bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Log moisture capacity does not predict epixylic bryophyte growth under thinned and unthinned forest canopies
Authors: Haughian Sean R. , Frego Katherine A. 
Published: March 2017

Summary

Coarse woody debris (CWD) serves as habitat for diverse and rare taxa in forest systems. Because the abundance of mosses appears to be correlated with log size and stage of decay, many have suggested that CWD serves as a moisture reservoir, ensuring a humid microclimate and facilitating moss growth, but no one has tested this connection. Intact forest canopies are also thought to maintain humid conditions that benefit moss growth. If microclimatic regulation is the primary mechanism contributing to high moss abundance on CWD, then epixylic moss growth should increase with the capacity of the log moisture reservoir, and the importance of the reservoir size should increase with canopy opening.

Three types of synthetic logs, identical in size and shape but differing in moisture capacity, and two natural substrates, well‐decayed birch and cedar logs, were used to test the effects of log moisture capacity on growth of Dicranum flagellare under thinned and intact canopies of a spruce plantation over 20 months.

Surface humidity was positively associated with moisture capacity, but did not reach the water compensation point outside of precipitation events. Under a closed forest canopy, moss growth was negligible across all log types. Under an open forest canopy, moss growth was greater on natural substrates than synthetic ones, and negatively related to moisture capacity. Coarse woody debris facilitates a sufficiently humid surface for only a short time after precipitation, presumably when a film of liquid water is maintained near the surface.

For D. flagellare, canopy condition is a more accurate predictor of growth than CWD‐moisture capacity; any beneficial properties of CWD appear to be lessened by a dense forest canopy (as in silvicultural plantations), probably because it reduces access to liquid water from precipitation.

We propose that the surface moisture availability of CWD depends on optimal depth of a ‘resisting layer’ below the log surface, representing a tradeoff between water retention and loss (via percolation or runoff at extremely deep vs. shallow resisting layer depth). Coarse woody debris may possess microclimate‐regulating traits that benefit moss growth, but it does not appear to act as a moisture capacitor.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Vasomotor symptoms resulting from natural menopause: a systematic review and network meta‐analysis of treatment effects from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guideline on menopause
Authors: Sarri G , Pedder H , Dias S , Guo Y , Lumsden MA 
Published: March 2017

BackgroundVasomotor symptoms (VMSs) are the hallmarks of menopause, occurring in approximately 75% of postmenopausal women in the UK, and are severe in 25%.ObjectivesTo identify which treatments are most clinically effective for the relief of VMSs for women in natural menopause without hysterectomy.Search strategyEnglish publications in MEDLINE, Embase, and The Cochrane Library up to 13 January 2015 were searched.Selection criteriaRandomised controlled trials (RCTs) of treatments for women with a uterus for the outcomes of frequency of VMSs (up to 26 weeks), vaginal bleeding, and discontinuation.Data collection and analysisBayesian network meta‐analysis (NMA) using mean ratios (MRs) and odd ratios (ORs).Main resultsAcross the three networks, 47 RCTs of 16 treatment classes (n = 8326 women) were included. When compared with placebo, transdermal estradiol and progestogen (O+P) had the highest probability of being the most effective treatment for VMS relief (69.8%; MR 0.23; 95% credible interval, 95% CrI 0.09–0.57), whereas oral O+P was ranked lower than transdermal O+P, although oral and transdermal O+P were no different for this outcome (MR 2.23; 95% CrI 0.7–7.1). Isoflavones and black cohosh were more effective than placebo, although not significantly better than O+P. Not only were selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) found to be ineffective in relieving VMSs, but they also had significantly higher odds of discontinuation than placebo. Limited data were available for bleeding, therefore no conclusions could be made.ConclusionFor women who have not undergone hysterectomy, transdermal O+P was the most effective treatment for VMS relief.Tweetable abstractWhich treatment best relieves menopause flushes? Results from the #NICE guideline network meta‐analysis.
An Analysis of Systematic Elemental Changes in Decomposing Bone
Authors: Walden Steven J. , Mulville Jacqui , Rowlands Jeffrey P. , Evans Sam L. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe aim of this pilot study was to investigate compositional changes in bone during decomposition. Elemental concentrations of barium, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and phosphorus in porcine bone (as an experimental analog for human bone) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP‐OES). The samples were taken from porcine bone subjected to shallow burial and surface depositions at 28‐day intervals for a period of 140 days. Results indicated that ICP‐OES elemental profiling has potential to be developed as a forensic test for determining whether a bone sample originates from the early stages of soft tissue putrefaction. Significant changes in iron, sodium and potassium concentrations were found over 140 days. These elements are known to be primarily associated with proteins and/or tissue fluids within the bone. Changes in their respective concentrations may therefore be linked to dehydration over time and in turn may be indicative of time since deposition.
Perception of emotional prosody in adults with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Kis B. , Guberina N. , Kraemer M. , Niklewski F. , Dziobek I. , Wiltfang J. , Abdel‐Hamid M. 
Published: March 2017

ObjectiveAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is associated with social conflicts. The purpose of this study was to explore domains of social cognition in adult patients with ADHD.MethodsThe assessment of social cognition was based on established neuropsychological tests: the Tübinger Affect Battery (TAB) for prosody and the Cambridge Behaviour Scale (CBS) for empathy. The performance of adults with ADHD (N = 28) was compared with the performance of a control group (N = 29) matched according to basic demographic variables.ResultsTreatment‐naïve adults with ADHD showed deficits in emotional prosody (P = 0.02) and in the ability to empathize (P < 0.02) independent of executive functioning. In particular, their ability to perceive angry feelings was found to be compromised (P = 0.04). When emotional prosody was considered in relation to facial expressions, patients and controls showed no impairments (P > 0.2). No gender differences concerning social cognitive skills were detected.ConclusionsADHD is associated with social cognition impairments involving both emotional prosody and empathy.
Glucose homeostasis, beta cell function, and insulin resistance in relation to vitamin D status after gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shaat Nael , Ignell Claes , Katsarou Anastasia , Berntorp Kerstin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionWe wanted to determine vitamin D status after gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and to evaluate whether levels of 25‐hydroxyvitamin D3 (25OHD3) are associated with beta cell function, insulin resistance or a diagnosis of diabetes after GDM.Material and methodsGlucose homeostasis was assessed during a 75‐g oral glucose tolerance test one to two years after delivery in 376 women with previous GDM (287 European and 78 non‐European, including 33 Arab and 35 Asian women). Insulin resistance was estimated using homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR). The insulinogenic index (I/G30) and the disposition index [(I/G30)/HOMA‐IR] were used to calculate insulin secretion. Concentrations of serum 25OHD3 were determined.ResultsMean (±SD) 25OHD3 concentration was 50.0 ± 22.3 nmol/L and differed significantly among subgroups of body mass index, ethnicity, and glucose tolerance status; 53% had 25OHD3 levels <50 nmol/L and 87% had 25OHD3 levels <75 nmol/L. There was a negative correlation between 25OHD3 concentration and HOMA‐IR (p < 0.001) and a positive correlation between 25OHD3 and disposition index (p = 0.002) in univariable regression analysis. Correlations attenuated after adjustment for body mass index. In univariable regression analysis, 25OHD3 concentrations were significantly associated with diabetes after GDM (p = 0.004). However, in a multivariable model, non‐European origin, HOMA‐IR and insulinogenic index were significantly associated with postpartum diabetes, whereas 25OHD3 concentrations were not.ConclusionVitamin D deficiency/insufficiency in previous GDM cases appears to be associated with beta cell dysfunction and insulin resistance, but not with postpartum diabetes when factors well known to influence type‐2 diabetes were adjusted for.
MICROFINANCE REGULATION AND SOCIAL SUSTAINABILITY OF MICROFINANCE INSTITUTIONS: THE CASE OF NIGERIA AND ZAMBIA
Authors: SIWALE Juliana , OKOYE Ngozi 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTThis study examines the effect of regulations on microfinance institutions in Nigeria and Zambia by focusing on the post‐regulation experiences and reflections of the microfinance institutions (MFIs) and their regulators. Based on in‐depth interviews with the Central Banks as regulators, MFI managers, practitioners and apex microfinance associations, the study finds that regulations in both countries have managed to professionalize the sector, but their effectiveness in augmenting the centrality of social goals to microfinance and MFIs remains doubtful. The poorly designed regulations are not only undermining social goals but also sending wrong signals to would be social investors, with implications for the social image of the industry. The study further finds that regulations have neither speeded the emergence of sustainable MFIs (especially in Zambia) nor accelerated the sectors’ outreach to the poor and the financially excluded. Additionally, considerable levels of political interference and poor regulation have led to unintended consequences to the sector, further frustrating the ultimate goal of extending financial services to the poor. These findings have policy and practical implications for how microfinance engages with the regulatory logic and continues to serve those at the bottom of the pyramid.
Parametric Functional Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Sang Peijun , Wang Liangliang , Cao Jiguo 
Published: March 2017

Summary
Functional principal component analysis (FPCA) is a popular approach in functional data analysis to explore major sources of variation in a sample of random curves. These major sources of variation are represented by functional principal components (FPCs). Most existing FPCA approaches use a set of flexible basis functions such as B-spline basis to represent the FPCs, and control the smoothness of the FPCs by adding roughness penalties. However, the flexible representations pose difficulties for users to understand and interpret the FPCs. In this article, we consider a variety of applications of FPCA and find that, in many situations, the shapes of top FPCs are simple enough to be approximated using simple parametric functions. We propose a parametric approach to estimate the top FPCs to enhance their interpretability for users. Our parametric approach can also circumvent the smoothing parameter selecting process in conventional nonparametric FPCA methods. In addition, our simulation study shows that the proposed parametric FPCA is more robust when outlier curves exist. The parametric FPCA method is demonstrated by analyzing several datasets from a variety of applications.
Prenatal antibiotics and atopic dermatitis among 18‐month‐old children in the Danish National Birth Cohort
Authors: Timm S. , Schlünssen V. , Olsen J. , Ramlau‐Hansen C. H. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryBackgroundDespite extensive research, the aetiology of atopic dermatitis remains largely unknown, but reduced intestinal microbiota diversity in neonates has been linked to subsequent atopic dermatitis. Consequently, postnatal antibiotics have been proposed as a risk factor, but a potential association between prenatal antibiotics and atopic dermatitis is not well studied. Overall, the current evidence suggests a positive association between exposure to prenatal antibiotics and atopic dermatitis.ObjectiveTo investigate the association between prenatal antibiotics and atopic dermatitis among 18‐month‐old children.MethodsThis study conducted within the Danish National Birth Cohort included 62 560 mother‐child pairs. Data on maternal prenatal antibiotics were collected in the 30th gestation week and 6 months post‐partum, and offspring atopic dermatitis 18 months post‐partum through telephone interviews. Antibiotic use was categorized by the timing of exposure as 1st‐2nd trimester (gestation week 0‐29), 3rd trimester (gestation week 30‐birth), all three trimesters or none. Data were analysed by logistic regression analyses adjusting for potential confounders.ResultsExposure to antibiotics prenatally was associated with increased odds of atopic dermatitis among children born by atopic mothers but only when used in both 1st‐2nd and 3rd trimester (ORadj 1.45, 95% CI: 1.19‐1.76). The findings were consistent using different definitions of atopic dermatitis.Conclusions and Clinical RelevancePrenatal exposure to antibiotics throughout pregnancy was associated with an increased risk of atopic dermatitis but only within the first 18 months of life among children born by atopic mothers. The clinical usefulness of this finding must rest on corroboration in independent data sources.
Assessing vulnerability of two Mediterranean conifers to support genetic conservation management in the face of climate change
Authors: Serra‐Varela María Jesús , Alía Ricardo , Daniels Rose Ruiz , Zimmermann Niklaus E. , Gonzalo‐Jiménez Julián , Grivet Delphine 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAimTo integrate two major components of vulnerability to climate change: adaptive capacity (approached by genetic groups) and exposure (approached by risk of habitat loss) illustrated with the maritime (Pinus pinaster Ait.) and Aleppo (Pinus halepensis Mill.) pines. To integrate such information in the selection of conservation strategies (ex situ vs. in situ) and to evaluate current European efforts in the conservation of forest genetic resources.LocationMediterranean Basin and European Atlantic coast.MethodsWith the objective of preserving the overall genetic diversity of our two target species, we individually assess each of their genetic groups. We fit a species distribution model and project it to current climate and 42 different future climatic predictions. We create future suitability maps to assess risk of habitat loss based on the number of future climate projections that predict suitability. According to this assessment on the risk of habitat loss, we propose suitable conservation strategies.ResultsWe found areas suitable for in situ conservation for most of the genetic groups, the exception being the central–eastern–southern Iberian genetic groups of maritime pine and the Moroccan genetic group of Aleppo pine which required ex situ conservation. In the current European conservation network, three genetic groups for maritime pine and two for Aleppo pine remain unrepresented, and the representation of the rest is unbalanced.Main conclusionsWe provide a tool to support conservation management of forest trees, an increasingly important task given the negative impact of climate change on forest ecosystems. We also provide a framework to increase the efficiency of the European conservation network: (i) exposure assessment should be considered as a requirement for a population to become a dynamic conservation unit (DCU); and (ii) as illustrated with our two target species, the selection of DCUs should represent all existing genetic groups.
Domestic institutions and foreign assistance in Haiti: Requisites for economic development
Authors: Barrett Beverly 
Published: March 2017

AbstractConsidering institutional and geographic explanations for economic development, the institutional thesis is relevant to explain the historically weak governance structure, even as there have been robust foreign assistance efforts for development in recent years. Taken together, the weak role of the state and low levels of human development are evidence of the challenges. Reviewing the post‐colonial legacy of Haiti, and its impact on economic development, this article discusses the lack of an integral state resulting in weak institutions. Especially since the earthquake in early 2010, the international development community has been an essential partner for reform initiatives, which will require accountable and inclusive domestic institutions to be effective.
Adherence to confidentiality principles from the viewpoint of Iranian dental students: A multicenter study
Authors: Ghodousi A. , Abedzadeh M. , Ketabi M. , Zarean Parichehr , Zarean Paridokht 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIntroductionConfidentiality is a basic ethical principle appreciating human autonomy, relationships, and dignity and in medical research has a long history. In dental practice, it has the same importance as medical field. Therefore, providing patients with information about the confidentiality will promote their confidence in dental professionals and prevent legal conflicts. The present study sought to evaluate the knowledge and viewpoints of dental students about patient confidentiality.Methods and MaterialsIn this multicenter applied research, the participants were recruited from schools of dentistry of Isfahan, Tehran, Tabriz, Shiraz, and Mashhad Universities of Medical Sciences and Isfahan Islamic Azad University during 2013. Ultimately, data were collected randomly with a researcher‐made questionnaire from 180 dental students of fifth‐sixth‐year. The collected data were entered into SPSS 20.0. Independent t‐tests and one‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed to analyze the data.ResultOverall, 60.3% of the participating students were concerned about acquiring adequate knowledge on the concept of patient confidentiality and 59.0% felt obliged to participate in related educational courses. Most students (66.5%) were careful not to share patient information with their friends. According to one‐way ANOVA, students of Tehran University of Medical Sciences scored significantly higher than other participants. However, no significant differences were detected between the students of other schools.ConclusionThe confidentiality laws imposed by the Ministry of Health and Medical Education seem to adequate details, but needs more education for dentists. Also it should be accentuated, due to state of confidentiality in patients’ rights guidline and courses on ethics should be tailored based on the specific subjects raised in each field of dentistry.
Instruction manual for the ILAE 2017 operational classification of seizure types
Authors: Fisher Robert S. , Cross J. Helen , D'Souza Carol , French Jacqueline A. , Haut Sheryl R. , Higurashi Norimichi , Hirsch Edouard , Jansen Floor E. , Lagae Lieven , Moshé Solomon L. , Peltola Jukka , Roulet Perez Eliane , Scheffer Ingrid E. , Schulze‐Bonhage Andreas , Somerville Ernest , Sperling Michael , Yacubian Elza Márcia , Zuberi Sameer M. 
Published: March 2017

SummaryThis companion paper to the introduction of the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) 2017 classification of seizure types provides guidance on how to employ the classification. Illustration of the classification is enacted by tables, a glossary of relevant terms, mapping of old to new terms, suggested abbreviations, and examples. Basic and extended versions of the classification are available, depending on the desired degree of detail. Key signs and symptoms of seizures (semiology) are used as a basis for categories of seizures that are focal or generalized from onset or with unknown onset. Any focal seizure can further be optionally characterized by whether awareness is retained or impaired. Impaired awareness during any segment of the seizure renders it a focal impaired awareness seizure. Focal seizures are further optionally characterized by motor onset signs and symptoms: atonic, automatisms, clonic, epileptic spasms, or hyperkinetic, myoclonic, or tonic activity. Nonmotor‐onset seizures can manifest as autonomic, behavior arrest, cognitive, emotional, or sensory dysfunction. The earliest prominent manifestation defines the seizure type, which might then progress to other signs and symptoms. Focal seizures can become bilateral tonic–clonic. Generalized seizures engage bilateral networks from onset. Generalized motor seizure characteristics comprise atonic, clonic, epileptic spasms, myoclonic, myoclonic–atonic, myoclonic–tonic–clonic, tonic, or tonic–clonic. Nonmotor (absence) seizures are typical or atypical, or seizures that present prominent myoclonic activity or eyelid myoclonia. Seizures of unknown onset may have features that can still be classified as motor, nonmotor, tonic–clonic, epileptic spasms, or behavior arrest. This “users’ manual” for the ILAE 2017 seizure classification will assist the adoption of the new system.
Human management and hybridization shape treegourd fruits in the Brazilian Amazon Basin
Authors: Ambrósio Moreira Priscila , Mariac Cédric , Zekraoui Leila , Couderc Marie , Rodrigues Doriane Picanço , Clement Charles R. , Vigouroux Yves 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLocal people's perceptions of cultivated and wild agrobiodiversity, as well as their management of hybridization are still understudied in Amazonia. Here we analyze domesticated treegourd (Crescentia cujete), whose versatile fruits have technological, symbolic, and medicinal uses. A wild relative (C. amazonica) of the cultivated species grows spontaneously in Amazonian flooded forests. We demonstrated, using whole chloroplast sequences and nuclear microsatellites, that the two species are strongly differentiated. Nonetheless, they hybridize readily throughout Amazonia and the proportions of admixture correlate with fruit size variation of cultivated trees. New morphotypes arise from hybridization, which are recognized by people and named as local varieties. Small hybrid fruits are used to make the important symbolic rattle (maracá), suggesting that management of hybrid trees is an ancient human practice in Amazonia. Effective conservation of Amazonian agrobiodiversity needs to incorporate this interaction between wild and cultivated populations that is managed by smallholder families. Beyond treegourd, our study clearly shows that hybridization plays an important role in tree crop phenotypic diversification and that the integration of molecular analyses and farmers’ perceptions of diversity help disentangle crop domestication history.