bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Understorey removal effects on tree regeneration in temperate forests: A meta‐analysis
Authors: De Lombaerde Emiel , Baeten Lander , Verheyen Kris , Perring Michael P. , Ma Shiyu , Landuyt Dries 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The unwanted development of dense understorey vegetation composed of resource‐acquisitive, tall plant species competing strongly with tree regeneration can pose formidable problems for managers attempting to regenerate temperate forests. Despite many studies on the effects of understorey removal, no comprehensive review has summarised and quantified its effects on subsequent life stages of tree regeneration in temperate forests.

We synthesised data from 32 experimental studies from temperate forest regions. We used meta‐analytic techniques to find general patterns in terms of the characteristics of the understorey, overstorey and characteristics of the regenerating tree species, which are most responsible for possible positive understorey removal effects on early life stages of tree regeneration, i.e. emergence, survival and growth.

Both seedling survival and growth increased in response to understorey removal; emergence did not show a clear pattern. Seedlings growing free from competition mainly increased their biomass growth (total and above‐ground), whereas diameter and height growth responded less. These positive effects were largest when removing denser understorey vegetation and under more open overstorey conditions. Multiple management options influenced the regeneration responses to understorey removal. For instance, growth of older, planted seedlings responded less to removal, whereas protection against large browsers increased growth responses.

Tree species with differing strategies responded differently to understorey removal. Growth and survival responses of early‐successional species responded more strongly to understorey removal than mid‐ or late‐successional tree species.

Synthesis and applications. Our study showed that understorey removal can have strong positive effects on tree regeneration across temperate forest contexts. The magnitude of these effects depended on overstorey and understorey conditions, but also on the type of tree species that is regenerated. Our results can support forest managers in their decision‐making and help assess under what conditions understorey removal will be most justified.
Coronavirus (COVID‐19), pandemic psychology and the fractured society: a sociological case for critique, foresight and action
Authors: Monaghan Lee F. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn the wake of the COVID‐19 pandemic and mass lockdowns that continue to shake the world, sociologists of health and illness have been advised to undertake research only when the time feels right and to avoid premature evaluation. Such advice makes sense, especially amidst an epidemic of interpretation that has resulted in substandard work. However, this contribution argues that when trying to understand and perhaps analyse early societal responses to COVID‐19, medical sociology comprises a toolbox of ideas that are ‘good to think with’ and should not be ignored. Indeed, our community is well placed to make its presence felt sooner rather than later as we collectively live through a deepening critical situation. Divided into two sections, this piece first offers a critical appreciation of Philip Strong’s classic essay on ‘epidemic psychology’, noting some insights and posing research questions for pandemic times. Second, going from micro‐ to macro‐sociological concerns, it builds on Graham Scambler’s calls for not only critique but also foresight and action within a ‘fractured society’ comprising class‐generated fissures and tensions. Early interventions from other leading medical sociologists and publicly engaged intellectuals are also cited when asking ‘what sort of society are we heading towards and what sort of world do we want to share?’
Situating human resource management in the political economy: Multilevel theorising and opportunities for kaleidoscopic imagination
Authors: Vincent Steve , Bamber Greg J. , Delbridge Rick , Doellgast Virginia , Grady Jo , Grugulis Irena 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article introduces a special issue on Situating Human Resource Management (HRM) Practices in their Political and Economic Contexts. We develop a novel multilevel framework for exploring the political economy of HRM and use this to position the articles in this special issue. We argue that the study of HRM is often too narrowly constructed within a psychological, positivistic paradigm and at an organisation‐level, and that situating HRM in its political and economic context requires a more inclusive, interdisciplinary approach that includes the use of kaleidoscopic imagination and meta‐theoretical bricolage. By embracing a theoretically pluralist approach to studying HRM, researchers are better able to analyse how different levels of the political economy interact with specific HRM practices to impact value creation. We conclude by discussing the contribution of this article and the special issue, as well as highlighting avenues for future research.
Behavioral effects of four novel synthetic cathinone analogs in rodents
Authors: Gatch Michael B. , Shetty Ritu A. , Sumien Nathalie , Forster Michael J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA new generation of novel cathinone compounds has been developed as stimulant substitutes to avoid drug control laws and detection of use by blood tests. Dipentylone, N‐ethylhexedrone, 4‐chloroethcathinone (4‐CEC), and 4′‐methyl‐α‐pyrrolidinohexiophenone (MPHP) were tested for in vivo psychostimulant‐like effects to assess their abuse liability. Locomotor activity was assessed in an open‐field assay using Swiss–Webster mice to screen for locomotor stimulant effects and to identify behaviorally‐active dose ranges, times of peak effect, and durations of action. Discriminative stimulus effects were assessed in separate groups of Sprague–Dawley rats trained to discriminate cocaine or methamphetamine from vehicle. Dipentylone, N‐ethylhexedrone, 4‐CEC, and MPHP dose‐dependently increased locomotor activity. Dipentylone, N‐ethylhexedrone, and MPHP produced maximal stimulant effects similar to cocaine and methamphetamine. 4‐CEC was less efficacious, producing peak stimulant effects of about 74% of that of methamphetamine. The compounds were less potent than methamphetamine and approximately equipotent with cocaine. The doses of cocaine, methamphetamine, dipentylone, and 4‐CEC that produced peak effects lasted 2 to 3 h, the peak dose of N‐ethylhexedrone lasted 4 h, and the peak dose of MPHP lasted 6 h. All four compounds fully substituted for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine and cocaine, although full substitution by 4‐CEC occurred at doses that substantially decreased response rate. Only 4‐CEC fully substituted for MDMA. These data provide evidence that the novel cathinone compounds dipentylone, N‐ethylhexedrone, 4‐CEC, and MPHP demonstrate potential for abuse as psychostimulants, given their ability to stimulate locomotor activity and their substitution for the discriminative stimulus effects of methamphetamine and cocaine.
Hospital characteristics associated with better ‘quality of surgery’ and survival following oesophagogastric cancer surgery in Queensland: a population‐level study
Authors: Narendra Aaditya , Baade Peter D. , Aitken Joanne F. , Fawcett Jonathan , Leggett Brandon , Leggett Callum , Tian Kevin , Sklavos Theodore , Smithers B. Mark 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe impact of hospital characteristics on the quality of surgery and survival following oesophagogastric cancer surgery has not been well established in Australia. We assessed the interaction between hospital volume, service capability and surgical outcomes, with the hypothesis that both the quality of surgery and survival are better following treatment in high‐volume, high service capability hospitals.MethodsAll patients undergoing oesophagectomy and gastrectomy for cancer in Queensland, between 2001 and 2015, were included. Demographic, pathology and outcome data were collected. Hospitals were categorized into high (HV) (≥5 gastrectomies; ≥6 oesophagectomies) and low volume (LV). Hospital service capability was defined as high (HS) and low (LS), and then linked to hospital volume: HVHS, LVHS and LVLS. Higher quality surgery was defined using six perioperative parameters. Univariable comparisons of quality of surgery between hospital groups used chi‐squared tests. The 5‐year overall survival was compared using log‐rank tests and Cox proportional hazard models.ResultsFor both gastrectomy and oesophagectomy, higher quality surgery occurred more frequently in HVHS hospitals (gastrectomy: HVHS = 44.2%, LVHS = 23.1%, LVLS = 29.1% (P < 0.01); oesophagectomy: HVHS = 34.5%, LVHS = 24.4%, LVLS = 21.7% (P = 0.01)). Following oesophagectomy, the 3‐ and 5‐year overall survival was better following treatment in HVHS (P < 0.01). There was no difference between the groups following gastrectomy.ConclusionIn Queensland, the quality of surgery was higher in HVHS hospitals performing gastrectomy and oesophagectomy; however, the impact on cancer survival was only seen following oesophagectomy.
Serum metabolomic profiling reveals important difference between infants with and without subsequent recurrent wheezing in later childhood after RSV bronchiolitis
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Peng Dan , Zhang Xiang , Wang Xinglan , Chen Ning , Zhao Shunying , He Qiushui 
Published: November 2020

We aimed to use serum metabolomics to discriminate infants with severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) bronchiolitis who later developed subsequent recurrent wheezing from those who did not and to investigate the relationship between serum metabolome and host immune responses with regard to the subsequent development of recurrent wheezing. Fifty‐one infants who were hospitalized during an initial episode of severe RSV bronchiolitis at 6 months of age or less were included and followed for up to the age of 3 years. Of them, 24 developed subsequent recurrent wheezing and 27 did not. Untargeted serum metabolomics was performed by ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC‐MS/MS). Cytokines were measured by multiplex immunoassay. Difference in serum metabolomic profiles was observed between infants who developed recurrent wheezing and those who did not. L‐lactic acid level was significantly higher in infants with recurrent wheezing than those without. Pyrimidine metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, and arginine biosynthesis were identified as the most significant changed pathways between the two groups. Moreover, L‐lactic acid level was positively associated with serum CXCL8 level. This exploratory study showed that differential serum metabolic signatures during severe RSV bronchiolitis in early infancy were associated with the development of subsequent recurrent wheezing in later childhood.
Voice and Listening in Social Media Facilitated Activist Collectives
Authors: Dumitrica Delia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis paper examines the articulation of Canadian civic culture from below. Focusing on digitally mediated grassroots mobilizations, it asks how citizens construct and discursively deploy voice and listening as civic values. The paper draws from three empirical cases: the 2014 mobilization of parents during the teachers’ strike in British Columbia; the 2015 citizen mobilizations in support of Syrian refugees; and the 2016 sit‐in protest outside the Toronto Police headquarters. Citizens participating in these initiatives were keen to “speak up,” establishing voice as a civic value. Yet, this is not accompanied by equal attention to the role of listening. This invites simplistic takes to citizen participation, leaving it vulnerable to populist hijackings.
Long‐term outcome of the Surgisis® (Biodesign®) anal fistula plug for complex cryptoglandular and Crohn’s fistulas
Authors: Aho Fält Ursula , Zawadzki Antoni , Starck Marianne , Bohe Måns , Johnson Louis B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAimTo evaluate the long‐term success rate of treatment with the Surgisis® (Biodesign®) anal fistula plug for complex anal fistulas, assess fistula plug failure over time and compare success rates for fistula plug between a group of patients with cryptoglandular fistula and another group with Crohn's fistula.MethodThis is a single‐centre study of consecutive patients treated with the Surgisis® (Biodesign®) anal fistula plug between May 2006 and October 2009. All patients had complex anal fistulas in need of surgical treatment. The patients were assessed preoperatively by physical examination and three‐dimensional (3D) endoanal ultrasound, and treated with a loose seton. Postoperative assessment by clinical examination and 3D endoanal ultrasound was performed at 2 weeks, 3 months and 6–12 months. Long‐term follow‐up was carried out in 2017 using a questionnaire, and clinical examination combined with 3D endoanal ultrasound was performed if the questionnaire indicated any signs of fistula recurrence.ResultsA total of 95 patients were included; 30 had quiescent Crohn's disease. Overall, 151 plug procedures were performed. Long‐term follow‐up was undertaken in 90 (95%) patients; the results showed that after a median period of 110 months, the overall healing rate after one to five plug procedures was 38%. No statistically significant difference in success rate was found between the cryptoglandular fistula group and the Crohn's fistula group (P = 0.37). No further healing was observed after the use of three plugs.ConclusionConsidering its low morbidity in a complex disease with high recurrence rates over time, the anal fistula plug may still be considered as one of the first‐line treatments for patients with complex anal fistulas.
Routine outcome measurement in specialist non‐government alcohol and other drug treatment services: Establishing effectiveness indicators for the NADAbase
Authors: Kelly Peter J. , Deane Frank P. , Davis Esther L. , Hudson Suzie , Robinson Laura D. , Keane Carol A. , Hatton Emma L. , Larance Briony 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroduction and AimsThe collection of routine outcome measurement (ROM) data provides an opportunity for service providers to conduct benchmarking to inform quality assurance practices. To conduct comparative benchmarking, it is important that services have access to comparative data. This paper aims to establish effectiveness indicators for ROM data collected within the alcohol and other drug (AOD) sector.Design and MethodsROM data were collected by specialist non‐government AOD treatment services within the Network of Alcohol and other Drugs Agencies online database (i.e. NADAbase). All participants were attending treatment within New South Wales, Australia (N = 21 572). Effectiveness indicators were calculated by using effect sizes, standard error of measurement, and rates of reliable and clinically significant change. The study focused on quality of life (EUROHIS Quality of Life Scale), psychological distress (Kessler‐10) and substance dependence (Substance Dependence Scale).ResultsSince 2010, 21 572 unique people have completed at least one NADAbase Client Outcome Measure. Amphetamines (36%) and alcohol (32%) were the most commonly reported primary substances of concern. Effectiveness indicators were established for the total sample, as well as for people attending residential rehabilitation (n = 8161) and community‐based (n = 10 306) treatment services. Standard error of measurement was the least stringent effectiveness indicator (i.e. a higher proportion of people demonstrated improvement), while the clinically significant change was the most stringent approach.Discussion and ConclusionsThe study demonstrated the utility of the NADAbase to establish effectiveness indicators for benchmarking purposes. Recommendations are provided for the use of benchmarking to inform quality assurance activities in the sector.
Use of sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 inhibitors in Asian patients with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease: An Asian perspective and expert recommendations
Authors: Khoo Chin Meng , Deerochanawong Chaicharn , Chan Siew Pheng , Matawaran Bien , Sheu Wayne Huey‐Herng , Chan Juliana , Mithal Ambrish , Luk Andrea , Suastika Ketut , Yoon Kun‐Ho , Ji Linong , Man Nguyen Huu , Pollock Carol 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEarly onset of type 2 diabetes and a high prevalence of co‐morbidities predispose the Asian population to a high risk for, and rapid progression of, diabetic kidney disease (DKD). Apart from renin‐angiotensin system inhibitors, sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors have been shown to delay renal disease progression in patients with DKD. In this review article, we consolidate the existing literature on SGLT‐2 inhibitor use in Asian patients with DKD to establish contemporary guidance for clinicians. We extensively reviewed recommendations from international and regional guidelines, data from studies on Asian patients with DKD, global trials (DAPA‐CKD, CREDENCE and DELIGHT) and cardiovascular outcomes trials. In patients with DKD, SGLT‐2 inhibitor therapy significantly reduced albuminuria and the risk of hard renal outcomes (defined as the onset of end‐stage kidney disease, substantial decline in renal function from baseline and renal death), cardiovascular outcomes and hospitalization for heart failure. In all the cardiovascular and renal outcomes trials, there was an initial decline in the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), which was followed by a slowing in the decline of renal function compared with that seen with placebo. Despite an attenuation in glucose‐lowering efficacy in patients with low eGFR, there were sustained reductions in body weight and blood pressure, and an increase in haematocrit. Based on the available evidence, we conclude that SGLT‐2 inhibitors represent an evidence‐based therapeutic option for delaying the progression of renal disease in Asian patients with DKD and preserving renal function in patients at high risk of kidney disease.
Clinical outcomes following bone marrow transplantation in patients with sickle cell disease: A cohort study of US Medicaid enrollees
Authors: Mahesri Mufaddal , Schneeweiss Sebastian , Globe Denise , Mutebi Alex , Bohn Rhonda , Achebe Maureen , Levin Raisa , Desai Rishi J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesBone marrow transplantation (BMT) is currently the only curative therapy available for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD), but clinical outcomes in routine care are not well understood. We describe the rates of vaso‐occlusive crises (VOCs), transplant complications, and mortality in SCD patients after BMT.MethodsA cohort study of SCD patients who underwent BMT was designed using US Medicaid claims data (2000‐2013).ResultsA total of 204 SCD patients undergoing BMT were identified with a mean (SD) age of 10.6 (7.3) years, with 52.9% male and 67.6% African American. The overall VOC rate was 0.99 per person‐year (95% CI: 0.91‐1.07) over a median follow‐up time of 2.1 years (IQR: 0.8‐4.3 years). A total of 138 (67.6%) remained free of VOCs. The mortality rate was 1.7 (95% CI: 0.9‐3.1) per 100 person‐years, transplant‐related complications occurred among 113 (55.4%) patients with an incidence rate of 38.2 (95% CI: 31.7‐45.9) per 100 person‐years, while 47 (23%) patients had GvHD with an incidence rate of 8.0 (95% CI: 6.0‐10.7) per 100 person‐years.ConclusionTwo thirds of the BMT recipients remained VOC‐free over 2 years of follow‐up, but transplant‐related complications, including GvHD occurred with high frequency. This highlights a continuing unmet need for alternative curative interventions in SCD.
Anisotropic mechanical and fatigue behaviour of Inconel718 produced by SLM in LCF and high‐temperature conditions
Authors: Sausto F. , Marchese G. , Bassini E. , Calandri M. , Biamino S. , Ugues D. , Foletti S. , Beretta S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) is one of the processes with the most potential for producing components used in internal combustion engines and features high efficiency due to the possibility of building very complex shapes. Several drawbacks of parts produced using AM are still unresolved, like poor surface quality, the presence of internal defects and anisotropic mechanical behaviour, which all contribute to decreasing the fatigue strength compared with the material produced using conventional processes. The effect of building direction on both the macroscopic mechanical behaviour and the crack propagation mechanism of Ni‐base superalloy Inconel718 produced using AM was investigated under the combined effect of low cycle fatigue (LCF) and high temperature. The different crack growth mechanisms investigated using compact tension (CT) specimens, tested at high temperature, showed a significant difference between the two building directions. The LCF fatigue experiments also showed a significant difference in the ε‐N curves from the two directions together with a high level of scatter due to the dispersion of the defect size at the fracture origin. The dimensions of the defects (as measured using the
parameter) were analysed by means of extreme value statistics and showed a significant difference between the two orientations investigated. The aim of this work is to propose a simplified approach (based on ΔJeff concepts) to estimate the fatigue life of a component produced using AM that takes into account the material variability due to the combined effect of mechanical anisotropic behaviour and the presence of defects at high‐temperature conditions.
Seed production of semi‐natural grasslands: Amount and variability in an unfertilized upright brome and a fertilized tall oat‐grass meadow
Authors: Scotton Michele 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSeed production is an important grassland feature, as it affects its persistence and botanical composition, and plays an essential role in complex plant–animal interactions. Species‐rich seed mixtures from grasslands can be utilized for ecological restoration. Previous studies used different methods to characterize seed production and did not consider all the main aspects involved; hence, they did not allow the complete understanding of the seed production. In this study the seed yield of an unfertilized Mesobromion and a fertilized Arrhenatherion meadow were investigated by considering all main reproductive traits and grassland species. In Arrhenatherion, the viable seed production was 24,000 seeds m−2 year−1, with a viable seed set of 21% (ovule number 115,000 m−2). These values were three times higher than those in Mesobromion. This difference was mainly attributed to different fertile shoot densities (758 vs. 358 m−2 for Arrhenatherion and Mesobromion respectively). Grasses transformed ovules to seeds (38%) more efficiently than forbs (11%). The standing seed yield at the first mowing was 35% and 45% of the produced seeds for Mesobromion and Arrhenatherion respectively. Because of late mowing, which is typical for Mesobromion meadows, the proportion of species found as seed at the first mowing was higher than that in Arrhenatherion. However, because many Mesobromion species were found to be poorly seed‐producing forbs with high spatial and temporal variabilities of seed yield, harvesting of seeds of all species would be more difficult, and a greater effort would be necessary if the collected seeds are to be used in ecological restoration.