bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Precipitation thresholds and drought‐induced tree die‐off: insights from patterns ofPinus edulismortality along an environmental stress gradient
Authors: Clifford Michael J. , Royer Patrick D. , Cobb Neil S. , Breshears David D. , Ford Paulette L. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryRecent regional tree die‐off events appear to have been triggered by a combination of drought and heat – referred to as ‘global‐change‐type drought’. To complement experiments focused on resolving mechanisms of drought‐induced tree mortality, an evaluation of how patterns of tree die‐off relate to highly spatially variable precipitation is needed.Here, we explore precipitation relationships with a die‐off event of pinyon pine (Pinus edulisEngelm.) in southwesternNorthAmerica during the 2002–2003 global‐change‐type drought. Pinyon die‐off and its relationship with precipitation was quantified spatially along a precipitation gradient in north‐centralNewMexico with standard field plot measurements of die‐off combined with canopy cover derived from normalized burn ratio (NBR) fromLandsat imagery.Pinyon die‐off patterns revealed threshold responses to precipitation (cumulative 2002–2003) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD), with little to no mortality (< 10%) above 600 mm and below warm seasonVPDofc. 1.7 kPa. [Correction added after online publication 17 June 2013; in the preceding sentence, the word ‘below’ has been inserted.]Our results refine how precipitation patterns within a region influence pinyon die‐off, revealing a precipitation andVPDthreshold for tree mortality and its uncertainty band where other factors probably come into play – a response type that influences stand demography and landscape heterogeneity and is of general interest, yet has not been documented.
In situ high‐frequency observations of mycorrhizas
Authors: Allen Michael F. , Kitajima Kuni 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Understanding the temporal variation of soil and root dynamics is a major step towards determining net carbon in ecosystems. We describe the installation and structure of an in situ soil observatory and sensing network consisting of an automated minirhizotron with associated soil and atmospheric sensors.

Ectomycorrhizal hyphae were digitized daily during 2011 in a Mediterranean climate, high‐elevation coniferous forest. Hyphal length was high, but stable during winter in moist and cold soil. As soil began to warm and dry, simultaneous mortality and production indicating turnover followed precipitation events. Mortality continued through the dry season, although some hyphae persisted through the extremes. With autumn monsoons, rapid hyphal re‐growth occurred following each event.

Relative hyphal length is dependent upon soil temperature and moisture. Soil respiration is related to the daily change in hyphal production, but not hyphal mortality.

Continuous sensor and observation systems can provide more accurate assessments of soil carbon dynamics.
Comparative functional analysis of full‐length and N‐terminal fragments of phytochrome C, D and E in red light‐induced signaling
Authors: Ádám Éva , Kircher Stefan , Liu Peng , Mérai Zsuzsanna , González‐Schain Nahuel , Hörner Maximilian , Viczián András , Monte Elena , Sharrock Robert A. , Schäfer Eberhard , Nagy Ferenc 
Published: June 2013

Summary

Phytochromes (phy) C, D and E are involved in the regulation of red/far‐red light‐induced photomorphogenesis of Arabidopsis thaliana, but only limited data are available on the mode of action and biological function of these lesser studied phytochrome species.

We fused N‐terminal fragments or full‐length PHYC, D and E to YELLOW FLUORESCENT PROTEIN (YFP), and analyzed the function, stability and intracellular distribution of these fusion proteins in planta.

The activity of the constitutively nuclear‐localized homodimers of N‐terminal fragments was comparable with that of full‐length PHYC, D, E‐YFP, and resulted in the regulation of various red light‐induced photomorphogenic responses in the studied genetic backgrounds. PHYE‐YFP was active in the absence of phyB and phyD, and PHYE‐YFP controlled responses, as well as accumulation, of the fusion protein in the nuclei, was saturated at low fluence rates of red light and did not require functional FAR‐RED ELONGATED HYPOCOTYL1 (FHY‐1) and FHY‐1‐like proteins.

Our data suggest that PHYC‐YFP, PHYD‐YFP and PHYE‐YFP fusion proteins, as well as their truncated N‐terminal derivatives, are biologically active in the modulation of red light‐regulated photomorphogenesis. We propose that PHYE‐YFP can function as a homodimer and that low‐fluence red light‐induced translocation of phyE and phyA into the nuclei is mediated by different molecular mechanisms.
Development of ipilimumab: a novel immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of advanced melanoma
Authors: Wolchok Jedd D. , Hodi F. Stephen , Weber Jeffrey S. , Allison James P. , Urba Walter J. , Robert Caroline , O'Day Steven J. , Hoos Axel , Humphrey Rachel , Berman David M. , Lonberg Nils , Korman Alan J. 
Published: June 2013

The immunotherapeutic agent ipilimumab has helped address a significant unmet need in the treatment of advanced melanoma. Ipilimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4), thereby augmenting antitumor immune responses. After decades in which a number of clinical trials were conducted, ipilimumab was the first therapy to improve overall survival in a randomized, controlled phase III trial of patients with advanced melanoma. These results led to the regulatory approval of ipilimumab at 3 mg/kg for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma. More than 17,000 patients worldwide have received ipilimumab, either as a commercial drug at 3 mg/kg or in clinical trials and expanded access programs at different doses. Consistent with its proposed mechanism of action, the most common toxicities associated with ipilimumab therapy are inflammatory in nature. These immune‐related adverse events were mostly reversible when effective treatment guidelines were followed. Importantly, long‐term follow‐up of patients who received ipilimumab in a phase III trial showed that 24% survived at least two years, and in phase II studies, a proportion of patients survived at least five years. Evaluation of ipilimumab is ongoing in the adjuvant setting for melanoma, and for advanced disease in nonsmall cell lung, small cell lung, prostate, ovarian, and gastric cancers.
Micafungin versus fluconazole for prophylaxis against fungal infections in premature infants
Authors: Maede Yoshinobu , Ibara Satoshi , Nagasaki Hiraku , Inoue Takeshi , Tokuhisa Takuya , Torikai Motofumi , Ishihara Chie , Matsui Takako , Kodaira Yuichi 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe conducted a comparative clinical study to evaluate the prophylactic effects of micafungin (MCFG) and fluconazole (FLCZ) on the incidence of fungal infections in extremely low‐birthweight infants who were born at a gestational age of less than 26 weeks and weighed less than 1000 g.MethodsWith a combination of enteral administration of miconazole (6 mg/kg/day), FLCZ and MCFG were administered intravenously at a dose of 5 mg/kg/day and 3 mg/kg/day, respectively. The prophylaxis was classified as a failure when fungal infections were identified within the first 21 days after birth.ResultsThe prophylaxis was successful in seven of 18 cases (39%) in the FLCZ group and 15 of 21 cases (71%) in the MCFG group, indicating that the success rate was significantly higher in the latter group.ConclusionMCFG was superior to FLCZ as prophylaxis against fungal infections in extremely low‐birthweight infants.
EBV‐positive low‐grade marginal zone lymphoma in the breast with massive amyloid deposition arising in a heart transplant patient: A report of an unusual case
Authors: Nassif Samer , Ozdemirli Metin 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAccording to the 2008 World Health Organization classification, low‐grade lymphomas arising in transplant recipients are not considered as specific types of PTLD. Most such cases are not associated with EBV infections, although rare reports of post‐transplant marginal zone lymphoma have been described. We describe the case of an 18‐yr‐old female with history of heart transplant who developed a breast mass, but was otherwise completely asymptomatic. Surgical excision of the mass and histopathologic examination showed a low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma most consistent with marginal zone lymphoma with massive amyloid deposition; furthermore, numerous tumor cells were positive for EBV by in situ hybridization for EBV‐encoded RNA. The patient was treated with reduction in immunosuppression, and no additional lesions developed. This case describes an atypical presentation of post‐transplant low‐grade B‐cell lymphoma, unusual in its location, histopathologic features, and association with EBV, thereby adding to the rare previous accounts of such an entity, suggesting the need to include post‐transplant marginal zone lymphomas in the current classification of PTLD, and helping in determining the optimal treatment modalities for such tumors.
Pregnancy and Birth Cohort Resources in Europe: a Large Opportunity for Aetiological Child Health Research
Authors: Larsen Pernille Stemann , Kamper‐Jørgensen Mads , Adamson Ashley , Barros Henrique , Bonde Jens Peter , Brescianini Sonia , Brophy Sinead , Casas Maribel , Devereux Graham , Eggesbø Merete , Fantini Maria Pia , Frey Urs , Gehring Ulrike , Grazuleviciene Regina , Henriksen Tine Brink , Hertz‐Picciotto Irva , Heude Barbara , Hryhorczuk Daniel O. , Inskip Hazel , Jaddoe Vincent W.V. , Lawlor Debbie A , Ludvigsson Johnny , Kelleher Cecily , Kiess Wieland , Koletzko Berthold , Kuehni Claudia Elisabeth , Kull Inger , Kyhl Henriette Boye , Magnus Per , Momas Isabelle , Murray Dierdre , Pekkanen Juha , Polanska Kinga , Porta Daniela , Poulsen Gry , Richiardi Lorenzo , Roeleveld Nel , Skovgaard Anne Mette , Sram Radim J. , Strandberg‐Larsen Katrine , Thijs Carel , Van Eijsden Manon , Wright John , Vrijheid Martine , Andersen Anne‐Marie Nybo 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundDuring the past 25 years, many pregnancy and birth cohorts have been established. Each cohort provides unique opportunities for examining associations of early‐life exposures with child development and health. However, to fully exploit the large amount of available resources and to facilitate cross‐cohort collaboration, it is necessary to have accessible information on each cohort and its individual characteristics. The aim of this work was to provide an overview of European pregnancy and birth cohorts registered in a freely accessible database located at http://www.birthcohorts.net.MethodsEuropean pregnancy and birth cohorts initiated in 1980 or later with at least 300 mother–child pairs enrolled during pregnancy or at birth, and with postnatal data, were eligible for inclusion. Eligible cohorts were invited to provide information on the data and biological samples collected, as well as the timing of data collection.ResultsIn total, 70 cohorts were identified. Of these, 56 fulfilled the inclusion criteria encompassing a total of more than 500 000 live‐born European children. The cohorts represented 19 countries with the majority of cohorts located in Northern and Western Europe. Some cohorts were general with multiple aims, whilst others focused on specific health or exposure‐related research questions.ConclusionThis work demonstrates a great potential for cross‐cohort collaboration addressing important aspects of child health. The web site, http://www.birthcohorts.net, proved to be a useful tool for accessing information on European pregnancy and birth cohorts and their characteristics.
Hydrothermal dolomitization in a complex geodynamic setting (Lower Palaeozoic, northern Spain)
Authors: lapponi Fabio , Bechstädt Thilo , Boni Maria , Banks David A. , Schneider Jens 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBurial hydrothermal dolomitization is a common diagenetic modification in sedimentary basins with implications for oil and gas reservoir performance. Outcrop analogues represent an easily accessible source of data to refine the genetic models and assess risk in hydrocarbon exploration and production. The Palaeozoic succession of northern Spain contains numerous excellent exposures of epigenetically dolomitized limestones, particularly in the Carboniferous and Cambrian. The epigenetic dolomites in the Cambrian carbonates of the Láncara Formation are volumetrically small, but have a large aerial distribution across different tectonic units of the Variscan fold and thrust belt. Coarse crystals, abundant saddle dolomite cement, negative δ18O and fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures between 80°C and 120°C characterize these dolomites, which are petrographically and geochemically similar to the tens of kilometre‐sized hydrothermal dolomites replacing the Upper Carboniferous succession in the same area. In both cases, the dolomitizing fluids are derived from highly evaporated sea water, modified to a limited degree through fluid‐rock interaction. The dolomitization events affecting both Cambrian and Carboniferous strata are probably related to the same post‐orogenic hydrothermal fluid flow. The formation of the post‐collisional (latest Carboniferous) Cantabrian arc fostered dolomitization: the extension related to bending of the arc generated deep‐reaching faults and strike‐slip movements, which favoured the circulation of hot dolomitizing fluids in the outer parts of this orocline. A similar dolomitization process affected other areas of Europe after the main stages of the Variscan orogeny. Dolomitization was a continuous, uninterrupted, isochemical process. Limestone replacement resulted in a major porosity redistribution and focused the fluid flow into the newly created porous zones. Replacement was followed immediately by partial to complete cementation of the pores (including zebra fabrics and vugs) with saddle dolomite. The amount of porosity left depends on the volume of cement and therefore on the volume of fluids available.
Zero Tolerance forGMFlax and the Rules of Trade
Authors: Viju Crina , Yeung May T. , Kerr William A. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTrade in genetically modified products is a longstanding and contentious issue in agricultural trade. One issue has not, as yet, received much attention. This is the mingling of unapprovedGMproducts with conventional products. This issue is likely to gain more prominence in the future as newGMproduct development accelerates. Until recently, problems with mingling were largely one‐off events. Recently, however, an ongoing case of mingling has arisen – the case of CanadianGMflax in theEU. The case led to an embargo of imports from Canada and subsequently the bilateral negotiation of a protocol to allow exports to resume. The case raises a number of important issues pertaining to the objective of zero tolerance policies forGMproducts, the operationalisation of zero tolerance, the role of the testing industry, the design of testing regimes and the risks associated with the absence of transparency and/or international standardisation. It is concluded that mingling is a topic that is deserving of multilateral attention.
State‐owned Enterprises, Exporting and Productivity inChina: A Stochastic Dominance Approach
Authors: Elliott Robert , Zhou Ying 
Published: June 2013

AbstractA popular explanation forChina's rapid economic growth in recent years has been the dramatic increase in the number of private domestic‐ and foreign‐owned firms and a decline in the state‐owned sector. However, recent evidence suggests thatChina's state‐owned enterprises (SOEs) are in fact stronger than ever. In this paper, we examine over 78,000 manufacturing firms between 2002 and 2006 to investigate the relationship between ownership structure and the degree of firm‐level exposure to export markets and firm‐level productivity. Using a conditional stochastic dominance approach, we reveal that although our results largely adhere to prior expectations, the performance ofSOEs differs markedly between those that export and those that supply the domestic market only. It appears thatChina's internationally focusedSOEs have become formidable global competitors.
Evaluation of a test for its suitability in the diagnosis of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease
Authors: Cooper J. K. , Andrews N. , Ladhani K. , Bujaki E. , Minor P. D. 
Published: June 2013

Background and ObjectivesEvaluation of variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (vCJD) diagnostic/donor screening tests is made complicated by the very limited supply of blood samples from clinically confirmed cases of vCJD. To determine appropriate access for test developers to rare Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease (CJD) blood samples, the oversight committee of the NIBSC CJD Resource Centre has developed a process and protocols detailing minimum requirements for both test sensitivity and specificity. This protocol is broadly similar to that outlined in the common technical specification (European Directive 98/79/EC).Materials and MethodsTests are subjected to a stepwise evaluation (step 1). vCJD tissue homogenates spiked into pooled human plasma (step 2). Blood samples from animals known to be incubating (Transmissible spongiform encephalopathy) TSE disease (scrapie/Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)‐infected sheep, BSE‐infected primates) and appropriate controls (step 3). Fresh or frozen plasma from normal UK blood donors and (step 4). Plasma samples from individuals with confirmed clinical stage variant CJD (transfusion transmission) or sporadic CJD (no evidence of blood transmission).ResultsThe assay evaluated performed with good sensitivity with vCJD‐spiked tissue homogenates, poor sensitivity for ovine TSE‐infected blood samples and failed with plasma from BSE‐infected non‐human primates and with true vCJD clinical samples.ConclusionsThe test evaluated here is currently unsuitable for use in blood donor screening or diagnosis using blood.
Anti‐leucocyte antibodies in platelet apheresis donors with and without prior immunizing events: implications for TRALI prevention
Authors: Sigle J.‐P. , Thierbach J. , Infanti L. , Muriset M. , Hunziker G. , Chassot K. , Niederhauser C. , Gowland P. , Holbro A. , Sunic K. , Buser A. , Fontana S. 
Published: June 2013

Background and ObjectivesTransfusion‐related acute lung injury (TRALI) prevention strategies in platelet (PLT) apheresis donors focus on identifying antileucocyte antibody‐positive donors. The use of microbead based assays for screening purposes is hampered by the lack of a consensus cut‐off for TRALI prevention and the undefined role of anti‐leucocyte antibodies in never‐alloexposed donors. This study evaluated anti‐leucocyte antibody assays in PLT apheresis donors with and without prior immunizing events with special focus on microbead assay cut‐offs, antibody specificities and their potential significance in never‐alloexposed donors.Material and MethodsBlood samples of male and female PLT apheresis donors with and without history of prior immunization were tested for anti‐leucocyte antibodies.ResultsOf 262 female and 118 male PLT apheresis donors, 37·4% had prior immunizing events. Fifty‐eight of 238 (24·4%) donors without prior immunizing event had anti‐HLA antibodies confirmed in microbead single antigen assay (mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) >500). Even with a cut‐off MFI >3000, anti‐HLA antibodies were detected in 10·6% of female and 4·3% of male donors without history of immunization. Of the antibody specificities found, 6 of 17 (35·3%) anti‐HLA‐A, 4 of 8 (50·0%) anti‐HLA‐B and 4 of 6 (66·6%) anti‐HLA class II antibodies have been detected in donors associated with TRALI cases in the literature.ConclusionPlatelet apheresis donors without history of immunization have anti‐leucocyte antibodies that potentially can cause TRALI. In our opinion, this cohort should be included in screening strategies for TRALI prevention. As references and consensus cut‐offs have not yet been established, it is premature to use microbead assays as standard for donor screening.
Erythropoietin‐stimulated endothelial cells support erythroid cell differentiation of CD34(+) haematopoietic progenitors
Authors: Zaid T. , Frömmel C. , Lun A. , Moldenhauer A. 
Published: June 2013

Background and ObjectivesEndothelial cells provide a unique medium for the proliferation and white lineage differentiation of haematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC). Whether this quality can be exploited to facilitate the differentiation of erythroid precursors is not yet known.Materials and MethodsHaematopoietic progenitor cells derived from cord blood were cultured for 3 weeks in erythropoietin‐stimulated supernatants with (n = 6) or without cyclosporine A (CSA, n = 6). Cell count, phenotype and morphology were assessed on a weekly basis, and the haemoglobin content was analysed. These cultures were compared with erythroid differentiation induced by cytokines only (n = 6).ResultsEndothelial supernatants combined with CSA led to equivalent numbers of CD71(+) erythroblasts after 1 week as cytokines only. The purity of glycophorin‐positive, CD45‐negative cells was higher in cells generated in endothelial supernatants than in cytokine‐based media. Additional prostaglandin E2 induced a change from fetal to adult haemoglobin.ConclusionFor the generation of erythroblasts from HPC, endothelial supernatants are a simple and cost‐effective alternative to culture conditions based on cytokines.
Evaluating Wildlife as a Potential Source of Salmonella serotype Newport (JJPX01.0061) Contamination for Tomatoes on the Eastern Shore of Virginia
Authors: Gruszynski K. , Pao S. , Kim C. , Toney D. , Wright K. , Ross P. G. , Colon A. , Levine S. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryEastern Shore of Virginia red, round tomatoes contaminated with Salmonella serotype Newport pattern JJPX01.0061 have been a source of several multistate outbreaks within the last 10 years. No source of the contamination has yet been identified. The goal of this study was to evaluate wildlife as a potential source of contamination. Faecal samples from deer, turtles and birds were collected between November 2010 and July 2011 from seventeen locations on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. A total of 262 samples were tested for the presence of Salmonella using an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 23 (8.8%) samples tested positive for Salmonella spp. and were further characterized by serotyping and pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) subtyping. Overall, twelve serotypes were identified, including Salmonella serotype Javiana, another common serotype associated with tomato‐related outbreaks. Only one avian sample collected in July 2011 was determined to be positive for S. Newport pattern 61. This sample was collected from the ground at a site where birds, mostly gulls, were congregating. Although many of the avian samples from this site were dry, the site yielded eleven positive Salmonella samples. This suggests that certain Salmonella serotypes may persist in the environment despite extreme conditions. The recovery of one Newport pattern 61 isolate alone does not yield much information regarding the environmental reservoirs of this pathogen, but when combined with other data including the recovery of several isolates of Javiana from birds, it suggests that birds might be a potential source of Salmonella contamination for tomatoes on the Eastern Shore.