bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Whether in life or in death: fresh perspectives on how plants affect biogeochemical cycling
Authors: Austin Amy T. , Zanne Amy E. 
Published: October 2015

Summary

Plants have numerous impacts on biogeochemical cycling across both aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. These effects extend well beyond the critical role of carbon (C) fixation through photosynthesis that provides the basis for ecosystem energy flow. While foliar and root traits of senescent plant material (litter) have been explored in detail in terrestrial ecosystems, there is a resurgence of interest in how plants modulate biogeochemical cycling in ways other than litter quality effects on C and nutrient mineralization.

This Special Feature represents a collection of ‘fresh’ perspectives on how plants alone, or in interaction with other organisms, have important and lasting impacts on biogeochemical cycles of C and nutrients in a range of terrestrial and aquatic environments.

We begin in the open ocean and then peer from the forest edge before moving into forest understoreys and grasslands to examine the control by live terrestrial plants on ecosystem C and nutrient cycling. Plants directly affect biogeochemical cycling while living through their diversity and composition, nutrient capture and strategies for assimilating C, and by altering the microclimate for decomposition. In addition, how they construct their tissues and alter the abiotic environment has large impacts on the turnover of C and nutrients once plants have senesced or died. From the direct impact of plants, we move onto the influence of plant–insect interactions, which effectively determine changes in plant stoichiometry in grasslands of varying diversity. Finally, looking directly in the soil, it is clear that plant–mycorrhizae interactions are important in modulating the response of litter decomposition to nutrient addition and the nature of C metabolism in the soil.

Synthesis. The papers here highlight careful matching between how plants live and their biotic and abiotic contexts. Taken together, it appears that the dynamic, rather than passive, nature of plant responses to variable environments is key in affecting ecosystem level processes of C and nutrient turnover. This Special Feature highlights a diversity of connections between plants and their environment and demonstrates that in both life and death, how plants respond to these changes differs among plant lineages and this diversity will play a central role in determining biogeochemical cycling in the future in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
Skin Perfusion Pressure and the Prevalence of Atherothrombosis in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Hiratsuka Maki , Koyama Katsushi , Yamamoto Jun , Narita Aiko , Sasakawa Yuji , Shimogushi Hiroya , Ogawa Atsushi , Kimura Tomomi , Mizuguchi Ken , Mizuno Masashi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractEnd‐stage renal disease is associated with atherothrombosis (ATIS), which, in turn, can promote peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD), coronary artery disease (CAD), and/or cerebrovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to determine whether low plantar skin perfusion pressure (SPP) was related to ATIS among 122 patients receiving maintenance hemodialysis (HD) from March to November 2013 at our outpatient facility. We routinely measured SPP and used the value for analysis. In addition, we retrospectively evaluated the prevalence of ATIS with patients categorized to CAD, CVD, or PAOD groups. Of the 122 outpatients, ATIS was diagnosed in about half (N = 60, 49.2% vs. 62, 50.8%; average SPP, 56.6 vs. 72.9 mm Hg, respectively). These data show that SPP was significantly lower in patients with ATIS (difference, 16.3 mm Hg; P < 0.001) and there was a negative relationship between average SPPs and past history of ATIS complications. When the patients were stratified by the presence of diabetes mellitus, this trend was stronger. Particularly, receiver operating characteristic analysis of HD patients with diabetes revealed a cutoff point of 53.0 mm Hg and an area under the curve value of 0.84, with a sensitivity of 77.0% and specificity of 91.3%. Therefore, we concluded that SPP enables the evaluation of not only local PAOD, but also systemic ATIS. Moreover, we found that a cutoff point of 53.0 mm Hg was useful for detection of ATIS in HD patients.
An Observational Study of 2,248 Patients Presenting With Headache, Suggestive of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage, Who Received Lumbar Punctures Following Normal Computed Tomography of the Head
Authors: Sayer David , Bloom Ben , Fernando Katalin , Jones Stuart , Benton Sally , Dev Shumontha , Deverapalli Sathish , Harris Tim 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectivesThe objective was to determine the incidence of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) diagnosed by lumbar puncture (LP) when the head computed tomography (CT) was reported as demonstrating no subarachnoid blood.MethodsData were obtained on patients who received LP to diagnose or exclude SAH attending six hospitals over 5 years. Subsequent investigations and outcomes were reviewed in all patients with LPs that did not exclude SAH.ResultsA total of 2,248 patients were included. A total of 1,898 LPs were suitable for biochemical analysis, of which 92 (4.8%) were positive for blood, suggesting SAH; 1,507 (79.4%) were negative; and 299 (15.6%) were inconclusive. Of the 92 patients with positive cerebrospinal fluid analysis, eight patients (0.4%) had aneurysms on further imaging, and one had a carotid cavernous fistula.ConclusionsIn patients presenting to the emergency department with acute severe headache, LP to diagnose or exclude SAH after negative head CT has a very low diagnostic yield, due to low prevalence of the disease and uninterpretable or inconclusive samples. A clinical decision rule may improve diagnostic yield by selecting patients requiring further evaluation with LP following nondiagnostic or normal noncontrast CT brain imaging.
Do patients discussed at a lung cancer multidisciplinary team meeting receive guideline‐recommended treatment?
Authors: Boxer Miriam M , Duggan Kirsten J , Descallar Joseph , Vinod Shalini K 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimClinical guidelines provide evidence‐based management recommendations to guide practice. This study aimed to evaluate whether patients discussed at a lung cancer multidisciplinary team meeting received guideline‐recommended treatment and determine reasons for not receiving guideline‐recommended treatment.MethodsAll new lung cancer patients discussed at the Liverpool/Macarthur lung cancer multidisciplinary team meeting between 1 December 2005 and 31 December 2010 were included. Guideline‐recommended treatment was assigned according to pathology, stage and ECOG (Eastern Co‐operative Oncology Group) performance status as per the 2004 Australian Lung Cancer Guidelines. This was compared with actual treatment received to determine adherence to guidelines. For those patients who did not receive guideline‐recommended treatment, the medical record was reviewed to determine the reason(s) for this. Survival was compared between those who did and did not receive guideline‐recommended treatment.Results808 new patients were discussed at the multidisciplinary team meeting. Guideline‐recommended treatment could not be assigned in 2% of patients due to missing data. 435 patients (54%) received guideline‐recommended treatment, and 356 (44%) did not. The most common reasons for not receiving guideline‐recommended treatment were a decline in ECOG performance status (24%), large tumor volume precluding radical radiotherapy (17%), comorbidities (15%) and patient preference (13%). Patients less than 70 years who received guideline‐recommended treatment had improved survival compared with those who did not.ConclusionsA significant proportion of lung cancer patients did not receive guideline‐recommended treatment due to legitimate reasons. Alternative guidelines are needed for patients not suitable for current best practice. Treatment according to guidelines was a predictor for survival.
Increased health service use for allergy in adults: Northumbrian hospital episodes, 2010–2015
Authors: Shiue I. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known on the health service use for allergy. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the hospital episode rates in allergy by sex and across age groups in order to understand whether and how the health service use for allergy might have changed in recent years in north‐east of England.MethodsHospital episode data in mid‐2010 to mid‐2015 covering five full calendar years were extracted from Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, which is serving nearly half of a million population and free from central government control. Hospital episode rates were calculated from all admissions divided by annual and area‐specific population size for each sex and age group, presented with per 100 000 person‐years using Microsoft Excel.ResultsHealth service use for allergy in adults for both men and women has increased, with large increases in young adults aged 40–49 (both male and female), 50–59 (female) and 60–69 (male). In children, there were decreases in those aged 0–9, but increases in those aged 10–19. Emergency admissions due to allergy were only minimal. Higher admissions were observed in spring and autumn than in summer and winter.ConclusionAllergy admissions have increased in adults. For future research, local health policy could benefit from annual clinical records on health service use due to allergy. For clinical practice, in addition to increasing and improving the role of health and nursing professionals to reduce burden and rehabilitation, public awareness, attitude and knowledge should be continuously raised and improved as well.
Reexamining Healthcare Justice in the Light of Empirical Data
Authors: de Hoyos Adalberto , Monteón Yareni , Altamirano‐Bustamante Myriam M. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThis article discusses the notion of justice from a capabilities approach. We undertake an empirical analysis of the concepts of justice held by healthcare personnel, gleaned from a qualitative analysis of interviews on the subject of ethical dilemmas in everyday practice. The article states that Justice undoubtedly presents a work in progress, which implicates the link between justice as capability and human dignity.We empirically found a contrast between the views of justice based on the patient's own perceptions and those based on the perceptions of healthcare personnel. We establish the kind of actions, communication skills and justice required to build a stronger relationship between patients and healthcare professionals, which would improve prognosis, treatment efficiency and therapeutic adhesion.
Burden of Proof in Bioethics
Authors: Koplin Julian J. , Selgelid Michael J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractA common strategy in bioethics is to posit a prima facie case in favour of one policy, and to then claim that the burden of proof (that this policy should be rejected) falls on those with opposing views. If the burden of proof is not met, it is claimed, then the policy in question should be accepted. This article illustrates, and critically evaluates, examples of this strategy in debates about the sale of organs by living donors, human enhancement, and the precautionary principle. We highlight general problems with this style of argument, and particular problems with its use in specific cases. We conclude that the burden ultimately falls on decision‐makers (i.e. policy‐makers) to choose the policy supported by the best reasons.
The complementary use of audience response systems and online tests to implement repeat testing: A case study
Authors: Stratling Rebecca 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAlthough learning theories suggest that repeat testing can be highly beneficial for students' retention and understanding of material, there is, so far, little guidance on how to implement repeat testing in higher education. This paper introduces one method for implementing a three‐stage model of repeat testing via computer‐aided formative assessment by employing audience response systems (ARS) and online tests complementarily. The first stage utilises ARS for immediate testing throughout lectures, the second stage facilitates delayed testing using online tests between lectures and the third stage employs ARS to aid in‐class revision of the previously studied material at the beginning of subsequent lectures. Using the example of a Business Economics course taught to MBA students at a UK university, the study investigates how two cohorts of students (n1 = 46, n2 = 48) perceived repeat testing to affect their understanding of the subject as well as their learning motivation and behaviour. The exploratory research indicates that most students perceived all three test stages as helpful to develop their understanding of the subject. However, students who favoured a deep approach to learning (DA) rated testing more positively than students who preferred a surface approach to learning (SA). Surprisingly, students who favoured a DA also reported a greater influence of the tests on their learning motivation and behaviour than students who preferred an SA. These findings mitigate concerns that experienced, effective learners might perceive repeated, multiple‐choice‐based testing as unhelpful or disruptive to their learning.
Distinct kinetics of DNA repair protein accumulation at DNA lesions and cell cycle‐dependent formation of γH2AX‐ and NBS1‐positive repair foci
Authors: Suchánková Jana , Kozubek Stanislav , Legartová Soňa , Sehnalová Petra , Küntziger Thomas , Bártová Eva 
Published: October 2015

Background InformationThe DNA damage response is a fundamental, well‐regulated process that occurs in the genome to recognise DNA lesions. Here, we studied kinetics of proteins involved in DNA repair pathways and their recruitment to DNA lesions during the cell cycle. In non‐irradiated and irradiated cells, we analysed the distribution pattern and spatiotemporal dynamics of γH2AX, 53BP1, BMI1, MDC1, NBS1, PCNA, coilin and BRCA1 proteins.ResultsWe observed that spontaneous and irradiation‐induced foci (IRIF) demonstrated a high abundance of phosphorylated H2AX, which was consistent with 53BP1 and BMI1 protein accumulation. However, NBS1 and MDC1 proteins were recruited to nuclear bodies (NBs) to a lesser extent. Irradiation by γ‐rays significantly increased the number of 53BP1‐ and γH2AX‐positive IRIF, but cell cycle‐dependent differences were only observed for γH2AX‐positive foci in both non‐irradiated and γ‐irradiated cells. In non‐irradiated cells, the G2 phase was characterised by an increased number of spontaneous γH2AX‐foci; this increase was more pronounced after γ‐irradiation. Cells in G2 phase had the highest number of γH2AX‐positive foci. Similarly, γ‐irradiation increased the number of NBS1‐positive NBs only in G2 phase. Moreover, NBS1 accumulated in nucleoli after γ‐irradiation showed the slowest recovery after photobleaching. Analysis of protein accumulation kinetics at locally induced DNA lesions showed that in HeLa cells, BMI1, PCNA and coilin were rapidly recruited to the lesions, 10–15 s after UVA‐irradiation, whereas among the other proteins studied, BRCA1 demonstrated the slowest recruitment: BRCA1 appeared at the lesion 20 min after local micro‐irradiation by UVA laser.ConclusionWe show that the kinetics of the accumulation of selected DNA repair‐related proteins is protein specific at locally induced DNA lesions, and that the formation of γH2AX‐ and NBS1‐positive foci, but not 53BP1‐positive NBs, is cell cycle dependent in HeLa cells. Moreover, γH2AX is the most striking protein present not only at DNA lesions, but also spreading out in their vicinity.SignificanceOur conclusions highlight the significant role of the spatiotemporal dynamics of DNA repair‐related proteins and their specific assembly/disassembly at DNA lesions, which can be cell type‐ and cell cycle dependent.
Denudation rates of a subequatorial orogenic belt based on estimates of sediment yields: evidence from the Paleozoic Appalachian Basin, USA
Authors: Eriksson Kenneth A. , Romans Brian W. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe Upper Mississippian (ca. 325 Ma) Pride Shale and Glady Fork Member in the Central Appalachian Basin comprise an upward‐coarsening, ca. 60‐m‐thick succession of prodeltaic‐delta front, interlaminated fine‐grained sandstones and mudstones gradational upwards into mouth‐bar and distributary‐channel sandstones. Analysis of laminae bundling in the Pride Shale reveals a hierarchy of tidal cycles (semi‐diurnal, fortnightly neap‐spring) and a distinct annual cyclicity resulting from seasonal fluvial discharge. These tidal rhythmites thus represent high‐resolution chronometers that can be used in basin analysis. Annual cycles average 10 cm in thickness, thus the bulk of the Pride Shale‐Glady Fork Member in any one vertical section is estimated to have accumulated in ca. 600 years. Progradational clinoforms are assumed to have had dips of 0.3–3° with a median dip of 1.7°; the latter infilled a NE‐SW oriented foreland trough up to 300 km long by 50 km wide in the relatively short time period of 90 kyr. The total volume of sediment in the Pride basin is ca. 900 km3 which, for an average sediment density of 2700 kg m−3, equates to a total mass of ca. 2.4 × 106 Mt. Thus, mass sediment load can be estimated as 27 Mt yr−1. For a drainage basin area of 89 000 km2, based on the scale of architectural channel elements and cross‐set thicknesses in the incised‐valley‐fill deposits of the underlying Princeton Formation, suspended sediment yields are estimated at ca. 310 t km−2 yr−1 equating to a mechanical denudation rate of ca. 0.116 mm yr−1. Calculated sediment yields and inferred denudation rates are comparable to modern rivers such as the Po and Fly and are compatible with a provenance of significant relief and a climate characterized by seasonal, monsoonal discharge. Inferred denudation rates also are consistent with average denudation rates for the Inner Piedmont Terrane of the Appalachians based on flexural modelling. The integration of stratigraphic architectural analysis with a novel chronometric application highlights the utility of sedimentary archives as a record of Earth surface dynamics.
Regional magma plumbing and emplacement mechanisms of the Faroe‐Shetland Sill Complex: implications for magma transport and petroleum systems within sedimentary basins
Authors: Schofield Nick , Holford Simon , Millett John , Brown David , Jolley David , Passey Simon R. , Muirhead Dave , Grove Clayton , Magee Craig , Murray Joanne , Hole Malcolm , Jackson Christopher A.‐L. , Stevenson Carl 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe movement of magma through the shallow crust and the impact of subsurface sill complexes on the hydrocarbon systems of prospective sedimentary basins has long been an area of interest and debate. Based on 3D seismic reflection and well data, we present a regional analysis of the emplacement and magmatic plumbing system of the Palaeogene Faroe‐Shetland Sill Complex (FSSC), which is intruded into the Mesozoic and Cenozoic sequences of the Faroe‐Shetland Basin (FSB). Identification of magma flow directions through detailed seismic interpretation of approximately 100 sills indicates that the main magma input zones into the FSB were controlled primarily by the NE–SW basin structure that compartmentalise the FSB into its constituent sub‐basins. An analysis of well data shows that potentially up to 88% of sills in the FSSC are <40 m in thickness, and thus below the vertical resolution limit of seismic data at depths at which most sills occur. This resolution limitation suggests that caution needs to be exercised when interpreting magmatic systems from seismic data alone, as a large amount of intrusive material could potentially be missed. The interaction of the FSSC with the petroleum systems of the FSB is not well understood. Given the close association between the FSSC and potential petroleum migration routes into some of the oil/gas fields (e.g. Tormore), the role the intrusions may have played in compartmentalisation of basin fill needs to be taken fully into account to further unlock the future petroleum potential of the FSB.
Gender and motor competence affects perceived likelihood and importance of physical activity outcomes among 14 year olds
Authors: Hands B. , Parker H. E. , Rose E. , Larkin D. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundPerceptions of the effects of physical activity could facilitate or deter future participation. This study explored the differences between gender and motor competence at 14 years of age in the perceptions of likelihood and importance of physical activity outcomes.MethodThe sample comprised 1582 14‐year‐old adolescents (769 girls) from the Western Australian Pregnancy Cohort (Raine) Study. Four motor competence groups were formed from a standardized Neuromuscular Developmental Index score (McCarron 1997). Perceptions of the likelihood and the importance of 15 physical activity outcomes were measured by a questionnaire developed for the NSW Schools Fitness and Physical Activity Survey (Booth et al. 1997). Gender (two) × motor competence (four) analyses of variance and Tukey post hoc were conducted on outcome scores (P < 0.02) using SPSS version 17.ResultsGender differences were found in the perceived likelihood and importance of physical activity outcomes within competition, social friendships and injury domains. Motor competence was significant in the perceived likelihood of physical health (P < 0.001), psychosocial (P < 0.009) and competition (P < 0.002) outcomes, with lower perceptions by the least competent groups. Significantly lower importance was perceived for academic outcomes for 14 year olds categorized with low compared with high motor competence (P < 0.005). Regardless of motor competence and gender, the same health and fun outcomes were ranked the highest in likelihood and the highest in importance.ConclusionAlthough level of motor competence at 14 years affected the perceived likelihood of health, social and fun outcomes from future participation in physical activity, adolescents highly valued these outcomes, whereas gender affected competition and winning, outcomes that were less valued. Physical activity that promotes these key and valued outcomes may encourage young people's ongoing involvement in physical activity, especially for those at risk of low participation.