bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Home‐field advantages of litter decomposition increase with increasing N deposition rates: a litter and soil perspective
Authors: Li Ying‐Bin , Li Qi , Yang Jun‐Jie , Lü Xiao‐Tao , Liang Wen‐Ju , Han Xing‐Guo , Martijn Bezemer T. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryDifferences in litter quality and in soil microbial community composition can influence the litter decomposition and ‘home‐field advantage’ (HFA). However, our knowledge about the relative role of litter and soil characteristics on litter decomposition andHFAeffects is still limited, especially under long‐term N deposition.We collected soil and two types of litter (monospecific and mixed species litter) from five replicate plots from a long‐term N deposition field experiment with seven N addition treatments (0, 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 50 g N m−2 year−1). We examined the effects of N addition on litter quality and soil characteristics. We then carried out a three‐pronged microcosm decomposition experiment with (i) litter from different N addition treatments decomposed on a standard field soil; (ii) standard litter decomposed on soils from the different N addition treatments; and (iii) litter decomposed on soil from the same N addition treatment plot.Decomposition of litter on standard soil was influenced strongly by the N addition treatment, but did not consistently decrease or increase with increasing N addition rates. Instead, decomposition of standard litter on soils collected from different N addition treatments decreased with increasing rates of N addition. Decomposition of litter on soil collected from the same plot increased with increasing N addition rates. Soil characteristics explained more of the variation in litter decomposition than litter characteristics.There was a clearHFAeffect for litter decomposition, both from a litter and from a soil perspective.HFAeffects increased when the dissimilarity in litter quality (N content and C : N ratio) increase among the different N addition treatments and the soil effect was strongest at high N addition rates.N addition influenced litter decomposition by changing both litter and soil characteristics. Importantly, N addition decreased the capability of soils to decompose litter and it increased the HFA effect indicating that soils decomposed local litter better than other litter, due to specialization in soil communities. Nitrogen deposition is an important threat to ecosystems worldwide and our study emphasizes that ecosystem functions such as decomposition can be greatly influenced by these global changes.Alay summaryis available for this article.
‘It's like taking a bit of masculinity away from you’: towards a theoretical understanding of men's experiences of infertility
Authors: Dolan Alan , Lomas Tim , Ghobara Tarek , Hartshorne Geraldine 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn theUK, nearly half of all cases of infertility involve a ‘male‐factor’. Yet, little empirical work has explored how men as men negotiate this terrain. Three interrelated concepts; ‘hegemonic masculinity’, ‘embodied masculinity’ and the linkages between ‘masculinities’ and male help‐seeking, provide the theoretical framework that guided a qualitative study conducted with 22 men experiencing infertility. The paper explores men's propensity to delay their help‐seeking in relation to infertility despite their desire for children. It also demonstrates how, in the context of infertility, the male body can be defined as both a failed entity in itself (unable to father a child) and a subordinated social entity (unable to measure up to hegemonic ideals) that characterises men's masculine identities. The paper also illustrates how men appear willing to accept responsibility for their infertility and adopt aspects of hitherto subordinate masculine practice. This does not, however, constitute the total unravelling of well understood and accepted expressions of masculinity. Finally, the paper demonstrates how infertility is perceived as having the potential to fracture current and even future relationships. Moreover, regardless of how well men measured up to other hegemonic ideals, ultimately they can do little to counteract the threat of other (fertile) men.
Have we seen the geneticisation of society? Expectations and evidence
Authors: Weiner Kate , Martin Paul , Richards Martin , Tutton Richard 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAbby Lippman's geneticisation thesis, of the early 1990s, argued and anticipated that with the rise of genetics, increasing areas of social and health related activities would come to be understood and defined in genetic terms leading to major changes in society, medicine and health care. We review the considerable literature on geneticisation and consider how the concept stands both theoretically and empirically across scientific, clinical, popular and lay discourse and practice. Social science scholarship indicates that relatively little of the original claim of the geneticisation thesis has been realised, highlighting the development of more complex and dynamic accounts of disease in scientific discourse and the complexity of relationships between bioscientific, clinical and lay understandings. This scholarship represents a shift in social science understandings of the processes of sociotechnical change, which have moved from rather simplistic linear models to an appreciation of disease categories as multiply understood. Despite these shifts, we argue that a genetic imaginary persists, which plays a performative role in driving investments in new gene‐based developments. Understanding the enduring power of this genetic imaginary and its consequences remains a key task for the social sciences, one which treats ongoing genetic expectations and predictions in a sceptical yet open way.
Direct aspiration versus follicular flushing in poor responders undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Haydardedeoglu B , Gjemalaj F , Aytac PC , Kilicdag EB 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveTo compare follicle flushing three times with direct follicular aspiration in poor responders. Our hypothesis was that follicle flushing three times in poor responders would result in similar oocyte yield compared with direct aspiration in poor responders.DesignA randomised controlled trial performed between January 2015 and June 2015.SettingUniversity hospital.Population or sampleEighty eligible poor responders, who were defined as having five or fewer follicles ≥13 mm in average diameter with at least two follicles having maximum diameters >17 mm on the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin administration. Monofollicular cycles, including natural cycles, were excluded from the current trial.MethodsIn the double‐lumen needle group, oocyte retrieval was performed by flushing three times with 2 ml in each follicle and in the single‐lumen group direct follicle aspiration was performed.Main outcome measureNumber of metaphase II oocytes retrieved.ResultsThe mean number of metaphase II oocytes was similar in both groups (1.9 ± 0.1 versus 2.1 ± 0.1, respectively). The clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were similar in both groups (32.5% versus 25% and 25% versus 22.5%, respectively). The only significant difference between the two groups was the duration of oocyte retrieval (178.4 ± 13.4 versus 236.3 ± 24.1 seconds, respectively, P = 0.01).ConclusionFollicular flushing is time consuming and has similar results compared with direct follicle aspiration in poor responders.Tweetable abstractDirect follicle aspiration versus flushing in poor responders yields similar metaphase II oocytes.
Learning on the fly: How rural junior doctors learn during consultations with retrieval physicians
Authors: Baker Timothy , Kumar Koshila , Kennedy Marcus 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores how rural junior doctors learn while consulting retrieval physicians about critically ill and injured patients, as well as the tensions characterising teaching and learning in this setting.MethodsData were collected via three focus groups, involving rural junior doctors (n = 8), rural senior doctors (n = 3) and retrievalists (n = 3). The discussions were transcribed and subject to multistage coding.ResultsRural junior doctors believe they learn from interactions with retrieval physicians. Their learning was greatest when the retrieval physician explained his or her clinical reasoning and provided feedback. The level of stress was sometimes overwhelming and learning ceased. Both groups described limited time for teaching due to the medical needs of the patient and the needs of concurrent patients. Retrieval physicians were not certain that rural junior doctors wanted to learn. Rural junior doctors hold retrievalists in very high regard.ConclusionSupport provided by retrievalists extends the abilities of the junior doctors and often results in learning. When junior doctors are extended too far, they become overwhelmed and learning ceases. Junior doctors would like the retrievalists to spend more time explaining their actions and providing feedback. Even when both retrievalists and junior doctors are interested in teaching, it may not occur due to misunderstandings and differences in status.
Regulatory Oversight of Financial Reporting: Securities and Exchange Commission Comment Letters
Authors: Johnston Rick , Petacchi Reining 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reviews company filings (10‐Q, 10‐K, S‐1, etc.) submitted to them. If a review identifies potential deficiencies, the SEC staff sends the company a comment letter seeking clarification, additional information, and ultimately, perhaps, revision of the filing or future filings. We examine the content, resolution, and ensuing informational consequences of SEC comment letters. The content analysis shows that nearly half of all comments involve accounting application, financial reporting, and disclosure issues. More than 17 percent of our sample cases result in immediate amended filings to resolve the issue(s) arising from the comment letters, and financial statements and/or footnotes are frequently revised. Following comment letter resolution, the adverse selection component of the bid‐ask spread declines and Earnings Response Coefficients (ERCs) increase. Our results provide little support for the conjecture that the market interprets the receipt of a comment letter as a signal that the firm has poor reporting quality. Finally, we find no evidence that comment letter firms increase the quantity or change the type of voluntary disclosure, thereby eliminating a possible competing explanation for the improved information environment. We conclude the SEC's oversight has beneficial informational effects.
Clinical benefits of treatment with SQ house dust mite sublingual tablet in house dust mite allergic rhinitis
Authors: Demoly P. , Kleine‐Tebbe J. , Rehm D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractTreatment with SQ (standardised quality) house dust mite sublingual tablet for 1 year resulted in a decreased probability of having an allergic rhinitis (AR) exacerbation day (from 11% [placebo] to 5% [SQ house dust mite sublingual tablet]) and an increased probability of having a mild AR day (from 16% [placebo] to 34% [SQ house dust mite sublingual tablet]).
Observation method identifies that a lack of canonical babbling can indicate future speech and language problems
Authors: Lohmander A , Holm K , Eriksson S , Lieberman M 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimWe investigated how accurate observations of canonical babbling (CB) were and explored predictive babbling measures in children with and without medical diagnoses of conditions that can lead to speech and language problems.MethodsFrom 2012 to 2014 this Stockholm‐based study recruited 38 children aged nine months to 21 months with medical diagnoses and 30 children aged 10 months without diagnoses and included 21 previously studied 12‐month‐old children without medical diagnoses. CB and consonant sound production were directly observed by video recording natural play with a caregiver. The percentage of CB was calculated from each recording, and a validated observation form was used. How accurately the children with and without CB were classified was investigated with sensitivity and specificity. The groups were compared using predictive babbling variables.ResultsThe observation method identified children with and without CB well, with a specificity of 0.89 and sensitivity of 0.93, respectively. Children with predictive babbling measures were identified in the clinical group (specificity 0.93–0.97), and a lack of these measures indicated a risk of being in the clinical group (odds ratios > 10). The sensitivity was low (0.32–0.42).ConclusionObservation effectively identified a lack of CB and supported the importance of assessing babbling measures.
Children aged two to four are able to scribble and draw using a smartphone app
Authors: Yadav Savita , Chakraborty Pinaki 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimDrawing apps are an attractive medium, and this study assessed the fluency and skills with which children aged two to four drew using an app on a smartphone.MethodsWe provided 90 children between two and four years of age with a drawing app at a playschool in an upper‐class suburb in New Delhi in November 2016. The app allowed them to draw by sliding their finger on the screen and selecting the drawing colour from a palette. The children were given five minutes to draw with the app.ResultsAll the children were able to draw with the app. The children aged two and three were in the scribbling stage. The children aged two typically drew zigzag lines with a single colour, while the children aged three were able to draw distinct lines and shapes with multiple colours. The children aged four had moved from the scribbling stage to the preschematic stage. They drew multicoloured figures identifiable as real‐world objects and were able to explain what they were drawing.ConclusionWe found that drawing apps were appropriate for young children aged two to four and may be used by them along with other drawing media.
The role of the e‐tutor in synchronous online problem‐based learning: A study in a Master Public Health Programme
Authors: de Jong Nynke , Verstegen Daniëlle M. L. , Könings Karen D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study is to compare the role of the tutor in an online and a face‐to‐face problem‐based learning (PBL) session to shed light on potential differences of the tutor role in both settings. In this practice‐based study we compared the two groups with the same tutor undertaking the same module. Students completed questionnaires about tutor performance, student characteristics and the module. Marks on the end‐of‐module test were analysed. The tutor was interviewed about his expectations and experiences. One session of each group was recorded and analysed qualitatively. Results show tutor tasks appeared to be comparable in both settings with regard to “content and pedagogical content knowledge,” “group dynamics,” “process instruction” and “intermediary between faculty and students.” The face‐to‐face group rated tutor performance lower than the online students. Students and tutor identified the absence of nonverbal cues as a limitation of online PBL. In online sessions the tutor additionally provided technical support and moderated the chat box. It is recommended to involve an extra person in online sessions who is responsible for technical issues. This person could also check the chat box for messages of students. Future research should focus on the necessity of an extra tutor training for online sessions.
Genetic background of the rare Yus and Gerbich blood group phenotypes: homologous regions of the GYPC gene contribute to deletion alleles
Authors: Gourri Elise , Denomme Gregory A. , Merki Yvonne , Scharberg Erwin A. , Vrignaud Cedric , Frey Beat M. , Peyrard Thierry , Gassner Christoph 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThe GYPC gene encodes the glycophorins C and D. The two moieties express 12 known antigens of the Gerbich blood group system and functionally stabilize red blood cell membranes through their intracellular interaction with protein 4.1 and p55. Three GYPC exon deletions are responsible for the lack of the high‐frequency antigens Ge2 (Yus type, exon 2 deletion), Ge2 and Ge3 (Gerbich type, exon 3 deletion), and Ge2 to 4 (Leach type, exons 3 and 4 deletion), but lack exact molecular description. A total of 29 rare blood samples with Yus (GE:‐2,3,4) and Gerbich (GE:‐2,‐3,4) phenotypes, including individuals of Middle‐Eastern, North‐African or Balkan ancestry were examined genetically. All phenotypes could be explained by 4 different Yus alleles, characterized by deletions of exon 2 and adjacent introns, and 3 different Gerbich alleles, with deletions of exon 3 and adjacent introns. A 3600 base pair GYPC region, encompassing exon 2 and flanking region, shares a high degree of sequence homology with a region flanking exon 3, probably representing an evolutionary duplication event. Defining the expression of Gerbich variants presently relies on rare serological reagents. Our approach substitutes the serological characterization with a precise genotype approach to identify the rare Yus and Gerbich alleles.
Oral health conceptual knowledge and its relationships with oral health outcomes: Findings from a Multi‐site Health Literacy Study
Authors: Macek Mark D. , Atchison Kathryn A. , Chen Haiyan , Wells William , Haynes Don , Parker Ruth M. , Azzo Shurouk 
Published: March 2017

AbstractObjectivesIn 2010, a health literacy instrument designed to measure oral health conceptual knowledge was introduced. This developmental work was limited in that it included a relatively small and homogeneous study population and few oral health measures against which to test concurrent validity. The purpose of the present investigation is to expand upon the earlier work by utilizing a larger study sample and additional outcome variables.MethodsData for this report came from the Multi‐site Oral Health Literacy Research Study (MOHLRS), a large, cross‐sectional survey conducted at two university‐based dental clinics in the United States. MOHLRS included multiple assessments administered during face‐to‐face interviews. Conceptual knowledge was measured with the Comprehensive Measure of Oral Health Knowledge (CMOHK). Questions about self‐efficacy, utilization, and dental beliefs and attitudes were also asked. Covariates included recruitment site, age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, and languages spoken.ResultsOverall, 18% of 909 adult participants exhibited “low” conceptual knowledge. CMOHK scores were significantly associated with three health literacy instruments, the REALM, Short‐test of functional health literacy in adults (TOFHLA), and confidence filling out forms. In both bivariate and multivariable analyses, CMOHK scores were also significantly associated with dental beliefs and attitudes and self‐efficacy to prevent both dental caries and periodontal disease. CMOHK scores were not associated with utilization, measured either as having a dental visit or a dental cleaning in the last year.ConclusionsThe present investigation provides additional support for the CMOHK's validity. Researchers are encouraged to incorporate oral health conceptual knowledge into their theoretical frameworks, especially as it relates to beliefs and self‐efficacy.
CHA2DS2‐VASc scores predict major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Ooi Hean , Chen Li‐Hsiou , Ni Yung‐Lun , Shen Huan‐Ting , Lee Yen‐Hsien , Chu Yi‐Chun , Fang Ke‐Chih , Chen I‐Hung , Hsu Shu‐Lan , Chen Hsing‐Chun , Huang Chien‐Hsiu , Fan Kuo‐Sheng , Lai Chun‐Liang , Hang Liang‐Wen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionPatients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) frequently experience concurrent comorbidities; therefore, risk assessment for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) is very important.ObjectivesWe explored the association between COPD and risk of MACEs with three common clinical events: acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischemic stroke (IS), and cardiovascular death (CVD).MethodsWe evaluated the predictive value of the CHA2DS2‐VASc score (congestive heart failure [C], hypertension [H], age [A], diabetes [D], stroke [S], and vascular disease [VASc]) for MACEs in COPD patients. In this observational study, we retrospectively reviewed the records of 29 258 patients with COPD between 2005 and 2009 in relation to MACE risk using the CHA2DS2‐VASc score. We calculated the hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) using a significance level of .05.ResultsPatients with COPD had significantly (P < .001) increased risk of MACEs, and a high prevalence of CHA2DS2‐VASc scores ≥ 6, predicting MACEs (16.1%), AMI (3.3%), IS (8.7%), and CVD (4.0%). A good discrimination was found for MACEs, IS events, and CVD events (AUC = 0.740, 0.739, and 0.778, respectively) but poorer discrimination for AMI events (AUC = 0.697).ConclusionEarly lifestyle modifications and antithrombotic therapy may be essential for COPD patients at a high risk of MACEs, that is, those with CHA2DS2‐VASc scores ≥ 6.
What moved share prices in the nineteenth‐century London stock market?†
Authors: Campbell Gareth , Quinn William , Turner John D. , Ye Qing 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUsing a new weekly blue‐chip index, this article investigates the causes of stock price movements on the London market between 1823 and 1870. We find that economic fundamentals explain about 15 per cent of weekly and 34 per cent of monthly variation in share prices. Contemporary press reporting from the London Stock Exchange is used to ascertain what market participants thought was causing the largest movements on the market. The vast majority of large movements were attributed by the press to geopolitical, monetary, railway‐sector, and financial‐crisis news. Investigating the stock price changes on an independent list of events reaffirms these findings, suggesting that the most important specific events that moved markets were wars involving European powers.
Inter‐communal institutions in medieval trade
Authors: Kallioinen Mika 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis article examines the institutional structure of medieval overseas trade to explain why trade thrived even in the absence of the state. The literature has dealt mainly with intra‐coalition or intra‐community relations. However, the literature does not answer the question of how institutions could be created that could support interaction between a large number of distant communities and between merchants who did not necessarily know one another. This article presents such an institution that prevailed in the Baltic Sea region in the late middle ages, referred to here as the inter‐communal conciliation mechanism. In case of a dispute, conciliation took place between town councils, rather than the merchants involved in the dispute, thus combining individual liability and communal enforcement. Exploration of the documents reveals a task‐specific regularity of behaviour, which was the general practice among merchants to turn to the council of their own community when they had problems in a foreign town, instead of being obliged to solve disputes by themselves. This institution provided a permanent, centralized, and relatively impartial enforcement mechanism to respond to breaches. It was therefore well adapted to large, at least partially anonymous markets, such as the Baltic Sea region, with dozens of towns and thousands of merchants.