bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Worlds apart: Location above‐ or below‐ground determines plant litter decomposition in a semi‐arid Patagonian steppe
Authors: Berenstecher Paula , Araujo Patricia I. , Austin Amy T. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhile considerable attention has been devoted to how precipitation modulates net primary productivity in arid and semi‐arid ecosystems, the emergence of multi‐faceted controls on carbon (C) turnover suggests that there is much to be understood with respect to the mechanistic controls on plant litter decomposition.In the Patagonian steppe, we conducted a long‐term factorial experiment, evaluating the importance of position, litter quality, tissue origin and soil resources on rates of C turnover under natural field conditions. Leaf and root litter of dominant grass species were placed in litterbags in different positions, on the soil surface and buried at 5‐cm depth, with soil treatments of labile C, nitrogen (N) and their combination (C + N) over a 3‐year period.As predicted, leaf litter decomposed significantly (nearly sixfold) faster above‐ground than did root litter below‐ground (p < 0.001). Surprisingly, root litter decomposed significantly faster than leaf litter above‐ground (p < 0.001), and above‐ground decomposition was not strongly affected by soil resource additions. Below‐ground decomposition was largely determined by the interaction of litter quality and soil resource availability. Determining a C balance by integrating biomass allocation and primary productivity from this field site, combined with the data from this study, suggests large differences between the contribution of the above‐ and below‐ground biomass to soil organic matter (SOM) pools and a long residence time of undecomposed root litter.Synthesis. Litter position clearly emerged as the predominant variable determining C turnover in this semi‐arid steppe ecosystem, with litter quality and soil resources having significant, but more modest, effects. The near complete independence of above‐ground litter decomposition from soil resources and rapid decomposition of surface litter, coupled with the counterintuitive relationships with litter quality, suggests that, in the long term, C loss from photodegradation may result in a minimal contribution of above‐ground litter to SOM formation. These results have mechanistic implications for the distinct functionality of litter decomposition above‐ and below‐ground in semi‐arid ecosystems, and how these differential controls may alter the C balance due to future changes in climate and land use.
Primary succession in an Atlantic salt marsh: From intertidal flats to mid‐marsh platform in 35 years
Authors: Castillo Jesús M. , Gallego‐Tévar Blanca , Castellanos Eloy M. , Figueroa Manuel Enrique , Davy Anthony J. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Although salt marsh is a classic example of primary succession, the underlying mechanisms and their time‐scales are poorly understood. As salt marsh succession depends on sediment accretion, the amelioration of abiotic conditions associated with increasing elevation suggests potential explanatory roles for facilitation, competition and the stress‐gradient hypothesis.

We present a 35‐year longitudinal study of salt marsh development from intertidal flat to a mid‐marsh platform at Odiel Marshes in south‐western Iberia. Using permanent plots, this work chronicles changes in elevation and marsh morphology, their evolving effects on sediment redox potential and salinity and the colonisation and changing patterns of dominance of halophytic species.

Sporadically colonising clumps of the low‐marsh species Spartina maritima trapped sediment to form raised tussocks, which increased in elevation and area. Reduced tidal inundation and locally improved drainage promoted higher redox potentials and allowed colonisation by a sequence of species less tolerant of reducing conditions: Sarcocornia perennis, its hybrid with high‐marsh S. fruticosa, and Atriplex portulacoides. Unlike its centrifugally colonising predecessors, A. portulacoides invaded from the tussock edges. Transplant experiments designed to investigate its late establishment on tussocks showed that seedling survival depended on elevational differences as small as 4 cm.

After increasing in elevation by c. 1 m (c. 29 mm/year), coalescence of the tussocks formed a marsh platform at a level corresponding to mean high tides. This supports a theoretical punctuated transition from ‘submergence marsh’ to ‘emergence marsh’, previously postulated for this tidal elevation.

Synthesis. The unexpected rapidity of this primary succession highlights the central role of facilitation. Vertical sediment accretion, locally engineered by colonising species, progressively alleviates abiotic stress and allows colonisation by species that are less tolerant of chemically reducing conditions but are ultimately better competitors.
Are Academics Willing to Forgo Citations to Publish in High‐Status Journals? Examining Preferences for 4* and 4‐Rated Journal Publication Among UK Business and Management Academics
Authors: Salandra Rossella , Salter Ammon , Walker James T. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAcademics often judge themselves and are judged by others according to the status of the journals in which they publish. Little is known about whether individual scholars would choose to publish a paper in a high‐status journal if it would garner similar or lower levels of scholarly impact than a paper published in a lower‐status journal. Drawing upon status theory, we explore whether and how much business school academics are willing to ‘pay’, as captured by a hypothetical level of ‘forfeited’ citations, to publish in high‐status 4* journals rather than leading specialized 4‐rated journals. Using choice‐set design and survey data from UK business and management scholars, we suggest and empirically demonstrate that the willingness to forgo citations to publish in 4* journals is strongest among academics who have already published in 4* and/or 4‐rated journals. Contrary to our expectations, we find that an individual's existing scholarly impact, as captured by prior citations, has no effect on this preference. We also show that academics working in high‐ranked institutions would give up more citations for 4* journal publication than those working at lower‐ranked institutions. We explore the implications of these findings for theories of academic status, journal rankings and research assessment systems.
The social meanings of PrEP use – A mixed‐method study of PrEP use disclosure in Antwerp and Amsterdam
Authors: Reyniers Thijs , Zimmermann Hanne M. L. , Davidovich Udi , Vuylsteke Bea , Laga Marie , Hoornenborg Elske , Prins Maria , De Vries Henry J. C. , Nöstlinger Christiana 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPre‐Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) is a novel HIV prevention tool. PrEP stigma is a frequently reported barrier, while social disclosure of PrEP use may be an important facilitator. We explored how PrEP users managed PrEP use disclosure using a symbolic interactionist approach. We interviewed 32 participants from two PrEP demonstration projects (Be‐PrEP‐ared, Antwerp; AMPrEP, Amsterdam). We validated qualitative findings through Be‐PrEP‐ared questionnaire data. A minority of participants had received negative reactions on PrEP. The way PrEP use was disclosed was highly dependent on the social situation. In a sexual context among MSM, PrEP use was associated with condomless sex. Friends endorsed PrEP use as a healthy choice, but also related it to carelessness and promiscuity. It was seldom disclosed to colleagues and family, which is mostly related to social norms dictating when it is acceptable to talk about sex. The study findings reveal that PrEP stigma experiences were not frequent in this population, and that PrEP users actively manage disclosure of their PrEP user status. Frequent disclosure and increased use may have helped PrEP becoming normalised in these MSM communities. To increase uptake, peer communication, community activism and framing PrEP as health promotion rather than a risk‐reduction intervention may be crucial.
From knowledge to a gendered event and trustful ties: HPV vaccine framings of eligible Finnish girls and school nurses
Authors: Virtanen Mikko J. , Salmivaara Saara 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the present study, we examine socio‐cultural and practical aspects of human papillomavirus vaccination (HPVV) through a multi‐sited study of framings. We ask how HPVV is framed in the daily lives of vaccination‐aged Finnish girls and in school nurses’ everyday work. We then mirror these framings against both each other and Finland's official vaccination campaign. Based on analysis of interviews with 24 nurses and 12 girls and the campaign materials, we argue first that the campaign frames vaccination as an individual, knowledge‐based decision reflecting the informed consent principle. Second, however, the vaccination is framed in the everyday lives of eligible girls through gendered social ties and as a gendered and cohort‐specific event pivoting around the needle prick. Third, HPVV is not primarily framed in the school nurses’ work as preparing the girls for the vaccination decision by sharing official information but through trust‐based social relationships with the girls and their parents. We conclude that, as the vaccination is not an issue of individually reflected and knowledge‐based decision‐making for the two interviewed key groups, the official Finnish HPVV campaign and the undergirding informed consent principle drift into problems in their practical implementation.
Impact of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 on ectopic pregnancy management in the United Kingdom: a multicentre observational study
Authors: Platts S , Ranawaka J , Oliver R , Patra‐Das S , Kotabagi P , Neophytou C , Shah N , Toal M , Bassett P , Davison A , Gbegbaje M , Rao K , Rouabhi S , Watson S , Odejinmi F 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveTo describe the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) on the management of women with ectopic pregnancy.DesignA multicentre observational study comparing outcomes from a prospective cohort during the pandemic [COVID‐19‐ectopic pregnancy registry (CEPR)] compared with a historical pre‐pandemic cohort [non‐COVID‐19‐ectopic pregnancy registry (NCEPR)].SettingFive London university hospitals.Population and methodsConsecutive patients diagnosed clinically and/or radiologically with ectopic pregnancy (March 2020–August 2020) were entered into the CEPR and results were compared with the NCEPR cohort (January 2019–June 2019). An adjusted analysis was performed for potentially confounding variables.Main outcome measuresPatient demographics, management (expectant, medical and surgical), length of treatment, number of hospital visits (non‐surgical management), length of stay (surgical management) and 30‐day complications.ResultsThree hundred and forty‐one women met the inclusion criteria: 162 CEPR and 179 NCEPR. A significantly lower percentage of women underwent surgical management versus non‐surgical management in the CEPR versus NCEPR (58.6%; 95/162 versus 72.6%; 130/179; P = 0.007). Among patients managed with expectant management, the CEPR had a significantly lower mean number of hospital visits compared with NCEPR (3.0, interquartile range [IQR] [3, 5] versus 9.0, [5, 14]; P = <0.001). Among patients managed with medical management, the CEPR had a significantly lower median number of hospital visits versus NCEPR (6.0, [5, 8] versus 9, [6, 10]; P = 0.003). There was no observed difference in complication rates between cohorts.ConclusionWomen were found to undergo significantly higher rates of non‐surgical management during the COVID‐19 first wave compared with a pre‐pandemic cohort. Women managed non‐surgically in the CPER cohort were also managed with fewer hospital attendances. This did not lead to an increase in observed complication rates.Tweetable abstractA higher rate of non‐surgical management of ectopic pregnancy during the COVID‐19 pandemic did not increase complication rates.
Avoiding the Road to Nowhere: Policy Insights on Scaling up and Sustaining Digital Health
Authors: LeFevre Amnesty , Chamberlain Sara , Singh Neha S. , Scott Kerry , Menon Purnima , Barron Peter , Ved Rajani R. , George Asha 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDigital health solutions offer tremendous potential to enhance the reach and quality of health services and population‐level outcomes in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). While the number of programs reaching scale increases yearly, the long‐term sustainability for most remains uncertain. In this article, as researchers and implementors, we draw on experiences of designing, implementing and evaluating digital health solutions at scale in Africa and Asia, and provide examples from India and South Africa to illustrate ten considerations to support scale and sustainability of digital health solutions in LMICs. Given the investments being made in digital health solutions and the urgent concurrent needs to strengthen health systems to ensure their responsiveness to marginalized populations in LMICs, we cannot afford to go down roads that ‘lead to nowhere’. These ten considerations focus on drivers of equity and innovation, the foundations for a digital health ecosystem, and the elements for systems integration. We urge technology enthusiasts to consider these issues before and during the roll‐out of large‐scale digital health initiatives to navigate the complexities of achieving scale and enabling sustainability.
Partner influence as a factor in maternal alcohol consumption and depressive symptoms, and maternal effects on infant neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: Kautz‐Turnbull Carson , Petrenko Christie L. M. , Handley Elizabeth D. , Coles Claire D. , Kable Julie A. , Wertelecki Wladimir , Yevtushok Lyubov , Zymak‐Zakutnya Natalya , Chambers Christina D. ,   the Collaborative Initiative on Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (CIFASD)
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundFew studies have investigated the partner's influence on risk factors such as alcohol consumption and depression during pregnancy. Partner substance use and lower relationship satisfaction predict higher maternal alcohol use and depressive symptoms. Because prenatal alcohol use and maternal depression affect infant outcomes, it is imperative to examine how the partner affects these maternal risk factors. The current study examined the effect of a latent construct of partner influence on maternal alcohol use and depressive symptoms, and the effects on infant development of these maternal factors.MethodsParticipants were 246 pregnant women from 2 sites in Western Ukraine from whom longitudinal data were collected as part of a multisite study. In the first trimester, mothers reported on relationship satisfaction, partner substance use, and socioeconomic status (SES). In the third trimester, they reported on alcohol use and depressive symptoms. Infants were assessed using the Bayley Scale of Infant Development (average age = 6.93 months). A latent construct titled partner influence was formed using partner substance use and measures of relationship satisfaction, including the frequency of quarreling, happiness in the relationship, and the ease of talking with the partner. Using structural equation modeling, a model was specified in which partner influence and SES predicted maternal alcohol use and depressive symptoms, which in turn predicted infant neurodevelopmental outcomes.ResultsHigher partner influence significantly predicted lower prenatal alcohol use and lower depressive symptoms, controlling for the effect of SES. Higher maternal prenatal alcohol use significantly predicted lower infant mental and psychomotor development. Maternal depressive symptoms did not predict infant development over and above the effect of alcohol use.ConclusionsPartner influence is an important contributor to prenatal alcohol use and maternal depressive symptoms, over and above the effect of SES. The significant paths from prenatal alcohol exposure to infant neurodevelopmental outcomes underscore the importance of partner influence during pregnancy.
Impact of treatment duration on mortality among Veterans with opioid use disorder in the United States Veterans Health Administration
Authors: Ching Jack H. , Owens Douglas K. , Trafton Jodie A. , Goldhaber‐Fiebert Jeremy D. , Salomon Joshua A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and aimsWhile long‐term medication‐assisted treatment (MAT) using methadone or buprenorphine is associated with significantly lower all‐cause mortality for individuals with opioid use disorder (OUD), periods of initiating or discontinuing treatment are associated with higher mortality risks relative to stable treatment. This study aimed to identify the OUD treatment durations necessary for the elevated mortality risks during treatment transitions to be balanced by reductions in mortality while receiving treatment.DesignSimulation model based on a compartmental model of OUD diagnosis, MAT receipt and all‐cause mortality among Veterans with OUD in the United States Veterans Health Administration (VA) in 2017–2018. We simulated methadone and buprenorphine treatments of varying durations using parameters obtained through calibration and published meta‐analyses of studies from North America, Europe and Australia.SettingUnited States.ParticipantsSimulated cohorts of 10 000 individuals with OUD.MeasurementsAll‐cause mortality over 12 months.FindingsReceiving methadone for 4 months or longer or buprenorphine for 2 months or longer resulted in 54 [95% confidence interval (CI) = 5–90] and 65 (95% CI = 21–89) fewer deaths relative to not receiving MAT for the same duration, using VA‐specific mortality rates. We estimated shorter treatment durations necessary to achieve net mortality benefits of 2 months or longer for methadone and 1 month or longer for buprenorphine, using non‐VA population literature estimates. Sensitivity analyses demonstrated that necessary treatment durations increased more with smaller mortality reductions on treatment than with larger relative risks during treatment transitions.ConclusionsShort periods (< 6 months) of treatment with either methadone or buprenorphine are likely to yield net mortality benefits for people with opioid use disorder relative to receiving no medications, despite periods of elevated all‐cause mortality risk during transitions into and out of treatment. Retaining people with opioid use disorder in treatment longer can increase these benefits.
The effect of statins on semen parameters in patients with hypercholesterolemia: A systematic review
Authors: Anagnostis Panagiotis , Papanikolaou Dimitrios , Ioannidou Pinelopi G. , Bosdou Julia K. , Mikhailidis Dimitri P. , Hatzimouratidis Konstantinos , Goulis Dimitrios G. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundStatins constitute the mainstay of treatment in patients with hypercholesterolemia. However, their effect on semen parameters is unknown.ObjectiveThis study aimed to systematically review the best available evidence regarding the effect of statins on ejaculate volume and sperm concentration, motility, morphology, or vitality.Materials/MethodsA comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, CENTRAL and Scopus databases up to January 10, 2021. Either randomized‐controlled trials or prospective cohorts, conducted in males with hypercholesterolemia, were included.ResultsFour studies, published between 1992 and 2014, were eligible. The number of participants ranged from 8 to 120 (n = 161). Study duration ranged from 14 to 48 weeks. The type and dose of statin used were pravastatin 20–80 mg/day and simvastatin 20–40 mg/day.With regard to ejaculate volume (n = 3) and sperm concentration (n = 4), no effect was shown with either pravastatin or simvastatin. Regarding sperm motility, either an increase (n = 2; pravastatin, simvastatin), decrease (n = 1; pravastatin), or no effect (n = 1; pravastatin, simvastatin) was found. With respect to sperm morphology, either a decrease (n = 2; pravastatin, simvastatin) or no effect (n = 2; pravastatin, simvastatin) was shown. Concerning sperm vitality, a single study showed a decrease with simvastatin.Because of the high heterogeneity of the populations studied and the limited number of studies, a meta‐analysis was not performed.ConclusionThis is the first systematic review on the effect of statins on semen parameters. As there is no evidence for such a detrimental effect, no specific approach has to be suggested regarding the preservation of reproductive function in men with hypercholesterolemia.
Hyperprolactinemia in a male pituitary androgen receptor knockout mouse is associated with female‐like lactotroph development
Authors: O’Hara Laura , Christian Helen C. , Le Tissier Paul , Smith Lee B. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCirculating prolactin concentration in rodents and humans is sexually dimorphic. Oestrogens are a well‐characterised stimulator of prolactin release. Circulating prolactin fluctuates throughout the menstrual/oestrous cycle of females in response to oestrogen levels, but remains continually low in males. We have previously identified androgens as an inhibitor of prolactin release through characterisation of males of a mouse line with a conditional pituitary androgen receptor knockout (PARKO) which have an increase in circulating prolactin, but unchanged lactotroph number.ObjectivesIn the present study, we aimed to specify the cell type that androgens act on to repress prolactin release.Materials and methodsPARKO, lactotroph‐specific, Pit1 lineage‐specific and neural‐specific conditional androgen receptor knockout male mice were investigated using prolactin ELISA, pituitary electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry and qRT‐PCR.ResultsLactotroph‐specific, Pit1 lineage‐specific and neural‐specific conditional AR knockouts did not duplicate the high circulating prolactin seen in the PARKO line. Using electron microscopy to examine ultrastructure, we showed that pituitary androgen receptor knockout male mice develop lactotrophs that resemble those seen in female mice. Castrated PARKO males have significantly reduced circulating prolactin compared to intact males. When expression of selected oestrogen‐regulated anterior pituitary genes was examined, there were no differences in expression level between controls and knockouts.DiscussionThe cell type that androgens act on to repress prolactin release is not the lactotroph, cells in the Pit1‐lineage, or the dopaminergic neurons in the hypothalamus. PARKO males develop a female‐specific lactotroph ultrastructure that this is likely to contribute to the increase in circulating prolactin. Castrated PARKO males have significantly reduced circulating prolactin compared to intact males, which suggests that removal of both circulating oestrogens and androgens reduces the stimulation of pituitary prolactin release.ConclusionFurther investigation is needed into prolactin regulation by changes in androgen‐oestrogen balance, which is involved sexual dimorphism of development and diseases including hyperprolactinemia.
Globally intensity‐reweighted estimators forK‐ and pair correlation functions
Authors: Shaw Thomas , M⊘ller Jesper , Waagepetersen Rasmus Plenge 
Published: May 2021

SummaryWe introduce new estimators of the inhomogeneousK‐function and the pair correlation function of a spatial point process as well as the crossK‐function and the cross pair correlation function of a bivariate spatial point process under the assumption of second‐order intensity‐reweighted stationarity. These estimators rely on a ‘global’ normalisation factor which depends on an aggregation of the intensity function, while the existing estimators depend ‘locally’ on the intensity function at the individual observed points. The advantages of our new global estimators over the existing local estimators are demonstrated by theoretical considerations and a simulation study.