bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From facilitation to competition: temperature‐driven shift in dominant plant interactions affects population dynamics in seminatural grasslands
Authors: Olsen Siri L. , Töpper Joachim P. , Skarpaas Olav , Vandvik Vigdis , Klanderud Kari 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBiotic interactions are often ignored in assessments of climate change impacts. However, climate‐related changes in species interactions, often mediated through increased dominance of certain species or functional groups, may have important implications for how species respond to climate warming and altered precipitation patterns. We examined how a dominant plant functional group affected the population dynamics of four co‐occurring forb species by experimentally removing graminoids in seminatural grasslands. Specifically, we explored how the interaction between dominants and subordinates varied with climate by replicating the removal experiment across a climate grid consisting of 12 field sites spanning broad‐scale temperature and precipitation gradients in southern Norway. Biotic interactions affected population growth rates of all study species, and the net outcome of interactions between dominants and subordinates switched from facilitation to competition with increasing temperature along the temperature gradient. The impacts of competitive interactions on subordinates in the warmer sites could primarily be attributed to reduced plant survival. Whereas the response to dominant removal varied with temperature, there was no overall effect of precipitation on the balance between competition and facilitation. Our findings suggest that global warming may increase the relative importance of competitive interactions in seminatural grasslands across a wide range of precipitation levels, thereby favouring highly competitive dominant species over subordinate species. As a result, seminatural grasslands may become increasingly dependent on disturbance (i.e. traditional management such as grazing and mowing) to maintain viable populations of subordinate species and thereby biodiversity under future climates. Our study highlights the importance of population‐level studies replicated under different climatic conditions for understanding the underlying mechanisms of climate change impacts on plants.
The greatly misunderstood erythropoietin resistance index and the case for a new responsiveness measure
Authors: Chait Yossi , Kalim Sahir , Horowitz Joseph , Hollot Christopher V. , Ankers Elizabeth D. , Germain Michael J. , Thadhani Ravi I. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIntroduction The optimal use of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) to treat anemia in end stage renal disease remains controversial due to reported associations with adverse events. In analyzing these associations, studies often utilize ESA resistance indices (ERIs), to characterize a patient's response to ESA. In this study, we examine whether ERI is an adequate measure of ESA resistance. Methods We used retrospective data from a nonconcurrent cohort study of incident hemodialysis patients in the United States (n = 9386). ERI is defined as average weekly erythropoietin (EPO) dose per kg body weight (wt) per average hemoglobin (Hgb), over a 3‐month period (ERI = (EPO/wt)/Hgb). Linear regression was used to demonstrate the relationship between ERI and weight‐adjusted EPO. The coefficient of variation was used to compare the variability of Hgb with that of weight‐adjusted EPO to explain this relationship. This analysis was done for each quarter during the first year of dialysis. Findings ERI is strongly linearly related with weight‐adjusted EPO dose in each of the four quarters by the equation ERI = 0.0899*(EPO/wt) (range of R2 = 0.97–0.98) and weakly linearly related to 1/Hgb (range of R2 = 0.06–0.16). These correlations hold independent of age, sex, hgb level, ERI level, and epo‐naïve stratifications. Discussion ERI is strongly linearly related to weight‐adjusted (and nonweight‐adjusted) EPO dose by a “universal,” not patient‐specific formula, and thus is a surrogate of EPO dose. Therefore, associations between ERI and clinical outcomes are associations between a confounded EPO dose and those outcomes.
Histological spectrum of angiofibroma of soft tissue: histological and genetic analysis of 13 cases
Authors: Yamada Yuichi , Yamamoto Hidetaka , Kohashi Kenichi , Ishii Takeaki , Iura Kunio , Maekawa Akira , Bekki Hirofumi , Otsuka Hiroshi , Yamashita Kyoko , Tanaka Hiroyuki , Hiraki Tsubasa , Mukai Munenori , Shirakawa Atsuko , Shinnou Yoko , Jinno Mari , Yanai Hiroyuki , Taguchi Kenichi , Maehara Yoshihiko , Iwamoto Yukihide , Oda Yosinao 
Published: February 2016

AimsAngiofibroma of soft tissue (AFST) is a rare soft tissue neoplasm characterized by a fibroblastic cytomorphology and a prominent vascular structure. AFSTs possess a novel fusion gene, i.e. NCOA2–AHRR/AHRR–NCOA2 or GTF2I–NCOA2, providing a useful approach to diagnosing AFST. Morphologically, AFSTs span a wide spectrum, making diagnosis a challenge. The aim of this study was to review AFST cases and to report previously unknown histological features, which we confirmed by genetic analysis.Methods and resultsWe reviewed 276 cases diagnosed as solitary fibrous tumours/haemangiopericytomas (232 cases), unclassified tumours of fibroblastic differentiation (36 cases), and recently diagnosed AFSTs (eight cases), and retrieved 13 cases compatible with AFST. Immunohistochemical staining was performed for these cases, all 13 of which were analysed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and fluorescence in‐situ hybridization. The histological findings were as follows: amianthoid fibres, extravasation of red blood cells, haemosiderin deposition, aggregates of foamy histiocytes, cystic change, necrosis, and haemorrhage. Immunohistochemically, the tumour cells were positive for epithelial membrane antigen (four of 13 cases), desmin (six of 13 cases), CD163 (13 of 13 cases), CD68 (seven of 13 cases), oestrogen receptor (13 of 13 cases), progesterone receptor (three of 13 cases), and STAT6 (one of 13 cases, weak nuclear staining), but they were negative for CD34, α‐smooth muscle actin, muscle‐specific actin, S100, pan‐cytokeratin, MDM2, and CDK4. The AHRR–NCOA2 fusion gene was detected in eight cases, and NCOA2 gene rearrangement in nine cases.ConclusionWe revealed the previously unreported histological variation and immunohistochemical findings of AFST, and confirmed them by using genetic methods. The results suggested that AFST should be considered in the diagnosis of fibrous or fibrohistiocytic tumours with the above histological features.
Mineral trioxide aggregate pulpotomy for permanent molars with clinical signs indicative of irreversible pulpitis: a preliminary study
Authors: Qudeimat M. A. , Alyahya A. , Hasan A. A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo prospectively investigate the clinical and radiographic success rates of pulpotomy in permanent molars with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of irreversible pulpitis using mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) as a pulp dressing agent.MethodologySixteen patients with 23 restorable permanent molars exhibiting signs and symptoms indicative of irreversible pulpitis were enrolled. A standardized operative procedure was followed for all participants. All teeth were isolated with a dental dam and caries was removed, and then, pulpotomy performed with a sterile round and/or flame shape diamond burs. Haemostasis was achieved with 5% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). A mixture of MTA was placed against the wound, and a moistened cotton pellet was placed over the MTA. Teeth were temporized with a glass–ionomer restoration. Three to ten days later, the interim restoration was removed and setting of MTA was evaluated. Teeth were restored with stainless steel crowns. Follow‐up evaluations were scheduled at 3, 6, 12 months and annually thereafter. Descriptive statistics were used to assess outcomes.ResultsThe age of patients at time of pulpotomy ranged between 7.6 and 13.6 years (mean = 10.7± 1.7 yrs). The majority of teeth (91%) had clinical signs and symptoms consistent with a diagnosis of symptomatic irreversible pulpitis and symptomatic apical periodontitis (78%). The follow‐up examination period ranged from 18.9 to 73.6 months. Clinically and radiographically, all pulpotomies were considered successful at the end of the follow‐up period. Radiographically, a hard tissue barrier was noticed in 13 (57%) teeth.ConclusionIn children, MTA was associated with high clinical and radiographic success as a pulpotomy agent in permanent teeth with clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of irreversible pulpitis.
The behavioural intentions of specialty coffee consumers in South Africa
Authors: van der Merwe Kelsey , Maree Tania 
Published: February 2016

AbstractMore than 1.6 billion cups of coffee are consumed worldwide on a daily basis. South Africa is rapidly adapting to worldwide trends with speciality coffee consumption on the rise, with South Africa recently having been recognised as a key player in the speciality coffee industry. Emerging market trends in speciality coffee consumption have resulted in a number of changes in consumption patterns, preferences and consumer behaviour. The purpose of this study was to determine the behavioural intention of speciality coffee consumers in South Africa, using the Theory of Planned Behaviour. The data were gathered from a non‐probability sample of 327 respondents, who were selected through a self‐completion online questionnaire. The results indicate that males consume more speciality coffee than females. The majority of respondents consume speciality coffee more than once a day, and foam cappuccinos are consumed most regularly. The results of the stepwise multiple regression analysis demonstrate the utility of the Theory of Planned Behaviour as a conceptual framework for predicting the behavioural intention of speciality coffee consumers. The findings indicate that attitude, subjective norms and perceived behavioural control are important predictors of behavioural intention. Furthermore, perceived behavioural control is the most important factor influencing speciality coffee consumption, and the most influential of the direct measures of the Theory of Planned Behaviour. With the current rise in speciality coffee consumption among South Africans, the Theory of Planned Behaviour framework contributes to understanding those factors which influence regular speciality coffee consumption. It is recommended that marketers and practitioners adapt their offerings to appeal to the specific needs of the growing speciality coffee market in South Africa.
Mild Drought Stress‐Induced Changes in Yield, Physiological Processes and Chemical Composition in Festuca, Lolium and Festulolium
Authors: Fariaszewska A. , Aper J. , Van Huylenbroeck J. , Baert J. , De Riek J. , Staniak M. , Pecio Ł. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe impact of mild drought stress (3 weeks at 40 % field water capacity) on yield, physiological processes, accumulation of proline and phenolic compounds and forage quality parameters in forage grasses was evaluated in pot experiments. During four different growing periods, the effects of water deficit were assessed in nine varieties from five species (Lolium perenne, Lolium multiflorum, Festuca pratensis, Festuca arundinacea and Festulolium braunii). All measured parameters were affected by drought stress in the different cuts. Photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance and dry matter yield were significantly lower in drought stress than under well‐watered conditions in all varieties. Higher water‐use efficiency was only observed during the first and fourth drought period, while this was not the case in the second and third. Mild drought stress significantly increased the content of proline, phenolic acid, flavonoids, water‐soluble carbohydrates and protein. All tested grasses showed also an increase of organic matter digestibility and cell wall digestibility under drought stress conditions.
Hypothesis: solid tumours behave as systemic metabolic dictators
Authors: Lee Yang‐Ming , Chang Wei‐Chun , Ma Wen‐Lung 
Published: February 2016

AbstractCurrent knowledge regarding mechanisms of carcinogenesis in human beings centres around the accumulation of genetic instability, amplified cellular signalling, disturbed cellular energy metabolism and microenvironmental regulation governed by complicated cell–cell interactions. In this article, we provide an alternative view of cancer biology. We propose that cancer behaves as a systemic dictator that interacts with tissues throughout the body to control their metabolism and eventually homeostasis. The mechanism of development of this endocrine organ–like tumour (EOLT) tissue might be the driving force for cancer progression. Here, we review the literature that led to the development of this hypothesis. The EOLT phenotype can be defined as a tumour that alters systemic homeostasis. The literature indicates that the EOLT phenotype is present throughout cancer progression. The feedback mechanism that governs the interaction between tumours and various organs is unknown. We believe that investigating the mechanism of EOLT development may advance the current knowledge of regulation within the tumour macroenvironment and consequently lead to new diagnostic methods and therapy.
Knowledge of evidence‐based guidelines in ventilator‐associated pneumonia prevention
Authors: Yeganeh Mohammadreza , Yekta Hamid , Farmanbar Rabiollah , Khalili Malahat , Khaleghdoost Tahereh , Atrkar Roushan Zahra 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to assess the intensive care unit nurses’ knowledge of evidence‐based guidelines for ventilator‐associated pneumonia (VAP) prevention at Guilan University of Medical Sciences (GUMS) hospitals, Guilan Province, northern Iran.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 219 nurses working in 14 intensive care units at 11 Guilan hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of three parts of demographic information, nurses’ knowledge of evidence‐based guidelines for the prevention of VAP, and the barrier for the implementation of these guidelines.ResultsOf the 219 nurses, 171 (response rate 78.1%) participated in this study, and their mean knowledge score was 4.6. There was no significant relation between nurses’ knowledge score and their work experience (P = 0.327), education degree (P = 0.189), and their position (P = 0.168).ConclusionThe level of knowledge regarding VAP prevention seems inadequate in this study. Although having knowledge about the principles of evidence‐based care cannot guarantee the implementation of these principles, lack of knowledge may be a potential barrier to adherence to evidence‐based guidelines for the prevention of VAP.
Systematic reviews in oral health: a quality imperative
Authors: Agnihotry Anirudha , Fedorowicz Zbys , Worthington Helen V , Manheimer Eric , Stevenson Richard G 
Published: February 2016

AbstractSystematic reviews must be conducted responsibly, eliminating any scope for error and bias. The reporting quality of a systematic review should follow and conform to the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses) guidelines. AMSTAR (Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews) is an assessment tool, which has been developed specifically to assess the quality of the process used in conducting the review. There has been a significant increase in the number of systematic reviews in oral health and several reports have been published stating low AMSTAR ratings of systematic reviews in dentistry. Systematic reviews answer key clinical questions objectively, and are often used to underpin clinical guidelines in oral health. If the quality of these reviews is compromised, this can result in inadequate or inappropriate clinical guidelines. Consequently, ensuring consistent high quality is a key imperative for systematic reviews in oral health.
The Incidence of Superficial Scald in “Wujiuxiang” Pears (Pyrus Pyrifolia Cv. Wujiuxiang) during and after Controlled Atmosphere Storage
Authors: Li Limei , Xia Yufeng , Xu Cailing , He Jingang , Guan Junfeng 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis work is aimed to assess the effect of the low temperature controlled atmosphere (CA) storage on reducing the incidence of fruit superficial scald in “Wujiuxiang” pears (Pyrus pyrifolia cv. Wujiuxiang). We set up four low temperature CA storage conditions with pCO2 0.03 kPa, 1 kPa, 3 kPa, 5 kPa, respectively, under pO2 3 kPa, and a control under normal air conditions with pCO2 0.03 kPa, pO2 21 kPa. During the low temperature storage and its subsequent period on‐shelf, the incidence of superficial scald as well as the changes in fruit quality and biochemistry such as phenols, relative electrical conductivity, malondialdehyde, polyphenol oxidase and peroxidase activity were monitored and analyzed. Our results showed that low O2 is the most important factor contributing to the reduced incidence of superficial scald during the low temperature CA storage. However, pCO2 less than 3 kPa had no influence on the incidence of superficial scald but higher pCO2 over 3 kPa caused CO2 injury to the stored fruit. In conclusion, low pO2 and pCO2 less than 3 kPa under low temperature is likely the best CA conditions for reducing the incidence of superficial scald in “Wujiuxiang” pears.Practical ApplicationsSuperficial scald, a fruit postharvest physiological disorder has caused a significant loss in the production of “Wujiuxiang” pear, a popular cultivar in China. It is reported that CA storage can reduce efficiently the incidence of superficial scald in apples during storage. This work shows that this is also the case for “Wujiuxiang” pear during and after storage. A low temperature CA storage condition with low pO2 3 kPa while pCO2 lower than 3 kPa is then proposed for application in the storage of this pear.
Phenolic environmental estrogens in urine and blood plasma from women with uterine leiomyoma: Epidemiological survey
Authors: Shen Yang , Dong Yi‐Min , Lu Qing , Xu Jie , Wu Yan‐Ting , Yun Seong Seok , Ren Mu‐Lan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo explore the effect of phenolic environmental estrogens (EE) on women with uterine leiomyoma (UL).MethodsUrine and blood plasma samples were collected from 300 patients diagnosed with UL at the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University between December 2013 and December 2014. Control urine and blood plasma samples were collected from 300 women who are either patients without UL or healthy volunteers presenting to the same hospital for physical examination during the same period. Bisphenol A (BPA), nonylphenol (NP) and octylphenol (OP) concentration in these samples was measured using solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsThe OP concentration in urine and blood plasma was significantly higher in the UL group compared with the control group (r = 0.224, P = 0.001). Urine BPA concentration was not significantly different between the UL group and the control group (r = 0.009, P = 0.896). There was also no statistically significant difference in urine NP concentration between the two groups (r = 0.057, P = 0.419). On logistic regression, exposure concentration of urine BPA (OR, 1.129; 95%CI: 1.081–1.179) and NP (OR, 1.165; 95%CI: 1.025–1.324) was associated with UL genesis (P < 0.05). Nevertheless, there was no significant difference in blood plasma concentration of BPA, OP and NP between the two groups (P > 0.05).ConclusionUrine and blood plasma EE exposure levels in women, especially the urine level, was related to the incidence of UL.
Obstructive sleep apnea is associated with low GABA and high glutamate in the insular cortex
Authors: Macey Paul M. , Sarma Manoj K. , Nagarajan Rajakumar , Aysola Ravi , Siegel Jerome M. , Harper Ronald M. , Thomas M. Albert 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThe insular cortex is injured in obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and responds inappropriately to autonomic challenges, suggesting neural reorganization. The objective of this study was to assess whether the neural changes might result from γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate alterations. We studied 14 OSA patients [mean age ± standard deviation (SD): 47.5 ± 10.5 years; nine male; apnea–hypopnea index (AHI): 29.5 ± 15.6 events h−1] and 22 healthy participants (47.5 ± 10.1 years; 11 male), using magnetic resonance spectroscopy to detect GABA and glutamate levels in insular cortices. We localized the cortices with anatomical scans, and measured neurochemical levels from anterior to mid‐regions. Left and right anterior insular cortices showed lower GABA and higher glutamate in OSA versus healthy subjects [GABA left: OSA n = 6: 0.36 ± 0.10 (mean ± SD), healthy n = 5: 0.62 ± 0.18; P < 0.05), right: OSA n = 11: 0.27 ± 0.09, healthy n = 14: 0.45 ± 0.16; P < 0.05; glutamate left: OSA n = 6: 1.61 ± 0.32, healthy n = 8: 0.94 ± 0.34; P < 0.05, right: OSA n = 14: 1.26 ± 0.28, healthy n = 19: 1.02 ± 0.28; P < 0.05]. GABA and glutamate levels were correlated only within the healthy group in the left insula (r: −0.9, P < 0.05). The altered anterior insular levels of GABA and glutamate may modify integration and projections to autonomic areas, contributing to the impaired cardiovascular regulation in OSA.
Dose‐dependent fate of GFP‐expressing Escherichia coli in the alimentary canal of adult house flies
Authors: KUMAR N. H. V. , NAYDUCH D. 
Published: February 2016

Abstract.The adult house fly Musca domestica (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae) can disseminate bacteria from microbe‐rich substrates to areas in which humans and domesticated animals reside. Because bacterial abundance fluctuates widely across substrates, flies encounter and ingest varying amounts of bacteria. This study investigated the dose‐dependent survival of bacteria in house flies. Flies were fed four different ‘doses’ of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐expressing Escherichia coli (GFP E. coli) (very low, low, medium, high) and survival was determined at 1, 4, 10 and 22 h post‐ingestion by culture and epifluorescent microscopy. Over 22 h, the decline in GFP E. coli was significant in all treatments (P < 0.04) except the very low dose treatment (P = 0.235). Change in survival (ΔS) did not differ between flies fed low and very low doses of bacteria across all time‐points, although ΔS in both treatments differed from that in flies fed high and medium doses of bacteria at several time‐points. At 4, 10 and 22 h, GFP E. coli ΔS significantly differed between medium and high dose‐fed flies. A threshold dose, above which bacteria are detected and destroyed by house flies, may exist and is likely to be immune‐mediated. Understanding dose‐dependent bacterial survival in flies can help in predicting bacteria transmission potential.
Europe's odyssey?: political myth and the European Union
Authors: Della Sala Vincent 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThe article argues that the European Union, despite being a different kind of polity, has political myths that are similar to those that have characterised nation‐states. It examines two types of political myth – foundation and exceptionalism – and demonstrates that they have been used in an attempt to make the European Union understandable and acceptable as a form of governing. The article also argues that political myths about the EU have had limited success not only because they are based on the same content as national myths but also because they do not always conform to recognisable narrative forms. The EU, with its ambiguous aim of creating ‘an ever closer union’, does not provide the basis for sacred narratives that become normative and cognitive maps that make the new polity ‘normal’ and provide the EU with ontological security.