bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between vital rates and ecological traits in an avian community
Authors: Bellier Edwige , Kéry Marc , Schaub Michael
Published: March 2018

Comparative studies about the relationships between vital rates and ecological traits at the community level are conspicuously lacking for most taxa because estimating vital rates requires detailed demographic data. Identifying relationships between vital rates and ecological traits could help to better understand ecological and evolutionary demographic mechanisms that lead to interspecific differences in vital rates.

We use novel dynamicN‐mixture models for counts to achieve this for a whole avian community comprising 53 passerine species, while simultaneously accounting for density dependence and environmental stochasticity in recruitment and survival and, importantly, correcting our inferences for imperfect detection. Demographic stochasticity is taken into account in the form of the binomial and Poisson distributions describing survival events and number of recruits. We then explore relationships between estimated demographic parameters (i.e., vital rates) and ecological traits related to migration patterns, diet, habitat and nesting location of each species.

The relative importance of recruitment and adult survival as contributors to population growth varied greatly among species, and interspecific differences in vital rates partly reflected differences in ecological traits. Migratory mode was associated with interspecific differences in population growth and density dependence. Resident species had higher population growth rates than long‐ and short‐distance migrants. We found no relationships between diet and population growth rate. Habitat differences were associated with different growth rates: alpine, wetland and farmland species had lower population growth rates than forest species. Differences in population growth rates among nesting locations showed that breeding habitat is essential for population dynamics.

Our study reveals relationships between ecological traits and contributions of vital rates to population growth and suggests ways in which patterns of population growth fluctuations in a community might be determined by life history.
Parents, migrant domestic workers and children's speaking of a second language: Evidence from Hong Kong
Authors: Tang Sam Hak Kan
Published: March 2018

This paper explores the effects of different language home environments provided by English‐speaking and non‐English‐speaking migrant domestic workers (MDW) on Hong Kong children's ability to speak English. Results show that English‐speaking MDW in working‐mother households increase children's likelihood of speaking English by 12% if the mother in the household does not speak English but by 25% if the mother in the household is capable of speaking English. Non‐English‐speaking MDW, however, are found to have little such effects. Age and education are two qualities of English‐speaking MDW that are significantly associated with improvements in children's English‐speaking ability and their English school subject.
Undiagnosed Congenital Heart Defects as a Cause of Sudden, Unexpected Death in Children
Authors: Serinelli Serenella , Arunkumar Ponni , White Steven
Published: March 2018

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart defects (CHDs), these defects are still an important cause of sudden, unexpected death in young children. This retrospective study identified 64 cases of CHDs presenting as a cause of sudden, unexpected death in a busy, urban Medical Examiner's Office pediatric population between 2006 and 2016. The majority of cases (52 of 64, 81%) were infants. Interestingly, 52% of cases were undiagnosed prior to autopsy. Ventricular septal defects and atrioventricular septal defects were the most common simple (14%) and complex (17%) malformations observed, respectively. In many cases, there were coexistent simple and/or complex defects. Most of the cases diagnosed with CHD prior to autopsy (48%) had undergone some type of surgical repair. This study highlights the importance of considering undiagnosed CHDs as a cause of sudden, unexpected death, particularly in young children.
Compositional Analysis of Coronary Artery Calcification in Dialysis Patients in vivo by Dual‐Energy Computed Tomography Angiography
Authors: Nishizawa Yoko , Higuchi Chieko , Nakaoka Takashi , Omori Hisako , Ogawa Tetsuya , Sakura Hiroshi , Nitta Kosaku
Published: March 2018

While vascular calcification is an important factor regulating prognosis in dialysis patients, its components have not been adequately studied. We analyzed in vivo components of calcification in the coronary arteries of dialysis patients using the effective atomic number from dual‐energy computed tomography. In dialysis patients (hemodialysis, N = 10; peritoneal dialysis, N = 12), average of median effective atomic number was 13.8 in the hemodialysis group, and 13.7 in the peritoneal dialysis group. No significant differences were seen between groups, with calcium oxalate monohydrate identified as the most common component in each. To confirm the accuracy of this method, we investigated the composition of surgically removed calcified tissues using already established methods. Comparison with the effective atomic number from dual‐energy computed tomography showed that the results of calcification analysis were the same. We concluded that calcium oxalate monohydrate might be one of the major components of coronary artery calcification in dialysis patients.
Maintenance of Continuity in Older Adulthood: Concept Analysis
Authors: Lim SoYeun , Song Jun‐Ah
Published: March 2018

PURPOSE

This article aims to define the concept of maintenance of continuity in older adulthood (MCOA) and assist nurses to better understand the concept of MCOA.

METHODS

The method by Walker and Avant was used for this concept analysis.

FINDINGS

In the literature, MCOA is defined as a psychosocial adaptation strategy by searching for preference and familiarity, making a sense of connection, and creating coherence.

CONCLUSIONS

MCOA has potential to improve psychosocial adjustment to difficult life transitions as a coping mechanism.

IMPLICATION FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Insights about MCOA in nursing may contribute to improved patient care outcomes by assisting nurses to understand the elderly's experience during age‐related challenges from a life course perspective.
Appendicectomy during pregnancy and the risk of preterm birth: A population data linkage study
Authors: Ibiebele Ibinabo , Schnitzler Margaret , Nippita Tanya , Ford Jane B.
Published: March 2018

Background

Suspected appendicitis is a common non‐obstetric indication for emergency abdominal surgery during pregnancy.

Aims

Assess the risk of preterm birth and other maternal and neonatal adverse birth outcomes following appendicectomy during pregnancy.

Materials and Methods

Population‐based data linkage study of women with singleton births in New South Wales, Australia, 2002–2014. Pregnancies with appendicitis and appendicectomy were compared to pregnancies without appendicitis. Crude and adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) for preterm birth were estimated. Modified Poisson regression with robust variance was used to estimate crude and adjusted risk ratios (aRR) with 99% CI for other outcomes.

Results

Of 1 124 551 eligible pregnancies, 1024 (0.9/1000 pregnancies) had appendicitis and appendicectomy. Of these, 566 (55.3%) had laparoscopic and 458 (44.7%) had open appendicectomy. Appendicectomy at later gestational ages was associated with increasing rates of preterm birth. After adjustment for maternal and pregnancy factors, appendicectomy was associated with increased risk of preterm birth (overall aHR 1.73, 95% CI 1.42–2.09; planned aHR 2.08, 95% CI 1.60–2.72), maternal morbidity (aRR 2.68, 99% CI 1.88–3.83) and neonatal morbidity (aRR 1.42, 99% CI 1.03–1.94). However, there was no difference in perinatal mortality rates.

Conclusion

Appendicectomy during pregnancy is associated with increased risk of spontaneous and planned preterm birth, maternal and neonatal morbidity. Availability of resources to prevent or manage preterm labour should be considered when appendicectomy is performed at gestational ages of 20 weeks or more.
Electoral Effects of Biased Media: Russian Television in Ukraine
Authors: Peisakhin Leonid , Rozenas Arturas
Published: March 2018

We use plausibly exogenous variation in the availability of the Russian analog television signal in Ukraine to study how a media source with a conspicuous political agenda impacts political behavior and attitudes. Using highly disaggregated election data and an original survey, we estimate that Russian television substantially increased average electoral support for parties and candidates with a “pro‐Russian” agenda in the 2014 presidential and parliamentary elections. Evidence suggests that this effect is attributable to persuasion rather than differential mobilization. The effectiveness of biased media varied in a politically consequential way: Its impact was largest on voters with strong pro‐Russian priors but was less effective, and to some degree even counter‐effective, in persuading those with strong pro‐Western priors. Our finding suggests that exposing an already polarized society to a biased media source can result in even deeper polarization.
“To screen or not to screen”: Comparing the health and economic benefits of early peanut introduction strategies in five countries
Authors: Shaker M. , Stukus D. , Chan E. S. , Fleischer D. M. , Spergel J. M. , Greenhawt M.
Published: March 2018

Background

Early peanut introduction (EPI) in the first year of life is associated with reduced risk of developing peanut allergy in children with either severe eczema and/or egg allergy. However, EPI recommendations differ among countries with formal guidelines.

Methods

Using simulation and Markov modeling over a 20‐year horizon to attempt to explore optimal EPI strategies applied to the US population, we compared high‐risk infant‐specific IgE peanut screening (US/Canadian) with the Australiasian Society for Clinical Immunology and Allergy (Australia/New Zealand) (ASCIA) and the United Kingdom Department of Health (UKDOH)‐published EPI approaches.

Results

Screening peanut skin testing of all children with early‐onset eczema and/or egg allergy before in‐office peanut introduction was dominated by a no screening approach, in terms of number of cases of peanut allergy prevented, quality‐adjusted life years (QALY), and healthcare costs, although screening resulted in a slightly lower rate of allergic reactions to peanut per patient in high‐risk children. Considering costs of peanut allergy in high‐risk children, the per‐patient cost of early introduction without screening over the model horizon was $6556.69 (95%CI, $6512.76‐$6600.62), compared with a cost of $7576.32 (95%CI, $7531.38‐$7621.26) for skin test screening prior to introduction. From a US societal perspective, screening prior to introduction cost $654 115 322 and resulted in 3208 additional peanut allergy diagnoses. Both screening and nonscreening approaches dominated deliberately delayed peanut introduction.

Conclusions

A no‐screening approach for EPI has superior health and economic benefits in terms of number of peanut allergy cases prevented, QALY, and total healthcare costs compared to screening and in‐office peanut introduction.
Oral microbiota maturation during the first 7 years of life in relation to allergy development
Authors: Dzidic M. , Abrahamsson T. R. , Artacho A. , Collado M. C. , Mira A. , Jenmalm M. C.
Published: March 2018

Background

Allergic diseases have become a major public health problem in affluent societies. Microbial colonization early in life seems to be critical for instructing regulation on immune system maturation and allergy development in children. Even though the oral cavity is the first site of encounter between a majority of foreign antigens and the immune system, the influence of oral bacteria on allergy development has not yet been reported.

Objective

We sought to determine the bacterial composition in longitudinally collected saliva samples during childhood in relation to allergy development.

Methods

Illumina sequencing of the 16S rDNA gene was used to characterize the oral bacterial composition in saliva samples collected at 3, 6, 12, 24 months, and 7 years of age from children developing allergic symptoms and sensitization (n = 47) and children staying healthy (n = 33) up to 7 years of age.

Results

Children developing allergic disease, particularly asthma, had lower diversity of salivary bacteria together with highly divergent bacterial composition at 7 years of age, showing a clearly altered oral microbiota in these individuals, likely as a consequence of an impaired immune system during infancy. Moreover, the relative amounts of several bacterial species, including increased abundance of Gemella haemolysans in children developing allergies and Lactobacillus gasseri and L. crispatus in healthy children, were distinctive during early infancy, likely influencing early immune maturation.

Conclusion

Early changes in oral microbial composition seem to influence immune maturation and allergy development. Future experiments should test the probiotic potential of L. gasseri and L. crispatus isolates.
Genome‐wide association studies for two exterior traits in Chinese Dongxiang spotted pigs
Authors: Wang Chengbin , Wang Xiaopeng , Tang Jianhong , Chen Hao , Zhang Junjie , Li Yiping , Lei Shengrong , Ji Huayuan , Yang Bin , Ren Jun , Ding Nengshui
Published: March 2018

Pigs show extensive variation in exterior appearance. This variation has been explored as one of the selection targets to form breeding features in the pig industry. In this study, a customized Affymetrix Axiom Pig1.4M array plate was used to conduct genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) for two exterior traits—spotted coat color (SC) and facial type (FT)—in Chinese Dongxiang spotted pigs. Two and 12 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified to be associated with SC and FT at the 5% genome‐wide significant level, respectively. Of these SNPs, two associated with SC were located around the DACH1 gene on Sus Scrofa chromosome (SSC)11. Eleven SNPs associated with FT were located within a 7.68 Mb region (29.03–36.71 Mb) on SSC7. Based on the GWAS results and the biological functions of genes, we highlight EDNRB as a candidate gene for SC and HMGA1 and RPS10 as the potential genes affecting facial variation. The findings contribute to the final characterization of causative genes and mutations underlying the effects of the SSC7 and SSC11 loci and improve our understanding of the genetic basis of phenotypic variation in Chinese indigenous pigs.
Disease site as a determinant of survival outcome in patients with systemic anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma with extranodal involvement: an analysis of 1306 cases from the US National Cancer Database
Authors: Nguyen Kevin A. , Su Chang , Bai Harrison X. , Zhang Zishu , Xiao Rong , Karakousis Giorgos , Zhang Paul J. , Zhang Guiying
Published: March 2018

Systemic anaplastic lymphoma kinase positive (ALK+) anaplastic large cell lymphoma with extranodal involvement (ALCL‐E) is a rare form of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. No large study in the literature has compared the survival outcomes among different primary extranodal sites of involvement in ALK+ ALCL‐E. We identified 1306 patients with ALK+ ALCL‐E diagnosed between 2004 and 2014 in the US National Cancer Database, among whom 387 had primary extranodal site in the chest/abdomen/pelvis, 103 in the bone, 62 in the central nervous system, 134 in the head and neck and 620 in the cutaneous/soft tissue. Younger age, lower Charlson‐Deyo score, lower clinical stage, receipt of chemotherapy and receipt of radiotherapy were predictors of longer overall survival. Patients with extranodal involvement of central nervous system and chest/abdomen/pelvis had shorter overall survival than those with involvement of head and neck, bone, and cutaneous/subcutaneous tissue after adjusting for confounding variables. We recommend treating these patients upfront with more aggressive therapy.
Conceptualizing waste as a resource: Urban biosolids processing in the rural landscape
Authors: Mason‐Renton Sarah A. , Luginaah Isaac
Published: March 2018

Key Messages

This research highlights biosolids as both an intruding and uncertain waste product and a valuable and natural fertilizer resource.

Rural residents’ varied relational conceptions of place, time, and technology influenced perceptions of what belonged in or was natural to their community.

Felt rural environmental injustices were contested as residents viewed the biosolids fertilizer as either an intruding inequitable risk or a valuable nutrient belonging in the area.
Chasing a changing climate: Reproductive and dispersal traits predict how sessile species respond to global warming
Authors: Archambault Jennifer M. , Cope W. Gregory , Kwak Thomas J.
Published: March 2018

Aim

Studies of species' range shifts have become increasingly relevant for understanding ecology and biogeography in the face of accelerated global change. The combination of limited mobility and imperilled status places some species at a potentially greater risk of range loss, extirpation or extinction due to climate change. To assess the ability of organisms with limited movement and dispersal capabilities to track shifts associated with climate change, we evaluated reproductive and dispersal traits of freshwater mussels (Unionida), sessile invertebrates that require species‐specific fish for larval dispersal.

Location

North American Atlantic Slope rivers.

Methods

To understand how unionid mussels may cope with and adapt to current and future warming trends, we identified mechanisms that facilitated their colonization of the northern Atlantic Slope river basins in North America after the Last Glacial Maximum. We compiled species occurrence and life history trait information for each of 55 species, and then selected life history traits for which ample data were available (larval brooding duration, host fish specificity, host infection strategy, and body size) and analysed whether the trait state for each was related to mussel distribution in Atlantic Slope rivers.

Results

Brooding duration (p < .01) and host fish specificity (p = .02) were significantly related to mussel species distribution. Long‐term brooders were more likely than short‐term brooders to colonize formerly glaciated rivers, as were host generalists compared to specialists. Body size and host infection strategy were not predictive of movement into formerly glaciated rivers (p > .10).

Main conclusions

Our results are potentially applicable to many species for which life history traits have not been well‐documented, because reproductive and dispersal traits in unionid mussels typically follow phylogenetic relationships. These findings may help resource managers prioritize species according to climate change vulnerability and predict which species might become further imperilled with climate warming. Finally, we suggest that similar trait‐based decision support frameworks may be applicable for other movement limited taxa.
QUANTIFYING THE DETERRENT EFFECT OF ANTICARTEL ENFORCEMENT
Authors: Davies Stephen , Mariuzzo Franco , Ormosi Peter L.
Published: March 2018

This paper presents a rare attempt to quantify the deterrent effect of anticartel policy. It develops a conceptual framework, which establishes the sort of information necessary for such quantification. This is then illustrated and calibrated by drawing upon existing literatures and using evidence from legal cartels to approximate what would be observed absent policy. Measuring impact by the proportion of all potential harm that is deterred, our best estimate is two‐thirds and, even on conservative assumptions, at least half of all harms (or seven times the detected harm) is deterred. (JEL H11, K21, L44)
Why resource history matters: age and oviposition history affect oviposition behaviour in exploiters of a mutualism
Authors: Yadav Pratibha , Borges Renee M.
Published: March 2018

1. Acceptance of hosts for oviposition is often hardwired in short‐lived insects, but can be dynamic at the individual level due to variation in physiological state determinants such as ageing and prior oviposition. However, the effect of the oviposition history of resources together with time taken to accept less preferred hosts in ageing insects has rarely been investigated.

2. The time taken by parasitic fig wasps to accept resources with different oviposition histories was recorded in order to investigate the effect of wasp physiological state and resource oviposition history on oviposition behaviour. These wasps, which differ in life‐history traits, oviposit at specific developmental stages of enclosed fig inflorescences called syconia.

3. Behavioural assays were performed with naive wasps and wasps aged with and without prior oviposition experience. Syconia at the same developmental stage but differing in oviposition history were offered in no‐choice assays and the time taken to first oviposition attempt was recorded.

4. One short‐lived pro‐ovigenic galler species exhibited a decline with age in time taken to accept a syconium for oviposition. The exact timing of the transition from non‐acceptance to acceptance of less preferred syconia was determined in terms of the proportion of elapsed life span at the transition; this occurred at 25% of elapsed life span.

5. Longer‐lived parasitoids did not show any decline in specificity despite being aged for 50% of their life span. Therefore, host quality, trophic position, egg load and age may individually affect oviposition decisions or have interaction effects.
Internalized stigma in adults with early phase versus prolonged psychosis
Authors: Firmin Ruth L. , Lysaker Paul H. , Luther Lauren , Yanos Philip T. , Leonhardt Bethany , Breier Alan , Vohs Jenifer L.
Published: March 2018

Aim

Although internalized stigma is associated with negative outcomes among those with prolonged psychosis, surprisingly little work has focused on when in the course of one’s illness stigma is internalized and the impact of internalization on symptoms or social functioning over the course of the illness. Therefore, this study investigated whether (1) internalized stigma is greater among those later in the course of psychosis and (2) whether internalized stigma has a stronger negative relationship with social functioning or symptoms among those with prolonged compared to early phase psychosis.

Methods

Individuals with early phase (n = 40) and prolonged psychosis (n = 71) who were receiving outpatient services at an early‐intervention clinic and a VA medical center, respectively, completed self‐report measures of internalized stigma and interview‐rated measures of symptoms and social functioning.

Results

Controlling for education, race and sex differences, internalized stigma was significantly greater among those with prolonged psychosis compared to early phase. Internalized stigma was negatively related to social functioning and positively related to symptoms in both groups. Furthermore, the magnitude of the relationship between cognitive symptoms and internalized stigma was significantly greater among those with early phase. Stereotype endorsement, discrimination experiences and social withdrawal also differentially related to symptoms and social functioning across the 2 samples.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that internalized stigma is an important variable to incorporate into models of early psychosis. Furthermore, internalized stigma may be a possible treatment target among those with early phase psychosis.
Measuring what matters: Using technology to assess multidimensional learning
Authors: Gane Brian D. , Zaidi Sania Z. , Pellegrino James W.
Published: March 2018

In this article we describe the challenges associated with assessing complex competencies envisioned as the targets of learning in the 21st century. Such competencies typically reflect the integration of multiple dimensions of knowledge and skill. Technology plays a crucial role in their assessment, from conceptualisation through design, data gathering and interpretation of results. We use the case of science proficiency to illustrate challenges associated with the assessment of the intended products of multidimensional learning and the benefits provided by technology. We frame assessment development as an evidence‐centered design process and illustrate it by using cases drawn from middle school science. We then turn to ways in which assessment systems need to evolve to expand the scope of what can be done in the creation and use of valid, reliable and equitable assessments of complex, multidimensional learning. We conclude by discussing policy implications of technology‐based assessment systems with an emphasis on measuring what matters versus measuring what is easy, since what we choose to assess will become the focus of instruction. Major advances in assessment policy and practice require investment in the development, validation and deployment of technology‐based assessments that reflect the multidimensional competencies identified by contemporary research and theory.
Translucent windows: how uncertainty in competitive interactions impacts detection of community pattern
Authors: D'Andrea Rafael , Ostling Annette , O'Dwyer James P.
Published: March 2018

Traits can provide a window into the mechanisms that maintain coexistence among competing species. Recent theory suggests that competitive interactions will lead to groups, or clusters, of species with similar traits. However, theoretical predictions typically assume complete knowledge of the map between competition and measured traits. These assumptions limit the plausible application of these patterns for inferring competitive interactions in nature. Here, we relax these restrictions and find that the clustering pattern is robust to contributions of unknown or unobserved niche axes. However, it may not be visible unless measured traits are close proxies for niche strategies. We conclude that patterns along single niche axes may reveal properties of interspecific competition in nature, but detecting these patterns requires natural history expertise firmly tying traits to niches.
Increased cerebral blood flow on arterial spin labeling magnetic resonance imaging can localize to seizure focus in newborns: A report of 3 cases
Authors: Mabray Patrick , Thewamit Rapeepat , Whitehead Matthew T. , Kao Amy , Scafidi Joseph , Gaillard William D. , Chang Taeun , Tsuchida Tammy N.
Published: March 2018

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can assess cerebral blood flow (CBF) without using radiolabeled tracers. It is unknown whether regional increases in CBF on ASL MRI correlate with seizure location in newborns. We report 3 newborns with focal seizures localized on continuous video electroencephalogram (cEEG), anatomical brain MRI, and ASL MRI. Each patient underwent pseudocontinuous ASL with segmented 3‐dimensional fast spin echo readout as part of standard care. Case 1 is a term male infant presenting with left temporal status epilepticus and recurrent cEEG seizures from an idiopathic large left intraventricular hemorrhage. ASL images demonstrated left mesial temporal lobe increased CBF. Case 2 is a late preterm male infant presenting with recurrent cEEG seizures due to focal right megalencephaly. Ictal EEG and ASL images coincided with the focal dysplasia. Case 3 is a dysmorphic term female infant with nonconvulsive partial status epilepticus identified by focal increased CBF of the left temporal lobe on ASL images. The area of increased CBF was within an area of extensive left hemisphere dysplasia. To our knowledge, this is the first report of regional increases in CBF on ASL MRI correlating with ictal cEEG in newborns.
Integrated, Family‐based, Partial Hospital Treatment for Complex Pediatric Illness
Authors: Roesler Thomas A. , Nassau Jack H. , Rickerby Michelle L. , Laptook Rebecca S. , DerMarderosian Diane , High Pamela C.
Published: March 2018

This paper describes a unique treatment program for complex pediatric illness. The Hasbro Children's Partial Hospital Program uses a family systems orientation, integrated care, and a partial hospital setting to treat children with a wide range of pediatric illnesses that have failed outpatient and inpatient treatments. We have treated more than 2000 children with at least 80 different ICD‐9 diagnoses. The multidisciplinary treatment team functions as a meta‐family for children and their families who present with illness and family beliefs that impede successful outcomes with standard care. The three features: family systems orientation, integrated care, and partial hospital setting, hopefully interact to create an environment that helps families expand and modify their explanatory models regarding participating in effective medical care. The goal of treatment is for both children and their parents to feel empowered to take control of the illness. Parents completing standardized measures at intake describe their children and families as experiencing significant emotional distress, low levels of general family functioning, and poor quality of life. Although the children are described as having distinct behavioral differences, the families are described as responding to the experience of a seriously ill child in similar ways. A treatment program that addresses the noncategorical aspects of how families respond to illness while addressing the specific diseases of the children can allow children and their families to respond favorably to treatment.
Inverse relationship of epilithic algae and pelagic phosphorus in unproductive lakes: Roles of N2 fixers and light
Authors: Diehl Sebastian , Thomsson Gustaf , Kahlert Maria , Guo Junwen , Karlsson Jan , Liess Antonia
Published: March 2018

Phosphorus (P) often limits the biomass of primary producers in freshwater lakes. However, in unproductive northern lakes, where anthropogenic nitrogen (N) deposition is low, N instead of P can limit primary producers. In addition, light can be limiting to primary producers at high concentrations of coloured dissolved organic matter (cDOM), as cDOM is the major determinant of light penetration in these lakes.

To address resource limitation of epilithic algal biomass, we repeatedly sampled epilithon (periphyton on stony substrata) in 20 lakes covering a large, correlated cDOM and N‐deposition gradient across boreal and subarctic Sweden. Across these lakes, pelagic total N (TN) and total P (TP) were positively correlated, and benthic light supply was negatively correlated, with cDOM. Microscopically determined algal biovolume and epilithic carbon (C), N and P were subsequently regressed against benthic light supply and pelagic TN and TP.

Patterns in epilithic biovolume were driven by N2‐fixing cyanobacteria, which accounted for 2%–90% of total epilithic biovolume. Averaged over the growing season, epilithic algal biovolume, C and N were negatively related to TP and positively to TN, and were highest in the clearest, most phosphorus‐poor lakes, where epilithon was heavily dominated by potentially N2‐fixing cyanobacteria.

A structural equation model supports the hypothesis that cDOM had two counteracting effects on total epilithic algal biovolume: a positive one by providing N to algae that depend on dissolved N for growth, and a negative one by shading N2‐fixing cyanobacteria, with the negative effect being somewhat stronger.

Together, these findings suggest that (1) light and N are the main resources limiting epilithic algal biomass in boreal to subarctic Swedish lakes, (2) epilithic cyanobacteria are more competitive in high‐light and low‐nitrogen environments, where their N2‐fixing ability allows them to reach high biomass, and (3) epilithic N increases with N2 fixer biomass and is—seemingly paradoxically—highest in the most oligotrophic lakes.
Assessment of passive musculoarticular ankle stiffness in children, adolescents and young adults with haemophilic ankle arthropathy
Authors: Lobet S. , Cartiaux O. , Peerlinck K. , Henrard S. , Hermans C. , Detrembleur C. , Deschamps K.
Published: March 2018

Objectives

To measure passive musculoarticular ankle stiffness (PMAAS) and its intra‐ and interday reliability in adult control subjects without ankle disorders. We also sought to quantify PMAAS in children, adolescents and young adults with haemophilia (CAAwH) taking into account the accurate tibiotalar and subtalar joints structural status obtained by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods

We included 23 CAAwH and 23 typically developing boys (TDB) matched by age, weight and height, along with 25 healthy volunteers for reliability assessment. All CAAwH underwent bilateral ankle MRI, with anatomical status assessed using the International Prophylaxis Study Group MRI scale. All CAAwH underwent PMAAS testing for both sides randomly vs the dominant side (DS) in TDBs. For assessing viscous stiffness (VS) and elastic stiffness (ES), eight different oscillation frequencies were randomly repeated three times for each subject.

Results

Good‐to‐excellent intra‐ and interday reliability was observed for ES and VS variables. No relevant differences were observed between the ankle viscoelastic properties in CAAwH without joint damage and matched TDBs, whereas the study revealed significantly increased ES in the affected ankles of CAAwH with severe unilateral joint involvement compared to the non‐affected joint.

Conclusion

This study confirmed increased ES in the severely affected ankles of CAAwH compared to non‐affected sides. No differences in the ankle viscoelastic properties of CAAwH with or without joint damage were observed, however, compared to matched TDB.
The association between Helicobacter pylori infection and the risk of advanced colorectal neoplasia may differ according to age and cigarette smoking
Authors: Park Hyunsung , Park Jae Jun , Park Yoo Mi , Baik Su Jung , Lee Hyun Ju , Jung Da Hyun , Kim Jie‐Hyun , Youn Young Hoon , Park Hyojin
Published: March 2018

Background

The association between Helicobacter pylori infection and advanced colorectal neoplasia (ACN) remains controversial. This study aimed to clarify the association between H. pylori infection and ACN according to age groups.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the association between H. pylori infection and ACN in patients aged <50 and ≥50 years receiving a health checkup that included colonoscopy. Helicobacter pylori positivity was determined by the results of serum anti‐H. pylori immunoglobulin G or rapid urease test, if the anti‐H. pylori immunoglobulin G was in the borderline range.

Results

Among the 19 337 patients who were included, 56.2% and 3.4% were positive for H. pylori and ACN, respectively. Helicobacter pylori infection independently increased the risk of ACN in patients aged <50 years (odds ratio [OR], 1.602; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 1.194‐2.150) but not in patients aged ≥50 years (OR, 1.046; 95% CI, 0.863‐1.268). The positive association between H. pylori infection and ACN was affected by smoking history. When stratified by age and smoking history, H. pylori infection conferred an increased risk of ACN in patients aged <50 years with a history of smoking (OR, 1.926; 95% CI, 1.336‐2.775) but not in the other 3 groups (3‐way interaction test P = .023). Among patients aged <50 years with ACN, ACN in the left colon was found more frequently in patients with H. pylori infection and a history of smoking than in those without (69.3% vs 54.4%, respectively; P = .031).

Conclusions

Helicobacter pylori infection confers an increased risk of ACN, but the association may differ according to age and smoking history.
Effects of knee loading on obesity‐related non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in an ovariectomized mouse model with high‐fat diet
Authors: Tan Nian , Li Xinle , Zhai Lidong , Liu Daquan , Li Jie , Yokota Hiroki , Zhang Ping
Published: March 2018

Aim

Hormonal and nutritional disorders are the main causes of obesity and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, especially in the elderly and in postmenopausal women. Although physical activity might alleviate these disorders, the elderly may often have difficulty in carrying out physical exercise. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of knee loading, a new form of physical stimulation, on the symptoms of obesity and fatty liver.

Methods

Using ovariectomized mice fed a high‐fat diet, we evaluated the effect of knee loading that applies gentle cyclic loads to the knee. Female C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups: control (SCD), high‐fat diet (HF), HF with loading (HF + L), HF with ovariectomy (HF + OVX), and HF + OVX with loading (HF + OVX + L). Except for SCD, mice underwent sham operation or ovariectomy and were maintained on HF diet. After 6 weeks, the mice in the HF + L and HF + OVX + L groups were treated with knee loading for 6 weeks.

Results

Compared to the obesity groups (HF and HF + OVX), knee loading significantly decreased a gain in body weight, liver weight, and white adipose tissue (all P < 0.01). It also reduced the lipid level in the serum (P < 0.01) and histological severity of hepatic steatosis (P < 0.01). Furthermore, knee loading downregulated biomarkers related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress (GRP78, p‐eIF2α, and ATF4) and altered biomarkers in autophagy (LC3 and p62).

Conclusions

Knee loading suppressed obesity‐associated metabolic alterations and hepatic steatosis. These effects with knee loading might be associated with suppression of ER stress and promotion of autophagy.
Serum level of endostatin and digital ulcers in systemic sclerosis patients
Authors: Gigante Antonietta , Margiotta Domenico , Navarini Luca , Barbano Biagio , Gasperini Maria L. , D'Agostino Claudia , Amoroso Antonio , Afeltra Antonella , Rosato Edoardo
Published: March 2018

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) are at a high risk of the development of ischaemic digital ulcers (DUs) that can be complicated with infections, gangrene, and osteomyelitis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of endostatin in scleroderma DUs.In total, 90 SSc patients were enrolled in this study. Serum endostatin levels and DU assessment were determined in all SSc patients. The serum levels of endostatin significantly increased with progression of capillaroscopic damage (P < .01). The serum levels of endostatin are significantly (P < .05) higher in SSc patients with new DUs than in SSc patients without new DUs (127 ± 31.1 ng/mL vs 116.3 ± 39.7 ng/mL). The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves demonstrated good accuracy of new DU prediction for the serum level of endostatin (0.70, P < .01 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59‐0.81]). Using a cut‐off value of 116 ng/mL, the odds ratio was 2.609 (CI 1.075‐6.330, P < .05). The serum levels of endostatin are significantly (P < .01) higher in SSc patients with infected DUs than in SSc patients without infected DUs (139.2 [114.6‐340.91] ng/mL vs 117.5 [64.3‐163.9] ng/mL). Serum levels of endostatin are higher in patients with DUs, especially in those with infected DUs.
Effects of uniconazole or gibberellic acid application on the lignin metabolism in relation to lodging resistance of culm in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum M.)
Authors: Fang X. , Liu X. , Zhang Y. , Huang K. , Zhang Y. , Li Y. , Nie J. , She H. , Ruan R. , Yuan X. , Yi Z.
Published: March 2018

Lignin plays an important role in increasing the mechanical intensity of culm and improving lodging resistance of culm. In this study, three common buckwheat, Youqiao2 (lodging‐tolerant cultivar; YQ2), Ningqiao1 (middle lodging‐tolerant cultivar; NQ1) and Ukraine daliqiao (lodging‐susceptible cultivar; UD), were used to investigate the effects of spraying exogenous hormones uniconazole (S‐3307) or gibberellic acid (GA3) on lignin metabolism and its relation to lodging resistance in the three common buckwheat cultivars. Results showed that application of S‐3307 significantly increased lignin content and its related enzymes activities of phenylalanine ammonia‐lyase (PAL), 4‐hydroxy cinnamoyl CoA ligase (4CL), cinnamyl alcohol dehydrogenase (CAD) and peroxidase (POD). The major genes involved in lignin synthesis, PAL, CCR (cinnamyl CoA reductase), C4H (cinnamate4‐hydroxylase), 4CL and CCoAOMT (caffeoyl CoA O‐methyltransferase), were all upregulated expression, and COMT (catechol‐O‐methyltransferase) was downregulated. What is more, application of S‐3307 significantly improved the resistance of common buckwheat stem to lodging and increased yield. Whereas, spraying with GA3 caused opposite effect on those characteristics. These results suggested that application of exogenous S‐3307 or GA3 significantly changed the risk of lodging occurred by regulating the lignin metabolism in culms of common buckwheat.
Instant precipitation of KMgF3:Ni2+ nanocrystals with broad emission (1.3‐2.2 μm) for potential combustion gas sensors
Authors: Cao Jiangkun , Guo Hai , Hu Fangfang , Li Liyi , Xu Shanhui , Peng Mingying
Published: March 2018

Optical gas sensors present fundamental and industrial importance considering their broad applications. Challenges remain to obtain new photonic materials with broadband emission covering the absorption spectrum of typical combustion gases. Here, broadband near‐infrared (NIR) photoluminescence (PL) spanning the wide absorption spectrum of typical combustion products is realized through instant precipitation of stable cubic perovskite KMgF3:Ni2+ nanocrystals inside an aluminosilicate glass matrix after melt‐quenching. Excited by an 808 nm laser diode, NIR luminescence with a peak centered at ~1624 nm and a bandwidth (FWHM) greater than 315 nm is observed, originating from 3T2g(3F) → 3A2g(3F) electronic transition of octahedral coordinated Ni2+ in KMgF3 GC. Controlled precipitation of these perovskite crystals from a supercooled aluminosilicate melt enables immediate encapsulation and, hence, stabilization in an inorganic glass phase. While the precipitation temperature has only a small effect on crystallite size, it controls the redox state of the melt and the degree of dopant incorporation into the crystalline phase so that PL performance can be optimized. Spontaneous crystallization of perovskite nanocrystals inside glass may offer a new way to stabilize these novel nanocrystals. Moreover, spontaneous crystallization can be attractive in the control of activator partitioning and in the fabrication of composite fiber devices with high transparency and emission gain. In the present case, this offers a potential platform for broadly tunable gain media, for example, for combustion gas sensing.
Survival costs of within‐ and between‐season mate change in the European blackbirdTurdus merula
Authors: Jankowiak Łukasz , Cholewa Marta , Wysocki Dariusz
Published: March 2018

Many studies of socially monogamous birds discuss the adaptive role of between‐season partner change, but only a handful of them refer to the benefits of pair fidelity in terms of increased survival. Moreover, there are no studies describing the benefits of within‐season mate retention. Our data relating to an urban population of European blackbirdsTurdus merulaenabled us to test the dependence of survival on pair faithfulness. Because blackbirds divorce within and between seasons, we were able to test the influence of pair faithfulness on their within‐ and between‐season survival and mate fidelity. For this purpose, we used a multievent capture–mark–recapture (MECMR) statistical model, which is based on recapture rates and different pair states (faithful to mate, paired with new partner, or dead). Our study indicated that between‐ and within‐season survival depends on pair states: pair‐bond duration increases survival to the next capture occasion in both sexes. We found that the pair‐bond duration to the current partner increased the chances of being with the same partner during the next breeding occasion, although we failed to find any within‐season pair‐bond influence for females. Our results showed sex differences in mating at the end of the season: females had a much smaller chance of breeding with the current new partner in the next year. This study has demonstrated that within‐ and between‐season survival is dependent on mate retention, and we discuss this in the context of how searching for a new partner could affect the birds’ survival.
Pushing the future back: The impact of policy uncertainty on the market pricing of future earnings
Authors: Drake Michael S. , Mayberry Michael A. , Wilde Jaron H.
Published: March 2018

We examine whether policy uncertainty triggered by presidential elections pushes the future back by reducing the extent to which current prices reflect information about future earnings. We estimate future earnings response coefficients (FERCs) for the years 1975–2013, a period that covers ten presidential elections. We find that FERCs are significantly lower (by 11.8%) during presidential election years compared to other years. Additional analyses using pseudo election years, ex‐ante polls, contract prices from the Iowa Electronic Political Market, and cross‐sectional firm characteristics provide corroborating evidence that the lower FERCs during election years are related to policy uncertainty. We also investigate potential explanations for the lower FERCs during election years. We find that the lower FERCs relate to forecasting difficulty rather than to changes in the discount rate or in the amount of noise trading. Finally, we find that market prices move toward future earnings to a greater degree during presidential election years compared with other years once the policy uncertainty is resolved. A trading strategy based on this drift yields significant abnormal returns. Overall, we contribute to the literature by providing the first empirical evidence that shocks to policy uncertainty influence the pricing of earnings information.
Multiple shifts to open habitats in Melastomateae (Melastomataceae) congruent with the increase of African Neogene climatic aridity
Authors: Veranso‐Libalah Marie Claire , Kadereit Gudrun , Stone Robert Douglas , Couvreur Thomas L. P.
Published: March 2018

Aim

African Melastomateae (Melastomataceae) comprise c. 185 species occurring in closed or open habitats throughout sub‐Saharan Africa. We sought to reconstruct biogeographical and habitat history, and shifts in diversification rates of African Melastomateae using a well‐sampled, dated molecular phylogeny.

Location

Americas, sub‐Saharan Africa, Madagascar, SE Asia.

Taxon

Angiosperms, Melastomataceae, African Melastomateae.

Methods

Phylogenetic relationships were estimated based on an extensive sampling of New and Old World Melastomateae, using two nuclear and three plastid markers. Divergence times were estimated in BEAST based on three calibration priors under Bayesian uncorrelated lognormal relaxed clock and birth–death speciation process. The dated phylogeny was used to infer the biogeographical history under a dispersal–extinction–cladogenesis model in “BioGeoBEARS”. The ancestral habitat of African Melastomateae was estimated using maximum likelihood and stochastic character mapping in “Phytools” and “ape” respectively. Finally, shifts in diversification rates were tested using BAMM.

Results

Melastomateae dispersed from South America to Africa during the Oligocene with subsequent dispersals to Madagascar and SE Asia during the Middle Miocene. Ancestral African Melastomateae were adapted to closed habitats with at least 12 shifts to open habitats occurring during the Middle Miocene or Pliocene. Speciation rates steadily increased since the Neogene, and none of the habitat shifts led to a significant increase in diversification rates.

Main conclusions

Long‐distance dispersal from South America during the Early Miocene explains the origin of African Melastomateae. The inferred adaptation to open habitats from an ancestrally closed habitat is congruent with the Neogene increase of aridity across Africa. The adaptation to open habitats during the Neogene is an important driver of African plant diversity, but is not always followed by increased diversification rates.