bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous colonization of restored dry grasslands by target species: restoration proceeds beyond sowing regional seed mixtures
Authors: Johanidesová E. , Fajmon K. , Jongepierová I. , Prach K. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractDry grasslands are endangered habitats across Europe, and their restoration requires increasing attention, including their re‐creation on arable land. We studied spontaneous colonization by eleven target species on thirty‐five dry grassland sites restored with regional seed mixtures 1–13 years ago in the eastern part of the Czech Republic, a region where species‐rich dry grasslands often occur in the vicinity of the restored grasslands. Occurrence of the target species (not sown in the restored grasslands) was quantified inside and outside each restored grassland up to distances of 100 and 500 m, and the distance to the nearest population outside was assessed. Data were processed using univariate (Spearman rank‐correlation coefficient, generalized linear models) and multivariate (redundancy analysis) statistics. The establishment of all target species was closely related to their occurrence in the surroundings. Occurrence of species at a distance of up to 500 m, minimum distance to the nearest population and time since start of restoration significantly influenced the occurrence of all the species in the restored grasslands, while distance up to 100 m influenced all except two species. The most successful were wind‐dispersedCirsium canumandInula salicinaand, the least successful was the myrmecochorousEuphorbia virgata. Seeding regional seed mixtures may be considered an appropriate first step in the restoration of species‐rich grasslands on arable land. Following diversification of the vegetation in restored grassland, spontaneous establishment of additional species may occur if the species occur in the vicinity. Results are discussed in the context of grassland restoration and agri‐environmental objectives.
Effects of systemic fungal endophytes on the performance of meadow fescue and tall fescue in mixtures with red clover
Authors: Dirihan S. , Helander M. L. , Saloniemi I. , Gundel P. E. , Saikkonen K. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA symbiosis between grasses and systemic fungal endophytes exists in both natural and agricultural grassland communities. Our objective was to examine the effects of systemic endophytes on the competitive ability of two agronomically important grass species: meadow fescue [Festuca pratensis(Huds.) syn.Schedonorus pratensis(Huds.)P.Beauv] and tall fescue [Festuca arundinacea(Schreb.) syn.Schedonorus phoenix(Scop.)]. Plants of meadow and tall fescue were grown for 48 days in replacement series of interspecific mixture with a legume (red clover,Trifolium pratenseL.) in different nutrient environments in a greenhouse. Neither of the grass species gained endophyte‐promoted competitive advantage over red clover in grass–clover mixtures. Endophyte infection increased the growth of meadow fescue monocultures by 89% compared to endophyte‐free monocultures in high‐nutrient soils, but plant competition or the cost of endophyte infection to the meadow fescue decreased the yield in resource‐limited conditions. On average, endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free meadow fescues produced 0·15 and 0·17 g, and 0·14 and 0·14 g dry biomass per plant in mixtures with red clover in high‐ and low‐nutrient soils respectively. In contrast to meadow fescue, endophyte‐promoted growth of tall fescue monocultures was not detected. Endophyte‐infected and endophyte‐free tall fescue monocultures produced 0·76 and 0·95 g biomass per pot, respectively, in the high‐nutrient environment. Endophyte infection can increase the performance of the host grass, but the positive effects depend on the host species, the species composition and soil nutrient availability.
Hypotension, bedridden, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and elevated serum creatinine predict mortality in geriatric patients with fever
Authors: Chung Min‐Hsien , Chu Feng‐Yuan , Yang Tzu‐Meng , Lin Hung‐Jung , Chen Jiann‐Hwa , Guo How‐Ran , Vong Si‐Chon , Su Shih‐Bin , Huang Chien‐Cheng , Hsu Chien‐Chin 
Published: October 2014

AimThe geriatric population (aged ≥65 years) accounts for 12–24% of all emergency department (ED) visits. Of them, 10% have a fever, 70–90% will be admitted and 7–10% of will die within a month. Therefore, mortality prediction and appropriate disposition after ED treatment are of great concern for geriatric patients with fever. We tried to identify independent mortality predictors of geriatric patients with fever, and combine these predictors to predict their mortality.MethodsWe enrolled consecutive geriatric patients visiting the ED between 1 June and 21 July 2010 with the following criteria of fever: a tympanic temperature ≥37.2°C or a baseline temperature elevated ≥1.3°C. We used 30‐day mortality as the primary end‐point.ResultsA total of 330 patients were enrolled. Hypotension, bedridden, leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia and serum creatinine >2 mg/dL, but not age, were independently associated with 30‐day mortality. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) ranged from 18.2% to 90.9%, 34.7% to 100%, 9.0% to 100% and 94.5% to 98.2%, respectively, depending on how many predictors there were.ConclusionsThe 30‐day mortality increased with the number of independent mortality predictors. With at least four predictors, 100% of the patients died within 30 days. With none of the predictors, just 1.8% died. These findings might help physicians make decisions about geriatric patients with fever. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 834–839.
Characteristics of visiting nurse agencies with high home death rates: A prefecture‐wide study in Japan
Authors: Kashiwagi Masayo , Tamiya Nanako , Murata Masako 
Published: October 2014

AimThe purpose of the present study was to identify characteristics of visiting nurse agencies (VNA) in Japan with high home death rates by a prefecture‐wide survey.MethodsA cross‐sectional study of visiting nurse agencies (n = 101) in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, was completed. Data included the basic characteristics of each VNA, the type of services provided, level of coordination with other service providers, total number of VNA patients who died per year and place of death and contractual relationship with home‐care supporting clinics providing end‐of‐life care services in the home 24 h a day. The VNA characteristics were analyzed by logistic regression, using the home death rate per VNA as a dependent variable.ResultsA total 69 agencies, excluding those that did not report number of deaths (n = 14) and those without deaths during the year (n = 6), were analyzed. The median home death rate of the 69 VNA was 29.8%. The results of logistic regression analysis showed that higher home death rate was significantly associated with lack of attachment to a hospital, existence of a contractual relationship with home‐care supporting clinics and existence of an interactive information exchange through telephone/face‐to‐face communication with attending physicians.ConclusionsIn order to increase the home death rate of people using VNA, policymakers must consider establishing home‐based service systems within the community that can provide home end‐of‐life care services 24 h a day, and support the interactive exchange of information between the visiting nurse and the attending physician. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 936–943.
Prognosis‐related factors concerning oral and general conditions for homebound older adults in Japan
Authors: Suzuki Ryo , Kikutani Takeshi , Yoshida Mitsuyoshi , Yamashita Yoshihisa , Hirayama Yoji 
Published: October 2014

PurposeThe present study examined the relationship between oral function, such as eating/swallowing, and life prognosis among a homebound elderly population, considering physical and mental function.MethodsThe participants were 511 homebound older adults aged 65 years or older living in four Japanese prefectures. Sex, age, activities of daily living (ADL), cognitive function, underlying disease, nutritional status as Mini‐Nutritional Assessment‐Short Form (MNA®‐SF), swallowing function, dietary modification and occlusal status were examined at baseline. Participants were categorized into poor outcome (died or admitted to hospital or nursing home) and good outcome (still under home care) groups at 1‐year follow up, and significant related baseline factors were analyzed. In addition, these groups were compared by the ADL subgroup divided into <60 (lower) and ≥60 (higher) by Barthel Index.ResultsIn total, 473 participants were followed up (poor outcome group 177 [37.4%], good outcome group 296 [62.6%]). Sex, age, ADL, MNA®‐SF, swallowing function, dietary modification and occlusal support were significantly different between these groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that sex and MNA®‐SF score were significantly related to prognosis in the lower ADL group, and sex, age, Charlson Comorbidity Index and occlusal support were significantly related in the higher ADL group.ConclusionsADL was strongly correlated with life prognosis in homebound older adults. Within the higher ADL participants, occlusal support was related to this outcome. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1001–1006.
Haploidentical peripheral blood stem cell infusion in combination with chemotherapy for acute myeloid leukaemia in elderly patients
Authors: Bishop D. C. , Johnston A. J. , Kwan J. M. W. , Antonenas V. , Gottlieb D. J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractElderly patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) have a poor prognosis with standard chemotherapy. Two elderly AML patients treated with infusion of family‐derived partially human leukocyte antigen (HLA)‐matched peripheral blood stem cells following each cycle of chemotherapy entered morphological complete remission without graft versus host disease or major toxicity. Our results support this as a non‐toxic approach for inducing a graft versus leukaemia effect in patients not suitable for allogeneic transplantation. Additional resources required for donor assessment and harvest may be reduced by using banked partially HLA‐matched mononuclear cells from unrelated donors.
Prescribing for older people discharged from the acute sector to residential aged‐care facilities
Authors: Hopcroft P. , Peel N. M. , Poudel A. , Scott I. A. , Gray L. C. , Hubbard R. E. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFor frail older people, admission to hospital is an opportunity to review the indications for specific medications. This research investigates prescribing for 206 older people discharged into residential aged care facilities from 11 acute care hospitals in Australia. Patients had multiple comorbidities (mean 6), high levels of dependency, and were prescribed a mean of 7.2 regular medications at admission to hospital and 8.1 medications on discharge, with hyper‐polypharmacy (≥10 drugs) increasing from 24.3% to 32.5%. Many drugs were preventive medications whose time until benefit was likely to exceed the expected lifespan. In summary, frail patients continue to be exposed to extensive polypharmacy and medications with uncertain risk–benefit ratio.
Restless legs syndrome: an underappreciated and distressing problem for haemodialysis patients
Authors: Chu L. , Chu E. , Dogra G. , Chakera A. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractRestless legs syndrome is a distressing condition that is more common in patients with end‐stage renal failure. Despite the significant impact it has on quality of life and the documented association between restless legs syndrome and increased mortality, limited data regarding the epidemiology of restless legs syndrome in Australian dialysis patients are available. We report a prospective study that assessed the prevalence and factors associated with restless legs syndrome in an in‐centre haemodialysis population.
On Pooling of Data and Its Relative Efficiency
Authors: Xu Jinfeng , Kuk Anthony 
Published: October 2014

SummaryPooling of data is often carried out to protect privacy or to save cost, with the claimed advantage that it does not lead to much loss of efficiency. We argue that this does not give the complete picture as the estimation of different parameters is affected to different degrees by pooling. We establish a ladder of efficiency loss for estimating the mean, variance, skewness and kurtosis, and more generally multivariate joint cumulants, in powers of the pool size. The asymptotic efficiency of the pooled data non‐parametric/parametric maximum likelihood estimator relative to the corresponding unpooled data estimator is reduced by a factor equal to the pool size whenever the order of the cumulant to be estimated is increased by one. The implications of this result are demonstrated in case–control genetic association studies with interactions between genes. Our findings provide a guideline for the discriminate use of data pooling in practice and the assessment of its relative efficiency. As exact maximum likelihood estimates are difficult to obtain if the pool size is large, we address briefly how to obtain computationally efficient estimates from pooled data and suggest Gaussian estimation and non‐parametric maximum likelihood as two feasible methods.
How Does the Largest Shareholder Affect Dividends?
Authors: Aoki Yasuharu 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFocusing on the legal protection of minority shareholders in Japan, which suggests that manager‐owned firms are better governed than corporation‐owned firms, this study presents a new test of two dividend models: the substitute model and the outcome model. In support of the latter, I find that manager‐owned firms pay higher dividends than corporation‐owned firms. The paper also examines the association between ownership by the largest shareholder and dividend payments. I find an inverted U‐shaped relationship for manager‐owned firms and a U‐shaped relationship for corporation‐owned firms between them. These results can be explained by the benefits and drawbacks of concentrated ownership.
The Interaction of Post‐Acquisition Integration and Acquisition Focus in Relation to Long‐Run Performance
Authors: Daniliuc Sorin , Bilson Chris , Shailer Greg 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWe examine the joint influence of post‐acquisition integration management and acquisition focus on long‐run post‐acquisition performance. We develop a financial measure related to integration that is based on changes in net purchases/disposals of physical assets. For a sample of acquisitions by Australian listed firms, we find that the main effects and the interaction of our integration measure and focus are related to performance in the direction suggested by theory. Our results suggest that inconsistencies in previous studies of the focus‐performance relation are partly explained by the failure to consider the post‐acquisition asset management strategies.
Photosynthesis is Reduced, and Seeds Fail to Set and Fill at Similar Soil Water Contents in Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Subjected to Terminal Drought
Authors: Kong H. , Palta J. A. , Siddique K. H. M. , Stefanova K. , Xiong Y.‐C. , Turner N. C. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractGrass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) is an indeterminate grain legume considered adapted to dry environments, but the mechanisms of its adaptation are not well understood. Grass pea plants were exposed to terminal drought from podding, and the development of water deficit was measured together with its effects on leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, carbon remobilisation to the seeds, flower production and abortion, pod production and abortion, seed set, seed growth and the neurotoxin β‐N‐oxalyl‐L‐a, β‐diaminopropionic acid (β‐ODAP) concentration. Predawn leaf water potential (Ψleaf), stomatal conductance (gs), rate of leaf photosynthesis (Pn), flower production, pod production, filled pod number, seed number, seed size and yield decreased, while flower abortion, pod abortion and seed abortion increased, and the concentration of β‐ODAP was unchanged under terminal drought conditions. gs and Pn began to decrease at a higher plant‐available soil water content (PAWC) (67.2 ± 2.3 % and 62.9 ± 2.3 %) than Ψleaf (43.7 ± 1.1 %). Flowers and pods ceased being produced only when the PAWC decreased below 40.1 ± 4.6 % and 35.3 ± 3.0 %, respectively, but seed set and seed growth ceased when PAWC decreased below 55.5 ± 1.6 % and 58.0 ± 3.7 %, respectively. The mobilization of 13C labelled assimilates from the stems was greater under terminal drought than under well‐watered conditions, but the transfer to the seed was small. We conclude that seed set and seed growth decreased as the soil dried due to a reduction in current photosynthesis as a result of stomatal closure.
The Liquidus in Cu–O–CaO System at Metallic Copper Saturation up to 1698 K
Authors: Hamuyuni Joseph , Hellstén Niko , Akdogan Guven , Taskinen Pekka 
Published: October 2014

We present experimental results for the liquidus of the pseudo binary system Cu2O–CaO at metallic copper saturation up to 1698 K in steps of 25 K. In this study, we quantified the liquidus (on the CaO side of the binary) by the equilibration, quench, and analysis technique, with Cu2O, CaO, and Cu as the only primary crystalline phases. Experiments were conducted in an atmosphere of pure argon up to the critical temperature (1618 K) in the Cu–O system. Above this temperature, experiments were performed at a fixed oxygen pressure of (PO2 = 1.01 kPa). Equilibrated specimens were quenched in ice‐cold water. We then quantified the liquid chemical compositions by means of energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and electron probe micro‐analyzer. Results from this study reveal that below the critical point, some previous studies have overestimated CaO solubility amounts in the molten phase of the system, by up to 4.35 wt% CaO. Thermodynamic modeling of systems containing this binary should therefore also account for this variance.
Girls’ childhood trajectories of disruptive behavior predict adjustment problems in early adolescence
Authors: van der Molen Elsa , Blokland Arjan A.J. , Hipwell Alison E. , Vermeiren Robert R.J.M. , Doreleijers Theo A.H. , Loeber Rolf 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundIt is widely recognized that early onset of disruptive behavior is linked to a variety of detrimental outcomes in males, later in life. In contrast, little is known about the association between girls’ childhood trajectories of disruptive behavior and adjustment problems in early adolescence.MethodsThis study used nine waves of data from the ongoing Pittsburgh Girls Study. A semiparametric group‐based model was used to identify trajectories of disruptive behavior in 1,513 girls from age 6 to 12 years. Adjustment problems were characterized by depression, self‐harm, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), substance use, interpersonal aggression, sexual behavior, affiliation with delinquent peers, and academic achievement at ages 13 and 14.ResultsThree trajectories of childhood disruptive behavior were identified: low, medium, and high. Girls in the high group were at increased risk for depression, self‐harm, PTSD, illegal substance use, interpersonal aggression, early and risky sexual behavior, and lower academic achievement. The likelihood of multiple adjustment problems increased with trajectories reflecting higher levels of disruptive behavior.ConclusionGirls following the high childhood trajectory of disruptive behavior require early intervention programs to prevent multiple, adverse outcomes in adolescence and further escalation in adulthood.
Cardiovascular outcomes and systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs in patients with severe psoriasis: 5‐year follow‐up of a Danish nationwide cohort
Authors: Ahlehoff O. , Skov L. , Gislason G. , Gniadecki R. , Iversen L. , Bryld L.E. , Lasthein S. , Lindhardsen J. , Kristensen S.L. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Hansen P.R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackgroundPsoriasis is a common disease and is associated with cardiovascular diseases. Systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs may reduce risk of cardiovascular events. We therefore examined the rate of cardiovascular events, i.e. cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and stroke, in patients with severe psoriasis treated with systemic anti‐inflammatory drugs.MethodsIndividual‐level linkage of administrative registries was used to perform a longitudinal nationwide cohort study. Time‐dependent multivariable adjusted Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cardiovascular events associated with use of biological drugs, methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoids and other antipsoriatic therapies, including topical treatments, phototherapy and climate therapy.ResultsA total of 6902 patients (9662 treatment exposures) with a maximum follow‐up of 5 years were included. Incidence rates per 1000 patients‐years for cardiovascular events were 4.16, 6.28, 6.08, 18.95 and 14.63 for biological drugs, methotrexate, cyclosporine, retinoid and other therapies respectively. Relative to other therapies, methotrexate (HR 0.53; CI 0.34–0.83) was associated with reduced risk of the composite endpoint and a comparable but non‐significant protective effect was observed with biological drugs (HR 0.58; CI 0.30–1.10), whereas no protective effect was apparent with cyclosporine (HR 1.06; CI 0.26–4.27) and retinoids (HR 1.80; CI 1.03–2.96). Tumour necrosis factor inhibitors (HR 0.46; CI 0.22–0.98) were linked to reduced event rates, whereas the interleukin‐12/23 inhibitor ustekinumab (HR 1.52; CI 0.47–4.94) was not.ConclusionSystemic anti‐inflammatory treatment with methotrexate was associated with significantly lower rates of cardiovascular events during long‐term follow‐up compared to patients treated with other antipsoriatic therapies. The treatment strategy in patients with severe psoriasis may have an impact on cardiovascular outcomes and randomized trials to evaluate the cardiovascular safety and efficacy of systemic antipsoriatic therapies are called for.
Prominent protein Z‐induced thrombin inhibition in cirrhosis: A new functional assay for hypercoagulability assessment
Authors: Kim Seon Young , Kim Ji‐Eun , Kim Yoon Jun , Han Kyou‐Sup , Kim Hyun Kyung 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground and AimsProtein Z (PZ) is an anticoagulant that accelerates the inhibitory effect of PZ‐dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI) on coagulation factor Xa. We assessed functional status of PZ system in 158 patients with liver cirrhosis and 59 healthy controls.MethodsPlasma PZ and ZPI levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay. Thrombin generation assays (TGA) were performed with and without thrombomodulin (TM) or PZ, and the ratios were calculated by dividing TGA values with TM or PZ by values without TM or PZ.ResultsPZ and ZPI levels were reduced and elevated in advanced cirrhosis, respectively. The lag time ratio–PZ was significantly higher in cirrhosis patients than controls and correlated with the model for end‐stage liver disease score. The peak thrombin ratio–PZ and endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) ratio–PZ were significantly lower in cirrhosis patients than controls and correlated with the severity of liver cirrhosis. The peak thrombin ratio–PZ was dramatically reduced in advanced cirrhosis. Cirrhosis patients had a significantly higher ETP ratio–TM than the controls, although the ratio was not correlated with cirrhosis severity. The lag time ratio–PZ and peak time ratio–PZ were significantly correlated with the levels of all coagulation and anticoagulation factors. Interestingly, the lag time ratio–PZ and peak thrombin ratio–PZ were significantly associated with thrombotic events.ConclusionThe anticoagulant role of PZ is insufficient in advanced stages of cirrhosis. Our newly developed functional assay for measuring the PZ system is expected to reflect the ongoing hypercoagulability of cirrhosis.