bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The relative importance of plant intraspecific diversity in structuring arthropod communities: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Koricheva Julia , Hayes Dexter 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

Understanding how plant diversity influences higher trophic levels is important for predicting the consequences of global biodiversity loss. While early studies have focused on the effects of plant species richness, more recently a growing number of experiments have explored the effects of plant intraspecific diversity by manipulating the genotypic richness of plant communities.

By combining 162 estimates of effect size from 60 experimental studies, we examined the effects of plant genotypic richness on arthropods, one of the most diverse and abundant taxa which play a crucial role in many ecosystem processes and services. We have also compared the effects of plant genetic and species diversity on arthropods when both were manipulated within the same study.

Species richness and abundance of most trophic groups of arthropods were higher in genetically diverse plant stands. Interestingly, the effects of plant genetic diversity on natural enemies of herbivores were stronger than the effects of plant genetic diversity on herbivores, suggesting that plant genetic diversity effects on predators might be driven by mechanisms independent of herbivores.

Herbivore and predator abundance increased with plant genetic diversity in studies using wild plants whereas predator abundance was unaffected and herbivore abundance was reduced by crop genetic diversity. Damage by generalist herbivores was reduced by plant genetic diversity whereas damage by specialist herbivores was not affected.

When the effects of plant genetic and species diversity on arthropods were compared within the same study, the magnitude of plant genetic diversity effects was comparable to that of plant species diversity.

Our results suggest that plant genetic diversity has significant effects on the diversity of arthropods across several trophic levels, thus highlighting the importance of maintaining high levels of both plant species and genetic diversity for arthropod conservation. However, the potential of using crop genetic mixtures in agriculture for pest control appears to be limited as even though herbivore abundance was reduced in genetically diverse plots, herbivore damage and predator abundance were not affected by crop genotypic richness.

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Atmospheric nitrogen deposition in terrestrial ecosystems: Its impact on plant communities and consequences across trophic levels
Authors: Stevens Carly J. , David Thomas I. , Storkey Jonathan 
Published: February 2018

Abstract

The global nitrogen cycle has been greatly perturbed by human activities resulting in elevated nitrogen deposition in many parts of the world. The threat nitrogen deposition poses to ecosystem function and biodiversity is increasingly recognised.

In terrestrial systems, impacts on the plant community are mainly through eutrophication and soil acidification. Interactions with secondary environmental drivers such as extreme weather and disease are also key mechanisms.

Impacts on consumers can be caused by changes in the quality or quantity of food as a result of changes in food plant chemistry or species composition, changes in vegetation structure leading to a change in the availability of prey species, nesting sites or cooled microclimates or changes in the phenology of plants leading to causing phenological asynchrony.

Primary consumers have received considerably less research attention than plants but negative impacts have been observed for both folivorous insects and pollinators. Mammal herbivores have received little research attention.

New analysis of changes in plant traits along a gradient of nitrogen deposition in the UK shows that plants pollinated by large bees were negatively associated with N deposition whilst low pH was associated with lower nectar production, reduced occurrence of plants pollinated by long‐tongued insects and a reduction in plants with larger floral units.

Very few studies have investigated the effects on secondary consumers, but those that have suggest that there are likely to be negative impacts.

This review identifies considerable knowledge gaps in the impacts of N deposition on higher tropic levels and highlights that for many groups, knowledge of N deposition impacts is patchy at best. Evidence that has been collected suggests that there are likely to be impacts on primary and secondary consumers making this a priority area for investigation.
Drug‐resistant epilepsy and topiramate: Plasma concentration and frequency of epileptic seizures
Authors: Marques Fabiana Angelo , Albuquerque Nayara Cristina Perez de , Campos Marília Silveira de Almeida , Freitas‐Lima Priscila , Baldoni André Oliveira , Alexandre Júnior Veriano , Sakamoto Américo Ceiki , Oliveira Anderson Rodrigo Moraes de , Pereira Leonardo Régis Leira 
Published: February 2018

SummaryTopiramate (TPM) is a second‐generation antiepileptic drug (AED), acting on drug‐resistant epilepsy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of the dose, use of other AEDs on TPM plasma concentration (Cp), and frequency of epileptic seizures. A cross‐sectional analytical study was developed with patients aged 18‐60 years, for diagnosis of drug‐resistant epilepsy, using TPM in monotherapy or associated with other AEDs. The following variables were analyzed: age, frequency of epileptic seizures, pharmacotherapeutic regimen with its respective doses, adherence to medication treatment, and adverse events score. Thirty‐seven patients were included, 83.8% of the patients presented Cp below the therapeutic range. Multiple linear regression estimated that the increase of 1.0 mg/kg/d promoted an increase of 0.68 μg/mL in TPMCp, while the use of inducers predicted a reduction of 2.97 μg/mL (P < .001). Multiple Poisson regression predicts that an increase of 1.0 μg/mL in TPMCp decreased the patient's chance of presenting seizures, and patients using AED inducers were about ten times more likely to present seizures than those who do not use (P < .001). In addition, for patients using AED inducers with Cp below the therapeutic range, the mean number of seizures per month was greater than those with Cp within the therapeutic range. The prescribed dose and the use of AED inducers influence Cp of TPM, likewise the low Cp of first‐line AEDs and of the adjuvant in the treatment, TPM, as well as low TPM dose seem to affect the control of epileptic seizures.
Beverage intake of Australian children and relationship with intake of fruit, vegetables, milk and body weight at 2, 3.7 and 5 years of age
Authors: Byrne Rebecca , Zhou Yi , Perry Rebecca , Mauch Chelsea , Magarey Anthea 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimDescribe the type and amount of beverages consumed by Australian children at age 2, 3.7 and 5; investigate the longitudinal relationship between intake of sweet beverages with fruits and vegetables or milk/alternatives, and body mass index (BMI) z‐score.MethodsMothers in the NOURISH trial completed a single 24‐hour recall of their child's intake, at age 2 (n = 515), 3.7 (n = 426) and 5 (n = 405). Anthropometry was measured by study staff. At each time point, proportion of children consuming at least one beverage on 24‐hour recall from the following groups was determined; essential—cow's milk/alternatives, breast milk; non‐essential—formula, sweet beverages. For consumers, intake (grams) of each beverage and proportion total estimated energy intake was calculated. The longitudinal relationship between intake of sweet beverages, and fruit and vegetable intake (g/kg body weight), with BMI z‐score at 2, 3.7 and 5 years was examined using structural equation modelling. A second model investigated relationship with intake of milk/alternatives.ResultsSweet beverages were consumed by 38, 55 and 47% of children at each time point. Intake of sweet beverages strongly correlated between two and five years; however, intake was not associated with BMIz and did not appear to displace fruit and vegetable intake. Intake of cow's milk declined over time and was negatively associated with intake of sweet beverages at two and five years.ConclusionsTracking of intake over time supports the notion that children's early experience of sweet tastes is a strong predictor of future intake. Limiting exposure to sweet beverages in early childhood remains an important strategy in the development of healthy food preferences and promotion of dietary quality.
Consumer obfuscation by a multiproduct firm
Authors: Petrikaitė Vaiva 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis article shows that a multiproduct firm has incentives to obfuscate its products by using search costs to induce consumers to search through its products in a particular order. The consumers who draw high valuations of the first product terminate their search earlier than the consumers who draw low valuations. Thus, the firm has incentives to raise the price of the earlier searched product. The optimal search cost for an obfuscated product is such that consumers inspect the product only if the match values of the previously searched goods have been very poor.
When an Executive Departs: An Informational Content Story
Authors: Nam Seunghan , Ronen Joshua , Ronen Tavy 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTInformation about an executive's decisions at his/her former employer can have a significant impact on the stock returns of his/her current employer, even after the job change occurs. In this article, we analyze transfers of information, which, we argue, reflect executive decision‐making ability as executives change jobs. We examine information about restructurings and write‐downs at the new employer emerging after the executive has left an employer that indicates the executive is of lower ability than investors had expected at the time of the hiring. Our results show that such signals are associated with significant negative returns to the current employer's shares, particularly for within‐industry job changes. We distinguish between restructurings at firms with and without departing executives and find that following an executive's departure, firms that had executives depart experience negative market reactions.
On Commitment Toward Knowledge Templates in Global Standard Setting: The Case of the FASB‐IASB Revenue Project
Authors: Baudot Lisa 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTThis article explores commitment to knowledge templates, in this case competing measurement models, in global standard‐setting processes. In particular, I examine the positions of board members of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) on a proposal to use fair value accounting in the measurement of revenue. The proposal to measure revenue at fair value was deliberated between 2002 and 2008 as part of the joint revenue project of the FASB and the IASB. I analyze narratives of the board proceedings on the revenue project, which reveal the positions of board members over the life of the proposal. To make sense of these positions, I use Durocher and Gendron's (2014) framework on epistemic commitment, which speaks to one's allegiance to knowledge templates. The analysis shows that individual board member commitment to different knowledge templates is fairly static despite dynamic and contentious debate on this particular proposal. While stable, board member reactions to the proposed shift toward fair value fall into recognizable patterns showing how commitment to different templates entails prioritizing of different core principles and appeals to higher authorities. Finally, the analysis shows how commitment to knowledge templates varies depending on the professional affiliations of board members. For instance, the analysis shows relatively greater consistency of commitment between board members affiliated with academia and corporate preparers than between auditors. Overall, the study indicates the importance of micro‐level features in explaining the development of macro‐level accounting policy. These features are crucial to enhancing our broader understanding of the way in which accounting standards and rules ultimately develop.
A splice site variant in the SUV39H2 gene in Greyhounds with nasal parakeratosis
Authors: Bauer A. , Nimmo J. , Newman R. , Brunner M. , Welle M. M. , Jagannathan V. , Leeb T. 
Published: February 2018

SummaryHereditary nasal parakeratosis (HNPK), described in the Labrador Retriever breed, is a monogenic autosomal recessive disorder that causes crusts and fissures on the nasal planum of otherwise healthy dogs. Our group previously showed that this genodermatosis may be caused by a missense variant located in the SUV39H2 gene encoding a histone 3 lysine 9 methyltransferase, a chromatin modifying enzyme with a potential role in keratinocyte differentiation. In the present study, we investigated a litter of Greyhounds in which six out of eight puppies were affected with parakeratotic lesions restricted to the nasal planum. Clinically and histologically, the lesions were comparable to HNPK in Labrador Retrievers. Whole genome sequencing of one affected Greyhound revealed a 4‐bp deletion at the 5′‐end of intron 4 of the SUV39H2 gene that was absent in 188 control dog and three wolf genomes. The variant was predicted to disrupt the 5′‐splice site with subsequent loss of SUV39H2 function. The six affected puppies were homozygous for the variant, whereas the two non‐affected littermates were heterozygous. Genotyping of a larger cohort of Greyhounds revealed that the variant is segregating in the breed and that this breed might benefit from genetic testing to avoid carrier × carrier matings.
Variability of perioperative mortality of hepatic resection in Australia
Authors: Stevens Claire L. , Babidge Wendy J. , Maddern Guy J. 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundHepatic resection is a relatively young and complex specialized procedure. A strong relationship between volume and perioperative mortality has been reported internationally. However, there has been no multicentre study into hepatic resection in Australia. This retrospective, population‐based cohort study was conducted to determine national, state and territory based volume and perioperative mortality rates (POMRs).MethodsAustralian Institute of Health and Welfare data was interrogated for the Australian Classification of Health Intervention codes for hepatic resection defined as extended hemi‐hepatectomy (30421), hemi‐hepatectomy (30418), segmental hepatic resection (30415) and sub‐segmental hepatic resection (30414). Logistic regression analysis was performed using the de‐identified data to investigate trends and differences between states/territories. Mortality rates were risk adjusted for age, gender and public or private admission. The data set included patients who underwent hepatic resection in the financial years 2005/2006 to 2012/2013.ResultsThe overall POMR for all types of hepatic resection was 1.6% (201/12 562). There was no significant change in POMR over time. However, there was significant variation between the states and territories with two states having significantly higher POMR for major hepatic resections (regional range: 1.3–3.8%). POMRs increased with age with the highest mortality seen in the 75–79 year age group. The POMR was lower in private than in public hospitals.ConclusionThe results of this study confirm that the overall Australian POMR for major hepatic resection is similar to results reported internationally. National and state/territory POMR has not varied significantly over time. The significant variation between states/territories warrants further investigation.
Usefulness of Rapiplug in nipple reconstruction to improve nipple projection
Authors: Lee Joon Seok , Kwon Joon Hyun , Lee Jeong Woo , Choi Kang Young , Chung Ho Yun , Cho Byung Chae , Yang Jung Dug 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe final stage of breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer is nipple reconstruction. However, a consistent and reliable method resulting in the most ideal aesthetic results has yet to be clarified. This study analysed the long‐term outcomes of nipple reconstruction using Rapiplug.MethodsForty‐one patients who underwent immediate breast reconstruction after mastectomy between January 2014 and February 2017 were enrolled. Nipple reconstruction was performed with C‐V flap and Hammond flap, and hat‐shaped Rapiplug was implanted at the flap core. Nipple projection and width were measured and nipple reduction rates were calculated immediately after and at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Patient satisfaction was surveyed at the 12‐month follow‐up and compared with patient characteristics and other variables.ResultsForty‐one nipple reconstructions were performed in 41 patients. Most post‐operative adverse events were resolved with conservative management, and revision was performed in only one case. The mean nipple projections were 8.9 ± 1.8, 7 ± 1.8, 5.6 ± 1.6 and 4.9 ± 1.6 mm immediately, and 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, respectively, and the mean reduction rate of nipple size with reference to the size immediately after surgery was 22.2%, 37.2% and 44.7% at 3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, respectively. Patient satisfaction was 82.9% in overall outcome, and 85.3% of projection was good or excellent.ConclusionRapiplug can improve the long‐term preservation of nipple projection after nipple reconstruction and is considered to be consistent and reliable with good aesthetic outcomes and no severe complications.
Implementing and Assessing a Standardized Protocol for Weaning Children Successfully From Extracorporeal Life Support
Authors: Kubicki Rouven , Höhn René , Grohmann Jochen , Fleck Thilo , Reineker Katja , Kroll Johannes , Siepe Matthias , Benk Christoph , Klemm Rolf , Humburger Frank , Stiller Brigitte 
Published: February 2018

AbstractExtracorporeal life support (ECLS) weaning is a complex interdisciplinary process with no clear guidelines. To assess ventricular and pulmonary function as well as hemodynamics including end‐organ recovery during ECLS weaning, we developed a standardized weaning protocol. We reviewed our experience 2 years later to assess its feasibility and efficacy. In 2015 we established an inter‐professional, standardized, stepwise protocol for weaning from ECLS. If the patient did not require further surgery, weaning was conducted bedside in the intensive care unit (ICU). Most of the weaning procedures are guided via echocardiography. Data acquisition began at baseline level, followed by four‐step course (each step lasting 10 min), entailing flow‐reduction and ending 30 min after decannulation. Moreover, data from the preprotocol era are presented. Between May 2015 and 2017, 26 consecutive patients (18 male), median age 177 days (2 days–20 years) required ECLS with median support of 4 (2–11) days. Excluding eight not weanable patients, 21 standardized weaning procedures were protocolled in the remaining 18 children. Our generally successful protocol‐guided weaning rate (with at least 24‐h survival) was 89%, with a discharge home rate of 58%. Practical application of the novel standard protocol seems to facilitate ECLS weaning and to improve its success rate. The protocol can be administered as part of standard bedside ICU assessment.
Survey highlights important discrepancies between definitions of paediatric abnormal growth taught to medical students in 23 European countries
Authors: Scherdel Pauline , Hjelm Nils , Salaün Jean‐François ,   the EBGM IV study group, Heude Barbara , Chalumeau Martin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimThis study compared the definitions of abnormal growth that are taught across Europe to explain previously reported variations in growth‐monitoring practices.MethodsWe developed two online surveys in 2016 to obtain the definitions of abnormal growth in European countries and approached the national chairs of the European Confederation of Primary Care Paediatricians in 18 countries and the International Federation of Medical Students’ Associations in 33 countries.ResultsWe obtained definitions from 10 of 18 paediatricians and 18 of 33 students, covering 23 of the 33 European countries surveyed. Abnormal faltering growth was always defined, either by a single parameter (24%) or combined parameters (76%). Four static parameters were used: standardised height (100%), standardised weight (60%), standardised body mass index (12%) and distance to target height (20%). Two dynamic parameters were used: growth deflection (28%) and growth velocity (32%). The thresholds used to define abnormal faltering growth varied slightly in some cases and widely in others. Abnormal accelerated growth appeared in 52% of the definitions, with important variations in parameters and thresholds.ConclusionThere were important between‐country discrepancies in the definitions of paediatric abnormal growth that were taught in 23 European countries. Standardisation is vital.
Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy placement in paediatric Crohn's disease patients contributes to both improved nutrition and growth
Authors: Duncan H , Painesi A , Buchanan E , McGrogan P , Gerasimidis K , Walker G , Haddock G , Russell RK 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAimThis paper describes the outcomes of gastrostomy feeding in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).MethodsPatients with CD who attended the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow and received gastrostomy feeding for at least two years between 2003 and 2010 were identified from the clinical database. The data recorded included the anthropometric data, CD phenotype, the surgical technique that was used, complications, medication, feed type, median feed, calories, volume and clinical outcomes.ResultsThe study identified 16 patients (14 male) who had a gastrostomy inserted using a pull technique at a median age of 12.6 years. Of these two required laparoscopic placement. Short‐term complications lasting less than one month were experienced by nine (56%) patients and one (6%) experienced long‐term complications. Anthropometry significantly improved at follow‐up compared to baseline: at 12 months, the body mass index z‐score was 1.11 (p = 0.005) and the weight z‐score was 0.19 (p < 0.05). At 24 months, the height z‐score was ‐1.03 (p = 0.04). The daily median volume and calories from feeds increased significantly from baseline to post‐PEG insertion, from 400 to 738 mL and 705 to 860 kcal/day (p ≤ 0.01).ConclusionGastrostomy feeding for paediatric patients with CD was associated with improved nutrition, weight gain and growth outcomes.