bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An innovative vegetation survey design in Mediterranean cliffs shows evidence of higher tolerance of specialized rock plants to rock climbing activity
Authors: March‐Salas Martí , Moreno‐Moya Miguel , Palomar Gemma , Tejero‐Ibarra Pablo , Haeuser Emily , Pertierra Luis R. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractQuestionsIs rock climbing pressure, together with microtopographic conditions, disturbing cliff plant cover and composition? What are the climbing impacts on rock specialist and non‐specialist species? Can a case‐control approach, not previously implemented in cliff environments, offer additional value for actual and long‐term ecological research?LocationChulilla, Levante coast, Spain.MethodsWe surveyed in situ nine rock climbing routes in order to examine differences in plant species richness and vegetation cover between unclimbed and climbed transects. To evaluate the effect of rock climbing on vegetation, we implemented a case‐control methodology using the two zones immediately adjacent to common climbing routes as control points (i.e. unclimbed transects). Three quadrats of 3 m × 3 m were established at different cliff heights. All identified species were categorized as either specialized rock species or non‐specialized rock species based on their habitat preferences from literature. Non‐specialized rock species were further differentiated as either moderately associated with rocky environments or strict generalists. The rock climbing impact on each group of species was analysed using LMM.ResultsOur results provide evidence of the effects of rock climbing on a Mediterranean cliff, which has received little attention so far. Significantly fewer generalist species were present on climbed compared to unclimbed transects, while specialized and moderately specialized rock species were not significantly affected by rock climbing intensity. Furthermore, while rock‐specific and moderately specialized species could cope with microsite heterogeneity, areas with fewer cracks had significantly negative effects on generalist species.ConclusionsModerate rock climbing activity on cliff environments might not reduce the presence of specialized rock‐dwelling species; however, this activity inherently impacts the biodiversity of cliff ecosystems due to its large effect on generalist species. We recommend that future conservation studies account for the degree of species dependence on rocky habitats to better understand rock‐climbing impacts in these singular ecosystems. According to our experience, the implementation of an adjacent case‐control survey design for monitoring cliff vegetation can help improve and unify methodology for such studies, as this is still an underdeveloped field.
Availability of Paracetamol Sold Over the Counter in Europe: A Descriptive Cross‐Sectional International Survey of Pack Size Restriction
Authors: Morthorst Britt Reuter , Erlangsen Annette , Nordentoft Merete , Hawton Keith , Hoegberg Lotte Christine Groth , Dalhoff Kim Peder 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDue to the risk of hepatotoxicity when excessive amounts of paracetamol are consumed, Poisons Information Centers (PICs) frequently receive paracetamol‐related enquiries. This study examined how widely pack size restrictions of paracetamol sold over the counter have been implemented in Europe and also availability of paracetamol through non‐pharmacy outlets and their possible associations with frequency of poisoning enquiries. A cross‐sectional European multi‐centre questionnaire study was performed using a questionnaire to identify the extent and nature of paracetamol pack size restrictions, non‐pharmacy outlet sales and the frequency of paracetamol‐related enquiries to PICs. In total, 21 European countries participated. All PICs provided telephone hotline services. In 14 (67%) countries, pack size restrictions had been implemented in pharmacies (range: 8–30 g). No significant difference (median difference 0.7%, p‐value = 0.36) was found when comparing median frequencies of paracetamol‐related enquiries in countries with pack size restriction to countries without restrictions. A significantly lower median frequency of paracetamol‐related enquiries was found in countries without non‐pharmacy outlet sales compared to those with such sales (median difference 2.2%, p = 0.02). Pack size restrictions on pharmacy sales of paracetamol have been implemented in two‐thirds of examined countries. There was no difference in the proportion of paracetamol‐related enquiries to PICs among countries with and without pack size restrictions. However, a lower rate of paracetamol‐related enquiries was noted in countries where paracetamol was not available in non‐pharmacy outlets.
The dissociative post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) subtype: A treatment outcome cohort study in veterans with PTSD
Authors: Haagen Joris F. G. , van Rijn Allison , Knipscheer Jeroen W. , van der Aa Niels , Kleber Rolf J. 
Published: January 2018

ObjectivesDissociation is a prevalent phenomenon among veterans with post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) that may interfere with the effectiveness of treatment. This study aimed to replicate findings of a dissociative PTSD subtype, to identify corresponding patterns in coping style, symptom type, and symptom severity, and to investigate its impact on post‐traumatic symptom improvement.MethodsLatent profile analysis (LPA) was applied to baseline data from 330 predominantly (97%) male treatment‐seeking veterans (mean age 39.5 years) with a probable PTSD. Multinomial logistic models were used to identify predictors of dissociative PTSD. Eighty veterans with PTSD that commenced with psychotherapy were invited for a follow‐up measure after 6 months. The majority (n = 64, 80% response rate) completed the follow‐up measure. Changes in post‐traumatic stress between baseline and follow‐up were explored as a continuous distal outcome.ResultsLatent profile analysis revealed four distinct patient profiles: ‘low’ (12.9%), ‘moderate’ (33.2%), ‘severe’ (45.1%), and ‘dissociative’ (8.8%) PTSD. The dissociative PTSD profile was characterized by more severe pathology levels, though not post‐traumatic reactions symptom severity. Veterans with dissociative PTSD benefitted equally from PTSD treatment as veterans with non‐dissociative PTSD with similar symptom severity.ConclusionsWithin a sample of veterans with PTSD, a subsample of severely dissociative veterans was identified, characterized by elevated severity levels on pathology dimensions. The dissociative PTSD subtype did not negatively impact PTSD treatment.Practitioner points

The present findings confirmed the existence of a distinct subgroup veterans that fit the description of dissociative PTSD.

Patients with dissociative PTSD subtype symptoms uniquely differed from patients with non‐dissociative PTSD in the severity of several psychopathology dimensions.

Dissociative and non‐dissociative PTSD patients with similar post‐traumatic severity levels showed similar levels of improvement after PTSD treatment.

The observational design and small sample size caution interpretation of the treatment outcome data.

The IES‐R questionnaire does not assess all PTSD DSM‐IV diagnostic criteria (14 of 17), although it is considered a valid measure for an indication of PTSD.
The Emotional Resources Group: Provisional outcome data for a pilot six‐session emotion regulation programme for secondary care
Authors: Bacon Thomas , Doughty Caitriona , Summers Andrew , Wiffen Benjamin , Stanley Zoe , McAlpine Susan 
Published: January 2018

ObjectiveTo examine the effectiveness of a new, six‐session emotion regulation group intervention designed for the secondary care setting: The Emotional Resources Group (ERG).MethodIn this pilot study, participants were recruited by referral from secondary care mental health services. Forty‐seven individuals participated in the study. Participants who attended the ERG were compared on measures of emotion regulation, well‐being, and self‐efficacy, pre‐ and post‐intervention.ResultsIntent‐to‐treat analyses indicated highly statistically significant improvements in measures of emotion regulation, well‐being, and self‐efficacy, accompanied by large effect sizes. In addition, improvements in emotion regulation produced good rates of both reliable and clinically significant change.ConclusionsThe ERG may be an effective, brief intervention to improve emotion regulation in the secondary care setting, worthy of further evaluation.Practitioner points

Clinical implications

Emotion regulation may be an appropriate treatment target to improve well‐being and self‐efficacy in a transdiagnostic population.

The ERG may be effective as a brief emotion regulation intervention for secondary care mental health settings.

Outcomes of the ERG appear to be equivalent to other more intensive group‐based emotion regulation interventions.

The ERG's tailored design may be responsible for positive outcomes.

Limitations

There was a small sample size.

There was no control group.

There was no follow‐up data.
Bridging molecular genetics and participatory research: how access and benefit‐sharing stimulate interdisciplinary research for tropical biology and conservation
Authors: van Zonneveld Maarten , Loo Judy , Maselli Silvana , Madrid Julio Javier , Echeverria José Luis 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMolecular genetics research can benefit efforts to conserve the genetic diversity of tropical plant species. Clear and efficient procedures are needed to access DNA samples, while respecting tropical countries’ and local communities’ rights on genetic resource usage. The Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit‐Sharing, which took effect in 2014, provides an opportunity to establish such procedures. However, scientists are concerned that its emphasis on monetary gains restricts research focused on scientific, societal, and environmental benefits. Despite much political and scientific debate, few concrete cases have demonstrated the practical functioning of the Nagoya Protocol. This paper describes the first application of the Protocol in Guatemala, where it was used to grant permission to a non‐commercial study on gene flow in mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla King) populations in the Maya Biosphere Reserve of Petén. On the basis of this study, we discuss five strategies to enhance the application of molecular genetics to conservation biology under the Nagoya Protocol: (1) generate short and standardized procedures; (2) enable science communication; (3) cultivate a common understanding between users, providers, and potential beneficiaries; (4) involve local research and practitioner organizations; and (5) integrate participatory research. Positive societal views on the application of molecular genetics to conservation biology generate further support for work in this discipline and promote adoption of research results for the conservation of genetic diversity of tropical plant species.
Stem cell therapy in refractory perineal Crohn's disease: long‐term follow‐up
Authors: Wainstein C. , Quera R. , Fluxá D. , Kronberg U. , Conejero A. , López‐Köstner F. , Jofre C. , Zarate A. J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAimTo describe the long‐term outcomes of adipose‐mesenchymal stem cells, platelet‐rich plasma and endorectal advancement flaps in patients with perineal Crohn's disease.MethodThis was a single‐centre, prospective, observational pilot study performed between March 2013 and December 2016. The study included adult patients diagnosed with perianal Crohn's disease (with complex perianal fistulas) refractory to previous surgical and/or biological treatment. Patients underwent surgical treatment in two stages. Stage 1 consisted of fistula mapping, drainage, seton placement and lipoaspiration to obtain adipose‐mesenchymal stem cells. In stage 2 the setons were removed and the fistula tract was debrided. A small endorectal advancement flap was created, with closure of the previous internal fistula opening. Then, 100–120 million adipose‐mesenchymal stem cells mixed with platelet‐rich plasma were injected into the internal fistula opening and fistula tract.ResultsThe study included nine patients (seven women), with a median age of 36 years (range 23–57 years). Eleven fistula tracks were treated, of which two were pouch–vaginal fistulas. The median follow‐up period was 31 months (range 21–37 months). At the end of the follow‐up period, 10/11 (91%) fistulas were completely healed and 1/11 (9%) was partially healed. At the end of this period, there was no evidence of fistula relapse or adverse reactions in any patients. The Perianal Disease Activity Index and Inflammatory Bowel Disease Questionnaire scores significantly improved after the procedure.ConclusionCombined therapy with adipose‐mesenchymal stem cells, platelet‐rich plasma and endorectal advancement flaps yielded good results in patients with refractory perineal Crohn's disease.
The Emergence of Organizing Structure in Conceptual Representation
Authors: Lake Brenden M. , Lawrence Neil D. , Tenenbaum Joshua B. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBoth scientists and children make important structural discoveries, yet their computational underpinnings are not well understood. Structure discovery has previously been formalized as probabilistic inference about the right structural form—where form could be a tree, ring, chain, grid, etc. (Kemp & Tenenbaum, 2008). Although this approach can learn intuitive organizations, including a tree for animals and a ring for the color circle, it assumes a strong inductive bias that considers only these particular forms, and each form is explicitly provided as initial knowledge. Here we introduce a new computational model of how organizing structure can be discovered, utilizing a broad hypothesis space with a preference for sparse connectivity. Given that the inductive bias is more general, the model's initial knowledge shows little qualitative resemblance to some of the discoveries it supports. As a consequence, the model can also learn complex structures for domains that lack intuitive description, as well as predict human property induction judgments without explicit structural forms. By allowing form to emerge from sparsity, our approach clarifies how both the richness and flexibility of human conceptual organization can coexist.
Developing Pharmacogenomic Reports: Insights from Patients and Clinicians
Authors: Jones Laney K. , Kulchak Rahm Alanna , Gionfriddo Michael R. , Williams Janet L. , Fan Audrey L. , Pulk Rebecca A. , Wright Eric A. , Williams Marc S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIncreasingly, for a variety of indications, patients have their genomes sequenced and actionable results returned. A subset of returned results is pharmacogenomic (PGx) variants involved in the metabolism or action of medications. Although the impact of these variants on health is well‐documented, little research exists on how to communicate these findings to patients and clinicians. We conducted semistructured interviews with end users to understand how best to communicate PGx results. Overall, patients and clinicians had similar opinions regarding report content, delivery, and application. Unique concerns specific to each stakeholder group were also expressed. Patients wanted an easy‐to‐understand individualized report that clinicians utilized to guide their care. Clinicians wanted reports that were easy‐to‐use, actionable, and integrated into their workflow. Implementation of these reports in a clinical setting will allow for broader user feedback and iterative improvement.
Do estuaries with different fishing activity have different fish assemblages and populations?
Authors: Astles K. L. , McLeod J. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCommercial and recreational fishing have impacts on fish assemblages and populations, but does their combined fishing pressure result in different fish assemblages in estuaries with only one type of fishing activity? This pilot study tested the model that estuaries with only one type of fishing activity have fewer impacts on fish assemblages and populations than estuaries with more than one type because the fishing pressure in the latter will be greater and results in different fish assemblages and taxa. Fish assemblages and populations, including diversity, abundance and size, did not significantly differ despite exposure to different fishing activities. Detecting differences in fish assemblages in estuaries associated with different fishing activities is difficult as smaller scale spatial and temporal factors have a significant influence on the patterns observed. This highlights the importance of paying close attention to the design of sampling programmes. The nested design of this study enabled identification of where greater effort is required to increase the capacity to detect differences. Recommendations for future studies are provided.
Cost‐effectiveness analyses of anti‐hepatitis C virus treatments using quality of life scoring among patients with chronic liver disease in Hiroshima prefecture, Japan
Authors: Kaishima Terumi , Akita Tomoyuki , Ohisa Masayuki , Sakamune Kazuaki , Kurisu Akemi , Sugiyama Aya , Aikata Hiroshi , Chayama Kazuaki , Tanaka Junko 
Published: January 2018

AimWe estimated the cost‐effectiveness of direct‐acting antiviral treatment (DAA) compared to triple therapy (simeprevir, pegylated interferon‐α [Peg‐IFN], and ribavirin [RBV]) (scenario 1), Peg‐IFN + RBV (scenario 2), and non‐antiviral therapy (scenario 3).MethodsCost‐effectiveness was evaluated as incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios (ICERs) using direct costs and indirect costs, which included loss of wages during the patient's lifetime due to early death caused by viral hepatitis infection. Quality of life (QOL) scores were determined by EQ‐5D‐3L questionnaire survey on 200 HCV patients in Hiroshima.ResultsThe QOL scores for chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma were estimated as 0.871, 0.774, and 0.780, respectively. The follow‐up period that the ICER of scenario 1 becomes shortest (cost <¥6 million) was 25 years after treatment in men and women who started treatment at the age of 20–60. In contrast, those of scenarios 2 and 3 was 10 years after treatment in patients who started treatment at age <80 years. Based on the sensitivity analysis in scenario 1, the most significant factor affecting the value of ICER is the QOL score after sustained virologic response (SVR), followed by the SVR rate of DAA or follow‐up period.ConclusionsDirect‐acting antiviral treatment was estimated to be cost‐effective from 10 to 25 years after treatment, depending on the SVR rate of the drugs and the age of onset of treatment. In order to increase the cost‐effectiveness of DAA treatment, measures or effort to improve the QOL score of patients after SVR are necessary.
Efficacy and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir combination therapy for genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C patients complicated with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Arai Taeang , Atsukawa Masanori , Tsubota Akihito , Ikegami Tadashi , Shimada Noritomo , Kato Keizo , Abe Hiroshi , Okubo Tomomi , Itokawa Norio , Kondo Chisa , Mikami Shigeru , Asano Toru , Chuganji Yoshimichi , Matsuzaki Yasushi , Toyoda Hidenori , Kumada Takashi , Iio Etsuko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Iwakiri Katsuhiko 
Published: January 2018

AimThe aim of this study was to clarify the effects and safety of ombitasvir/paritaprevir/ritonavir (OBT/PTV/r) therapy in genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C patients with non‐dialysis chronic kidney disease (CKD).MethodsThis retrospective, multicenter study of 12‐week OBT/PTV/r therapy included genotype 1b patients with non‐dialysis CKD. Chronic kidney disease was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2. Virologic responses and treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs) in patients with CKD were compared with those in patients without CKD.ResultsTwo hundred and thirty‐five patients with a median age of 67 years (range, 27–89 years) were enrolled, consisting of 181 patients without CKD and 54 patients with CKD. Overall, the rates of rapid virologic response (RVR), end of treatment response (ETR), and sustained virologic response (SVR) were 78.7%, 98.7%, and 98.7%, respectively. Among the 181 non‐CKD patients, the rates were 77.3% (140/181), 98.9% (179/181), and 98.9% (179/181), respectively. Among the 54 CKD patients, the rates were 83.3% (45/54), 98.1% (53/54), and 98.1% (53/54), respectively. There were no significant differences in the virologic response rates between the two groups (P = 0.449 for RVR, 0.545 for ETR, and 0.545 for SVR). In the CKD group, the eGFR level did not significantly change throughout the treatment period. There was no significant difference in the incidence of TEAEs or treatment discontinuation due to TEAEs between the two groups.ConclusionThe present study showed that the effects and safety of OBV/PTV/r therapy in genotype 1b chronic hepatitis C patients with non‐dialysis CKD were not inferior to those in patients without CKD.
Phase evolution and chemical durability of Zr1‐xCexO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) ceramics
Authors: Ding Yi , Long Xinggui , Peng Shuming , Tan Zhaoyi , Zhang Dong , Lu Xirui 
Published: January 2018

AbstractCe‐doped zirconia ceramics with general stoichiometry of Zr1‐xCexO2 (0 ≤ x ≤ 1) have been obtained by substitution of Ce4+ for Zr4+ in ZrO2. The phase and microstructure evolutions of the ceramics were investigated, and the effects of composition, temperature, and pH value on the chemical durability of the ceramics were also studied. The results show that the phase transformation from monoclinic to tetragonal takes place at about x = 0.2, and from tetragonal to cubic at about x = 0.6. It is found that the increase in Ce content and/or sinter temperature promote the phase transformation. The leaching studies show that the normalized leaching rates of Ce (LRCe) increase with increasing Ce content. Moreover, LRCe in acid solution are higher than those in neutral and alkaline solution. After 42 days, LRCe is 10−5 ~ 10−7 g m−2 d−1 under all different leaching conditions, exhibiting their excellent chemical durability.
The effect of BaTiO3 addition on the dielectric constant of Si3N4 ceramics
Authors: Liang Hanqin , Xia Yongfeng , Zuo Kaihui , Yao Dongxu , Yin Jinwei , Zeng Yuping 
Published: January 2018

AbstractSi3N4 ceramics with different BaTiO3 contents have been fabricated by pressureless sintering in a N2 atmosphere at 1680°C for 2 h. Al2O3 and Nd2O3 were used as sintering additives to promote the densification of Si3N4 ceramics. The effect of BaTiO3 addition on the densification, mechanical properties, phase compositions, microstructure, and dielectric properties of Si3N4 ceramics was investigated. The relative density and flexural strength of Si3N4 ceramics increased with the addition of BaTiO3 up to 15 wt% and then decreased, while the dielectric constant increased continuously as the BaTiO3 contents increased. The dielectric constant of Si3N4 ceramics can be tailored in the range from 8.42 to 12.96 by the addition of 5 wt%‐20 wt% BaTiO3. Meanwhile, these Si3N4 ceramics all had flexural strength higher than 500 MPa.
Syntactic complexity in L2 writing: Individual pathways and emerging group trends
Authors: Bulté Bram , Housen Alex 
Published: January 2018

The present study aims to contribute to a fuller understanding of how the L2 production of L2 learners varies over time in terms of syntactic complexity by analyzing a substantive number of English L2 writing samples (n = 11) produced by a sizable group of learners (n = 10) over a relatively long period of time (19 months), using a judicious selection of quantitative measures of syntactic complexity. The focus is on synchronic and diachronic variation, both within and across learners. Our analyses show that whereas development over time is relatively regular at the group level, individual developmental paths are characterized by a high degree of variability and often deviate from the mean group trends.