bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global patterns and predictors of fish species richness in estuaries
Authors: Vasconcelos Rita P. , Henriques Sofia , França Susana , Pasquaud Stéphanie , Cardoso Inês , Laborde Marina , Cabral Henrique N. 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Knowledge of global patterns of biodiversity and regulating variables is indispensable to develop predictive models.

The present study used predictive modelling approaches to investigate hypotheses that explain the variation in fish species richness between estuaries over a worldwide spatial extent. Ultimately, such models will allow assessment of future changes in ecosystem structure and function as a result of environmental changes.

A comprehensive worldwide data base was compiled of the fish assemblage composition and environmental characteristics of estuaries. Generalized Linear Models were used to quantify how variation in species richness among estuaries is related to historical events, energy dynamics and ecosystem characteristics, while controlling for sampling effects.

At the global extent, species richness differed among marine biogeographic realms and continents and increased with mean sea surface temperature, terrestrial net primary productivity and the stability of connectivity with a marine ecosystem (open vs. temporarily open estuaries). At a smaller extent (within a marine biogeographic realm or continent), other characteristics were also important in predicting variation in species richness, with species richness increasing with estuary area and continental shelf width.

The results suggest that species richness in an estuary is defined by predictors that are spatially hierarchical. Over the largest spatial extents, species richness is influenced by the broader distributions and habitat use patterns of marine and freshwater species that can colonize estuaries, which are in turn governed by history contingency, energy dynamics and productivity variables. Species richness is also influenced by more regional and local parameters that can further affect the process of community colonization in an estuary including the connectivity of the estuary with the adjacent marine habitat, and, over smaller spatial extents, the size of these habitats. In summary, patterns of species richness in estuaries across large spatial extents seem to reflect from global to local processes acting on community colonization. The importance of considering spatial extent, sampling effects and of combining history and contemporary environmental characteristics when exploring biodiversity is highlighted.
Prevalence of CYP2C19 alleles, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic variation of clopidogrel and prasugrel in Bangladeshi population
Authors: Bin Sayeed Muhammad Shahdaat , Hasan Apu Mohd Nazmul , Munir Maliha Tabassum , Ahmed Maizbha Uddin , Islam Mohammad Safiqul , Haq M Maksumul , Ahsan Chowdhury H , Rashid M A , Shin Jae Gook , Hasnat Abul 
Published: March 2015

SummaryThe extent to which cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C19 genotype influences the effectiveness of clopidogrel remains uncertain due to considerable heterogeneity between studies. We used the polymerase chain reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) method for genotyping loss of function (LOF) allele, CYP2C19*2 and gain of function (GOF) allele, CYP2C19*17 in 163 patients undergoing PCI and 165 healthy volunteers from an ethnically distinctive Bangladeshi population. Thirty‐eight patients took prasugrel and 125 patients took clopidogrel among whom 30 patients had their clopidogrel active metabolites (CAM) determined by LC‐MS/MS 1–1.5 h after clopidogrel intake. All patients who underwent PCI had their P2Y12 per cent inhibition (PRI) measured by VerifyNow System. The impact of different genotypes on CAM and PRI were also determined. We did not find significant variation of CYP2C19*2 (P > 0.05) and CYP2C9*17 (P > 0.05) alleles among healthy volunteers and patients. CAM concentration as well as PRI by clopidogrel varied significantly (P < 0.05) based on genotypic variation of CYP2C19*2 and CYP2C19*17 individually. Such influence was not observed in case of prasugrel. Genotypic variation did not impact PRI but as a whole PRI by prasugrel was better than that of clopidogrel (P < 0.05). Due to presence of both of alleles the effect on PRI by clopidogrel could not be predicted, effectively indicating possible involvement of other factors. Genotype guided clopidogrel dose adjustment would be beneficial and therefore we propose mandatory genotyping before clopidogrel dosing. Prasugrel proved to be less affected by genotypic variability, but due to lack of sufficient long‐term toxicity data, caution would be adopted before substituting clopidogrel.
The effect of repeated, lethal sampling on wild bee abundance and diversity
Authors: Gezon Zachariah J. , Wyman Eli S. , Ascher John S. , Inouye David W. , Irwin Rebecca E. 
Published: March 2015

Summary

Bee pollinators provide a critical ecosystem service to wild and agricultural plants but are reported to be declining world‐wide due to anthropogenic change. Long‐term data on bee abundance and diversity are scarce, and the need for additional quantitative sampling using repeatable methods has been emphasized. Recently, monitoring programmes have begun using a standardized method that employs a combination of pan traps and sweep netting, resulting in lethal sampling of bees. This standardized method can remove a large number of bees from sites during each sampling day, raising concern that the sampling itself could have a negative effect on bee populations.

We conducted an experiment to assess whether lethal sampling for bees using pan traps and netting affected bee abundance and diversity when done every two weeks throughout a season and over multiple years. We compared bee abundance, richness, evenness and functional group composition between sites that had been sampled every two weeks from 2009 to 2012 to similar sites not previously sampled.

We found that the standardized method for sampling bees, with specimens from 132 morphospecies, did not affect bee communities in terms of abundance, rarefied richness, evenness, or functional group composition. Thus, our results indicate that the bee communities we sampled are robust to such sampling efforts, despite removing an average of 2862 bees per season.

We discuss several explanations for why sampling did not affect bee abundance or community structure, including a density‐dependent response to reduced competition for resources.

These results suggest that bee monitoring programmes sampling once every two weeks with pan traps and netting will not affect bee community structure. We urge researchers monitoring bees to utilize standardized protocols so that results can be compared across space and time.
Transversus abdominis plane block vs. wound infiltration in Caesarean section: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: TELNES A. , SKOGVOLL E. , LONNÉE H. 
Published: March 2015

BackgroundMultiple studies suggest that transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block (without intrathecal morphine) after Caesarean section (CS) reduces post‐operative morphine consumption. In our study, we wanted to compare the analgesic effect of TAP block with infiltration of the wound after CS.MethodsWe included 60 pregnant women scheduled for elective CS under spinal anaesthesia in a randomised, single‐centre, double‐blind study. Thirty patients received ultrasound‐guided TAP block using 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% with adrenaline 5 μg/ml bilaterally and 20 ml normal saline as wound infiltration (TAP group). The other 30 patients (the control group) received normal saline 20 ml bilaterally in the TAP, and 20 ml bupivacaine 0.25% with adrenaline 5 μg/ml as wound infiltration. The main outcome was cumulative morphine consumption at 48 h after surgery. In addition, continuous morphine consumption, pain scores and side effects were registered.ResultsFifty‐seven patients completed the study. Cumulative morphine consumption at 48 h (mean ± standard deviation) was 41 ± 34 mg in the TAP group and 38 ± 27 mg in the control group (P = 0.7); a difference of 3 mg (95% confidence interval −13 to 19 mg). Morphine consumption at any time up to 48 h was virtually identical in both groups. Side effects were similar, except for a higher degree of sedation in the TAP group (P = 0.04).ConclusionCompared with wound infiltration with local anaesthetics, TAP block did not reduce cumulative morphine consumption following CS. The TAP block was associated with more pronounced sedation.
The Business Cycle: A Kelsonian Analysis
Authors: Greaney Michael D. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIncreasingly dramatic swings in economic activity are characteristic of the modern business cycle that results from the failure of Say's Law of Markets to operate. From the perspective of the banking principle of the Smithian school of classical economics, the swings of the modern business cycle are a symptom of a badly structured economic order based on inadequate or incorrect principles. The problems associated with the modern business cycle are, however, entirely solvable with the tools and techniques of binary economics as applied in a manner consistent with the principles of economic and social justice as proposed under Capital Homesteading.
A Real‐Assets Model of Economic Crises: Will China Crash in 2015?
Authors: Gaffney Mason 
Published: March 2015

AbstractLoosely derived from Henry George's theory that land speculation creates boom‐bust cycles, a real‐assets model of economic crises is developed. In this model, land prices play a central role, and three hypothesized mechanisms are proposed by which swings of land prices affect the entire economy: construction on marginal sites, partial displacement of circulating capital by fixed capital investment, and the over‐leveraging of bank assets. The crisis of 2008 is analyzed in these terms along with other examples of sudden economic contractions in U.S. history, recent European experience, and global examples over the past 20 years. Conditions in China in 2014 are examined and shown to indicate a likely recession in that country in 2015 because its banks are over‐leveraged with large‐scale, under‐performing real estate loans. Finally, alternative methods of preventing similar crises in the future are explored.
The Great Recession and Marx's Crisis Theory
Authors: Kliman Andrew 
Published: March 2015

AbstractTo help understand why the Great Recession occurred, this article focuses on its underlying causes and employs Karl Marx's theory of capitalist economic crisis. It shows that U.S. corporations' rate of return on fixed asset investment fell throughout the half‐century preceding the recession, and that this fall accounts for the entire decline in their rate of capital accumulation (productive investment). The investment slowdown led to a decline in the rate of economic growth, which was a main cause of rising debt burdens, as were stimulative fiscal and monetary policies that delayed but exacerbated the effects of the underlying economic problems. The article also refutes the claim that the rate of profit could not really have fallen because massive redistribution of income from wages to profits took place, and it argues that it is unlikely that major crises of capitalism can be eliminated.
Predicting Major Economic Events with Accuracy: A New Framework for Scientific Macroeconomic Models
Authors: Wayne James J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractDespite intense studies over the last several hundred years, the questions about causes, forecasting, and prevention of economic crises remain unsolved. The poor performance of macroeconomic models during the Great Recession of 2008 has forced many economists to reexamine macroeconomic theories and search for credible alternatives to the agent‐based and general‐equilibrium models now currently used by most economists. This article derives a new category of macroeconomic model and applies it conceptually to explain the causes of economic crises. This model, known as the indeterministic balance sheet plus (IBS+) model, is a special breed of accounting models. It takes an indeterministic view of future balance sheets. This article proposes a classification of causes of economic crises using IBS+ models to analyze balance sheets of key economic sectors. Most economic crises are caused by mismanagement of balance sheets by key economic players, not by any fundamental flaw of capitalism. The frequency of economic crises can be minimized by proper risk management practices, but economic crises can never be completely eliminated. Historically, treating mismanagement of balance sheets as the main cause of economic crises is a generalization of Austrian business cycle theory, Fisher's debt deflation theory, and Minsky's financial instability hypothesis.
Effects of the jaw‐thrust manoeuvre in the semi‐sitting position on securing a clear airway during fibreoptic intubation
Authors: Chang J.‐E. , Min S.‐W. , Kim C.‐S. , Kwon Y.‐S. , Hwang J.‐Y. 
Published: March 2015

SummarySecuring a clear airway is important for successful fibreoptic intubation. We investigated whether the jaw‐thrust manoeuvre in the 25° semi‐sitting position improves airway clearance compared with the supine position in 88 anaesthetised patients randomly assigned to the two positions. After induction of anaesthesia, the fibreoptic bronchoscope was advanced into the mouth along the dorsum of the tongue during the jaw‐thrust manoeuvre. Airway clearance was assessed at the level of the soft palate and epiglottis. Patients in the 25° semi‐sitting position had clearer airways (judged subjectively by a three‐level scale) than those in the supine position at the soft palate level (p = 0.012). At the level of the epiglottis, airway clearance was equally good in both positions. The mean (SD) times to view the vocal cord and carina were shorter in the 25° semi‐sitting position (4 (1) s and 8 (1) s, respectively) compared with the supine position (6 (3) s and 11 (3) s; p < 0.001, respectively). The time to achieve intubation was also shorter in the 25° semi‐sitting position (21 (5) s) than in the supine position (25 (7) s; p = 0.018).
Efficacy of conservative management in patients with right colonic diverticulitis
Authors: Ha Gi Won , Lee Min Ro , Kim Jong Hun 
Published: March 2015

AbstractBackgroundAlthough right colonic diverticulitis is more common than sigmoid diverticulitis, and its incidence has been increasing in Asian countries, there is no definitive treatment strategy for right colonic diverticulitis. This retrospective clinical study assessed the effect of conservative management in patients with right colonic diverticulitis.MethodsOf the 169 patients who were diagnosed with right colonic diverticulitis at Chonbuk National University Hospital, South Korea, from 2005 to 2012, 152 patients evaluated by abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) and managed conservatively were included. CT findings were categorized by modified Hinchey classification, with stages Ib, II, III and IV, as well as fistula and obstruction defined as complicated diverticulitis. Factors associated with recurrence of diverticulitis were determined.ResultsThe mean age of 152 patients (87 males, 65 females) was 42.9 ± 13.8 years, median follow‐up interval was 61 months (range, 17–113 months). At diagnosis, five patients (3.3%) had complicated diverticulitis. After treatment of first attack, 15 patients (9.9%) experienced recurrence of right colonic diverticulitis, including 10 (6.6%) within 12 months. Fourteen of these patients were successfully treated conservatively, whereas one failed conservative management and required surgical resection. Statistical analysis found no variables related to recurrence of right colonic diverticulitis.ConclusionRight colonic diverticulitis has a low rate of complicated diverticulitis at first attack and a low recurrence rate, with most recurrences being uncomplicated. Therefore, conservative management is effective in patients with right colonic diverticulitis. Close follow‐up of patients for 12 months is required because most recurrences may occur within 12 months.
Young pupils', their teacher's and classroom assistants' experiences of iPads in a Northern Ireland school: “Four and five years old, who would have thought they could do that?”
Authors: Clarke Linda , Abbott Lesley 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper describes an iPad project in a Northern Ireland primary school. It evaluates how the technology impacted on learning in literacy, numeracy and in pupil skills. The youngest pupils were asked about their iPad experiences using small‐group interviews based on the circle time approach. Their teacher and two classroom assistants were interviewed about organisational, pedagogical and pupil skill patterns. The teacher reported improvements and greater readiness in pupils' ability to grasp initial key concepts in literacy and numeracy, including lower ability and special needs children. Motivation, concentration and confidence grew, as did spontaneous peer collaboration and the early stages of peer assessment. Classroom assistants had an innovative role in supporting iPad use and noted improved pupil communication, listening and fine motor skills. The children said that iPads helped them with writing, counting and drawing. They understood the purpose of specific apps, how to navigate them and what learning occurred.
Quantitative Proteomic Analysis of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells in Ankylosing Spondylitis by iTRAQ
Authors: Cai Anji , Qi Suwen , Su Zhuowa , Shen Huaqing , Yang Yu , He Liang , Dai Yong 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis study was designed to identify and quantify the different proteins expression levels in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and to explore the pathogenesis of AS. We performed isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) coupled with multiple chromatographic fractionation and tandem mass spectrometry to detect the proteins profiling in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from AS patients and healthy controls. Mascot software and the International Protein Index and the Gene Ontology (GO) database were used to conduct the bioinformatics analysis. The differentially expressed proteins were validated by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 1,232 proteins were identified by iTRAQ, of which 183 showed differential expression and 18 differentially expressed proteins were acute phase reactants. Upon mapping of the differentially expressed proteins to GO database, we found four differentially expressed proteins involved in the biological process of cell killing, including up‐regulated cathepsin G (CTSG), neutrophil defensin3 (DEFA3), protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type C (PTPRC), and down‐regulated peroxiredoxin‐1(PRDX1),which were consistent with the verified results of ELISA. Our proteomic analyses suggested that the proteins involved in the biological process of cell killing might play an important role in the pathogenesis of AS.
Designing a CTSA‐Based Social Network Intervention to Foster Cross‐Disciplinary Team Science
Authors: Vacca Raffaele , McCarty Christopher , Conlon Michael , Nelson David R. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis paper explores the application of network intervention strategies to the problem of assembling cross‐disciplinary scientific teams in academic institutions. In a project supported by the University of Florida (UF) Clinical and Translational Science Institute, we used VIVO, a semantic‐web research networking system, to extract the social network of scientific collaborations on publications and awarded grants across all UF colleges and departments. Drawing on the notion of network interventions, we designed an alteration program to add specific edges to the collaboration network, that is, to create specific collaborations between previously unconnected investigators. The missing collaborative links were identified by a number of network criteria to enhance desirable structural properties of individual positions or the network as a whole. We subsequently implemented an online survey (N = 103) that introduced the potential collaborators to each other through their VIVO profiles, and investigated their attitudes toward starting a project together. We discuss the design of the intervention program, the network criteria adopted, and preliminary survey results. The results provide insight into the feasibility of intervention programs on scientific collaboration networks, as well as suggestions on the implementation of such programs to assemble cross‐disciplinary scientific teams in CTSA institutions.
Novel use of platelet‐rich fibrin matrix and MTA as an apical barrier in the management of a failed revascularization case
Authors: Yadav Pankaj , Pruthi Preeti Jain , Naval Ruchika Roongta , Talwar Sangeeta , Verma Mahesh 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMethodWe report management of a failed revascularization/revitalization case, which could be due to inadequate removal of biofilm and bacteria in dentinal tubules. The use of an apical matrix barrier in form of a platelet‐rich fibrin (PRF) membrane for stabilization of MTA in root end apexification procedure is described. The canal was cleansed of old MTA present in the cervical third using H files, irrigated using saline and finally irrigated with 2.5% NaOCl and saline. To obtain canal disinfection, calcium hydroxide paste was temporized in the canal. In subsequent appointments, PRF was placed at the root tip followed by 5‐mm apical plug with mineral trioxide aggregate. One week later, the root canal was obturated with thermoplasticized gutta‐percha. A 6‐month and a 2‐year follow ups showed reduction of periapical radiolucency and adequately functional tooth.ResultsOne‐visit apexification techniques provide an alternative treatment for failed revascularization cases. Follow up confirmed complete healing periradicularly.ConclusionApexification in one step using an apical barrier of PRF and a plug of MTA can be considered a predictable treatment and may be an alternative to long‐term revascularization failures.
Treatment of vitamin D deficiency/insufficiency with ergocalciferol is associated with reduced vascular access dysfunction in chronic hemodialysis patients
Authors: Agarwal Gaurav , Vasquez Karina , Penagaluru Neena , Gelfond Jonathan , Qunibi Wajeh Y. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractVitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is highly prevalent among patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study aims to determine the relationship between vitamin D and frequency of vascular access dysfunction (VAD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We reviewed medical records of all HD patients who had serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels at 4 outpatient dialysis facilities between January 2011 and January 2012. Patients were included if they were ≥18 years of age, had been on maintenance dialysis for ≥3 months, and had native arteriovenous fistula or synthetic polytetrafluoroethylene grafts for dialysis access. Patients with catheters were excluded. 25‐Hydroxyvitamin D levels <30 ng/mL were documented in 183 patients (86%). Median and interquartile range [Q1, Q3] of 25OHD level was 16 [11, 25] ng/mL. Among 213 dialysis patients, 102 had VAD. Median 25OHD level was significantly lower in patients who had VAD than in those without VAD (14.5 [10, 22] vs. 19 [12, 27.5] ng/mL; P = 0.003). There was significant association between VAD and the lowest quartile relative to the highest quartile of 25OHD level. A 25OHD level <12 ng/mL was associated with more than doubling of risk for VAD (OR 2.56; 95% CI [1.05–6.23], P < 0.05). Of 213 patients, 140 were treated with ergocalciferol and 73 were not treated. Treatment was associated with significant reduction in VAD (OR = 0.36; 95% CI [0.19–0.68], P = 0.002). Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency is an independent risk factor for VAD in HD patients; its treatment with ergocalciferol is associated with decreased VAD.