bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
How to kill a tree: empirical mortality models for 18 species and their performance in a dynamic forest model
Authors: Hülsmann Lisa , Bugmann Harald , Cailleret Maxime , Brang Peter 
Published: December 2017

AbstractDynamic Vegetation Models (DVMs) are designed to be suitable for simulating forest succession and species range dynamics under current and future conditions based on mathematical representations of the three key processes regeneration, growth, and mortality. However, mortality formulations in DVMs are typically coarse and often lack an empirical basis, which increases the uncertainty of projections of future forest dynamics and hinders their use for developing adaptation strategies to climate change. Thus, sound tree mortality models are highly needed. We developed parsimonious, species‐specific mortality models for 18 European tree species using >90,000 records from inventories in Swiss and German strict forest reserves along a considerable environmental gradient. We comprehensively evaluated model performance and incorporated the new mortality functions in the dynamic forest model ForClim. Tree mortality was successfully predicted by tree size and growth. Only a few species required additional covariates in their final model to consider aspects of stand structure or climate. The relationships between mortality and its predictors reflect the indirect influences of resource availability and tree vitality, which are further shaped by species‐specific attributes such as maximum longevity and shade tolerance. Considering that the behavior of the models was biologically meaningful, and that their performance was reasonably high and not impacted by changes in the sampling design, we suggest that the mortality algorithms developed here are suitable for implementation and evaluation in DVMs. In the DVM ForClim, the new mortality functions resulted in simulations of stand basal area and species composition that were generally close to historical observations. However, ForClim performance was poorer than when using the original, coarse mortality formulation. The difficulties of simulating stand structure and species composition, which were most evident for Fagus sylvatica L. and in long‐term simulations, resulted from feedbacks between simulated growth and mortality as well as from extrapolation to very small and very large trees. Growth and mortality processes and their species‐specific differences should thus be revisited jointly, with a particular focus on small and very large trees in relation to their shade tolerance.
The origins of Antarctic rock glaciers: periglacial or glacial features?
Authors: Guglielmin Mauro , Ponti Stefano , Forte Emanuele 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn extensively glaciarized permafrost areas such as Northern Victoria Land, rock glaciers are quite common and are considered postglacial cryotic landforms. This paper reveals that two rock glaciers in Northern Victoria Land (at Adélie Cove and Strandline) that are located close to the Italian Antarctic Station (Mario Zucchelli Station) should have the same origin, although they were previously mapped as Holocene periglacial landforms and subsequently considered ice‐cored and ice‐cemented rock glaciers, respectively. In fact, by integrating different geophysical investigations and borehole stratigraphy, we show that both landforms have similar internal structures and cores of buried glacier ice. Therefore, this kind of rock glacier is possibly related to the long‐term creep of buried ice rather than to permafrost creep alone. This interpretation can be extended to the larger part of the features mapped as rock glaciers in Antarctica.In addition, a high‐reflective horizon sub‐parallel to the topographic surface was detected in Ground Probing Radar (GPR) data over a large part of the study area. Combining all the available information, we conclude that it cannot be straightforwardly interpreted as the base of the active layer but rather represents the top of a cryo‐lithological unit characterized by ice lenses within sediments that could be interpreted as the transition zone between the active layer and the long‐term permafrost table. More generally, knowledge of the subsurface ice content and, in particular, the occurrence of massive ice and its depth is crucial to make realistic and affordable forecasts regarding thermokarst development and related feedbacks involving GHG emissions, especially in the case of cryosoils rich in carbon content. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Retracted: Evaluation of the circulating MicroRNA‐495 and Stat3 as prognostic and predictive biomarkers for lower extremity deep venous thrombosis
Authors: Li Nai‐Xuan , Sun Jing‐Wu , Yu La‐Mei 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study aims to elucidate the prognostic and predictive biomarker of miR‐495 and Stat3 in peripheral blood in relation to lower extremity deep venous thrombosis (DVT). Patients with lower limb fractures were assigned into case and control groups. Rats were allocated into blank (normal rats), sham (normal rats), DVT, miR‐495 mimic, miR‐495 inhibitor, over‐Stat3, and si‐Stat3 groups. ELISA was used to detect levels of prothrombin time (PT), endothelin‐1 (ET‐1), Human Fibrinogen (FIB), D‐Dimer, blood coagulation factors V and VIII, tissue type plasminogen activator (t‐PA), platelet activating factor (PAF), protein C and Stat3. qRT‐PCR was employed for the evaluation of the expressions of miR‐495 and Stat3, while receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed to assess the predictive value of miR‐495 and Stat3 as well as the treatment outcomes of patients with lower limb fractures. Logistic regression analyses were conducted in order to correlate indexes and lower extremity DVT. miR‐495 overexpression, t‐PA, PAF, and protein C were confirmed to be protective factors, while Stat3 overexpression, PT, ET‐1, FIB, D‐Dimer, blood coagulation factor V, and VIII were all ultimately considered to be risk factors of lower extremity DVT. Stat3 was confirmed to be the target gene of miR‐495. Compared with the blank group, the length and weight of the thrombus as well as the ratio between length and weight, mRNA and protein expression of Stat3 were reduced in the miR‐495 mimic and si‐Stat3 groups. Our findings suggest that through the suppression of Stat3 expression, miR‐495 prohibits lower extremity DVT in peripheral blood.
Cell-free one-pot conversion of (+)-valencene to (+)-nootkatone by a unique dye-decolorizing peroxidase combined with a laccase from Funalia trogii
Authors: Kolwek Julia , Behrens Christoph , Linke Diana , Krings Ulrich , Berger Ralf G 
Published: December 2017

Abstract
A combined system of a unique dye-decolorizing peroxidase (Ftr-DyP) and a laccase obtained from the basidiomycete Funalia trogii converted the precursor (+)-valencene completely to the high-value grapefruit flavour constituent (+)-nootkatone, reaching a concentration maximum of 1100 mg/L. In the presence of 1 mM Mn2+ and 2.5 mM p-coumaric acid, (+)-nootkatone was the predominating volatile product, and only traces of substrate and the nootkatols were detectable after 24 h. Hence, the two-enzyme-system reproduced the oxidizing activity observed before for the crude culture supernatant. The newly discovered Ftr-DyP was purified, sequenced and further characterized as a thermostable, non-glycosylated protein with a pH-optimum in the acidic range and a calculated mass of 52.3 kDa. Besides the typical activity of DyPs towards anthraquinone dyes, Ftr-DyP also oxidized Mn2+ and showed activity in the absence of hydrogen peroxide. Neither the DyP from Mycetinis scorodonius nor the manganese peroxidase from Nematoloma frowardii were able to replace Ftr-DyP in this reaction. A hypothetical reaction mechanism is presented.
Effect of the dietary delivery matrix on vitamin D3 bioavailability and bone mineralisation in vitamin-D3-deficient growing male rats
Authors: Hodgkinson Alison J. , Wallace Olivia A. M. , Kruger Marlena C. , Prosser Colin G. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study assessed bioavailability and utilisation of vitamin D3 in two feeding trials using young, growing Sprague–Dawley male rats. Trial one fed animals standard AIN-93G diet (casein protein) containing no vitamin D3 and goat or cow skimmed milk supplemented with vitamin D3. Trial two fed animals modified dairy-free AIN-93G diet (egg albumin) containing no vitamin D3 and goat or cow skimmed or full-fat milk supplemented with vitamin D3. Control groups received AIN-93G diets with or without vitamin D, and water. At 8 weeks of age, blood samples were collected for vitamin and mineral analysis, and femurs and spines were collected for assessment of bone mineralisation and strength. In both trials, analyses showed differences in bioavailability of vitamin D3, with ratios of serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 to vitamin D3 intake more than 2-fold higher in groups drinking supplemented milk compared with groups fed supplemented solid food. Bone mineralisation was higher in groups drinking supplemented milk compared with groups fed supplemented solid food, for both trials (P<0·05). There was no difference in the parameters tested between skimmed milk and full-fat milk or between cow milk and goat milk. Comparison of the two trials suggested that dietary protein source promoted bone mineralisation in a growing rat model: modified AIN-93G with egg albumin produced lower bone mineralisation compared with standard AIN-93G with casein. Overall, this study showed that effects of vitamin D3 deficiency in solid diets were reversed by offering milk supplemented with vitamin D3, and suggests that using milk as a vehicle to deliver vitamin D is advantageous.
Condensed tannin-amended cassava silage: fermentation characteristics, degradation kinetics andin-vitrogas production with rumen liquor
Authors: Nascimento T. V. C. , Bezerra L. R. , Menezes D. R. , Lucena A. R. F. , Queiroz M. A. Á. , Trajano J. S. , Oliveira R. L. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe objective of the current research was to evaluate the fermentative characteristics of silage made with the upper third section of cassava (Manihot esculenta) plants with added condensed tannin levels of 0, 25, 50 and 75 g/kg dry matter (DM). The experimental design was a complete randomized design, with treatments arranged in a 4 × 7 factorial (tannin addition levels × days of ensiling). The loss of gas and the presence of moulds observed in the opening days had increased linearly. Fermentative characteristics were decreased by the addition of tannin. Acetic acid content showed a linear increase. Tannin levels had a quadratic effect on gas production at 28 days of ensiling. After 56 days, however, tannin levels had no significant effect on silage gas production. After 28 days of ensiling, the degradability of potentially degradable fraction ‘b’ demonstrated quadratic effect. The same occurred with the fractions ‘a’, ‘b’ which were undegradable after 56 days of ensiling. The addition of condensed tannin lengthened the fermentative stage and caused the silage to stabilize after 56 days of ensiling.
Norovirus transmission dynamics: a modelling review
Authors: GAYTHORPE K. A. M. , TROTTER C. L. , LOPMAN B. , STEELE M. , CONLAN A. J. K. 
Published: December 2017

SUMMARYNorovirus is one of the leading causes of viral gastroenteritis worldwide and responsible for substantial morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs. To further understanding of the epidemiology and control of norovirus, there has been much recent interest in describing the transmission dynamics of norovirus through mathematical models. In this study, we review the current modelling approaches for norovirus transmission. We examine the data and methods used to estimate these models that vary structurally and parametrically between different epidemiological contexts. Many of the existing studies at population level have focused on the same case notification dataset, whereas models from outbreak settings are highly specific and difficult to generalise. In this review, we explore the consistency in the description of norovirus transmission dynamics and the robustness of parameter estimates between studies. In particular, we find that there is considerable variability in estimates of key parameters such as the basic reproduction number, which may mean that the effort required to control norovirus at the population level may currently be underestimated.
Diagnostic accuracy of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot (IB) for the detection of antibodies againstNeospora caninumin milk from dairy cows
Authors: Chatziprodromidou I. P. , Apostolou T. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe aim of the study was to estimate the sensitivity and specificity of enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunoblot (IB) for detecting antibodies ofNeospora caninumin dairy cows, in the absence of a gold standard. The study complies with STRADAS-paratuberculosis guidelines for reporting the accuracy of the test. We tried to apply Bayesian models that do not require conditional independence of the tests under evaluation, but as convergence problems appeared, we used Bayesian methodology, that does not assume conditional dependence of the tests. Informative prior probability distributions were constructed, based on scientific inputs regarding sensitivity and specificity of the IB test and the prevalence of disease in the studied populations. IB sensitivity and specificity were estimated to be 98.8% and 91.3%, respectively, while the respective estimates for ELISA were 60% and 96.7%. A sensitivity analysis, where modified prior probability distributions concerning IB diagnostic accuracy applied, showed a limited effect in posterior assessments. We concluded that ELISA can be used to screen the bulk milk and secondly, IB can be used whenever needed.
Double aortic arch presenting as neonatal respiratory failure in the delivery room
Authors: Lee Marc , Kumar T. K. Susheel , Paudel Govinda 
Published: December 2017

AbstractRespiratory symptoms are prevalent in vascular ring anomalies, including double aortic arch, which is considered the most common type of vascular ring. However, respiratory failure owing to critical airway obstruction in the neonatal period is rare with few reported cases in the literature. We report a case of a newborn patient who required emergent intubation within the first few hours of life and was later discovered to have a double aortic arch.
Sleep Disorders in Pregnancy
Authors: Bazalakova Mihaela 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSleep and pregnancy are dynamic processes with unique and evolving physiological substrates. Given the “restorative hypothesis” of sleep as an anabolic process essential for cellular and tissue regeneration, the largely unexplored role of sleep in gestational physiology and pregnancy outcomes promises to be a fascinating topic. Emerging literature suggests that objectively measured or self-reported short sleep duration may be a risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), gestational hypertension, and cesarean delivery. In this review, we discuss obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and restless legs syndrome (RLS), two sleep disorders prevalent in pregnancy. OSA is especially likely in high-risk pregnancy where it is associated with comorbid cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances. We review new data strongly suggesting that OSA is an independent risk factor for GDM and gestational hypertension. It remains to be seen if sleep disruption, whether or not in the context of gestational RLS and gestational OSA, is a modifiable factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes. Clinicians are encouraged to query sleep symptoms in pregnant women and to have a low threshold to pursue investigations for OSA, including the subjective symptoms of snoring, witnessed apneas, and daytime sleepiness, and also medical comorbidities, such as chronic hypertension.
Neuroimaging in Pregnant Women
Authors: Chansakul Thanissara , Young Geoffrey 
Published: December 2017

AbstractChoosing the most appropriate diagnostic neuroimaging study for a pregnant woman involves assessing the pretest likelihood of serious treatable neurologic disease, the diagnostic utility of various available computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) modalities, and the risks of each. Of these three elements—pretest differential diagnosis, utility of MRI and CT, and risks of MR and CT—the risk component is perhaps the least well understood by most physicians. We provide a basic review of the intrinsic risks of MRI and CT, particularly radiation biology and radiation safety, as well as the risks pertaining to the use of contrast agents, to reduce provider confusion and anxiety and improve quality, safety, and efficiency of neuroimaging diagnosis in pregnant patients. We believe that a better understanding of the associated very low risks with mother and fetus will reassure the reader that CT remains the most appropriate tool for initial rapid diagnosis of acute neurological conditions in pregnancy and that in urgent situations CT should not be withheld or delayed due to exaggerated concern about radiation. Noncontrast MRI, while not without risk, is generally considered safe in pregnancy, as no evidence of fetal adverse effects has been demonstrated to date. Iodinated CT contrast agents are likely safer than gadolinium-based MRI contrast agents because of gadolinium accumulation in the amniotic fluid and fetal tissue, although no harmful effects of tissue gadolinium accumulation are known. In most but not all pregnant patients presenting with a new or worsening neurological abnormality, the risks intrinsic to the disease will outweigh the risks of imaging. In an individual patient, the pretest probability of serious treatable disease and acuity of presentation will usually suggest an optimal imaging strategy and choice of test. This optimal strategy will also depend on the immediate availability and level of sophistication of the scanners, software, technologists, and radiologists. As such, the standard of care for imaging in pregnancy requires direct consultation between the referring clinician and radiologist to determine the most appropriate strategy and brief documentation of the resulting consensus risk–benefit assessment.
Spinal Cord Injuries – When Is the Initial Tomography Insufficient?
Authors: Rodrigues Pedro Augusto Sousa , Ghizoni Enrico , Tedeschi Helder , Joaquim Andrei Fernandes 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroduction Spinal cord injury (SCI) is common in polytrauma patients. The standard exam for the initial evaluation is computed tomography (CT), due to its higher sensitivity and specificity when compared with plain radiographs. However, CT is insufficient for the management of some cases, especially to evaluate ligamentous and spinal cord injuries. The objective of the present study is to describe clinical scenarios in which the CT scan was insufficient to guide the treatment of SCIs.Methods We present the cases of four polytrauma patients with normal CT scans at admission and with unstable or surgically-treated lesions.Discussion The cases reported evidence the need for ongoing neurological surveillance with serial physical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in cases of neurological injury not explained by CT or occult instability.Conclusion Computed tomography is not always sufficient to determine the management of SCIs. A comprehensive evaluation of the clinical data, CT findings and, occasionally, MRI findings is crucial in order to choose the best conduct.
Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cell: An Update
Authors: Maretti-Mira Ana , DeLeve Laurie 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis update focuses on two main topics. First, recent developments in our understanding of liver sinusoidal endothelial cell (LSEC) function will be reviewed, specifically elimination of blood-borne waste, immunological function of LSECs, interaction of LSECs with liver metastases, LSECs and liver regeneration, and LSECs and hepatic fibrosis. Second, given the current emphasis on rigor and transparency in biomedical research, the update discusses the need for standardization of methods to demonstrate identity and purity of isolated LSECs, pitfalls in methods that might lead to a selection bias in the types of LSECs isolated, and questions about long-term culture of LSECs. Various surface markers used for immunomagnetic selection are reviewed.
Konservative Therapiemöglichkeiten der weiblichen Inkontinenz
Authors: Kretschmer Alexander , Bauer Ricarda 
Published: December 2017

ZusammenfassungIn der vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit werden aktuelle konservative Therapiemöglichkeiten der weiblichen Harninkontinenz analysiert. Hierbei wird zwischen Belastungsharninkontinenz, Dranginkontinenz und Mischformen unterschieden und der Wert einer rationalen Diagnostik zur besseren Unterscheidungsmöglichkeit zwischen den Unterformen dargelegt. Hinsichtlich der konservativen Therapie wird ein besonderer Fokus auf Lebensstiländerungen, Blasentraining, Beckenbodentherapie und medikamentöse Therapieformen gelegt und werden aktuelle Studienergebnisse diskutiert. Zusätzlich werden aktuelle Expertenempfehlungen zu den einzelnen Therapieoptionen dargestellt, um eine Inklusion der aktuellen Evidenz in den Klinikalltag zu erleichtern.
Klinische Klassifikation von Gesichtsschmerzen: Implementierung der Evidenz in die klinische Praxis
Authors: von Piekartz Harry , Janfrüchte Lukas 
Published: December 2017

ZusammenfassungOrofaziale Schmerzen sind aufgrund ihrer Komplexität schwierig zu diagnostizieren. Die Autoren bieten einen Überblick über die
Pathophysiologie und die beitragenden Faktoren der orofazialen Schmerzen inklusiver einer Klassifikation, die Physio- und Manualtherapeuten
in der Praxis unterstützt – Handwerkszeug, um Patienten mit Gesichtsschmerzen adäquat zu untersuchen und zu therapieren.
Atropin zur Prävention der Myopieprogression – Datenlage, Nebenwirkungen, praktische Empfehlungen
Authors: Schittkowski Michael , Sturm Veit 
Published: December 2017

ZusammenfassungDie Prävalenz der Myopie hat in den letzten Jahrzehnten weltweit zugenommen. In den südostasiatischen Metropolen werden Raten von ≥ 80% bei jungen Erwachsenen erreicht. Diese teilweise dramatische Zunahme ist vor allem den veränderten Lebensgewohnheiten geschuldet. Seit mehr als 100 Jahren weiß man um die hemmende Wirkung des Atropins auf die Myopieprogression. Obgleich der genaue Wirkungsmechanismus noch unbekannt ist, wurde in der letzten Dekade doch eine evidenzbasierte Behandlungsstrategie entwickelt. Atropintropfen können die Myopieprogression bei asiatischen Kindern im Mittel um − 0,54 Dioptrien (dpt)/Jahr und bei kaukasischen Kindern um − 0,35 dpt/Jahr mildern. Zu beachten ist jedoch eine Nichtansprechrate von ca. 10%. Die Behandlung sollte nur bei Schulkindern (Alter ≥ 6 Jahre) mit einer nachgewiesenen Progressionsrate von − 0,5 dpt im Vorjahr begonnen werden. Die zykloplegisch ermittelte Ausgangsrefraktion sollte zumindest − 2 dpt (sphärisches Äquivalent) betragen. Empfohlen wird die Applikation 0,01%iger Tropfen 1× am Abend vor dem Schlafengehen in den Bindehautsack. Die Therapie mit 0,01% gilt als gut verträglich und nebenwirkungsarm. Die Behandlung wird zunächst über 2 Jahre durchgeführt, da zum Teil im 2. Jahr eine bessere Effektivität erzielt wurde. Ein halbjährliches Kontrollintervall während der Behandlung mit jeweiliger Bestimmung der Refraktion in Zykloplegie und Messung der Achsenlänge wird empfohlen. Anschließend kann ein Auslassversuch erfolgen, wenn die Progression unter − 0,25 dpt/Jahr im 2. Jahr gefallen ist. Auch nach Therapieende sind weitere Kontrollen angezeigt, wobei eine erneute Behandlung bei einem neuerlichen Ansteigen der Progression über − 0,5 dpt/Jahr anzuraten ist. Ferner ist zu beachten, dass die Behandlung mit Atropinaugentropfen eine Off-Label-Anwendung darstellt.