bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic niche partitioning in root water uptake facilitates efficient water use in more diverse grassland plant communities
Authors: Guderle Marcus , Bachmann Dörte , Milcu Alexandru , Gockele Annette , Bechmann Marcel , Fischer Christine , Roscher Christiane , Landais Damien , Ravel Olivier , Devidal Sébastien , Roy Jacques , Gessler Arthur , Buchmann Nina , Weigelt Alexandra , Hildebrandt Anke 
Published: August 2017

Abstract

Efficient extraction of soil water is essential for the productivity of plant communities. However, research on the complementary use of resources in mixed plant communities, and especially the impact of plant species richness on root water uptake, is limited. So far, these investigations have been hindered by a lack of methods allowing for the estimation of root water uptake profiles.

The overarching aim of our study was to determine whether diverse grassland plant communities in general exploit soil water more deeply and whether this shift occurs all the time or only during times of enhanced water demand.

Root water uptake was derived by analysing the diurnal decrease in soil water content separately at each measurement depth, thus yielding root water uptake profiles for 12 experimental grasslands communities with two different levels of species richness (4 and 16 sown species). Additional measurements of leaf water potential, stomatal conductance, and root traits were used to identify differences in water relations between plant functional groups.

Although the vertical root distribution did not differ between diversity levels, root water uptake shifted towards deeper layers (30 and 60 cm) in more diverse plots during periods of high vapour pressure deficit. Our results indicate that the more diverse communities were able to adjust their root water uptake, resulting in increased water uptake per root area compared to less diverse communities (52% at 20 cm, 118% at 30 cm, and 570% at 60 cm depth) and a more even distribution of water uptake over depth. Tall herbs, which had lower leaf water potential and higher stomatal conductance in more diverse mixtures, contributed disproportionately to dynamic niche partitioning in root water uptake.

This study underpins the role of diversity in stabilizing ecosystem function and mitigating drought stress effects during future climate change scenarios. Furthermore, the results provide evidence that root water uptake is not solely controlled by root length density distribution in communities with high plant diversity but also by spatial shifts in water acquisition.

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The Evolution of Public Service Provision by the Third Sector in France
Authors: Archambault Edith 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPublic services have been externalised, in part, to the non‐profit sector in France and in the United Kingdom. This article begins by reviewing relations between the public and non‐profit sector in France before 2008, and its evolution since. This has been characterised by the slow reduction of public funding, the adaptation of non‐profit associations and organisations, and their clearer positioning within a wider ‘social and solidarity economy’, which was consolidated by a framework Law in 2014. The article then examines the current sharing of responsibilities between the public and non‐profit sectors in education, health and social services, pointing to the diverse historical and political conditions which have led to this shared organisation.
Residential Bacteria on Surfaces in the Food Industry and Their Implications for Food Safety and Quality
Authors: Møretrø Trond , Langsrud Solveig 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSurface hygiene is commonly measured as a part of the quality system of food processing plants, but as the bacteria present are commonly not identified, their roles for food quality and safety are not known. Here, we review the identity of residential bacteria and characteristics relevant for survival and growth in the food industry along with potential implications for food safety and quality. Sampling after cleaning and disinfection increases the likelihood of targeting residential bacteria. The increasing use of sequencing technologies to identify bacteria has improved knowledge about the bacteria present in food premises. Overall, nonpathogenic Gram‐negative bacteria, especially Pseudomonas spp., followed by Enterobacteriaceae and Acinetobacter spp. dominate on food processing surfaces. Pseudomonas spp. persistence is likely due to growth at low temperatures, biofilm formation, tolerance to biocides, and low growth requirements. Gram‐positive bacteria are most frequently found in dairies and in dry production environments. The residential bacteria may end up in the final products through cross‐contamination and may affect food quality. Such effects can be negative and lead to spoilage, but the bacteria may also contribute positively, as through spontaneous fermentation. Pathogenic bacteria present in food processing environments may interact with residential bacteria, resulting in both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on pathogens in multispecies biofilms. The residential bacterial population, or bacteriota, does not seem to be an important source for the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes to humans, but more knowledge is needed to verify this. If residential bacteria occur in high numbers, they may influence processes such as membrane filtration and corrosion.
Diversity of progesterone action on lipopolysaccharide‐induced expression changes in cultured human cervical fibroblasts according to inflammation and treatment timing
Authors: Kuwabara Yoshimitsu , Katayama Akira , Kurihara Sachiko , Ito Marie , Yonezawa Mirei , Ouchi Nozomi , Kurashina Ryuhei , Ichikawa Tomoko , Sawa Rintaro , Nakai Akihito , Orimo Hideo , Takeshita Toshiyuki 
Published: August 2017

ProblemThe effectiveness of progesterone (P4) treatment for preventing preterm births is unclear. Its effects on the uterine cervix were tested using cultured human uterine cervical fibroblasts (UCFs).Method of studyUCFs were incubated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the presence or absence of P4 under various conditions. mRNA was subjected to PCR arrays and real‐time RT‐PCR to assess IL‐6, IL‐8, IL‐1beta, PTGS2, MMP‐1, and CXCL10 expression.ResultsWhen exposed to a high‐LPS concentration (2.0 μg/mL), expression of these genes was not suppressed by simultaneous P4 (1.0 μmol/L) treatment, but it was significantly inhibited when P4 was administered 1 hour prior to LPS, with the exception of the chemokines IL‐8 and CXCL10. Expression of all genes was restricted by P4 under low‐level LPS (0.2 μg/mL) stimulation, especially when administered prior to LPS treatment.ConclusionThese data suggest that early or prophylactic P4 administration is an effective and important measure for reducing preterm birth risk.
DOES SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL RESEARCH REDUCE MACROECONOMIC VOLATILITY?
Authors: Tang Sam Hak Kan 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTThis paper explores whether conducting scientific and technical (S&T) research reduces the volatility of output growth. The paper finds robust evidence that output volatility is significantly lowered by a country's production of S&T publications. The results show that the effect of S&T publications on output volatility is particularly strong in middle‐income, OECD and other high‐income countries. However, for East‐Asian, low‐income and sub‐Saharan African countries the effect is either weak or absent. These results provide strong evidence that not only OECD and other high‐income countries are actively engaged in S&T research, emerging developing countries are also conducting S&T research, which is effective in reducing output volatility. The results are robust to adding a host of control variables, various subsamples and different estimation techniques.
Redefining the stress cortisol response to surgery
Authors: Khoo Bernard , Boshier Piers R. , Freethy Alexander , Tharakan George , Saeed Samerah , Hill Neil , Williams Emma L. , Moorthy Krishna , Tolley Neil , Jiao Long R. , Spalding Duncan , Palazzo Fausto , Meeran Karim , Tan Tricia 
Published: July 2017

SummaryBackgroundCortisol levels rise with the physiological stress of surgery. Previous studies have used older, less‐specific assays, have not differentiated by severity or only studied procedures of a defined type. The aim of this study was to examine this phenomenon in surgeries of varying severity using a widely used cortisol immunoassay.MethodsEuadrenal patients undergoing elective surgery were enrolled prospectively. Serum samples were taken at 8 am on surgical day, induction and 1 hour, 2 hour, 4 hour and 8 hour after. Subsequent samples were taken daily at 8 am until postoperative day 5 or hospital discharge. Total cortisol was measured using an Abbott Architect immunoassay, and cortisol‐binding globulin (CBG) using a radioimmunoassay. Surgical severity was classified by POSSUM operative severity score.ResultsNinety‐three patients underwent surgery: Major/Major+ (n = 37), Moderate (n = 33) and Minor (n = 23). Peak cortisol positively correlated to severity: Major/Major+ median 680 [range 375‐1452], Moderate 581 [270‐1009] and Minor 574 [272‐1066] nmol/L (Kruskal‐Wallis test, P = .0031). CBG fell by 23%; the magnitude of the drop positively correlated to severity.ConclusionsThe range in baseline and peak cortisol response to surgery is wide, and peak cortisol levels are lower than previously appreciated. Improvements in surgery, anaesthetic techniques and cortisol assays might explain our observed lower peak cortisols. The criteria for the dynamic testing of cortisol response may need to be reduced to take account of these factors. Our data also support a lower‐dose, stratified approach to dosing of steroid replacement in hypoadrenal patients, to minimize the deleterious effects of over‐replacement.
S2k Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pruritus – update – short version
Authors: Ständer Sonja , Zeidler Claudia , Augustin Matthias , Bayer Gudrun , Kremer Andreas E. , Legat Franz J. , Maisel Peter , Mettang Thomas , Metz Martin , Nast Alexander , Niemeier Volker , Raap Ulrike , Schneider Gudrun , Ständer Hartmut F. , Staubach Petra , Streit Markus , Weisshaar Elke 
Published: August 2017

SummaryAssociated with a host of different diseases, pruritus is a cardinal symptom that poses an interdisciplinary diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Over time, that symptom may progress independently of the initial cause, thus losing its function as a warning sign and turning into a clinically relevant disease of its own. In Germany, approximately 13.5 % of the general population are affected by chronic pruritus, with an incidence of 7 %. All forms of chronic pruritus require targeted treatment consisting of (a) diagnosis and management of the underlying disease, (b) dermatological treatment of primary or secondary (for example, dry skin, scratch lesions) symptoms, (c) symptomatic antipruritic treatment, and (d) psychological/psychotherapeutic treatment in case of an underlying or associated psychological or psychosomatic condition. Medical care of patients with chronic pruritus should therefore include an interdisciplinary approach, in particular with respect to diagnosis and therapy of the underlying disease as well as in terms of the management of treatment and adverse events. The objective of the present interdisciplinary guidelines is to define and standardize diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in patients with chronic pruritus. This is a short version of the current S2 guidelines on chronic pruritus. The long version may be found at www.awmf.org.
State–Society Relations, Institutional Transformation and Economic Development in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Kalu Kenneth 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the nature and origins of state–society relations in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA). It traces the region's predatory state–society relations to slavery and colonialism and the concomitant extractive institutions, which are not conducive to sustainable economic development. Consequently, attempts to achieve sustainable development have been largely futile. The paper proposes a strategy for transforming the region's economic and governance institutions for inclusive and enduring growth and development. This strategy includes the promulgation and enforcement of coherent international codes and guidelines for state–society relations.
Validating Automated Measures of Text Complexity
Authors: Sheehan Kathleen M. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAutomated text complexity measurement tools (also called readability metrics) have been proposed as a way to help teachers, textbook publishers, and assessment developers select texts that are closely aligned with the new, more demanding text complexity expectations specified in the Common Core State Standards. This article examines a critical element of the validity arguments presented in support of proposed metrics: the claim that criterion text complexity scores developed from students’ responses to reading comprehension test items are reflective of the difficulties actually experienced by students while reading. Evidence that fails to support this assertion is examined, and implications relative to the goal of obtaining valid, unbiased evidence about the measurement properties of proposed readability metrics are discussed.
Multivitamin use and risk of stroke incidence and mortality amongst women
Authors: Adebamowo S. N. , Feskanich D. , Stampfer M. , Rexrode K. , Willett W. C. 
Published: July 2017

Background and purposeFew studies have examined the association between multivitamin use and the risk of stroke incidence and mortality, and the results remain inconclusive as to whether multivitamins are beneficial.MethodsThe associations between multivitamin use and the risk of incident stroke and stroke mortality were prospectively examined in 86 142 women in the Nurses’ Health Study, aged 34–59 years and free of diagnosed cardiovascular disease at baseline. Multivitamin use and covariates were updated every 2 years and strokes were documented by review of medical records. Hazard ratios of total, ischaemic and hemorrhagic strokes were calculated across categories of multivitamin use (non‐user, past, current user) and duration (years), using Cox proportional hazards models.ResultsDuring 32 years of follow‐up from 1980 to 2012, 3615 incident strokes were documented, including 758 deaths from stroke. In multivariate analyses, women who were current multivitamin users did not have a lower risk of incident total stroke compared to non‐users [relative risk (RR) 1.02, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.93–1.11], even those with longer durations of 15 or more years of use (RR 1.08, 95% CI 0.97–1.20) or those with a lower quality diet (RR 0.96, 95% CI 0.80–1.15). There was also no indication of benefit from multivitamin use for incident ischaemic or hemorrhagic strokes or for total stroke mortality.ConclusionsLong‐term multivitamin use was not associated with reduced risk of stroke incidence or mortality amongst women in the study population, even amongst those with a lower diet quality. An effect in a less well‐nourished population cannot be ruled out.
Protected areas offer refuge from invasive species spreading under climate change
Authors: Gallardo Belinda , Aldridge David C. , González‐Moreno Pablo , Pergl Jan , Pizarro Manuel , Pyšek Petr , Thuiller Wilfried , Yesson Christopher , Vilà Montserrat 
Published: July 2017

AbstractProtected areas (PAs) are intended to provide native biodiversity and habitats with a refuge against the impacts of global change, particularly acting as natural filters against biological invasions. In practice, however, it is unknown how effective PAs will be in shielding native species from invasions under projected climate change. Here, we investigate the current and future potential distributions of 100 of the most invasive terrestrial, freshwater, and marine species in Europe. We use this information to evaluate the combined threat posed by climate change and invasions to existing PAs and the most susceptible species they shelter. We found that only a quarter of Europe's marine and terrestrial areas protected over the last 100 years have been colonized by any of the invaders investigated, despite offering climatically suitable conditions for invasion. In addition, hotspots of invasive species and the most susceptible native species to their establishment do not match at large continental scales. Furthermore, the predicted richness of invaders is 11%–18% significantly lower inside PAs than outside them. Invasive species are rare in long‐established national parks and nature reserves, which are actively protected and often located in remote and pristine regions with very low human density. In contrast, the richness of invasive species is high in the more recently designated Natura 2000 sites, which are subject to high human accessibility. This situation may change in the future, since our models anticipate important shifts in species ranges toward the north and east of Europe at unprecedented rates of 14–55 km/decade, depending on taxonomic group and scenario. This may seriously compromise the conservation of biodiversity and ecosystem services. This study is the first comprehensive assessment of the resistance that PAs provide against biological invasions and climate change on a continental scale and illustrates their strategic value in safeguarding native biodiversity.
Prognostic value of physical function tests and muscle mass in elderly hospitalized patients. A prospective observational study
Authors: Hernández‐Luis Rubén , Martín‐Ponce Esther , Monereo‐Muñoz María , Quintero‐Platt Geraldine , Odeh‐Santana Silvia , González‐Reimers Emilio , Santolaria Francisco 
Published: August 2017

AimTo determine the prognostic value for mortality of physical function tests, muscle mass loss, disability and frailty in elderly hospitalized patients.MethodsWe prospectively included 298 hospitalized patients aged >60 years (152 men and 146 women). We assessed comorbidity using the Charlson Comorbidity Index; nutrition by body mass index, midarm muscle area and subjective nutritional score; physical muscle function by handgrip strength, gait speed, standing balance and stand up test; disability using the Barthel test and activities of daily living; frailty by the clinical frailty scale and Fried frailty index; and cognitive impairment by the Pfeiffer test. We assessed 100‐day and long‐term mortality.ResultsWe found a high prevalence of malnutrition, comorbidity, cognitive impairment, physical function impairment, disability and frailty. Mortality at 100 days was 15.1%, with a long‐term median survival of 989 days. Mortality was significantly related to age, comorbidity, nutritional status, physical function, disability and frailty. Serum vitamin D3 levels were not related to mortality. Independent prognostic value for long‐term mortality was shown by: (i) incapacity to carry out any of the walking, stand up and standing balance tests; (ii) male sex; (iii) aged >80 years; (iv) impaired handgrip strength or gait speed; (v) Charlson Comorbidity Index ≥1; and (6) impaired muscle mass of subjective nutritional score.ConclusionsIn elderly hospitalized patients, there is an important role of muscle regarding prognosis, mainly related to physical function, but also and independently regarding muscle mass. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2018; 18: 57–64.
Iron and Manganese in Groundwater: Using Kriging and GIS to Locate High Concentrations in Buncombe County, North Carolina
Authors: Johnson Crystal D. , Nandi Arpita , Joyner T. Andrew , Luffman Ingrid 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFor health, economic, and aesthetic reasons, allowable concentrations (as suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency) of the secondary contaminants iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) found present in drinking water are 0.3 and 0.05 mg/L, respectively. Water samples taken from private drinking wells in rural communities within Buncombe County, North Carolina contain concentrations of these metals that exceed secondary water quality criteria. This study predicted the spatial distribution of Fe and Mn in the county, and evaluated the effect of site environmental factors (bedrock geology, ground elevation, saprolite thickness, and drinking water well depth) in controlling the variability of Fe and Mn in groundwater. A statistically significant correlation between Fe and Mn concentrations, attributable to bedrock geology, was identified. Prediction models were created using ordinary kriging and cokriging interpolation techniques to estimate the presence of Fe and Mn in groundwater where direct measurements are not possible. This same procedure can be used to estimate the trend of other contaminants in the groundwater in different areas with similar hydrogeological settings.
Platelet activation and clotting cascade activation by dialyzers designed for high volume online hemodiafiltration
Authors: Tangvoraphonkchai Kamonwan , Riddell Anne , Davenport Andrew 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntroduction: Hemodialysis patients are pro‐thrombotic. Higher volume online postdilutional hemodiafiltration (OL‐HDF), with increasing hematocrit increases the risk of clotting in the extracorporeal circuit (ECC). We wished to determine whether OL‐HDF increased platelet activation and ECC clotting.Methods: Coagulation parameters, platelet, white cell, and endothelial activation markers were measured at the start and end of dialysis sessions in 10 patients and also pre‐ and post‐dialyzer after 15 minutes using two different dialyzers designed for high volume OL‐HDF; cellulose triacetate (TAGP) and polysulphone (PS), and polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Patients were anticoagulated with a heparin bolus.Findings: At the start of OL‐HDF, D dimers, thrombin antithrombin complexes (TATs), and soluble adhesions molecules (sICAM‐1 and sVCAM‐1) were increased. Post‐treatment soluble P selectin (PS/PVP 26.7 ± 7.1 versus 36.6 ± 9.9; TAGP 28.7 ± 7.2 versus 43.5 ± 8.4 ng/ml, P < 0.001), and soluble CD40 ligand (PS/PVP 297 ± 228 versus 552 ± 272, TAGP 245 ± 187 versus 390 ± 205 ng/ml, P < 0.05) increased. Post‐dialyzer concentrations increased versus pre‐dialyzer for tissue factor (PS/PVP 117 ± 12 versus 136 ± 16, TAGP 100 ± 25 versus 128 ± 40 ng/ml, P < 0.05), factor VIIIc (PS/PVP 174 ± 54 versus 237 ± 83, TAGP 163 ± 60 versus 247 ± 102 IU/ml, P < 0.01), sVCAM‐1 (PS/PVP 782 ± 64 versus 918 ± 140, TAGP 722 ± 121 versus 889 ± 168 ng/ml, P < 0.01), and D‐dimers (PS/PVP 292 ± 132 versus 355 ± 167, TAGP 300 ± 129 versus 391 ± 171 ng/ml, P < 0.001). There was no macroscopic thrombus noted in the ECC, and no increase in microparticles, platelet factor‐4, or TATs.Discussion: Despite being pro‐thrombotic, with activation of platelets, and lymphocytes during passage through ECC, no macroscopic clotting, or increased TATs were noted during OL‐HDF, and no major differences between cellulosic and polysulphone dialyzers.