bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Out of the shadows: multiple nutrient limitations drive relationships among biomass, light and plant diversity
Authors: Harpole W. Stanley , Sullivan Lauren L. , Lind Eric M. , Firn Jennifer , Adler Peter B. , Borer Elizabeth T. , Chase Jonathan , Fay Philip A. , Hautier Yann , Hillebrand Helmut , MacDougall Andrew S. , Seabloom Eric W. , Bakker Jonathan D. , Cadotte Marc W. , Chaneton Enrique J. , Chu Chengjin , Hagenah Nicole , Kirkman Kevin , La Pierre Kimberly J. , Moore Joslin L. , Morgan John W. , Prober Suzanne M. , Risch Anita C. , Schuetz Martin , Stevens Carly J. 
Published: September 2017

Summary

The paradigmatic hypothesis for the effect of fertilisation on plant diversity represents a one‐dimensional trade‐off for plants competing for below‐ground nutrients (generically) and above‐ground light: fertilisation reduces competition for nutrients while increasing biomass and thereby shifts competition for depleted available light.

The essential problem of this simple paradigm is that it misses both the multivariate and mechanistic nature of the factors that determine biodiversity as well as their causal relationships.

We agree that light limitation, as DeMalach and Kadmon argue, can indeed be an important factor associated with diversity loss, and we presented it as an integral part of our tests of the niche dimension hypothesis.

We disagree with DeMalach and Kadmon that light is the ‘main’ factor explaining diversity, because this misrepresents the causal structure represented in the design of our experiment in which multiple nutrient addition was the ultimate causal driver of a suite of correlated responses that included diversity and light, and especially live and dead biomass, which are the factors that control light depletion.

Our findings highlight that multiple nutrient limitations can structure plant diversity and composition independently of changes in light and biomass. For example, approximately one‐third of our sites showed no significant increase in biomass with greater number of added nutrients yet still lost diversity when nutrients were added.

The important message is that while light limitation can be an important contributor to diversity loss, it is not a necessary mechanism.
Assessing the sensitivity of biodiversity indices used to inform fire management
Authors: Giljohann Katherine M. , Kelly Luke T. , Connell Jemima , Clarke Michael F. , Clarke Rohan H. , Regan Tracey J. , McCarthy Michael A. 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Biodiversity indices are widely used to summarize changes in the distribution and abundance of multiple species and measure progress towards management targets. However, the sensitivity of biodiversity indices to the data, landscape classification and conservation values underpinning them are rarely interrogated. There are limited studies to help scientists and land managers use biodiversity indices in the presence of fire and vegetation succession.

The geometric mean of species' relative abundance or occurrence (G) is a biodiversity index that can be used to determine the mix of post‐fire vegetation that maximizes biodiversity. We explored the sensitivity of G to (1) type of biodiversity data, (2) representation of ecosystem states, (3) expression of conservation values, and (4) uncertainty in species' response to landscape structure. Our case study is an area of fire‐prone woodland in southern Australia where G is used in fire management planning. We analysed three datasets to determine the fire responses of 170 bird, mammal and reptile species.

G and fire management targets were sensitive to the species included in the analysis. The optimal mix of vegetation successional states for threatened birds was more narrowly defined than the optimal mix for all species combined. G was less sensitive to successional classification (i.e. number of states); although classifications of increasing complexity provided additional insights into desirable levels of heterogeneity.

Weighting species by conservation status or endemism influenced the mix of vegetation states that maximized biodiversity. When a higher value was placed on threatened species the importance of late successional vegetation was emphasized.

Representing variation in individual species' response to vegetation structure made it clearer when a decrease in G was likely to reflect a significant reduction in species occurrences.

Synthesis and applications. Data, models and conservation values can be combined using biodiversity indices to make robust environmental decisions. Combining different types of biodiversity data using composite indices, such as the geometric mean, can improve the coverage and relevance of biodiversity indices. We recommend that evaluation of biodiversity indices for fire management verify how index assumptions align with management objectives, consider the relative merits of different types of biodiversity data, test sensitivity of ecosystem state definitions and incorporate conservation values through species weightings.
Herbivore community determines the magnitude and mechanism of nutrient effects on subtropical and tropical seagrasses
Authors: Campbell Justin E. , Altieri Andrew H. , Johnston Lane N. , Kuempel Caitlin D. , Paperno Richard , Paul Valerie J. , Duffy J. Emmett 
Published: September 2017

Abstract

Numerous studies have examined the combined effects of nutrients (bottom‐up control) and consumers (top‐down control) on ecosystem structure and functioning. While it is recognized that both can have important effects, there remains a limited understanding of how their relative importance shifts across large spatial scales where consumer functional types can vary.

Using seagrasses as a model ecosystem, we explore the effects of ambient variation in herbivore functional composition on the relative importance of bottom‐up and top‐down forcings. Distributed experiments were conducted across four Western Atlantic sites that encompassed a gradient in consumer composition. Herbivores at two subtropical sites were predominantly comprised of small crustacean invertebrates (mesograzers that consume epiphytic algae), while herbivores at two tropical sites were dominated by large macrograzers (sea urchins and herbivorous fishes that directly consume seagrass biomass).

To test the relative importance of bottom‐up and top‐down factors at each site, we manipulated nutrient supply, mesograzer abundance, and the presence of macrograzers (mainly herbivorous fishes) in a fully factorial design over a 14‐week growing season. Seagrass above‐ground biomass, shoot density, canopy cover, leaf productivity and epiphyte mass were measured as indicators of habitat structure and productivity.

Overall, nutrient addition elicited a strong response across sites, causing widespread loss of seagrass biomass and shoot density. However, the mechanisms driving these declines strongly varied as a function of resident herbivore identity. Seagrass loss at tropical sites was attributable to macrograzers, which increased their direct consumption of fertilized, nutrient‐rich seagrass. Conversely, at the subtropical sites, nutrient loading caused seagrass declines associated with the proliferation of epiphytic algae, but only in locations where mesograzer abundance was low.

Synthesis. Our results confirm that nutrient enrichment generally has negative effects on seagrasses, but that the underlying mechanisms vary and may depend upon herbivore presence and functional identity. Along a subtropical to tropical gradient, the adverse effects of nutrient loading may switch from competitive algal overgrowth to a stimulation of seagrass consumption. Thus, in the tropics, top‐down and bottom‐up factors can act in combination, and in the same direction, to contribute to habitat loss.
Corporate Loan Securitization and the Standardization of Financial Covenants
Authors: BOZANIC ZAHN , LOUMIOTI MARIA , VASVARI FLORIN P. 
Published: September 2017

ABSTRACTWe examine whether syndicated loans securitized through collateralized loan obligations (CLOs) have more standardized financial covenants. We proxy for the standardization of covenants using the textual similarity of their contractual definitions. We find that securitized loans are associated with higher covenant standardization than nonsecuritized institutional loans. In addition, we show that CLOs with more diverse or frequently rebalanced portfolios are more likely to purchase loans with standardized covenants, potentially because standardization alleviates information processing costs related to loan monitoring and screening. We also document that covenant standardization is associated with greater loan and CLO note rating agreement between credit rating agencies, further supporting the relation between lower information costs and covenant standardization. Overall, our study provides evidence that loan securitization is related to the design of standardized financial covenants.
Participation in risky asset markets and propensity for financial planning: a missing link?
Authors: Eugster Marco 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThis study examines whether the association between financial literacy and participation in risky asset markets is robust to variation on a more innate level: the propensity for financial planning. I find that individuals’ propensity for financial planning is strongly positively related to stock market participation as well as membership in a voluntary workplace retirement savings scheme. This result holds when controlling for financial literacy and a range of demographic and control variables in a multivariate regression setting. Importantly, the positive association between financial literacy and risky asset market participation also persists, suggesting that these two variables operate through separate channels.
Targeting histone‐acetyltransferase Tat‐interactive protein 60 inhibits intestinal allergy
Authors: Yang G. , Cheng B.‐H. , Yang S.‐B. , Liu Z.‐Q. , Qiu S.‐Q. , Yang L.‐T. , Xie R.‐D. , Geng X.‐R. , Li M.‐G. , Gao L. , Liu Z.‐G. , Yang P.‐C. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe overproduction of IgE plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergy; the mechanism is unclear. Histone‐acetyltransferase (HAT) activities are required in gene transcription of a large number of molecules in the immune system of the body.ObjectivesThis study tests a hypothesis that HAT Tat‐interactive protein 60 (Tip60) plays an important role in the initiation of IgE‐mediated allergy.MethodsThe effects of Tip60 on regulating IgE expression were assessed with B cells. An intestinal allergy mouse model was developed to assess the role of Tip60 in the induction of IgE‐mediated allergic inflammation.ResultsHigh levels of Tip60 were observed in the peripheral B cells of patients with FA. Tat‐interactive protein 60 (Tip60) was required in the expression of IgE and IgG1 in B cells by inducing the chromatin remolding at the gene locus, in which histone acetylation, signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (STAT6), and nuclear factor‐κB at the locus of Iε promoter were markedly increased. Blocking Tip60 significantly attenuated the allergic inflammation in the mouse intestinal mucosa.ConclusionsTat‐interactive protein 60 (Tip60) plays an important role in the induction of IgE in B cells. Blocking Tip60 inhibits the allergic inflammation in the intestine, suggesting Tip60 inhibitor may be a potential anti‐allergy drug.
Oropharyngeal surfactant can improve initial stabilisation and reduce rescue intubation in infants born below 25 weeks of gestation
Authors: Lamberska Tereza , Settelmayerova Eva , Smisek Jan , Luksova Marketa , Maloskova Gabriela , Plavka Richard 
Published: September 2017

AbstractAimMinimally aggressive and easily performed techniques that facilitate spontaneous respiratory stabilisation are required to reduce rescue intubation in extremely premature infants. This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of administering surfactant into the pharynx of infants born at <25 weeks immediately after birth.MethodsThis study of 19 infants was conducted from January 2013 to June 2014 in a tertiary perinatal centre in Prague. We administered 1.5 mL of Curosurf as a bolus into the pharynx and simultaneously performed a sustained inflation manoeuvre (SIM). The extent of the interventions, death and severe neonatal morbidity in the study group were compared with 20 controls born before the study period and 20 born after it.ResultsAll infants received oropharyngeal surfactant within the median (interquartile range) time of 40 seconds (25–75) after cord camping. The surfactant had to be suctioned in one infant because of upper airway obstruction. Although more subsequent surfactant was administered in the study group, significantly fewer study period infants required intubation than the before and after controls (16% versus 75% and 58%, respectively, p < 0.01).ConclusionOropharyngeal surfactant with simultaneous SIM was feasible and safe and reduced the need for delivery room intubation in these fragile infants.
Combatting Identity Theft: A Proposed Ethical Policy Statement and Best Practices
Authors: Payne Dinah , Kennett‐Hensel Pamela A. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this article is to explore the law related to identity theft, to review corresponding rights, and responsibilities of stakeholders involved in identity theft and to formulate a system of best practices businesses could engage in to prevent or reduce identity theft threats. Utilizing two ethical frameworks based on deontological approaches, the authors conclude that there should be a well‐defined management scheme to prevent identity theft, which is easy to comprehend and comply with for all stakeholders. Our proposed management scheme incorporates both legal and ethical elements such that identity theft will be more difficult. Further, our proposal would also address business entities’ practices that are so careless that identity theft is made possible at all or made easier: ethical business practice can do much to reduce or eliminate identity theft.
Bioethics, children, and the environment
Authors: Murphy Timothy F. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractQueer perspectives have typically emerged from sexual minorities as a way of repudiating flawed views of sexuality, mischaracterized relationships, and objectionable social treatment of people with atypical sexuality or gender expression. In this vein, one commentator offers a queer critique of the conceptualization of children in regard to their value for people's identities and relationships. According to this account, children are morally problematic given the values that make them desirable, their displacement of other beings and things entitled to moral protection, not to mention the damaging environmental effects that follow in the wake of population growth. Objectionable views of children are said even to have colonized the view of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans (LGBT) people who – with the enthusiastic endorsement of bioethics – increasingly turn to assisted reproductive treatments to have children. In the face of these outcomes, it is better – according to this account – that people reconsider their interest in children. This account is not, however, ultimately strong enough to override people's interest in having children, relative to the benefits they confer and relative to the benefits conferred on children themselves. It is certainly not strong enough to justify differential treatment of LGBT people in matters of assisted reproductive treatments. Environmental threats in the wake of population growth might be managed in ways other than devaluing children as such. Moreover, this account ultimately damages the interests of LGBT people in matters of access, equity, and children, which outcome is paradoxical, given the origins of queer perspectives as efforts to assert and defend the social interests of sexual and gender minorities.
Association between metabolic syndrome and intravesical prostatic protrusion in patients with benign prostatic enlargement and lower urinary tract symptoms (MIPS Study)
Authors: Russo Giorgio I. , Regis Federica , Spatafora Pietro , Frizzi Jacopo , Urzì Daniele , Cimino Sebastiano , Serni Sergio , Carini Marco , Gacci Mauro , Morgia Giuseppe 
Published: September 2017

ObjectiveTo investigate the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and morphological features of benign prostatic enlargement (BPE), including total prostate volume (TPV), transitional zone volume (TZV) and intravesical prostatic protrusion (IPP).Patients and MethodsBetween January 2015 and January 2017, 224 consecutive men aged >50 years presenting with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of BPE were recruited to this multicentre cross‐sectional study. MetS was defined according to International Diabetes Federation criteria. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were performed to verify factors associated with IPP, TZV and TPV.ResultsPatients with MetS were observed to have a significant increase in IPP (P < 0.01), TPV (P < 0.01) and TZV (P = 0.02). On linear regression analysis, adjusted for age and metabolic factors of MetS, we found that high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol was negatively associated with IPP (r = −0.17), TPV (r = −0.19) and TZV (r = −0.17), while hypertension was positively associated with IPP (r = 0.16), TPV (r = 0.19) and TZV (r = 0.16). On multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for age and factors of MetS, hypertension (categorical; odds ratio [OR] 2.95), HDL cholesterol (OR 0.94) and triglycerides (OR 1.01) were independent predictors of TPV ≥ 40 mL. We also found that HDL cholesterol (OR 0.86), hypertension (OR 2.0) and waist circumference (OR 1.09) were significantly associated with TZV ≥ 20 mL. On age‐adjusted logistic regression analysis, MetS was significantly associated with IPP ≥ 10 mm (OR 34.0; P < 0.01), TZV ≥ 20 mL (OR 4.40; P < 0.01) and TPV ≥ 40 mL (OR 5.89; P = 0.03).ConclusionWe found an association between MetS and BPE, demonstrating a relationship with IPP.
Adolescents' self‐perceived and actual weight: Which plays a dominant role in weight loss behaviour in Lebanon?
Authors: Assaad S. , Anouti S. , Naja F. , Nasreddine L. , Hwalla N. , Sibai A. M. 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe decision to lose weight among adolescents is complex and is guided by a number of body‐related factors. This study examined the extent of agreement between actual weight, measured as body mass index, and self‐perceived weight and assessed their relative importance in weight loss behaviour among Lebanese adolescents.MethodsData on 278 adolescents aged 13–17 years were drawn from the nationwide Nutrition and Non‐Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey (Lebanon, 2009). Binary multivariable logistic regressions were conducted to test associations with “effort to lose weight” as the outcome variable, controlling for a number of potential confounders.ResultsClose to 36% reported trying to lose weight. Around 21% and 13% were overweight and obese, respectively, and 40% and 10% perceived their weight as slightly high and very high, respectively. Inaccurate perceivers, those underestimating or overestimating their weight, constituted 39%, with overall percent agreement between actual and self‐perceived weight being 60.8% (kappa statistic = 0.319, 95% CI [0.242, 0.396]). About a third of the overweight adolescents (30.5%) and more than half of the obese (56.8%) underestimated their weight. In the multivariable analysis, self‐perceived weight was statistically significant and a stronger predictor of weight loss effort than body mass index (adjusted odds ratios = 14.42 and 6.42 for slightly high and very high perceived weight, respectively, compared to odds ratios = 1.47 and 2.31 for overweight and obese adolescents, respectively).ConclusionHealth professionals need to consider self‐perceived weight in conjunction with actual weight in their pursuit of weight management goals and in planning prevention programmes that guide weight loss behaviours for adolescents.
Expression of human cathelicidin peptide LL-37 in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Kusaka S , Nishida A , Takahashi K , Bamba S , Yasui H , Kawahara M , Inatomi O , Sugimoto M , Andoh A 
Published: September 2017

Summary
Cathelicidin peptide LL-37 plays an important role in the early host response against invading pathogens via its broad-spectrum anti-microbial activity. In this study, we investigated LL-37 expression in the inflamed mucosa of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. Furthermore, the regulatory mechanism of LL-37 induction was investigated in human colonic subepithelial myofibroblasts (SEMFs). LL-37 mRNA expression and protein secretion were analysed using real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Intracellular signalling pathways were analysed using immunoblotting and specific small interference RNA (siRNA). The expression of LL-37 mRNA was increased significantly in the inflamed mucosa of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. The Toll-like receptor (TLR)-3 ligand, polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C), induced LL-37 mRNA expression and stimulated LL-37 secretion in colonic SEMFs. The transfection of siRNAs specific for intracellular signalling proteins [Toll/IL-1R domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon (IFN) (TRIF), tumour necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)6, transforming growth factor β-activated kinase (TAK)1] suppressed the poly(I:C)-induced LL-37 mRNA expression significantly. Poly(I:C)-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and activating factor protein (AP)-1. siRNAs specific for NF-κB and c-Jun inhibited poly(I:C)-induced LL-37 mRNA expression. LL-37 suppressed lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 expression significantly in colonic SEMFs. The expression of LL-37 was up-regulated in the inflamed mucosa of IBD patients. LL-37 was induced by TLR-3 stimulation and exhibited an anti-microbial effect via interaction with lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
Risk and outcomes of pulmonary fungal infection after pediatric lung transplantation
Authors: Ammerman Evan , Sweet Stuart C. , Fenchel Matthew , Storch Gregory A. , Conrad Carol , Hayes Don , Faro Albert , Goldfarb Samuel , Melicoff Ernestina , Schecter Marc , Visner Gary , Williams Nikki M. , Danziger‐Isakov Lara 
Published: September 2017

AbstractBackgroundProspective studies to determine associated risk factors and related outcomes for pulmonary fungal infection (PFI) after pediatric lung transplant (PLT) are lacking.MethodsNIH‐sponsored Clinical Trials in Organ Transplantation in Children enrolled PLT candidates, collecting data prospectively for 2 years post‐transplant. Demographics, signs/symptoms, radiology, pathology and microbiology were collected. Analyses evaluated for PFI‐related risks and outcomes.ResultsIn 59 PLT, pre‐transplant fungal colonization occurred in 6 donors and 15 recipients. Cystic fibrosis (CF) was associated with pre‐transplant colonization (P < .01). Twenty‐five (42%) PLT had 26 post‐transplant colonizations (median = 67 days, range = 0‐750 days) with Candida (13), Aspergillus (4), mold (6) or yeast (3). Post‐PLT colonization was not associated with CF, age, or pre‐PLT colonization. Thirteen PFIs occurred in 10 (17%) patients, 3 proven (Candida species) and 10 probable (Candida [3], Aspergillus [3], Penicillium [3], and mold [1]). Pulmonary fungal infection was preceded by post‐PLT colonization with the same organism in 4 of 13 PFI, but post‐PLT colonization did not predict subsequent PFI (P = .87). Older age at transplant was a risk for PFI (P < .01). No mortality was attributed to PFI. Prophylaxis use was not associated with decreased post‐PLT colonization (P = .60) or PFI (P = .48).ConclusionIn PLT, PFI and fungal colonization are common but without associated mortality. Post‐PLT colonization did not predict PFI. Optimal prevention strategies require additional study.