bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional diversity is a passenger but not driver of drought‐related plant diversity losses in annual grasslands
Authors: Miller Jesse E. D. , Li Daijiang , LaForgia Marina , Harrison Susan 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Effects of climate change on plant community functional diversity are of interest since experiments have found functional diversity to predict ecosystem function. Functional diversity has been hypothesized to confer resilience to plant communities (as a “driver” of community change), but in unmanipulated natural communities, it might alternatively (or additionally) act as a “passenger” by responding to changes in plant diversity caused by extrinsic factors such as climate.

We examined trends in plant functional diversity in annual grasslands in Northern California over a 19‐year period, during which a trend towards drier winters had previously been associated with the losses of drought‐intolerant species. We tested whether functional diversity decreased over the period of the study (acting as a passenger), and also whether initial site functional diversity influenced the degree of community change over the study period (acting as a driver).

Initial community functional diversity was not related to species richness loss or community variability. We found that functional diversity declined as plant species richness and community mean specific leaf area declined over the course of the study, and all of these trends were associated with declining precipitation, indicating that functional diversity acted as a passenger of community change.

Synthesis. This study is among the first to demonstrate that recent climatic trends may drive loss of functional diversity. Our findings highlight that functional diversity does not necessarily confer community resilience when its variation is shaped by the environment rather than by experimental treatments.
Functional response of subordinate species to intraspecific trait variability within dominant species
Authors: Khalil Mohammed I. , Gibson David J. , Baer Sara G. 
Published: August 2019

Abstract

Dominant species can act as a biotic filter in structuring plant communities by constraining the establishment and survival of subordinate species. The effect of intraspecific trait variability of dominant species on the functional response of subordinate species, however, is not well understood.

We quantified intraspecific variation in four functional traits of 26 subordinate species in an experimental grassland established with two population sources (i.e. cultivars and local ecotypes) of three dominant grasses (Sorghastrum nutans, Andropogon gerardii and Schizachyrium scoparium) and three pools of subordinate species (each from one origin) within each of the dominant grass source treatments.

Twenty of the 26 subordinate species exhibited intraspecific trait variability for one trait or more in response to dominant species population source, and variation among population sources of the dominant species was non‐random. Dominant grass population source affected intraspecific variability in functional traits of multiple subordinate species. Cultivar sources of the dominant grasses and some of the subordinate species that established with them had higher and generally more variable functional leaf area and leaf nitrogen content compared to local ecotypes of the dominant grasses and the subordinate species that established with them. Local ecotype sources of the dominant grasses increased leaf area based functional diversity of subordinate species.

Synthesis. This study provides evidence that intraspecific trait variability in dominant species acts as a biotic filter to constrain niche availability and dimensionality affecting trait variation of subordinate species during community assembly.
Inhibitory and nutrient use phenotypes among coexisting Fusarium and Streptomyces populations suggest local coevolutionary interactions in soil
Authors: Essarioui Adil , LeBlanc Nicholas , Otto‐Hanson Lindsey , Schlatter Daniel Cameron , Kistler Harold Corby , Kinkel Linda L. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryBacteria and fungi are key components of virtually all natural habitats, yet the significance of fungal‐bacterial inhibitory interactions for the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of specific bacterial and fungal populations in natural habitats have been overlooked. More specifically, despite the broad consensus that antibiotics play a key role in providing a fitness advantage to competing microbes, the significance of antibiotic production in mediating cross‐kingdom coevolutionary interactions has received relatively little attention. Here, we characterize reciprocal inhibition among Streptomyces and Fusarium populations from prairie soil, and explore antibiotic inhibition in relation to niche overlap among sympatric and allopatric populations. We found evidence for local adaptation between Fusarium and Streptomyces populations as indicated by significantly greater inhibition among sympatric than allopatric populations. Additionally, for both taxa, there was a significant positive correlation between the strength of inhibition against the other taxon and the intensity of resource competition from that taxon among sympatric but not allopatric populations. These data suggest that coevolutionary antagonistic interactions between Fusarium and Streptomyces are driven by resource competition, and support the hypothesis that antibiotics act as weapons in mediating bacterial–fungal interactions in soil.
‘In the hospital all is taken care of’: a practice‐theoretical approach to understand patients’ medication use
Authors: Reichenpfader Ursula , Wickström Anette , Abrandt Dahlgren Madeleine , Carlfjord Siw 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDrawing from case examples of medication review implementation in three hospital settings in Sweden, this article examines patients’ medication use. Based on a practice theory approach and utilising data from interviews with patients and participant observation, we reconstruct three practices of everyday medication use centring on accepting, challenging or appropriating medication orders. This article argues that patients’ medication practices are embedded in wider practice arrangements that afford different modes of agency. Reconceptualising patients’ medication use from a practice‐based perspective revealed the meaning‐making, order‐producing and identity‐forming features of these practices. Also, we illustrated how different modes of agency were achieved in patients’ medication practices, suggesting a fluidity of both the meanings attached to and the identities related to medication use. Our findings have practical implications as these practices of medication use can be transformed when altering the arrangements they are embedded in, thus going beyond the clinical encounter.
Comparing Imitation Responding and IBT for children with ASD, a preschool intervention
Authors: Spjut Janson Birgitta , Heimann Mikael , Tjus Tomas 
Published: August 2019

The present study examined the effectiveness of two interventions, Imitation Responding (IR) and Intensive Behavior Treatment (IBT) used as initial treatment programs for autistic children enrolled in ordinary preschools. The interventions were carried out by parents and/or preschool teachers with supervision from Child Adolescent Habilitation and Health Clinics. Children were randomly assigned to either the IR group or the IBT group. The IR group received a new focused imitation treatment averaging 2.2 hours per week, while the children in the IBT group received 14.4 hours treatment per week. The outcome was measured with subscales from PEP‐3 and Vineland‐II, covering language and social domains. The between‐group comparison revealed no significant differences in effect of treatment during the 5 months that encompassed the period from pre‐ to posttest. Within‐group comparisons revealed significant changes on four subscales for the IR‐group, with the highest effect sizes for play and expressive language, while for the children in the IBT‐group a significant gain was evident for five subscales with the highest effect sizes observed for expressive and receptive language. These findings suggest that IR can be used as an initial and complementary method in settings where IBT is usually the primary treatment of choice.
Commercial Mortgage‐Backed Security Pricing with Real Estate Liquidity Risk
Authors: Chen Peimin , Kozhanov Igor , Liu Peng , Wu Chunchi 
Published: August 2019

AbstractWe propose a structural model with liquidity frictions at the property level for the pricing of commercial mortgages. The model shows that a moderate liquidity shock has a sizable effect on mortgage default risk. The sensitivities of default rates to volatility of property prices, cash payout and interest rates, all increase significantly as liquidity deteriorates. Empirical evidence strongly supports model predictions. The results suggest that failing to account for the effect of real estate illiquidity leads to substantial bias in estimation of default risk, the optimal subordination level and valuation of the structured products.
Determining the surgical quality improvement model by outcome monitoring in Hong Kong public hospitals
Authors: Cheung Yue‐Sun , Fung Anthony Shu‐Yan , Lai Paul Bo‐San 
Published: August 2019

AimReduction in the surgical mortality has been observed in Hong Kong public hospitals after the implementation of the Surgical Outcomes Monitoring and Improvement Program (SOMIP). The aim of the present study was to identify factors and strategies that allow surgeons to improve their outcome after the implementation of the SOMIP.Patients and MethodsA qualitative study among surgeons in SOMIP‐participating hospitals using semistructured interviews was performed, with questions focused on knowledge of the SOMIP, comments on SOMIP methodology and actions taken by hospitals to drive quality improvement.ResultsFifteen surgeons from five public hospitals in Hong Kong were recruited. The provision of objective data, culture change, surgeons' motivation to improve, advice from external reviewers, leadership and support from administration were identified as factors driving outcome improvement after the implementation of the SOMIP. Most surgeons strongly agreed that SOMIP can be used as a quality improvement tool and there was a need to disclose hospital results.ConclusionsA risk‐adjusted, outcome‐based, quality improvement program could provide objective data as feedback to surgical units and benchmark with peers. Together with the driving force from public reporting, change in culture, appropriate resource allocation and service planning, improvement in the structure, process and outcome can be achieved.
Association of UCMA levels in serum and synovial fluid with severity of knee osteoarthritis
Authors: Okuyan Hamza Malik , Terzi Menderes Yusuf , Ozcan Oguzhan , Kalaci Aydiner 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAimOsteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common joint diseases causing physical disability in the aged population. OA pathogenesis is not fully known and yet there are no effective therapeutic options against OA. Upper Zone of Growth Plate and Cartilage Matrix Associated (UCMA) is a member of vitamin K‐dependent protein family, and is involved in inflammation, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and OA. In the present study, our aim was to detect serum and synovial fluid (SF) levels of UCMA and to analyze their correlation with radiographic findings and symptomatic severity in OA patients as well as the correlation between oxidative stress levels and SF UCMA levels.MethodsForty OA patients with cartilage degeneration and 20 patients with other knee joint disorders (non‐OA control) were included in the present study. We used the Kellgren‐Lawrence (KL) classification and Western Ontario McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores to assess radiographic grading and symptomatic severity of OA, respectively. UCMA levels were measured in SF and serum. And also oxidative stress markers were analyzed in SF.ResultsSF UCMA levels of OA patients were higher compared to those of the non‐OA control group and were positively correlated with radiographic finding and symptomatic severity of OA. However, there was no significant correlation between oxidative markers of SF and the KL grade, WOMAC scores, and SF UCMA levels in OA patients.ConclusionThere is a close connection between UCMA SF levels and symptomatic and radiographic severities of knee OA. Therefore, UCMA can be a promising biomarker in the diagnosis and/or prognosis of OA disease.
Serotonin syndrome masquerading as disease flare in lupus nephritis with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: Navarroza Rodeo V. , Zamora Leonid D. , Navarra Sandra V. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionSerotonin syndrome is a potentially life‐threatening condition characterized by the triad of mental status changes, autonomic instability, and neuromuscular changes. We report a case of serotonin syndrome masquerading as disease flare in a lupus nephritis patient with end‐stage renal disease receiving linezolid for the treatment of infected pseudoaneurysm.Case reportA 36‐year‐old female lupus nephritis patient on maintenance hemodialysis for end‐stage renal disease had been on multiple antibiotics, including anti‐tuberculosis medications, over the past month for infected pseudoaneurysm complicating her arteriovenous fistula. Due to minimal response, she underwent pseudoaneurysmal ligation and given linezolid. Two days later, she developed chest pain, tachycardia, hypertension, tremors, later accompanied by high‐grade fever, diarrhea, insomnia, and body weakness. Although fully awake and oriented, she was markedly agitated, mildly icteric, had hyperreflexia and asthenia with proximal muscle strength graded 3/5 in all extremities. Blood counts revealed anemia and thrombocytopenia; ancillary tests showed aspartate aminotransferase markedly higher than alanine aminotransferase, elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase, and low C3 levels. Intravenous hydrocortisone was started for a suspected lupus flare. On the background of linezolid, isoniazid, and tramadol administration, serotonin syndrome with rhabdomyolysis was strongly considered. Offending drugs were discontinued, resulting in the dramatic improvement of symptoms and improved strength and well‐being. The steroid was successfully tapered to 5 mg/day and a week later, she remained afebrile without recurrence of symptoms.ConclusionSerotonin syndrome should be considered in patients on multiple serotonergic agents on the background of end‐stage renal disease. Prompt recognition and distinction from lupus activity can significantly impact management decisions.
Craving Mediates the Relation Between Impulsivity and Alcohol Consumption Among University Students
Authors: Flaudias Valentin , Maurage Pierre , Izaute Marie , de Chazeron Ingrid , Brousse Georges , Chakroun‐Baggioni Nadia 
Published: August 2019

Background and ObjectivesThe relationship between impulsivity and craving in severe alcohol use disorders is well established, but the presence and characteristics of this link in University students are still to be established. The present study aims to better understand the relationship between impulsivity and craving in university students and to determine the influence of these variables on alcohol consumption characteristics.MethodsA large sample of university students (N = 1055, mean age: 20.9 years; 713 women) completed an online questionnaire to evaluate alcohol use, impulsivity, and craving.ResultsLinear regression analysis demonstrated that the compulsive dimensions of craving (P < .001), sensation seeking (P < .001), and lack of premeditation (P < .001) constitute strong predictors of current consumption. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis determined the threshold level above which craving intensity can identify specific high‐risk populations. A mediation analysis showed that craving has a partial mediator effect on the impact of impulsivity on alcohol consumption for this population (37,8%, P < .001).Discussion and ConclusionsThe sensation seeking and lack of premeditation dimensions of impulsivity, coupled with compulsive craving, are efficient predictors of excessive alcohol consumption for university students. The partial mediator effect of craving is important in terms of characterizing the relationship between impulsivity and alcohol consumption.Scientific SignificanceOur study centrally shows that the interaction between elevated levels of impulsivity and craving constitute a crucial risk factor for alcohol consumption in university students, and should thus constitute a target for primary prevention programs (Am J Addict 2019;00:00–00).
In War and Peace: Shifting Narratives of Violence in Kurdish Istanbul
Authors: Günay Onur 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTIn this article, I draw on two years of ethnographic research to explore the multiple and contradictory ways Kurdish working‐class men in Istanbul imagine, narrate, and conceptualize violence. How Kurdish workers remember and publicly speak of violence, self‐defense, and retribution has notably changed in the context of the resurgence of the war between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). I came to understand this storytelling of violence, omnipresent in all the social infrastructures of male Kurdish life in Istanbul, as a form of communicative labor through which a distinct historical consciousness and shared understandings of violence are created, networks for survival and dignity engendered, and moral selves crafted. These narratives refuse interpretation of the ongoing Kurdish struggle as mere terrorism or victimhood and instead recuperate Kurdish agency and counterviolence. In these narratives, “defense of the community” not only asserts peoples’ right to exist but also charges just violence with moral significance, turning those who protect their community against state violence into aspirational figures. [violence, narrative, morality, war and peace, memory, Kurds, Turkey]
Association between fetal sex, birthweight percentile and adverse pregnancy outcome
Authors: Voskamp Bart Jan , Peelen Myrthe J. C. S. , Ravelli Anita C. J. , van der Lee Robin , Mol Ben W. J. , Pajkrt Eva , Ganzevoort Wessel , Kazemier Brenda M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIntroductionThe objective was to evaluate the association between fetal sex and adverse pregnancy outcome, while correcting for fetal growth and gestational age at delivery.Material and methodsData from the Netherlands Perinatal Registry (1999‐2010) were used. The study population comprised all white European women with a singleton delivery between 25+0 and 42+6 weeks of gestation. Fetuses with structural or chromosomal abnormalities were excluded. Outcomes were antepartum death, intrapartum/neonatal death (from onset of labor until 28 days after birth), perinatal death (antepartum death or intrapartum/neonatal death), a composite of neonatal morbidity (including infant respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, necrotizing enterocolitis, meconium aspiration, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, periventricular leukomalacia, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, and intracranial hemorrhage) and a composite adverse neonatal outcome (perinatal death or neonatal morbidity). Outcomes were expressed stratified by birthweight percentile (<p10 [small for gestation], p10‐90 [normal weight], >p90 [large for gestation]) and gestational age at delivery (25+0‐27+6, 28+0‐31+6, 32+0‐36+6, 37+0‐42+6 weeks). The association between fetal sex and outcome was assessed using the fetus at risk approach.ResultsWe studied 1 742 831 pregnant women. We found no increased risk of antepartum, intrapartum/neonatal and perinatal death in normal weight and large‐for‐gestation males born after 28+0 weeks compared with females. We found an increased risk of antepartum death among small‐for‐gestation males born after 28+0 weeks (relative risk [RR] 1.16‐1.40). All males born after 32+0 weeks of gestation suffered more neonatal morbidity than females regardless of birthweight percentile (RR 1.07‐1.34). Infant respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis, persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn, Apgar score <7 at 5 minutes, and intracranial hemorrhage all occurred more often in males than in females.ConclusionsSmall‐for‐gestation males have an increased risk of antepartum death and all males born after 32+0 weeks of gestation have an increased risk of neonatal morbidity compared with females. In contrast to findings in previous studies we found no increased risk of antepartum, intrapartum/neonatal or perinatal death in normal weight and large‐for‐gestation males born after 28+0 weeks.
An online updating approach for testing the proportional hazards assumption with streams of survival data
Authors: Xue Yishu , Wang HaiYing , Yan Jun , Schifano Elizabeth D. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe Cox model—which remains the first choice for analyzing time‐to‐event data, even for large data sets—relies on the proportional hazards (PH) assumption. When survival data arrive sequentially in chunks, a fast and minimally storage intensive approach to test the PH assumption is desirable. We propose an online updating approach that updates the standard test statistic as each new block of data becomes available and greatly lightens the computational burden. Under the null hypothesis of PH, the proposed statistic is shown to have the same asymptotic distribution as the standard version computed on an entire data stream with the data blocks pooled into one data set. In simulation studies, the test and its variant based on most recent data blocks maintain their sizes when the PH assumption holds and have substantial power to detect different violations of the PH assumption. We also show in simulation that our approach can be used successfully with “big data” that exceed a single computer's computational resources. The approach is illustrated with the survival analysis of patients with lymphoma cancer from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program. The proposed test promptly identified deviation from the PH assumption, which was not captured by the test based on the entire data.