bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The role of life histories and trophic interactions in population recovery
Authors: Audzijonyte Asta , Kuparinen Anna 
Published: November 2015

AbstractFactors affecting population recovery from depletion are at the focus of wildlife management. Particularly, it has been debated how life‐history characteristics might affect population recovery ability and productivity. Many exploited fish stocks have shown temporal changes towards earlier maturation and reduced adult body size, potentially owing to evolutionary responses to fishing. Whereas such life‐history changes have been widely documented, their potential role on stock's ability to recover from exploitation often remains ignored by traditional fisheries management. We used a marine ecosystem model parameterized for Southeastern Australian ecosystem to explore how changes towards “faster” life histories might affect population per capita growth rate r. We show that for most species changes towards earlier maturation during fishing have a negative effect (3–40% decrease) on r during the recovery phase. Faster juvenile growth and earlier maturation were beneficial early in life, but smaller adult body sizes reduced the lifetime reproductive output and increased adult natural mortality. However, both at intra‐ and inter‐specific level natural mortality and trophic position of the species were as important in determining r as species longevity and age of maturation, suggesting that r cannot be predicted from life‐history traits alone. Our study highlights that factors affecting population recovery ability and productivity should be explored in a multi‐species context, where both age‐specific fecundity and survival schedules are addressed simultaneously. It also suggests that contemporary life‐history changes in harvested species are unlikely to increase their resilience and recovery ability.
Action observation network in childhood: a comparative fMRI study with adults
Authors: Biagi Laura , Cioni Giovanni , Fogassi Leonardo , Guzzetta Andrea , Sgandurra Giuseppina , Tosetti Michela 
Published: November 2015

AbstractVery little is known about the action observation network and the mirror neuron system (AON/MNS) in children and its age‐related properties compared with those observed in adults. In the present fMRI study we explored the activation of areas belonging to the AON/MNS in children and adults during observation of complex hand‐grasping actions, as compared to observation of simple grasping acts executed with the left and the right hand, seen from a first person perspective. The results indicate that during the action observation tasks in children there was activation of a cortical network similar to that found in adults, including the premotor cortex, the posterior part of the inferior frontal gyrus and the posterior parietal lobe. However, the activation in children was more widespread and showed a higher inter‐subject variability compared with adults. Furthermore, the activated network seems more lateralized to the left hemisphere in adults and more bilateral in children, with a linear growth of lateralization index as a function of age. Finally, in children the activation in the anterior intraparietal cortex (AIP) of each hemisphere was higher during observation of the contralateral hand (hand identity effect) and during the observation of complex actions relative to simple grasping acts, confirming the role of AIP for action‐related hand identity previously described in adults. These results support the assumption that structure and size of action representations are sensitive to mechanisms of development and show physiological plasticity. These properties of the AON/MNS could constitute a powerful tool for spontaneous reorganization and recovery of motor deficits after brain injury in children and in adults, as well as for specific rehabilitation programmes.
Outcome of conservative management vs. assist device implantation in patients with advanced refractory heart failure
Authors: Adlbrecht Christopher , Hülsmann Martin , Wurm Raphael , Eskandary Farsad , Neuhold Stephanie , Zuckermann Andreas , Bojic Andja , Strunk Guido , Pacher Richard 
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackgroundIn patients with advanced refractory heart failure (HF) cardiac transplantation (HTX), conservative medical management and the implantation of a ventricular assist device (VAD) represent valuable options. The determination of the best therapeutic destination strategy for the individual patient remains a challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the clinical outcome in advanced refractory HF patients either managed conservatively receiving optimal contemporary medical therapy (‘conservative’), or who who underwent pulsatile flow VAD (‘pVAD’) or continuous‐flow VAD (‘contVAD’) implantation.Materials and methodsA total of 118 patients with INTERMACS profile >1 at baseline, who died, or fully completed a 24‐month follow‐up free from HTX were included into this retrospective analysis. All‐cause mortality at 24 months was assessed and compared between the three groups.ResultsFifty (42%) patients were managed conservatively, 25 (21%) received a pVAD and 43 (36%) a contVAD. NT‐proBNP values were comparable between the three groups (median 4402 (IQR 2730–13390) pg/mL, 3580 (1602–6312) pg/mL and 3693 (2679–8065) pg/mL, P = 0·256). Mean survival was 18·6 (95% CI 16·2–21·0) months for patients managed conservatively, 7·0 (3·9–10·0) for pVAD and 20·5 (18·2–22·8) for contVAD (overall log‐rank test P < 0·001). Conservatively managed patients spent a mean of 22·4 (95% CI 22·1–22·8), pVAD 17·7 (15·4–20·1) and contVAD 21·6 (21·2–22·1) months out of hospital (conservative vs. pVAD P < 0·001; conservative vs. contVAD P = 0·015; pVAD vs. contVAD P < 0·001).ConclusionsIn accordance with the literature, contVAD resulted in a significantly better clinical outcome than pVAD implantation. However, conservative management with current optimal medical therapy appears to remain a valuable option for patients with advanced HF.
Simultaneous bilateral total knee arthroplasty in patients with haemophilia: a safe and cost‐effective procedure?
Authors: Mortazavi S. M. J. , Haghpanah B. , Ebrahiminasab M. M. , Baghdadi T. , Hantooshzadeh R. , Toogeh G. 
Published: November 2015

IntroductionHaemophilic arthropathy of the knee is usually a bilateral affliction. The patients usually refer for treatment in young ages and do not have major comorbidities, being fit for bilateral simultaneous total knee arthroplasty.AimIn this study, we assessed the safety and cost‐effectiveness of simultaneous bilateral surgery in patients with haemophilia.MethodsBetween April 2010 and April 2012, eight patients (16 knees) underwent bilateral simultaneous and 19 patients (19 knees) underwent unilateral total knee arthroplasty (TKA) at our institution. We compared the range of motion and flexion contracture, KSS, WOMAC knee score and SF36 quality of life score between two groups. The duration of hospital stay, coagulation factor consumption and all inpatient costs were recorded. The average follow‐up was 26 and 29 months in unilateral and bilateral groups respectively.ResultsAt the conclusion of the study, the KSS and WOMAC and SF36 scores were not significantly different between the two groups. Mean ROM and flexion contracture did not differ significantly. The mean length of hospital stay was 15 days for bilateral patients and 12 days for unilateral patients, the difference being non‐significant. None of our patients needed transfusion in any group. The cost of simultaneous bilateral TKA was about half of the expenses of staged bilateral TKA.ConclusionSimultaneous bilateral TKA seems to be a safe and cost‐effective approach without increasing the rate of complications in patients' bilateral haemophilic knee arthropathy. The procedure is, at least, as effective as staged unilateral knee arthroplasty in improving the patients' quality of life.
Numerical identification of tsunami boulders and estimation of local tsunami size at Ibaruma reef of Ishigaki Island, Japan
Authors: Watanabe Masashi , Goto Kazuhisa , Imamura Fumihiko , Hongo Chuki 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTsunami boulders deposited along the coast constitute important geological evidence for paleotsunami activity. However, boulders can also be deposited by large storm waves. Although several sedimentological and theoretical methods have been proposed to differentiate tsunami and storm wave affected boulders, no appropriate numerical method exists for their differentiation. Therefore, we developed a new numerical scheme to differentiate tsunami and storm wave boulders for coastal boulders on Ishigaki Island, Japan. In this area, tsunami and storm waves have emplaced numerous boulders on the reef and the coast. By conducting numerical calculations of storm waves in this region, we estimated the size of a storm wave that can explain the maximum clast size distribution of boulders on the reef. Consequently, we showed that a wave with a combination of 8 m in initial wave height and 10 s period can satisfy the above conditions when we assume mean sea level. In contrast to the boulders on the reef, all boulders deposited along the shore are heavier than the calculated possible maximum clast size distribution by the storm wave. Therefore, we confirmed these boulders as being of tsunami origin. Results of previous studies showed that they were most likely deposited or reworked by the 1771 Meiwa tsunami. Then, using the tsunami boulders, we numerically estimated the wave period and amplitude of the 1771 Meiwa tsunami, which should have had a 4–5 min period and 5.6–5.9, 6.3–7.0 m amplitude, respectively. Using the proposed scheme, it is possible to differentiate tsunami and storm wave boulders and estimate the size of past storm waves and tsunami waves, although it is noteworthy that there are exceptions for which the scheme cannot be applied.
Medication knowledge and willingness to nurse‐initiate medications in an emergency department: a mixed‐methods study
Authors: Cabilan C. J. , Eley Robert , Hughes James A. , Sinnott Michael 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimsTo assess the medication knowledge of emergency department nurses and determine the factors affecting their nurse‐initiated medication practices.BackgroundNurse‐initiated medications is a vital practice for all nurses in emergency departments which improves pain assessment, provides safe pain management and reduces time‐to‐analgesia and other meaningful treatments.DesignMixed methods. Between September 2014–January 2015, data were collected by questionnaire assessing medication knowledge and face‐to‐face interviews determining factors affecting practice.ResultsNurse‐initiated medications frequency of the Registered Nurses ranged from 0‐36 times per week dependent on employed hours and emergency department area worked. Medication knowledge was consistent among nurses, but there was an overall deficit in nurses' knowledge of mechanism of action. Four major themes were identified from the 24 interviews: patient‐centred care, caution and safety as principles of practice; continuing support and education; improvement of practice over time. All nurses regard the practice positively and to be extremely beneficial to patients. Although apprehensive at the start of their nurse‐initiated medications practice, confidence improved with exposure and experience. Nurses sought additional information from colleagues and the available evidence‐based resources.ConclusionMedication knowledge is not the sole determinant of nurse‐initiated medications practice. The practice is motivated by multiple factors such as patients' needs, safety and nurses' confidence.
Pulmonary Vein Isolation With Incomplete Antral Ablation Lines: Is More Ablation Necessary? Results of a Randomized Trial
Authors: GULA LORNE J. , LEONG‐SIT PETER , MANLUCU JAIMIE , HILLOCK LINDSAY , YEE RAYMOND , TANG ANTHONY S.L. , KLEIN GEORGE J. , SKANES ALLAN C. 
Published: November 2015

Segmental Ablation for Pulmonary Vein IsolationBackgroundA full circumferential set of antral lesions is not always required for bidirectional pulmonary vein conduction block. It is unknown whether a partial lesion set that isolates the veins will have clinical success rates similar to a full circumferential lesion set, and if procedural times or procedural risk will be affected.MethodsWe performed a prospective, randomized clinical trial to test the hypothesis that a partial lesion set that isolates the pulmonary veins has comparable clinical success rate and shorter procedure times compared to a strategy of completing the circumferential lesion set once the veins are isolated.ResultsA total of 119 patients were enrolled, 59 randomized to circumferential ablation, and 60 to segmental. Mean age was 58.3 ± 10.1, 77% male. Mean procedure time was 221.0 ± 46.9 minutes in circumferential and 224.7 ± 51.3 in segmental (P = 0.68). Twelve‐month freedom from AF recurrence was 61.3% overall, 64.4% in circumferential, and 58.3% in segmental (P = 0.50). Among 25 segmental patients with AF recurrence, 23 underwent second ablation. Among 33 areas of conduction recovery, 23 (70%) occurred in segments ablated at first procedure and 10 (30%) in segments not previously ablated, suggesting reversible conduction block from edema.ConclusionNo difference in AF recurrence or procedure time is detectable in a sample of 119 patients randomized to segmental or circumferential antral ablation to achieve pulmonary vein isolation. Second ablation procedures confirmed that some antral sites do not require ablation. A segmental approach results in unacceptably high rates of untargeted or recovered antral sites to make this approach feasible.
Reaching out: junctions between cardiac telocytes and cardiac stem cells in culture
Authors: Popescu Laurențiu M. , Fertig Emanuel T. , Gherghiceanu Mihaela 
Published: November 2015

AbstractTelocytes (TCs) were previously shown by our group to form a tandem with stem/progenitor cells in cardiac stem cell (CSC) niches, fulfilling various roles in cardiac renewal. Among these, the ability to ‘nurse’ CSCs in situ, both through direct physical contact (junctions) as well as at a distance, by paracrine signalling or through extracellular vesicles containing mRNA. We employed electron microscopy to identify junctions (such as gap or adherens junctions) in a co‐culture of cardiac TCs and CSCs. Gap junctions were observed between TCs, which formed networks, however, not between TCs and CSCs. Instead, we show that TCs and CSCs interact in culture forming heterocellular adherens junctions, as well as non‐classical junctions such as puncta adherentia and stromal synapses. The stromal synapse formed between TCs and CSCs (both stromal cells) was frequently associated with the presence of electron‐dense nanostructures (on average about 15 nm in length) connecting the two opposing membranes. The average width of the synaptic cleft was 30 nm, whereas the average length of the intercellular contact was 5 μm. Recent studies have shown that stem cells fail to adequately engraft and survive in the hostile environment of the injured myocardium, possibly as a result of the absence of the pro‐regenerative components of the secretome (paracrine factors) and/or of neighbouring support cells. Herein, we emphasize the similarities between the junctions described in co‐culture and the junctions identified between TCs and CSCs in situ. Reproducing a CSC niche in culture may represent a viable alternative to mono‐cellular therapies.
Effect of decontamination on micro‐shear bond strength of silorane‐based composite increments
Authors: Sheikh‐Al‐Eslamian Seyedeh Mahsa , Panahandeh Narges , Najafi‐Abrandabadi Ahmad , Hasani Elham , Torabzadeh Hassan , Ghassemi Amir 
Published: November 2015

AbstractAimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the micro‐shear bond strength of silorane‐based composites after saliva/blood decontamination.MethodsA transparent mold (1 × 2 × 1 cm) was used to make 11 flat, silorane‐based composite blocks. One block served as the control. After contamination, the blocks were treated as follows: group 1: 10‐s air spray; group 2: 10‐s water spray + 10‐s air spray; group 3: 10‐s water spray + 10‐s air spray + 10‐s etching with phosphoric acid; group 4: 10‐s air spray + 10‐s etching + bonding; group 5: 10‐s water spray + 10‐s air spray + 10‐s etching + bonding; and groups 6–10: treated the same as groups 1–5, the only difference being that blood was used instead of saliva. Ten tubes (0.7 mm × 1 mm) containing silorane‐based composites were attached to each decontaminated block and light cured for 40 s. After 24‐h storage in distilled water, specimens were tested under micro‐shear loading at a cross‐head speed of 0.5 mm/min. Data were analyzed using one‐way anova and Tukey's honest significant difference (HSD) test (P < 0.05).ResultsOne‐way anova showed significant differences in the micro‐shear bond strength among the experimental groups (P < 0.001). Tukey's HSD test revealed that the bond strengths in groups 5, 9, and 10 were similar to the control group (P > 0.05).ConclusionDecontamination by water and air spray, etching, and bonding was effective in restoring the bond strength of silorane‐based composite increments.
Individual and Institutional Investors’ Response to Earnings Reported by Conservative and Non‐Conservative Firms: Evidence from Chinese Financial Markets
Authors: Jaggi Bikki , Li Wei , Wang Steven Shuye 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIn this study, we document that there are significant differences in individual and institutional investors’ perception and interpretation of information based on accounting conservatism, as reflected by their trading behavior in the Chinese financial market. Our findings show that institutional investors, who are more sophisticated and have better skills, engage in higher purchases of equities of firms that use high accounting conservatism compared to the firms that use low/no accounting conservatism. Institutional investors’ equity purchases are even higher if these firms are associated with higher growth opportunities. On the other hand, individual investors are attracted more by the attention‐grabbing events and are motivated to purchase equities of firms that either do not use accounting conservatism or use low accounting conservatism, and their purchases are even higher when the firms report positive earnings surprises. Additionally, we find that abnormal returns are higher for the firms using high accounting conservatism and have experienced higher purchases by institutional investors.
Studying the Motivated Agent Through Time: Personal Goal Development During the Adult Life Span
Authors: Dunlop William L. , Bannon Brittany L. , McAdams Dan P. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis research examined the rank‐order and mean‐level consistency of personal goals at two periods in the adult life span. Personal goal continuity was considered among a group of young adults (N = 145) who reported their goals three times over a 3‐year period and among a group of midlife adults (N = 163) who specified their goals annually over a 4‐year period. Goals were coded for a series of motive‐based (viz., achievement, affiliation, intimacy, power) and domain‐based (viz., finance, generativity, health, travel) categories. In both samples, we noted a moderate degree of rank‐order consistency across assessment periods. In addition, the majority of goal categories exhibited a high degree of mean‐level consistency. The results of this research suggest that (a) the content of goals exhibits a modest degree of rank‐order consistency and a substantial degree of mean‐level consistency over time, and (b) considering personality continuity and development as manifest via goals represents a viable strategy for personality psychologists.
Patterns of blood component use in cirrhosis: a nationwide study
Authors: Desborough Michael J. R. , Hockley Brian , Sekhar Mallika , Burroughs Andrew K. , Stanworth Simon J. , Jairath Vipul ,   the National Audit Collaborative
Published: November 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsCirrhosis is a complex acquired disorder of coagulation and frequent indication for transfusion of blood components. We characterised blood component use in patients with cirrhosis and compared this to transfusion guidelines.MethodsAll National Health Service trusts with representation on the British Society of Gastroenterology membership list were invited to take part. Data were collected prospectively on consecutive, unselected, hospitalised admissions with cirrhosis over 28 days. Detailed information was recorded for patients receiving blood components including indication (for bleeding or prophylaxis), type of component, laboratory indices triggering transfusion, complications, thromboembolic events and clinical outcome to day 28.ResultsData on 1313 consecutive patients with cirrhosis were collected from 85 hospitals. A total of 391/1313 (30%) were transfused a blood component; in 238/391 (61%), this was for treatment of bleeding and in 153/391 (39%) for prophylaxis of bleeding. In 48/185 (26%) cases with bleeding, the haemoglobin threshold was >80 g/L prior to red blood cell transfusion. In the prophylaxis group, 238/391 (61%) received transfusion in response to an abnormal haematological value in the absence of any planned procedure. In patients transfused for procedural prophylaxis, 10/34 (29%) received fresh frozen plasma at an International Normalised Ratio lower than the threshold where a benefit would be anticipated. An in‐patient thromboembolic event was recorded in 3% (35/1313) and 10% (138/1313) died by day 28.ConclusionsOne‐third of hospitalised patients with cirrhosis were transfused. Strategies for Patient Blood Management should include ensuring transfusion practice is consistent with guidelines and greater emphasis on alternatives to transfusion.
Polymer amide in the Allende and Murchison meteorites
Authors: McGeoch Julie E. M. , McGeoch Malcolm W. 
Published: November 2015

AbstractIt has been proposed that exothermic gas phase polymerization of amino acids can occur in the conditions of a warm dense molecular cloud to form hydrophobic polymer amide (HPA) (McGeoch and McGeoch 2014). In a search for evidence of this presolar chemistry Allende and Murchison meteorites and a volcano control were diamond burr‐etched and Folch extracted for potential HPA yielding 85 unique peaks in the meteorite samples via matrix‐assisted laser desorption time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI TOF/MS). The amino acids after acid hydrolysis in Allende were below the level of detection but many of the Allende peaks via the more sensitive MALDI/TOF analysis could be fitted to a polymer combination of glycine, alanine, and alpha‐hydroxyglycine with high statistical significance. A similar significant fit using these three amino acids could not be applied to the Murchison data indicating more complex polymer chemistry.
Financialization, Distribution and Accumulation: A Circuit of Capital Model with A Managerial Class
Authors: Vasudevan Ramaa 
Published: November 2015

AbstractThis paper explores some implications of financialization and rising consumer debt on the interplay of inequality and growth in a circuit of capital model, which includes a managerial class. Two possible ‘closures’ are presented in the paper. With the Classical‐Marxian closure, credit (specifically consumer credit) endogenously adjusts to the pace of accumulation. With the alternative Keynesian closure, exogenous consumer credit determines the rate of steady‐state growth. Two regimes of accumulation are identified on the basis of these two closures. Accumulation is constrained by profitability in the first regime and increasing inequality in the second regime. The paper also investigates the impact of rising managerial income on demand and accumulation. The managerial class plays a dual role in the capitalist economy increasing productivity on one hand and diverting a share of surplus from investment to consumption on the other.