bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insect abundance and damage on the deciduous Nothofagus macrocarpa increase with altitude at a site in the Mediterranean climate zone of Chile
Authors: Altmann Scott H , Claros Sandra 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAn understanding of the spatial and temporal patterns of insect abundance and plant damage across altitudinal gradients and the mechanisms driving them is limited. Importantly, little is known in this area in relation to specific Mediterranean climate ecosystems. Insect abundance and plant damage in these environments may be closely related to air temperature, since it contributes to insect performance, length of growing season and tree growth, which is hypothesised to be negatively related to host plant defences against herbivory. In this study, we examined general insect abundance (across all taxa) and associated leaf damage, plant growth and leaf defences in the tree Nothofagus macrocarpa along an altitudinal gradient in the Mediterranean climate zone of Chile. Sampling was conducted in spring and summer at ‘El Roble’ mountain at three elevations (masl): low (1100–1200), medium (1600–1700) and high (2000–2100). Foliar insect abundance in both seasons was twofold higher at high vs. low altitude, and in summer leaf area damage increased with altitude. Twig growth was highest at high altitude, whereas leaf total polyphenols in both seasons were also relatively high at this altitude. Results indicate that in this climate, higher overall insect abundance and damage in a plant species can be found at higher altitudes and that air temperature does not limit insect presence. Moreover, total leaf polyphenols were not negatively related to this pattern or to plant growth. Among the possible explanations, we suggest that climate change is creating unfavourable conditions for insects at lower altitudes, resulting in an altitudinal shift.
THE DETERMINANTS OF OUTREACH PERFORMANCE OF SOCIAL BUSINESS: AN INQUIRY ON ITALIAN SOCIAL COOPERATIVES
Authors: BECCHETTI Leonardo , PISANI Fabio 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTWe analyze factors affecting outreach performance of a large sample of (type A) social cooperatives in Italy taking into account their heterogeneity with a multi‐output stochastic distance function frontier. We find that cooperative age, innovation leading to new products/customer segments, managerial turnover, target programming and shareholder variety are positively and significantly (while shareholder meetings, the number of volunteers and of contracts negatively and significantly) correlated with outreach performance, measured as the capacity of serving more beneficiaries given labour and capital inputs. Outreach is also significantly and positively affected by local GDP and human capital.
A novel CGRP‐neutralizing Spiegelmer attenuates neurogenic plasma protein extravasation
Authors: Hoehlig K , Johnson K W , Pryazhnikov E , Maasch C , Clemens‐Smith A , Purschke W G , Vauléon S , Buchner K , Jarosch F , Khiroug L , Vater A , Klussmann S 
Published: February 2015

Background and PurposeCalcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP) plays an important role in the pathology of migraine, and recent clinical trials suggest the inhibition of CGRP‐mediated processes as a new therapeutic option in migraine. In this study, we describe the generation of NOX‐L41, a CGRP‐neutralizing mirror‐image (l‐)aptamer (Spiegelmer) and investigate its in vitro and in vivo function.Experimental ApproachA CGRP‐binding Spiegelmer was identified by in vitro selection. Binding studies were performed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR), and the inhibitory activity was determined in cell‐based assays. The pharmacokinetic profile comparing i.v. and s.c. dosing was analysed in rats. Intravital two‐photon microscopy was employed to follow extravasation from meningeal vessels. Finally, in vivo efficacy was tested in a model of electrically evoked meningeal plasma protein extravasation (PPE) in rats.Key ResultsWe identified NOX‐L41, a novel CGRP‐neutralizing Spiegelmer. SPR studies showed that NOX‐L41 binds to human and rat/mouse CGRP with sub‐nanomolar affinities and is highly selective against related peptides such as amylin. In vitro, NOX‐L41 effectively inhibited CGRP‐induced cAMP formation in SK‐N‐MC cells. In rats, NOX‐L41 had a plasma half‐life of 8 h. Pharmacodynamic studies showed that NOX‐L41 extravasates from blood vessels in the dura mater and inhibits neurogenic meningeal PPE for at least 18 h after single dosing.Conclusions and ImplicationsThis is the first description of the CGRP‐neutralizing Spiegelmer NOX‐L41. Preclinical studies confirmed a role for CGRP in neurogenic PPE and provided proof‐of‐concept for the potential use of this new drug candidate for the treatment or prevention of migraine.
Postoperative follow‐up of Cushing's disease using cortisol, desmopressin and coupled dexamethasone‐desmopressin tests: a head‐to‐head comparison
Authors: Le Marc'hadour Pauline , Muller Marie , Albarel Frederique , Coulon Anne‐Laure , Morange Isabelle , Martinie Monique , Gay Emmanuel , Graillon Thomas , Dufour Henri , Conte‐Devolx Bernard , Chabre Olivier , Brue Thierry , Castinetti Frederic 
Published: February 2015

SummaryObjectivePredicting the outcome of patients operated on for Cushing's disease (CD) is a challenging task. Our objective was to assess the accuracy of immediate postsurgical plasma cortisol, desmopressin test and the coupled dexamethasone‐desmopressin test (CDDT) as predictors of outcome.Design and patientsSixty‐seven patients with initial remission and a minimal postsurgical follow‐up greater than 18 months were included in this retrospective bicentre study.MeasurementsFollow‐up included 3–6 months followed by yearly 24‐h urinary‐free cortisol, ACTH and cortisol plasmatic levels, a 1‐mg overnight dexamethasone suppression test (1‐mg DST), desmopressin test and the CDDT. ROC curves were performed to define the optimal threshold of immediate postsurgical cortisol level and 3‐ to 6‐month desmopressin test and CDDT, as predictors of final outcome in comparison with classical biological markers of recurrence.ResultsEleven patients presented recurrence. The patient's median follow‐up was 52 months (range, 18–180). As early predictors of outcome, immediate postsurgical plasma cortisol level <35 nmol/l predicted the lack of recurrence with 93% negative predictive value (NPV), whereas predictive positive value (PPV) was 25%. During the follow‐up, the CDDT was more precise than the desmopressin test in predicting the lack of recurrence (100% NPV) when performed in the first 3 years after surgery. Positivity of the CDDT was defined based on ROC curves by ACTH and cortisol increments >50%. The CDDT was highly reproducible, as the same response was observed every year in 91% of the patients.ConclusionsAdding the CDDT the first 3 years after surgery to immediate postsurgical cortisol evaluation should allow obtaining an optimal follow‐up management of patients operated for Cushing's disease.
A systematic review and meta‐analysis of removable and fixed implant‐supported prostheses in edentulous jaws: post‐loading implant loss
Authors: Kern Jaana‐Sophia , Kern Thomas , Wolfart Stefan , Heussen Nicole 
Published: February 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this systematic review was to analyze post‐loading implant loss for implant‐supported prostheses in edentulous jaws, regarding a potential impact of implant location (maxilla vs. mandible), implant number per patient, type of prosthesis (removable vs. fixed), and type of attachment system (screw‐retained, ball vs. bar vs. telescopic crown).Material and methodsA systematic literature search for randomized‐controlled trials (RCTs) or prospective studies was conducted within PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase. Quality assessment of the included studies was carried out, and the review was structured according to PRISMA. Implant loss and corresponding 3‐ and 5‐year survival rates were estimated by means of a Poisson regression model with total exposure time as offset.ResultsAfter title, abstract, and full‐text screening, 54 studies were included for qualitative analyses. Estimated 5‐year survival rates of implants were 97.9% [95% CI 97.4; 98.4] in the maxilla and 98.9% [95% CI 98.7; 99.1] in the mandible. Corresponding implant loss rates per 100 implant years were significantly higher in the maxilla (0.42 [95% CI 0.33; 0.53] vs. 0.22 [95% CI 0.17; 0.27]; P = 0.0001). Implant loss rates for fixed restorations were significantly lower compared to removable restorations (0.23 [95% CI 0.18; 0.29] vs. 0.35 [95% CI 0.28; 0.44]; P = 0.0148). Four implants and a fixed restoration in the mandible resulted in significantly higher implant loss rates compared to five or more implants with a fixed restoration. The analysis of one implant and a mandibular overdenture also revealed higher implant loss rates than an overdenture on two implants. The same (lower implant number = higher implant loss rate) applied when comparing 2 vs. 4 implants and a mandibular overdenture. Implant loss rates for maxillary overdentures on <4 implants were significantly higher than for four implants (7.22 [95% CI 5.41; 9.64] vs. 2.31 [1.56; 3.42]; P < 0.0001).ConclusionsImplant location, type of restoration, and implant number do have an influence on the estimated implant loss rate. Consistent reporting of clinical studies is necessary and high‐quality studies are needed to confirm the present results.
Stable and variable life‐history responses to temperature and photoperiod in the beet webworm, Loxostege sticticalis
Authors: Kutcherov Dmitry , Saulich Aida , Lopatina Elena , Ryzhkova Maria 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe beet webworm, Loxostege sticticalis L. (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), unlike many temperate insects and despite its wide distribution range, has a geographically stable value of the critical photoperiod for diapause induction. It has thus been hypothesized that the species could adjust its life cycle to different climates in an alternative way, which should be reflected in geographical variation and/or environmental plasticity of some other ecophysiological trait. Three remote populations of the beet webworm were studied. The insects were reared from egg to adult at several combinations of temperature and photoperiod in order to measure development times of all the immature stages and pre‐pupal body weight, and to characterize the sensitivity of these life‐history traits to the two ecological factors. The thermal reaction norms for immature development appeared to be significantly different in the three populations. There was also a significant effect of photoperiod on development time as well as on the thermal sensitivity and lower temperature threshold for larval development. Pre‐pupae from the northernmost population were heavier and their body mass was more strongly affected by photoperiod than in the other two, but attainment of a greater weight under short‐day conditions, especially combined with higher temperatures, was common for all the three populations. Nevertheless, all the discovered geographical and environmentally induced differences in life‐history traits were very small and their adaptive significance remains problematic.
Evidence that phosphorylation of threonine in the GT motif triggers activation of PknA, a eukaryotic‐type serine/threonine kinase from Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Ravala Sandeep K. , Singh Suruchi , Yadav Ghanshyam S. , Kumar Sanjay , Karthikeyan Subramanian , Chakraborti Pradip K. 
Published: February 2015

Phosphorylation of the activation loop in the catalytic domain of the RD family of bacterial eukaryotic‐type Ser/Thr protein kinases (STPK) induces their conformational transition from an inactive to active state. However, mechanistic insights into the phosphorylation‐mediated transition of these STPKs from an inactive to active state remain unknown. In the present study, we addressed this issue with PknA, an essential STPK from Mycobacterium tuberculosis. We found that the catalytic activity of PknA is confined within the N‐terminal 283 amino acids (PknA‐283). The crystal structure of PknA‐283 in unphosphorylated form showed an ordered activation loop and existed in an inactive state preventing the phosphorylation of its cognate substrate(s). Peptide mass finger printing studies revealed that all activation loop threonines (Thr172, Thr174 and Thr180) were phosphorylated in the activated PknA‐283 protein. Substitution of Thr180 with Ala/Asp (T180A/T180D) resulted in catalytically defective mutants, whereas a double mutant replacing Thr172 and Thr174 with Ala (T172A‐T174A) was deficient in kinase activity. Analysis of PknA‐283 structure, together with biochemical studies, revealed the possibility of phosphorylation of Thr180 via a cis mechanism, whereas that of Thr172 and Thr174 occurs via a trans mechanism. Moreover, unlike wild‐type, these mutants did not show any drastic change in cell morphology in a phenotypic assay, implicating the role of all threonines in the activation loop towards the functionality of PknA. Thus, our findings offer a model for kinase activation showing that the phosphorylation of Thr180 triggers PknA to transphosphorylate Thr172/Thr174, thereby governing its functionality.
The contribution of trees to ecosystem methane emissions in a temperate forested wetland
Authors: Pangala Sunitha R. , Hornibrook Edward R.C. , Gowing David J. , Gauci Vincent 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWetland‐adapted trees are known to transport soil‐produced methane (CH4), an important greenhouse gas to the atmosphere, yet seasonal variations and controls on the magnitude of tree‐mediated CH4 emissions remain unknown for mature forests. We examined the spatial and temporal variability in stem CH4 emissions in situ and their controls in two wetland‐adapted tree species (Alnus glutinosa and Betula pubescens) located in a temperate forested wetland. Soil and herbaceous plant‐mediated CH4 emissions from hollows and hummocks also were measured, thus enabling an estimate of contributions from each pathway to total ecosystem flux. Stem CH4 emissions varied significantly between the two tree species, with Alnus glutinosa displaying minimal seasonal variations, while substantial seasonal variations were observed in Betula pubescens. Trees from each species emitted similar quantities of CH4 from their stems regardless of whether they were situated in hollows or hummocks. Soil temperature and pore‐water CH4 concentrations best explained annual variability in stem emissions, while wood‐specific density and pore‐water CH4 concentrations best accounted for between‐species variations in stem CH4 emission. Our study demonstrates that tree‐mediated CH4 emissions contribute up to 27% of seasonal ecosystem CH4 flux in temperate forested wetland, with the largest relative contributions occurring in spring and winter. Tree‐mediated CH4 emissions currently are not included in trace gas budgets of forested wetland. Further work is required to quantify and integrate this transport pathway into CH4 inventories and process‐based models.
Parkinson's disease and periodontitis – the missing link? A review
Authors: Kaur Tejaswani , Uppoor Ashita , Naik Dilip 
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveIn this article an attempt has been made to postulate a possible link between Parkinson's disease and periodontal disease.BackgroundVarious systemic diseases such as cardiac disease, diabetes, renal diseases, low birth weight and Alzheimer's disease have been proposed to be linked with periodontal disease on the basis of systemic inflammation. Parkinson's disease is a chronic progressive neurodegenerative disorder with multifactorial aetiology. Until now, periodontal disease and Parkinson's disease has been linked only on the basis of poor motor and cognitive control in Parkinson's patient which leads to poor oral health maintenance. Evidence now suggests that chronic neuroinflammation is consistently associated with the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease. Also, recently, systemic inflammation has been suggested as one of the contributing factors for neurodegeneration.Material and methodsDental and medical literature especially those dealing with neurosciences were selected which highlighted the link between systemic inflammation and infection.ResultsSo far there is no direct evidence implicating an effect of periodontitis in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease. To clarify this link, studies on population based case–control or cohort design are needed. This would be especially significant in the present era where there is paucity for preventive measures as far as a cognitive disorder such as Parkinson's disease is concerned.ConclusionWe cannot cure Parkinson's disease, but if in future this missing link is established, an attempt can be made to prevent it by tackling one of its possible contributors (periodontitis) for systemic inflammation by simple preventive oral hygiene measures.
Approximate Bayesian Computation for a Class of Time Series Models
Authors: Jasra Ajay 
Published: February 2015

SummaryIn the following article, we consider approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) for certain classes of time series models. In particular, we focus upon scenarios where the likelihoods of the observations and parameter are intractable, by which we mean that one cannot evaluate the likelihood even up to a non‐negative unbiased estimate. This paper reviews and develops a class of approximation procedures based upon the idea of ABC, but specifically maintains the probabilistic structure of the original statistical model. This latter idea is useful, in that one can adopt or adapt established computational methods for statistical inference. Several existing results in the literature are surveyed, and novel developments with regards to computation are given.
Reduction in wound healing times, cost of consumables and number of visits treated through the implementation of an electronic wound care system in rural Australia
Authors: Khalil Hanan , Cullen Marianne , Chambers Helen , Carroll Matthew , Walker Judi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractGlobally, wound care costs the health care system 2–3% of the total expenditure on health, which equates to several billion dollars annually. To date, there are little data on the cost and healing rates of various wounds. This has been partly because of the difficulty in tracking wound management as the majority of wound care data has been focused on retrospective data from hospitals, general practice clinics and aged care facilities. This study reports on wound healing and cost of wounds collected from a larger project using the mobile wound care (MWC) electronic documentation system, which has been described elsewhere. The study involved 2350 clients from four health service districts in the Gippsland region in rural Australia who received treatments as part of the MWC research project (2010–2012), with a total of 3726 wounds identified (so an average of 1·6 wounds per client). By the end of the data collection period, 81% of these wounds had healed. A significant drop in healing time, cost of consumables and number of visits was found across the 3‐year period.
Pathways from maternal depressive symptoms to adolescent depressive symptoms: the unique contribution of irritability symptoms
Authors: Whelan Yvonne M. , Leibenluft Ellen , Stringaris Argyris , Barker Edward D. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundThe authors tested three possible pathways linking prenatal maternal depressive symptoms to adolescent depressive symptoms. These pathways went through childhood Irritability Symptoms, Anxiety/Depressive Symptoms or Conduct Problems.MethodData were collected from 3,963 mother–child pairs participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Measures include maternal depressive symptoms (pre‐ and postnatal); toddler temperament (2 years); childhood (7–13 years) irritability symptoms, anxiety/depressive symptoms, conduct problems, and adolescent depressive symptoms (16 years).ResultsIrritability Symptoms: This pathway linked sequentially – prenatal maternal depressive symptoms, toddler temperament (high perceived intensity and low perceived adaptability), childhood irritability symptoms, and adolescent depressive symptoms. Anxiety/Depressive symptoms: This pathway linked sequentially – prenatal maternal depressive symptoms, toddler temperament (negative perceived mood), childhood anxiety/depressive symptoms, and adolescent depressive symptoms. Childhood conduct problems were not associated with adolescent depressive symptoms, above and beyond irritability symptoms and anxiety/depressive symptoms.ConclusionsResults suggest evidence for two distinct developmental pathways to adolescent depressive symptoms that involve specific early and midchildhood features.
Non‐invasive subcutaneous fat reduction: a review
Authors: Kennedy J. , Verne S. , Griffith R. , Falto‐Aizpurua L. , Nouri K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe risks, financial costs and lengthy downtime associated with surgical procedures for fat reduction have led to the development of a number of non‐invasive techniques. Non‐invasive body contouring now represents the fastest growing area of aesthetic medicine. There are currently four leading non‐invasive techniques for reducing localized subcutaneous adipose tissue: low‐level laser therapy (LLLT), cryolipolysis, radio frequency (RF) and high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU). To review and compare leading techniques and clinical outcomes of non‐invasive subcutaneous fat reduction. The terms ‘non‐invasive’, ‘low‐level laser’, ‘cryolipolysis’, ‘ultrasound’ and ‘radio frequency’ were combined with ‘lipolysis’, ‘fat reduction’ or ‘body contour’ during separate searches in the PubMed database. We identified 31 studies (27 prospective clinical studies and four retrospective chart reviews) with a total of 2937 patients that had been treated with LLLT (n = 1114), cryolipolysis (n = 706), HIFU (n = 843) or RF (n = 116) or other techniques (n = 158) for fat reduction or body contouring. A majority of these patients experienced significant and satisfying results without any serious adverse effects. The studies investigating these devices have all varied in treatment regimen, body locations, follow‐up times or outcome operationalization. Each technique differs in offered advantages and severity of adverse effects. However, multiple non‐invasive devices are safe and effective for circumferential reduction in local fat tissue by 2 cm or more across the abdomen, hips and thighs. Results are consistent and reproducible for each device and none are associated with any serious or permanent adverse effects.
Visual modelling suggests a weak relationship between the evolution of ultraviolet vision and plumage coloration in birds
Authors: Lind O. , Delhey K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBirds have sophisticated colour vision mediated by four cone types that cover a wide visual spectrum including ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths. Many birds have modest UV sensitivity provided by violet‐sensitive (VS) cones with sensitivity maxima between 400 and 425 nm. However, some birds have evolved higher UV sensitivity and a larger visual spectrum given by UV‐sensitive (UVS) cones maximally sensitive at 360–370 nm. The reasons for VS–UVS transitions and their relationship to visual ecology remain unclear. It has been hypothesized that the evolution of UVS‐cone vision is linked to plumage colours so that visual sensitivity and feather coloration are ‘matched’. This leads to the specific prediction that UVS‐cone vision enhances the discrimination of plumage colours of UVS birds while such an advantage is absent or less pronounced for VS‐bird coloration. We test this hypothesis using knowledge of the complex distribution of UVS cones among birds combined with mathematical modelling of colour discrimination during different viewing conditions. We find no support for the hypothesis, which, combined with previous studies, suggests only a weak relationship between UVS‐cone vision and plumage colour evolution. Instead, we suggest that UVS‐cone vision generally favours colour discrimination, which creates a nonspecific selection pressure for the evolution of UVS cones.