bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting understorey species responses to the canopy and root effects of a dominant shrub drive community composition
Authors: Wang Xiangtai , Michalet Richard , Chen Shuyan , Zhao Liang , An Lizhe , Du Guozhen , Zhang Xiaochen , Jiang Xingpei , Xiao Sa 
Published: December 2017

AbstractQuestionsContrasting understorey species responses to the effects of dominant species might occur within a single community even with neutral community‐level interactions. However, no studies have assessed the contribution of below‐ and above‐ground effects for all species of a community and their consequences for community composition. We tested the following hypotheses: (i) there are contrasting responses of understorey species to the canopy and root effects of a dominant shrub; (ii) the contrasting understorey responses to the canopy and root effects of the shrub are related to community composition.LocationSpecies‐rich sub‐alpine community, eastern Tibet Plateau, China, dominated by Dasiphora fruticosa.MethodsWe used a removal procedure and shade cloth treatment to separate root from canopy effects and quantified the biomass responses of 41 species of the understorey community. Species‐level responses to the root and canopy effects were quantified with the relative interaction index. We conducted multivariate analyses to assess the relative contribution of root and canopy effects to community composition.ResultsWe found contrasting species‐level responses to the canopy and root effects of D. fruticosa that could be grouped into six cluster groups. Dominant effects were positive for the roots and negative for the canopy, with a tendency for a trade‐off between the two. Community‐level effects were less strong and weakly significant, in particular for species richness. Root and canopy effects strongly explained understorey species composition but net shrub effects did not.ConclusionsThis study highlights that communities include species having contrasting responses to both the canopy and root effects of dominant species that importantly explain species composition.
Quantified moorland vegetation and assessment of the role of burning over the past five millennia
Authors: Fyfe Ralph M. , Ombashi Havananda , Davies Heather J. , Head Katie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAimsTo apply the Landscape Reconstruction Algorithm (LRA) to pollen count data from multiple sites to estimate local vegetation abundance and compare with charcoal‐derived records of burning.LocationExmoor, southwest England, UK.MethodsPollen count data from 16 sites were transformed to estimates of distance‐weighted vegetation abundance using the LRA (REVEALS and LOVE models), correcting for bias in pollen production and dispersal. Charcoal concentration data from six sites were normalized using Box‐Cox transformation to produce z‐scores. Moving‐window correlation was undertaken to compare pollen percentage values for key taxa (Calluna, Poaceae) and localized burning. Estimates of distance‐vegetation abundance (LRA output) and time‐averaged charcoal z‐scores were compared to assess the role of burning as a driver for upland vegetation cover.ResultsComparison of pollen percentage and normalized charcoal z‐scores show little correlation between vegetation cover and burning. Estimates of distance‐weighted vegetation abundance and normalized charcoal data show relationships between vegetation change and burning at four of the six sites. The relationships are site‐specific: three sites suggest burning promoted grass‐dominated vegetation, at one site burning promoted heather‐dominated vegetation, and in two sites there is no apparent relationship.ConclusionsThe patterning of vegetation within uplands is a crucial part of ecosystem service delivery, and contemporary and future management benefits from understanding of ‘long‐term’ development, i.e. patterns over millennia. The correction of biases within pollen production and dispersal to produce local vegetation estimates has demonstrated spatial heterogeneity in vegetation cover on Exmoor that is not otherwise evident in the pollen percentage data (which retain a strong influence of the regional vegetation cover). The relationship between LRA‐derived vegetation cover and burning is not apparent in comparisons between pollen percentage data and charcoal records. This implies that studies that use pollen proportional data alone can misrepresent the relationship between vegetation cover and fire. This study demonstrates that fire has been an important part of the development of this cultural landscape.
Impact of Climate Change on the Technical Efficiency of Striped Catfish, Pangasianodon hypophthalmus, Farming in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Lam A. , Pham Tung B. V. , Bosma Roel , Verreth Johan , Leemans Rik , De Silva Sena , Lansink Alphons O. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe technical efficiency of randomly sampled pangasius farms in the Mekong Delta of Vietnam was estimated using data envelopment analysis, and factors affecting technical and scale efficiency were examined with bootstrap truncated regression. The mean technical efficiency score assuming variable returns to scale was 0.84. The technical efficiency of downstream farmers was higher due to lower energy costs and stocking once a year. Most of the up‐ and midstream farms needed to pump water and stocked at least three times in 2 yr. Regression analysis showed a positive effect on technical efficiency of the farmers' education level and having experienced climate change impact through flooding or salinity intrusion in the past. Farms affected by salinity intrusion had a lower scale efficiency as they reduce stocking frequency and rate. In general, reducing fish mortality and the cost of inputs, increasing scale of operation, and being trained, using appropriate methods, in management strategies may improve technical efficiency.
Electrophysiological markers predicting impeding AV‐block during ablation of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia
Authors: Fragakis Nikolaos , Krexi Lydia , Kyriakou Panagiota , Sotiriadou Melani , Lazaridis Charalambos , Karamanolis Athanasios , Dalampyras Panagiotis , Tsakiroglou Stelios , Skeberis Vassilios , Tsalikakis Dimitrios , Vassilikos Vassilios 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundRadiofrequency (RF) ablation of the slow pathway (SP) in atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT) is occasionally complicated with atrioventricular block (AVB) often predicted by junctional beats (JB) with loss of ventriculo‐atrial (VA) conduction.MethodsWe analyzed retrospectively 153 patients undergoing ablation of SP for typical AVNRT. Patients were divided into two age groups: 127 ≤ 70 years and 26 > 70 years. We analyzed the interval between the atrial electrogram in the His‐bundle position and the distal ablation catheter [A(H)‐A(RFd)] and between the distal ablation catheter and the proximal coronary sinus catheter [A(RFd)‐A(CS)] before RF applications with and without JB. We evaluated if these intervals can be used as predictors of JB incidence and also of JB with loss of VA conduction. We also assessed if age influences the risk of loss of VA conduction.ResultsThe A(H)‐A(RFd) and A(RFd)‐A(CS) intervals were significantly shorter in RF applications causing JB than those without JB (33 ± 11 ms vs 39 ± 9 ms, P < 0.001, 14 ± 9 ms vs 20 ± 7 ms, P < 0.001, respectively). The A(H)‐A(RFd) and A(RFd)‐A(CS) intervals were also significantly shorter in RFs causing JB with VA block than those with VA conduction (29 ± 11 ms vs 35 ± 11 ms, P < 0.001, 8 ± 8 ms vs 17 ± 8 ms, P < 0.001, respectively). Patients > 70 years had shorter intervals (36 ± 11 ms vs 29 ± 8 ms, P = 0.012, 17 ± 8 ms vs 13 ± 7 ms, P = 0.027, respectively), while VA block was more common in this age group.ConclusionsThe A(H)‐A(RFd) and A(RFd)‐A(CS) intervals can be used as markers for predicting JB occurrence as well as impending AVB. JB with loss of VA conduction occur more often in older patients possibly due to a higher position of SP.
Evidence for Palaeozoic orthoconic cephalopods with bimineralic shells
Authors: De Baets Kenneth , Munnecke Axel 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBased on the aragonite composition of extant and exceptionally preserved fossil cephalopods going back to the early Palaeozoic, it is commonly assumed that all externally shelled cephalopods had an aragonitic shell wall. We demonstrate herein that at least two taxa of Siluro‐Devonian orthoconic nautiloids (Dawsonoceras, Spyroceras) had an original bimineralic shell, which developed convergently with gastropods and bivalves.
Causal beliefs in people experiencing psychosis: The relationship to treatment accessed and the perceived helpfulness of treatment
Authors: Carter Lucy , Read John , Pyle Melissa , Law Heather , Emsley Richard , Morrison Anthony 
Published: December 2017

PurposeResearch suggests that the way an individual understands a health difficulty can influence their subsequent behaviour. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of a new causal belief questionnaire for people who have experience of psychosis. We also planned to provide an overview of current causal beliefs within this group and to explore the relationship between these beliefs and the perceived helpfulness of treatment and the treatment accessed.MethodsThree hundred and eleven service‐users with experience of psychosis completed a questionnaire designed to explore how they understand the cause of their difficulties. Additional information was collected about different aspects of treatment.ResultsThe results of the exploratory factor analysis indicated a two‐factor solution comprising a psychosocial and biogenetic scale. Individuals in this study endorsed a variety of different causes, with an overall preference for psychosocial explanations. No relationships were established between beliefs and perceptions about the helpfulness of treatment. Individuals who had accessed cognitive behavioural therapy were more likely to endorse the psychosocial factor.ConclusionsIndividuals with psychosis consider a number of factors to be important in relation to the development of their experiences. These beliefs should be explored as part of the therapeutic process as this appears to be important to the individual and could potentially help inform treatment decisions.Practitioner points

The causal belief questionnaire captured two underlying constructs relating to psychosocial and biogenetic causes.

Individuals within this group endorsed a range of factors; however, they prefer psychosocial causes overall.

There was an indication that some aspects of an individual's beliefs were associated with the treatment they accessed.
Natural regulatory IgM‐mediated autoimmune responses directed against malondialdehyde regulate oxidative and nitrosative pathways and coupled with IgM responses to nitroso adducts attenuate depressive and physiosomatic symptoms at the end of term pregnancy
Authors: Roomruangwong Chutima , Barbosa Decio S. , de Farias Carine C. , Matsumoto Andressa K. , Baltus Thiago H. L. , Morelli Nayara R. , Kanchanatawan Buranee , Duleu Sebastien , Geffard Michel , Maes Michael 
Published: December 2017

AimWe aimed to delineate the effects of immunoglobulin (Ig)M‐mediated autoimmune responses directed against malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitroso (SNO) adducts on nitro‐oxidative stress and depressive and physiosomatic symptoms (DPSS) at the end of term.MethodsIgM responses to MDA, NO (nitroso) adducts formed by nitrosylation, and NO2 tyrosine formed by nitration were measured as well as hydroperoxides (ferrous oxidation xylenol orange), advanced protein oxidation products (AOPP), and NO metabolite (NOx) levels in women at the end of term pregnancy and in normal controls.ResultsIgM responses to MDA were significantly and inversely associated with AOPP, ferrous oxidation xylenol orange, and NOx and DPSS. IgM responses to NO adducts were significantly and inversely associated with DPSS and positively with NOx levels. There were significant associations between IgM responses to MDA, NO adducts, and NO2 tyrosine. The DPSS score was predicted by AOPP and a lifetime history of premenstrual syndrome (both positively) and IgM responses to NO adducts (inversely). Furthermore, 71.8% of the variance in the index of nitro‐oxidative stress was explained by lowered IgM responses to MDA, antioxidant levels (zinc, total radical trapping parameter), and inflammatory mediators.ConclusionLowered levels of IgM responses to MDA during pregnancy are accompanied by a reduced regulation of nitro‐oxidative processes thereby explaining increased oxidative and nitrosative stress biomarkers in association with DPSS. IgM responses to NO adducts, which reflect nitrosylation as a consequence of increased NO production, regulate DPSS symptoms at the end of term and are a trait marker of major depression. IgM responses to MDA are a key part of the compensatory anti‐inflammatory responses system.
Resolution of methylphenidate osmotic release oral system‐induced hair loss in two siblings after dose escalation
Authors: Ardic Ulku Akyol , Ercan Eyup Sabri 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis report describes the cases of two siblings who experienced hair loss after treatment with methylphenidate (MPH) osmotic release oral system (OROS). Hair loss was resolved after discontinuation of the drug, but the children re‐initiated treatment, after which hair loss again occurred, but they continued the treatment. After dose escalation, the hair loss resolved. This is the first report to describe resolution of OROS‐MPH‐induced hair loss after dose escalation.
Levels of serum sclerostin, metabolic parameters, and periodontitis in ­postmenopausal women with diabetes
Authors: Pinho Roberto Carlos Mourão , Pimentel Larissa Bastos , Bandeira Francisco Alfredo Farias , Dias Rayanne Soraia Aguiar Melo , Cimões Renata 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTDiabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic disease defined by hyperglycemia, which is associated with periodontal disease and exerts an effect on bone metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine serum levels of sclerostin in postmenopausal women with diabetes and determine a possible association with periodontal disease. Sixty‐one postmenopausal women (32 with diabetes and 29 without diabetes) were evaluated. Blood was collected for biochemical analysis and the determination of serum sclerostin. The participants were also submitted to a clinical examination for the evaluation of periodontal status. A total of 75.4% of the volunteers had periodontal disease and levels serum sclerostin were altered in 48.7% of the patients with diabetes. In the diabetic population, mean levels of LDL (p = 0.035) and urea (p = 0.032) were higher in the patients without periodontal disease and the plaque index was higher in those with periodontal disease (p = 0.039). The prevalence of periodontal disease and the levels serum sclerostin were high in the postmenopausal women analyzed, but the data do not allow the determination of whether periodontal disease is related to high levels of this peptide.
Immigration, Politics and Democracy: The World Jewish Congress in Europe, 1936–1939
Authors: Segev Zohar 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDuring the 1930s, the leadership of the World Jewish Congress (WJC) tried to turn the question of European Jews into an international political issue that transcended traditional philanthropic assistance to Jews in need. This article presents examples of the broad political activities that demonstrate the desire of the WJC's founders to deviate from the patterns of conventional philanthropic activity traditionally adopted by American Jewish organizations in the latter half of the 1930s, and to work on behalf of Europe's Jews and Jewish refugees in Europe by political means that involved blending the Jewish issue into Europe's international political and economic texture and promoting the Jewish cause in ways that transcended mere provision of economic assistance.
Activity of Group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells is Associated with Chronic Inflammation and Dysregulated Metabolic Homoeostasis in Type 2 Diabetic Nephropathy
Authors: Lu P. , Ji X. , Wan J. , Xu H. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe metabolic syndrome (MS) is an independent risk factor for type 2 diabetic nephropathy and accompanied by subclinical inflammation which involves immune‐deriving factors. Emerging studies indicate that group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) can regulate adipose metabolism, but much less is known about the activity of ILC2s in metabolic imbalance in obesity and diabetes. This study explored the effect of ILC2s‐related molecules on the occurrence of MS in type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Thirty patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy were included in the study; the mRNA expression of ILC2s‐associated molecules from peripheral blood mononuclear cell and the correlation of the ILC2s activity and the MS‐related indicators were analysed. The results indicated that the waist circumference, fasting blood glucose, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and triglyceride in patients with simple diabetes and diabetic nephropathy were increased, and the incidence of MS was 46.67% and 86.67%, respectively. The ILC2s‐associated factors RORα, T1/ST2 and IL‐5/IL‐13 mRNA were increased in diabetic nephropathy. There was a positive correlation between the expression level of IL‐13 or T1/ST2 mRNA and some MS indexes. In addition, the levels of plasma sTNFR, eotaxin‐2 and I‐309 were also increased in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy. It suggested that the patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy were more likely to have multiple components of MS than those with simple type 2 diabetes mellitus, and enhanced ILC2s activity might be involved in the formation of MS in diabetic nephropathy via influencing blood pressure and lipid metabolism.
Outcomes of red blood cell transfusions prescribed in organ donors by the Digital Intern, an electronic decision support algorithm
Authors: Connor Joseph P. , Raife Thomas , Medow Joshua E. 
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUNDThe Digital Intern (DI) is an electronic decision support tool for the management of organ donors. One algorithm determines the dose, in units of red blood cells to be transfused, based on hematocrit (Hct) thresholds and targets. The effectiveness of the transfusion dose calculated by the DI in terms of achieving the selected Hct target and the duration of the targeted dose is not known.STUDY DESIGN AND METHODSThis was a retrospective study to describe the outcomes of transfusions prescribed by the DI. Pre‐ and posttransfusion Hct levels were compared to define response and all posttransfusion Hct values were plotted to evaluate the duration of the prescribed dose.RESULTSA total of 120 organ donors were studied and 22 donors had 28 transfusions (six were transfused twice). The transfused donors were a mix of trauma and medical admissions and brain death and cardiac death donors. The transfusion target of 24% Hct was attained in 96% of transfusions. The mean number of units transfused was 1.4 and the mean time from transfusion to procurement was 19.8 hours. There was a decline in Hct over time after transfusion in all but one case with a mean decline of 1.9% Hct over 13 hours. Six donors were transfused twice, likely due to a longer donor time period (41.7 hr vs. 27 hr).CONCLUSIONSThe DI provided transfusion dosing that achieved the desired threshold in the majority of organ donors transfused. Ongoing work focuses on application of this technology to transfusions in general patient populations.
HORACE M. KALLEN'S USE OF EVOLUTIONARY THEORY IN SUPPORT OF AMERICAN JEWS AND DEMOCRACY
Authors: Kaufman Matthew 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis article examines the rhetorical deployment of Darwinian natural selection by the Jewish social philosopher Horace M. Kallen (1882–1974), in what is now widely regarded as the first articulation of cultural pluralism, “Democracy versus the Melting‐Pot” (1915). My analysis proceeds in two steps. First, I identify specific strategies by means of which Kallen endeavored to insert his ideas more deeply into national discourse. I also trace reactions to his essay in the Jewish press, and argue that these indicate ongoing conversations concerning Kallen's ideas, and they also reveal how he was reinterpreted for different reading audiences. Second, I argue that Kallen's strategy was to stress the survival value of cooperation rather than competition in natural selection, and he believed that this view supported both the natural biological inclinations of social groups and reflected American democratic values. Kallen's intervention serves as a striking example of how Darwinian natural selection was deployed to support Jewish participation in American life.
PANENTHEISM AND THE UNDOING OF DISENCHANTMENT
Authors: Main Roderick 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this article, I draw on historical and conceptual arguments to show, first, that disenchantment and the influential view of the relationship between science and religion to which disenchantment gives rise are rooted in the metaphysics of theism. I then introduce the alternative metaphysical position of panentheism and identify Jungian psychology as an important, if implicit, mid‐twentieth‐century instance of panentheistic thought. Using the example of Jungian psychology, I demonstrate how the viewpoint of panentheism undoes the implications of disenchantment for the relationship between science and religion, promoting greater opportunities for dialogue and reconciliation between science and religion. I note, however, that these closer relations may depend on understanding science and religion differently from how they are understood under disenchantment. While the original tension between science and religion is eased, another tension—between panentheistic and disenchanted understandings of science and religion—is exposed. I conclude by reflecting on some implications of this discussion for sociology.
BIOLOGY TEACHERS’ CONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE ORIGIN OF LIFE IN BRAZIL, ARGENTINA, AND URUGUAY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY
Authors: Silva Heslley Machado , Clément Pierre , Leão Isabela Maria Silva , Garros Tiago Valentim , Carvalho Graça Simões 
Published: December 2017

AbstractTeachers’ conceptions about the origin of life in three Latin American countries with contrasting levels of secularism were analyzed: Argentina (Catholic constitution), Brazil (formally secular but not in practice), and Uruguay (consolidated secularism). A European survey questionnaire was used and the interpretation of the results drew on Barbour's four categories concerning the relationships of science and religion. A large majority of Argentinian and Uruguayan teachers were clearly evolutionist, even when believing in God (Independence or Dialogue category), with no difference between Argentina and Uruguay. The majority of Brazilian teachers assumed a religious position about the origin of life, being creationist (Conflict or Independence categories) or evolutionary creationist (Dialogue or Integration categories). Differences of Brazilian teachers’ conceptions may result from the higher percentage of evangelicals and lower proportion of agnostics/atheists. Brazilian Catholic teachers were more creationist than their Catholic colleagues in Argentina and Uruguay. Distinct patterns were found, but further research is needed to understand possible classroom impacts.