bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drought soil legacy overrides maternal effects on plant growth
Authors: De Long Jonathan R. , Semchenko Marina , Pritchard William J. , Cordero Irene , Fry Ellen L. , Jackson Benjamin G. , Kurnosova Ksenia , Ostle Nicholas J. , Johnson David , Baggs Elizabeth M. , Bardgett Richard D. 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Maternal effects (i.e. trans‐generational plasticity) and soil legacies generated by drought and plant diversity can affect plant performance and alter nutrient cycling and plant community dynamics. However, the relative importance and combined effects of these factors on plant growth dynamics remain poorly understood.

We used soil and seeds from an existing plant diversity and drought manipulation field experiment in temperate grassland to test maternal, soil drought and diversity legacy effects, and their interactions, on offspring plant performance of two grassland species (Alopecurus pratensis and Holcus lanatus) under contrasting glasshouse conditions.

Our results showed that drought soil legacy effects eclipsed maternal effects on plant biomass. Drought soil legacy effects were attributed to changes in both abiotic (i.e. nutrient availability) and biotic soil properties (i.e. microbial carbon and enzyme activity), as well as plant root and shoot atom 15N excess. Further, plant tissue nutrient concentrations and soil microbial C:N responses to drought legacies varied between the two plant species and soils from high and low plant diversity treatments. However, these diversity effects did not affect plant root or shoot biomass.

These findings demonstrate that while maternal effects resulting from drought occur in grasslands, their impacts on plant performance are likely minor relative to drought legacy effects on soil abiotic and biotic properties. This suggests that soil drought legacy effects could become increasingly important drivers of plant community dynamics and ecosystem functioning as extreme weather events become more frequent and intense with climate change.

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Survival analysis via nomogram of surgical patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database
Authors: Zhuo Minglei , Zheng Qiwen , Chi Yujia , Jia Bo , Zhao Jun , WU Meina , AN Tongtong , Wang Yuyan , LI Jianjie , Zhao Xinghui , Yang Xue , Zhong Jia , Chen Hanxiao , Dong Zhi , Wang Jingjing , Zhai Xiaoyu , Wang Ziping 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundMalignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare but aggressive tumor that originates from the pleura and has a poor prognosis. Eligible patients can benefit from surgery, but their survival is affected by many factors. Therefore, we created a graphic model that could predict the prognosis of surgically treated patients.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database from 2004 to 2014 to identify the key factors affecting the prognosis of surgically treated MPM patients. On this basis we built a nomogram to predict survival. We then evaluated the performance of the nomogram in a validation cohort.ResultsIn a training cohort of 828 cases, independent prognostic factors, including age, gender, histological type, differentiation, N stage, chemotherapy, type of surgery, and lymph node dissection, were identified. We then developed a nomogram to evaluate individual patient survival. In Kaplan–Meier analysis, a higher score in the nomogram was associated with a worse prognosis. We also used a validation cohort consisting of 312 patients to evaluate the performance of the nomogram, which was well calibrated and had good discrimination ability, with concordance indices of 0.715 and 0.656 for the training and validation cohorts, respectively.ConclusionThis study has improved our understanding of resected MPM and shown that key factors, including age and histological type, are associated with overall survival. The nomogram is a reliable tool that can help clinicians turn individualized prediction into reality and maximize patient benefit by identifying the most beneficial treatment approach.
Current and emerging statistical techniques for aquatic telemetry data: A guide to analysing spatially discrete animal detections
Authors: Whoriskey Kim , Martins Eduardo G. , Auger‐Méthé Marie , Gutowsky Lee F. G. , Lennox Robert J. , Cooke Steven J. , Power Michael , Mills Flemming Joanna 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Telemetry, or the remote monitoring of animals with electronic transmitters and receivers, has vastly enhanced our ability to study aquatic animals. Radio telemetry, acoustic telemetry and passive integrated transponders are three common technologies that generate detection data — time‐stamped, tag‐specific records that are logged by receivers.

We review current statistical methods and comment on potential future directions for analysing detection data derived from fixed telemetry receiver arrays.

To illustrate how different methods may be used to achieve diverse study objectives, we provide a case study dataset collected by an array of 42 acoustic telemetry receivers on 187 bull trout in the Kinbasket Reservoir of British Columbia. To close, we present a decision tree for guiding the selection of a method based on study objectives and sampling design.

This paper provides both experienced and novice telemetry researchers with the knowledge and tools to facilitate more comprehensive analysis of detection data and, in so doing, ask a wide variety of ecological questions that will enhance our understanding of aquatic organisms.
Immunological methods for diagnosis and monitoring of IgE‐mediated allergy caused by industrial sensitizing agents (IMExAllergy)
Authors: Baur Xaver , Akdis Cezmi A. , Budnik Lygia Therese , Cruz Maria Jesus , Fischer Axel , Förster‐Ruhrmann Ulrike , Göen Thomas , Goksel Ozlem , Heutelbeck Astrid R. , Jones Meinir , Lux Harald , Maestrelli Piero , Munoz Xavier , Nemery Benoit , Schlünssen Vivi , Sigsgaard Torben , Traidl‐Hoffmann Claudia , Siegel Paul 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIndustrial sensitizing agents (allergens) in living and working environments play an important role in eliciting type 1 allergic disorders including asthma and allergic rhinitis. Successful management of allergic diseases necessitates identifying their specific causes (ie, identify the causative agent(s) and the route of contact to allergen: airborne, or skin contact) to avoid further exposure. Identification of sensitization by a sensitive and validated measurement of specific IgE is an important step in the diagnosis. However, only a limited number of environmental and occupational allergens are available on the market for use in sIgE testing. Accordingly, specific in‐house testing by individual diagnostic and laboratory centers is often required. Currently, different immunological tests are in use at various diagnostic centers that often produce considerably divergent results, mostly due to lack of standardized allergen preparation and standardized procedures as well as inadequate quality control. Our review and meta‐analysis exhibited satisfactory performance of sIgE detection test for most high molecular weight (HMW) allergens with a pooled sensitivity of 0.74 and specificity of 0.71. However, for low molecular weight (LMW) allergens, pooled sensitivity is generally lower (0.28) and specificity higher (0.89) than for HMW tests. Major recommendations based on the presented data include diagnostic use of sIgE to HMW allergens. A negative sIgE result for LMW agents does not exclude sensitization. In addition, the requirements for full transparency of the content of allergen preparations with details on standardization and quality control are underlined. Development of standard operating procedures for in‐house sIgE assays, and clinical validation, centralized quality control and audits are emphasized. There is also a need for specialized laboratories to provide a custom service for the development of tests for the measurement of putative novel occupational allergens that are not commercially available.
Adherence to oxygen saturation targets increased in preterm infants when a higher target range and tighter alarm limits were introduced
Authors: Klevebro S , Hammar U , Holmström G , Bottai M , Hellström A , Hallberg B 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimEuropean consensus guidelines published in May 2013 recommended a target peripheral capillary oxygen saturation (SpO2) range of 90–95% for preterm infants. These were incorporated into guidelines at the Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, in November 2013. This study compared clinical practice before and after those local guidelines.MethodsWe included infants who were born between 23 + 0 and 30 + 6 weeks from January 1, 2013 to December, 31 2015 and received intensive care in two Karolinska units. The lower saturation target of 88–92% and alarm limits of 85–95% used before November 2013 were compared to the new higher saturation target of 90–95% and alarm limits of 89–96%.ResultsData from 399 infants were analysed. The mean SpO2 was 92.4% with the higher target (n = 301) and 91.1% with the lower target (n = 98). Using the higher instead of lower target meant that the SpO2 was within the prescribed target range more frequently (51% versus 30%) and the proportion of time with SpO2 >95% was increased by 9% (95% confidence interval 7–11%, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe higher saturation target and tighter alarm limits led to higher mean oxygen saturation, increased adherence to the target and increased time with hyperoxaemia.
The development of children's epistemic beliefs across the early years of elementary school
Authors: Walker Sue , Lunn‐Brownlee Jo , Scholes Laura , Johansson Eva 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundA growing body of research shows that the beliefs we hold about the nature of knowing and knowledge (epistemic beliefs) may mediate moral reasoning. However, a limitation of much of the research in the area of epistemic beliefs is the lack of a longitudinal approach.AimsThe study investigated longitudinal changes in Australian elementary school children's beliefs about knowing and knowledge (epistemic beliefs) across three judgement domains (personal taste, ambiguous facts, and moral values).SampleThe participants in this longitudinal study were tracked from Year 1 through to Year 3 of primary school. In Year 1, there were 169 participants (83 boys, 86 girls) aged 6–7 years (M = 6.7,SD = 0.32). In Year 2, there were 156 participants (79 boys, 77 girls), and in Year 3, there were 129 participants (65 boys, 64 girls).MethodsUsing vignettes that reflected each of the three judgement domains, children were interviewed about the beliefs held by two puppet characters. The interviews took place each year across the early years of elementary education in Year 1, Year 2, and Year 3.ResultsFindings revealed that children's epistemic beliefs in each of the judgement domains became more subjectivist over time but that the age at which this occurred differed according to the judgement domain in question.ConclusionsWe argue that it is important for teachers to pay attention to children's beliefs about the nature of knowledge and knowing in the process of scaffolding their reasoning about moral values for active citizenship.
MicroRNA‐331‐3p inhibits epithelial‐mesenchymal transition by targeting ErbB2 and VAV2 through the Rac1/PAK1/β‐catenin axis in non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Li Xizhe , Zhu Jiali , Liu Yuanqi , Duan Chaojun , Chang Ruimin , Zhang Chunfang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractMicroRNAs have been reported to play critical roles in the regulation of non‐small‐cell cancer (NSCLC) development, but the role of microRNA (miR)‐331‐3p in NSCLC is still unclear. In this study, the expression levels of miR‐331‐3p in NSCLC tumor tissues and adjacent normal tissues were examined by quantitative RT‐PCR, and the relationship between miR‐331‐3p expression and patient clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. The effects of miR‐331‐3p on epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and metastasis of NSCLC cells were determined in vitro and vivo. Direct functional targets of miR‐331‐3p were identified by luciferase reporter assay, western blot assay, immunohistochemical staining, and rescue assay. The downstream pathway regulated by miR‐331‐3p was identified by immunofluorescence, immunoprecipitation, and Rac1 activity examination. Our results showed that miR‐331‐3p was significantly downregulated in NSCLC tumor tissues and was correlated with clinicopathological characteristics, and miR‐331‐3p could be an independent prognostic marker for NSCLC patients. Furthermore, miR‐331‐3p significantly suppressed EMT, migration and metastasis of NSCLC cells in vitro and in vivo. Both ErbB2 and VAV2 were direct functional targets of miR‐331‐3p. The activities of Rac1, PAK1, and β‐catenin were regulated by miR‐331‐3p through ErbB2 and VAV2 targeting. These results indicated that miR‐331‐3p suppresses EMT, migratory capacity, and metastatic ability by targeting ErbB2 and VAV2 through the Rac1/PAK1/β‐catenin axis in NSCLC.
Autogenous tooth roots for lateral extraction socket augmentation and staged implant placement. A prospective observational study
Authors: Schwarz Frank , Sahin Didem , Becker Kathrin , Sader Robert , Becker Jürgen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo assess the feasibility of using autogenous tooth roots (TR) for a lateral augmentation of deficient extraction sockets and two‐stage implant placement.Material and MethodsA total of 15 patients were recruited to perform a simultaneous, lateral augmentation of deficient (i.e., thickness of the buccal bone < 0.5 mm or buccal dehiscence‐type defects) fresh extraction sockets using the respective non‐retainable but non‐infected teeth (n = 15). After 26 weeks of submerged healing, the primary endpoint was defined as the crestal ridge width (mm) (CW26) being sufficient to place an adequately dimensioned titanium implant at the respective sites.ResultsThe surgical procedure could be accomplished in n = 14 patients. Soft tissue healing was uneventful in all patients. CW26 at visit 6 allowed for a successful implant placement in all patients (e.g., 14/14). Mean CW26 values amounted to 10.85 ± 2.71 mm (median: 8.5). The change (4.89 ± 2.29 mm) in CW compared to baseline was statistically significant (p < 0.001).ConclusionsThe usage of TR may represent a feasible approach for lateral augmentation of deficient extraction sockets and two‐stage implant placement.
Thrombin disrupts vascular endothelial‐cadherin and leads to hydrocephalus via protease‐activated receptors‐1 pathway
Authors: Hao Xiao‐Di , Le Chen‐Sheng , Zhang Hong‐Mei , Shang De‐Sheng , Tong Lu‐Sha , Gao Feng 
Published: April 2019

SummaryAimsPrevious studies indicated that intraventricular injection of thrombin would induce hydrocephalus. But how thrombin works in this process remains unclear. Since cadherin plays a critical role in hydrocephalus, we aimed to explore the mechanisms of how thrombin acted on choroid plexus vascular endothelium and how thrombin interacted with vascular endothelial‐cadherin (VE‐cadherin) during hydrocephalus.MethodsThere were two parts in this study. Firstly, rats received an injection of saline or thrombin into the right lateral ventricle. Magnetic resonance imaging was applied to measure the lateral ventricle volumes. Albumin leakage and Evans blue content were assessed to test the blood‐brain barrier function. Immunofluorescence and Western blot were applied to detect the location and the expression of VE‐cadherin. Secondly, we observed the roles of protease‐activated receptors‐1 (PAR1) inhibitor (SCH79797), Src inhibitor (PP2), p21‐activated kinase‐1 (PAK1) inhibitor (IPA3) in the thrombin‐induced hydrocephalus, and their effects on the regulation of VE‐cadherin.ResultsOur study demonstrated that intraventricular injection of thrombin caused significant downregulation of VE‐cadherin in choroid plexus and dilation of ventricles. In addition, the inhibition of PAR1/p‐Src/p‐PAK1 pathway reversed the decrease of VE‐cadherin and attenuated thrombin‐induced hydrocephalus.ConclusionsOur results suggested that the thrombin‐induced hydrocephalus was associated with the inhibition of VE‐cadherin via the PAR1/p‐Src/p‐PAK1 pathway.
Decomposing growth in the gender wage gap in urban China: 1989–2011
Authors: Hare Denise 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper examines trends in the gender wage gap observed in urban China during the post‐reform era. Using China Health and Nutrition Survey data, changes to the gap between 1989 and 2011 are analyzed using the Wellington decomposition method. While women's gains in observed characteristics have narrowed the wage gap, they are more than offset by changes in the returns to these characteristics. Men's returns to potential labour market experience have grown particularly rapidly, relative to women's, and this represents the single largest contributing factor towards the widening of the gender wage gap. Further investigation explores gender wage patterns through the dimensions of occupation, ownership sector and birth cohort. Taken together, my results raise concerns that China's urban labour market may increasingly disincentivize women's long‐term labour force attachments.
Maladaptive striatal plasticity and abnormal reward‐learning in cervical dystonia
Authors: Gilbertson Tom , Humphries Mark , Steele J. Douglas 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn monogenetic generalized forms of dystonia, in vitro neurophysiological recordings have demonstrated direct evidence for abnormal plasticity at the level of the cortico‐striatal synapse. It is unclear whether similar abnormalities contribute to the pathophysiology of cervical dystonia, the most common type of focal dystonia. We investigated whether abnormal cortico‐striatal synaptic plasticity contributes to abnormal reward‐learning behavior in patients with focal dystonia. Forty patients and 40 controls performed a reward gain and loss avoidance reversal learning task. Participant's behavior was fitted to a computational model of the basal ganglia incorporating detailed cortico‐striatal synaptic learning rules. Model comparisons were performed to assess the ability of four hypothesized receptor specific abnormalities of cortico‐striatal long‐term potentiation (LTP) and long‐term depression (LTD): increased or decreased D1:LTP/LTD and increased or decreased D2: LTP/LTD to explain abnormal behavior in patients. Patients were selectively impaired in the post‐reversal phase of the reward task. Individual learning rates in the reward reversal task correlated with the severity of the patient's motor symptoms. A model of the striatum with decreased D2:LTP/ LTD best explained the patient's behavior, suggesting excessive D2 cortico‐striatal synaptic depotentiation could underpin biased reward‐learning in patients with cervical dystonia. Reversal learning impairment in cervical dystonia may be a behavioral correlate of D2‐specific abnormalities in cortico‐striatal synaptic plasticity. Reinforcement learning tasks with computational modeling could allow the identification of molecular targets for novel treatments based on their ability to restore normal reward‐learning behavior in these patients.
A critical review of the impacts of cover crops on nitrogen leaching, net greenhouse gas balance and crop productivity
Authors: Abdalla Mohamed , Hastings Astley , Cheng Kun , Yue Qian , Chadwick Dave , Espenberg Mikk , Truu Jaak , Rees Robert M. , Smith Pete 
Published: April 2019

AbstractCover crops play an increasingly important role in improving soil quality, reducing agricultural inputs and improving environmental sustainability. The main objectives of this critical global review and systematic analysis were to assess cover crop practices in the context of their impacts on nitrogen leaching, net greenhouse gas balances (NGHGB) and crop productivity. Only studies that investigated the impacts of cover crops and measured one or a combination of nitrogen leaching, soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrous oxide (N2O), grain yield and nitrogen in grain of primary crop, and had a control treatment were included in the analysis. Long‐term studies were uncommon, with most data coming from studies lasting 2–3 years. The literature search resulted in 106 studies carried out at 372 sites and covering different countries, climatic zones and management. Our analysis demonstrates that cover crops significantly (p < 0.001) decreased N leaching and significantly (p < 0.001) increased SOC sequestration without having significant (p > 0.05) effects on direct N2O emissions. Cover crops could mitigate the NGHGB by 2.06 ± 2.10 Mg CO2‐eq ha−1 year−1. One of the potential disadvantages of cover crops identified was the reduction in grain yield of the primary crop by ≈4%, compared to the control treatment. This drawback could be avoided by selecting mixed cover crops with a range of legumes and non‐legumes, which increased the yield by ≈13%. These advantages of cover crops justify their widespread adoption. However, management practices in relation to cover crops will need to be adapted to specific soil, management and regional climatic conditions.
Association of P wave peak time with left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure in patients with hypertension
Authors: Burak Cengiz , Çağdaş Metin , Rencüzoğulları Ibrahim , Karabağ Yavuz , Artaç Inanç , Yesin Mahmut , Çınar Tufan , Yıldız Ibrahim , Suleymanoglu Muhammed , Tanboğa Halil Ibrahim 
Published: April 2019

Left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (LVDD) is commonly seen in hypertensive patients, and it is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Hence, the detection of LVDD with a simple, inexpensive, and easy‐to‐obtain method can contribute to improving patient prognosis. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate whether there was any association between the electrocardiographic P wave peak time (PWPT) and invasively measured left ventricular end‐diastolic pressure (LVEDP) in hypertensive patients who had undergone coronary angiography following preliminary diagnosis of coronary artery disease. A total of 78 patients were included in this cross‐sectional study. The PWPT was defined as the time from the beginning of the P wave to its peak, and it was calculated from the leads DII and VI. In all patients, LVEDP was measured in steady state. The PWPT in lead DII was significantly longer in patients with high LVEDP; however, there was no significant difference between groups in terms of PWPT in the lead VI. In multivariable analysis, PWPT in lead DII was found to be independent predictor of increased LVEDP (OR: 1.257, 95% CI: 1.094‐1.445; P = 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, the optimal cut‐off value of PWPT in the lead DII for prediction of elevated LVEDP was 64.8 ms, with a sensitivity of 68.7% and a specificity of 91.3% (area under curve: 0.882, 95% CI: 0.789‐0.944, P < 0.001). In conclusion, this study result suggested that prolonged PWPT in the lead DII may be an independent predictor of increased LVEDP among hypertensive patients.