bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing conceptual models of early plant succession across a disturbance gradient
Authors: Chang Cynthia C. , Halpern Charles B. , Antos Joseph A. , Avolio Meghan L. , Biswas Abir , Cook James E. , del Moral Roger , Fischer Dylan G. , Holz Andrés , Pabst Robert J. , Swanson Mark E. , Zobel Donald B. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract

Studies of succession have a long history in ecology, but rigorous tests of general, unifying principles are rare. One barrier to these tests of theory is the paucity of longitudinal studies that span the broad gradients of disturbance severity that characterize large, infrequent disturbances. The cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens (Washington, USA) in 1980 produced a heterogeneous landscape of disturbance conditions, including primary to secondary successional habitats, affording a unique opportunity to explore how rates and patterns of community change relate to disturbance severity, post‐eruption site conditions and time.

In this novel synthesis, we combined data from three long‐term (c. 30‐year) studies to compare rates and patterns of community change across three ‘zones’ representing a gradient of disturbance severity: primary successional blast zone, secondary successional tree blowdown/standing snag zone and secondary successional intact forest canopy/tephra deposit zone.

Consistent with theory, rates of change in most community metrics (species composition, species richness, species gain/loss and rank abundance) decreased with time across the disturbance gradient. Surprisingly, rates of change were often greatest at intermediate‐severity disturbance and similarly low at high‐ and low‐severity disturbance. There was little evidence of compositional convergence among or within zones, counter to theory. Within zones, rates of change did not differ among ‘site types’ defined by pre‐ or post‐eruption site characteristics (disturbance history, legacy effects or substrate characteristics).

Synthesis. The hump‐shaped relationships with disturbance severity runs counter to the theory predicting that community change will be slower during primary than during secondary succession. The similarly low rates of change after high‐ and low‐severity disturbance reflect differing sets of controls: seed limitation and abiotic stress in the blast zone vs. vegetative re‐emergence and low light in the tephra zone. Sites subjected to intermediate‐severity disturbance were the most dynamic, supporting species with a greater diversity of regenerative traits and seral roles (ruderal, forest and non‐forest). Succession in this post‐eruption landscape reflects the complex, multifaceted nature of volcanic disturbance (including physical force, heating and burial) and the variety of ways in which biological systems can respond to these disturbance effects. Our results underscore the value of comparative studies of long‐term, ecological processes for testing the assumptions and predictions of successional theory.
The Effectiveness of Scoring Systems in the Prediction of Diagnosis‐Based Mortality
Authors: Karagoz Selda , Tekdos Seker Yasemin , Cukurova Zafer , Hergunsel Oya 
Published: December 2018

AbstractScoring systems are used for mortality and morbidity rating in intensive care conditions, prognosis prediction, standardization of scientific data and the monitoring of clinical quality. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the efficacy of APACHE II (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation), APACHE IV and SAPS (Simplified Acute Physiology Score) III prognostic scorings in the prediction of mortality and disease severity of patients admitted to the Anesthesia and Reanimation Clinic Intensive Care Unit (ICU) in Bakırköy Dr. Sadi Konuk Training and Research Hospital according to general and specific diagnoses. A total of 1896 patient files were included in the study. With the exception of single system or head trauma patient groups, a statistically significant difference was found in the mortality prediction rates in all other diagnosis groups (P < 0.05). The discrimination calculated with AUROC fields was sufficient in all groups, and calibration was evaluated as good except for the neurological and neurosurgical patient group. In respect of standard mortality prediction, APACHE II and IV were good in cases of sepsis, and SAPS III made almost exact predictions for cardiovascular diseases, APACHE II for neurological diseases, and APACHE IV for gastrointestinal system diseases. From the results of this study, it was seen that different scoring systems vary in predictions according to the diagnoses, therefore, it can be recommended that the diagnosis should be taken into account more when applying scoring systems.
Efficacy of inpatient psychotherapy for major depressive disorder: a meta‐analysis of controlled trials
Authors: Schefft C. , Guhn A. , Brakemeier E.‐L. , Sterzer P. , Köhler S. 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveThis meta‐analysis investigates the efficacy of inpatient psychotherapy in major depressive disorders compared to control conditions.MethodsIn total, 14 studies were entered into the meta‐analysis with a total of 1.080 patients. Primary outcome was the standardized mean differences in self‐rated depression outcomes. A priori planned subgroup analyses included the influence of different control conditions: (a) no psychiatric inpatient treatment (e.g., waitlist control), (b) treatment as usual (TAU; e.g., non‐manualized clinical management), (c) TAU determined by study design (manualized/’placebo’ control condition), as well as number of sessions and influence of self‐ vs. clinician ratings.ResultsThe meta‐analysis of 19 available comparisons resulted in a moderate pooled effect size showing a small and statistically significant benefit of the psychotherapeutic intervention over control conditions (g = 0.24, P < 0.001, I2 = 0%). This corresponds to a number needed to treat of 7.4. The effects of the interventions were stable over 12‐month follow‐up (g = 0.21, P < 0.01, I2 = 30%). Comparisons with waitlist or non‐standardized control treatments tended to be associated with larger effect sizes than standardized control treatments.ConclusionsDespite some limitations (small number of studies), this meta‐analysis provides evidence for a small but sustained effect of inpatient psychotherapy in patients with major depressive disorders.
Power Sharing: Institutions, Behavior, and Peace
Authors: Bormann Nils‐Christian , Cederman Lars‐Erik , Gates Scott , Graham Benjamin A. T. , Hug Simon , Strøm Kaare W. , Wucherpfennig Julian 
Published: December 2018

AbstractGrievances that derive from the unequal treatment of ethnic groups are a key motivation for civil war. Ethnic power sharing should therefore reduce the risk of internal conflict. Yet conflict researchers disagree on whether formal power‐sharing institutions effectively prevent large‐scale violence. We can improve our understanding of the effect of power‐sharing institutions by analyzing the mechanisms under which they operate. To this effect, we compare the direct effect of formal power‐sharing institutions on peace with their indirect effect through power‐sharing behavior. Combining data on inclusive and territorially dispersive institutions with information on power‐sharing behavior, we empirically assess this relationship on a global scale. Our causal mediation analysis reveals that formal power‐sharing institutions affect the probability of ethnic conflict onset mostly through power‐sharing behavior that these institutions induce.
Anaphylaxis to intravenous gelatin‐based solutions: a case series examining clinical features and severity
Authors: Farooque S. , Kenny M. , Marshall S. D. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryThe proportion of patients receiving intravenous gelatin‐based colloids has increased in the last decade due to safety concerns about starch‐based products. Recent research suggests hypersensitivity reactions to intravenous gelatin‐based solutions occur at similar rates per administration as non‐depolarising neuromuscular blocking agents such as rocuronium (6.2/100,000 administrations). There are scant published data on clinical features, diagnosis and time course of these reactions. We undertook a review of cases reported and tested at one of the UK's largest drug allergy clinics. All patients seen in the drug allergy clinic at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (London, UK) with a confirmed diagnosis of anaphylaxis to gelatin‐based solutions between May 2013 and May 2018 were included. We retrospectively reviewed clinical histories, skin test results and severity of reactions in this cohort of patients. Twelve patients with anaphylaxis to gelatin‐based solutions were identified (eight women, mean (SD) age 58 (17) years). Eleven reactions were severe or life‐threatening with three progressing to cardiac arrest. Presentation was commonly delayed; only three patients suffered reactions within 5 min of the solution being administered with a further six presenting 10–70 min later. Where measured, tryptase was elevated in all patients (median (IQR [range]) 14.7 (8.2–23.8 [6.5–83.4]) ng.ml−1). Reactions to gelatin‐based solutions are usually severe and can present with latency uncommon with other intravenous anaesthetic triggers. The use of gelatin‐based solutions in the peri‐operative setting should be re‐assessed given the risk of severe allergy.
Revisiting CLEC12A as leukaemic stem cell marker in AML: highlighting the necessity of precision diagnostics in patients eligible for targeted therapy
Authors: Bill Marie , Aggerholm Anni , Kjeldsen Eigil , Roug Anne S. , Hokland Peter , Nederby Line 
Published: December 2018

SummaryTargeted therapy directed against rare disease‐propagating leukaemic stem cells (LSCs) is a promising prospect for improving the outcome of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients. Thus, distinguishing LSCs from normal haematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) is essential. The CLEC12A receptor has been proposed as a specific marker of LSCs, and consequently as an appealing treatment target. To explore the role of CLEC12A in further detail, we investigated whether a sorting strategy based on the activity of aldehyde dehydrogenase and CLEC12A expression could separate residual normal HSPCs from LSCs in bone marrow from 5 AML patients. We demonstrate that this distinction was possible in 2/5 cases, however with evidence of pre‐leukaemic mutations in the CLEC12A‐ stem cells in one case. In contrast, cytogenetic and/or molecular aberrations were detected in both the CLEC12A+/− cell subsets in 3/5 AML cases studied. Furthermore, targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) of the sorted cell subsets revealed a pronounced clonal heterogeneity in the CLEC12A‐ cells suggestive of the leukaemia often originating in this immature cell subset. In conclusion, we provide proof‐of‐concept that precision diagnostics employing targeted cytogenetic/NGS‐based analyses on highly purified cell subsets could be a powerful tool for selecting patients eligible for LSC‐directed therapy.
Full‐arch implant‐supported rehabilitations: A prospective study comparing porcelain‐veneered zirconia frameworks to monolithic zirconia
Authors: Caramês João , Marques Duarte , Malta Barbosa João , Moreira André , Crispim Pedro , Chen André 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the performance of two types of zirconia frameworks.Material and MethodsFrom 2014 to 2016, in a prospective clinical trial, 150 patients were rehabilitated with 83 and 110 implant‐supported, screw‐retained, full‐arch ceramic‐veneered zirconia (PVZ) rehabilitations and monolithic zirconia with porcelain veneering limited to buccal (MZ) rehabilitations, respectively. Patients were consecutively enlisted according to pre‐defined inclusion criteria and evaluated on 4 months intervals. A Kaplan–Meier estimator was adopted, and the log‐rank test and Wilcoxon test used to test differences in survival and successful function in the two different groups.ResultsThe average follow‐up time (±SD) and implant success rate was 608.80 ± 172.52 days with 99.53% implant success for the PVZ group and 552.63 ± 197.57 days with 99.83% success for the MZ group. According to the Kaplan–Meier estimator, the mean cumulative survival rate at the 2‐year follow‐up for framework fracture, major chipping, minor chipping, or any of the former combined to occur was 0.99, 0.95, 0.93 and 0.85 for the PVZ group (n = 18) and 0.99, 0.95, 0.95 and 0.89 for the MZ group (n = 15). No significant differences were found between the two groups.ConclusionsResults suggest zirconia as a suitable material for frameworks in full‐arch implant‐supported rehabilitations. Both groups presented a low incidence of technical complications. When comparing the two different designs, the MZ group presented a lower technical complication rate, thus presenting itself as a viable alternative for full‐arch implant‐supported rehabilitations. Further clinical studies with longer follow‐ups (5 years) should be performed to evaluate the long‐term stability of such rehabilitations.
Perceptions and experiences of patients following treatment with single‐implant mandibular overdentures: A qualitative study
Authors: Nogueira Túlio Eduardo , Dias Danilo Rocha , Rios Laís Ferreira , Silva Ana Luiza Mustafé , Jordão Lidia Moraes Ribeiro , Leles Cláudio Rodrigues 
Published: December 2018

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to explore the perceptions and long‐term experiences of edentulous patients rehabilitated with single‐implant mandibular overdentures (SIMO).MethodsThirteen participants, mean age 65.7 years, 69.2% women, who had had their treatment completed for at least 1 year, were invited and included in the study. Focus groups including four to five participants each were conducted, audio and video recorded and transcribed verbatim. Subsequently, the transcripts were analysed according to the principles of thematic analysis.ResultsFour major themes emerged as follows: before decision to undergo treatment with SIMO, implant surgery experience, perception of treatment outcomes and impressions about the care received. Lack of information, cost, comorbidities, older age and fear were initial barriers to the decision for treatment. Dissatisfaction with previous treatment and a sense of opportunity motivated the decision. There were ambivalent reports of absence of pain during surgery and discomfort during anaesthesia. Post‐surgical recovery exceeded the pre‐surgical negative expectations in most cases. There was a tendency for a positive impact of SIMO on the patients’ quality of life, comprising improved ability to chew and communicate, dietary diversification, greater comfort and safety, increased self‐confidence and social interaction. Few minor inconveniences were reported such as the feeling of insecurity after an episode of denture fracture and the need to use adhesive paste. Satisfaction with the care received and the trust in the dentist and dental team were evident.ConclusionIn general, participants presented positive perceptions and rewarding experiences after rehabilitation with SIMO.
Going against the grain
Authors: Hannan Shauna 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe following creative non‐fiction essay describes the author's process of building her own casket as a gift to her family. In addition to being a practical piece of furniture for the time being (presently serving as a bookshelf), the casket has been a popular conversation piece and teaching tool. Even more, it is a regular reminder of mortality and, therefore, a call to live fully and faithfully each day. The essay is a reflective piece prompted by the casket itself.
Emanuel AME Church: Christianity as resistance
Authors: Williams Reggie L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe struggle against white supremacy in the United States is a battle with deadly forces deep within the heart of the nation. For many caught within the crosshairs of those forces, the struggle also becomes a theological problem of evil that includes deep divisions over the role of the black church in the conflict. The terrorist act that took the lives of nine church members during a Wednesday evening Bible study at Mother Emanuel AME Church in South Carolina, in June of 2015, placed the struggle before us in high definition, and also demonstrated the historical role of black Christian worship in the face of white racist Christianity. The black church inspires life‐giving alternatives to the death‐dealing work of racism within a nation that is religiously, and politically, devoted to white supremacy.
Interreligious hospitality: Reflections on death and eschatology
Authors: Wirén Jakob 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIs there an interreligious potential in the way we approach death and eschatology? Christian eschatology often suggests a unity that puts an end to religious otherness. It is difficult to find explicit, appreciative statements of any kind of otherness in many eschatologies. Given this situation, how can a Christian eschatology articulate hospitality and room for the religious Other as other? And what potential is there in the eschatological image of heavenly banquet?
Fault lines in the graveyard: The contested nature of green burial
Authors: Stewart Benjamin M. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe natural burial movement is popularly portrayed as the reemergence of simpler death practices and spiritualities. Without denying its ecological simplicity and ritual honesty, this article identifies some complex and emotionally charged tensions that arise in the current practice of natural burial, largely resulting from dissonance with dominant cultural norms. The areas of dissonance explored in this article relate to memorialization in the wild, the naturalness of death itself, and assertions of ecological anthropology.
Commencing insulin glargine 100 U/mL therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes: Determinants of achievement of HbA1c goal less than 7.0%
Authors: Owens David R. , Landgraf Wolfgang , Frier Brian M. , Zhang Mei , Home Philip D. , Meneghini Luigi , Bolli Geremia B. 
Published: December 2018

AimsTo identify factors associated with achievement of glycated haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) target at 24 weeks after commencing basal insulin therapy in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and methodsPost‐hoc pooled analysis of 16 randomized, treat‐to‐target trials involving individuals with T2DM inadequately controlled with oral anti‐hyperglycaemic drugs (n = 3415) initiated on once‐daily insulin glargine 100 U/mL (Gla‐100). Clinical outcomes were assessed by HbA1c response at 24 weeks and individuals were classified as “good responders” with HbA1c <7.0% (<53 mmol/mol) or as “poor responders” with HbA1c ≥7.0% (≥53 mmol/mol). Univariable and multivariable stepwise logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictive factors for attaining HbA1c <7.0%.ResultsLower levels of baseline HbA1c, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and post‐prandial plasma glucose (PPG), higher body mass index (BMI), shorter diabetes duration and male sex were associated with a good glycaemic response, but not age or baseline C‐peptide levels. Gla‐100 dose (U/kg) was highest in the poor‐responder group, which had the fewest hypoglycaemia episodes. Univariable analysis for achievement of HbA1c <7.0% confirmed these observations. Multivariable analysis retained baseline HbA1c, body weight, BMI, sex, 2‐hours PPG and diabetes duration as predictors of a good response. Continued use of sulfonylureas, hypoglycaemia and change in body weight were indicative of poor response.ConclusionsBaseline HbA1c was the strongest determinant for achieving target HbA1c <7.0% by supplementary Gla‐100 therapy, while sex and BMI were also useful indicators. However, age and C‐peptide levels at baseline did not predict glycaemic response to the introduction of basal insulin.
Structural basis for neutralization of cytotoxic abrin by monoclonal antibody D6F10
Authors: Bansia Harsh , Bagaria Shradha , Karande Anjali Anoop , Ramakumar Suryanarayanarao 
Published: December 2018

Abrin, an extremely cytotoxic Type II ribosome‐inactivating protein (RIP), is a potential bio‐warfare agent. Abrin A‐chain (ABA) depurinates an adenosine of sarcin‐ricin loop (SRL) from eukaryotic 28S rRNA, thereby arresting protein synthesis and leading to cell death. Monoclonal antibody (mAb) D6F10 is the only known antibody that neutralizes ABA's activity in cell‐free systems as well as abrin's toxicity in vitro and in vivo. However, how binding of mAb D6F10 to abrin interferes with abrin's catalytic activity at ribosome is still poorly understood. To provide structural basis for mAb D6F10‐mediated rescue of ribosome inactivation by abrin, we determined crystal structures of ABA with and without substrate analogs. The structures of ABA‐substrate analogs and ribosome were used in an experiment‐guided computational protocol, to construct the ABA‐Ribosome complex. A homology model of the variable region (Fv) of mAb D6F10 was generated and docked with the apo‐ABA structure to construct the ABA‐D6F10 Fv complex. Structural superposition of ABA common to ABA‐D6F10 Fv and ABA‐Ribosome complexes reveals steric hindrance as the primary mechanism by which mAb D6F10 neutralizes abrin. In contrast to ABA alone, ABA bound to mAb D6F10 is unable to access the SRL on the ribosome owing to steric clashes of mAb D6F10 with the ribosome. Crystal structures of ABA also reveal a catalytic water molecule implicated in hydrolyzing N‐glycosidic bond of the susceptible adenosine by RIPs. Furthermore, our strategy provides structural details of steric hindrance important for neutralization of ricin, another RIP, by mAb 6C2 and hence is of wide applicability.EnzymeEC3.2.2.22.DatabaseStructural data have been deposited in the Protein Data Bank (PDB) under the accession numbers 5Z37, 5Z3I, and 5Z3J.
Dermatologic manifestations in end stage renal disease
Authors: Blaha Taryn , Nigwekar Sagar , Combs Sara , Kaw Urvashi , Krishnappa Vinod , Raina Rupesh 
Published: December 2018

AbstractSkin manifestations are commonly seen in end stage renal disease (ESRD). Skin involvement in this population can be extensive and dramatically worsen quality of life. Close observation of the skin and nails of ESRD patients by clinicians allows for timely diagnosis and treatment, which ultimately improves quality of life and reduces mortality. In this article we focus on the cutaneous changes most commonly seen in ESRD patients. PubMed/Medline database search was done for published literature on skin manifestations in ESRD patients. All the available literature was reviewed and relevant articles were used to discuss about clinical features, pathogenesis, histology and treatment of each skin disorder in ESRD patients. Most commonly encountered skin manifestations in patients with ESRD are pruritus, xerosis, pigmentation changes, nail changes, perforating disorders, calcifying disorders, bullous dermatoses and nephrogenic systemic fibrosis. Skin manifestations in ESRD can be difficult to treat and multiple comorbidities in this patient population can exacerbate these disorders. Many of the treatment options are experimental with evidence largely derived from the case reports and small clinical trials. More large‐scale trials are needed to firmly establish evidence based treatment guidelines. Prompt evaluation and management of these disorders improve morbidity and quality of life in ESRD patients.