bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bridging the variance and diversity decomposition approaches to beta diversity via similarity and differentiation measures
Authors: Chao Anne , Chiu Chun‐Huo 
Published: February 2016

Summary

There are many concepts and measures of beta diversity and related similarity/differentiation indices. The variance framework (derived from the total variance of a community species abundance matrix) and diversity decomposition (based on partitioning gamma diversity into alpha and beta components) are two major approaches.

There have been no bridges/links between the two approaches. Here, we establish a bridge by extending and modifying each approach so that both lead to the same classes of similarity/differentiation measures, which range in the interval [0, 1] and which can be compared across multiple sets of communities.

Our extension/modification in each approach is based on the following major differences between the two approaches. (i) In the decomposition approach, a diversity order q that controls sensitivity to species abundances is used, whereas there is no such order involved in the variance approach. (ii) Transformations of raw abundances are typically used in the variance approach, whereas abundances are not transformed in diversity decomposition. (iii) The variance‐based beta for non‐transformed data is implicitly related to (and constrained by) alpha, gamma and total abundance. Namely, the attained maximum value of this beta when communities are completely distinct (no shared species) is not a fixed constant; the maximum varies with alpha, gamma and total abundance. By contrast, the beta component obtained from the multiplicative decomposition is not constrained by alpha, gamma and total abundance.

To construct the bridge, we extend the variance of community data to a class of divergence measures (parameterized by an order q) and use normalization to remove these measures' constraints by alpha, gamma and total abundance. The resulting normalized divergence measures are legitimate differentiation measures. In the decomposition approach, we adopt a modified multiplicative decomposition scheme; the resulting beta component can be transformed to quantify compositional similarity/differentiation among communities. Then, the similarity/differentiation measures obtained from the extended variance framework turn out to be identical to those from the modified diversity decomposition, establishing the bridge.

Other types of similarity/differentiation measures (e.g. N‐community Bray–Curtis type) and extension to phylogenetic and functional versions are discussed. A real example using corals is given for illustration.
Effects of microcredit and other loans on female empowerment in Bangladesh: the borrower's gender influences intra‐household resource allocation
Authors: Porter Maria 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article examines microcredit's effectiveness in empowering women borrowers in rural Bangladesh. It does so by examining how gender‐specific borrowing activities influence household expenditures which are either specifically of interest to men or women, and by examining the effects of all loans rather than only those provided by microcredit organizations. The article uses a quasi‐experimental design to identify the effects of borrowing by men and women by using an original combination of panel data and instrumental variables on subsamples of the surveyed population. It finds that the borrower's gender affects how households allocate their resources to different expenditure items and assets that are valued differently by men and women. In all, the findings suggest that providing greater credit access to women may improve their household bargaining positions.
Babies born with gastroschisis and followed up to the age of six years faced long‐term morbidity and impairments
Authors: Giúdici Lidia , Bokser Vivian Susana , Maricic Maximiliano Alejo , Golombek Sergio G. , Ferrario Claudia Cecilia 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe aims of this Argentinian study were to describe and analyse the outcomes of a continuous interdisciplinary follow‐up programme of patients with gastroschisis.MethodsThis was a prospective, longitudinal study of babies with gastroschisis admitted from 1 November 2003 to 31 October 2014, and this paper presents results at one, three and six years of age. Matched‐pairs analyses were carried out when they were one and six.ResultsWe enrolled 62 babies and assessed 52 at one year of age, 34 at three years and 17 at six years. This showed that 63% had mental health problems and 5% had recurrent wheezing. Normal outcomes at one, three and six years were growth (80%, 85% and 80%), neurology‐psychomotor development index (64%, 50% and 82%), audiology (100%, 76% and 76%), vision (98%, 94% and 89%) and language (55%, 62% and 65%). The rehospitalisation rates were 30%, 0.3% and zero, and the surgical re‐intervention rates were 9%, 0.3% and 12%. Matched‐pairs analysis showed no significant differences between outcomes at the ages of one and six.ConclusionBabies born with gastroschisis were at risk for long‐term morbidity and impairments, according to follow‐up assessments at the ages of one, three and six years.
Time to research Australian physician‐researchers
Authors: Traill C. L. , Januszewski A. S. , Larkins R. , Keech A. C. , Jenkins A. J. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundConcerns have been expressed ‘that the physician‐researcher is a dying breed’. As yet there are few Australian data.AimsTo compare over time: (i) research progress of Sydney Medical School (SMS) medical practitioner – PhD awardees; (ii) National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) project grant success rates for physician‐researchers; and (iii) compare current NHMRC, NSW University and NSW Public Hospital pay scales for physician‐researchers.MethodsWe evaluated 303 medical practitioners awarded a University of Sydney/SMS PhD in 1989–2012 and their publications. We assessed 1990–2014 NHMRC grants to physicians and non‐physicians (nationally) and compared physician salaries from NHMRC, the University of Sydney and NSW public hospitals.ResultsSMS PhD completions by clinicians increased ≈2.4‐fold since 1989, with a recent decline, whilst non‐medical PhD awardees rose 10‐fold. The median time of PhD award after medical degree completion was stable at 13 years. A lower percentage of the more recent physician‐researchers had completed specialty training at PhD award (34% in 2011–2012 vs 71% in 1989–1990, P = 0.017). Publication rates were stable, but low. Although NHMRC funding increased >10‐fold since 1990, national project grant success rates declined (35% in 1990, 17% in 2013 and 15% in 2014, P < 0.0001), with physician‐led funded grants declining from 29% in 1989 to 21% in 2013, P = 0.002. Current NHMRC and University salaries are less than comparable‐stage public hospital salaries.ConclusionSince 1989, more medical graduates are completing SMS PhDs, although more often prior to completing clinical Fellowships, and many have ongoing, albeit low, research activity. Nationally NHMRC project grant success rates have declined significantly, as has the proportion of funded physician‐led projects. Medical practitioner salaries from NHMRC and from Universities are less than in public hospitals. The Australian physician‐researcher is at‐risk. Knowledge and actions are needed to protect our medical research capacity.
Efficacy and safety of once‐daily insulin degludec dosed flexibly at convenient times vs fixed dosing at the same time each day in a Japanese cohort with type 2 diabetes: A randomized, 26‐week, treat‐to‐target trial
Authors: Kadowaki Takashi , Jinnouchi Hideaki , Kaku Kohei , Hersløv Malene L , Hyllested‐Winge Jacob , Nakamura Shuji 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAims/IntroductionThis trial assessed the efficacy and safety of the possibility of varying the daily injection time of once‐daily, long‐acting basal insulin degludec (IDeg) in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with insulin glargine.Materials and MethodsThis was a 26‐week, multicenter, open‐label, randomized, treat‐to‐target trial, with a 2 × 2 factorial design comparing IDeg flexible (allowing dosing ±8 h from an agreed dosing time) with IDeg fixed dosing (at the same time each day). It was carried out in 458 adult patients who were inadequately controlled on insulin glargine with or without oral antidiabetic drugs.ResultsThe majority of doses were taken within 2 h of the agreed dosing time, showing a high level of adherence among Japanese patients. After 26 weeks, IDeg flexible was non‐inferior to IDeg fixed with respect to change in glycated hemoglobin from baseline, estimated treatment difference 0.08% points (95% confidence interval −0.05; 0.22). Fasting plasma glucose decreased to a similar level with IDeg flexible and IDeg fixed, estimated treatment difference −0.18 mmol/L (95% confidence interval −0.48; 0.12). The rates of confirmed and nocturnal confirmed hypoglycemia were numerically, but not significantly, higher with IDeg flexible vs IDeg fixed dosing. The rates of adverse events with IDeg flexible and IDeg fixed dosing were similar.ConclusionsThese results showed the efficacy and safety of allowing patients to vary the time they dosed IDeg, when necessary, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes. Dosing of IDeg at a time convenient to the patient was non‐inferior, with respect to glycated hemoglobin, to dosing at the same time each day.
Is ultrasonographic evaluation essential for diagnosis of retained products of conception after surgical abortion?
Authors: Tohma Yusuf Aytaç , Dilbaz Berna , Evliyaoğlu Özlem , Çoşkun Bora , Çolak Eser , Dilbaz Serdar 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of symptomatic evaluation with transvaginal ultrasonographic findings for diagnosis of retained products of conception (RPOC) after voluntary pregnancy termination via manual vacuum aspiration (MVA).MethodsA total of 466 patients with a gestational age < 10 weeks were followed up at the 7th day after MVA of unwanted pregnancies. The patients who had intense or moderate bleeding and other symptoms related to RPOC had a re‐evacuation and all the patients were followed up until the next menstruation. Ultrasonographic evaluation was repeated weekly in asymptomatic patients with abnormal ultrasonographic findings (increased endometrial thickness, presence of hyperechogenic, mixed and hypoechogenic material) until a normal endometrial cavity was visualized.ResultsOut of the 466 patients, 15 (3.2%) had symptoms of RPOC at day 7 while the remaining 451 (96.8%) were asymptomatic and 20 (57.9%) had normal ultrasonographic findings. The 15 symptomatic patients (3.2%) had a repeated MVA. Nine of these 15 patients (60%) had endometrial echogenicity with mixed patterns, two (13.3%) had endometrial echogenicity with hyperechoic patterns, and the remaining four (26.7%) had normal endometrial echogenicity at day 7. Histopathologic examination of 12 of these 15 patients (80%) showed chorionic villi while no gestational tissue was noted in the remaining three of these patients. Endometrial thickness ≥ 10 mm on day 7 had 75% sensitivity and 100% specificity for diagnosis of RPOC in symptomatic women. None of the 451 asymptomatic patients developed any symptoms or needed any further intervention.ConclusionAs abnormal ultrasonographic findings return to normal over time in asymptomatic patients, the diagnosis of RPOC should not be based on ultrasonographic findings.
Surgical intestinal manipulation increases gene expression of TrkA, CGRP, and PAR‐2 IN dorsal root ganglia in the rat
Authors: Berdún S. , Rychter J. , Vergara P. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundSurgical handling of the bowel evokes degranulation of peritoneal mast cells (PMC). Nonetheless, role of PMCs in postoperative ileus (POI) is somewhat controversial. We aimed to investigate if intestinal manipulation elicits changes in afferent mediators related to MC activation and alteration of gastrointestinal (GI) motility.MethodsPostoperative ileus was induced by intestinal manipulation in Sprague‐Dawley rats. Additionally, compound 48/80 (C48/80) and ketotifen were used to modulate MC activity. Rat mast cell protease 6 (RMCP‐6, ELISA) release was determined in peritoneal lavage 20 min after intestinal manipulation. At 24 h, GI transit was determined. Gene expression of calcitonin gene‐related peptide (CGRP), protease‐activated receptor‐2 (PAR‐2), nerve growth factor (NGF), and TrkA receptor was determined (PCR) in dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Ileal wall inflammation was assessed by myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, interleukin‐6 expression (IL‐6).Key ResultsIntestinal manipulation and exposure to C48/80‐induced degranulation of PMCs delayed GI transit and up‐regulated IL‐6 and MPO activity. Intestinal manipulation, but not C48/80, up‐regulated CGRP, PAR‐2, and NGF/TrkA in DRGs. Ketotifen only improved gastric emptying and fecal output. Up‐regulation of CGRP and TrkA expression in DRG was not prevented by ketotifen.Conclusions & InferencesPostoperative ileus is accompanied by activation of CGRP, NGF‐TrkA, and PAR‐2 in DRGs. Our results suggest that these mediators could be a target in further POI studies in order to find new therapeutic targets for this medical condition.
Improvement in the airway after mandibular distraction osteogenesis surgery in children with temporomandibular joint ankylosis and mandibular hypoplasia
Authors: Zanaty Ola , El Metainy Shahira , Abo Alia Doaa , Medra Ahmed 
Published: February 2016

SummaryBackgroundTemporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis accompanied by mandibular micrognathia can severely obstruct a patient's upper airway. The obstructive sleep apnea and hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) resulting from TMJ ankylosis and accompanied by mandibular micrognathia, can severely influence the patient's life.AimThe aim of this study was to determine if there is a difference in Cormack and Lehane score before and after distraction osteogenesis in such patients, and to evaluate the airway changes and the respiratory outcome using polysomnography after mandibular distraction osteogenesis.MethodsThis observational prospective study was carried out on 30 ASA II patients with micrognathia and TMJ ankylosis undergoing internal distraction osteogenesis. All patients were assessed with polysomnography before surgery and 6 month after surgery. Nasal intubation was done using a fiberoptic bronchoscope, then patients were subjected to the same anesthetic protocol. Direct laryngoscopy was attempted for the Cormack and Lehane grading after induction. The Cormack and Lehane grade was reassessed after facial symmetry was obtained on removal of the distractor.ResultsMouth opening and Cormack and Lehane score improved significantly between the initial presentation for placement of mandibular distraction osteogenesis devices and on removal of the destructor under general anesthesia. Polysomnographic studies conducted after distraction confirmed the correction of airway obstruction in all patients: Improvement in Apnea–Hypopnea Index, mean difference (95% CI), 39.8 (38.8–40.9); the number of apneas per hour, mean difference, (95% CI) 41.1 (42.1–40.1); and oxygen‐desaturation‐index mean difference (95% CI) 27.6 (28.3–26.8).ConclusionMandibular distraction osteogenesis improved laryngeal view. Distraction osteogenesis can be successfully used for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in mandibular hypoplasia patients.
Privileging Policy Change? Sustaining Automatic Stabilizing Mechanisms in Public Pensions
Authors: Weaver R. Kent 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAutomatic stabilizing mechanisms (ASMs) in pension systems change the policy default so that benefits or contributions adjust automatically to adverse demographic and economic conditions without direct intervention by politicians. This is politically attractive to politicians because it facilitates blame avoiding. But it only works if politicians can refrain from ad hoc interventions when an ASM is triggered. Evidence from Canada, Sweden and Germany suggests a mixed record about their sustainability. Politicians may seek to evade or manipulate the trigger mechanism to avoid blame. A cartel of major parties that insulates pension policy‐making from electoral competition can help to sustain ASMs.
Reforming a Health Care System in a Big Way? The Case of Change in the British NHS
Authors: Powell Martin 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThere is a significant literature on change in health care systems, but much of this has little explicit discussion of conceptual approaches, measures or explanations of change. This article examines studies of the British National Health Service (NHS) focusing on the what, how much and why of change. It sets out the main approaches to studying continuity and change: institutional continuity and path dependency (PD); incremental change; punctuated equilibrium; gradual institutional change; ideational analysis; paradigm change; and institutional logics. It briefly critically discusses each of these approaches, and then examines the main studies in chronological order. With reference to the three main questions of this article, the ‘what’ of change suggests that, in terms of the number of studies, PD and ideational approaches appear to be dominant. The ‘how much’ of change question remains problematic due to unclear dependent variables and conflicting conclusions. Lastly, the ‘why’ of change remains unresolved. In short, studies of change in the British NHS tend to be overly descriptive and under‐theorized, and do not fully address issues of theories and concepts, measures and explanations; or the what, how much and why of change.
Reassessing Policy Drift: Social Policy Change in the United States
Authors: Béland Daniel , Rocco Philip , Waddan Alex 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAs formulated by Jacob Hacker, the concept of policy drift turned institutional theories of public policy on their heads by suggesting that consequential policy changes often happen in the absence of reform. Especially prevalent in times of political gridlock or stasis, policy drift is a useful concept for capturing how inaction can gradually diminish the effectiveness of social programmes over time. By highlighting cases of difficult‐to‐see policy inaction, however, Hacker's concept sets a high bar for empirical scholarship. In this article, we suggest that analyzing policy drift requires attention to comparative policy outcomes, the implementation of reforms intended to alleviate drift, and the time frame of the study. With these insights in mind, we analyze the impact of drift on US retirement security and health care coverage to reflect policy changes that have occurred since Hacker's original analysis was published.
Corticosteroid use as adjunct therapy for respiratory syncytial virus infection in adult allogeneic stem cell transplant recipients
Authors: Damlaj M. , Bartoo G. , Cartin‐Ceba R. , Gijima D. , Alkhateeb H.B. , Merten J. , Hashmi S. , Litzow M. , Gastineau D. , Hogan W. , Patnaik M.M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection causes significant morbidity and mortality in allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo‐SCT) recipients. Although ribavirin and immunoglobulins are common components of therapy, the role of adjunct corticosteroids is not established.ObjectivesWe sought to evaluate corticosteroid utilization in the setting of post‐allo‐SCT RSV infection in our center and assess post‐transplant outcomes including pulmonary function decline.MethodsPatients with a history of RSV infection from 2008 to 2014 seen at our institution were identified. Treatment and outcome data were retrospectively collected. Forced expiratory volume at 1 s (FEV1) and carbon monoxide diffusion capacity (DLCO) were collected pre‐ and post‐RSV infection.ResultsDuring the observation period, RSV was isolated in 53 of 552 patients undergoing allo‐SCT (10%) and 45 had evaluable therapy data. RSV‐related mortality in this cohort was 4/45 (9%). Twenty‐one (47%) were on corticosteroids prior to RSV diagnosis, of whom 11 (24%) had a dose increase post symptom onset. Eight (18%) patients were started on corticosteroids at the time of RSV infection. Corticosteroid therapy at symptom onset was associated with a higher rate of upper respiratory infection (URTI) to lower respiratory infection (LRTI) progression risk ratio (RR) 2.49 (1.21–5.13; P = 0.016), hospital admission RR 2.05 (1.24–3.37; P = 0.005), or intensive care unit admission RR 2.91 (1.89–5.01; P = 0.002). No significant difference was seen with FEV1 and DLCO decline (P = 0.3 and 0.24, respectively) or mortality (P = 0.26).ConclusionAdjunct corticosteroid use in the setting of RSV infection did not improve RSV‐related outcomes including long‐term pulmonary function. Our results do not support the routine use of corticosteroids; however, this finding does need to be verified in a larger cohort of patients.
L‐type Ca2+ channels in mood, cognition and addiction: integrating human and rodent studies with a focus on behavioural endophenotypes
Authors: Kabir Z. D. , Lee A. S. , Rajadhyaksha A. M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBrain Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 L‐type Ca2+ channels play key physiological roles in various neuronal processes that contribute to brain function. Genetic studies have recently identified CACNA1C as a candidate risk gene for bipolar disorder (BD), schizophrenia (SCZ), major depressive disorder (MDD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and CACNA1D for BD and ASD, suggesting a contribution of Cav1.2 and Cav1.3 Ca2+ signalling to the pathophysiology of neuropsychiatric disorders. Once considered sole clinical entities, it is now clear that BD, SCZ, MDD and ASD share common phenotypic features, most likely due to overlapping neurocircuitry and common molecular mechanisms. A major future challenge lies in translating the human genetic findings to pathological mechanisms that are translatable back to the patient. One approach for tackling such a daunting scientific endeavour for complex behaviour‐based neuropsychiatric disorders is to examine intermediate biological phenotypes in the context of endophenotypes within distinct behavioural domains. This will better allow us to integrate findings from genes to behaviour across species, and improve the chances of translating preclinical findings to clinical practice.
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