bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon fluxes acclimate more strongly to elevated growth temperatures than to elevated CO2 concentrations in a northern conifer
Authors: Kroner Yulia , Way Danielle A. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIncreasing temperatures and atmospheric CO2 concentrations will affect tree carbon fluxes, generating potential feedbacks between forests and the global climate system. We studied how elevated temperatures and CO2 impacted leaf carbon dynamics in Norway spruce (Picea abies), a dominant northern forest species, to improve predictions of future photosynthetic and respiratory fluxes from high‐latitude conifers. Seedlings were grown under ambient (AC, c. 435 μmol mol−1) or elevated (EC, 750 μmol mol−1) CO2 concentrations at ambient, +4 °C, or +8 °C growing temperatures. Photosynthetic rates (Asat) were high in +4 °C/EC seedlings and lowest in +8 °C spruce, implying that moderate, but not extreme, climate change may stimulate carbon uptake. Asat, dark respiration (Rdark), and light respiration (Rlight) rates acclimated to temperature, but not CO2: the thermal optimum of Asat increased, and Rdark and Rlight were suppressed under warming. In all treatments, the Q10 of Rlight (the relative increase in respiration for a 10 °C increase in leaf temperature) was 35% higher than the Q10 of Rdark, so the ratio of Rlight to Rdark increased with rising leaf temperature. However, across all treatments and a range of 10–40 °C leaf temperatures, a consistent relationship between Rlight and Rdark was found, which could be used to model Rlight in future climates. Acclimation reduced daily modeled respiratory losses from warm‐grown seedlings by 22–56%. When Rlight was modeled as a constant fraction of Rdark, modeled daily respiratory losses were 11–65% greater than when using measured values of Rlight. Our findings highlight the impact of acclimation to future climates on predictions of carbon uptake and losses in northern trees, in particular the need to model daytime respiratory losses from direct measurements of Rlight or appropriate relationships with Rdark.
Comparison of synganglion neuropeptides, neuropeptide receptors and neurotransmitter receptors and their gene expression in response to feeding in Ixodes scapularis (Ixodidae) vs. Ornithodoros turicata (Argasidae)
Authors: Egekwu N. , Sonenshine D. E. , Garman H. , Barshis D. J. , Cox N. , Bissinger B. W. , Zhu J. , M. Roe R. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractIllumina GAII high‐throughput sequencing was used to compare expressed genes for female synganglion neuropeptides, neuropeptide receptors and neurotransmitter receptors of the soft tick Ornithodoros turicata with the hard tick Ixodes scapularis. Gene ontology molecular level three mapping revealed no significant differences amongst the same categories represented in O. turicata and I. scapularis. Transcripts predicting 22 neuropeptides or their receptors in the O. turicata synganglion were similar to annotations for 23 neuropeptides or receptors previously identified from I scapularis, with minor exceptions. A transcript predicting ecdysis triggering hormone receptor was identified in O. turicata; transcripts encoding for proprotein convertase and glycoprotein B were identified in both species. Transcripts predicting the same neurotransmitter receptors were found in the synganglion of both species. Gene expression of the transcripts showed numerous differences in response to feeding. Major differences were observed in expression of genes believed important in regulating slow vs. rapid feeding, blood water elimination, cuticle synthesis plasticity and in signalling reproductive activity. Although the glutamate receptor was strongly upregulated in both species, the gamma aminobutyric acid receptor, which inhibits glutamate, was upregulated significantly only in I. scapularis. These differences are consistent with the slow vs. rapid action of the pharyngeal pump in the two species.
A Bargaining Model of Friendly and Hostile Takeovers
Authors: Loyola Gino , Portilla Yolanda 
Published: January 2016

AbstractA bargaining model is developed that characterizes the conditions under which a takeover will either be friendly, hostile, or unsuccessful when the target management can tilt the selling procedure toward a white knight. The conditions considered mainly involve private control benefits, toehold size, and breakup fees. Also established by the model are the conditions for an efficient takeover. The proposed framework of strong management influence on takeover outcome, an alternative modeling of hostility and the adoption of a negotiation procedure, rather than an auction setup with strong shareholder influence as in most of the existing literature, delivers new insights into the US market of corporate control, which are consistent with the available evidence.
Comparing Measurements of CT Angiography, TEE, and Fluoroscopy of the Left Atrial Appendage for Percutaneous Closure
Authors: SAW JACQUELINE , FAHMY PETER , SPENCER RYAN , PRAKASH ROSHAN , MCLAUGHLIN PATRICK , NICOLAOU SAVVAS , TSANG MICHAEL 
Published: January 2016

Comparing Measurements of CT Angiography, TEE, and FluoroscopyBackgroundLeft atrial appendage (LAA) closure requires accurate preprocedural measurements, and trans‐esophageal echocardiography (TEE), cardiac computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and fluoroscopy can be utilized. However, correlations between these measurements remain inadequately assessed.MethodsPatients who underwent LAA closure at Vancouver General Hospital who had baseline LAA measurements by CCTA, TEE, and fluoroscopy were included in this analysis. CCTAs were performed with prospective‐ECG‐gating with Toshiba 320‐detector or Siemens second generation 128‐slice dual‐source scanners, and images interpreted with VitreaWorkstation.™ LAA maximal dimensions were obtained for all patients at: (1) Amplatzer Cardiac Plug (ACP)/Amulet landing zone 10 mm within orifice, (2) WATCHMAN ostium, and (3) WATCHMAN depth measurements. Correlations and agreements were compared.ResultsWe report 50 consecutive patients who underwent LAA closure (8 ACP, 10 Amulet, 32 WATCHMAN). Average age was 75.2 ± 8.7 years, mean CHADS2 score 3.0 ± 1.3, and CHA2DS2‐VASc 4.7 ± 1.5. Procedural device implantation success was 100%. For ACP landing zone, mean maximal measurements were 24.1 ± 4.7 mm with CCTA, 22.3 ± 4.9 mm TEE, and 19.9 ± 5.6 mm fluoroscopy (P < 0.001); R value 0.81 fluoroscopy/CTA, 0.67 fluoroscopy/TEE, and 0.80 CTA/TEE. For WATCHMAN ostium, mean maximal measurements were 25.8 ± 4.7 mm CCTA (P < 0.001 vs. fluoroscopy, P = 0.16 vs. TEE), 25.1 ± 4.4 mm TEE (P = 0.016 vs. fluoroscopy), and 23.8 ± 4.9 mm fluoroscopy; R value 0.71 fluoroscopy/CTA, 0.65 fluoroscopy/TEE, and 0.74 CTA/TEE. Depth measurements were 34.3 ± 5.7 mm with CCTA, 31.1 ± 6.5 mm TEE, and 27.8 ± 7.1 mm fluoroscopy (all P < 0.01); and correlations with R value 0.28 fluoroscopy/CTA, 0.22 fluoroscopy/TEE, and 0.56 CTA/TEE.ConclusionsAll 3 imaging modalities correlated with ACP landing zone and WATCHMAN ostium measurements, with CCTA providing the largest measurements, followed by TEE and fluoroscopy.
Contemporary evolution of host plant range expansion in an introduced herbivorous beetle Ophraella communa
Authors: Fukano Y. , Doi H. , Thomas C. E. , Takata M. , Koyama S. , Satoh T. 
Published: January 2016

AbstractHost range expansion of herbivorous insects is a key event in ecological speciation and insect pest management. However, the mechanistic processes are relatively unknown because it is difficult to observe the ongoing host range expansion in natural population. In this study, we focused on the ongoing host range expansion in introduced populations of the ragweed leaf beetle, Ophraella communa, to estimate the evolutionary process of host plant range expansion of a herbivorous insect. In the native range of North America, O. communa does not utilize Ambrosia trifida, as a host plant, but this plant is extensively utilized in the beetle's introduced range. Larval performance and adult preference experiments demonstrated that native O. communa beetles show better survival on host plant individuals from introduced plant populations than those from native plant populations and they also oviposit on the introduced plant, but not on the native plant. Introduced O. communa beetles showed significantly higher performance on and preference for both introduced and native A. trifida plants, when compared with native O. communa. These results indicate the contemporary evolution of host plant range expansion of introduced O. communa and suggest that the evolutionary change of both the host plant and the herbivorous insect involved in the host range expansion.
Prevalence, Risk Factors and Multilocus Genotyping of Giardia intestinalis in Dairy Cattle, Northwest China
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Xuan , Tan Qi‐Dong , Zhao Guang‐Hui , Ma Jian‐Gang , Zheng Wen‐Bin , Ni Xiao‐Ting , Zhao Quan , Zhou Dong‐Hui , Zhu Xing‐Quan 
Published: January 2016

AbstractGiardia intestinalis is a cosmopolitan protozoan parasite that can infect a range of animals, including dairy cattle. As information regarding the prevalence and genotyping of G. intestinalis infection in dairy cattle in northwestern China is limited, 2,945 feces samples from 1,224 dairy cattle in Gansu Province and from 1,614 in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NXHAR) were examined between December 2012 and March 2014. The overall prevalence of G. intestinalis was 3.63% (107/2,945), with 2.63% and 4.38% in Gansu and NXHAR, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed region, age and season to be significant risk factors for G. intestinalis infection. Assemblage analysis identified 106 assemblage E and one assemblage A at the triose phosphate isomerase (tpi) locus in this study. Intravariations were also detected at tpi, glutamate dehydrogenase (gdh) and beta giardin (bg) loci within assemblage E, showing seven, three, and five new subtypes, respectively. Moreover, 13 new multilocus genotypes (E20‐E32) were observed in assemblage E. Effective strategies and measures should be taken to prevent and control giardiasis in Gansu and NXHAR.
Myeloid‐derived suppressor cells in gastrointestinal cancers: A systematic review
Authors: Hirbod‐Mobarakeh Armin , Mirghorbani Masoud , Hajiju Fatemeh , Marvi Mahnaz , Bashiri Kiandokht , Rezaei Nima 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackground and Aim:Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a heterogeneous group of cancers originating from the digestive system. Considering key roles of myeloid‐derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in the immunosuppression network, levels of MDSCs in patients with cancer are assumed to be of prognostic and predictive value. In this systematic review, we aimed to evaluate the clinical relevancy of MDSCs and their relationship with clinical features and prognosis of GI malignancies in patients with GI cancers.Methods:We searched Medline, Scopus, DART, OpenGrey, and ProQuest without applying any language filter up to 1 August 2015. Two of the authors independently reviewed search results for irrelevant and duplicate studies and extracted data from studies. We used tabulation to synthesize the findings of the studies and transformed data into a common rubric and calculated a weighted treatment effect across studies using Review Manager.Results:We found 1238 references in five databases, and after exclusion of irrelevant and duplicate studies, 17 studies with a total number of 1115 patients with GI cancers were included. A meta‐analysis of three studies showed associations of high MDSC levels with higher mortality during follow‐up periods (hazard ratio = 3.35; 95% confidence interval = 1.46–7.68, P = 0.0004). A meta‐analysis of four studies showed that patients with higher levels of MDSC had higher odds of having an advanced cancer (odds ratio = 2.64; 95% confidence interval = 1.53–4.53; P = 0.0004). There were also significant associations between MDSC levels and relapse, tumor progression, lymph node involvement, and metastasis.Conclusion:In conclusion, results of this systematic review based on the available literature suggest that MDSC levels are of clinical relevancy and prognostic and predictive value.
Neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio predicts recurrence after radiofrequency ablation in hepatitis B virus infection
Authors: Tajiri Kazuto , Baba Hayato , Kawai Kengo , Minemura Masami , Yasumura Satoshi , Takahara Terumi , Sugiyama Toshiro 
Published: January 2016

AbstractBackground and Aim:Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is an established treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) wherein non‐recurrence is essential for long‐term survival. Recently, neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR), a marker of systemic inflammation that is associated with tumor‐associated macrophages (TAMs), was suggested to be a prognostic marker of HCC treated with RFA. Therefore, we evaluated predictive factors, including NLR, associated with recurrence after curative RFA.Methods:A total of 163 patients initially diagnosed with HCC and treated with RFA were enrolled. We retrospectively analyzed factors associated with recurrence and survival after RFA. Furthermore, TAMs were evaluated using surgically resected specimens.Results:Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was the most frequent cause of HCC in this population (111 cases, 68.1%), whereas hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection accounted for 26 cases (16.0%). Recurrence, mostly intrahepatic distant recurrence, was found in 101 cases (61.9%). Recurrence and posttreatment NLR were independent prognostic factors related to survival, and male sex, HCV infection, serum des‐γ‐carboxy prothrombin >  40 AU/L, and posttreatment NLR were associated with recurrence. Pretreatment NLR showed no association with recurrence, whereas posttreatment NLR showed prognostic value. Interestingly, pretreatment NLR >  2.5 was significantly associated with recurrence in HBV‐HCC patients (odds ratio 3.439, P = 0.037) not but HCV‐HCC (odds ratio 1.430, P = 0.17). Furthermore, TAMs were increased in the peripheral area of HCCs with HBV infection compared with those with HCV.Conclusions:Recurrence of HCC after RFA was strongly associated with survival. NLR is useful as a predictive marker of recurrence, especially in HBV‐HCC patients.
Scholarly work products of the doctor of nursing practice: one approach to evaluating scholarship, rigour, impact and quality
Authors: Terhaar Mary F , Sylvia Martha 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this investigation was to evaluate, monitor and manage the quality of projects conducted and work produced as evidence of scholarship upon completion of Doctor of Nursing Practice education.BackgroundThe Doctor of Nursing Practice is a relatively new degree which prepares nurses for high impact careers in diverse practice settings around the globe. Considerable variation characterises curricula across schools preparing Doctors of Nursing Practice. Accreditation assures curricula are focused on attainment of the Doctor of Nursing Practice essentials, yet outcomes have not been reported to help educators engage in programme improvement. This work has implications for nursing globally because translating strong evidence into practice is key to improving outcomes in direct care, leadership, management and education. The Doctor of Nursing Practice student learns to accomplish translation through the conduct of projects. Evaluating the rigour and results of these projects is essential to improving the quality, safety and efficacy of translation, improvements in care and overall system performance.DesignA descriptive study was conducted to evaluate the scholarly products of Doctor of Nursing Practice education in one programme across four graduating classes.MethodsA total of 80 projects, conducted across the USA and around the globe, are described using a modification of the Uncertainty, Pace, Complexity Model.ResultsThe per cent of students considered to have produced high quality work in relation to target expectations as well as the per cent that conducted means testing increased over the four study years.ConclusionsEvaluation of scope, complexity and rigour of scholarly work products has driven improvements in the curriculum and informed the work of faculty and advisors.Relevance to clinical practiceMethods, evaluation and outcomes conformed around a set of expectations for scholarship and rigour have resulted in measurable outcomes, and quality publications have increased over time.
Carers’ views on patient self‐care in chronic heart failure
Authors: Cameron Jan , Rhodes Kerryn L. , Ski Chantal F. , Thompson David R. 
Published: January 2016

Aims and objectivesTo examine carers’ views on patient self‐care in chronic heart failure (CHF).BackgroundSelf‐care, a key strategy in the long‐term management of CHF, can be complex and difficult to master. Carers play a key role in supporting patients in self‐care, yet their views on it are rarely sought.DesignA qualitative approach was adopted with a purposeful sample of carers of patients with CHF residing in Australia.MethodsCarers who identified themselves as providing informal care to a person diagnosed with chronic heart failure were interviewed about their views on patient self‐care. Data were collected by face‐to‐face interviews with a semi‐structured interview guide. Qualitative content analysis of the interviews was undertaken by two nurses and one psychologist.ResultsFour key themes were identified pertaining to CHF patient self‐care: hindrance to engagement; roles and relationships; social support and community engagement and competency. Most carers viewed patients’ fatigue and inactivity, mood and coping, and memory loss as major challenges to engagement in self‐care. They viewed emotional support and encouragement, independence and organised routines as important aspects of their relationship with the patient and as facilitators of self‐care, but also required for themselves support from their families, communities and healthcare professionals. They also viewed patient and carer experience and knowledge as being essential to successful self‐care.ConclusionCarers viewed self‐care as an important issue for patients with CHF and indicated that they could play an enhanced role with the provision of better support and knowledge from their families, communities and health care professionals.Relevance to clinical practiceCarers are closely involved in supporting patients in CHF self‐care, even though their views are rarely considered in the organisation and delivery of heart failure management programmes. Therefore, their important contribution should be acknowledged and supported in contemporary heart failure health services.
Impact of Operators’ Height on Individual Radiation Exposure Measurements During Catheter‐Based Cardiovascular Interventions
Authors: Rigatelli Gianluca , Panin Stefano , Fiorrevanti Rossella , Oliva Laura , Dario Adami , Tiberio Lorella , Bedendo Emiliano , Pertoldi Donatella , Chambers Charles 
Published: January 2016

AimThis study is aimed to evaluate the impact of an operators’ height on personal radiation exposure measurements during cardiovascular interventional procedures. Based upon both clinical data and phantom simulation, a new approach for monitoring an individual's exposure is proposed.MethodsThe clinical component of this study was composed of the operators and staff in a single center full service cardiovascular laboratory being divided into 2 groups based upon their height: group A included all individuals whose height was <165 cm; group B included the individuals >165 cm. All operators wore a standard TLD dosimeter at all times with doses recorded for 12 months. To support these clinical findings, a second investigation was performed utilizing a phantom. Measurements were obtained at 100 and 135 cm from the radiation source during simulation of different cardiovascular interventional procedures.ResultsThe radiation dose measured from the personal dosimeters identified that Group A, operators <165 cm, had significantly higher doses than those recorded in Group B, operators >165 cm, when compared among individuals performing similar tasks (physicians, technicians, and nurses): 4.55 ± 4.0 (Group A) versus 1.95 ± 1.0 (Group B) mSv (P < 0.01). During procedure simulation with the phantom, the doses measured were similarly significantly higher if measured at 100 cm than at 135 cm from the radiation source.ConclusionThis study suggests that the height from radiation source does impact the measured dose from an operator worn personal TLD. This was operator specific, consistent thought‐out multiple procedures, and confined with phantom measurements. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:83–88)
Active Versus Passive Anchoring Vascular Closure Devices Following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: A Safety and Efficacy Comparative Analysis
Authors: Baker Nevin C. , Escarcega Ricardo O. , Lipinski Michael J. , Magalhaes Marco A. , Koifman Edward , Kiramijyan Sarkis , Negi Smita I. , Torguson Rebecca , Waksman Ron 
Published: January 2016

ObjectiveWe evaluate the prevalence of complications and failure rates between the most commonly used “active” anchoring vascular closure device (VCD), AngioSeal™ and the “passive” anchoring VCD, Mynx™, in all‐comers undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).MethodsA total of 4,074 patients between 2008 and 2014, representing an era when both devices were available, were included. Thirty‐two percent were acute coronary syndromes (37% STEMI). VCD choice was at the operator's discretion and included AngioSeal (n = 2,910) or Mynx (1,164). Cardiogenic shock or patients receiving intra‐aortic balloon pumps were excluded. Safety was assessed by vascular complications defined as either vascular injury (perforation, dissection, acute limb ischemia, arteriovenous fistula, pseudoaneurysm with thrombin injection, or surgical repair) or access‐site bleed (hemoglobin droP >3 g/dL requiring transfusion, retroperitoneal bleed, or hematoma >5 cm, or the composite of both. Efficacy was evaluated by device failure and defined as inability to achieve immediate hemostasis or use of additional hemostatic mechanisms. Outcomes at 30‐days were evaluated.ResultsGroups (AngioSeal vs Mynx) were fairly balanced with regards to bleeding risk factors of gender (male, 65% vs 66%), body mass index (30 ± 6 vs 30 ± 7), heart failure class III/IV (5% vs 6%), chronic kidney disease (15% vs 17%), use of glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (5% vs 4%), or bivalirudin (86% vs 88%), all P >0.5. The AngioSeal group was slightly younger (64 ± 12 vs 65 ± 12, P < 0.001) with less peripheral arterial disease (11.3% vs 13.9%, P = 0.03), and increased 7F sheath use compared with Mynx (59% vs 22%, P < 0.001). Safety and efficacy outcomes were similar between groups.ConclusionsAngioSeal and Mynx appear to be equally safe and efficacious VCDs following PCI. The passive anchoring system may prove desirable as no intra‐arterial anchor remains upon device removal. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:108–112)
Small state imperialism: the place of empire in contemporary nationalist discourse
Authors: Fabrykant Marharyta , Buhr Renee 
Published: January 2016

AbstractMany modern European nations can trace their heritage back to one of the large multinational empires that once encompassed much of the European landscape, and nationalising elites often refer back to their place in these empires for the materials upon which their nation was purportedly built. In this article we examine some Belarusian nationalising elites and their references to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania in order to demonstrate a recent trend in East European small‐state national identity construction, which we refer to as ‘small state imperialism.’ Small state imperialism exhibits realist characteristics and paints the small nation's place in empires of the past as privileged and aggressive, and in this way deviates from the oppressed but morally superior image one typically expects of a small nation. This interpretation is not limited to Belarus; in a number of East European states a similar imperialist turn has taken root in nationalist discourses.