bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Density‐dependent seedling mortality varies with light availability and species abundance in wet and dry Hawaiian forests
Authors: Inman‐Narahari Faith , Ostertag Rebecca , Hubbell Stephen P. , Giardina Christian P. , Cordell Susan , Sack Lawren 
Published: February 2016

Summary

Conspecific density may contribute to patterns of species assembly through negative density dependence (NDD) as predicted by the Janzen‐Connell hypothesis, or through facilitation (positive density dependence; PDD). Conspecific density effects are expected to be more negative in darker and wetter environments due to higher pathogen abundance and more positive in stressful, especially dry, environments (stress‐gradient hypothesis). For NDD to contribute to maintaining diversity, it should be apparent at the community‐wide scale as a negative correlation between seedling recruitment, growth or survival and conspecific adult abundance (community compensatory trend; CCT).

We examined seedling survival in relation to con‐ and heterospecific adults within 10 m and con‐ and heterospecific seedlings within 1 m for 13 species within two 4‐ha permanent plots located in dry and wet forests in Hawaii. We also examined interactions between conspecific density and light and species’ commonness.

For all species pooled, adult conspecific effects were positive (PDD) in both dry and wet forests, though they were stronger in the dry forest. In contrast, seedling conspecific effects were negative (NDD), though only significantly so in the wet forest.

The strength and direction of density effects varied with understorey light such that seedlings had the highest survival where both adult conspecific density and light were high but the lowest survival where seedling conspecific density and light were high.

In the wet forest, the most common species showed positive effects of adult conspecifics, but the less common species showed negative adult conspecific effects. We found mixed evidence for a CCT: seedling survival was positively correlated with basal area, but negatively correlated with tree density (stems ha−1). Thus, it remains unclear whether NDD is a diversity‐maintaining mechanism in these forests.

Synthesis. Overall, we found that positive conspecific effects influenced seedling mortality patterns more than negative interactions did, even in tropical wet forest where NDD is predicted to drive species’ abundances. Additionally, the strength and direction of density effects varied with forest type, PAR, and species’ abundance, underscoring the need to consider abiotic factors and species’ life‐history traits in tests of density dependence hypotheses.
Cost‐effectiveness of a pro‐active approach of urinary incontinence in women
Authors: Vermeulen KM , Visser E , Messelink EJ , Schram AJ , Berger MY , de Bock GH , Dekker JH 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo estimate the cost‐effectiveness and cost–utility of actively encouraging older community‐dwelling women with urinary incontinence to be diagnosed and treated.DesignThe study was designed as cost‐effectiveness and cost–utility analyses alongside a cluster randomised controlled trial. Analyses were performed from a societal perspective. Direct medical and nonmedical costs were taken into account and valued according to the standard Dutch guidelines for economic evaluations.SettingPrimary care.PopulationStudy participants were 350 community‐dwelling women 55 years or older with urinary incontinence.MethodsWomen in the intervention group were invited for diagnostic testing and treatment. The control group received usual care according to the Dutch guideline on urinary incontinence. Follow‐up period was 12 months.Main outcome measuresIncontinence Impact Adjusted Life Years (IIALY), Quality Adjusted Life Years (QALY) and incremental costs calculated per IIALY and per QALY gained.ResultsCosts per extra life year without impact on daily life from urinary incontinence amounted to €5179 (95% CI −17 323 to 36 260). Costs per QALY amounted to €23 907 (95% CI −124 849 to 121 849). Assuming a ceiling ratio of €20 000, the probability that the intervention was cost‐effective based on IIALYs was 91% and 46% based on QALYs.ConclusionsImprovements in severity of incontinence in older community‐dwelling women can be achieved against reasonable costs, with an improvement of symptom‐specific QALYs. Findings support an active role of primary care physicians towards women who hesitate to ask for help for urinary incontinence.Tweetable abstractEncouraging women with urinary incontinence to be treated, improves symptoms and QOL against reasonable costs.
High‐throughput Sequencing of Trace Quantities of Soil Provides Reproducible and Discriminative Fungal DNA Profiles
Authors: Young Jennifer M. , Weyrich Laura S. , Cooper Alan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHigh‐throughput sequencing (HTS) offers improved resolution between forensic soil samples by characterizing individual taxa present; however, the heterogeneous distribution of taxa in soils, and limited quantity of material available, may hinder the reliability of HTS in casework. Using HTS of the internal transcribed spacer, we examined the effect of soil mass (50, 150, and 250 mg) on fungal DNA profiles, focusing on reproducibility and discriminatory power between close proximity soils, and samples with similar textural classification. The results show that reduced soil mass had no significant effect on sample differentiation and that 150 mg soil provides the most reproducible DNA profiles across different soil types. In addition, Ascomycota was identified as a robust fungal target for forensic intelligence as this phylum was detected consistently across all samples regardless of sample quantity. Overall, this study highlights the value of trace quantities of soil for use in forensic casework.
Embutramide, a Component of Tanax®(T‐61) as a New Drug of Abuse?
Authors: Lajtai Anikó , Mayer Mátyás , Lakatos Ágnes , Porpáczy Zoltán , Miseta Attila 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTanax®(T‐61) is a euthanasia solution commonly used in veterinary medicine in Europe. It consists of three active components: embutramide, mebezonium iodide, and tetracaine hydrochloride. Human consumption of Tanax®(T‐61) is usually associated with suicide attempts. In our 15‐year‐long practice, embutramide was detected only three times but within a short period. First, it was found in the urine of a 42‐year‐old veterinarian, and the other two observations were made in a 16‐year‐old young man. Urine samples were analyzed using Shimadzu Prominence TOX.I.S.II. HPLC–DAD system with online SPE extraction system. Both of the two patients denied any intention to die. These cases show that this veterinary drug may also be considered as potential drugs of abuse.
Enzymatic hydrolysis of biomass from wood
Authors: Álvarez Consolación , Reyes‐Sosa Francisco Manuel , Díez Bruno 
Published: February 2016

SummaryCurrent research and development in cellulosic ethanol production has been focused mainly on agricultural residues and dedicated energy crops such as corn stover and switchgrass; however, woody biomass remains a very important feedstock for ethanol production. The precise composition of hemicellulose in the wood is strongly dependent on the plant species, therefore different types of enzymes are needed based on hemicellulose complexity and type of pretreatment. In general, hardwood species have much lower recalcitrance to enzymes than softwood. For hardwood, xylanases, beta‐xylosidases and xyloglucanases are the main hemicellulases involved in degradation of the hemicellulose backbone, while for softwood the effect of mannanases and beta‐mannosidases is more relevant. Furthermore, there are different key accessory enzymes involved in removing the hemicellulosic fraction and increasing accessibility of cellulases to the cellulose fibres improving the hydrolysis process. A diversity of enzymatic cocktails has been tested using from low to high densities of biomass (2–20% total solids) and a broad range of results has been obtained. The performance of recently developed commercial cocktails on hardwoods and softwoods will enable a further step for the commercialization of fuel ethanol from wood.
Tissue‐specific and plasma microRNA profiles could be promising biomarkers of histological classification and TNM stage in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Pu Qiang , Huang Yuchuan , Lu Yanrong , Peng Yong , Zhang Jie , Feng Guanglin , Wang Changguo , Liu Lunxu , Dai Ya 
Published: February 2016

AbstractIn a previous study, we determined that plasma miRNAs are potential biomarkers for cigarette smoking‐related lung fibrosis. Herein, we determine whether tissue‐specific and plasma miRNA profiles could be promising biomarkers for histological classification and TNM stage in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Plasma miRNA profiling preoperatively and seven days postoperatively, and cancer and normal tissue miRNA profiling were performed in NSCLC patients and matched healthy controls. There was a > twofold change for all signature miRNAs between the NSCLC patients and controls, with P values of < 0.05. We found that tissue‐specific and plasma miR‐211‐3p, miR‐3679‐3p, and miR‐4787‐5p were promising biomarkers of different staging lung squamous cell carcinoma, and miR‐3613‐3p, miR‐3675‐3p, and miR‐5571‐5p were promising biomarkers of different staging lung adenocarcinoma. These results suggest that tissue‐specific and plasma miRNAs could be potential biomarkers of histological classification and TNM stage in NSCLC.
Particle motion: the missing link in underwater acoustic ecology
Authors: Nedelec Sophie L. , Campbell James , Radford Andrew N. , Simpson Stephen D. , Merchant Nathan D. 
Published: February 2016

Summary

Sound waves in water have both a pressure and a particle‐motion component, yet few studies of underwater acoustic ecology have measured the particle‐motion component of sound. While mammal hearing is based on detection of sound pressure, fish and invertebrates (i.e. most aquatic animals) primarily sense sound using particle motion. Particle motion can be calculated indirectly from sound pressure measurements under certain conditions, but these conditions are rarely met in the shelf‐sea and shallow‐water habitats that most aquatic organisms inhabit. Direct measurements of particle motion have been hampered by the availability of instrumentation and a lack of guidance on data analysis methods.

Here, we provide an introduction to the topic of underwater particle motion, including the physics and physiology of particle‐motion reception. We include a simple computer program for users to determine whether they are working in conditions where measurement of particle motion may be relevant. We discuss instruments that can be used to measure particle motion and the types of analysis appropriate for data collected. A supplemental tutorial and template computer code in matlab will allow users to analyse impulsive, continuous and fluctuating sounds from both pressure and particle‐motion recordings.

A growing body of research is investigating the role of sound in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, and the ways in which sound influences animal behaviour, physiology and development. This work has particular urgency for policymakers and environmental managers, who have a responsibility to assess and mitigate the risks posed by rising levels of anthropogenic noise in aquatic ecosystems. As this paper makes clear, because many aquatic animals senses sound using particle motion, this component of the sound field must be addressed if acoustic habitats are to be managed effectively.
Association of Guideline‐concordant Acute Asthma Care in the Emergency Department With Shorter Hospital Length of Stay: A Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Hasegawa Kohei , Brenner Barry E. , Nowak Richard M. , Trent Stacy A. , Herrera Vivian , Gabriel Susan , Bittner Jane C. , Camargo Carlos A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe objectives were to determine whether guideline‐concordant emergency department (ED) management of acute asthma is associated with a shorter hospital length of stay (LOS) among patients hospitalized for asthma.MethodsA multicenter chart review study of patients aged 2–54 years who were hospitalized for acute asthma at one of the 25 U.S. hospitals during 2012–2013. Based on level A recommendations from national asthma guidelines, we derived four process measures of ED treatment before hospitalization: inhaled β‐agonists, inhaled anticholinergic agents, systemic corticosteroids, and lack of methylxanthines. The outcome measure was hospital LOS.ResultsAmong 854 ED patients subsequently hospitalized for acute asthma, 532 patients (62%) received care perfectly concordant with the four process measures in the ED. Overall, the median hospital LOS was 2 days (interquartile range = 1–3 days). In the multivariable negative binomial model, patients who received perfectly concordant ED asthma care had a significantly shorter hospital LOS (−17%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −27% to −5%, p = 0.006), compared to other patients. In the mediation analysis, the direct effect of guideline‐concordant ED asthma care on hospital LOS was similar to that of primary analysis (−16%, 95% CI = −27% to −5%, p = 0.005). By contrast, the indirect effect mediated by quality of inpatient asthma care was not significant, indicating that the effect of ED asthma care on hospital LOS was mediated through pathways other than quality of inpatient care.ConclusionIn this multicenter observational study, patients who received perfectly concordant asthma care in the ED had a shorter hospital LOS. Our findings encourage further adoption of guideline‐recommended emergency asthma care to improve patient outcomes.
Variation and Trends in Anaphylaxis Care in United States Children's Hospitals
Authors: Michelson Kenneth A. , Monuteaux Michael C. , Neuman Mark I. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesWe sought to determine the extent of variation in treatment of children with anaphylaxis.MethodsWe identified children 1 month to 18 years of age presenting with a primary diagnosis of anaphylaxis to one of the 35 pediatric hospitals included in the Pediatric Health Information System between January 1, 2009, and September 30, 2013. We evaluated the variation in use of β2 agonists, glucocorticoids, histamine‐1 (H1) antagonists, histamine‐2 (H2) antagonists, inhaled epinephrine, intravenous fluids, and oxygen. We assessed whether variation exists in the rates of hospitalization and 3‐day emergency department (ED) revisits and whether a temporal trend exists in the ED visit rate for anaphylaxis.ResultsAmong 10,351 children with anaphylaxis, the hospital‐level median use of common anaphylaxis therapies varied for β2 agonists (22%, interquartile range [IQR] = 16%–26%), glucocorticoids (71%, IQR = 65%–76%), H1 blockers (60%, IQR = 57%–65%), H2 blockers (53%, IQR = 36%–64%), inhaled epinephrine (2.2%, IQR = 1.3%–3.5%), intravenous fluids (26%, IQR = 13%–41%), and oxygen (2.6%, IQR = 0.8%–4.1%). Hospitalization rates ranged from 12% to 95%, with a median rate of 41%. Anaphylaxis diagnoses rose from 5.7 to 11.7 patients per 10,000 ED visits between 2009 and 2013 (p < 0.001 for trend).ConclusionsThere is substantial variability in the use of common therapies and hospitalization rates for children cared for in U.S. children's hospitals. Additionally, ED visits for children with anaphylaxis are increasing at U.S. children's hospitals. These findings highlight the need for research defining optimal care for anaphylaxis.
Adult rat cortical thickness changes across age and following adolescent intermittent ethanol treatment
Authors: Vetreno Ryan P. , Yaxley Richard , Paniagua Beatriz , Johnson G. Allan , Crews Fulton T. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractHuman studies have established that adolescence is a period of brain maturation that parallels the development of adult behaviors. However, little is known regarding cortical development in the adult rat brain. We used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histology to assess the impact of age on adult Wistar rat cortical thickness on postnatal day (P)80 and P220 as well as the effect of adolescent binge ethanol exposure on adult (P80) cortical thickness. MRI revealed changes in cortical thickness between P80 and P220 that differ across cortical region. The adult P220 rat prefrontal cortex increased in thickness whereas cortical thinning occurred in both the cingulate and parietal cortices relative to young adult P80 rats. Histological analysis confirmed the age‐related cortical thinning. In the second series of experiments, an animal model of adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE; 5.0 g/kg, intragastrically, 20 percent ethanol w/v, 2 days on/2 days off from P25 to P55) was used to assess the effects of alcohol on cortical thickness in young adult (P80) rats. MRI revealed that AIE resulted in region‐specific cortical changes. A small region within the prefrontal cortex was significantly thinner whereas medial cortical regions were significantly thicker in young adult (P80) AIE‐treated rats. The observed increase in cortical thickness was confirmed by histology. Thus, the rat cerebral cortex continues to undergo cortical thickness changes into adulthood, and adolescent alcohol exposure alters the young adult cortex that could contribute to brain dysfunction in adulthood.
Human Milk Analyser shows that the lactation period affects protein levels in preterm breastmilk
Authors: Kreissl Alexandra , Zwiauer Valentina , Repa Andreas , Binder Christoph , Thanhaeuser Margarita , Jilma Bernd , Berger Angelika , Haiden Nadja 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThis study measured the composition of preterm human breastmilk, particularly the protein content, with the MIRIS Human Milk Analyser, compared our results with published values and determined the relationship between protein content and lactation period.MethodsWe analysed 83 samples of 24‐hour pooled human milk from 76 mothers who delivered preterm infants weighing under 1500 g at less than 32 weeks of gestational age. The milk's protein, fat and energy were measured by the MIRIS Human Milk Analyser and compared to reference values. The relationship between protein content and lactation period was quantified.ResultsOn average, the samples contained 1.1 ± 0.37 g (0.2–2.2 g) of protein, 3.2 ± 0.85 g (range 1.1–6.1 g) of fat, 6.6 ± 0.34 g of lactose (5.5–8.0 g) and 60 ± 11 kcal (39–94 kcal) of energy per 100 mL. The wide variations in macronutrient content were not influenced by the gestational age of the infant and the lactation day results from 70 of the mothers correlated inversely with the protein content (p < 0.0001; r = −0.42). The MIRIS proved useful, but some adjustments are needed.ConclusionVariations in macronutrients were high in the breastmilk of women who delivered preterm babies and the protein content decreased with lactation. With adjustments, the MIRIS might provide a helpful tool for individualised fortification.
Systematic review with network meta‐analysis: comparative effectiveness of topical steroids vs. PPIs for the treatment of the spectrum of eosinophilic oesophagitis
Authors: Lipka S. , Kumar A. , Miladinovic B. , Richter J. E. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundControversy surrounds the clinical and histological response to topical steroids in patients with eosinophilic oesophagitis (EoE).AimTo perform a systematic review and network meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials to assess the efficacy of topical steroids compared with placebo or proton pump inhibitor (PPIs) for the management of eosinophilic oesophagitis.MethodsCochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and MEDLINE from inception to 1 July 2015 was searched. Data were extracted independently by two authors. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias tool. A network meta‐analysis was performed using the Bayesian methods under random‐effects multiple treatment comparisons. Results were summarised as odds ratio along with credibility intervals. We also calculated the ranking probability for each treatment based on surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA).ResultsThe overall methodological quality of included studies was low. SUCRA ranking probability indicated that PPI had the highest probability of being the best treatment for achieving histological remission and mean change in eosinophils (0.81 and 0.85, respectively), followed by budesonide (0.74 and 0.63, respectively) and fluticasone (0.5 and 0.5, respectively). None of the comparisons indicated a statistically signicant difference.ConclusionsThe results from network meta‐analysis show that there is no statistically significant difference between PPI, budesonide and fluticasone for the treatment of EoE as assessed by the histological and clinical response. The evidence is limited by serious risk of bias and imprecision, which emphasises the urgent need for large RCTs with adequate sample size and methodological rigour to provide conclusive evidence.
Synthetic Biology and the Moral Significance of Artificial Life: A Reply to Douglas, Powell and Savulescu
Authors: Christiansen Andreas 
Published: February 2016

AbstractI discuss the moral significance of artificial life within synthetic biology via a discussion of Douglas, Powell and Savulescu's paper 'Is the creation of artificial life morally significant’. I argue that the definitions of 'artificial life’ and of 'moral significance’ are too narrow. Douglas, Powell and Savulescu's definition of artificial life does not capture all core projects of synthetic biology or the ethical concerns that have been voiced, and their definition of moral significance fails to take into account the possibility that creating artificial life is conditionally acceptable. Finally, I show how several important objections to synthetic biology are plausibly understood as arguing that creating artificial life in a wide sense is only conditionally acceptable.
Ethical Obligations in the Face of Dilemmas Concerning Patient Privacy and Public Interests: The Sasebo Schoolgirl Murder Case
Authors: Kadooka Yasuhiro , Okita Taketoshi , Asai Atsushi 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA murder case that had some features in common with the Tarasoff case occurred in Sasebo City, Japan, in 2014. A 15‐year‐old high school girl was murdered and her 16‐year‐old classmate was arrested on suspicion of homicide. One and a half months before the murder, a psychiatrist who had been examining the girl called a prefectural child consultation centre to warn that she might commit murder, but he did not reveal her name, considering it his professional duty to keep it confidential. Article 134 of the Japanese Criminal Law states that doctors should not disclose patient information obtained in clinical practice without a legitimate reason, but the Japanese Supreme Court has not specified what constitutes a legitimate reason. Mass media and commentators suggested that the murder could have been prevented if the psychiatrist had disclosed the girl's name to the authorities or had isolated her coercively in a psychiatric ward. However, the authors disagree with such claims. This article discusses obligations imposed on concerned individuals and third party members in cases involving ethical dilemmas regarding patient confidentiality and information disclosure. It is concluded that everyone should fulfill their obligations to prevent such tragedies and one should judge the appropriateness of others’ actions based not on the consequences of their actions, but on the processes used to decide on a course of action and their commitment. It is necessary for us to establish a society in which concerned parties can do what they think is ethically best without fearing ungrounded charges.