bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Regeneration: an overlooked aspect of trait‐based plant community assembly models
Authors: Larson Julie E. , Funk Jennifer L. 
Published: May 2016

Summary

Despite the disproportionate influence that propagule production, dispersal, seed‐to‐seedling recruitment and vegetative reproduction can have on plant population and community dynamics, progress has been slow in the directed collection of regeneration traits to inform community assembly outcomes.

While seed mass is globally available and linked to growth and reproductive output, there are limits to its explanatory ability. In this essay, we call for expanded efforts to integrate a more diverse set of regeneration traits into community assembly models.

First, we extend an existing community assembly framework to conceptualize regeneration as a series of transitional processes whose outcomes are influenced by abiotic filters, biotic interactions and species traits. We then briefly review the literature, highlighting filters and traits of demonstrated or theorized importance for each transition. Finally, we place regeneration in the context of existing and emerging modelling approaches in trait‐based community assembly, summarizing key areas of progress needed to integrate regeneration traits into these efforts.

Synthesis. By incorporating influential regeneration traits into empirical studies and global data bases, we can begin to disentangle regenerative mechanisms underlying community assembly outcomes and enhance rapidly developing models of species’ abundances, distributions and responses to environmental change.
World Commodity Prices and Domestic Retail Food Price Inflation: Some Insights from the UK
Authors: Davidson James , Halunga Andreea , Lloyd Tim , McCorriston Steve , Morgan Wyn 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe focus on two aspects of the links between world commodity prices and retail food price inflation: first, the effects of exchange rates and other input costs, and second; the effects of the duration of shocks on world commodity markets, not just the magnitude of price spikes (the latter often commanding most attention). The UK offers a natural and rather unexplored setting for the analysis. Applying time series methods to a sample of 259 monthly observations over the 1990(9)–2012(3) period we find substantial and significant long‐term partial elasticities for domestic food price inflation with respect to world food commodity prices, the exchange rate and oil prices (the latter indirectly via a relationship with world food commodity prices). Domestic demand pressures and food chain costs are found to be less substantial and significant over our data period. Interactions between the main driving variables in the system tend to moderate rather than exacerbate these partial effects. Furthermore, the persistence of shocks to these variables markedly affects their effects on domestic food prices.
Generic skills in accounting: perspectives of Chinese postgraduate students
Authors: Smith Bernadette , Maguire William , Han Helen Haijuan 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThis study examines Chinese accounting students’ perceptions of skills required for a professional accounting position in Australia and of the emphasis placed on skills during their postgraduate Master of Professional Accounting (MPA) course. The study is motivated by concerns about international students’ inadequate generic skills and their difficulty in securing professional employment. We find that Chinese students perceive ‘communication skills’ to be the most important for their professional employment in Australia, but at the same time they tend to overemphasise technical skills and underemphasise other desirable generic skills.
BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and peripheral protein levels in pediatric bipolar disorder and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Zeni C. P. , Tramontina S. , Aguiar B. W. , Salatino‐Oliveira A. , Pheula G. F. , Sharma A. , Stertz L. , Moreira Maia C. R. , Hutz M. , Kapczinski F. P. , Rohde L. A. 
Published: May 2016

ObjectiveFrontiers between pediatric bipolar disorder (PBD) and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are not well defined. Few studies have addressed potentially different neurobiological factors between the two disorders. Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been increasingly recognized for its etiologic and prognostic role in adult bipolar disorder (BD) studies. This study aimed to examine the BDNF gene polymorphism and potential alterations in BDNF serum levels in the pediatric ADHD patients with or without comorbid BD illness.MethodWe assessed the non‐synonymous single‐nucleotide polymorphism in the BDNF gene (rs6265/Val66Met) and its serum levels in children and adolescents with BD comorbid with ADHD (BD + ADHD) and ADHD alone. Children and adolescents were assessed for psychiatric diagnoses using the Kiddie‐Sads‐Present and Lifetime Version (K‐SADS‐PL).ResultsUsing Analysis of covariance (ancova) we detected a significant group effect (patients with BD + ADHD had higher serum levels than those with ADHD – F80,3 = 8.73, P = 0.005).ConclusionAlthough the Val66Met polymorphism at the BDNF gene does not seem to play a significant role in children and adolescents with BD or ADHD, BDNF serum levels deserve further attention in future research on neurobiological aspects of BD and ADHD.
Neutrophil elastase in amniotic fluid as a predictor of preterm birth after emergent cervical cerclage
Authors: Hatakeyama Yuko , Miura Hiroshi , Sato Akira , Onodera Yohei , Sato Naoki , Shimizu Dai , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Sanada Hiroyuki , Hirano Hideto , Terada Yukihiro 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of this study was to investigate neutrophil elastase (NE) in amniotic fluid as a potential marker for predicting pregnancy continuation.Material and methodsWe enrolled 34 pregnant women with bulging fetal membrane during the second trimester who underwent emergent cerclage after confirming the absence of intrauterine infection (amniotic fluid glucose ≥15 mg/dL). Amniotic fluid NE levels were compared between women who completed and did not complete 30, 34, and 36 weeks of gestation, and the optimal cut‐off value for predicting pregnancy continuation was estimated. Moreover, the differences in the duration of continued pregnancy were compared between women with NE levels above and below the optimal cut‐off value.ResultsThe optimal cut‐off value for NE in amniotic fluid that predicted pregnancy continuation beyond 30, 34, and 36 weeks of gestation was 180 ng/mL; this cut‐off value had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 84.0, 77.8, 91.3, and 63.7% beyond 30 weeks of gestation; 87.5, 80.0, 91.5, and 72.3% beyond 34 weeks of gestation; and 85.0, 71.4, 80.9, and 76.9% beyond 36 weeks of gestation, respectively. The duration of continued pregnancy from emergent cerclage to delivery was significantly longer in women with amniotic fluid NE <180 ng/mL (95.1 ± 5.4 days) than in women with amniotic fluid NE ≥180 ng/mL (44.8 ± 14.3 days).ConclusionThe NE levels in amniotic fluid may serve as a useful marker for predicting the duration of continued pregnancy after cervical cerclage.
Laparoscopically resected obturator nerve schwannoma: A case report
Authors: Takahashi Hiroki , Hara Masayasu , Tsuboi Ken , Sagawa Hiroyuki , Ishiguro Hideyuki , Matsuo Yoichi , Takeyama Hiromitsu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObturator nerve schwannomas are very rare. To date, only nine cases have been reported in the English‐language literature; none of these were diagnosed preoperatively. A 68‐year‐old woman was admitted with left lower abdominal pain. CT and MRI revealed a mass 30 mm in diameter in the left obturator fossa, suggesting a retroperitoneal tumor. Because CT and MRI revealed clear continuity with the left obturator nerve, this case was diagnosed as an obturator nerve schwannoma. Tumor enucleation was performed by laparoscopy. On histopathological examination, this case was diagnosed as a benign obturator nerve schwannoma. Postoperatively, the patient developed weakness of the adductor muscle but recovered within 6 months with rehabilitation therapy. Preoperative diagnosis of obturator nerve schwannomas is quite difficult, but careful inspection of CT and MRI is important to identify the original nerve of schwannoma preoperatively. Accordingly, laparoscopic resection is a good treatment option.
Efficacy and safety of darbepoetin alpha in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Park Sophie , Fenaux Pierre , Greenberg Peter , Mehta Bhakti , Callaghan Fiona , Kim Christopher , Tomita Dianne , Xu Hairong 
Published: May 2016

SummaryWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to estimate the efficacy of darbepoetin alpha (DA) for treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)‐related anaemia. Eligible studies were prospective, interventional, and reported World Health Organization, French‐American‐British, or International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS) criteria. Outcomes included erythroid response rate (primary); haemoglobin response; change in haemoglobin, transfusion status, and quality‐of‐life (QoL); and safety. Ten studies (N = 647) were analysed. Erythroid response rate range was 38–72%; median response duration range was 12–51+ months. Patients with erythropoietin (EPO) <100 iu/l had 35% [95% confidence interval (CI): 22–48%; P < 0·001) better response than patients with EPO >100 iu/l. Erythropoesis‐stimulating agent (ESA)‐naïve patients had 17% (95% CI: 3–32%; P = 0·022) greater response rate than those previously treated with ESA. Nonetheless, previously treated patients had response rates of 25–75%. Higher baseline haemoglobin levels, higher dose, transfusion‐independence and low‐risk IPSS status were reported by several studies to be associated with better response. QoL, transfusion rates and haemoglobin levels improved with treatment. Hypertension, thromboembolism and progression to acute myeloid leukaemia were reported in 2%, 1% and 1% of patients, respectively. This meta‐analysis suggests that DA treatment can be useful for improving erythroid response in MDS patients with anaemia, even among patients previously treated with ESA.
Extrafloral nectar increases seed removal by ants in Turnera ulmifolia
Authors: Dutton Emily M. , Shore Joel S. , Frederickson Megan E. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractTo investigate whether extrafloral nectar (EFN) increases seed dispersal in Turnera ulmifolia, we measured seed removal on plants with and without EFN. Plants producing EFN had more seeds removed than control plants, suggesting that EFN does play a role in seed dispersal. This is a novel function of EFN.
Biomechanical comparison of a novel engine‐driven ridge spreader and conventional ridge splitting techniques
Authors: Jung Gyu‐Un , Kim Jun Hwan , Lim Nam Hun , Yoon Gil Ho , Han Ji‐Young 
Published: May 2016

AbstractObjectivesRidge splitting techniques are used for horizontal ridge augmentation in implant dentistry. Recently, a novel engine‐driven ridge splitting technique was introduced. This study compared the mechanical forces produced by conventional and engine‐driven ridge splitting techniques in porcine mandibles.Material and methodsIn 33 pigs, mandibular premolar areas were selected for the ridge splitting procedures, designed as a randomized split‐mouth study. The conventional group underwent a chisel‐and‐mallet procedure (control group, n = 20), and percussive impulse (Newton second, Ns) was measured using a sensor attached to the mallet. In the engine‐driven ridge spreader group (test group, n = 23), a load cell was used to measure torque values (Newton centimeter, Ncm). Horizontal acceleration generated during procedures (control group, n = 10 and test group, n = 10) was compared between the groups.ResultsAfter ridge splitting, the alveolar crest width was significantly increased both in the control (1.23 ± 0.45 mm) and test (0.98 ± 0.41 mm) groups with no significant differences between the groups. The average impulse of the control group was 4.74 ± 1.05 Ns. Torque generated by rotation in the test group was 9.07 ± 2.15 Ncm. Horizontal acceleration was significantly less in the test group (0.82 ± 1.05 g) than the control group (64.07 ± 42.62 g) (P < 0.001).ConclusionsNarrow edentulous ridges can be expanded by novel engine‐driven ridge spreaders. Within the limits of this study, the results suggested that an engine‐driven ridge splitting technique may be less traumatic and less invasive than a conventional ridge splitting technique.
Accounting for adaptive capacity and uncertainty in assessments of species’ climate‐change vulnerability
Authors: Wade Alisa A. , Hand Brian K. , Kovach Ryan P. , Luikart Gordon , Whited Diane C. , Muhlfeld Clint C. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractClimate‐change vulnerability assessments (CCVAs) are valuable tools for assessing species’ vulnerability to climatic changes, yet failure to include measures of adaptive capacity and to account for sources of uncertainty may limit their effectiveness. We took a more comprehensive approach that incorporates exposure, sensitivity, and capacity to adapt to climate change. We applied our approach to anadromous steelhead trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and nonanadromous bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus), threatened salmonids within the Columbia River Basin (U.S.A.). We quantified exposure on the basis of scenarios of future stream temperature and flow, and we represented sensitivity and capacity to adapt to climate change with metrics of habitat quality, demographic condition, and genetic diversity. Both species were found to be highly vulnerable to climate change at low elevations and in their southernmost habitats. However, vulnerability rankings varied widely depending on the factors (climate, habitat, demographic, and genetic) included in the CCVA and often differed for the 2 species at locations where they were sympatric. Our findings illustrate that CCVA results are highly sensitive to data inputs and that spatial differences can complicate multispecies conservation. Based on our results, we suggest that CCVAs be considered within a broader conceptual and computational framework and be used to refine hypotheses, guide research, and compare plausible scenarios of species’ vulnerability to climate change.
Cell Churches and Stem Cell Marketing in South Korea and the United States
Authors: Sipp Douglas 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe commercial provision of putative stem cell‐based medical interventions in the absence of conclusive evidence of safety and efficacy has formed the basis of an unregulated industry for more than a decade. Many clinics offering such supposed stem cell treatments include statements about the ‘ethical’ nature of somatic (often colloquially referred to as ‘adult’ stem cells) stem cells, in specific contrast to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs), which have been the subject of intensive political, legal, and religious controversy since their first derivation in 1998. Christian groups—both Roman Catholic and evangelical Protestant—in many countries have explicitly promoted the medical potential and current‐day successes in the clinical application of somatic stem cells, lending indirect support to the activities of businesses marketing stem cells ahead of evidence. In this article, I make a preliminary examination of how the structures and belief systems of certain churches in South Korea and the United States, both of which are home to significant stem cell marketing industries, has complemented other factors, including national biomedical funding initiatives, international economic rivalries, permissive legal structures, which have lent impetus to a problematic and often exploitative sector of biomedical commerce.
Descriptive epidemiology of veterinary events in flat racing Thoroughbreds in Great Britain (2000 to 2013)
Authors: Rosanowski S. M. , Chang Y. M. , Stirk A. J. , Verheyen K. L. P. 
Published: May 2016

SummaryBackgroundTo date, no large scale studies have reported race‐day events requiring veterinary attention in British Thoroughbreds racing on the flat. Quantifying and describing common injuries and health conditions affecting racehorses will enable targeted risk factor analysis aimed at reducing their occurrence.ObjectiveTo describe the type and incidence of race‐day veterinary events experienced by Thoroughbred racehorses participating in flat racing in theUK.Study designRetrospective cohort study (2000 to 2013).MethodsVeterinary events recorded by race‐day veterinarians were retrieved and linked to race start data. Race‐day veterinary events were described by type, location and anatomical structure(s) affected and whether the outcome was fatal or not. Incidence per 1000 starts was calculated, both overall and by year. Stratified incidence rates were calculated for selected event categories by specific course‐ and horse‐level variables.ResultsThere were 7993 events experienced by 6727 horses, with an incidence of 9.37 events per 1000 starts. Soft tissue injuries other than tendon and ligament injuries were the most commonly occurring veterinary events (24.1%), followed by gait observations (21.2%) and respiratory conditions (21.2%). In total, 13.8% of events were bone injuries. The incidence of fatality (n = 628) was 0.76 per 1000 starts. Most (485/628, 77.2%) fatal events were bone injuries, 64 were due to cardiac conditions and 54 due to tendon and ligament injuries. All‐weather tracks had a higher incidence of veterinary events and fatalities than turf tracks. Firmer (turf) or faster (all‐weather) going were associated with a higher incidence of all veterinary events.Main limitationsEvents were based on presumptive, rather than definitive, veterinary diagnosis.ConclusionThe most common events experienced by racehorses on race‐day were relatively minor and not career‐ending. Although more severe bone, joint, tendon and ligament injuries were less common, they had a greater impact on whether the outcome of the event was fatal.
Myths About Foreign Language Learning and Learning Disabilities
Authors: Sparks Richard L. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractConventional wisdom in education has suggested that students who are classified as learning disabled (LD) will exhibit inordinate difficulties learning a foreign language (FL). Even when not explicitly stated, the notion that those classified as LD have a disability for FL learning is implied. However, while beliefs about this purported disability have been supported by anecdotes, personal opinions, and case studies, the beliefs themselves have not been supported by empirical evidence. Advocates of a disability for FL learning have ignored the empirical evidence, which substantiates that there is, in fact, not a special relationship between FL learning and LDs, nor is there a unique disability for FL learning. This article cites several myths about LDs and FLs and examines the evidence that falsifies each of the myths.
Combination of body mass‐based resistance training and high‐intensity walking can improve both muscle size and O2 peak in untrained older women
Authors: Ozaki Hayao , Kitada Tomoharu , Nakagata Takashi , Naito Hisashi 
Published: May 2016

AimHere, we aimed to compare the effect of a combination of body mass‐based resistance exercise and moderate‐intensity (55% peak oxygen uptake [
O2peak]) walking or high‐intensity (75%
O2peak) walking on muscle size and
O2 peak in untrained older women.MethodsA total of 12 untrained older women (mean age 60 ± 2 years) were randomly assigned to either a moderate‐intensity aerobic training group (n = 6) or high‐intensity aerobic training group (n = 6). Both groups carried out body‐mass based (lower body) resistance exercises (2 sets of 10 repetitions) on 3 days/week for 8 weeks. Between these exercises, the participants in the moderate‐intensity aerobic training group walked at a previously determined speed equivalent to 55%
O2peak, whereas those in the high‐intensity aerobic training group walked at a speed equivalent to 75%
O2peak.ResultsMuscle thickness of the anterior aspect of the thigh and maximal isokinetic knee extension strength significantly increased in both groups (P < 0.01); these relative changes were negatively correlated with the absolute muscle thickness of the anterior aspect of the thigh value and the relative value of maximal knee strength to body mass at pre‐intervention, respectively. A significant group × time interaction was noted for
O2peak (P < 0.05), which increased only in the high‐intensity aerobic training group.ConclusionsBody mass‐based resistance training significantly induced muscle hypertrophy in untrained older women. In particular, lower muscle thickness before intervention was associated with greater training‐induced growth. Furthermore,
O2peak can be increased by combined circuit training involving low‐load resistance exercise and walking, particularly when a relatively high intensity of walking is maintained. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 779–784.
Factor VIII assay variability in postinfusion samples containing full length and B‐domain deleted FVIII
Authors: Kitchen S. , Jennings I. , Makris M. , Kitchen D. P. , Woods T. A. L. , Walker I. D. 
Published: May 2016

IntroductionAlthough the variability in factor VIII (FVIII):C measurement is well recognized, this has not been widely reported for post‐FVIII infusion samples.Aim/MethodsThree samples from haemophilia A patients were distributed in a UK National External Quality Assessment Scheme survey, each after treatment with either ReFacto AF, Kogenate FS or Advate. Fifty‐two UK haemophilia centres performed FVIII assays using one‐stage (n = 46) and chromogenic (n = 10) assays. Centres calibrated assays with the local plasma standard and with ReFacto AF laboratory standard for the ReFacto AF sample.Results/ConclusionsChromogenic assays gave significantly higher results than one‐stage assays (P < 0.0001, 32% difference) in the post‐Kogenate sample but not in the post‐ReFacto AF (11% higher by chromogenic assay, ns) or post‐Advate samples (3% lower by chromogenic, ns) when assays were calibrated with plasma standards. Twenty centres used all Instrumentation Laboratory (IL)‐activated partial thromboplastin time reagents (Synthasil)/IL deficient plasma/reference plasma) in the one‐stage assay and 15 used all Siemens reagents (Actin FS/Siemens deficient plasma/reference plasma); this made a significant difference to results post‐ReFacto AF (41% higher by IL reagents, P < 0.0001) and Advate (39% higher by IL reagents, P < 0.0001), but not Kogenate (7% higher by IL, ns) when calibrated with plasma standards. Differences between results obtained with different one‐stage assay reagents for monitoring Advate have implications for dosing patients. Furthermore, there was considerable inter‐laboratory variation as indicated by CVs in the range 15–26% for chromogenic assay and 12–19% for one‐stage assay results. This study suggests that external quality assessment schemes should offer participation in post‐FVIII infusion schemes where haemophilic patients are monitored.