bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Trade‐off between early emergence and herbivore susceptibility mediates exotic success in an experimental California plant community
Authors: Waterton Joseph , Cleland Elsa E. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractEcological trade‐offs are fundamental to theory in community ecology; critical for understanding species coexistence in diverse plant communities, as well as the evolution of diverse life‐history strategies. Invasions by exotic species can provide insights into the importance of trade‐offs in community assembly, because the ecological strategies of invading species often differ from those present in the native species pool. Exotic annual species have invaded many Mediterranean‐climate areas around the globe, and often germinate and emerge earlier in the growing season than native species. Early‐season growth can enable exotic annual species to preempt space and resources, competitively suppressing later‐emerging native species; however, early‐emerging individuals may also be more apparent to herbivores. This suggests a potential trade‐off between seasonal phenology and susceptibility to herbivory. To evaluate this hypothesis, we monitored the emergence and growth of 12 focal species (six each native and exotic) in monoculture and polyculture, while experimentally excluding generalist herbivores both early and later in the growing season. Consistent with past studies, the exotic species emerged earlier than native species. Regardless of species origin, earlier‐emerging species achieved greater biomass by the end of the experiment, but were more negatively impacted by herbivory, particularly in the early part of the growing season. This greater impact of early‐season herbivory on early‐active species led to a reduction in the competitive advantage of exotic species growing in polyculture, and improved the performance of later‐emerging natives. Such a trade‐off between early growth and susceptibility to herbivores could be an important force in community assembly in seasonal herbaceous‐dominated ecosystems. These results also show how herbivore exclusion favors early‐active exotic species in this system, with important implications for management in many areas invaded by early‐active exotic species.
The impact of intensive grandchild care on depressive symptoms among older Koreans
Authors: Kim Juyeong , Park Eun‐Cheol , Choi Young , Lee Hyojeong , Lee Sang Gyu 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of intensive grandchild care on depressive symptoms among grandparents.MethodsWe used data from 2008 to 2012 of the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. Using the data from 2008 at baseline, data included 5129 individuals aged 50 years and more without depression with at least one grandchild. A generalized estimating equation was used to investigate the impact of intensive grandchild care on depressive symptoms. Investigated factors included the intensity of grandchild care, measured by hours spent caring for a grandchild per week: (i) none (0 h); (ii) non‐intensive grandchild care (1–39 h); and intensive grandchild care (≥40 h). Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10‐item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale.ResultsAmong 5128 participants from 2008 to 2012, 3.0% were providing non‐intensive grandchildren care, and 1.9% were providing intensive grandchild care. Compared with grandparents providing no grandchild care, those who provided intensive grandchild care experienced reduced depressive symptoms (β = −0.51 [p = 0.007] vs. no childcare). Men (β = −1.22 [p = 0.012] vs. no childcare) providing intensive grandchild care experienced a greater reduction in depressive symptoms compared with women (β = −0.44 [p = 0.029] vs. no childcare) providing grandchild care. Grandparents who were receiving financial support from adult children were more likely to experience reduced depressive symptoms than those not receiving such support.ConclusionThe results of this study reveal that intensive grandchild care is associated with lower depressive symptoms among older adults, particularly men. The findings emphasize the importance of encouraging older adults to participate in grandchild care, regardless of gender. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correlative study of dose to thyroid and incidence of subsequent dysfunction after head and neck radiation
Authors: Ling Stella , Bhatt Aashish D. , Brown Nicole V. , Nguyen Phuong , Sipos Jennifer A. , Chakravarti Arnab , Rong Yi 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTBackgroundThyroid dysfunction is common after radiotherapy (RT) for patients with head and neck cancers. We attempted to discover RT dose parameters that correspond with RT‐induced thyroid dysfunction.MethodsRecords of 102 patients who received RT from 2008 to 2010 were reviewed with respect to thyroid function. Abnormalities were grouped in 2 ways: (1) none, transient, or permanent; and (2) overt or subclinical.ResultsAt median follow‐up of 33.5 months, incidence of any thyroid abnormality was 39.2% (women vs men – 50% vs 35%). Permanent dysfunction was seen in 24.5% with higher incidence in women versus men (42.9% vs 17.6%; p = .0081). Permanent abnormalities most strongly correlated with D50% (p = .0275). V50Gy also correlated with thyroid dysfunction post‐RT (p = .0316). Concurrent chemotherapy increased permanent dysfunction (p = .0008).ConclusionAchieving D50% <50 Gy, V50 <50%, and mean dose <54.58 Gy during RT planning may decrease the incidence; whereas female sex and concurrent chemotherapy seem to increase the risk of RT‐induced hypothyroidism. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 548–554, 2017
The Robust Relationship Between US Food Aid and Civil Conflict
Authors: Chu Chi‐Yang , Henderson Daniel J. , Wang Le 
Published: December 2016

SummaryHumanitarian aid has long been considered an important means to reduce hunger and suffering in developing countries. A recent finding by Nunn and Qian (US food aid and civil conflict, American Economic Review 2014; 104: 1630–1666) that such aid from the US increases the incidence and duration of civil conflict in recipient countries, however, questions the effectiveness of this policy and poses a serious policy concern for the US government. We revisit this issue by conducting a successful replication study of the results in their paper. In order to further scrutinize their claims that a heterogeneous effect of food aid on conflict is not present, we employ a semiparametric endogenous estimation procedure. We show that their parametric models cannot be rejected and argue that their findings are robust. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bone Health in Patients With Hematopoietic Disorders of Bone Marrow Origin: Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis
Authors: Steer Kieran , Stavnichuk Mariya , Morris Martin , Komarova Svetlana V 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACT

Blood cell production and bone homeostasis are physically interlinked systems that exhibit active cross-talk. We examined how bone health is affected in patients with hematopoietic disorders due to abnormal proliferation of bone marrow cells. The electronic databases Medline, Embase, PubMed, BIOSIS Previews, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched for studies presenting numerical values for trabecular bone volume or bone mineral density in control and patients with hematopoietic disorders. We identified 5 studies for beta-thalassemia, 6 for sickle cell anemia, 2 for polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia, 3 for chronic myelogenous leukemia, 6 for myelofibrosis, 5 for multiple myeloma, and 4 studies each for systemic mastocytosis, lymphocytic leukemia, and hemochromatosis. The effect of the disease state on bone density was significant and negative for beta-thalassemia (r = –2.00; 95% confidence interval [CI] –3.41, –0.58; p &lt; 0.005), sickle cell anemia (–0.91; –1.36, –0.47; p &lt; 0.00005), chronic myelogenous leukemia (–0.55; –0.88, –0.22; p &lt; 0005), mastocytosis (–0.99; –1.16, –0.82; p &lt; 0.00001), lymphoblastic leukemia (–0.69; –0.98, –0.40; p &lt; 0.00001), multiple myeloma (–0.67; –0.99, –0.35; p &lt; 0.00005), and hemochromatosis (–1.15; –1.64, –0.66; p &lt; 0.00001). The changes were negative but not significant for polycythemia vera (–0.16; –0.38, 0.05; p = 0.069) and essential thrombocythemia (–0.33; –0.92, 0.26; p = 0.14). In myelofibrosis, disease state was associated with increased bone density (0.74; 0.12, 1.36; p &lt; 0.05). Bone density change significantly and negatively correlated with the level of ferritin and bone marrow cellularity but not with hemoglobin or erythropoietin. Thus, independent of hematopoietic lineage, abnormal proliferation of bone marrow cells appears to be associated with bone loss. Iron metabolism may independently contribute to bone homeostasis. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Posttraumatic Rumination: Content, Correlates, and Processes
Authors: Valdez Christine E. , Lilly Michelle M. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectiveTrauma‐related rumination (i.e., repetitive and recurrent thinking about trauma and its consequences) has shown to predict the development and maintenance of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, though little is known about its characteristics. The purpose of this study was to examine trauma‐related ruminative content, correlates, and processes during a trauma‐specific repetitive thinking interview.MethodA total of 63 female survivors of violence completed questionnaires assessing trauma‐related pathology and participated in a trauma‐specific repetitive thinking interview, which was qualitatively coded.ResultsMost participants expressed problematic (i.e., assimilated and overaccommodated) trauma beliefs during the interview, which were associated with baseline posttraumatic sequelae. Reexperiencing symptoms mediated the relation between a brooding response style and expressed problematic trauma beliefs. State negative emotions were associated with ruminative processes during the interview and predicted negative emotions after the interview.ConclusionMaladaptive trauma‐related rumination is characterized by perseveration on problematic trauma beliefs. Implications for treatment are discussed.
Analysis of rainfall variability in the Logone catchment, Lake Chad basin
Authors: Nkiaka E. , Nawaz N. R. , Lovett J. C. 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTThe socio‐economic consequences posed by climate change in Africa are giving increasing emphasis to the need for trend analysis and detection of changes in hydro‐climatic variables in data deficient areas. This study analyses rainfall data from 17 rain gauges unevenly distributed across the Logone catchment in the Lake Chad basin over a 50‐year period (1951–2000). After quality control of the rainfall data using homogeneity tests, nonparametric Mann–Kendall and Spearman's rho tests were applied to detect the presence of trends. Trend magnitude was calculated using Sen's slope estimator. Results of the homogeneity test showed that rainfall was homogeneous across the catchment. Trend analysis revealed the presence of negative trends for annual rainfall at all the stations. Results of long‐term trend analysis at a monthly time scale revealed the presence of statistically insignificant positive trends at 32% of the stations. Spatially, the analysis showed a clear distinction in rainfall magnitude between the semi‐arid and Sudano zones. The slope of the trend lines for annual rainfall averaged over the respective zones was higher in the semi‐arid zone (−4.37) compared to the Sudano zone (−4.02). However, the station with the greatest reduction in annual rainfall (−8.06 mm) was located in the Sudano zone.
Interdecadal variation of tropical cyclone genesis and its relationship to the monsoon trough over the western North Pacific
Authors: Huangfu Jingliang , Huang Ronghui , Chen Wen , Feng Tao , Wu Liang 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTUsing the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts Interim Reanalysis data set and the tropical cyclone (TC) best track data obtained from the International Best Tracks Archive for Climate Stewardship project from June to November for the epoch of 1979–2013, this study reexamines the recent interdecadal shift in TC genesis over the western North Pacific (WNP) in the late 1990s. An interdecadal decrease in the frequency of the WNP TC genesis was observed during 1998–2013 compared to the period of 1979–1997. The spatial distribution of the interdecadal decrease of the WNP TC genesis running northwest‐southeast, consistent with the monsoon trough (MT) zone. The results imply that the WNP genesis may be closely related to the MT on the interdecadal timescale. After the late 1990s, the intensity of the WNP MT becomes weaker and it extends more westward, thereby providing an unfavourable condition for the TC genesis. Through a diagnosis of the energetics, we suggested that the barotropic energy conversion in the eastern part of the WNP MT tends to be weakened in the late 1990s, hence less energy to support the WNP TC genesis. Both the meridional shear and the convergence of the mean zonal winds over the eastern WNP MT have an important impact on the conversion from mean kinetic energy to eddy kinetic energy, which can be considered as the atmospheric cause of the interdecadal decrease of TC genesis.
Interaction of cold fronts with the Brazilian Plateau: a climatological analysis
Authors: Foss Marilei , Chou Sin Chan , Seluchi Marcelo Enrique 
Published: December 2016

ABSTRACTComplex orography of elevated terrain and numerous peaks can act as an important physical barrier to the atmospheric flow and can generate a range of meteorological phenomena. The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of the Brazilian Plateau on the spatial distribution of cold fronts and their climatology for the period between 1979 and 2010 using Climate Forecast System Reanalysis data. The cold fronts are detected and divided into three groups, according to their frequency and trajectory over South America: the continental fronts are referred to as the AN group; the fronts that pass over the coastal region of São Paulo are referred to as the SP group; and the fronts that pass over the two areas are referred to as the ANSP group. Composites of means and anomalies of atmospheric variables are constructed for each group. The investigation focuses on the orographic effects of the Brazilian Plateau on the climatology of the cold fronts. The Brazilian Plateau affects the spatial distribution of maximum and minimum frontal frequency. The number of cold fronts over the elevated regions of the Brazilian Plateau is significantly lower than in the surrounding regions. The maximum frontal frequency is found to the east of the Andes and a secondary maximum is found along the Southeast coast of Brazil. The main effect of the Brazilian Plateau on the mean and anomaly fields of meteorological variables is to block the dry and cool post‐frontal air at lower atmospheric levels. The most significant anomalies are found in the ANSP group of cold fronts, which are more intense and move more rapidly eastward. On the other hand, the AN cold front group is the most frequent, but the weakest and easily affected by the Brazilian Plateau orography.
Predictors of outcome with cetuximab and paclitaxel for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Pellini Ferreira Bruna , Redman Mary , Baker Kelsey K. , Martins Renato , Eaton Keith D. , Chow Laura Quan Man , Baik Christina S. , Goulart Bernardo , Lee Sylvia Mina , Santana‐Davila Rafael , Rodriguez Cristina P. 
Published: December 2016

ObjectivesIdentify predictors of outcome in patients with recurrent/metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (RMHNSCC) treated with weekly cetuximab and paclitaxel (CP).Study DesignRetrospective analysis.MethodsPatients with RMHNSCC treated with CP were identified and patient data was recorded. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to estimate outcomes, and Cox regression analysis was used to examine outcome predictors.ResultsFifty‐nine patients initiated CP between January 2007 and June 2014. Median age was 56 (range: 39–80) years. The most common primary sites were the oropharynx in 22 (37%) patients, oral cavity in 19 (32%), and larynx in 11 (19%). Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (ECOG PS) was 0 in seven (12%), 1 in 32 (54%), and 2 in 16 (28%) patients. In 44 (75%) patients, CP was used as a first‐line R/M regimen. Median number of cycles was five (range: 1–29). Dose modifications were necessary in 27 (46%) patients. The objective response rate was 47.5%, with 27 (45.8%) partial responses and one (2%) complete response. With a median follow‐up of 13.4 months, median progression‐free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 7.7 and 13.2 months, respectively. On multivariable analysis, an ECOG of 2 of 3 was associated with inferior OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 3.94; P = 0.01; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.1–14.04) and PFS (HR: 7.29; P < 0.01; 95% CI: 2.1–26.0) compared to an ECOG 0 of 1. First‐line CP administration was associated with superior PFS compared to second line (HR: 2.6; P = 0.02; 95% CI:1.2–5.5).ConclusionsCP is well tolerated in this population of patients, with favorable tumor efficacy. First‐line use and an ECOG 0 of 1 points appears to confer superior outcomes.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 127:1583–1588, 2017
The symptom matrix: Using a formalism‐based approach to address complex syndromes systematically
Authors: Skillen Jennifer D. 
Published: December 2016

AbstractComplex rheumatological syndromes such as Systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's Syndrome and many connective tissue disorders can be a challenge to classify and diagnose, due to their wide‐ranging signs and symptoms, not all of which will necessarily be present in all patients. This can result in difficulties for the clinician, patient and researcher if signs and symptoms are either overlooked or are incorrectly included in the nosology or classification of diseases.This article presents a formalism‐based approach to describing syndromes. This approach offers a more systematic way of representing signs and symptoms, to aid in diagnosis and classification of complex, heterogeneous and little understood syndromes.To illustrate this approach, Ehlers‐Danlos Syndrome – Hypermobility Type is used as a worked example. This approach can also be applied to other syndromes in both clinical and educational settings, to assist with research, diagnosis, choice of treatment or intervention and nosology revision.
Induced sputum to detect lung pathogens in young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: D'Sylva Pamela , Caudri Daan , Shaw Nicole , Turkovic Lidija , Douglas Tonia , Bew Jane , Keil Anthony D. , Stick Stephen , Schultz André 
Published: December 2016

SummaryIntroductionInduced sputum sampling holds promise as a method for obtaining samples representative of the lower airways in young children. Collection of induced sputum samples in young children differs from older children and adults’ as pharyngeal suctioning is often required. Our aim was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of induced sputum with and without airway clearance techniques to detect lower airway pathogens in children less than age 7 with cystic fibrosis.MethodsMicrobiological culture results were compared between 61 paired induced sputum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from young children with cystic fibrosis. The first cohort received no airway clearance and the second cohort received airway clearance. Induced sputum was sampled within 7 days of bronchoscopy.ResultsMedian age (range) of participants was 3.3 years (0.9–6.7). Sensitivity and specificity (95%CI) of induced sputum was 36.8% (16.3, 61.6), and 69% (52.9, 82.4), respectively (N = 61). In subgroup analysis, induced sputum with (N = 31) and without airway clearance (N = 30) demonstrated sensitivity of 50% (15.7, 84.3) and 27.3% (6.0, 61.0), respectively, and specificity of 60.9% (38.5, 80.3), and 78.9% (54.4, 93.9), respectively.ConclusionInduced sputum is not highly sensitive or specific as routine surveillance for detection of lower airway pathogens in young children with cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2017;52:182–189. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Q‐learning for continuous‐time graphical games on large networks with completely unknown linear system dynamics
Authors: Vamvoudakis Kyriakos G. 
Published: December 2016

SummaryIn this paper, we consider the problem of leader synchronization in systems with interacting agents in large networks while simultaneously satisfying energy‐related user‐defined distributed optimization criteria. But modeling in large networks is very difficult, and for that reason, we derive a model‐free formulation that is based on a separate distributed Q‐learning function for every agent. Every Q‐function is a parametrization of each agent's control, of the neighborhood controls, and of the neighborhood tracking error. It is also evident that none of the agents has any information on where the leader is connected to and from where she spreads the desired information. The proposed algorithm uses an integral reinforcement learning approach with a separate distributed actor/critic network for each agent: a critic approximator to approximate each value function and an actor approximator to approximate each optimal control law. The derived tuning laws for each actor and critic approximators are designed appropriately by using gradient descent laws. We provide rigorous stability and convergence proofs to show that the closed‐loop system has an asymptotically stable equilibrium point and that the control policies form a graphical Nash equilibrium. We demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method on a network consisting of 10 agents. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Can newborn infants imitate?
Authors: Jones Susan 
Published: December 2016

For several decades, scientists have held that newborn human infants can imitate adult behaviors like mouth opening, tongue protruding, and finger movements. This has been difficult to explain. In particular, it is not clear how newborn infants could know enough about their own bodies and movements, and how these map onto the bodies and movements of others, to be able to match their own felt movements to the seen movements of others. Prominent theories posit the existence ofinborn mechanismsthat automatically link visual input from the movements of others to the infant's already existing motor programs to produce the same movements. Such mechanisms would be instances of the inheritance of specific knowledge. In this review, we explain how current data argue against the existence of an inborn mechanism for linking seen actions with programs for performing those actions. We then sketch an alternative, multicausal explanation for the gradual development of imitation across infancy and beyond.WIREs Cogn Sci2017, 8:e1410. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1410This article is categorized under:Psychology > Development and Aging
Developmental evolution
Authors: Lickliter Robert 
Published: December 2016

Biologists and psychologists are re‐thinking the long‐standing premise of genes as the primary cause of development, a view widely embraced in 20th‐century biology. This shift in thinking is based in large part on: (1) the growing appreciation of the complex, distributed regulatory dynamics of gene expression; and (2) the growing appreciation of the probabilistic, contingent, and situated nature of development. We now appreciate that what actually unfolds during individual development represents only one of many possibilities. This expanded focus on the developmental process, often referred to as a developmental systems approach, has far‐reaching implications for developmental and evolutionary theory, including new ways of thinking about the consequences of activity and experience, the emergence of novel properties or traits, the nature and extent of heredity, and the origins of phenotypic variability. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017, 8:e1422. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1422This article is categorized under:

Cognitive Biology > Genes and Environment
Neuroscience > Development
Neuroscience > Plasticity