bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing predictions of forest succession using long‐term measurements: 100 yrs of observations in theOregonCascades
Authors: Harmon Mark E. , Pabst Robert J. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractQuestionMany predictions about forest succession have been based on chronosequences. Are these predictions – at the population, community and ecosystem level – consistent with long‐term measurements in permanent plots?LocationPseudotsuga menziesii(Mirb.) Franco dominated forest in western Oregon,US.MethodsOver a 100‐yr period, measurements every 5–10 yrs of the growth, mortality and regeneration of individually tagged trees in three 0.4‐ha forest plots dominated byP. menziesiiwere used to test predictions derived from chronosequence studies.ResultsPopulation‐ and community‐level predictions generally matched observations: the initial cohort of pioneer species declined exponentially, with the shorter‐livedPrunus emarginata(Douglas ex Hook.) Eaton andArbutus menziesiiPursh disappearing altogether, and long‐lived species such asP. menziesiipersisting; tree size distribution shifted from a log‐normal to a normal distribution, although the establishment of mid‐ to late‐seral species created a bimodal distribution that may represent a transitional phase not usually elaborated in prior work; and mortality shifted from largely density‐dependent to increasing amounts of density‐independent causes. The observed biomass composition of these forests, even after 154 yrs, was still largely dominated byP. menziesii, which was consistent with the prediction from chronosequence studies. The slowing of biomass accumulation as stands aged predicted from ecosystem theory was not consistent with the observation that live biomass accumulated at a relatively constant rate for the 100‐yr period.ConclusionPredictions from chronosequences at the population and community level were consistent with long‐term observations in permanent plots, whereas those at the ecosystem level were not. At the spatial scale (<2 ha) examined with these plots, the high heterogeneity of tree mortality may lead to a multi‐modal pattern of net live biomass accumulation with long periods of constant gain interrupted by sudden losses of live biomass.
Facilitation by nurse plants regulates community invasibility in harsh environments
Authors: Badano Ernesto I. , Bustamante Ramiro O. , Villarroel Elisa , Marquet Pablo A. , Cavieres Lohengrin A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractQuestionThe biotic resistance hypothesis states that species diversity is a barrier for plant biological invasions because alien species are more likely to find strong competitors as diversity of native plants increases. In stressful environments, however, these negative relationships could be diluted because increased physical harshness might reduce the importance of competition as a structuring force in plant communities. Nevertheless, if nurse plants facilitate other species and create more diverse vegetation patches than those found in their surroundings, the performance of invaders should be negatively related to diversity within these patches. Conversely, diversity would not regulate invasibility in the surroundings of nurses because these habitats are subjected to higher levels of environmental harshness.LocationA high‐Andean landscape of central Chile, dominated by cushion plants that facilitate native species and field chickweed (Cerastium arvense), an invasive exotic species.MethodsTo test our hypotheses we used observational data taken in two consecutive growing seasons by sampling plant assemblages within and outside cushion‐protected patches. Additionally, a field experiment with artificially assembled plant communities was conducted to assess why the abundance and performance of the invasive species was related to native plant diversity.ResultsContrary to our expectations, observational data indicated that the abundance of the invader species was positively related to native plant diversity within cushion patches, while negative relationships were found in the surrounding habitat. Similarly, the field experiment indicated that the performance of C. arvense increased with plant diversity within cushion patches but, in this case, neutral relationships were found in the surrounding open areas.ConclusionsOur findings indicate that nurse plants can modulate invasibility–diversity relationships in harsh environments. Overall, the results suggest that the biotic resistance hypothesis may fail to predict the direction of these relationships within nurse‐protected patches. Instead, these results suggest that the alternative biotic acceptance hypothesis could operate at small spatial scales.
Organization of the coelomic system inPhoronis australis(Lophotrochozoa:Phoronida) and consideration of the coelom in the lophophorates
Authors: Temereva E. N. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe organization of the phoronid coelomic system has traditionally been regarded as similar to that of the deuterostomians, because both have three coelomic compartments: the proto‐, meso‐ and metacoel. Recent investigations, however, have revealed the presence of two coelomic compartments in specimens from the genusPhoronisand three in specimens from the genusPhoronopsis. The current study aimed to determine which type of coelomic system organization is plesiomorphic for phoronids. The organization of the coelomic system ofPhoronis australis, which is the largest species ofPhoronis, was investigated by transmission electron microscopy and three‐dimensional reconstruction.P. australishas three coelomic compartments. The protocoel is the closed cavity, which is located at the base of the epistome, consists of two lateral branches and a central part, and has its own epithelial lining that is formed by non‐muscular epithelial and myoepithelial cells. According to these features, the protocoel must be regarded as a true coelom. The mesocoel base surrounds the esophagus and gives rise to channels that extend into each tentacle. The mesocoel lining consists of two cell types, non‐muscular epithelial and myoepithelial cells, which alternate and interconnect via desmosomes. The metacoel is subdivided into four chambers by five mesenteries. In the anterior part of the body, the metacoel lining is formed by epithelial cells, which cover the surface of the longitudinal muscles. Coelomic organization was compared in phoronids, brachiopods and bryozoans. Both phoronids and brachiopods exhibit two types of coelomic organization – bipartite and tripartite – while bryozoans have a coelomic organization that is completely different from that in phoronids and brachiopods. The tripartite coelom appears to be the plesiomorphy for theBrachiozoa. In phoronids, the coelomic lining can be organized as a primitive monociliate myoepithelium, as an advanced type with alternation of epithelial and myoepithelial cells, or as a specialized coelothelium.
Optimum Dose of Once‐Daily Oxybutynin Patch in Japanese Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Randomized Double‐Blind Trial Versus Placebo
Authors: YAMAGUCHI Osamu , UCHIDA Eiji , HIGO Naruhito , MINAMI Hidenao , KOBAYASHI Shigeo , SATO Hiroyuki ,   on behalf of the Oxybutynin Patch Study Group
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy, safety, and optimum dose of once‐daily oxybutynin patch for overactive bladder.MethodsA randomized double‐blind trial was conducted in patients with overactive bladder symptoms for ≥24 weeks, who received an oxybutynin patch (73.5 or 105 mg) or placebo once daily for 8 weeks. The primary endpoint was the change in the daily frequency of micturition from baseline to the end of study.ResultsA total of 579 patients were randomized to the placebo group (n = 164), 73.5 mg oxybutynin patch group (n = 166), and 105 mg oxybutynin patch group (n = 165). The frequency of micturition (mean ± standard deviation) decreased by 1.19 ± 1.80 in the placebo group, 1.87 ± 1.93 in the 73.5 mg group, and 1.80 ± 1.76 in the 105 mg group. Compared with the placebo group, micturition decreased significantly in the 73.5 mg and 105 mg groups (t‐test: P = 0.0025 and 0.0039, respectively), while the decrease was similar in both oxybutynin groups. The oxybutynin groups showed significant improvement of urgency, urge incontinence, incontinence, nocturia, mean voided volume, and five or six domains of the King's Health Questionnaire. Dry mouth was noted in 12.1% of the 73.5 mg group and 13.3% of the 105 mg group. Constipation was comparable between the oxybutynin groups and the placebo group. Application site reactions were less frequent in the 73.5 mg group than the 105 mg group.ConclusionThe efficacy of oxybutynin patch was confirmed, and the optimum dose for Japanese patients with overactive bladder was 73.5 mg.
Patterns, causes and consequences of defensive microbiome dynamics across multiple scales
Authors: Smith Andrew H. , Łukasik Piotr , O'Connor Michael P. , Lee Amanda , Mayo Garrett , Drott Milton T. , Doll Steven , Tuttle Robert , Disciullo Rachael A. , Messina Andrea , Oliver Kerry M. , Russell Jacob A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe microbiome can significantly impact host phenotypes and serve as an additional source of heritable genetic variation. While patterns across eukaryotes are consistent with a role for symbiotic microbes in host macroevolution, few studies have examined symbiont‐driven host evolution or the ecological implications of a dynamic microbiome across temporal, spatial or ecological scales. The pea aphid, Acyrthosiphon pisum, and its eight heritable bacterial endosymbionts have served as a model for studies on symbiosis and its potential contributions to host ecology and evolution. But we know little about the natural dynamics or ecological impacts of the heritable microbiome of this cosmopolitan insect pest. Here we report seasonal shifts in the frequencies of heritable defensive bacteria from natural pea aphid populations across two host races and geographic regions. Microbiome dynamics were consistent with symbiont responses to host‐level selection and findings from one population suggested symbiont‐driven adaptation to seasonally changing parasitoid pressures. Conversely, symbiont levels were negatively correlated with enemy‐driven mortality when measured across host races, suggesting important ecological impacts of host race microbiome divergence. Rapid drops in symbiont frequencies following seasonal peaks suggest microbiome instability in several populations, with potentially large costs of ‘superinfection’ under certain environmental conditions. In summary, the realization of several laboratory‐derived, a priori expectations suggests important natural impacts of defensive symbionts in host‐enemy eco‐evolutionary feedbacks. Yet negative findings and unanticipated correlations suggest complexities within this system may limit or obscure symbiont‐driven contemporary evolution, a finding of broad significance given the widespread nature of defensive microbes across plants and animals.
Neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease presenting with recurrent cerebral infarct‐like lesions
Authors: Sasaki Takuya , Hideyama Takuto , Saito Yuko , Shimizu Jun , Maekawa Risa , Shiio Yasushi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe report a case of adult‐onset neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease associated with recurrent cerebral infarct‐like lesions. A 65‐year‐old man presented with slowly progressing cognitive impairment and parkinsonism. Brain magnetic resonance imaging showed leukoencephalopathy with persistent high‐intensity on diffusion‐weighted imaging in areas including corticomedullary junctions. Nerve conduction studies showed sensorimotor polyneuropathy. Biopsies of the skin, peripheral nerve and skeletal muscle showed eosinophilic hyaline intranuclear inclusions immunopositive for ubiquitin and p62 in various cells included in each specimen, which confirmed the diagnosis of neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease. The patient had repeated small lesions seemingly considered to be acute cerebral infarctions without obvious causes, such as cardiovascular abnormalities or coagulation abnormalities. Infarct‐like lesions recurred even after the antithrombotic therapy. Considering the lack of abnormal findings related to cerebral infarction risk, we suggest that neuronal intranuclear inclusion disease itself might show lesions mimicking cerebral infarctions in this case.
Flammability across the gymnosperm phylogeny: the importance of litter particle size
Authors: Cornwell William K. , Elvira Alba , van Kempen Lute , van Logtestijn Richard S. P. , Aptroot André , Cornelissen J. Hans C. 
Published: February 2015

Summary

Fire is important to climate, element cycles and plant communities, with many fires spreading via surface litter. The influence of species on the spread of surface fire is mediated by their traits which, after senescence and abscission, have ‘afterlife’ effects on litter flammability.

We hypothesized that differences in litter flammability among gymnosperms are determined by litter particle size effects on litterbed packing. We performed a mesocosm fire experiment comparing 39 phylogenetically wide‐ranging gymnosperms, followed by litter size and shape manipulations on two chemically contrasting species, to isolate the underlying mechanism.

The first‐order control on litter flammability was, indeed, litter particle size in both experiments. Most gymnosperms were highly flammable, but a prominent exception was the non‐Pinus Pinaceae, in which small leaves abscised singly produced dense, non‐flammable litterbeds.

There are two important implications: first, ecosystems dominated by gymnosperms that drop small leaves separately will develop dense litter layers, which will be less prone to and inhibit the spread of surface litter fire. Second, some of the needle‐leaved species previously considered to be flammable in single‐leaf experiments were among the least flammable in litter fuel beds, highlighting the role of the litter traits of species in affecting surface fire regimes.
Doing Foucault: inquiring into nursing knowledge with Foucauldian discourse analysis
Authors: Springer Rusla Anne , Clinton Michael E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractFoucauldian discourse analysis (FDA) is a methodology that is well suited to inquiring into nursing knowledge and its organization. It is a critical analytic approach derived from Foucault's histories of science, madness, medicine, incarceration and sexuality, all of which serve to exteriorize or make visible the ‘positive unconscious of knowledge’ penetrating bodies and minds. Foucauldian discourse analysis (FDA) holds the potential to reveal who we are today as nurses and as a profession of nursing by facilitating our ability to identify and trace the effects of the discourses that determine the conditions of possibility for nursing practice that are continuously shaping and (re)shaping the knowledge of nursing and the profession of nursing as we know it. In making visible the chain of knowledge that orders the spaces nurses occupy, no less than their subjectivities, FDA is a powerful methodology for inquiring into nursing knowledge based on its provocation of deep critical reflection on the normalizing power of discourse.
Association of BNP and Troponin Levels with Outcome among Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy Recipients
Authors: SHALABY ALAA A. , ABRAHAM WILLIAM T. , FONAROW GREGG C. , BERSOHN MALCOLM M. , GORCSAN JOHN , LEE LI‐YIN , HALILOVIC JASMINA , SABA SAMIR , MAISEL ALAN , SINGH JAGMEET P. , SONEL ALI , KADISH ALAN 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundWe conducted a prospective multicenter study to assess the prognostic value of combined baseline preimplant plasma levels of the biomarkers cardiac troponin T (TnT) and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) among cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) with or without defibrillator capability (CRT‐D) recipients.MethodsAt CRT‐D implant, patients were stratified based on detectable TnT (≥0.01 ng/mL) and elevated BNP (predefined as >440 pg/mL) levels. Patients were classified into three groups: high (both detectable TnT and high BNP), intermediate (either detectable TnT or high BNP), or low (nondetectable TnT and low BNP). Patients were followed for 12 months. Survival curves free from mortality or heart failure hospitalizations (HFH) were assessed. To assess the predictive value of biomarker category, we constructed a multivariate Cox regression model, including the covariates of age, New York Heart Association class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and QRS duration.ResultsA total of 267 patients (age 66 ± 12 years, males 80%, LVEF 25% ± 8%, ischemic cardiomyopathy 52%, QRSd 155 ± 26 ms) were studied. After 1 year, there were 13 deaths and 25 HFH events. A significant difference in event‐free survival among the three groups was observed, with high and intermediate categories having worse survival than low (log‐rank test, P < 0.001). In the multivariate model, risk category was a significant predictor of outcome: hazard ratios were 7.34 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.48–21.69) and 2.50 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04–6.04) for high‐risk and intermediate‐risk groups, respectively (P < 0.0001).ConclusionAmong CRT‐D recipients, baseline TnT and BNP values alone or in combination provide significant prognostic value for the outcome of mortality or HFH.
Difficult airway consultation service for children: steps to implement and preliminary results
Authors: Nykiel‐Bailey Sydney M. , McAllister John D. , Schrock Charles R. , Molter David W. , Marsh Jennifer K. , Murray David J. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryBackgroundFailed airway management remains one of the most common causes of cardiopulmonary arrest in the pediatric population. Practice guidelines addressing the difficult airway (DAW) in adults provide anesthesiologists a framework for managing the airway during the perioperative period; however, similar consensus guidelines are lacking in the pediatric population. Many of the adverse events associated with difficult pediatric airway management occur outside the perioperative setting and often result in worse outcomes. The lower frequency of DAW management required in children, lesser awareness of pediatric health care professionals about DAW management, and the need for guiding principles led us to develop a DAW consultative service. This report outlines the steps to establish the Difficult Airway Service (DAS) and the initial experiences with this new consultation service.MethodsThe mission of the DAS is to identify children with known or anticipated DAWs, communicate the diagnosis and collaborate with referring medical and surgical services, and to manage children in those settings that airway management might be required in the context of the patient's ongoing medical care.ResultsThe initial 3‐month experience confirmed that a majority of pediatric DAW events are associated with congenital or acquired abnormalities. Through appropriate consultation and leadership, the DAS was able to physically and electronically identify pediatric patients with a DAW and provide management. Hospital‐wide participation was instrumental in the success and exponential growth of DAS: planned preoperative tracheostomy in complicated posterior spinal fusion candidates, participation in EXIT procedures, standardization of airway carts, and implementation of education forums.ConclusionIn developing the DAS, our goal was to provide a more comprehensive approach to caring for a child with a DAW that included their entire hospital stay and follow‐up care. We believe this approach has improved health care professional awareness as well as the safe management of routine and difficult pediatric airway. Additional studies are needed to determine whether measurable changes in morbidity and mortality are observed over time.
The New Public Service Revisited
Authors: Denhardt Janet V. , Denhardt Robert B. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe New Public Service describes a set of norms and practices that emphasize democracy and citizenship as the basis for public administration theory and practice. This article revisits some of the core arguments of the New Public Service and examines how they have been practiced and studied over the past 15 years. The authors conclude that neither the principles of the New Public Service nor those of the New Public Management have become a dominant paradigm, but the New Public Service, and ideas and practices consistent with its ideals, have become increasingly evident in public administration scholarship and practice.
Tc17 cells are associated with cigarette smoke‐induced lung inflammation and emphysema
Authors: Zhou Hongbin , Hua Wen , Jin Yan , Zhang Chao , Che Luanqing , Xia Lixia , Zhou Jiesen , Chen Zhihua , Li Wen , Shen Huahao 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground and objectiveSome types of T lymphocytes, especially cytotoxic T‐cells (Tc1) and T‐helper (Th17) cells, play a pivotal role in cigarette smoke‐induced lung diseases. However, whether Tc17 cells are involved remains largely unknown. We investigated Tc17 involvement using a cigarette smoke‐exposure model.MethodsGroups of mice were exposed to cigarette smoke or filtered air. At weeks 2, 8, 12 and 24, mice were sacrificed to observe histological changes by HE stain and/or immunohistochemical staining. The frequency of T cell subsets in the lung and spleen were detected by flow cytometry. In addition, the expression levels of T cell‐related factors were measured by real‐time polymerase chain reaction or enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.ResultsCigarette smoke caused substantial inflammatory cell infiltration and led to emphysema. Cigarette smoke exposure promoted the expression of interferon‐gamma (IFN)‐γ and interleukin (IL)‐17A at the messenger ribonucleic acid and protein levels. In addition to Tc1 and Th17 cells, pulmonary and splenic Tc17 cells increased, which was accompanied by the upregulation of cytokines IL‐6, transforming growth factor beta (TGF)‐β) and transcriptional factors Stat3 and RAR‐related orphan receptor gamma. Compared with untreated mice, γH2AX‐positive cells were more frequently observed in mice exposed to cigarette smoke.ConclusionsLong‐term cigarette smoke exposure induced Tc17 cell expansion both locally and distally, which was associated with emphysema and deoxyribonucleic acid damage. As an important source of IL‐17A, this T cell subset may be a potential target for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease therapy.
Ranking Scientific Journals Via Latent Class Models for Polytomous Item Response Data
Authors: Bartolucci Francesco , Dardanoni Valentino , Peracchi Franco 
Published: February 2015

SummaryWe propose a model-based strategy for ranking scientific journals starting from a set of observed bibliometric indicators that represent imperfect measures of the unobserved ‘value’ of a journal. After discretizing the available indicators, we estimate an extended latent class model for polytomous item response data and use the estimated model to cluster journals. We illustrate our approach by using the data from the Italian research evaluation exercise that was carried out for the period 2004–2010, focusing on the set of journals that are considered relevant for the subarea statistics and financial mathematics. Using four bibliometric indicators (IF, IF5, AIS and the h-index), some of which are not available for all journals, and the information contained in a set of covariates, we derive a complete ordering of these journals. We show that the methodology proposed is relatively simple to implement, even when the aim is to cluster journals into a small number of ordered groups of a fixed size. We also analyse the robustness of the obtained ranking with respect to different discretization rules.