bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental whole‐stream warming alters community size structure
Authors: Nelson Daniel , Benstead Jonathan P. , Huryn Alexander D. , Cross Wyatt F. , Hood James M. , Johnson Philip W. , Junker James R. , Gíslason Gísli M. , Ólafsson Jón S. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHow ecological communities respond to predicted increases in temperature will determine the extent to which Earth's biodiversity and ecosystem functioning can be maintained into a warmer future. Warming is predicted to alter the structure of natural communities, but robust tests of such predictions require appropriate large‐scale manipulations of intact, natural habitat that is open to dispersal processes via exchange with regional species pools. Here, we report results of a two‐year whole‐stream warming experiment that shifted invertebrate assemblage structure via unanticipated mechanisms, while still conforming to community‐level metabolic theory. While warming by 3.8 °C decreased invertebrate abundance in the experimental stream by 60% relative to a reference stream, total invertebrate biomass was unchanged. Associated shifts in invertebrate assemblage structure were driven by the arrival of new taxa and a higher proportion of large, warm‐adapted species (i.e., snails and predatory dipterans) relative to small‐bodied, cold‐adapted taxa (e.g., chironomids and oligochaetes). Experimental warming consequently shifted assemblage size spectra in ways that were unexpected, but consistent with thermal optima of taxa in the regional species pool. Higher temperatures increased community‐level energy demand, which was presumably satisfied by higher primary production after warming. Our experiment demonstrates how warming reassembles communities within the constraints of energy supply via regional exchange of species that differ in thermal physiological traits. Similar responses will likely mediate impacts of anthropogenic warming on biodiversity and ecosystem function across all ecological communities.
Contribution of above‐ and belowground bioenergy crop residues to soil carbon
Authors: Carvalho Joao L. N. , Hudiburg Tara W. , Franco Henrique C. J. , DeLucia Evan H. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractGHG mitigation by bioenergy crops depends on crop type, management practices, and the input of residue carbon (C) to the soil. Perennial grasses may increase soil C compared to annual crops because of more extensive root systems, but it is less clear how much soil C is derived from above‐ vs. belowground inputs. The objective of this study was to synthesize the existing knowledge regarding soil C inputs from above‐ and belowground crop residues in regions cultivated with sugarcane, corn, and miscanthus, and to predict the impact of residue removal and tillage on soil C stocks. The literature review showed that aboveground inputs to soil C (to 1‐m depth) ranged from 70% to 81% for sugarcane and corn vs. 40% for miscanthus. Modeled aboveground C inputs (to 30 cm depth) ranged from 54% to 82% for sugarcane, but were 67% for miscanthus. Because 50% of observed miscanthus belowground biomass is below 30 cm depth, it may be necessary to increase the depth of modeled soil C dynamics to reconcile modeled belowground C inputs with measured. Modeled removal of aboveground corn residue (25–100%) resulted in C stock reduction in areas of corn–corn–soybean rotation under conventional tillage, while no‐till management lessoned this impact. In sugarcane, soil C stocks were reduced when total aboveground residue was removed at one site, while partial removal of sugarcane residue did not reduce soil C stocks in either area. This study suggests that aboveground crop residues were the main C‐residue source to the soil in the current bioethanol sector (corn and sugarcane) and the indiscriminate removal of crop residues to produce cellulosic biofuels can reduce soil C stocks and reduce the environmental benefits of bioenergy. Moreover, a switch to feedstocks such as miscanthus with more allocation to belowground C could increase soil C stocks at a much faster rate.
Evaluating 318 continental‐scale species distribution models over a 60‐year prediction horizon: what factors influence the reliability of predictions?
Authors: Morán‐Ordóñez Alejandra , Lahoz‐Monfort José J. , Elith Jane , Wintle Brendan A. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimSpecies distribution models (SDMs) are currently the most widely used tools in ecology for evaluating the suitability of environments for biodiversity in the face of future environmental change. In this study we seek to provide an assessment of the predictive performance of SDMs over time. How well do SDMs predict for future time periods and what factors influence predictive performance?InnovationWe used a historical spatially explicit database of 1.8 million occurrence records for 318 tetrapod species from across continental Australia over the period 1950–2013. We fitted distribution models for each species to data from four multi‐decadal time slices and used these to predict the species distributions up to 60 years after the data collection period for the fitted models. We evaluated predictions against observed data from the relevant time period. Predictions were made assuming either complete knowledge of changes in climatic and environmental conditions or assuming the environment and climate remained unchanged between the fitting and evaluation time periods. We used generalized linear mixed models to model variation in the predictive performance of SDMs over time in relation to a variety of factors, including the length of time between fitting and evaluation, species traits, taxonomic group and attributes of the dataset used to fit models.Main conclusionsWe found that most models provided useful predictions even when the period between model fitting and evaluation was 60 years (area under the receiver operator characteristic curve > 0.7 in 80% of the species evaluated). Variation in predictive performance over time was strongly related to the species range breadth (models for species with broad geographical ranges tended to perform worse than models for locally restricted species) and to the environmental coverage of occupancy data. Conversely, taxonomic group, habitat preferences and body size were not highly influential in describing the variation in predictive performance over time.
The relationship between plant species richness and soil pH vanishes with increasing aridity across Eurasian dry grasslands
Authors: Palpurina Salza , Wagner Viktoria , von Wehrden Henrik , Hájek Michal , Horsák Michal , Brinkert Annika , Hölzel Norbert , Wesche Karsten , Kamp Johannes , Hájková Petra , Danihelka Jiří , Lustyk Pavel , Merunková Kristina , Preislerová Zdenka , Kočí Martin , Kubešová Svatava , Cherosov Mikhail , Ermakov Nikolai , German Dmitry , Gogoleva Paraskovia , Lashchinsky Nikolai , Martynenko Vassiliy , Chytrý Milan 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimSoil pH is considered an important driver of fine‐scale plant species richness in terrestrial ecosystems. However, it is unclear to what extent this relationship is influenced by precipitation, which often directly affects both soil pH and species richness. We asked: (1) what is the relationship between fine‐scale vascular plant species richness and soil pH in regions with different levels of precipitation and (2) what are the relative effects of soil pH and precipitation on species richness?LocationDry grasslands in eight regions of northern Eurasia.MethodsSpecies richness and soil pH were measured in 1055 10 m × 10 m plots and precipitation values were derived from global datasets. Relationships between variables were explored using general linear models, mixed‐effect models and partial regressions. Variation partitioning was used to assess the relative effect of each predictor on species richness.ResultsIn wetter regions, soil pH range was broader, mean species richness was higher and the richness–pH relationship was unimodal. In drier regions, mean soil pH was higher and its range narrower, species richness was on average lower and less variable, and the richness–pH relationship was negative or absent. The richness–pH relationship persisted after controlling for the effect of precipitation, but precipitation, uniquely or together with soil pH, explained more variation in species richness in most regions than did pH alone.Main conclusionsThe relationship between plant species richness and soil pH in dry grasslands changes from unimodal, through negative, to none with decreasing regional precipitation in Eurasia. However, it seems that the species richness–soil pH relationship in dry grasslands over broad areas is substantially influenced and confounded by precipitation either indirectly, by shortening and shifting the pH gradient, or directly, by decreasing the negative effects of drought stress on richness.
Biogeography of a plant invasion: drivers of latitudinal variation in enemy release
Authors: Allen Warwick J. , Meyerson Laura A. , Cummings David , Anderson John , Bhattarai Ganesh P. , Cronin James T. 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimThe relationship between herbivory and latitude may differ between native and invasive plant taxa, which can generate biogeographical heterogeneity in the strength of enemy release. Our aim was to compare latitudinal gradients in herbivory between native and invasive plants and investigate whether gradients are driven by local adaptation or phenotypic plasticity.LocationNorth America.MethodsUsing sympatric native and invasive lineages of the wetland grassPhragmites australisand the specialist gall‐flyLipara rufitarsis, we conducted a field survey to examine whether the relationship between herbivory (the proportion of stems galled) and latitude was parallel between lineages. In a subsequent common garden experiment, we assessed whether latitudinal gradients in herbivory were genetically based or driven by phenotypic plasticity.ResultsIn the field,L. rufitarsisherbivory on the nativeP. australislineage increased from 27% of stems galled in southern populations (36.5°) to 37% in northern populations (43.6°), whereas there was no relationship for the invasive lineage. Similar relationships were evident in the common garden experiment, indicating a genetic basis to latitudinal variation in herbivory. Moreover, the invasive lineage suffered five times less herbivory than the native lineage on average, supporting the enemy release hypothesis. However, a genetic basis to this pattern was absent in the common garden experiment, suggesting that local environmental conditions were responsible for the enemy release observed in nature. Specifically, stem height, diameter and density during theL. rufitarsisoviposition period appeared to be important drivers of herbivory.Main conclusionsNon‐parallel gradients in herbivory may help explain the equivocal results of other studies that examine enemy release and biotic resistance at local scales, and can be an important mechanism promoting biogeographical variation in invasion success. We suggest that these latitudinal patterns in herbivory and other species interactions are likely to be a common phenomenon across a range of invaded systems.
Association between dialysis treatment and cognitive decline: A study from the Project in Sado for Total Health (PROST), Japan
Authors: Watanabe Yumi , Kitamura Kaori , Nakamura Kazutoshi , Sanpei Kazuhiro , Wakasugi Minako , Yokoseki Akio , Kabasawa Keiko , Onodera Osamu , Ikeuchi Takeshi , Kuwano Ryozo , Momotsu Takeshi , Narita Ichiei , Endo Naoto 
Published: November 2016

AbstractAimEvidence for the association between dialysis treatment and cognitive decline is limited. The present study aimed to determine whether dialysis treatment is associated with cognitive decline in adult outpatients of a general hospital in Japan.MethodsThis was a cross‐sectional substudy of the Project in Sado for Total Health (PROST). Total Health PROST targeted adult outpatients of a general hospital in Sado City, Niigata, Japan. Among 753 patients (mean age 68.1 ± 11.6 years) analyzed, 66 received dialysis. Cognitive state was evaluated using the Mini‐Mental State Examination, and those with a Mini‐Mental State Examination score <24 were considered “cognitively declined.” The prevalence of cognitive decline was compared by odds ratios calculated with multiple logistic regression analysis. Variables included in the analyses were dialysis, age, sex and self‐reported histories of hypertension, diabetes, stroke and ischemic heart disease.ResultsOf the 66 dialysis patients, 24 (36.4%) showed cognitive decline, whereas 172 (25.0%) of 687 non‐dialysis patients showed cognitive decline. The age and sex‐adjusted odds ratio for cognitive decline in dialysis patients was 2.57 (95% confidence interval 1.43–4.61), relative to non‐dialysis patients. The odds ratio remained significant (odds ratio 2.69, 95% confidence interval 1.49–4.88) even after adjusting for all covariates.ConclusionThe prevalence of cognitive decline was high in dialysis patients relative to non‐dialysis patients among outpatients of a general hospital in Japan. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1584–1587.
Predictors of rehospitalization among older adults: Results of the CRIME Study
Authors: Sganga Federica , Landi Francesco , Volpato Stefano , Cherubini Antonio , Ruggiero Carmelinda , Corsonello Andrea , Fabbietti Paolo , Lattanzio Fabrizia , Gravina Ester Manes , Bernabei Roberto , Onder Graziano 
Published: November 2016

AimTo assess the predictors of readmission among older adults hospitalized in acute care wards.MethodsA prospective cohort study was carried out among 921 hospitalized older adults participating in the CRiteria to Assess Appropriate Medication Use among Elderly Complex Patients (CRIME) project. The primary outcome of the study was rehospitalization within 1 year after discharge from acute care hospitals. We assessed the participants with a questionnaire including 350 items about demographic, social and clinical characteristics. We analyzed all factors at discharge that could be considered predictors of readmission.ResultsThe mean age of the participants was 81.2 years (SD 7.4 years), and 509 were women (55.3%). Overall, 280 of 921 patients (30.4%) were rehospitalized during the 1‐year follow up of the study. Patients with a Mini‐Mental State Examination score equal to or higher than 24 had a higher probability of rehospitalization, as compared with those who performed lower than 24 (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.04–2.83). In addition, heart failure (OR 1.77, 95% CI 1.14–2.24), the number of falls during 1‐year follow up (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.05–1.28) and the number of drugs during first hospitalization (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.01–1.07) were significantly associated with rehospitalization, whereas no significant association was shown for age, sex and walking speed for minimum size (OR 1.15, 95% CI 0.99–2.00).ConclusionsPredictors of readmission in older people are an intact cognitive status; the presence of a geriatric condition, such as heart failure and falls; and a high number of drugs during first hospitalization. Further studies are required to assess the impact of home care for avoiding readmission in patients with an intact cognitive status, and supporting and treating patients with dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2017; 17: 1588–1592.
Older people's description of factors that facilitate and impede regular dental care – a qualitative interview study
Authors: Derblom C , Hagman‐Gustafsson M‐L , Gabre P 
Published: November 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to achieve an understanding of older people's view of the benefits of regular dental care and investigate factors that facilitate and impede regular dental care.MethodsA qualitative research method was used. To gain a deeper understanding of the elderly people's views, individual interviews were conducted. Fifteen respondents, eleven women and four men aged between 65 and 95, participated, all recruited from senior social centres. All interviews were tape‐recorded and transcribed verbatim, and the content analysis method was then used. Meaning units were identified and condensed into codes which were labelled and grouped into categories and subcategories.ResultsFindings were grouped into three categories: experiences of dental care, obstacles and facilitators to dental care and about oral health and responsibility. The elderly had experience of both regular and irregular dental care. Obstacles to visiting dental services included high costs and complicated dental insurance, other practical obstacles, lack of confidence in dentistry and seeing no benefits of dental care at their age. Views of the importance of oral health varied, and some people thought poor teeth were shameful. Some expressed that oral health was your own responsibility, while others thought that oral health was the responsibility of the dental services.ConclusionsSeveral factors which hamper regular dental care have been identified, and taken together, these obstacles often became unsurmountable. However, individuals taking their own responsibility for their dental status and dental services making certain adaptations, both encourage people to seek regular dental care.
Public Hospital Spending in England: Evidence from National Health Service Administrative Records
Authors: Kelly Elaine , Stoye George , Vera‐Hernández Marcos 
Published: November 2016

AbstractHealth spending per capita in England has almost doubled since 1997, yet relatively little is known about how that spending is distributed across the population. This paper uses administrative National Health Service (NHS) hospital records to examine key features of public hospital spending in England. We describe how costs vary across the life cycle, and the concentration of spending among people and over time. We find that costs per person start to increase after age 50 and escalate after age 70. Spending is highly concentrated in a small section of the population, but the degree of concentration is lower for older age groups. For those aged 25 and under, a third of all hospital spending is accounted for by 1 per cent of the population under 25 and a fifth of spending is accounted for by 1 per cent of patients under 25. For those aged 65 and over, these figures fall to 22 and 13 per cent, respectively. There is persistence in spending over time, with patients with high spending more likely to have spending in subsequent years and those with zero expenditures more likely to remain out of hospital.
Spending on Health Care in the Netherlands: Not Going So Dutch
Authors: Bakx Pieter , O'Donnell Owen , van Doorslaer Eddy 
Published: November 2016

AbstractThe Netherlands is among the top spenders on health in the OECD. We document the life‐cycle profile, concentration and persistence of this expenditure using claims data covering both curative and long‐term care expenses for the full Dutch population. Spending on health care is strongly concentrated: the 1 per cent of individuals with the highest levels of expenditure account for one‐quarter of the aggregate in any one year. Averaged over three years, the top 1 per cent still account for more than a fifth of the total, indicating a very high degree of persistence in the largest expenses. Spending on long‐term care, which amounts to one‐third of all expenditure on health care, is even more concentrated: the top 1 per cent account for more than half of total spending on this type of care. Average expenditure rises steeply with age and even more so with proximity to death. Spending on individuals in their last year of life absorbs one‐tenth of aggregate health care expenditure. In a given year, spending on health care is highly skewed toward individuals with lower incomes. Average expenditure on the poorest fifth is more than three times that on the richest fifth.
The Concentration of Hospital‐Based Medical Spending: Evidence from Canada
Authors: Côté‐Sergent Aurélie , Échevin Damien , Michaud Pierre‐Carl 
Published: November 2016

AbstractIn this paper, we present evidence on the concentration of hospital‐based medical spending in Canada. We use longitudinal administrative data from the province of Quebec to document how medical spending is concentrated cross‐sectionally, over time and near the end of life when death occurs in hospital. Average expenditures rise rapidly with age, starting around the age of 50, and are concentrated in a small fraction of high‐cost users. For example, the top 1 per cent of men and women in terms of hospital spending account for 52.9 per cent and 49.8 per cent of total spending respectively. Persistence among high users is quite low. Fewer than 19.7 per cent of those in the top quintile of hospital spending stay in the same quintile the following year. Finally, hospital spending among those in their last year of life and who die in hospital can account for 11.3 per cent of total hospital spending in the population.
Retracted: Randomized controlled trial of vitamin D supplementation in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Saad Khaled , Abdel‐Rahman Ahmed A. , Elserogy Yasser M. , Al‐Atram Abdulrahman A. , El‐Houfey Amira A. , Othman Hisham A. -K. , Bjørklund Geir , Jia Feiyong , Urbina Mauricio A. , Abo‐Elela Mohamed Gamil M. , Ahmad Faisal‐Alkhateeb , Abd El‐Baseer Khaled A. , Ahmed Ahmed E. , Abdel‐Salam Ahmad M. 
Published: November 2016

BackgroundAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a frequent developmental disorder characterized by pervasive deficits in social interaction, impairment in verbal and nonverbal communication, and stereotyped patterns of interests and activities. It has been previously reported that there is vitamin D deficiency in autistic children; however, there is a lack of randomized controlled trials of vitamin D supplementation in ASD children.MethodsThis study is a double‐blinded, randomized clinical trial (RCT) that was conducted on 109 children with ASD (85 boys and 24 girls; aged 3–10 years). The aim of this study was to assess the effects of vitamin D supplementation on the core symptoms of autism in children. ASD patients were randomized to receive vitamin D3 or placebo for 4 months. The serum levels of 25‐hydroxycholecalciferol (25 (OH)D) were measured at the beginning and at the end of the study. The autism severity and social maturity of the children were assessed by the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC), Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC). Trial registration number: UMIN‐CTR Study Design: trial number: UMIN000020281.ResultsSupplementation of vitamin D was well tolerated by the ASD children. The daily doses used in the therapy group was 300 IU vitamin D3/kg/day, not to exceed 5,000 IU/day. The autism symptoms of the children improved significantly, following 4‐month vitamin D3 supplementation, but not in the placebo group. This study demonstrates the efficacy and tolerability of high doses of vitamin D3 in children with ASD.ConclusionsThis study is the first double‐blinded RCT proving the efficacy of vitamin D3 in ASD patients. Depending on the parameters measured in the study, oral vitamin D supplementation may safely improve signs and symptoms of ASD and could be recommended for children with ASD. At this stage, this study is a single RCT with a small number of patients, and a great deal of additional wide‐scale studies are needed to critically validate the efficacy of vitamin D in ASD.