bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unconditional Prenatal Income Supplement and Birth Outcomes
Authors: Brownell Marni D. , Chartier Mariette J. , Nickel Nathan C. , Chateau Dan , Martens Patricia J. , Sarkar Joykrishna , Burland Elaine , Jutte Douglas P. , Taylor Carole , Santos Robert G. , Katz Alan
Published: October 2016

(Abstracted from Pediatrics 2016;137(6):e20152992)

The prenatal period is an important period that impacts newborn and lifelong health; exposure to stress, poor nutrition, or substance abuse during this period leads to adverse birth outcomes, including low birth weight and preterm birth. Several initiatives across the world that utilize conditional cash or food transfer include Oportunidades (Mexico), Bolsa Familia Program (Brazil), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC, United States) have been undertaken to improve prenatal health and birth outcomes.
Patent Ductus Arteriosus in the Preterm Infant
Authors: Prescott Stephanie , Keim-Malpass Jessica
Published: October 2016

Background:

The incidence of hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA) increases with decreasing gestational age and is associated with many common morbidities of extreme prematurity. Controversies remain surrounding the definition of hsPDA, the population of infants requiring treatment, the appropriate timing and method of treatment, and the outcomes associated with PDA and its therapies.

Purpose:

This integrative literature review focuses on diagnostic and treatment recommendations derived from the highest levels of evidence.

Search Strategy:

PubMed and CINAHL were searched using key words “neonatal” and “patent ductus arteriosus” to discover the highest levels of evidence surrounding diagnosis, treatment methods, and outcomes.

Findings/Results:

The lack of consensus surrounding the diagnosis and clinical significance of PDA hinders meta-analysis across studies and confounds understanding of appropriate management strategies. Novel biomarkers, pharmaceutical choices, and transcatheter closure methods are expanding diagnostic and treatment options.

Implications for Practice:

Infants weighing less than 1000 g are at highest risk. Prophylactic closure is no longer recommended, although early asymptomatic therapy is still preferred by some to avoid prolonged pulmonary overcirculation or decreased renal and gut perfusion. Conservative treatment measures such as fluid restriction and diuretic administration have not consistently proven effective and are in some instances detrimental. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors are effective but have adverse renal and mesenteric effects. Oral ibuprofen is associated with lower instance of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Implications for Research:

Well-defined staging criteria would aid in comparison and meta-analysis. Trials that include a control group that receives no therapy may help separate the outcomes associated with prematurity from those associated with PDA.
Surgical Treatment of Symptomatic Congenital Type I Lunotriquetral Coalition: Technique and a Report of 4 Cases
Authors: Tordjman Daniel , Barry Mohamed K. , Hinds Richard M. , Yang S. Steven
Published: October 2016

Lunotriquetral (LT) synchondrosis is an uncommon variant of congenital LT coalition. Unlike complete LT fusions, this incomplete pseudoarthrosis-like coalition can become symptomatic. Surgical LT arthrodesis is a described treatment for this variant of LT coalition (Minnaar type I). We report 4 patients who underwent LT fusion with a second-generation headless compression screw and distal radius cancellous autograft. Fusion was achieved in all cases at an average of 2.5 months postoperatively. All the patients were satisfied with complete pain relief in 2 patients and minimal pain in 2 patients, and all improved their range of motion. We recommend this procedure, and report the techniques for this limited wrist arthrodesis as treatment for the symptomatic LT synchondrosis.
Molecular Predictors of Response to Neoadjuvant Chemoradiation for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Kundel Yulia , Nasser Nicola J. , Rath-Wolfson Lea , Purim Ofer , Yanichkin Natalia , Brenner Ronen , Zehavi Tanya , Nardi Yuval , Fenig Eyal , Sulkes Aaron , Brenner Baruch
Published: October 2016

Objectives:

To determine whether the expression of specific molecular markers in the rectal cancer biopsies prior to treatment, can correlate with complete tumor response to chemoradiotherapy (CRT) as determined by the pathology of the surgical specimen.

Methods:

We retrospectively examined pretreatment rectal biopsies of patients aged 18 years or older with locally advanced rectal cancer who had been treated with neoadjuvant CRT and surgical resection in our tertiary-care, university-affiliated medical center, between January 2001 and December 2011. Samples were analyzed for expression of B-cell lymphoma 2, P53, Ki67, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, and the tumor regression grade after CRT and radical surgery.

Results:

Forty-seven patients were included in the final analysis. Main outcome measures were the correlation between the expression of the molecular markers tested in the pretreatment biopsy, and complete tumor response. Complete pathologic response after CRT was attained in 27% of the patients. Percentage of cells expressing EGFR in the pretreated biopsies of patients having complete pathologic response after CRT and surgery was 33.08±7.87% compared to 19±15.36% (P=0.38), 6.66±2.83% (P<0.003), and 12.5±4.93% (P=0.033) in patients with partial response and tumor regression grades of 2, 3, and 4, respectively. The other molecular markers tested in the pretreatment biopsy did not corresponded with complete pathologic response.

Conclusions:

EGFR expression pattern in the pretreatment biopsies of rectal tumors can assist in identifying patients who will benefit from neoadjuvant CRT.
Beneficial effects of chronic oxytocin administration and social co-housing in a rodent model of post-traumatic stress disorder
Authors: Janezic Eric M. , Uppalapati Swetha , Nagl Stephanie , Contreras Marco , French Edward D. , Fellous Jean-Marc
Published: October 2016

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is in part due to a deficit in memory consolidation and extinction. Oxytocin (OXT) has anxiolytic effects and promotes prosocial behaviors in both rodents and humans, and evidence suggests that it plays a role in memory consolidation. We studied the effects of administered OXT and social co-housing in a rodent model of PTSD. Acute OXT yielded a short-term increase in the recall of the traumatic memory if administered immediately after trauma. Low doses of OXT delivered chronically had a cumulating anxiolytic effect that became apparent after 4 days and persisted. Repeated injections of OXT after short re-exposures to the trauma apparatus yielded a long-term reduction in anxiety. Co-housing with naive nonshocked animals decreased the memory of the traumatic context compared with single-housed animals. In the long term, these animals showed less thigmotaxis and increased interest in novel objects, and a low OXT plasma level. Co-housed PTSD animals showed an increase in risk-taking behavior. These results suggest beneficial effects of OXT if administered chronically through increases in memory consolidation after re-exposure to a safe trauma context. We also show differences between the benefits of social co-housing with naive rats and co-housing with other shocked animals on trauma-induced long-term anxiety.
Gut Microbiota and the Liver
Authors: Koch Maurizio
Published: October 2016

Microbes are mostly important for the digestion of food, the absorption of some micronutrients, and the production of vitamins. The microbiota stimulates lymphoid structures in the gastrointestinal mucosa and decrease pathogens by competing for nutrients and space. Bacterial translocation is defined as the escape of gut bacteria and their products through the intestinal mucosa to the outside of the intestine as portovenous or systemic circulation. This is induced by a leaky gut barrier. There is evidence for a role of intestinal permeability in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In the liver, bacterial products can bind to their specific pathogen recognition receptors on parenchymal and nonparenchymal cells, producing an inflammatory response and enhancing disease progression. When binding, bacterial products bind to their receptors, initiating intracellular signalling and inducing an inflammatory cascade, thus accelerating liver cell damage and fibrosis. However, the liver can also increase gut permeability, producing proinflammatory cytokines, and reversing them into the blood stream. Modification of the gut microbiota could lead to benefit in patients with liver disease. Nonabsorbable antibiotics (rifaximin) prevent and relieve overt encephalopathy. Probiotics alone are not capable of turning back overt encephalopathy, but could prevent its development. There is some evidence that probiotics could relent the progression of nonalcoholic liver disease, and possibly reverse steatosis. Antibiotics, such as fluoroquinolones, reduce the risk of development of the first episode of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis and mortality in cirrhotic patients.
Higher quality of life after metal stent placement compared with plastic stent placement for malignant extrahepatic bile duct obstruction: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Walter Daisy , van Boeckel Petra G.A. , Groenen Marcel J.M. , Weusten Bas L.A.M. , Witteman Ben J. , Tan Gi , Brink Menno A. , Nicolai Jan , Tan Adriaan C. , Alderliesten Joyce , Venneman Niels G. , Laleman Wim , Jansen Jeroen M. , Bodelier Alexander , Wolters Frank L. , van der Waaij Laurens A. , Breumelhof Ronald , Peters Frans T.M. , Scheffer Robbert C.H. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , May Anne M. , Leenders Max , Hirdes Meike M.C. , Vleggaar Frank P. , Siersema Peter D.
Published: October 2016

Objective

For palliation of extrahepatic bile duct obstruction, self-expandable metal stents (SEMS) are superior to plastic stents in terms of stent patency and occurrence of stent dysfunction. We assessed health-related quality of life (HRQoL) after stent placement to investigate whether this also results in a difference in HRQoL between patients treated with a plastic stent or SEMS.

Patients and methods

This randomized multicenter trial included 219 patients who were randomized to receive plastic stent (n=73) or SEMS [uncovered (n=75) and covered (n=71); n=146] placement. HRQoL was assessed with two general questionnaires (EQ-5D-3L and QLQ-C30) and one disease-specific questionnaire (PAN-26). Scores were analyzed using linear mixed model regression and included all patients with baseline and at least one follow-up measurement.

Results

HRQoL data were available in 140 of 219 patients (64%); 71 patients (32%) declined participation and in eight patients (4%) only baseline questionnaires were available. On the QLQ-C30, the interaction between follow-up time and type of stent was significantly different on two of five functional scales [physical functioning (P=0.004) and emotional functioning (P=0.01)] in favor of patients with a SEMS. In addition, patients with SEMS reported significantly less frequent symptoms of fatigue (P=0.01), loss of appetite (P=0.02), and nausea and vomiting (0.04) over time. The EQ-VAS score decreased with time in both treatment groups, indicating a statistically significant decrease in HRQoL over time.

Conclusion

In patients with inoperable malignant extrahepatic bile duct obstruction, SEMS placement results in better scores for general and disease-specific HRQoL over time compared with plastic stent placement.
Impaired muscle strength may contribute to fatigue in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
Authors: Harmsen Wouter J. , Ribbers Gerard M. , Zegers Bart , Sneekes Emiel M. , Praet Stephan F.E. , Heijenbrok-Kal Majanka H. , Khajeh Ladbon , van Kooten Fop , Neggers Sebastiaan J.C.M.M. , van den Berg-Emons Rita J.
Published: October 2016

Patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (a-SAH) show long-term fatigue and face difficulties in resuming daily physical activities. Impaired muscle strength, especially of the lower extremity, impacts the performance of daily activities and may trigger the onset of fatigue complaints. The present study evaluated knee muscle strength and fatigue in patients with a-SAH. This study included 33 patients, 6 months after a-SAH, and 33 sex-matched and age-matched healthy controls. Isokinetic muscle strength of the knee extensors and flexors was measured at 60 and 180°/s. Maximal voluntary muscle strength was defined as peak torque and measured in Newton-meter. Fatigue was examined using the Fatigue Severity Scale. In patients with a-SAH, the maximal knee extension was 22% (60°/s) and 25% (180°/s) lower and maximal knee flexion was 33% (60°/s) and 36% (180°/s) lower compared with that of matched controls (P≤0.001). The Fatigue Severity Scale score was related to maximal knee extension (60°/s: r=−0.426, P=0.015; 180°/s: r=−0.376, P=0.034) and flexion (60°/s: r=−0.482, P=0.005; 180°/s: r=−0.344, P=0.083). The knee muscle strength was 28–47% lower in fatigued (n=13) and 11–32% lower in nonfatigued (n=20) patients; deficits were larger in fatigued patients (P<0.05), particularly when the muscle strength (peak torque) was measured at 60°/s. The present results indicate that patients with a-SAH have considerably impaired knee muscle strength, which is related to more severe fatigue. The present findings are exploratory, but showed that knee muscle strength may play a role in the severity of fatigue complaints, or vice versa. Interventions targeting fatigue after a-SAH seem necessary and may consider strengthening exercise training in order to treat a debilitating condition.
Cell-Free DNA vs Sequential Screening for the Detection of Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities
Authors: Norton Mary E. , Baer Rebecca J. , Wapner Ronald J. , Kuppermann Miriam , Jelliffe-Pawlowski Laura L. , Currier Robert J.
Published: October 2016

(Abstracted from Am J Obstet Gynecol 2016;214:727.e1–727.e6)

Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) screening has shown high sensitivities and specificities for trisomy 21 and other common aneuploidies, thereby leading to a consideration for its use as a primary screening test. However, it has limitations, including the limited range of targeted aneuploidies and the failure to always provide a result.
Using the Price equation to analyze multi-level selection on the reproductive policing mechanism of bacterial plasmids
Authors: Kentzoglanakis Kyriakos , Brown Sam P. , Goldstein Richard A.
Published: October 2016

The replication control system of non-conjugative bacterial plasmids constitutes a simple and elegant example of a reproductive policing mechanism that moderates competition in the intra-cellular replication pool and establishes a mutually beneficial partnership among plasmids within a bacterial host and between plasmids and their hosts. The emergence of these partnerships is a product of the conflict between the evolutionary interests of hosts, who seek to maximize their growth rates within the population, and plasmids, who seek to maximize their growth rates within hosts. We employ a multi-scale computational model describing the growth, division and death of hosts, as well as the independent replication of plasmids within hosts, in order to investigate the implications of this conflict for the evolution of the plasmid replication parameters. We apply the multi-level form of the Price equation in order to quantify and elucidate the various selective pressures that drive the evolution of plasmid replication control. Our analysis shows how the evolution of the constituent components of the plasmid replication control system are shaped by selection acting at the level of hosts and the level of plasmids. In addition, we calculate finer-grained selective pressures that are attributed to atomic plasmid-related events (such as intra-cellular replication and plasmid loss due to host death) and demonstrate their special role at the early stages of the evolution of policing. Our approach constitutes a novel application of the Price equation for discerning and discussing the synergies between the levels of selection given the availability of a mechanistic model for the generation of the system’s dynamics. We show how the Price equation, particularly in its multi-level form, can provide significant insight by quantifying the relative importance of the various selective forces that shape the evolution of policing in bacterial plasmids.
Temporal and spatial localization of prediction-error signals in the visual brain
Authors: Johnston Patrick , Robinson Jonathan , Kokkinakis Athanasios , Ridgeway Samuel , Simpson Michael , Johnson Sam , Young Andrew W.
Published: October 2016

It has been suggested that the brain pre-empts changes in the visual environment through generating predictions, although real-time eletrophysiological evidence of prediction violations remains elusive. In a series of experiments we showed participants sequences of images that followed a predictable implied sequence or whose final image violated the implied sequence. Through careful design we were able to use the same final image transitions across predictable and unpredictable conditions, ensuring that any differences in neural responses were due only to preceding context and not to the images themselves. EEG and MEG recordings showed that early/mid-latency visual evoked potentials were robustly modulated by images that violated the implied sequence across a range of types of image change (expression deformations, rigid-rotations and visual field location). This modulation occurred irrespective of stimulus object category. Although the stimuli were static images, MEG source reconstruction of the early latency signal (N/M170) localised expectancy violation signals to brain areas associated with motion perception. Our findings suggest that the N/M170 can index mismatches between predicted and actual visual inputs in a system that predicts trajectories based on ongoing context. This has important implications for understanding the N/M170 and investigating how the brain represents context to generate perceptual predictions.
Lysine as a potential low molecular weight angiogen: its clinical, experimental and in-silico validation- A brief study
Authors: Datta Debatosh , Verma Priyanshu , Banerjee Anindita , Kar Sujoy , Sengupta Tanima , Sengupta Nalinava , Samanta Sujoy Kumar , Khan Enam Murshed
Published: October 2016

Globally, the area of angiogenesis is dominated by investigations on anti-angiogenic agents and processes, due to its role in metastatic cancer treatment. Although, the area of ischemic tissue reperfusion is having much bigger demand and foot-mark. Following clinical failure of VEGF (Vascular endothelial growth factor) as a potential agent for induction of a controlled angiogenic response in ischemic tissues and organs, the progress is reasonably quiet as for new low molecular weight (LMW) angiogen molecules and their clinical applications are concerned. Basic amino acid Lysine has been observed to have profound angiogenic property in ischemic tissues, which is controlled, reproducible, time bound and without any accompanying reperfusion damage. In this study, the basic amino acid Lysine has been suggested as a LMW-angiogen, where it has been proposed to have a molecular binding property between VEGF and VEGF receptor (VEGFR). Here, the molecular adhesive hypothesis is being probed and confirmed both in the clinical and lab conditions through induced angiogenic response in tissue repair and in chick chorio allantoic membrane (CAM), respectively; and in dry-docking experiments (in-silico studies).
deSPI: efficient classification of metagenomic reads with lightweight de Bruijn graph-based reference indexing
Authors: Guan Dengfeng , Liu Bo , Wang Yadong
Published: October 2016

In metagenomic studies, fast and effective tools are on wide demand to implement taxonomy classification for upto billions of reads. Herein, we propose deSPI, a novel read classification method that classifies reads by recognizing and analyzing the matches between reads and reference with de Bruijn graph-based lightweight reference indexing. deSPI has faster speed with relatively small memory footprint, meanwhile, it can also achieve higher or similar sensitivity and accuracy.

Availability

the C++ source code of deSPI is available athttps://github.com/hitbc/deSPI

Contact

ydwang@hit.edu.cn

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available atBioinformaticsonline.
Lactobacillus plantarumfavors the early emergence of fit and fertile adult Drosophila upon chronic undernutrition
Authors: Téfit Mélisandre A. , Leulier François
Published: October 2016

Animals are naturally surrounded by a variety of microorganisms with which they constantly interact. Among these microbes, some live closely associated with a host and form its microbiota. These communities are now extensively studied, owing to their contributions to shaping various aspects of animal physiology. One of these commensal species,Lactobacillus plantarum, and in particular theL.p.WJLstrain, has been shown to promote the growth of Drosophila larvae upon nutrient scarcity, allowing earlier metamorphosis and adult emergence compared to axenic individuals. As for many insects, conditions surrounding the post-embryonic development dictate key Drosophila adult life history traits, and adjusting developmental timing according to the environment is essential for adult fitness. The growth acceleration induced byL.p.WJLoccurs in a context of poor nutrition and we wondered if this could adversely impact the fitness of Drosophila adults. Here we show that theL.p.WJL- mediated acceleration of growth is not deleterious; adults emerging after an accelerated development are as fit as their axenic siblings. Additionally,L.p.WJL’s presence even leads to a lifespan extension in nutritionally challenged males. These results demonstrate thatL.p.WJLis a beneficial partner forDrosophila melanogasterthrough its entire life cycle. This commensal bacteria allows the earlier emergence and longer survival of fit and fertile individuals and might represent one of the factors contributing to the ecological success of Drosophila.

Summary statement

Lactobacillus plantarumWJLis beneficial to Drosophila physiology along its entire life cycle. This bacteria triggers the early emergence and longer survival of fit and fertile adults.
Bayesian Analysis of Evolutionary Divergence with Genomic Data Under Diverse Demographic Models
Authors: Chung Yujin , Hey Jody
Published: October 2016

We present a new Bayesian method for estimating demographic and phylogenetic history using population genomic data. Several key innovations are introduced that allow the study of diverse models within an Isolation with Migration framework. For the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) phase of the analysis, we use a reduced state space, consisting of simple coalescent trees without migration paths, and a simple importance sampling distribution without demography. Migration paths are analytically integrated using a Markov chain as a representation of genealogy. The new method is scalable to a large number of loci with excellent MCMC mixing properties. Once obtained, a single sample of trees is used to calculate the joint posterior density for model parameters under multiple diverse demographic models, without having to repeat MCMC runs. As implemented in the computer programMIST, we demonstrate the accuracy, scalability and other advantages of the new method using simulated data and DNA sequences of two common chimpanzee subspecies:Pan troglodytes troglodytes (P. t.)andP. t. verus.
Knowledge-based strategy selection: a hybrid model and its implementation
Authors: Hesamamiri Roozbeh , Mahdavi Mazdeh Mohammad , Bourouni Atieh
Published: October 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to develop a novel hybrid multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) model to help organizations select their knowledge-based strategy effectively. Knowledge management (KM) initiatives are often started with the selection of a strategy, which is a critical decision for a successful KM implementation.

Design/methodology/approach

– KM initiatives are often started with the selection of a strategy, which is a critical decision for a successful KM implementation. Thus, the aim of this paper is to develop a novel hybrid MCDM model to help organizations select their knowledge-based strategy effectively.

Findings

– Results illustrate that the proposed model is efficient to consider the complex interactions among criteria and provides a consistent decision with less pair-wise comparisons. Furthermore, a case study indicates that a “codification versus tacitness” strategy is preferred over other strategies considering nine main domain criteria.

Originality/value

– The contribution of this paper is threefold: it addresses the gaps in KM literature on the effective and efficient assessment of KM strategy selection; it provides a comprehensive and systematic framework that combines analytic network process (ANP) and consistent fuzzy preference relations (CFPR) to assess KM implementation strategy; and it illustrates a real-world study to exhibit the applicability of the proposed approach and the efficacy of the framework.
Individual differences and potential absorptive capacity in joint project teams in the Nigerian upstream oil industry
Authors: Ojo Adedapo Oluwaseyi , Raman Murali , Chong Chin Wei
Published: October 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to elucidate the factors that underlie the differences in individual absorptive capacity (ACAP) within the context of joint project teams, following the individual-level perspective on potential ACAP.

Design/methodology/approach

– The model was empirically validated through structural equation modeling conducted on a cross-sectional survey of 248 local team members of joint projects in the Nigerian upstream oil industry.

Findings

– Prior experience and learning goal orientation are positively associated with the ability to assimilate knowledge, whereas performance approach goal orientation and need for cognition are positively associated with the ability to recognize the value of knowledge. Surprisingly, no significant relationship exists between prior experience and ability to recognize the value of knowledge. In addition, the positive relationship between ability to recognize the value of knowledge and ability to assimilate knowledge is supported.

Originality/value

– This study contributes to the empirical justification of the role of individuals in acquiring and assimilating external knowledge, and extends classroom-based constructs (i.e. need for cognition and goal orientation) to the project domain.
The outcome of competition between two parasitoid species is influenced by a facultative symbiont of their aphid host
Authors: McLean Ailsa H. C. , Godfray H. Charles J.
Published: October 2016

Symbiotic bacteria can act to protect their host against natural enemies. Where this protection is asymmetric against different natural enemies, protection conferred by symbionts has the potential to mediate interactions between natural enemies, as well as between enemies and the host.

In pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum), resistance against parasitoid wasps can be conferred by facultative symbiotic bacteria. We investigated whether the outcome of competition between two parasitoid species can be influenced by the presence of a defensive symbiont in the host.

We exposed pea aphids from a single clonal line, with and without a strain of the protective endosymbiont Hamiltonella defensa, to multiparasitism by the parasitoid wasps Aphelinus abdominalis (Aphelinidae) and Aphidius ervi (Braconidae), and recorded the outcome. The symbiont strain is known to impact A. abdominalis more strongly than A. ervi.

We found that the presence of a strain of the protective endosymbiont H. defensa can reverse the outcome of competition between the wasps. In the absence of the symbiont, A. ervi gains very little success when attacking an aphid previously parasitized by A. abdominalis. However, where the aphids possessed the symbiont, A. abdominalis did not develop successfully, and the success rate of A. ervi was significantly increased.

Our results show that defensive facultative symbionts are able to influence community interactions at the trophic level above their host.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Forty years of seagrass population stability and resilience in an urbanizing estuary
Authors: Shelton Andrew O. , Francis Tessa B. , Feist Blake E. , Williams Gregory D. , Lindquist Adam , Levin Philip S.
Published: October 2016

Coasts and estuaries contain among the most productive and ecologically important habitats in the world and face intense pressure from current and projected human activities, including coastal development. Seagrasses are a key habitat feature in many estuaries perceived to be in widespread decline owing to human actions.

We use spatio‐temporal models and a 41‐year time series from 100s of km of shoreline which includes over 160 000 observations from Puget Sound, Washington, USA, to examine multiscale trends and drivers of eelgrass (Zostera spp.) change in an urbanizing estuary.

At whole estuary scale (100s of km), we find a stable and resilient eelgrass population despite a more than doubling of human population density and multiple major climactic stressors (e.g. ENSO events) over the period. However, the aggregate trend is not reflected at the site scale (10s of km), where some sites persistently increase while others decline.

Site trends were spatially asynchronous; adjacent sites sometimes exhibited opposite trends over the same period. Substantial change in eelgrass occurred at the subsite (0·1 km) scale, including both complete local loss and dramatic increase of eelgrass.

Metrics of local human development including shoreline armouring, upland development (imperviousness) and human density provide no explanatory power for eelgrass population change at any spatial scale.

Our results suggest that the appropriate scale for understanding eelgrass change is smaller than typically assumed (approximately 1‐ to 3‐km scale) and contrasts strongly with previous work.

Synthesis. Despite ongoing conservation concern over seagrasses world‐wide, eelgrass in Puget Sound has been highly resilient to both anthropogenic and environmental change over four decades. Our work provides general methods that can be applied to understand spatial and temporal scales of change and can be used to assess hypothesized drivers of change.
Influence of plant–pollinator interactions on the assembly of plant and hummingbird communities
Authors: Wolowski Marina , Carvalheiro Luísa G. , Freitas Leandro
Published: October 2016

Understanding how ecological processes structure species assemblages is a central issue in community ecology. While the influence of plant–pollinator interactions on each other's evolution is well recognized, their role in the assembly of interdependent communities of plants and pollinators is still unclear.

Using data from seven communities of hummingbirds and plants that they pollinate from two tropical rain forest types (lowland and montane), we evaluated phylogenetic relationships and signal of functional traits, over space and time, to test predictions on the main processes (environmental filtering, facilitation or competition) that are driving these hummingbird–plant assemblages.

Our findings suggest that the main processes driving these assemblages varied between hummingbirds and plants and between habitats, and even among communities at the same habitat. The non‐conserved floral trait and the phylogenetic patterns (even or random) give support to the hypothesis of facilitation or competition as processes regulating the composition of plant assemblages. Moreover, the positive relationship between fitness and flowering synchrony suggests facilitation as the most important mechanism for montane plant communities. Distinctively, for lowland plant communities, the combination of non‐conserved traits and clustered phylogenetic patterns may be a result of either adaptive radiation or biotic filtering driven by a particular pollinator species that plays a main role as plant community organizer. Lastly, evidence of trait conservatism, together with clustered or even phylogenetic patterns, suggests that facilitation or competition may drive the assembly of montane hummingbird communities, despite the predominance of random phylogenetic patterns.

Synthesis. Overall, we present a pathway to identify central ecological processes that may drive the assembly of plant–pollinator communities. We show that different processes related with pollination that vary in space and time may contribute to the assembly of the interdependent tropical communities of plants and pollinators. These findings highlight the importance of considering ecological interactions when evaluating community assembly processes.
Host species and environmental variation can influence rhizobial community composition
Authors: Vuong Holly B. , Thrall Peter H. , Barrett Luke G.
Published: October 2016

Nitrogen‐fixing rhizobial mutualists display high levels of genetic and phenotypic diversity at multiple spatial scales. Identifying the ecological and environmental drivers of variation in the genetic composition and function of rhizobial communities is critical to understanding rhizobial impacts on community and ecosystem productivity. In this study, we examined how environmental factors and host species jointly affect rhizobial phenotypic diversity and community structure.

Individual host plants of two native Australian legumes, Acacia salicina and A. stenophylla, were inoculated with a community of six rhizobial strains (belonging to three genera) previously characterized for symbiotic effectiveness. The plants were grown in a fully factorial experiment under high and low phosphorus and water, and high or no nitrogen. Half the plants were harvested after 19 weeks and the other half after 30 weeks. The relative abundance of the six rhizobial strains was characterized using amplicon sequencing of the rhizobial 16S rRNA gene from DNA extracted from the root nodules of plants after each harvest.

Variation in the relative abundance of the six rhizobial strains was best explained by host species, although interactions between environment and host species also emerged as significant predictors of variation in rhizobial community composition. We detected strong host‐specific interactions for two strains, while two other strains were clearly generalists, being relatively abundant in both host species. For both host species, the two generalist strains were as abundant as the best specialist strain within the rhizobial community.

Synthesis. Our study show host species identity as the key determinant of rhizobial community structure within the root nodules of Acacia plants. Strains that were efficient at promoting the growth of their host plant had high relative abundance in experimental communities. Furthermore, interaction among host species, rhizobial host‐range, and environmental variation determine the structure of rhizobial communities, although not in clearly predictable ways. Such interactions contributed to the maintenance (albeit at relatively low frequencies) of ineffective strains in nodule communities. These interacting effects could help to explain why rhizobial communities are functionally diverse, such that specialists, generalists and seemingly ineffective rhizobia, can be simultaneously maintained in rhizosphere communities.
Capturing everyday experiences of typically developing children aged five to seven years: A feasibility study of experience sampling methodology
Authors: Vilaysack Brandon , Cordier Reinie , Doma Kenji , Chen Yu‐Wei
Published: October 2016

Background

Understanding children's perception of their experiences is imperative for developing client‐centred interventions for paediatric populations. However, perceptions of young children in the myriad circumstances that they live in have not yet been properly investigated. Subsequently, this study tested the feasibility and appropriateness of experience sampling method (ESM), an ecological momentary assessment, on typically developing children aged between five and seven years.

Methods

Ten children (five boys and five girls) carried an Android© device with a pre‐installed ESM survey exploring their everyday life and their perceived internal experiences. Children were asked to respond to the survey eight times daily, at random times generated by the device, for seven days.

Results

An acceptable signal response rate (47.6 ± 18.9%) and short average time required for survey completion (83 ± 49 seconds) supported the feasibility of the ESM for use in research with children aged between five and seven years. Children reported the questions were straightforward and survey completion interfered very little with everyday activities, supporting appropriateness of the method. Through graphic analysis we illustrated the usability of ESM for capturing the influence of everyday contexts on perceived internal experiences.

Conclusions

The ESM holds promise for examining the impact of environmental context on everyday experiences of young typically developing children.
Diagnosing the Source of Financial Market Shocks: An Application to the Asian, Subprime and European Financial Crises
Authors: Fedderke Johannes W. , Marinkov Marina
Published: October 2016

This paper presents a test diagnostic that determines whether financial shocks are due to the propagation of idiosyncratic shocks originating in a single source country (or group of countries), or a reflection of market interdependence due to factors common across markets. The test is given by the ratio,λ, of the unconditional to the conditional correlation coefficient between markets. We demonstrate analytically that the test statistic is robust to heteroscedasticity due to conditional market volatility, to the impact of omitted variables (particularly important in the event that shocks may be transmitted between any two markets via a third ‘intermediate’ market) and to the impact of endogeneity between markets. Size and power characteristics of the test are strong. An application to the Asian financial crisis of 1997–1998, the subprime crisis of 2007 and the European crisis of 2009 demonstrates its empirical tractability. For the Asian and the subprime crises, the λ‐test suggests that propagation of shocks was predominantly due to common fundamentals: in the European crisis shock propagation by contrast is indicated to be due to idiosyncratic shocks centred on Cyprus, Greece and Latvia.
Misclassification Risk of Tier‐Based Physician Quality Performance Systems
Authors: Adams John L. , Paddock Susan M.
Published: October 2016

Objective

There is increasing interest in identifying high‐quality physicians, such as whether physicians perform above or below a threshold level. To evaluate whether current methods accurately distinguish above‐ versus below‐threshold physicians, we estimate misclassification rates for two‐category identification systems.

Data Sources

Claims data for Medicare fee‐for‐service beneficiaries residing in Florida or New York in 2010.

Study Design

Estimate colorectal cancer, glaucoma, and diabetes quality scores for 23,085 physicians. Use a beta‐binomial model to estimate physician score reliabilities. Compute the proportion of physicians whose performance tier would be misclassified under three scoring systems.

Principal Findings

In the three scoring systems, misclassification ranges were 8.6–25.7 percent, 6.4–22.8 percent, and 4.5–21.7%. True positive rate ranges were 72.9–97.0 percent, 83.4–100.0 percent, and 34.7–88.2 percent. True negative rate ranges were 68.5–91.6 percent, 10.5–92.4 percent, and 81.1–99.9 percent. Positive predictive value ranges were 70.5–91.6 percent, 77.0–97.3 percent, and 55.2–99.1 percent.

Conclusions

Current methods for profiling physicians on quality may produce misleading results, as the number of eligible events is typically small. Misclassification is a policy‐relevant measure of the potential impact of tiering on providers, payers, and patients. Quantifying misclassification rates should inform the construction of high‐performance networks and quality improvement initiatives.
Sustainability assessment of three districts in the city of Donostia through the NEST simulation tool
Authors: Oregi Xabat , Pousse Maxime , Mabe Lara , Escudero Alexandre , Mardaras Iker
Published: October 2016

Nowadays, urbanists are facing increasing demands regarding the performance of urban development projects in terms of environment, quality of life and socio‐economic issues. In order to address these increasing demands, actors involved in urban development projects need tools capable of assessing their impacts. These tools should also enable the comparison of all potential scenarios. Taking into account these needs, Nobatek and Tecnalia have developed NEST (Neighbourhood Evaluation for Sustainable Territories), which is one of the first tools that allows for a simultaneous environmental, economic and social analysis at the district scale, with a life‐cycle perspective. Using NEST, the authors of this work carried out an environmental and social evaluation of three districts in the city of Donostia, in the framework of the Essai Urbain research project. The evaluation first consisted of analysing baseline environmental impacts of the three districts. Then, with the objective of reducing environmental impacts and increasing social well‐being, the authors proposed several refurbishment scenarios for the studied districts, focusing on energy issues. The study was performed in close collaboration with the city of Donostia, which enabled the identification and selection of the most relevant scenarios from an environmental standpoint. Moreover, the NEST software has caught the attention of the project's stakeholders regarding environmental issues. Finally, NEST seems to be an interesting alternative in accounting for sustainable development issues from the early stages of urban development projects.
Is non‐host pollen suitable for generalist bumblebees?
Authors: Vanderplanck Maryse , Decleves Sylvain , Roger Nathalie , Decroo Corentin , Caulier Guillaume , Glauser Gaetan , Gerbaux Pascal , Lognay Georges , Richel Aurore , Escaravage Nathalie , Michez Denis
Published: October 2016

Current evidence suggests that pollen is both chemically and structurally protected. Despite increasing interest in studying bee–flower networks, the constraints for bee development related to pollen nutritional content, toxicity and digestibility as well as their role in the shaping of bee–flower interactions have been poorly studied. In this study we combined bioassays of the generalist bee Bombus terrestris on pollen of Cirsium, Trifolium, Salix, and Cistus genera with an assessment of nutritional content, toxicity, and digestibility of pollen. Microcolonies showed significant differences in their development, non‐host pollen of Cirsium being the most unfavorable. This pollen was characterized by the presence of quite rare δ7‐sterols and a low digestibility. Cirsium consumption seemed increase syrup collection, which is probably related to a detoxification mixing behavior. These results strongly suggest that pollen traits may act as drivers of plant selection by bees and partly explain why Asteraceae pollen is rare in bee generalist diet.
Spot‐testing urine pH, a novel dietary biomarker? A randomised cross‐over trial
Authors: Parmenter Benjamin H. , Slater Gary J. , Frassetto Lynda A.
Published: October 2016

Aim

Spot‐tests of urine pH are claimed to be an accessible biomarker of net acid excretion (NAE), and as such, they may be able to determine changes in an individual's intake of acid‐ or base‐forming foods. To test this hypothesis, we aimed to determine if spot‐tests of urine pH could index NAE and relay the consumption of a fruit and vegetable (F&V) concentrate whilst determining this concentrate's capacity to modulate NAE.

Methods

In a double blind, placebo‐controlled, cross‐over trial, healthy adults (n = 13) were allocated by simple randomisation to receive a F&V concentrate or placebo for three days each, with diet standardised throughout. Measurements of 24‐hour NAE, 24‐hour urine pH and spot‐tests of urine pH were taken throughout the study.

Results

The 24‐hour urine pH predicted 24‐hour NAE (P = <0.0001). However, spot‐tested urine pH displayed prediction intervals too wide to infer 24‐hour NAE and inconsistent ability to reflect concentrate ingestion, despite 24‐hour NAE and 24‐hour urine pH decreasing (−25.8 mEq, 95% CI −44.3 to −7.4, P = 0.01, d = 0.94) and increasing (+0.51, 95% CI 0.25–0.79, P = 0.002, d = 1.3), respectively, following supplementation.

Conclusions

Spot‐tests of urine pH are not a valid dietary biomarker of daily NAE and were unable to reliably track changes, despite a F&V concentrate clearly modulating the daily rate of NAE.
Density and carrying capacity in the forgotten tigerland: Tigers in the understudied Nepalese Churia
Authors: THAPA Kanchan , KELLY Marcella J.
Published: October 2016

While there are numerous wildlife ecology studies in lowland areas of Nepal, there are no in‐depth studies of the hilly Churia habitat even though it comprises 7642 km2of potential wildlife habitat across the Terai Arc. We investigated tiger, leopard and prey densities across this understudied habitat. Our camera trapping survey covered 536 km2of Churia and surrounding areas within Chitwan National Park (CNP). We used 161 trapping locations and accumulated 2097 trap‐nights in a 60‐day survey period during the winter season of 2010–2011. In addition, we walked 136 km over 81 different line transects using distance sampling to estimate prey density. We photographed 31 individual tigers, 28 individual leopards and 25 other mammalian species. Spatial capture–recapture methods resulted in lower density estimates for tigers, ranging from 2.3 to 2.9 tigers per 100 km2, than for leopards, which ranged from 3.3 to 5.1 leopards per 100 km2. In addition, leopard densities were higher in the core of the Churia compared to surrounding areas. We estimated 62.7 prey animals per 100 km2with forest ungulate prey (sambar, chital, barking deer and wild pig), accounting for 47% of the total. Based on prey availability, Churia habitat within CNP could potentially support 5.86 tigers per 100 km2but our density estimates were lower, perhaps indicating that the tiger population is below carrying capacity. Our results demonstrate that Churia habitat should not be ignored in conservation initiatives, but rather management efforts should focus on reducing human disturbance to support higher predator numbers.