bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alien futures: What is on the horizon for biological invasions?
Authors: Dehnen‐Schmutz Katharina , Boivin Thomas , Essl Franz , Groom Quentin J. , Harrison Laura , Touza Julia M. , Bayliss Helen 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimTo collect and identify the issues that may affect the future global and local management of biological invasions in the next 20–50 years and provide guidance for the prioritization of actions and policies responding to the management challenges of the future.LocationGlobalMethodsWe used an open online survey to poll specialists and stakeholders from around the world as to their opinion on the three most important future issues both globally and at their respective local working level.ResultsThe 240 respondents identified 629 global issues that we categorized into topics. We summarized the highest rated topics into five broad thematic areas: (1) environmental change, particularly climate change, (2) the spread of species through trade, (3) public awareness, (4) the development of new technologies to enhance management and (5) the need to strengthen policies. The respondents also identified 596 issues at their respective local working levels. Management, early detection, prevention and funding‐related issues all ranked higher than at the global level. Our global audience of practitioners, policymakers and researchers also elicited topics not identified in horizon scanning exercises led by scientists including potential human health impacts, the need for better risk assessments and legislation, the role of human migration and water management.Main conclusionsThe topic areas identified in this horizon scan provide guidance where future policy priorities for invasive alien species should be set. First, to reduce the magnitude and speed of environmental change and its impacts on biological invasions; second, to restrict the movement of potentially invasive alien species via trade; third, to raise awareness with the general public and empower them to act; and finally, to invest in innovative technologies that can detect and mitigate adverse impacts of introduced species.
Accumulation of advanced glycation end products is associated with macrovascular events and glycaemic control with microvascular complications in Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Yozgatli K. , Lefrandt J. D. , Noordzij M. J. , Oomen P. H. N. , Brouwer T. , Jager J. , Castro Cabezas M. , Smit A. J. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAimThe United Kingdom Prospective Diabetes Study (UKPDS) study showed that glycaemic control (HbA1c) can predict vascular complications in Type 2 diabetes mellitus. The Diabetes Control and Complications Trial (DCCT) study showed that accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) from skin biopsies predicts vascular complications in Type 1 diabetes. Previously, we showed that tissue AGEs can be measured non‐invasively using skin autofluorescence (SAF). The aim of this study was to compare the predictive value of HbA1c and SAF for new macrovascular events and microvascular complications in people with Type 2 diabetes.MethodsA prospective cohort study of 563 participants, median age 64 years [interquartile range (IQR) 57–72], diabetes duration of 13 years, from five Dutch hospitals was performed.ResultsAfter a median follow‐up of 5.1 (IQR 4.3–5.9) years, 79 (15%) participants had died and 49 (9%) were lost to follow‐up. Some 133 (26%) developed a microvascular complication and 189 (37%) a macrovascular event. Tertiles of HbA1c were significantly associated with development of microvascular complications (log rank P = 0.022), but not with macrovascular events. Tertiles of SAF were significantly associated with macrovascular events (log rank P = 0.003). Cox regression analysis showed SAF was associated with macrovascular events: crude hazard ratio (HR) 1.53 (P < 0.001) per unit increase, HR 1.28 (P = 0.03) after correction for UKPDS score. HbA1c was predictive for microvascular complications: crude HR 1.20 (P = 0.004), HR 1.20 (P = 0.004) after correction for UKPDS score.ConclusionThis study shows that tissue accumulation of AGEs, assessed by SAF, is associated with development of macrovascular events in people with Type 2 diabetes, whereas HbA1c is associated with the development of microvascular complications.
HbA1c response after insulin initiation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in real life practice: Identifying distinct subgroups
Authors: Sidorenkov Grigory , van Boven Job F. M. , Hoekstra Trynke , Nijpels Giel , Hoogenberg Klaas , Denig Petra 
Published: April 2018

AimsTo identify subgroups of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following distinct trajectories of HbA1c after insulin initiation and explore underlying differences in clinical characteristics.Materials and methodsA cohort study was conducted in patients with T2DM initiating insulin in 2007–2013 with a follow‐up of 2 to 4 years. Data were collected from the Groningen Initiative to Analyze Type 2 Diabetes Treatment (GIANTT) database. The primary outcome was subgroups with different trajectories of HbA1c patterns after insulin initiation, as identified by latent class growth modeling. Differences between subgroups were tested using one‐way ANOVA, Kruskal‐Wallis or chi‐square tests, where appropriate.ResultsFrom 1459 patients, three subgroups with distinct HbA1c patterns were identified. Group 1 (8%) initially showed a moderate decrease followed by an increase in HbA1c 2 years later, despite receiving more comedication. Group 2 (84%) showed a stable decrease. Group 3 (8%) had a high initial level of HbA1c and a rapid decline within the first year, followed by a slow increase thereafter. Group 1 patients were on average 6–7 years younger than patients in groups 2 and 3 and were more likely to receive sulfonylureas than Group 3 patients. Group 3 patients had a shorter diabetes duration and were less well‐controlled for HbA1c, systolic blood pressure and LDL‐cholesterol at insulin initiation.ConclusionsMost patients showed a stable HbA1c response, but one out of six patients showed either a poor response, or a rapid initial response only after insulin initiation. Response patterns were associated with age, diabetes duration and risk‐factor controls at the time of insulin initiation.
The functional response and resilience in small waterbodies along land‐use and environmental gradients
Authors: Thornhill Ian A. , Biggs Jeremy , Hill Matthew J. , Briers Robert , Gledhill David , Wood Paul J. , Gee John H. R. , Ledger Mark , Hassall Christopher 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThere is growing recognition of the essential services provided to humanity by functionally intact ecosystems. Freshwater ecosystems are found throughout agricultural and urban landscapes and provide a wide range of ecosystem services, but globally they are also amongst the most vulnerable. In particular, ponds (lentic waters typically less than 2 ha), provide natural flood management, sequester carbon and hold significant cultural value. However, to inform their management it is important to understand (1) how functional diversity varies in response to disturbance and (2) the link between biodiversity conservation and ecosystem function. In this study, a meta‐analysis of seven separate pond studies from across England and Wales was carried out to explore the effect of urban and agricultural land‐use gradients, shading, emergent vegetation, surface area andpHupon groups of functionally similar members of the macroinvertebrate fauna. Functional effect groups were first identified by carrying out a hierarchical cluster analysis using body size, voltinism and feeding habits (18 categories) that are closely related to biogeochemical processes (e.g. nutrient and carbon recycling). Secondly, the influence of the gradients upon effect group membership (functional redundancy—FR) and the breadth of traits available to aid ecosystem recovery (response diversity) was assessed using species counts and functional dispersion (FDis) using 12 response traits. The effect of land‐use gradients was unpredictable, whilst there was a negative response in bothFRandFDis to shading and positive responses to increases in emergent vegetation cover and surface area. An inconsistent association betweenFDis andFRsuggested that arguments for taxonomic biodiversity conservation to augment ecosystem functioning are too simplistic. Thus, a deeper understanding of the response of functional diversity to disturbance could have greater impact with decision‐makers who may relate better to the loss of ecosystem function in response to environmental degradation than species loss alone.
The impacts of four potential bioenergy crops on soil carbon dynamics as shown by biomarker analyses and DRIFT spectroscopy
Authors: Zhu Xuefeng , Liang Chao , Masters Michael D. , Kantola Ilsa B. , DeLucia Evan H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPerennial bioenergy crops accumulate carbon (C) in soils through minimally disturbing management practices and large root inputs, but the mechanisms of microbial control over C dynamics under bioenergy crops have not been clarified. Root‐derived C inputs affect both soil microbial contribution to and degradation of soil organic matter resulting in differing soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations, storage, and stabilities under different vegetation regimes. Here, we measured biomarker amino sugars and neutral sugars and used diffuse reflectance mid‐infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) to explore microbial C contributions, degradation ability, and SOC stability, respectively, under four potential bioenergy crops, M.×giganteus (Miscanthus × giganteus), switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), a mixed prairie, and a maize (Zea mays L.)–maize–soybean (Glycine max(L.) Merr.) (MMS) rotation over six growing seasons. Our results showed that SOC concentration (g/kg) increased by 10.6% in mixed prairie over the duration of this experiment and SOC storage (Mg/ha) increased by 17.0% and 15.6% in switchgrass and mixed prairie, respectively. Conversion of row crops to perennial grasses maintained SOC stability and increased bacterial residue contribution to SOC in M.×giganteus and switchgrass by 20.0% and 15.0%, respectively, after 6 years. Degradation of microbe‐derived labile SOC was increased in M.×giganteus, and degradation of both labile and stable SOC increased in MMS rotation. These results demonstrate that microbial communities under perennial grasses maintained SOC quality, while SOC quantity increased under switchgrass and mixed prairie. Annual MMS rotation displayed decreases in aspects of SOC quality without changes in SOC quantity. These findings have implications for understanding microbial control over soil C quantity and quality under land‐use shift from annual to perennial bioenergy cropping systems.
Global Markets and the Role of Geographical Proximity in Mexico's Employment Growth
Authors: Flores Miguel , Medellín Sandra , Villarreal Amado 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIn the context of greater economic integration with global markets and structural economic reforms, this paper analyses regional and sectoral employment growth dynamics in Mexican states between 2004 and 2014. The methodology is based on spatial shift‐share analysis that explicitly considers interregional interactions in employment while assessing potential spillover effects arising from spatial interactions among states and industrial sectors. The results suggest a competitive effect from some industries—such as those related to science and specialized suppliers, intensive scale industries and dominated providers—which led to the formation of industrial corridors of neighboring states that connect the central region with the northeast region of the country. It was also found that proximity to states such as Nuevo Leon, Queretaro, Guanajuato, San Luis Potosi, and Puebla has positively influenced neighboring states in terms of employment growth rates. The results also support the argument of some sort of de‐concentration of economic activity in the capital, Mexico City, toward neighboring states.
Effect of surrounding polydimethylsiloxane frame and substrate on drying behavior of aqueous alumina suspensions
Authors: Jiao Lanqing , Su Bo , Meng Junhu , Han Jiesheng , Wang Honggang 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe drying behavior of aqueous alumina suspensions surrounded with and without polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) frames was studied. The capillary stress generated in the bodies was measured in situ using a cantilever deflection method. The relationship between the capillary stress and the formation of cracks was discussed. Compared with the suspensions dried without surrounding PDMS frames, the drying rates of the suspensions were significantly decreased by the surrounding PDMS frames. By drying a suspension on a strong hydrophilic substrate, the PDMS frame hardly reduced the capillary stress. When drying the suspension on a hydrophobic or weak hydrophilic substrate, the elastic deformation of thick PDMS frames could effectively release the capillary stress and therefore crack‐free ceramic green bodies could be obtained.
Attitudes towards sales and use of over-the-counter drugs in Sweden in a reregulated pharmacy market: a population-based study
Authors: Hedenrud Tove , Andersson Sundell Karolina , Martinsson Johan , Håkonsen Helle 
Published: April 2018

Abstract

Objectives
To analyse attitudes towards sales and use of over-the-counter (OTC) drugs in the Swedish adult population.

Methods
Data were collected through the web-based Citizen Panel comprising 21 000 Swedes. A stratified sample of 4058 participants was emailed a survey invitation. Questions concerned use of OTC drugs, and attitudes towards sales and use of OTC drugs. Correlations between the attitudinal statements were assessed using Spearman’s rank correlation. Associations between attitudes and participant characteristics were analysed using multinomial logistic regression.

Key findings
Participation rate was 64%. Altogether 87% reported use of OTC drugs in the last 6 months. Approximately 10% of participants stated that they used OTC drugs at the first sign of illness, and 9% stated that they used more OTC drugs compared with previously, due to increased availability. The statement on use of OTC drugs at first sign of illness correlated with the statement about using more OTC drugs with increased availability. Socio-demographic factors (age, sex and education) and frequent use of OTC drugs were associated with attitudes to sales and use of OTC drugs.

Conclusions
Increased use due to greater availability, in combination with OTC drug use at first sign of illness illustrates the need for continuous education of the population about self-care with OTC drugs. Increased awareness of the incautious views on OTC drugs in part of the population is important. Swedish policy-makers may use such knowledge in their continuous evaluation of the 2009 pharmacy reform to review the impact of sales of OTC drugs in retail outlets on patient safety and public health. Pharmacy and healthcare staff could be more proactive in asking customers and patients about their use of OTC drugs and offering them advice.
Evolution of porous YSZ surface morphology in YSZ‐MnOx system
Authors: Li Na , Asadikiya Mohammad , Zhong Yu , Singh Prabhakar 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA unique porous YSZ surface morphology is observed and reported, for the first time, during the sintering of YSZ‐MnO2 composite. The porous YSZ morphology largely depends on YSZ/MnO2 ratio and sintering temperature, time, and atmosphere. The structural evolution is hypothesized to be due to the presence of Mn especially related to Mn diffusion, dissolution, precipitation, and evaporation. A series of experiments were designed and conducted to investigate the porous morphology formation with emphasis on performing quench experiments that showed the initiation of porous surface evolution during cooling. Computational thermodynamics has been applied to investigate the role of Mn on the surface porosity formation.
Beyond jam sandwiches and cups of tea: An exploration of primary pupils' algorithm‐evaluation strategies
Authors: Benton L. , Kalas I. , Saunders P. , Hoyles C. , Noss R. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe long‐standing debate into the potential benefit of developing mathematical thinking skills through learning to program has been reignited with the widespread introduction of programming in schools across many countries, including England where it is a statutory requirement for all pupils to be taught programming from 5 years old. Algorithm is introduced early in the English computing curriculum, yet there is limited knowledge of how young pupils view this concept. This paper explores pupils' (aged 10–11) understandings of algorithm following their engagement with 1 year of ScratchMaths, a curriculum designed to develop computational and mathematical thinking skills through learning to program. A total of 181 pupils from 6 schools undertook a set of written tasks to assess their interpretations and evaluations of different algorithms that solve the same problem, with a subset of these pupils subsequently interviewed to probe their understandings in greater depth. We discuss the different approaches identified, the evaluation criteria they used, and the aspects of the concept that pupils found intuitive or challenging, such as simplification and abstraction. The paper ends with some reflections on the implications of the research, concluding with a set of recommendations for pedagogy in developing primary pupils' algorithmic thinking.
A randomized waitlist‐controlled trial of cognitive behavior therapy to improve emotion regulation in children with autism
Authors: Weiss Jonathan A. , Thomson Kendra , Burnham Riosa Priscilla , Albaum Carly , Chan Victoria , Maughan Andrea , Tablon Paula , Black Karen 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundMental health problems are common among individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and difficulties with emotion regulation processes may underlie these issues. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is considered an efficacious treatment for anxiety in children with ASD. Additional research is needed to examine the efficacy of a transdiagnostic treatment approach, whereby the same treatment can be applied to multiple emotional problems, beyond solely anxiety. The purpose of the present study was to examine the efficacy of a manualized and individually delivered 10‐session, transdiagnostic CBT intervention, aimed at improving emotion regulation and mental health difficulties in children with ASD.MethodsSixty‐eight children (M age = 9.75, SD = 1.27) and their parents participated in the study, randomly allocated to either a treatment immediate (n = 35) or waitlist control condition (n = 33) (ISRCTN #67079741). Parent‐, child‐, and clinician‐reported measures of emotion regulation and mental health were administered at baseline, postintervention/postwaitlist, and at 10‐week follow‐up.ResultsChildren in the treatment immediate condition demonstrated significant improvements on measures of emotion regulation (i.e., emotionality, emotion regulation abilities with social skills) and aspects of psychopathology (i.e., a composite measure of internalizing and externalizing symptoms, adaptive behaviors) compared to those in the waitlist control condition. Treatment gains were maintained at follow‐up.ConclusionsThis study is the first transdiagnostic CBT efficacy trial for children with ASD. Additional investigations are needed to further establish its relative efficacy compared to more traditional models of CBT for children with ASD and other neurodevelopmental conditions.
Nosotros Decimos Ma’: La Lucha Contra la Soya Transgénica y La Rearticulación de la Identidad Maya en la Península de Yucatán1
Authors: Torres‐Mazuera Gabriela 
Published: April 2018

ResumenLa lucha política y legal contra la soya genéticamente modificada en la Península de Yucatán, iniciada en 2012, ha conllevado una rearticulación de la identidad maya en las comunidades afectadas por este cultivo. El objetivo de este trabajo es describir cómo surge y se define como problemática social el cultivo de la soya transgénica y explicar por qué la lucha de un grupo de apicultores mayas contra este tipo de cultivo se convirtió en una lucha legal por los derechos indígenas de las comunidades mayas. A partir de investigación etnográfica, me propongo analizar los encuadres “cientificistas” y jurídicos del conflicto que hacen autoridades del gobierno, así como la resistencia de diversos actores para quienes la discusión sobre la soya transgénica trasciende los riesgos a la salud humana y supone, sobre todo, un debate en torno al tipo de desarrollo agropecuario más adecuado para las comunidades mayas. [México, pueblos indígenas, agroindustria, movimientos sociales, derechos humanas, Maya, OGM]
Comparative PCR analyses for the detection of the Cape St. Paul wilt disease phytoplasma in coconut palms in Ghana
Authors: Obeng‐Darko Sylvester A. , Quaicoe Robert N , Yankey Egya N. , Twumasi Peter 
Published: April 2018

AbstractCape St. Paul Wilt Disease (CSPWD), the Ghanaian form of the lethal yellowing‐type diseases associated with phytoplasmas, is yet the major factor affecting the coconut industry in Ghana since 1932. Recently, a PCR assay based on a non‐ribosomal gene sequence was developed for the detection of the CSPWD phytoplasma in the West Region. Our study aimed at comparing the performance of the non‐ribosomal PCR to existing ribosomal PCRs and determine the best assay to use for the detection of the CSPWD phytoplasma within the three major coconut‐growing regions: Central, Western and Volta and in palms at different ages and disease stages. To determine the most affected region, 163 CSPWD‐affected coconut palms from 32 locations from the Central, Western and Volta Regions were randomly sampled. The analysis of the presence of the CSPWD phytoplasma in coconut palms of different ages showed that palms within the age brackets (1–10), (11–20) and (61–70) years were the most affected by CSPWD. The disease was most widespread in the Central, followed by the Western, then the Volta Region. A Euclidean similarity analysis of the infection rate across palm ages revealed three distinct clusters at a linkage distance of 6.5. The PCR assay based on the secA gene sequence yielded the highest number of coconut palms positive for the CSPWD phytoplasma compared to PCR assays targeting phytoplasma ribosomal genes. These results report an update on the detection of the CSPWD phytoplasma in the CSPWD‐affected coconut regions and across coconut palms representing different ages and disease stages and provide valuable information to support the CSPWD management in Ghana.