bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trait correlation network analysis identifies biomass allocation traits and stem specific length as hub traits in herbaceous perennial plants
Authors: Kleyer Michael , Trinogga Juliane , Cebrián‐Piqueras Miguel A. , Trenkamp Anastasia , Fløjgaard Camilla , Ejrnæs Rasmus , Bouma Tjeerd J. , Minden Vanessa , Maier Martin , Mantilla‐Contreras Jasmin , Albach Dirk C. , Blasius Bernd 
Published: August 2018

Abstract

Correlations among plant traits often reflect important trade‐offs or allometric relationships in biological functions like carbon gain, support, water uptake, and reproduction that are associated with different plant organs. Whether trait correlations can be aggregated to “spectra” or “leading dimensions,” whether these dimensions are consistent across plant organs, spatial scale, and growth forms are still open questions.

To illustrate the current state of knowledge, we constructed a network of published trait correlations associated with the “leaf economics spectrum,” “biomass allocation dimension,” “seed dimension,” and carbon and nitrogen concentrations. This literature‐based network was compared to a network based on a dataset of 23 traits from 2,530 individuals of 126 plant species from 381 plots in Northwest Europe.

The observed network comprised more significant correlations than the literature‐based network. Network centrality measures showed that size traits such as the mass of leaf, stem, below‐ground, and reproductive tissues and plant height were the most central traits in the network, confirming the importance of allometric relationships in herbaceous plants. Stem mass and stem‐specific length were “hub” traits correlated with most traits. Environmental selection of hub traits may affect the whole phenotype. In contrast to the literature‐based network, SLA and leaf N were of minor importance. Based on cluster analysis and subsequent PCAs of the resulting trait clusters, we found a “size” module, a “seed” module, two modules representing C and N concentrations in plant organs, and a “partitioning” module representing organ mass fractions. A module representing the plant economics spectrum did not emerge.

Synthesis. Although we found support for several trait dimensions, the observed trait network deviated significantly from current knowledge, suggesting that previous studies have overlooked trait coordination at the whole‐plant level. Furthermore, network analysis suggests that stem traits have a stronger regulatory role in herbaceous plants than leaf traits.
Altruism, solidarity and affect in live kidney donation and breastmilk sharing
Authors: Shaw Rhonda M. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractSocial scientists have recently diverged from mainstream bioethical discussion on the topic of the medical use of human biological materials for therapeutic, reproductive and research purposes. Rather than justifying the donation and provision of biological materials solely in terms of alleviating physical, psychological and social suffering, saving or enhancing life, and advancing biomedical knowledge, this work looks beyond humanist bioethics to take a social justice approach to questions of the life sciences. In this article, I draw insight from these accounts to propose an approach to the sociology of live kidney and breastmilk donation that is situated at the interface of the new sociology of morality and affect studies. To do so, I examine the moral economy of tissue provision with respect to its organisation around the discourse of altruism and the gift. I then turn to recent work on tissue economies, which are in the business of creating and producing biovalue, to discuss the manipulation of affect and the entanglement of new forms of bio‐intimacy in the production and reproduction of somatic life. The aim of the article was to contribute to the study of the sociology of donation as a substantive field of specialisation within sociology.
Child Maltreatment, Delayed Reward Discounting, and Alcohol and Other Drug Use Problems: The Moderating Role of Heart Rate Variability
Authors: Oshri Assaf , Liu Sihong , Duprey Erinn Bernstein , MacKillop James 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundChild maltreatment (CM) is robustly associated with youth risk for addictive behaviors, and recent findings suggest that this may be mediated through impulsive discounting of future rewards. However, research indicates that youth self‐regulation (emotional and cognitive), particularly in peer contexts, is critical to consider in the study of decision making. This study aimed to examine the indirect link between CM and alcohol and other drug use problems, through delayed reward discounting (DRD), among a community sample of emerging adults. Further, this investigation aimed to examine whether this indirect link was moderated by heart rate variability (HRV), a physiological proxy for regulation of stress reactivity.MethodsA sample of emerging adults (N = 225; Mage = 21.56; SDage = 2.24; 52.9% female) was assessed at 2 time points, with 1 year between assessments. The sample was comprised of rural emerging adults from lower socioeconomic backgrounds. DRD was examined using a monetary choice task, and HRV reactivity was derived during a social stress task.ResultsIncreased CM experiences were significantly linked to riskier DRD. HRV reactivity amplified the indirect effect between CM and alcohol use problems via riskier DRD.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that the connection between CM and alcohol use problems via impulsive decision making is modulated by acute stress response reactivity, as indexed by HRV.
Indexing the ‘dark side of addiction’: substance‐induced affective symptoms and alcohol use disorders
Authors: Ehlers Cindy L. , Gilder David A. , Gizer Ian R. , Wilhelmsen Kirk C. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractBackground and aimsThe emergence of negative affective symptoms during the course of alcohol use disorders (AUDs) (e.g. ‘dark side’ symptoms) has been suggested theoretically; however, the description of their occurrence is limited. This study operationalized two negative affect symptoms and tested the strength of association between these phenotypes and (1) indicators of the clinical course of the severity of AUD, (2) comorbid Axis I psychiatric disorders, suicidal behaviors and trait neuroticism and (3) whether participants reported drinking to relieve the negative affective symptoms.DesignA retrospective cross‐sectional study was used to evaluate associations, using logistic regression, between the two negative affective symptoms and clinical measures of AUD severity and progression as well as comorbidity with other psychiatric disorders and conditions, adjusted for demographic characteristics.SettingUS community‐based studies.ParticipantsA total of 2568 individuals with AUDs obtained from larger population studies that targeted individuals of European American (n = 1663), Mexican American and American Indian (n = 905) ancestry.MeasurementsSemi‐Structured Assessment for the Genetics of Alcoholism was used to ascertain the two ‘dark side’ phenotypes, clinical diagnoses, the clinical course of AUD and associated symptoms. The two phenotypes were: (1) being anxious or depressed when trying to cut down or stop drinking and (2) experiencing disabling depression for more than 24 hours while drinking.FindingsBoth phenotypes were found to be rare in mild and moderate use disorder and highly prevalent in severe AUDs. Having an independent anxiety or affective disorder and elevated scores on trait neuroticism were also associated significantly with the occurrence of both symptoms, as was alcohol ‘craving’, elevated treatment‐seeking, suicidal behaviors and drinking to relieve the symptoms.ConclusionsAffective symptoms are common in severe alcohol use disorders are associated with a history of independent affective/anxiety disorders, neuroticism and suicidal behaviors; and may promote further heavy drinking.
Location of long‐term communal burrows of a threatened arid‐zone lizard in relation to soil and vegetation
Authors: Ridley Jenna C. H. , Schlesinger Christine A. , Bull C. Michael 
Published: August 2018

AbstractThe great desert skink (Liopholis kintorei) of the Egerniinae subfamily (Reptilia: Scincidae) is a communal burrowing lizard that inhabits arid spinifex grasslands in central Australia. Great desert skink activity is centred in and around the burrows which are inhabited for many years. However, it is not known whether skinks select burrow sites with specific attributes or how continuing occupancy of burrows is influenced by the surrounding habitat; especially post‐fire, when plant cover is reduced. Here, we test whether great desert skink burrows in areas burnt 2 years previously and in longer unburnt areas are associated with particular habitat attributes, and whether there are differences between occupied and recently abandoned burrow sites. Vegetation composition, cover and soil surface characteristics at 56 established great desert skink burrows, including occupied and recently unoccupied burrows, were compared with 56 random nearby non‐burrow control sites. Burrow sites had higher plant cover compared with the surrounding landscape in both recently burnt and longer unburnt areas and were more likely to be associated with the presence of shrubs. Soil stability and infiltration were also higher at burrow sites. However, we found no evidence that burrows with lower cover were more likely to be abandoned. Our results suggest that great desert skinks may actively select high cover areas for burrow construction, although differences between burrow and control sites may also partly reflect local changes to plant cover and composition and soil properties resulting from burrow construction and long‐term habitation of a site. Further research should determine if burrows with shrubs or higher plant cover provide greater protection from predators, more structural stability for burrow construction, increased prey abundance or other benefits. We recommend that maintenance of areas with relatively higher plant cover be prioritized when managing great desert skink habitat.
Anal squamous cell carcinoma: are we improving outcomes?
Authors: Mackowski Alicia , Levitt Michael , Makin Gregory , Salama Paul , Tan Patrick , Penter Cheryl , Platell Cameron 
Published: August 2018

BackgroundAnal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a rare malignancy. The purpose of this study was to review a single institution's experience.MethodsAll patients with anal SCC from St John of God Subiaco Hospital database were identified over a 10‐year period (2006–2016). Patients with stage 1 anal verge tumours underwent wide local excision, all remaining patients were offered chemoradiation (CRT) as an initial treatment modality (a fluorouracil‐based regimen in conjunction with mitomycin). Outcomes included recurrence, overall survival and survival following salvage surgery.ResultsForty‐seven patients were identified. Median age was 60 years and median follow‐up was 2.73 years. Five‐year rates of recurrence and overall survival were 35.8% (95% confidence interval (CI) 23.2–52.4%) and 65.4% (95% CI 47.0–78.7%), respectively. Locoregional failure occurred most commonly at the primary site. Eight patients underwent salvage abdominoperineal resection for persistent or recurrent disease, and four of these patients died within 5 years.ConclusionCRT is a proven and reasonable effective approach in managing anal cancer. Observed recurrence and overall survival rates in this study resemble the published data. Despite newer methods of treatment being investigated, the treatment for anal SCC has not significantly changed in the past four decades and novel approaches are needed to further improve outcomes.
Repeatability of the macular pigment spatial profile: A comparison of objective versus subjective classification
Authors: Ctori Irene , Mahroo Omar A. , Williams Katie M. , Hammond Christopher J. , Huntjens Byki 
Published: August 2018

AbstractPurposeClassification of macular pigment (MP) spatial profile phenotypes varies and is often based on subjective visualisation. We investigated repeatability of MP optical density (MPOD) comparing an objective versus subjective profiling system.MethodsThe coefficient of repeatability (CoR) was calculated for point MPOD values (0–3.8°) obtained by dual‐wavelength fundus autofluorescence (FAF) from two scans obtained in a single visit of 40 healthy individuals (39 ± 9 years). For each individual's dataset, the MP profile was classified as exponential, ring‐like or central dip using an objective method (based on deviations away from an exponential fit), as well as by subjective visual profiling. Existing FAF images of 88 monozygotic (MZ) and 69 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs were reanalysed using the objective profiling method and concordance and heritability of ring‐like profiles determined.ResultsThe CoR was 0.23 at 0° and 0.06 at 0.8°. Agreement of objective profiling between scans was excellent (κ = 0.85, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.00; p < 0.0005). Subjective profiling showed moderate agreement between scans (κ = 0.48, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.73; p < 0.0005). Agreement between objective and subjective classification was low (κ = 0.23, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.42; p = 0.02). Concordance for the ring‐like profile using objective profiling was 0.74 for MZ compared to 0.36 for DZ twins. Heritability was calculated as 81.5% (95% confidence interval 61.1–93.1%).ConclusionCompared to visual assessment, objective MP profiling is a more reliable method and should be considered in future observational and interventional studies. In addition, MP profile phenotypes showed high heritability.
Nurses’ experiences of screening for communication difficulties at 18 months of age
Authors: Fäldt A , Nordlund H , Holmqvist U , Lucas S , Fabian H 
Published: August 2018

AbstractAimEarly identification of communication disorders is important and may be possible through screening in the child health services. The aim of the study was to investigate nurses’ experiences and sense of competence when using the Infant‐Toddler Checklist (ITC) communication screening at the 18‐month health visit.MethodsA mixed‐methods design including three focus group interviews (n = 14) and a web‐based survey (n = 22) among nurses using the ITC or the standard method. Interview data were analysed through systematic text condensation and a deductive analysis based on implementation theory. Groups were compared using Mann–Whitney tests.ResultThree themes emerged: Using a structured evaluation of communication changes, the dynamic, ITC is a beneficial tool and Implementation of the ITC faces a few challenges. Nurses who used the ITC perceived to a greater extent that they used a structured method (p = 0.003, r = 0.9) and felt more secure in describing the child's communication and language development to parents (p = 0.006, r = 0.83) compared to the standard method group.ConclusionUsing the ITC supported the nurses in their assessment of communication at 18 months. Nurses’ sense of competence was higher when using the ITC, both in their assessment and in communicating with parents.
Harbouring group B streptococci in a neonatal intensive care unit led to an outbreak among preterm infants
Authors: Åberg Emma , Ottosson Ann , Granlund Margareta , Saeedi Baharak , Stamm Christina , Brune Thomas , Tammelin Ann , Johansson Stefan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractWe report a nosocomial outbreak with group B streptococci (GBS) in a level two neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at Sachs’ Children and Youth Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden, in 2014. There were five very preterm infants with severe late‐onset septicaemia, and 10 further infants were colonised. Pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis and multilocus sequence typing genetic characterisation showed that one GBS strain was the cause: serotype Ia, sequence type 23, clonal complex 23. The NICU environment cultures revealed GBS reservoirs on surfaces near sick and colonised patients. We identified workflows and guidelines that could increase the risks of nosocomial infections. Conclusion: This nosocomial GBS outbreak among preterm infants demonstrates that GBS can be harboured in the NICU environment.
Transplanting turfs to facilitate recovery in a low‐alpine environment—What matters?
Authors: Mehlhoop Anne C. , Evju Marianne , Hagen Dagmar 
Published: August 2018

AbstractQuestionsRestoration of disturbed alpine ecosystems is difficult due to harsh environmental conditions. Transplanting of vegetation turfs into disturbed areas has been used as a restoration method in disturbed alpine sites. The aim of this study is to investigate which environmental factors influence the vegetation recovery in turf surroundings and how turf attributes contribute to vegetation recovery.LocationRestored roads in a former military training area, Dovrefjell mountain range, central Norway.MethodsWe recorded species richness, vegetation cover and soil characteristics of transplanted turfs and turf surroundings in roads restored between 3 and 14 years ago. Linear and generalized linear mixed models were used to investigate the relative importance of turf attributes and soil factors for recovery of turf surroundings.ResultsTime was the most important factor for vegetation recovery, but soil conditions in turf surroundings were also highly important. Species richness and vegetation cover in turf surroundings were almost twice as high on silt‐dominated soil and with presence of soil organic matter compared to on coarser soils and without organic matter. Species richness in turfs and turf surroundings was almost equal after 14 years, and the similarity of the species composition was high. Neither turf size, distance to the second closest turf or species richness and vegetation cover of the turfs were important factors for vegetation recovery in the turf surroundings.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the importance of preparing the restoration sites before using turf transplants in road and infrastructure restoration. Of particular importance is ensuring soil organic content and a fine soil grain size to increase rates of vegetation recovery in short time scales. Time is the most important factor for recovery in this ecosystem, and this should be communicated to project owners and to the public to ensure realistic expectations on recovery time.
Animals and humans in the European Russian Arctic towards the end of the last Ice Age and during the mid‐Holocene time
Authors: Hufthammer Anne Karin , Svendsen John Inge , Pavlov Pavel 
Published: August 2018

Here, we present and discuss results from geo‐archaeological and palaeo‐zoological investigations at the Palaeolithic site Pymva Shor, in the Russian Arctic. As many as 3324 vertebrate fauna remains were recovered during two excavations. This includes bones of mammals, birds and fish. Radiocarbon dates were obtained from 26 specimens. The results show ages in the range 30–3 cal. ka BP. Hare and reindeer are the best represented amongst the identified mammalian species, whilst ptarmigan and various wader species dominate the avian bones. The Pleistocene assemblage includes herbivorous herd animals such as horse, bison and musk ox. These species are typical of the treeless tundra‐steppe landscape that existed during the Lateglacial. Of particular interest is a cave lion specimen that has been radiocarbon dated to approximately 15.5 cal. ka BP. According to our knowledge, this is one of the latest dated examples of this species in Eurasia. The faunal composition in the Holocene assemblage is strikingly different and includes distinct forest taxa such as beaver and pine marten. The avifauna also supports a forested environment with the presence of black grouse. A few stone artefacts were found within the strata, and have been radiocarbon dated to 16–15 cal. ka BP, suggesting that there were humans in the Pymva Shore area at that time. We identified impact notches and cut marks on some radiocarbon‐dated reindeer and bison bones, showing that humans were present twice during the Younger Dryas period. A fourth occupation phase is identified during the mid‐Holocene (6–5 cal. ka BP). We also investigated river terraces and obtained a series of luminescence dates. These have been used to reconstruct the geological history and the relationship to the find‐bearing strata.
Periodontitis and multiple markers of cardiometabolic risk in the fourth decade: A cohort study
Authors: Shearer Dara M. , Thomson W. Murray , Cameron Claire M. , Ramrakha Sandhya , Wilson Graham , Wong Tien Yin , Williams Michael J. A. , McLean Rachael , Theodore Reremoana , Poulton Richie 
Published: August 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo examine associations between periodontitis at ages 32 and 38 and a range of early cardiometabolic risk biomarkers at age 38.MethodsPeriodontal probing depth and bleeding on probing data collected during the age‐32 and age‐38 assessments in the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study were used to quantify periodontal inflammatory load. Retinal microvascular abnormalities, endothelial dysfunction, and metabolic syndrome data were collected during the age‐38 assessment. Regression models were used to examine associations between these cardiometabolic risk markers and (1) the inflammatory load at age 38 and (2) the change in inflammatory load between ages 32 and 38.ResultsPeriodontal inflammatory load was recorded for 890 Study members at age 32, 891 at age 38, and 856 at both ages. Retinal vessel data were available for 922, endothelial dysfunction data for 909 and metabolic syndrome data for 905 at age 38. Neither the inflammatory load of periodontitis at 38 nor the changes in inflammatory load 32‐38 were found to be associated with any of the three cardiometabolic risk markers.ConclusionsPeriodontitis was not associated with markers of cardiometabolic risk at this relatively early stage in the life course. It is possible that any influence of periodontitis on cardiometabolic health develops later in life, or periodontitis is not involved in the putative causal chain comprising systemic inflammation, cardiometabolic risk markers, and subsequent cardiovascular risk.
IL‐33 signalling contributes to pollutant‐induced allergic airway inflammation
Authors: De Grove Katrien C. , Provoost Sharen , Braun Harald , Blomme Evy E. , Teufelberger Andrea R. , Krysko Olga , Beyaert Rudi , Brusselle Guy G. , Joos Guy F. , Maes Tania 
Published: August 2018

SummaryBackgroundClinical and experimental studies have identified a crucial role for IL‐33 and its receptor ST2 in allergic asthma. Inhalation of traffic‐related pollutants, such as diesel exhaust particles (DEP), facilitates the development of asthma and can cause exacerbations of asthma. However, it is unknown whether IL‐33/ST2 signalling contributes to the enhancing effects of air pollutants on allergic airway responses.ObjectiveWe aim to investigate the functional role of IL‐33/ST2 signalling in DEP‐enhanced allergic airway responses, using an established murine model.MethodsC57BL/6J mice were exposed to saline, DEP alone, house dust mite (HDM) alone or combined DEP+HDM. To inhibit IL‐33 signalling, recombinant soluble ST2 (r‐sST2) was given prophylactically (ie, during the whole experimental protocol) or therapeutically (ie, at the end of the experimental protocol). Airway hyperresponsiveness and the airway inflammatory responses were assessed in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung.ResultsCombined exposure to DEP+HDM increased IL‐33 and ST2 expression in lung, elevated inflammatory responses and bronchial hyperresponsiveness compared to saline, sole DEP or sole HDM exposure. Prophylactic interference with the IL‐33/ST2 signalling pathway impaired the DEP‐enhanced allergic airway inflammation in the BALF, whereas effects on lung inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness were minimal. Treatment with r‐sST2 at the end of the experimental protocol did not modulate the DEP‐enhanced allergic airway responses.ConclusionOur data suggest that the IL‐33/ST2 pathway contributes to the onset of DEP‐enhanced allergic airway inflammation.