bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Implications of contrasted above‐ and below‐ground biomass responses in a diversity experiment with trees
Authors: Martin‐Guay Marc‐Olivier , Paquette Alain , Reich Peter B. , Messier Christian 
Published: July 2019

Abstract

While tree diversity has been proven to enhance above‐ground forest biomass in many instances, the effect on below‐ground biomass has often been neutral, or even negative. This raises the questions of whether above‐ground results are the product of a reduced allocation below‐ground in more diverse forests, which could imply a more efficient acquisition of below‐ground resources per unit root, and whether the effects of diversity have been correctly quantified and interpreted in the past.

We addressed these issues using data from a tree‐based functional diversity experiment where 24 mixtures and their respective monocultures were analysed in a fully replicated design. We used species‐level measurements of above‐ and below‐ground biomass to assess how adding below‐ground biomass changes our interpretations regarding the roles of complementarity effects (niche partitioning or facilitation between species) and selection effects (dominance of high‐yielding species within mixtures).

Mixtures showed overyielding of above‐ground biomass but not below‐ground. Although remaining significantly positive, this translated into diversity effects of a lesser magnitude when adding below‐ground biomass. However, species did not reduce their allocation to below‐ground biomass within mixtures compared to monocultures. Rather, this combination of above‐ground overyielding and below‐ground neutral effect was caused by the dominance in mixtures of species with a low below‐ground allocation strategy. Another consequence of these species dominance is that their actual contribution to total productivity within mixtures was overestimated when using only above‐ground biomass, due to their relatively small below‐ground biomass. This caused an overestimation of the selection or dominance effects, thereby causing an underestimation of the relative importance of complementarity effects.

Synthesis. This study emphasizes the need to consider both above‐ and below‐ground biomass components when determining the origin and strength of diversity effects, or when attempting to link tree diversity to ecosystem services such as carbon sequestration. The statistical partitioning of net effects is a widely used method, but one which can lead to an overestimation of the role of individual dominant species when below‐ground biomass is not taken into account, hence diminishing the role of positive interactions between species.
Clinical predictors for oropharyngeal dysphagia and laryngeal dysfunction after lung and heart transplantation
Authors: Black Rebecca J. , Bogaardt Hans , McCabe Patricia , Glanville Allan R. , MacDonald Peter , Madill Catherine 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundOropharyngeal dysphagia and laryngeal dysfunction are two lesser known complications after lung and heart transplantation. The presence of these features places this immunocompromised population at high risk of pulmonary complications and subsequent medical deterioration. Early identification of swallowing and voice dysfunction would be beneficial to optimize management.AimsTo examine the association between patient risk factors and postoperative outcomes with referral to speech pathology (SP) following signs of swallowing and voice dysfunction.Methods & ProceduresA retrospective review was conducted on demographic data, patient risk factors and postoperative course in 284 patients following lung and/or heart transplantation between 2010 and 2013. Variables were analysed for any association between pre‐ and postoperative factors and SP referral.Outcomes & ResultsA total of 24% were referred to SP with a mean age of 47 years. Binary logistic regression identified a statistically significant association between the number of intubations (odds ratio (OR) = 2.066, p = 0.028), intubation duration (OR = 1.004, p < 0.01), length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) (OR = 1.068, p < 0.01), and number of ICU admissions (OR = 1.384, p = 0.046) and SP referral. Intubation time and the total days in ICU were greater for patients referred to SP. Mortality also increased for these variables and for the numbers of reintubations and readmissions. Analysis of pre‐operative risk factors revealed cerebrovascular disease to be a significant predictor of SP referral (OR = 6.747, p = 0.032).Conclusions & ImplicationsThis study demonstrates significant clinical indicators for referral to SP for the management of oropharyngeal dysphagia and laryngeal dysfunction in patients after lung or heart transplantation. Further studies are needed to investigate the most efficacious intervention approaches to manage swallowing and voice dysfunction in these patients.
Characterization of seminal plasma proteomic alterations associated with the IVF and rescue‐ICSI pregnancy in assisted reproduction
Authors: Liu X. , Liu G. , Zhu P. , Wang Y. , Wang J. , Zhang W. , Wang W. , Li N. , Wang X. , Zhang C. , Liu J. , Shen X. , Liu F. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractBackgroundSeminal plasma is a promising diagnostic fluid for male infertility. In assisted reproduction, the seminal plasma‐based characteristics of normozoospermic men achieving successful clinical pregnancy through rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection after in vitro fertilization failure remain unclear.ObjectiveTo identify potential seminal plasma proteins to contribute to a new understanding of unexplained male factor infertility.Materials and MethodsAn approach with isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification labeling coupled with liquid chromatography matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry was applied to investigate differentially expressed proteins in the seminal plasma of a rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection pregnancy group versus an in vitro fertilization pregnancy group of normozoospermic men.Result(s)The present work revealed seventy‐three differentially expressed seminal plasma proteins between the in vitro fertilization and rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection groups. Forty‐five proteins were upregulated, and 28 proteins were downregulated in the rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection group compared with the in vitro fertilization group. Bioinformatics analyses showed that these altered proteins were involved in various functions, including the kallikrein‐related proteolytic cascade, immune response, and heparin binding. Furthermore, the validity of the proteomic results was verified by Western blot analysis of the proteins (lactoferrin [LTF], fibronectin [FN1], creatine kinase B type [CKB], kallikrein‐2 [KLK2], aminopeptidase N [ANPEP], extracellular matrix protein 1 [ECM1], glycodelin [PAEP], alpha‐1‐antitrypsin [SERPINA1], and semenogelin‐1 [SEMG1]) and immunofluorescence. Moreover, 16% of the seminal plasma proteins identified in the present work have not been reported in previous studies.DiscussionThis panel of altered seminal plasma proteins associated with unexplained male factor infertility might have clinical relevance and may be useful in the diagnosis and prognosis of idiopathic infertility in in vitro fertilization.ConclusionsOur work not only provides a new complementary high‐confidence dataset of seminal plasma proteins but also shines new light onto the molecular characteristics of seminal plasma from normozoospermic men with different assisted reproductive outcomes.
Systematic review and meta‐analysis suggest that varying prevalence of non‐acute pain in critically ill infants may be due to different definitions
Authors: Ilhan Emre , Pacey Verity , Brown Laura , Spence Kaye , Trivedi Amit , Hush Julia M. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAimOur aim was to quantify the prevalence of non‐acute pain in critically ill infants and to identify how non‐acute pain was described, defined and assessed.MethodsThis systematic review and meta‐analysis used multiple electronic databases to search for papers published in any language to March 2018: 2029 papers were identified, and 68 full texts were screened. Studies reporting the prevalence of non‐acute pain in infants younger than 2 years and admitted to critical care units were included. The extracted data included the use of non‐acute pain descriptions, definitions and pain assessment tools.ResultsWe included 11 studies published between 2002 and 2018 that comprised 1204 infants from Europe, the USA, Canada and India. They were prospective observational (n = 7) and retrospective observational (n = 1) studies and randomised controlled trials (n = 3). The prevalence of non‐acute pain was 0%‐76% (median 11%). Various pain assessment tools were used, and only two could be pooled. This gave a pooled prevalence of 3.7%‐39.8%. A number of different descriptors were used for non‐acute pain, and all of these were poorly defined.ConclusionThe prevalence of non‐acute pain in infants admitted to critical care units varied considerably. This could have been because all the studies used different definitions of non‐acute pain.
Potent anti‐angiogenesis and anti‐tumour activity of pegaptanib‐loaded tetrahedral DNA nanostructure
Authors: Xie Xueping , Zhang Yuxin , Ma Wenjuan , Shao Xiaoru , Zhan Yuxi , Mao Chenchen , Zhu Bofeng , Zhou Yi , Zhao Hu , Cai Xiaoxiao 
Published: July 2019

AbstractObjectivesPegaptanib might be a promising anti‐tumour drug targeting VEGF to inhibit tumour vascular endothelial cell proliferation. However, the poor biostability limited its application. In this study, we took tetrahedron DNA nanostructures (TDNs) as drug nanocarrier for pegaptanib to explore the potent anti‐angiogenesis and anti‐tumour activity of this drug delivery system.Materials and methodsThe successful synthesis of TDNs and pegaptanib‐TDNs was determined by 8% polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), capillary electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The cytotoxicity of pegaptanib alone and pegaptanib‐TDNs on HUVECs and Cal27 was evaluated by the cell count kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay. The effect of pegaptanib and pegaptanib‐TDNs on proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs induced by VEGF was examined by CCK‐8 assay, wound healing assay and tubule formation experiment. The cell binding capacity and serum stability were detected by flow cytometry and PAGE, respectively.ResultsPegaptanib‐TDNs had stronger killing ability than pegaptanib alone, and the inhibiting effect was in a concentration‐dependent manner. What's more, pegaptanib‐loaded TDNs could effectively enhance the ability of pegaptanib to inhibit proliferation, migration and tube formation of HUVECs induced by VEGF. These might attribute to the stronger binding affinity to the cell membrane and greater serum stability of pegaptanib‐TDNs.ConclusionsThese results suggested that pegaptanib‐TDNs might be a novel strategy to improve anti‐angiogenesis and anti‐tumour ability of pegaptanib.
Analyse des Status quo der perioperativen Antibiotikaprophylaxe in der Dermatochirurgie in Deutschland: Ergebnisse der DESSI‐Studie
Authors: Balakirski Galina , Felcht Moritz , Bayer Hans , Schmitt Laurenz 
Published: July 2019

ZusammenfassungHintergrundDie perioperative Antibiotikaprophylaxe (PAP) wird von der Kommission für Krankenhaushygiene und Infektionsprävention (KRINKO) beim Robert Koch‐Institut zur Prävention einer postoperativen Infektion empfohlen. In welchem Umfang die PAP in der Dermatochirurgie in Deutschland eingesetzt wird, ist unklar.MethodenAlle Mitglieder der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Dermatochirurgie (DGDC) wurden gebeten, einen standardisierten Fragebogen zu beantworten, in dem eruiert werden sollte, in welcher Form und in welchem Umfang es in der Dermatochirurgie zu einer perioperativen Antibiotikaprophylaxe kommt.Ergebnisse78 DGDC‐Mitglieder füllten den Fragebogen aus. Von diesen waren 89,7 % (70/78) auf dem Gebiet der Dermatochirurgie tätige Fachärzte mit einer medianen Berufserfahrung von 15 Jahren. 53,8 % (42/78) der Umfrageteilnehmer berichteten, die PAP regelmäßig bei dermatochirurgischen Eingriffen einzusetzen. Davon gaben 35,7 % (15/42) an, oft eine Indikation für PAP bei immunsupprimierten Patienten zu stellen. Nur ein kleiner Anteil berichtete die PAP parenteral zu verabreichen (5,9 %, 4/67). Der dabei am häufigsten eingesetzte Wirkstoff war das Cephalosporin Cefuroxim. Die Dauer der PAP variierte stark zwischen einer Einmalgabe bis hin zu einer Dauer von über fünf Tagen.SchlussfolgerungenEine PAP wird bei dermatochirurgischen Eingriffen in Deutschland aktuell nicht standardisiert durchgeführt. Es sind prospektive, randomisierte dermatochirurgische Studien notwendig, die klären müssen, ob die PAP‐Empfehlungen der KRINKO auch für die Dermatochirurgie gelten.
Substrate composition determines emergence success and development of European nase larvae (Chondrostoma nasus L.)
Authors: Nagel Christoffer , Pander Joachim , Mueller Melanie , Geist Juergen 
Published: July 2019

AbstractEuropean nase (Chondrostoma nasus) is a specialist riverine fish, characterised by a complex life cycle making it vulnerable to habitat degradation. Recent findings indicate that, analogously to salmonids, the interstitial zone quality may pose a serious bottleneck for successful recruitment of this species. In this study, nase eggs were exposed to different substrate qualities. First, standardised substrate mixtures with differing fine sediment additions were used. Second, we tested different homogenous gravel fractions for their influence on egg development and emergence success. In both setups, substrate composition significantly affected emergence success, timing of emergence and larvae size at emergence. In the substrate mixtures, emergence was most successful in substratum with no fine sediment addition (98%) and decreased to 55% in substratum with 20% fine sediment addition. Emergence was most successful in the coarsest fraction (93%) and decreased to 47% in the finest fraction. Over all treatments, the time between hatching and emergence from substrate differed by up to 156 degree days, thereby indicating that free embryos of nase use the shelter of the interstitial zone for early ontogeny. These results suggest that a loose and porous stream bed can positively contribute to the development success of eggs and larvae and thereby potentially improve the recruitment of nase populations. It is thus important to consider the substrate and interstitial conditions in the conservation and restoration management of this rheophilic cyprinid.
Aspartic peptidases of the pinewood nematode Bursaphelenchus xylophilus: Molecular characterization and in silico structural analysis
Authors: Cardoso Joana M. S. , Fonseca Luís , Abrantes Isabel 
Published: July 2019

AbstractAspartic peptidases, a family of proteinases with catalytic aspartate residues in the active site, have been reported in a large variety of organisms associated with different functions in animal parasitism. However, scarce studies have been performed on plant‐parasitic nematode aspartic peptidases and their possible role in parasitism. The pinewood nematode, Bursaphelenchus xylophilus, is an important plant‐parasitic nematode responsible for the pine wilt disease and recognized as a major forest pest. In the present study, the cDNA coding sequence of three aspartic peptidases secreted by B. xylophilus (BxASP101, BxASP102 and BxASP103) was cloned and sequenced to predict complete amino acid sequences. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the three peptidases clearly differ from other nematode aspartic peptidases, forming a separate branch. In silico three‐dimensional structure analysis predicted monomers with bilobal configuration and an extended active site cleft localized between the two lobes, with each N‐and C‐terminal lobe contributing with one active aspartic acid residue. The gene transcript levels for these three proteins were higher in B. xylophilus stimulated with Pinus pinaster extract, a high‐susceptible tree, than when stimulated with P. pinea extract, a low‐susceptible tree. These results revealed that BxASP101, BxASP102 and BxASP103 are aspartic peptidases, which might be related to B. xylophilus pathogenicity and can be further explored to develop new target‐specific strategies for the management of this nematode.
Interaction of peripheral nerves and mast cells, eosinophils, and basophils in the development of pruritus
Authors: Nakashima Chisa , Ishida Yoshihiro , Kitoh Akihiko , Otsuka Atsushi , Kabashima Kenji 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMast cells, eosinophils and basophils are central effector immune cells in allergic skin inflammation including atopic dermatitis (AD). Recent studies revealed that the bidirectional interaction between these three immune cell types (mast cells, eosinophils and basophils) and the nervous system is involved in the pathogenesis of neurogenic inflammation, pain and pruritus. Emerging evidence shows that these cells are the main source of pruritogens such as histamine, neuropeptides and cytokines, which are potential new therapeutic targets for drug development in chronic pruritus. For instance, many Th2 cytokines including interleukin (IL)‐4, 13 and 31 have been recognized as some of the most promising targets for the treatment of chronic pruritus in AD. In this review, we highlight the link between these three immune cell subsets and peripheral nerves, with emphasis on the development of chronic pruritus such as AD. We present cytokines and receptors of these three immune cells and peripheral nerves, and discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting these neuro‐immunological processes.
Putting the pieces together: Recent growth, nutritional condition, and mortality of Engraulis anchoita larvae in the Southwest Atlantic
Authors: Do Souto Marina , Brown Daniel R. , Segura Valeria , Negri Rubén , Temperoni Brenda , Cepeda Georgina , Viñas Maria D. , Capitanio Fabiana L. , Diaz Marina V. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractDynamics of clupeiform fish populations such as anchovy are frequently impacted by environmental variations which can affect the success of the species recruitment. Herein, we have analyzed recent otolith growth rate, RNA/DNA nutritional condition index (sRD), and mortality rate of argentine anchovy larvae Engraulis anchoita from three different nursery areas in the Southwest Atlantic. We have evaluated the relationship between the environmental variables (abundance of copepod nauplii, temperature, chlorophyll‐a concentration, and abundance of E. anchoita larvae) and larval endogenous variables (size, weight, age, and otolith radius) to sRD and recent growth rate. Fast larval growth rates were observed toward the northern sector of the studied area, characterized by higher temperature. High values of sRD were associated with higher nauplii abundance in the proximity of coastal fronts. The larvae with the lowest growths and lowest minimum values of nutritional condition coincided with the area where there was less abundance of nauplii and higher larval mortality. Larval size and nauplii abundance were positive explanatory factors for both recent growth rate and sRD index. Temperature had a positive effect on recent growth rate and a negative effect on sRD index. This condition index was poorly explained in terms of model fit in comparison with the growth model. The results herein provided could be significant to better understand the recruitment of the species, as to determining favorable areas for the growth and survival of anchovy larvae.
Temperature influences on growth of unfished juvenile Northern cod (Gadus morhua) during stock collapse
Authors: Mullowney Darrell R. J. , Rose George A. , Dawe Earl G. , Rowe Sherrylynn , Maillet Gary L. , Pedersen Eric J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThis study examined growth of unfished juvenile Northern cod (Gadus morhua) off Newfoundland concomitant with stock collapse in the cold early 1990s. Two unpublished data sets were examined, one from collapse‐period trapping sites along the northeast coast of Newfoundland and one from a post‐collapse inshore trawl survey. Cumulative surface and bottom temperatures were significant predictors of growth rates of the young fish with year‐classes born during collapse experiencing slower growth than those born during subsequent warming. Relationships between accrued temperature and growth were consistent across periods, with slow growth of collapse‐period fish reflecting slower accumulation of temperature‐at‐age. Temperature influences were spatially broad‐based with no significant differences in growth rates for fish captured along the entire northeast coast of Newfoundland. Predicted differences in growth rates for collapse versus recovery year‐classes were proportional to cumulative surface temperatures but not cumulative bottom temperatures. Although significant, temperature effects on growth were relatively unimportant at youngest ages. Overall, growth differences between periods were small but large differences occurred between slowest and fastest growing year‐classes. The results suggest initial responses to increasing temperatures were delayed following collapse. We conclude that although temperature was an important determinant of dampened productivity that it alone cannot account for the collapse and slow recovery of the stock. This is the first known study to directly quantitatively link temperature impacts to an unfished component of the Northern cod stock complex during collapse, removing need for implicit assumptions about whether or not cold conditions contributed to the collapse of this iconic fish stock.
Redistributive innovation policy, inequality, and efficiency
Authors: Basu Parantap , Getachew Yoseph 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe examine the efficiency and distributional effects of regressive and progressive public R&D policies that target high‐tech and low‐tech sectors using a heterogenous‐agent growth model with in‐house R&D and incomplete capital markets. We find that such policies have important implications for efficiency and inequality. A regressive public R&D investment financed by income tax could boost growth and welfare via a positive effect on individual savings and effort. It could, however, also lower growth and welfare via its effect on the efficiency–inequality trade‐off. Thus, the relationship between public R&D spending and welfare is hump‐shaped, admitting an optimal degree of regressivity in public R&D spending. Using our baseline model, and the US state‐level GDP data, we derive the degree of regressiveness of public R&D investment in US states. We find that US states are more regressive in their R&D investment than the optimal regressiveness implied by our growth model.