bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary responses to land use in eight common grassland plants
Authors: Völler Eva , Bossdorf Oliver , Prati Daniel , Auge Harald 
Published: January 2017

Summary

Land‐use change is an important component of global environmental change and a major driver of current declines in biodiversity. Although there is increasing evidence that species can evolve rapidly in response to anthropogenic environmental change, comprehensive studies of the evolutionary consequences of land use are still fairly scarce, in particular such that consider multiple species, study many populations, or that discriminate between different aspects of land use.

Here, we studied genetic change of key phenotypic traits in response to land use in eight common grassland species across 137 grassland sites covering a broad range of land‐use types (mowing and/or grazing, with or without fertilization) and intensities in three regions of Germany.

A common garden study revealed significant genetic differentiation in response to land‐use intensification within all of the investigated species. Among the studied land‐use processes, mowing appeared to have the strongest effect on the differentiation of plant phenotypes, with flowering phenology as the most responsive trait. However, there was substantial variation among species in the magnitude, sometimes also the direction of the observed population differentiation.

Synthesis. Our study demonstrates that evolutionary responses of grassland plants to land‐use change are a common phenomenon and widespread across a broad range of different species. These evolutionary changes are likely to impact biotic interactions, as well as the structure and functioning of communities and ecosystems.
Physiopathology and Management of Gluten‐Induced Celiac Disease
Authors: Kumar Jitendra , Kumar Manoj , Pandey Rajesh , Chauhan Nar Singh 
Published: January 2017

AbstractProline‐ and glutamine‐rich gluten proteins are one of the major constituents of cereal dietary proteins, which are largely resistant to complete cleavage by the human gastrointestinal (GI) digestive enzymes. Partial digestion of gluten generates approximately 35 amino acids (aa) immunomodulatory peptides which activate T‐cell–mediated immune system, followed by immunological inflammation of mucosa leading to the onset of celiac disease (CD). CD is an autoimmune disease associated with HLA–DQ2/DQ8 polymorphism and dysbiosis of gut microbiota. CD is either diagnosed using duodenal mucosal biopsis or serological testing for transglutaminase 2 (TG2) specific antibodies (IgA and IgG). Current therapy for CD management is gluten‐free diet, while other therapies like glutenase, probiotics, immunomodulation, jamming of HLA‐DQ2, inhibition of TG2, and gluten tolerance aided by gluten tolerizing vaccines are being developed.
Switching from pro re nata to treat‐and‐extend regimen improves visual acuity in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration
Authors: Kvannli Line , Krohn Jørgen 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the visual outcome after transitioning from a pro re nata (PRN) intravitreal injection regimen to a treat‐and‐extend (TAE) regimen for patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (AMD).MethodsA retrospective review of patients who were switched from a PRN regimen with intravitreal injections of bevacizumab, ranibizumab or aflibercept to a TAE regimen. The best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) and type of medication used at baseline, at the time of changing treatment regimen and at the end of the study were analysed.ResultsTwenty‐one eyes of 21 patients met the inclusion criteria. Prior to the switch, the patients received a mean of 13.8 injections (median, 10; range, 3–39 injections) with the PRN regimen for 44 months (range, 3–100 months), which improved the visual acuity in five patients (24%). After a mean of 6.1 injections (median, 5; range, 3–14 injections) with the TAE regimen over 8 months (range, 2–16 months), the visual acuity improved in 12 patients (57%). The improvement in visual acuity during treatment with the TAE regimen was statistically significant (p = 0.005). The proportion of patients with a visual acuity of 0.2 or better was significantly higher after treatment with the TAE regimen than after treatment with the PRN regimen (p = 0.048). No significant differences in CRT were found between the two treatment regimens.ConclusionEven after prolonged treatment and a high number of intravitreal injections, switching AMD patients from a PRN regimen to a strict TAE regimen significantly improves visual acuity.
Survey of diagnostic and treatment practices for multiple sclerosis in Europe
Authors: Fernández O. , Delvecchio M. , Edan G. , Fredrikson S. , Gionvannoni G. , Hartung H.‐P. , Havrdova E. , Kappos L. , Pozzilli C. , Soerensen P. S. , Tackenberg B. , Vermersch P. , Comi G. 
Published: January 2017

Background and purposeUp‐to‐date information is needed on the extent to which neurologists treating multiple sclerosis (MS) in Europe are integrating rapidly evolving diagnostic criteria, disease‐modifying therapies and recommendations for monitoring disease activity into their clinical practice.MethodsA steering committee of MS neurologists used a modified Delphi process to develop case‐ and practice‐based questions for two sequential surveys distributed to MS neurologists throughout Europe. Case‐based questions were developed for radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS), clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), relapsing−remitting MS (RRMS) and RRMS with breakthrough disease.ResultsMultiple sclerosis neurologists from 11 European countries responded to survey 1 (n = 233) and survey 2 (n = 171). Respondents agreed that they would not treat the patients in the RIS or CIS cases but would treat a patient with a relatively mild form of RRMS. Choice of treatment was evenly distributed among first‐line injectables and oral treatments for mild RRMS, and moved to second‐line treatment as the RRMS case increased in severity. Additional results on RRMS with breakthrough disease are presented.ConclusionsAlthough there was general agreement on some aspects of treatment, responses to other management and clinical practice questions varied considerably. These results, which reflect current clinical practice patterns, highlight the need for additional MS treatment education and awareness and may help inform the development of MS practice guidelines in Europe.
Towards efficient spall generation simulation in rolling element bearing
Authors: Gazizulin D. , Klein R. , Bortman J. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractRolling element bearing prognosis is the process of forecasting the remaining operational life, future condition or probability of failure of the bearing. While operational, bearings are subjected to rolling contact fatigue (RCF), and, as a result, a spall is generated on the raceway of the bearing. Complete understanding of the fatigue process is critical for predictive modelling to estimate bearing remaining useful life, which allows improved scheduling of maintenance actions. This work presents an RCF model that was implemented using abaqus finite element software. The RCF model is based on a damage mechanics approach that relates the accumulated microscopic failure mechanisms to a damage state variable and includes representation of material grain structure by a Poisson–Voronoi tessellation. Different microstructures, with a variety of material properties and grain topologies, were constructed for simulation purposes. The geometry of the simulated spalls and the Weibull slopes of the fatigue lives are in good agreement with published theoretical and experimental data. It can be concluded that the assumptions and the simplifications of the current, convenient to use, RCF model yield a sufficiently accurate tool on the basis of previous publications and experimental data.
Psychological Factors Associated With Chronic Migraine and Severe Migraine‐Related Disability: An Observational Study in a Tertiary Headache Center
Authors: Seng Elizabeth K. , Buse Dawn C. , Klepper Jaclyn E. , J. Mayson Sarah , Grinberg Amy S. , Grosberg Brian M. , Pavlovic Jelena M. , Robbins Matthew S. , Vollbracht Sarah E. , Lipton Richard B. 
Published: January 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the relationships among modifiable psychological factors and chronic migraine and severe migraine‐related disability in a clinic‐based sample of persons with migraine.BackgroundEvidence evaluating relationships between modifiable psychological factors and chronic migraine and severe migraine‐related disability is lacking in people with migraine presenting for routine clinical care.MethodsAdults with migraine completed surveys during routinely scheduled visits to a tertiary headache center. Participants completed surveys assessing chronic migraine (meeting criteria for migraine with ≥15 headache days in the past month), severe migraine disability (Migraine Disability Assessment Scale score ≥ 21), and modifiable psychological factors (depressive symptoms [Patient Health Questionnaire‐9], anxious symptoms [Generalized Anxiety Disorder‐7], Pain Catastrophizing Scale and Headache Specific Locus of Control). Logistic regression evaluated relationships between modifiable psychological factors and chronic migraine and severe migraine disability.ResultsAmong 90 eligible participants the mean age was 45.0 (SD = 12.4); 84.8% were women. One‐third (36.0%) met study criteria for chronic migraine; half of participants (51.5%) reported severe migraine‐related disability. Higher depressive symptoms (OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.11, 3.55) and chance HSLC (OR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.13, 1.43) were associated with chronic migraine. Higher depressive symptoms (OR = 3.54, 95%CI = 1.49, 8.41), anxiety symptoms (OR = 3.65, 95% CI = 1.65, 8.06), and pain catastrophizing (OR = 1.95, 95% CI = 1.14, 3.35), were associated with severe migraine‐related disability.ConclusionsPsychiatric symptoms and pain catastrophizing were strongly associated with severe migraine‐related disability. Depression and chance locus of control were associated with chronic migraine. This study supports the need for longitudinal observational studies to evaluate the relationships among naturalistic variation in psychological factors, migraine‐related disability, and migraine chronification.
Theory Assessment and Agenda Setting in Political CSR: A Critical Theory Perspective
Authors: Scherer Andreas Georg 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFrynas and Stephens (Political corporate social responsibility: reviewing theories and setting new agendas. International Journal of Management Reviews, 17, pp. 483–509, 2015) reviewed the literature on political corporate social responsibility (CSR). They described existing trends and suggested an agenda for future research. They attempted to develop ‘a more inclusive pluralist research agenda in political CSR, which can integrate different perspectives on political CSR in order to account for different phenomena, including global governance changes at macro level, instrumental concerns at organizational level or cognitive dimensions at individual level, in both descriptive and normative terms’. This was an ambitious endeavour, given the rapid growth of the literature and the extensive heterogeneity of the field. There is much to like in Frynas and Stephens’ paper, as it spans a broad range of perspectives and links together discrete research topics. In the present review, however, the author focuses on a number of critical aspects in their argument. Frynas and Stephens failed to define core concepts, to reveal their normative stance on CSR and their paradigmatic position, or to address the inherent conflict of values in political CSR. And they were too optimistic about the possibilities and benefits of ‘integration’. The author suspects that their approach, when adopted in practice, will impede rather than promote social welfare. This paper starts with a brief summary of the field and continues by emphasizing critical issues in Frynas and Stephens’ analysis. It concludes with an alternative agenda for research in political CSR.
Technical feasibility of visualizing myenteric plexus using confocal laser endomicroscopy
Authors: Kobayashi Masakuni , Sumiyama Kazuki , Shimojima Naoki , Ieiri Satoshi , Okano Hideyuki , Kamba Shunsuke , Fujimura Takumi , Hirobe Seiichi , Kuroda Tatsuo , Takahashi‐Fujigasaki Junko 
Published: January 2017

AbstractBackground and AimIn preceding studies, we identified that the myenteric plexus (MP) could be visualized with confocal laser endomicroscopy (CLE) by applying neural fluorescent probes lacking clinical safety profiling data from the submucosal side. In this study, we evaluated the technical feasibility of MP visualization using probe‐based CLE (pCLE) from the serosal side with cresyl violet (CV), which has been used clinically for chromoendoscopy.MethodsThe dye affinity of CV for MP was first explored in an in vivo transgenic mouse model using neural crest derivatives labeled with green fluorescent protein. We also tested the feasibility of CV‐assisted visualization of MP in human surgical specimens, wherein the tissue dying and pCLE observation were performed from the serosal side. In the human study, rate of MP visualization by pCLE was evaluated as the primary outcome. We also evaluated the sensitivity and specificity of MP visualization by pCLE, using pathological presence/absence of MP as the gold standard.ResultsWe confirmed the dye affinity of CV to MP in all tested models. The MP appeared as brightly stained ladder‐like structures with pCLE, and in the human study, MP was visualized in 12/14 (85.7%) samples, with 92.3% sensitivity and 100% specificity. In positive cases showing the ladder‐like structure of MP by pCLE, the mean maximum and minimum widths of nerve strands were 54.3 (± 23.6) and 19.7 (± 6.0) μm, respectively. A ganglion was detected by pCLE in 10 cases (10/12, 83.3%).ConclusionsThis study demonstrated the technical feasibility of visualizing the MP in real time by CV‐assisted pCLE (UMIN‐CTR number, UMIN000015056).
Acute‐Phase Proteins and Iron Status in Cats with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Javard R. , Grimes C. , Bau‐Gaudreault L. , Dunn M. 
Published: January 2017

BackgroundThe role of inflammation in the development and progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in cats is not well characterized. Hepcidin is a recently discovered acute‐phase protein (APP) that plays an important role in iron metabolism and contributes to the development of anemia in humans with CKD.ObjectivesTo compare serum APP concentrations, iron status, and erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations in healthy cats and cats with naturally occurring CKD.AnimalsA total of 18 healthy control cats and 38 cats with CKD.MethodsProspective study. After complete physical examination and routine blood analysis, the following tests were performed: serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (HAP), EPO, serum iron and ferritin concentration as well as total iron‐binding capacity (TIBC). Serum hepcidin‐25 concentration was measured by ELISA kit designed for use in humans.ResultsMean SAA and hepcidin concentrations were significantly higher and mean total iron and TIBC were significantly lower in the CKD group (P < .05). There was a significant positive correlation between serum creatinine concentration (CRT) and 2 of the APPs (SAA and hepcidin; P < .05). Increases in SAA and hepcidin were associated with decreases in TIBC and hematocrit in the CKD group. Fourteen (37%) of the cats with CKD were anemic, and these cats had significantly lower TIBC (P < .05), suggesting a functional iron deficiency. There was no association between survival time and APP, iron status, or EPO concentrations.ConclusionsOur data suggest that CKD in cats is associated with systemic inflammation and altered iron metabolism. With further validation in cats, hepcidin assays may help better characterize these relationships.
Counterfactual Discourse in Context
Authors: Lewis Karen S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe classic Lewis‐Stalnaker semantics for counterfactuals captures that Sobel sequences are consistent sequences, for example:

If Sophie had gone to the parade, she would have seen Pedro dance.
But if Sophie had gone to the parade and been stuck behind someone tall, she would not have seen Pedro dance.

But reverse a sequence like this one and it no longer sounds so good, which is surprising on the classic semantics. This observation motivated Kai von Fintel (2001) and Thony Gillies (2007) to propose dynamic semantic accounts of counterfactual conditionals. Subsequently, Sarah Moss (2012) defended the classic semantics against the charge that it need be abandoned in the face of these order effects, arguing that the infelicity of the reverse sequences is pragmatic. I argue that both accounts are ultimately untenable, but each account has strengths. Seeing what works and what doesn't in each account points the way to the right positive view. With this in mind, I defend a contextualist account of counterfactuals that takes conversational relevance to play a central role.
Effect of pulmonary tuberculosis on clinical outcomes of long‐term dialysis patients: Pre‐ and post‐DOTS implementation in Taiwan
Authors: Bai Kuan‐Jen , Huang Kuan‐Chih , Lee Chih‐Hsin , Tang Chao‐Hsiun , Yu Ming‐Chih , Sue Yuh‐Mou 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT
Background and objectiveThe link between tuberculosis (TB) and dialysis is known; however, the impact of TB on the clinical outcomes remains to be elucidated. This study aims to determine the clinical consequences of pulmonary TB among patients under long‐term dialysis.MethodsA retrospective propensity‐scores matched (1:4) cohort study was conducted by retrieving patient data for pulmonary TB after long‐term dialysis commencement from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database between 1999 and 2013. Patients with TB (n = 1993) or without TB (n = 7972) were compared for 3‐year morbidity and mortality. The effect of Directly Observed Treatment, Short‐Course (DOTS) implementation was also evaluated. Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine adjusted hazard ratios (HRs).Results
TB patients had a significantly higher risk of mortality than non‐TB patients even after multivariate adjustment (HR: 1.48; 95% CI: 1.36–1.60; P < 0.001). DOTS implementation reduced the risk of some morbidities such as pneumonia, hospitalization and intensive care unit stay >7 days, but not inotropic agent usage, ventilator therapy >21 days and mortality in TB patients. In pulmonary TB patients with treatment duration ≥180 days, DOTS implementation also lowered the risk of TB relapse (HR: 0.33; 95% CI: 0.19–0.55; P < 0.001), irrespective of treatment duration (180–224 or ≥225 days).ConclusionPulmonary TB increases the risk of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients; DOTS implementation reduces some morbidities and TB relapse. Continuing DOTS implementation should be encouraged to improve clinical outcomes in dialysis patients.
The Mediating Impact of Occupational Stress on Leadership Style and Job Performance
Authors: Chew Abdullah Nor Azimah , Balakrishnan Thilakavathi 
Published: January 2017

The aim of this study is to evaluate the intervening effect of occupational stress on leadership style and job performance. Using a proportionate stratified random sampling, questionnaire survey was employed and distributed to the employees of utility industries in Malaysia and a total of 175 employees participated. The regression results showed that: (1) it is partially supported for a significant association between leadership style and job performance, (2) it is partially supported for a significant association between leadership style and occupational stress. Contrary to expectation, there have no intervening effect of occupational stress on the association between leadership style and job performance. One probable explanation could be that the occupational stress level itself was found low among respondents. Respondents highlighted they have the work-related stress but perhaps due to most of them are healthy, educated, lack in working experience, or due to they are yuppies, (that is indicating they are in young age, ambitious, and hunger for challenging tasks), they did not perceive the stress as the actual stress as felt by the other group of age. Thus, the result suggested that occupational stress as an intervening role among the yuppies group is not a relevant issue in discussing job performance. In future study, other factors should be considered to increase about the explanation on job performance.
Nasal Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) PCR Testing Reduces the Duration of MRSA-Targeted Therapy in Patients with Suspected MRSA Pneumonia
Authors: Baby Nidhu , Faust Andrew C. , Smith Terri , Sheperd Lyndsay A. , Knoll Laura , Goodman Edward L. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of pharmacist-ordered methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) PCR testing on the duration of empirical MRSA-targeted antibiotic therapy in patients with suspected pneumonia. This is a retrospective analysis of patients who received vancomycin or linezolid for suspected pneumonia before and after the implementation of a pharmacist-driven protocol for nasal MRSA PCR testing. Patients were included if they were adults of >18 years of age and initiated on vancomycin or linezolid for suspected MRSA pneumonia. The primary endpoint was the duration of vancomycin or linezolid therapy. After screening 368 patients, 57 patients met inclusion criteria (27 pre-PCR and 30 post-PCR). Baseline characteristics were similar between the two groups, with the majority of patients classified as having health care-associated pneumonia (68.4%). The use of the nasal MRSA PCR test reduced the mean duration of MRSA-targeted therapy by 46.6 h (74.0 ± 48.9 h versus 27.4 ± 18.7 h; 95% confidence interval [CI], 27.3 to 65.8 h;P< 0.0001). Fewer patients in the post-PCR group required vancomycin serum levels and dose adjustment (48.1% versus 16.7%;P= 0.02). There were no significant differences between the pre- and post-PCR groups regarding days to clinical improvement (1.78 ± 2.52 versus 2.27 ± 3.34;P= 0.54), length of hospital stay (11.04 ± 9.5 versus 8.2 ± 7.8;P= 0.22), or hospital mortality (14.8% versus 6.7%;P= 0.41). The use of nasal MRSA PCR testing in patients with suspected MRSA pneumonia reduced the duration of empirical MRSA-targeted therapy by approximately 2 days without increasing adverse clinical outcomes.
Detection of the
mcr-1
Gene in a Multidrug-Resistant Escherichia coli Isolate from an Austrian Patient
Authors: Hartl Rainer , Kerschner Heidrun , Lepuschitz Sarah , Ruppitsch Werner , Allerberger Franz , Apfalter Petra 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACT

Since colistin resistance based on the plasmid-encoded
mcr-1
gene was first described, this resistance gene in
Enterobacteriaceae
has been found worldwide. These organisms are typically of heterogeneous genetic background and show exceptional clonal diversity. We describe the first confirmation of
mcr-1
in a human
Escherichia coli
strain cultured from a surveillance stool sample of an Austrian oncology patient.