept of the inclusion of technology from Bruno La-tour and the determination of ‘Other Spaces’ from Michel Foucault. Practical issues related to the Energy Transition are discussed using case studies on wind energy deploy- ment and grid expansion in Germany as an example. The paper aims at discussing the idea of an increased hybridization of nature and technology due to the grow- ing use of renewable energy. A theoretical framework of socio-technological change of societies is developed to understand the current discourse on the German Energy Transition.
Towards a New Treaty on Business and Human Rights
Authors: DE SCHUTTER Olivier 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis article examines the legal as well as political feasibility of four potential options for a legally-binding international instrument in the area of business and human rights. The four options that the open-ended intergovernmental working group may wish to consider while negotiating an instrument are: (i) to clarify and strengthen the states’ duty to protect human rights, including extraterritorially; (ii) to oblige states, through a framework convention, to report on the adoption and implementation of national action plans on business and human rights; (iii) to impose direct human rights obligations on corporations and establish a new mechanism to monitor compliance with such obligations; and (iv) to impose duties of mutual legal assistance on states to ensure access to effective remedies for victims harmed by transnational operations of corporations. As these options are not mutually exclusive, the author argues that a hybrid instrument building on elements of the first and the fourth option may be the best way forward both in terms of political feasibility and improving access to effective remedies for victims.
The Turn to Contractual Responsibility in the Global Extractive Industry
Authors: GATHII James , ODUMOSU-AYANU Ibironke T 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis article argues that there is a newer model of contracting for natural resources that expands the potential for corporate responsibility towards those adversely affected by business activities. It lays out the conceptual roadmap and justification underlying these shifts and changes in contracting for natural resources. The article calls for a renewed focus in exploring enforcement of corporate obligations for impacts to individuals and communities within a contractual framework. Examples of this type of arrangements include contracts that can be construed to allow third parties to sue on a contract; community development agreements; contracts between investors and communities; environmental contracts; human rights deeds, and investor–state–local community contracts (tripartite contracts). These contractual forms demonstrate that the law of contract has evolved from the nineteenth century idea that contracts merely protect the rights of investors without much concern for those who are directly affected by extractive industry operations. By including affected communities, indigenous communities, and others, these new contractual forms demonstrate that investors and governments are trustees and that extractive resources must be mobilized for the benefits of their publics. In so doing, we map this turn to contracts between multiple parties in the resource extraction context, and argue that it affirmatively demonstrates real potential to address or mitigate the absence of remedial and responsibility regimes for the adverse impacts of extractive industry activities on individuals and communities.
Vitamin D status and its determinants during autumn in children at northern latitudes: a cross-sectional analysis from the optimal well-being, development and health for Danish children through a healthy New Nordic Diet (OPUS) School Meal Study
Authors: Petersen Rikke A. , Damsgaard Camilla T. , Dalskov Stine-Mathilde , Sørensen Louise B. , Hjorth Mads F. , Ritz Christian , Kjølbæk Louise , Andersen Rikke , Tetens Inge , Krarup Henrik , Astrup Arne , Michaelsen Kim F. , Mølgaard Christian 
Published: November 2015

AbstractSufficient summer/autumn vitamin D status appears important to mitigate winter nadirs at northern latitudes. We conducted a cross-sectional study to evaluate autumn vitamin D status and its determinants in 782 Danish 8–11-year-old children (55°N) using baseline data from the Optimal well-being, development and health for Danish children through a healthy New Nordic Diet (OPUS) School Meal Study, a large randomised controlled trial. Blood samples and demographic and behavioural data, including 7-d dietary recordings, objectively measured physical activity, and time spent outdoors during school hours, were collected during September–November. Mean serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) was 60·8 (sd 18·7) nmol/l. Serum 25(OH)D levels ≤50 nmol/l were found in 28·4 % of the children and 2·4 % had concentrations <25 nmol/l. Upon multivariate adjustment, increasing age (per year) (β −2·9; 95 % CI −5·1, −0·7 nmol/l), female sex (β −3·3; 95 % CI −5·9, −0·7 nmol/l), sampling in October (β −5·2; 95 % CI −10·1, −0·4 nmol/l) and November (β −13·3; 95 % CI −17·7, −9·1), and non-white ethnicity (β −5·7; 95 % CI −11·1, −0·3 nmol/l) were negatively associated with 25(OH)D (all P<0·05). Likewise, immigrant/descendant background was negatively associated with 25(OH)D, particularly in females (β −16·3; 95 % CI −21·9, −10·7) (P<0·001) (Pinteraction=0·003). Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) (min/d) (β 0·06; 95 % CI 0·01, 0·12), outdoor walking during school hours (min/week) (β 0·4; 95 % CI 0·1, 0·6) and intake of vitamin D-containing supplements ≥3 d/week (β 8·7; 95 % CI 6·4, 11·0) were positively associated with 25(OH)D (all P<0·05). The high proportion of children with vitamin D status below the recommended sufficiency level of 50 nmol/l raises concern as levels expectedly drop further during winter months. Frequent intake of vitamin D supplements was strongly associated with status. MVPA and outdoor activity during school hours should be investigated further in interventions to improve autumn vitamin D status in children at northern latitudes.