bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Within‐species variability is the main driver of community‐level responses of traits of epiphytes across a long‐term chronosequence
Authors: Asplund Johan , Wardle David A. 
Published: March 2014

Summary

There has been growing recent interest in the relative importance of within‐species trait variation vs. across‐species trait variation in vascular plants in determining total community‐level trait variation across communities and environmental gradients. Recent studies on plant communities have generally found across‐species variation to be more important than within‐species variation, but comparable studies involving other functionally important biota, such as lichens, are largely lacking.

We used a fire‐driven chronosequence involving 30 lake islands in northern Sweden to study how declining soil fertility during retrogression affects the functional traits of each of the dominant epiphytic lichen species growing on the trunks of the tree Betula pubescens. We measured several functional traits for the commonest lichen species on each island and used community‐weighted measures to study the community‐level responses of lichens to the gradient.

We found that as retrogression proceeds and soil fertility declines, thallus N and P concentrations and specific thallus mass (STM) increase, both within species and at the community level. Lichen secondary compounds showed contrasting within‐species responses and were non‐responsive at the whole community level.

By decomposing community‐level measures of these traits across the gradient, we showed that for the three most responsive traits (N, P and STM), within‐species variation was substantially more important than across‐species variation. This emerges in part because lichen species composition was not very responsive to ecosystem retrogression, and because unlike vascular plants, lichens easily absorb elements over their entire surface, meaning that nutrient concentrations within lichen species are likely to more closely reflect nutrient availability.

We found that within‐species variability drove the changes in community‐weighted measures of lichen traits across a strong environmental gradient, which contrasts strongly with what we know from studies of vascular plants where across‐species variation and species turnover is much more important. To understand how lichen functional traits at the community level respond to environmental factors, it is therefore essential to consider the responses of individual species, and the application of traits‐based approaches to lichen communities needs to account for their considerable intraspecific variability.
Evaluating targets and trade‐offs among fisheries and conservation objectives using a multispecies size spectrum model
Authors: Blanchard Julia L. , Andersen Ken H. , Scott Finlay , Hintzen Niels T. , Piet Gerjan , Jennings Simon 
Published: March 2014

Summary

Marine environmental management policies seek to ensure that fishing impacts on fished populations and other components of the ecosystem are sustainable, to simultaneously meet objectives for fisheries and conservation. For example, in Europe, targets for (i) biodiversity, (ii) food web structure as indicated by the proportion of large fish and (iii) fishing mortality rates for exploited species that lead to maximum sustainable yield, FMSY, are being proposed to support implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive. Efforts to reconcile any trade‐offs among objectives need to be informed by knowledge on the consequences of alternate management actions.

We develop, calibrate and apply a multispecies size spectrum model of the North Sea fish community to assess the response of populations and the community to fishing. The model predicts species' size distributions, abundance, productivity and interactions and therefore provides a single framework for evaluating trade‐offs between population status, community and food web structure, biodiversity and fisheries yield.

We show that the model can replicate realistic fish population and community structure and past responses to fishing. We assess whether meeting management targets for exploited North Sea populations (fishing species at FMSY) will be sufficient to meet proposed targets for biodiversity and food web indicators under two management scenarios (status quo and FMSY).

The recovery in biodiversity indicators is 60% greater when fishing populations at FMSY than if status quo (2010) fishing rates are maintained. The probability of achieving a food web target was 60% under both scenarios in spite of major community restructuring revealed by other indicators of community size structure.

Synthesis and applications. Our model can be applied to evaluate indicator targets and trade‐offs among fisheries and conservation objectives. There is a significant probability that reductions in fishing mortality below FMSY would be needed in Europe if managers make a binding commitment to a proposed large fish indicator target, with concomitant reductions in fisheries yield.
Injury Pattern as an Indication of Seat Belt Failure in Ejected Vehicle Occupants
Authors: Freeman Michael D. , Eriksson Anders , Leith Wendy 
Published: March 2014

AbstractPrior authors have suggested that when occupant ejection occurs in association with a seat belt failure, entanglement of the outboard upper extremity (OUE) with the retracting shoulder belt will invariably occur, leaving injury pattern evidence of belt use. In the present investigation, the authors assessed this theory using data accessed from the NASS‐CDS for ejected front seat occupants of passenger vehicles. Logistic regression models were used to assess the associations between seat belt failure status and injuries. Injury types associated with seat belt failure were significant OUE and head injuries (OR = 3.87, [95% CI 1.2, 13.0] and 3.1, [95% CI 1.0, 9.7], respectively). The two injury types were found to be a predictor of seat belt use and subsequent failure only if combined with a high (≥0.8) precrash probability of belt use. The injury pattern associated with a seat belt failure‐related ejection has limited use in the forensic investigation of crash‐related ejections.
The global epidemiology and burden of opioid dependence: results from the global burden of disease 2010 study
Authors: Degenhardt Louisa , Charlson Fiona , Mathers Bradley , Hall Wayne D. , Flaxman Abraham D. , Johns Nicole , Vos Theo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimsTo estimate the prevalence and burden of disease attributable to opioid dependence globally, regionally and at country level.MethodsMultiple search strategies: (i) peer‐reviewed literature searches; (ii) systematic searches of online databases; (iii) internet searches; (iv) consultation and feedback from experts. Culling and data extraction followed protocols. DisMod‐MR, the latest version of the generic disease modelling system, a Bayesian meta‐regression tool, imputed prevalence by age, year and sex for 187 countries and 21 regions. Disability weight for opioid dependence was estimated through population surveys and multiplied by prevalence data to calculate the years of life lived with disability (YLDs). Opioid dependence premature mortality was computed as years of life lost (YLLs) and summed with YLDs to calculate disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs).ResultsThere were 15.5 million opioid‐dependent people globally in 2010 [0.22%, 95% uncertainty interval (UI) = 0.20–0.25%]. Age‐standardized prevalence was higher in males (0.30%, 95% UI = 0.27–0.35%) than females (0.14%, 95% UI = 0.12–0.16%), and peaked at 25–29 years. Prevalence was higher than the global pooled prevalence in Australasia (0.46%, 95% UI = 0.41–0.53%), western Europe (0.35%, 95% UI = 0.32–0.39) and North America (0.30%, 95% UI = 0.25–0.36). Opioid dependence was estimated to account for 9.2 million DALYs globally (0.37% of global DALYs) in 2010, a 73% increase on DALYs estimated in 1990. Regions with the highest opioid dependence DALY rates were North America (292.1 per 100 000), eastern Europe (288.4 per 100 000), Australasia (278.6 per 100 000) and southern sub‐Saharan Africa (263.5 per 100 000). The contribution of YLLs to opioid dependence burden was particularly high in North America, eastern Europe and southern sub‐Saharan Africa.ConclusionOpioid dependence is a substantial contributor to the global disease burden; its contribution to premature mortality (relative to prevalence) varies geographically, with North America, eastern Europe and southern sub‐Saharan Africa most strongly affected.
Oral zinc supplements are ineffective for treating acute dehydrating diarrhoea in 5–12‐year‐olds
Authors: Negi Ruchita , Dewan Pooja , Shah Dheeraj , Das Shukla , Bhatnagar Shinjini , Gupta Piyush 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimMany countries have guidelines recommending the use of oral zinc in acute dehydrating diarrhoea in children aged 2 months to 5 years of age, but no guidelines exist for older children. This study tested how effective existing recommendations are in children from 5 to 12 years of age.MethodsChildren hospitalised with acute dehydrating diarrhoea (n = 134) were randomised to receive 40 mg of oral zinc sulphate tablets or a placebo for 14 days. The primary outcome variable was the time taken for diarrhoea to stop. Secondary outcome variables included time taken for rehydration, duration of hospitalisation and recurrence of diarrhoea in the next 3 months.ResultsThe median time for resolution of diarrhoea was 60 h in both groups. The zinc group was marginally better, but not statistically significant, for resolution (hazard ratio = 0.89, 95% CI 0.63–1.24), rehydration (hazard ratio = 0.93, 95% CI 0.66–1.32) and hospitalisation (hazard ratio = 0.94, 95% CI 0.67–1.34). The risk ratio of recurrence for zinc versus placebo (95% CI) was 0.65 [0.37–1.23] [p = 0.11].ConclusionDaily zinc supplements (40 mg for 14 days) in children aged 5–12 years with acute dehydrating diarrhoea did not shorten the duration of diarrhoea or reduce subsequent episodes. Further adequately sized, community‐based trials are needed.
Restoration of peripheral blood natural killer and B cell levels in patients affected by rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis during etanercept treatment
Authors: Conigliaro P , Triggianese P , Perricone C , Chimenti M S , Di Muzio G , Ballanti E , Guarino M D , Kroegler B , Gigliucci G , Grelli S , Perricone R 
Published: March 2014

Summary
Etanercept (ETN) is an anti-tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α agent used in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Few studies focused on the effects of anti-TNF-α on peripheral blood cells. We aimed to evaluate peripheral blood cells in RA and PsA patients during ETN treatment and to explore their relationships with disease activity. RA (n = 82) and PsA (n = 32) patients who started ETN were included into the study and evaluated prospectively before the beginning of ETN therapy and after 14, 22, 54 and 102 weeks. Patients were studied in terms of disease activity score on 28 joints (DAS28), clinical response and laboratory findings. Natural killer (NK) cells, B cells and T cells were characterized by immunophenotyping. Both the RA and the PsA patients showed reduced NK and B cell count before ETN treatment compared with controls. A negative correlation was demonstrated between DAS28 and B cell count in RA patients at baseline. Sustained significant increase of NK and B cells up to normal levels was observed in RA and PsA patients along ETN treatment. Increase of NK cell count was associated with a good–moderate clinical response to ETN in both RA and PsA patients. During ETN treatment peripheral blood NK and B cells levels were restored in RA and PsA patients. Correlations between NK and B cells with disease activity were observed, suggesting that those effects could be mediated by ETN treatment.
Urine and plasma metabolites predict the development of diabetic nephropathy in individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Pena M. J. , Lambers Heerspink H. J. , Hellemons M. E. , Friedrich T. , Dallmann G. , Lajer M. , Bakker S. J. L. , Gansevoort R. T. , Rossing P. , de Zeeuw D. , Roscioni S. S. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractAimsEarly detection of individuals with Type 2 diabetes mellitus or hypertension at risk for micro‐ or macroalbuminuria may facilitate prevention and treatment of renal disease. We aimed to discover plasma and urine metabolites that predict the development of micro‐ or macroalbuminuria.MethodsPatients with Type 2 diabetes (n = 90) and hypertension (n = 150) were selected from the community‐cohort ‘Prevention of REnal and Vascular End‐stage Disease’ (PREVEND) and the Steno Diabetes Center for this case–control study. Cases transitioned in albuminuria stage (from normo‐ to microalbuminuria or micro‐ to macroalbuminuria). Controls, matched for age, gender, and baseline albuminuria stage, remained in normo‐ or microalbuminuria stage during follow‐up. Median follow‐up was 2.9 years. Metabolomics were performed on plasma and urine. The predictive performance of a metabolite for albuminuria transition was assessed by the integrated discrimination index.ResultsIn patients with Type 2 diabetes with normoalbuminuria, no metabolites discriminated cases from controls. In patients with Type 2 diabetes with microalbuminuria, plasma histidine was lower (fold change = 0.87, P = 0.02) and butenoylcarnitine was higher (fold change = 1.17, P = 0.007) in cases vs. controls. In urine, hexose, glutamine and tyrosine were lower in cases vs. controls (fold change = 0.20, P < 0.001; 0.32, P < 0.001; 0.51, P = 0.006, respectively). Adding the metabolites to a model of baseline albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate metabolites improved risk prediction for macroalbuminuria transition (plasma integrated discrimination index = 0.28, P < 0.001; urine integrated discrimination index = 0.43, P < 0.001). These metabolites did not differ between hypertensive cases and controls without Type 2 diabetes.ConclusionsType 2 diabetes‐specific plasma and urine metabolites were discovered that predict the development of macroalbuminuria beyond established renal risk markers. These results should be confirmed in a large, prospective cohort.
Effect of Increased Severity of Mitral Regurgitation and Preprocedural Right Ventricular Systolic Dysfunction on Biventricular and Left Atrial Mechanical Functions Following Percutaneous Mitral Balloon Valvuloplasty
Authors: Tigen Kursat , Pala Selcuk , Sadic Beste Ozben , Karaahmet Tansu , Dundar Cihan , Bulut Mustafa , Izgi Akin , Esen Ali Metin , Kirma Cevat 
Published: March 2014

BackgroundSevere mitral stenosis (MS) may impair left atrial (LA) pump function, and increase LA and pulmonary venous pressure resulting in right ventricular (RV) systolic dysfunction. The aim of this study was to evaluate biventricular and LA function after percutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty (PMBV) by tissue Doppler (TDI) and speckle tracking echocardiography (STE).MethodsTwenty‐eight consecutive patients with severe symptomatic rheumatic MS (11 men, mean age: 39 ± 7 years) who were referred for PMBV were included in the study. In addition to conventional echocardiography, all patients underwent TDI and two‐dimensional (2D) (STE) to assess left ventricular (LV), LA, and RV function before and 3 months after PMBV. Severity of mitral regurgitation (MR) was graded by the ratio of MR jet area to LA area (JA/LAA) method and any postprocedural progression of the JA/LAA ratio was defined as worsening of MR. Peak systolic velocity of tricuspid lateral annulus (RVs) <11.5 cm/sec was accepted as RV dysfunction.ResultsLeft atrial diameter and area were decreased, while LV dimensions were unchanged following the valvuloplasty. PMBV improved STE‐based LV mechanical indices, LA reservoir and conduit function, and RV free wall basal longitudinal strain (LS) and displacement. Increased severity of MR was detected in 6 patients, and PMBV did not improve the STE‐based RV or LV function in these patients, while LA reservoir and conduit function were both improved independent of MR worsening. There was significant improvement in RVs and RV basal LS in the 15 patients with preprocedural RV systolic dysfunction, while the improvement in patients with normal preprocedural RV function was not significant.ConclusionPercutaneous mitral balloon valvuloplasty may improve both LA and biventricular function in patients with severe symptomatic MS. Both TDI and STE are useful to determine biventricular and LA function after PMBV. Although the number of patients was insufficient, worsening of MR after PMBV may limit the improvement in RV and LV function, while preprocedural RV dysfunction does not seem to limit the improvement in RV function and pulmonary artery systolic pressure. Large scale follow‐up studies are required to see whether the changes observed in cardiac mechanics are persistent.
Posterior Mitral Leaflet Left Atrial Anomalous Chord in the Absence of Surgical Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Martin Julie W. , Bach David S. 
Published: March 2014

Mini‐AbstractAberrant left atrial mitral valve chords are rare causes of mitral regurgitation (MR). An aberrant chord to the posterior mitral valve leaflet has not been reported. Transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrated a chord‐like structure from the left atrium to the middle (P2) scallop of the posterior mitral leaflet, causing focal P2 prolapse without typical myxomatous degeneration. Three‐dimensional images revealed that the chord terminated on a papillary muscle‐like structure within the left atrium. There was mild MR. Focal mitral leaflet prolapse without typical myxomatous change may herald the presence of an aberrant chord.
Immature platelet fraction measured on the Sysmex XN hemocytometer predicts thrombopoietic recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation
Authors: van der Linden Noreen , Klinkenberg Lieke J.J. , Meex Steven J.R. , Beckers Erik A.M. , de Wit Norbert C.J. , Prinzen Lenneke 
Published: March 2014

AbstractObjectivesA period of thrombocytopenia is common after stem cell transplantation (SCT). To prevent serious bleeding complications, prophylactic platelet transfusions are administered. Previous studies have shown that a rise in immature platelets precedes recovery of platelet count. Our aim was to define a cutoff value for immature platelets predicting thrombopoietic recovery within 2 d.MethodsHematological parameters were measured on the Sysmex XN hemocytometer. We calculated reference change values (RCV) for platelets in eight healthy individuals as marker for platelet recovery. To define a cutoff value, we performed ROC analysis using data from 16 autologous SCT patients.ResultsRCV for platelet concentration was 14.1%. Platelet recovery was observed 13 (median; range 9–31) days after SCT. Increase in immature platelet fraction (IPF) before platelet recovery was seen in all autologous SCT patients. Optimal cutoff IPF was found to be 5.3% for platelet recovery within 2 d (specificity 0.98, sensitivity 0.47, positive predictive value 0.93).ConclusionsWe identified an optimal cutoff value for IPF 5.3% to predict platelet recovery after autologous SCT within 2 d. Implementing this cutoff value in transfusion strategy may reduce the number of prophylactic platelet transfusions.
Genotype analysis in Hungarian patients with multiple primary melanoma
Authors: Hatvani Zsófia , Brodszky Valentin , Mazán Mercédesz , Pintér Dóra , Hársing Judit , Tóth Veronika , Somlai Beáta , Kárpáti Sarolta 
Published: March 2014

AbstractMultiple primary melanoma patients (MPMps) have better prognosis and are more prone to genetic predisposition than single melanoma patients. We aimed to compare genetic background (CDKN2A, CDK4, MITF, MC1R) of 43 Hungarian MPMps with their clinicopathological data. We observed a higher rate of synchronous first and second melanoma (MM) (49%) and a higher frequency of non‐melanoma tumor co‐occurrence (42%) than reported previously. CDKN2A mutation frequency was 4.7% (E69G, R99P). We identified a new human MC1R variant (D117G) and reported MC1R variant distributions in Hungarian MMs for the first time. The rare R163Q was exceptionally common among Hungarian MPMps, a variant otherwise frequent in Asia, but not in Europe. MC1R ‘R’ carriers showed histopathological signs of a more progressive disease than ‘r’ carriers did; however, tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in their second melanomas occurred significantly more frequently. Calculating 5‐year overall survival, ‘R’ carriers showed more unfavourable prognosis (87%) than ‘r’ carriers did (95%).
Biomass, sugar, and bioethanol potential of sweet corn
Authors: Barros‐Rios Jaime , Romaní Aloia , Garrote Gil , Ordas Bernardo 
Published: March 2014

AbstractSweet corn is a widely distributed crop that generates agricultural waste without significant commercial value. In this study, we show that sweet corn varieties produce large amounts of residual biomass (10 t ha−1) with high content of soluble sugars (25% of dry matter) in a short growing season (3 months). The potential ethanol production from structural and soluble sugars extracted from sweet corn stover reached up to 4400 l ha−1 in the most productive hybrids, 33% of which (1500 l ha−1) were obtained by direct fermentation of free sugars. We found wide genetic variation for biomass yield and soluble sugars content suggesting that those traits can be included as complementary traits in sweet corn breeding programs. Dual‐purpose sweet corn hybrids can have an added value for the farmers contributing to energy generation without affecting food supply or the environment.
Pyrolysis biochar systems, balance between bioenergy and carbon sequestration
Authors: Crombie Kyle , Mašek Ondřej 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis study aimed to investigate the extent to which it is possible to marry the two seemingly opposing concepts of heat and/or power production from biomass with carbon sequestration in the form of biochar. To do this, we investigated the effects of feedstock, highest heating temperature (HTT), residence time at HTT and carrier gas flow rate on the distribution of pyrolysis co‐products and their energy content, as well as the carbon sequestration potential of biochar. Biochar was produced from wood pellets (WP) and straw pellets (SP) at two temperatures (350 and 650 °C), with three residence times (10, 20 and 40 min) and three carrier gas flow rates (0, 0.33 and 0.66 l min−1). The energy balance of the system was determined experimentally by quantifying the energy contained within pyrolysis co‐products. Biochar was also analysed for physicochemical and soil functional properties, namely environmentally stable‐C and labile‐C content. Residence time showed no considerable effect on any of the measured properties. Increased HTT resulted in higher concentrations of fixed C, total C and stable‐C in biochar, as well as higher heating value (HHV) due to the increased release of volatile compounds. Increased carrier gas flow rate resulted in decreased biochar yields and reduced biochar stable‐C and labile‐C content. Pyrolysis at 650 °C showed an increased stable‐C yield as well as a decreased proportion of energy stored in the biochar fraction but increased stored energy in the liquid and gas co‐products. Carrier gas flow rate was also seen to be influential in determining the proportion of energy stored in the gas phase. Understanding the influence of production conditions on long term biochar stability in addition to the energy content of the co‐products obtained from pyrolysis is critical for the development of specifically engineered biochar, be it for agricultural use, carbon storage, energy generation or combinations of the three.
Reflections on Research into Higher Education since Robbins
Authors: Williams Gareth 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe Robbins report and its five appendices jump‐started research into higher education in the United Kingdom. Previously the preserve of a few sociologists it rapidly became a recognised field of academic study that has had considerable influence on policy and practice. However, the question of whether it is a single academic field or a subject of research for specialists from other social science disciplines remains open.