bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Islands in a green ocean: Spatially structured endemism in Amazonian white‐sand vegetation
Authors: Costa Flavio M. , Terra‐Araujo Mario H. , Zartman Charles E. , Cornelius Cintia , Carvalho Fernanda A. , Hopkins Michael J. G. , Viana Pedro L. , Prata Eduardo M. B. , Vicentini Alberto 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHere, we examine the influence of the spatial distribution of open white‐sand campina (WSC) in the Amazon on the species richness and beta diversity of their vascular plants. It is well known that beta diversity tends to increase with geographical distance, but the influence of habitat insularity on floristic composition and endemism is still unclear. We surveyed WSC in central and southwestern Amazon, generating lists of species occurrences by rapid‐inventory techniques to evaluate the influence of island area and connectivity on alpha and beta diversity among five landscapes in the Amazon Basin. Effects of insularity were assessed by comparing alpha and beta diversity within and among landscapes. A high proportion of species (~74%) and genera (~50%) were restricted to only one of the five landscapes and only three species and 28 genera were shared among all landscapes. At the regional scale, beta diversity increased significantly with distance. Partitioning of beta diversity showed that landscapes of higher connectivity have greater turnover and lower nestedness. We conclude that the flora of WSC is highly structured at regional scales, while at the local scale structure is evident only in low connectivity landscapes. Landscape metrics apparently play an important role in shaping patterns of diversity regionally as a result of processes operating at larger geographical scales. This emphasizes that conservation policy should not be local in its geographical focus and should account for connectivity at larger scales. This study is the first to empirically and explicitly evaluate the pattern of endemism in lowland WSC in the Amazon.Abstract in Porteges is available with online only
Small cell lung cancer: Recent changes in clinical presentation and prognosis
Authors: Caballero Vázquez Alberto , Garcia Flores Paula , Romero Ortiz Ana , García del Moral Raimundo , Alcázar‐Navarrete Bernardino 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBackgroundSmall cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a leading cause of death all over the world. Diagnostic and therapeutic arsenals have improved in recent years, but we are unsure as to whether these advances have been transferred to clinical practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate differences in SCLC diagnostic processes and short‐term survival rates between two recent cohorts.MethodsA prospective, observational study was conducted with patients diagnosed with SCLC (either at extensive or limited stages) in the 2011‐2016 period. Patients were divided into two cohorts (2011‐2013 and 2014‐2016) and followed up for 1 year after diagnosis.ResultsAround 713 patients with lung cancer were selected, 134 of whom had SCLC (74 patients in the 2011‐2013 cohort and 60 in the 2014‐2016 cohort). We observed a chronological increase in the use of endobronchial ultrasound transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS‐TBNA) and positron emission tomography‐computed tomography (PET‐CT) between the cohorts. Overall, short‐term survival was similar between the two groups and improved survival was associated with age and limited stage.ConclusionsChanges in diagnostic process in SCLC have been observed towards a more precise stadification. Although short‐term survival has not changed for SCLC, it is unclear that the real benefit of PET‐CT and EBUS‐TBNA is far from correct disease staging.
Diagnosis of Mycobacterium abscessus/chelonae complex cutaneous infection: Correlation of tissue culture and skin biopsy
Authors: Sardiña Luis A. , Kaw Urvashi , Jour George , Knabel Daniel , Dyck Rayna M. , Procop Gary W. , Bergfeld Wilma F. , Harrington Susan , Demkowicz Ryan , Piliang Melissa P. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMycobacterium abscessus and M. chelonae belong to the rapid‐growing nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) group, which are defined by their ability to form visible colonies on agar within 7 days of subculture. Cutaneous infections by this complex show a heterogeneous clinical presentation with varied histopathologic findings. However, the presence of vacuoles in many specimens has been reported as a specific histologic finding. Herein, we correlate the histopathology of patients with tissue‐culture positive M. abscessus/M. chelonae complex in order to identify features that may prompt a rapid categorization of the infectious etiology. The cohort includes 33 skin punch biopsy specimens from 28 patients who had associated positive tissue cultures. The most frequent clinical presentation was a single or multiple nodule. Twenty‐seven specimens (81.81%) were found to have vacuoles. The observation of certain histologic features (ie, polymorphonuclear microabscesses and epithelioid granuloma formation) should raise the possibility of infection by NTM. In addition to these findings, we believe the presence of vacuoles in the dermal and subcutaneous inflammation should raise suspicion for NTM.
'I wish my health professionals understood that it's not just all about your HbA1c!'. Qualitative responses from the second Diabetes MILES – Australia (MILES‐2) study
Authors: Litterbach E. , Holmes‐Truscott E. , Pouwer F. , Speight J. , Hendrieckx C. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimsOptimal diabetes management requires daily selfmanagement. While little time is spent with health professionals, they can have a substantial impact on how a person manages and feels about living with diabetes. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore what people with diabetes wish their health professionals understood about living with diabetes.MethodsThematic analysis was conducted of responses to a single open‐ended question, ‘What do you wish your health professional understood about living with diabetes?’, which was part of the Diabetes MILES‐2 survey, assessing the psychological and behavioural aspects of living with type 1 or type 2 diabetes in Australian adults.ResultsIn total, 1316 responses (56% response rate) were collected, with 1190 responses included for analysis (54% from respondents with type 1 diabetes, 46% from those with type 2 diabetes). Seven major themes emerged; respondents wished their health professional understood: 1) the potential barriers to diabetes management; 2) that it is ‘easier said than done’; 3) the social/emotional impact; 4) that they want, need and deserve more; 5) that judgements, assumptions and negative perspective are not helpful; 6) more about diabetes; and 7) that the respondent is the expert in his/her diabetes. Other comments suggested satisfactory experiences with health professionals, highlighting that some respondents had no wish for their health professional to understand more.ConclusionsThis study highlights that, although some adults with diabetes are satisfied with their health professionals’ understanding of living with diabetes, many report unmet needs and perceive a lack of person‐centred care from their health professionals.
Effects of treatment with metformin and/or sitagliptin on beta‐cell function and insulin resistance in prediabetic women with previous gestational diabetes
Authors: Daniele Giuseppe , Tura Andrea , Dardano Angela , Bertolotto Alessandra , Bianchi Cristina , Giusti Laura , Kurumthodathu Jancy Joseph , Del Prato Stefano 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of sitagliptin (SITA) and metformin (MET) monotherapy as well as in combination (MET+SITA) on beta‐cell function and insulin sensitivity in women with recent gestational diabetes (GDM) and impaired glucose regulation (IGR: impaired fasting glucose and/or impaired glucose tolerance).Material and MethodsForty women were randomly assigned to receive SITA (100 mg qd), MET (850 mg bid) or MET+SITA (50 + 850 mg bid) for 16 weeks. A 75 g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) and +125 mg/dL hyperglycaemic clamp followed by 5 g i.v. L‐arginine were performed at baseline and end of study. The primary outcome of the study was the mean change in arginine‐stimulated insulin secretion rate during the hyperglycaemic clamp test from baseline to 16‐week therapy.ResultsAt week 16, body mass index declined in all groups (−1.2 ± 0.2 kg/m2; P < 0.05). MET+SITA gave a greater increase of first phase(2–10 min) insulin secretion and arginine‐stimulated response (720.3 ± 299.0 to 995.5 ± 370.3 pmol/L and 3.2 ± 0.6 to 4.8 ± 1.0 pmoL/min, respectively, both P < 0.05) compared with MET and SITA. Similarly, MET+SITA was more effective in increasing OGTT‐based glucose sensitivity (55.7 ± 11.3 to 108 ± 56.2 pmol x min−1 m−2 x mM−1; P = 0.04) and insulin‐stimulated glucose disposal (M/I: 2.2 ± 0.5 to 4.6 ± 1.3 mg/kg/min÷μIU/min/ml; P = 0.04; Matsuda index [SI]: 3.1 ± 0.4 to 5.7 ± 1.1; P = 0.03) compared with either MET or SITA. Disposition index (ISSI‐2) increased with MET+SITA and SITA (both P < 0.05), while no significant change was observed in MET. Among MET+SITA women, 33% reverted to normal glucose tolerance (NGT) compared with 14% with MET and 7% with SITA (P < 0.05).ConclusionThis study shows that MET+SITA is superior to SITA and MET monotherapy regarding beta‐cell function and insulin sensitivity improvement in IGR women with previous GDM, and may offer a potential pharmacologic intervention to reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes in this high‐risk population.
Control of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus, the causal agent of ash dieback, using composting
Authors: Noble Ralph , Woodhall James W. , Dobrovin‐Pennington Andreja , Perkins Kate , Somoza‐Valdeolmillos Eder , Gómez Haizea L. , Lu Yi , Macarthur Roy , Henry Christine M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractViability of Hymenoscyphus fraxineus inocula following temperature treatments for different exposure times was examined in vitro and in aerated flask‐ and large‐scale composting tests using green waste. After an exposure for up to 10 days at 20°C, 97.3% of H. fraxineus mycelium and pseudosclerotia plate cultures remained viable. No viability was detected following a 3‐day exposure to 40°C or a 1‐day exposure to 45°C although pseudosclerotia were more tolerant than mycelium to an exposure to 35°C. Primordial apothecia of H. fraxineus emerged from 62%–100% of infected ash rachises collected from two infected sites and stored at 4°C for 0–5 months; exposure to compost for up to 10 days at 20°C did not affect this emergence. No emergence of H. fraxineus apothecia was observed from ash rachises that were exposed to compost at 45°C for 1 day or at 35°C or 40°C for 3 days in flasks or at 40°C for 1 day or at 30°C for 5 days in a large‐scale composting system. Based on a fitted model, estimates of the survival of H. fraxineus inoculum in infected ash rachises exposed to compost at 50°C for 1 day were 0.081% of that in the untreated H. fraxineus ash rachis inoculum. Increasing loss in viability of H. fraxineus inoculum in infected ash rachises during longer and warmer exposures to compost at 35°C–45°C corresponded with a reduced concentration of pathogen DNA detected in the rachises using real‐time PCR. However, exposure of rachises to compost at >53°C resulted in a smaller reduction in pathogen DNA detected than exposure to compost at lower temperatures, possibly due to the inhibition of enzymatic degradation of DNA at elevated temperatures.
Substrate stoichiometry determines nitrogen fixation throughout succession in southern Chinese forests
Authors: Zheng Mianhai , Chen Hao , Li Dejun , Luo Yiqi , Mo Jiangming 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe traditional view holds that biological nitrogen (N) fixation often peaks in early‐ or mid‐successional ecosystems and declines throughout succession based on the hypothesis that soil N richness and/or phosphorus (P) depletion become disadvantageous to N fixers. This view, however, fails to support the observation that N fixers can remain active in many old‐growth forests despite the presence of N‐rich and/or P‐limiting soils. Here, we found unexpected increases in N fixation rates in the soil, forest floor, and moss throughout three successional forests and along six age‐gradient forests in southern China. We further found that the variation in N fixation was controlled by substrate carbon(C) : N and C : (N : P) stoichiometry rather than by substrate N or P. Our findings highlight the utility of ecological stoichiometry in illuminating the mechanisms that couple forest succession and N cycling.
Situation‐centered goal reinforcement of activities of daily living in smart home environments
Authors: Oyeleke Richard O. , Chang Carl K. , Margrett Jennifer 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOlder adults with early‐stage dementia (ED) can experience confusion or lack clarity when performing routine activities of daily living (ADLs). These circumstances predispose the older adult to safety‐critical and often risky situations. A safety‐critical risky situation is one that constitutes a hazard. To support independent living, a sensor‐laden smart environment can be employed to mitigate such hazards. In this paper, we propose a situation‐centered goal reinforcement framework that supports older adults with ED in their decision making, and guides them through their ADL in order to fulfill their goal or intention and avoid hazards. First, we employ an LSTM (Long Short‐Term Memory) model to infer the current goal of the resident, using their previously observed normal ADL patterns. Secondly, we identify potentially risky situations in their currently observed goal path. We then incorporate a situ‐learning agent (SLA) that helps an inhabitant to make the right decision, thus preventing adverse events while guiding her through the task sequence that leads to her goal state. In addition, we use a naïve agent to simulate episodes of confusion similar to those that might be experienced by older adults with ED. We validated our method against an open‐source dementia dataset (Quesada et al., 2015) by considering four types of ADLs as case studies. We achieved an accuracy of 90.1% for our goal inference model, higher than the accuracies reported by related studies. We also reported other metrics including precision, recall and f1‐score for goal inference model. Finally, SLA's action recommendations relevance was evaluated accordingly.
Characterizing Water Flow in Vegetated Lysimeters with Stable Water Isotopes and Modeling
Authors: Shajari Fatemeh , Einsiedl Florian , Rein Arno 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe have used stable water isotopes (δ18O, δ2H) in combination with lumped‐parameter modeling for characterizing unsaturated flow in two lysimeters vegetated with maize. The lysimeters contained undisturbed soil cores dominated by sandy gravel (Ly1) and clayey sandy silt (Ly2). Stable water isotopes were analyzed in precipitation and lysimeter outflow water over about 3 years. The mean transit time of water T and dispersion parameter PD, obtained from modeling, were higher for the silt soil in Ly2 than for the gravel soil in Ly1 (T of 362 vs. 129 d, PD of 0.7 vs. 0.12). The consideration of preferential flow (PF) paths could substantially improve the model curve fits, with 13 and 11% contribution of PF for Ly1 and Ly2 as best estimates. Different assumptions were compared to estimate the input function, that is, stable water isotope content in the recharging water. Using the isotopic composition of precipitation as input (no modification) resulted in reasonable model estimations. Best model fits for the entire observation were obtained by weighting the recharging isotopes according to average precipitation within periods of 3 and 6 months, in correspondence to changing vegetation phases and seasonal influences. Input functions that consider actual evapotranspiration could significantly improve modeling at some periods, however, this led to deviations between modeled and observed δ18O at other periods. This may indicate the influence of variable flow, so that dividing the whole observation period into hydraulically characteristic sub‐periods for lumped‐parameter modeling (which implements steady‐state flow) is recommended for possible further improvement.
Introducing a three‐tier sustainability framework to examine bike‐sharing system use: An extension of the technology acceptance model
Authors: Jamšek Simon , Culiberg Barbara 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThere is growing interest among the general public and researchers in the sharing economy, because of its profound impact on individuals, businesses and governments today. A particular kind of the sharing economy is bike‐sharing systems which provide benefits for users, societies and the environment, suggesting sustainability could play an important role in their use. With this in mind, the purpose of this paper is to examine bike‐sharing users through a three‐tier framework, where sustainability is considered at multiple tiers, that is, micro (personality), mezzo (relations) and macro (system) tiers. In line with this proposition, the conceptual model is an extension of the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), representing factors at the macro tier, that is, perceived sustainable usefulness and ease‐of‐use, influenced by bike quality. The effect of sustainable subjective norms on loyalty plays out at the mezzo tier, while sustainable extraversion is linked to loyalty at the micro tier. The model was tested on a sample of bike‐sharing system users. The results show that bike quality positively influences perceived sustainable usefulness, but not ease‐of‐use; however, ease‐of‐use positively influences loyalty among users, while usefulness does not. In addition, sustainable subjective norms and sustainable extraversion have a significant positive effect on user bike‐sharing system loyalty. The findings offer a range of implications for the providers of bike‐sharing systems, municipalities and governments which are promoting alternative means of transportation to reduce the carbon footprint.
Disaster Situation and Humanitarian Emergency – In‐Between Responses to the Refugee Crisis in Germany
Authors: Dittmer Cordula , Lorenz Daniel F. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn 2015, the needs of hundreds of thousands of refugees who arrived in Germany could only be met by deploying all available civil protection units. This article presents procedures and practices of state and non‐state formal actors in the field of civil protection and related crisis management structures implemented and established across the board in the municipalities, the Federal Government and mass shelters, in particular in Bavaria. From a disaster research and humanitarian studies perspective we use the concept of “patterns of interpretation” to analyse the application of the “humanitarian emergency” and the “disaster situation” procedures to discuss whether the situation can really be categorized as “either‐or” or whether the coexistence of the two served a function in managing such a complex situation. Finally, we discuss some developments that occurred after 2015/16 and consider the extent to which these developments shift or expand the existing patterns of interpretation.
The role of interpersonal style in aggression and its containment in a forensic mental health setting: A correlational and pseudoprospective study of patients and nursing staff
Authors: Jalil Rahul , Huber Jorg W. , Sixsmith Judith , Dickens Geoffrey L. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractInpatient aggression on mental health wards is common and staff–patient interactions are frequently reported antecedents to aggression. However, relatively little is known about the precise relationship between aggression and these interactions, or their relationships with aggression and staff containment responses such as restraint and seclusion. This study aimed to determine the roles of anger and interpersonal style among mental health nurses and between nurses and patients in the occurrence of aggression and its containment. A correlational, pseudoprospective study design was employed. n = 85 inpatients and n = 65 nurses were recruited from adult, low‐ and medium‐secure wards of a secure forensic mental health service. Participants completed validated self‐report anger and transactional interpersonal style measures. Inpatient aggression and containment incident data for a 3‐month follow‐up period were extracted from clinical records. Dyadic nurse–patient relationships were anticomplementary. Patients' self‐reported anger and staff‐rated hostile interpersonal style were significantly positively correlated; staff self‐reported anger and patient‐rated dominant interpersonal style were also positively correlated. Patient anger predicted aggression and their interpersonal style predicted being subject to containment in the form of restraint and seclusion. There were no statistically significant differences identified on measures between staff who were and were not involved in containment. More targeted intervention for patients' anger may have a positive impact on interpersonal style and lead to the reduction of incidents. Staff education and skills training programmes should emphasize the importance of interpersonal styles which could help to promote and enhance positive interactions.
The effect of employee share ownership on employee commitment and turnover: comparing the cases in Britain and South Korea and the role of the economy
Authors: Yoon Yeongjoon , Sengupta Sukanya 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDespite the consensus in the employee share ownership (ESO) literature for the need to explore contexts that influence ESO outcomes, studies examining two important factors, national context and status of the economy, are limited. In this study, the authors compare the outcomes of ESOs in Britain and South Korea during economic expansion and downturn. The results demonstrate that, during an economic expansion, the effect of ESOs in increasing employee commitment is stronger in South Korea, while their effect in decreasing employee turnover is stronger in Britain. However, during an economic downturn, the authors find no evidence for these effects in both societies. The findings lend support to the contingency perspective in managing ESOs and provide meaningful implications and guidance to the literature.
Platelet sonicates activate hair follicle stem cells and mediate enhanced hair follicle regeneration
Authors: Zhu Meishu , Kong Deqiang , Tian Ruiyun , Pang Mengru , Mo Miaohua , Chen Yu , Yang Guang , Liu Cheng Hanghang , Lei Xiaoxuan , Fang Kunwu , Cheng Biao , Wu Yaojiong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAn increasing number of studies show that platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) is effective for androgenic alopecia (AGA). However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms along with its effect on hair follicle stem cells are poorly understood. In this study, we designed to induce platelets in PRP to release factors by calcium chloride (PC) or by sonication where platelet lysates (PS) or the supernatants of platelet lysate (PSS) were used to evaluate their effect on the hair follicle activation and regeneration. We found that PSS and PS exhibited a superior effect in activating telogen hair follicles than PC. In addition, PSS injection into the skin activated quiescent hair follicles and induced K15+ hair follicle stem cell proliferation in K14‐H2B‐GFP mice. Moreover, PSS promoted skin‐derived precursor (SKP) survival in vitro and enhanced hair follicle formation in vivo. In consistence, protein array analysis of different PRP preparations revealed that PSS contained higher levels of 16 growth factors (out of 41 factors analysed) than PC, many of them have been known to promote hair follicle regeneration. Thus, our data indicate that sonicated PRP promotes hair follicle stem cell activation and de novo hair follicle regeneration.