bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global change synergies and trade‐offs between renewable energy and biodiversity
Authors: Santangeli Andrea , Toivonen Tuuli , Pouzols Federico Montesino , Pogson Mark , Hastings Astley , Smith Pete , Moilanen Atte 
Published: October 2015

AbstractReliance on fossil fuels is causing unprecedented climate change and is accelerating environmental degradation and global biodiversity loss. Together, climate change and biodiversity loss, if not averted urgently, may inflict severe damage on ecosystem processes, functions and services that support the welfare of modern societies. Increasing renewable energy deployment and expanding the current protected area network represent key solutions to these challenges, but conflicts may arise over the use of limited land for energy production as opposed to biodiversity conservation. Here, we compare recently identified core areas for the expansion of the global protected area network with the renewable energy potential available from land‐based solar photovoltaic, wind energy and bioenergy (in the form of Miscanthus × giganteus). We show that these energy sources have very different biodiversity impacts and net energy contributions. The extent of risks and opportunities deriving from renewable energy development is highly dependent on the type of renewable source harvested, the restrictions imposed on energy harvest and the region considered, with Central America appearing at particularly high potential risk from renewable energy expansion. Without restrictions on power generation due to factors such as production and transport costs, we show that bioenergy production is a major potential threat to biodiversity, while the potential impact of wind and solar appears smaller than that of bioenergy. However, these differences become reduced when energy potential is restricted by external factors including local energy demand. Overall, we found that areas of opportunity for developing solar and wind energy with little harm to biodiversity could exist in several regions of the world, with the magnitude of potential impact being particularly dependent on restrictions imposed by local energy demand. The evidence provided here helps guide sustainable development of renewable energy and contributes to the targeting of global efforts in climate mitigation and biodiversity conservation.
Calpain‐1 is associated with adverse relapse free survival in breast cancer: a confirmatory study
Authors: Pu Xuan , Storr Sarah J , Ahmad Narmeen S , Chan Stephen Y , Moseley Paul M , Televantou Despina , Cresti Nicola , Boddy Alan , Ellis Ian O , Martin Stewart G 
Published: October 2015

AimsCalpain‐1 is a ubiquitously expressed calcium‐activated intracellular cysteine protease. Altered expression of calpain system proteins has been implicated in cancer progression and response to chemotherapy.Methods and resultsThe aim of the current study was to confirm previous data that suggested that calpain‐1 expression is associated with relapse‐free survival in trastuzumab‐treated breast cancer patients (n = 93). An expanded patient cohort from Nottingham (n = 194; including 72 of the previous cohort) and an independent patient cohort from Newcastle (n = 87) were used. All patients received trastuzumab following adjuvant therapy according to local guidelines with expression of calpain‐1 investigated using standard immunohistochemistry. Results show that calpain‐1 expression is associated with relapse‐free survival in both the Nottingham (P = 0.01) and Newcastle (P = 0.019) cohorts, with high expression associated with adverse relapse‐free survival. Expression was also associated with poor relapse‐free survival when patient cohorts were combined (n = 281, P = 0.01). Calpain‐1 remained, from multivariate analysis, an independent marker for relapse‐free survival in the Newcastle cohort [hazard ratio (HR) = 5.169; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.468–18.200; P = 0.011].ConclusionsCalpain‐1 expression is associated with poor relapse‐free survival in breast cancer patients treated with trastuzumab. Further work is warranted to standardize and develop methodology with a view to potentially introducing assessment of this important biomarker into clinical practice.
MRI as a promising tool for evaluation of the stability of cosmetic emulsions
Authors: Onuki Y. , Kida C. , Funatani C. , Hayashi Y. , Takayama K. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractObjectiveWe have recently established a novel method to evaluate the emulsion stability of pharmaceutical skin cream. The key technology of the method is magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The purpose of this study was to verify the usefulness of the method in the cosmetic industry.MethodsMilky lotion‐type emulsions were employed as test samples. We note that the test samples were prepared by taking account of commercial milky lotions. After the sample preparation, a centrifugation treatment (5000 g for up to 120 min) was implemented to accelerate their destabilization processes. The centrifuged samples were monitored by using T2 relaxation time (T2) maps. Furthermore, the histograms generated from the T2 maps were analysed to investigate the destabilization process in more detail. In addition, small fractions of the upper and lower phases were collected from the centrifuged samples, and microscopic observations were conducted.ResultsT2 maps successfully visualized the destabilization process accompanying the centrifugation protocol. From the microscopic observations, it was clarified that the main mechanism of the destabilization process was creaming. The sensitivity of the T2 map to creaming was much superior to that of visible observation; the T2 map can detect a slight creaming that is not visible to the naked eye. In addition, the T2 map also enables the detection of slight reversible creaming–dispersion changes accompanied by a repeated centrifugation–vortexing treatment. By using the parameters derived from the histogram analysis, the creaming behaviour can be evaluated more precisely and more objectively. This study prepared emulsions containing different thickener contents and then compared their creaming behaviours. As a consequence of the analysis, we could fully evaluate the effect of thickener on the emulsion stability by the evaluation method.ConclusionMRI is a promising tool for evaluation of the stability of cosmetic emulsions.
Cross‐talk between pathogen recognizing Toll‐like receptors and immunoglobulin Fc receptors in immunity
Authors: van Egmond Marjolein , Vidarsson Gestur , Bakema Jantine E. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryThe individual role of pathogen‐binding Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) and antibody‐binding Fc receptors (FcRs) during pathogenic infections has been studied extensively. However, combined activation of these different receptor classes has received little attention, even though they are triggered simultaneously when immune cells bind antibody‐opsonized pathogens. In the last few years, it has become evident that joined activation of TLRs and FcRs substantially tailors inflammatory immune responses, which is an efficient and controlled mechanism of the host to act upon invading pathogens. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of cross‐talk between different TLRs and FcRs and the resulting inflammatory immune responses. Furthermore, we propose how chronic activation via this cross‐talk might be detrimental in inflammatory (auto) immune diseases. We conclude with the potential exploitation of the interplay between TLRs and FcRs for monoclonal antibody therapy to target tumors. Future interests in this field of research include establishing a more detailed and mechanistic understanding of the mode of action of TLR and FcR cross‐talk and exploration of its physiological importance in health and disease. This may furthermore open up novel therapeutic options for intervention in inflammatory diseases or cancer.
The era of the immunoglobulin A Fc receptor FcαRI; its function and potential as target in disease
Authors: Aleyd Esil , Heineke Marieke H. , van Egmond Marjolein 
Published: October 2015

SummaryImmunoglobulin A (IgA) is the most prevalent antibody at mucosal sites, and has an important role in defense by preventing invasion of pathogens. Traditionally, IgA has been thought of as a non‐inflammatory antibody that helps to maintain homeostasis in the mucosa. However, in the last decade it has become clear that IgA is a very potent stimulus to initiate pro‐inflammatory cellular processes, especially after triggering the IgA Fc receptor (FcαRI) on neutrophils. It was furthermore described that FcαRI acts as a regulator between anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory responses of IgA. Although neutrophil activation is beneficial in (mucosal) infections, abnormal or excessive IgA immune complexes can induce disproportionate neutrophil migration and in this way initiate a perpetuating neutrophil recruitment and activation loop, which will result in severe tissue damage. Increasing evidence on this process plays a detrimental role in several diseases, including autoimmune IgA blistering diseases, a subtype of rheumatoid arthritis and ulcerative colitis. Inhibiting FcαRI‐mediated activation may dampen inflammation in these patients. This process also opens up the possibility of targeting FcαRI in antibody immunotherapy of cancer. Thus, interfering with IgA‐mediated FcαRI activation may represent an attractive novel therapeutic strategy for multiple maladies.
Incidence and 1‐Year Outcomes of Perioperative Atrial Arrhythmia in Elderly Adults After Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: Gupta Bhanu P. , Steckelberg Rachel C. , Gullerud Rachel E. , Huddleston Paul M. , Kirkland Lisa L. , Wright R. Scott , Huddleston Jeanne M. 
Published: October 2015

ObjectivesTo determine the incidence and 1‐year outcomes of an elderly population with perioperative atrial arrhythmia (PAA) within 7 days of hip fracture surgery.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingThe Rochester Epidemiology Project (REP).ParticipantsElderly adults consecutive undergoing hip fracture repair from 1988 to 2002 in Olmsted County, Minnesota (N = 1,088, mean age 84.0 ± 7.4, 80.2% female).MeasurementsBaseline clinical variables were analyzed in relation to survival using Cox proportional hazards methods for comparison.ResultsSixty‐one participants (5.6%) developed PAA within the first 7 days. During 1 year of follow‐up, 239 (22%) participants died. PAA was associated with greater mortality (45% vs 21%; hazard ratio (HR) = 2.8, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.9–4.2). Other mortality risk factors were male sex (HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.5–2.6), congestive heart failure (HR = 2.1, 95% CI = 1.7–2.8), chronic renal insufficiency (HR = 2.0, 95% CI = 1.5–2.8), dementia (HR = 2.9, 95% CI = 2.2–3.7), and American Society of Anesthesiologists risk Class III, IV, or V (HR = 3.3, 95% CI = 1.9–5.9).ConclusionElderly adults undergoing hip fracture surgery who develop PAA within 7 days have significantly higher 1‐year mortality than those who do not. Further studies are indicated to determine whether prevention of PAA will reduce mortality in this population.
Civil Society Organizations and International Cooperation Agencies in the Coproduction of a National Agenda for Afro‐Descendants in Argentina: Reflections on a SAICD Project
Authors: Rodriguez Pablo Gustavo , Surasky Javier , Maffia Marta M. 
Published: October 2015

ResumenSe analiza un proyecto de cooperación internacional denominado “Apoyo a la población afro‐argentina y sus organizaciones de base” financiado por la Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional al Desarrollo (AECID). Desarrollado entre los años 2008 y 2010 y liderado por la Sociedad de Socorros Mutuos Unión Caboverdeana de Dock Sud, localidad cercana a Buenos Aires, Argentina. La estructura de oportunidades creada por este proyecto permitió a los líderes de las organizaciones argentinas canalizar recursos para beneficiar a su propia gente y fortalecer de ese modo sus respectivos liderazgos. Las organizaciones afroargentinas adoptaron la jerga de la cooperación internacional y aprendieron a enmarcar sus intereses bajo las categorías de acciones estratégicas aceptadas por la AECID. Al apoyar el proyecto esta última cumplió su misión, justificó su existencia y ofreció a sus donantes evidencia del correcto uso de sus fondos de acuerdo a las directivas establecidas en su Plan Estratégico.
In situ electronic probing of semiconducting nanowires in an electron microscope
Authors: FAUSKE V.T. , ERLBECK M.B. , HUH J. , KIM D.C. , MUNSHI A.M. , DHEERAJ D.L. , WEMAN H. , FIMLAND B.O. , VAN HELVOORT A.T.J. 
Published: October 2015

SummaryFor the development of electronic nanoscale structures, feedback on its electronic properties is crucial, but challenging. Here, we present a comparison of various in situ methods for electronically probing single, p‐doped GaAs nanowires inside a scanning electron microscope. The methods used include (i) directly probing individual as‐grown nanowires with a sharp nano‐manipulator, (ii) contacting dispersed nanowires with two metal contacts and (iii) contacting dispersed nanowires with four metal contacts. For the last two cases, we compare the results obtained using conventional ex situ litho‐graphy contacting techniques and by in situ, direct‐write electron beam induced deposition of a metal (Pt). The comparison shows that 2‐probe measurements gives consistent results also with contacts made by electron beam induced deposition, but that for 4‐probe, stray deposition can be a problem for shorter nanowires. This comparative study demonstrates that the preferred in situ method depends on the required throughput and reliability.
Fish oil supplementation does not lower C‐reactive protein or interleukin‐6 levels in healthy adults
Authors: Muldoon M. F. , Laderian B. , Kuan D. C. H. , Sereika S. M. , Marsland A. L. , Manuck S. B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may prevent a range of chronic conditions through anti‐inflammatory actions. However, as clinical trials using these fatty acids for primary prevention are yet unavailable, their putative role in disease prevention rests, in part, on evidence of anti‐inflammatory actions in healthy individuals.ObjectiveTo investigate in a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial whether supplementation with a moderate dose of EPA+DHA reduces common biomarkers of chronic, systemic inflammation in healthy individuals.MethodsA total of 261 healthy individuals aged 30–54 years who were free of inflammatory conditions and consumed ≤300 mg per day EPA+DHA were included in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to 18 weeks of either fish oil supplementation providing 1400 mg per day EPA+DHA or matching placebo. Outcome measures were serum levels of C‐reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin (IL)‐6. In a substudy, ex vivo cytokine production was measured. Missing data for CRP and IL‐6 were estimated using regression imputation. Data analyses conformed to intention‐to‐treat principles.ResultsParticipant blinding was verified. Red blood cell EPA+DHA increased by 64% in the active treatment group, but serum CRP and IL‐6 were not affected by supplementation (P ≥ 0.20). Findings were consistent with and without imputed values and across subgroups. Similarly, EPA+DHA supplementation did not alter ex vivo production of four pro‐inflammatory cytokines (P ≥ 0.20).ConclusionsSupplementation with 1400 mg EPA+DHA did not reduce common markers of systemic inflammation in healthy adults. Whether this or a higher dose affects other measures of inflammation, oxidative stress or immune function warrants examination.
Recovery from Cucumber Mosaic Virus Infection for ‘Calwonder’ Bell Pepper Plants Does not Counter Negative Impacts on Plant Growth
Authors: Murphy John F. , Masiri Jongkit , Hadi Buyung A. R. , Dute Roland R. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractCucumber mosaic virus (CMV) accumulation in leaves and stems of infected bell pepper plants at specific symptom stages was evaluated with an emphasis on the transition from full infection to recovery from Cucumber mosaic disease. Four symptom phases occurred in successive order, designated chlorosis (leaves 6–8), mosaic (leaves 9–11/12), leaf distortion (first series of leaves on secondary and tertiary branches) and recovery (progressive recovery with newly emerging leaves in tertiary and younger branches). In situ detection of CMV in leaf tissues revealed widespread occurrence in leaves expressing chlorosis and mosaic symptoms but reduced, localized occurrence in leaves in the recovery phase. Similarly, CMV accumulated to high levels throughout stems expressing chlorosis and mosaic symptoms but with dramatically reduced levels for plants in the recovery symptom phase. Stunting of internodes occurred at all locations above the inoculated leaves by the first expression of systemic symptoms, suggesting an impact on stem growth in response to initial virus invasion of young developing tissues of the stem. Despite the recovery from CMV infection, plant growth was negatively impacted early in the infection process and remained so through the course of the experiment.
Short‐term manipulation of precipitation in Mongolian steppe shows vegetation influenced more by timing than amount of rainfall
Authors: Spence Laura A. , Liancourt Pierre , Boldgiv Bazartseren , Petraitis Peter S. , Casper Brenda B. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractQuestionsHow does plant productivity and community composition in the mountain steppe of northern Mongolia respond to increased precipitation? Do these changes differ with the timing of precipitation?LocationMountain steppe at ecotone between steppe and taiga, Dalbay Valley, Lake Hövsgöl International Long Term Ecological Research Site (ILTER), northern Mongolia (51°01.405′ N 100°45.600′ E).MethodsWe experimentally applied water, representing a 25% increase in growing season precipitation, to plots at the drier end of a topographic moisture gradient in mountain steppe vegetation. In one treatment, supplemental water was applied weekly for four growing seasons. A second treatment started in year 2, in which three times the weekly supplement of water was applied once every 3 wk for three growing seasons. Vascular plant species presence and percentage cover were used to assess water treatment effects on forb and graminoid composition. Plant species biomass and percentage cover in year 4 was used to determine treatment effects on total productivity, and on the abundances of legumes, non‐leguminous forbs and graminoids, separately. Lichen, litter and root biomass, plant available N, P and K, and seedling demography were also examined in year 4.ResultsWeekly watering changed the relative abundances of forbs and increased the total abundance of legumes and non‐leguminous forbs measured either as percentage cover or biomass. The 3‐wk watering treatment did not induce the same changes in forb composition or abundance of functional groups but produced less compositional change in graminoids compared to controls. Neither treatment increased total productivity. Three‐week watering increased plant available P and decreased litter. Seedling emergence, survival and size increased with one or both watering treatments.ConclusionIn mountain steppe, precipitation increases will produce immediate changes in composition and abundance of forbs, including legumes, but not in graminoids or total productivity. The steppe is more responsive to regular incremental increases in precipitation than to less frequent, larger storms whose effect would be timing‐dependent within the short, temperature‐limited growing season. Longer term investigations need to be conducted to explore if further lagged responses to water addition occur.
Post‐ablation des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin level predicts prognosis in hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lee Sunyoung , Rhim Hyunchul , Kim Young‐sun , Kang Tae Wook , Song Kyoung Doo 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackground & AimsWe investigated whether pre‐ or post‐ablation serum alpha‐foetoprotein (AFP) and des‐gamma‐carboxy prothrombin (DCP) levels can predict prognosis in patients with curative radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsWe retrospectively analysed 412 patients with HBV‐related single HCC treated with percutaneous RFA between January 2004 and December 2013. AFP and DCP levels were measured before (pre‐ablation) and 1 month after treatment (post‐ablation). We assessed predictive factors for overall and recurrence‐free survival.ResultsOn univariate analysis, Child‐Pugh score, Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, platelet count, tumour size, Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage, and pre‐ and post‐ablation DCP were significant for overall survival; and age, Child‐Pugh score, MELD score, platelet count, tumour size, Cancer of the Liver Italian Program (CLIP) score, BCLC stage, and pre‐ and post‐ablation AFP and DCP were significant for recurrence‐free survival. Multivariate analysis revealed significant differences in overall survival by MELD score and tumour size and in recurrence‐free survival by BCLC stage. Among the tumour markers, post‐ablation DCP was an independent prognostic factor for overall and recurrence‐free survival [hazard ratio (HR), 3.438; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.331–8.877; P = 0.011 and HR, 4.934; 95% CI, 2.761–8.816; P < 0.001 respectively]. Post‐ablation AFP was associated with recurrence‐free survival (HR, 1.995; 95% CI, 1.476–2.697; P < 0.001) but not overall survival.ConclusionsIn patients with HBV‐related HCC, post‐ablation serum DCP is a useful biomarker for predicting survival and recurrence after curative RFA.
Seventeen years of subcutaneous infection by Aspergillus flavus; eumycetoma confirmed by immunohistochemistry
Authors: Ahmed Sarah A. , Abbas Manal A. , Jouvion Gregory , Al‐Hatmi Abdullah M. S. , de Hoog G. Sybren , Kolecka Anna , Mahgoub El Sheikh 
Published: October 2015

SummaryChronic subcutaneous infections caused by Aspergillus species are considered to be extremely rare. Because these fungi are among the most common laboratory contaminants, their role as eumycetoma causative agents is difficult to ascertain. Here, we report the first case of A. flavus eumycetoma confirmed by isolation, molecular identification and immunohistochemical analysis. Patient was a 55‐year‐old male from Sudan suffering from eumycetoma on his left foot for a period of 17 years. He developed swelling, sinuses and white grain discharge was observed. He has been operated nine times and was treated with several regimens of ketoconazole and itraconazole without improvement. Initial diagnosis based on histology and radiology was Scedosporium eumycetoma. However, examination of the biopsy revealed A. flavus, which was identified by molecular analysis and MALDI‐TOF MS. Immunohistochemistry using antibody directed against Aspergillus species was positive. Because of the earlier treatment failures with ketoconazole and itraconazole, therapy with voriconazole was initiated. However, in vitro susceptibility testing yielded a lower Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) value for itraconazole (0.25 μg ml−1) than for voriconazole (1 μg ml−1). Based on the presented results, A. flavus can be considered as one of the agents of white‐grain eumycetoma.
The Headmaster Ritual: The Importance of Management for School Outcomes
Authors: Böhlmark Anders , Grönqvist Erik , Vlachos Jonas 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe estimate the impact of individual principals on school outcomes by using panel data that allow us to track principals over time. We find that individual principals have a substantive impact on school policies, working conditions, and student outcomes. In particular, students who attend a school that has a one standard deviation better principal improve their achievement by between 0.05 and 0.1 standard deviations. Despite rich background information on principals, it is difficult to characterize successful management, suggesting that innate skills are central. We find that the scope for discretion is larger among voucher schools and in areas with school competition.