bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Microbial phylotype composition and diversity predicts plant productivity and plant–soil feedbacks
Authors: Bever James D. , Broadhurst Linda M. , Thrall Peter H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe relationship between ecological variation and microbial genetic composition is critical to understanding microbial influence on community and ecosystem function. In glasshouse trials using nine native legume species and 40 rhizobial strains, we find that bacterial rRNA phylotype accounts for 68% of amoung isolate variability in symbiotic effectiveness and 79% of host specificity in growth response. We also find that rhizobial phylotype diversity and composition of soils collected from a geographical breadth of sites explains the growth responses of two acacia species. Positive soil microbial feedback between the two acacia hosts was largely driven by changes in diversity of rhizobia. Greater rhizobial diversity accumulated in association with the less responsive host species, Acacia salicina, and negatively affected the growth of the more responsive Acacia stenophylla. Together, this work demonstrates correspondence of phylotype with microbial function, and demonstrates that the dynamics of rhizobia on host species can feed back on plant population performance.
Planting methods matter for cost‐effective rainforest restoration
Authors: Preece Noel D. , van Oosterzee Penny , Lawes Michael J. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryForest restoration efforts in Australia's Wet Tropics establish <100 ha/year, compared with 20‐year average clearing rates of 1661 ha/year. Establishment costs are serious impediments to restoration efforts. Costs range from $25,000 to $67,000/ha, compared with less than $5,000/ha in other areas using other methods. Some of this difference stems from methods used to plant trees. Augered holes are used commonly in environmental plantings, whereas planting spades are used mostly in forestry plantings. To determine the most cost‐effective planting method between auger and spade planting methods, we compared the planting costs and the survival and growth of seedlings of local rainforest species, The speed of planting with a spade is on average four times quicker than with an auger, whereas the survival (range = 89–94%, spade vs auger respectively), and growth (slightly greater height growth for auger planted individuals) rates were only marginally different. Given these results, using planting spades is a cost‐effective alternative to augering holes.
Long‐distance dispersal of Black Spear Grass (Heteropogon contortus) seed on socks and trouser legs by walkers in Kakadu National Park
Authors: Ansong Michael , Pickering Catherine 
Published: December 2012

SummaryHumans can contribute to the long‐distance dispersal of many plants, including weeds. We assessed the distance for which seed remained attached to the socks and trouser legs of walkers. The experiment in Kakadu National Park, Australia used seed of the Australian native Black Spear Grass (Heteropogon contortus) as a surrogate for the potential dispersal of weed seed. Two models were fitted to the data, with a double exponential model fitting the data slightly better than a power exponential model. Although 19% of seed were dispersed within the first 5 m of walking, most (55%) seed remained attached to socks and trousers at 5 km. Humans may, therefore, unintentionally carry and eventually disperse this grass and other invasive grasses with similar long awns and pointed seeds over long distances. Implementing strategies to reduce the potential for seed to attach to walkers (gaiters) and reduce potential dispersal (removal and careful disposal of seed) would reduce the risks posed by this type of human‐mediated seed dispersal.
Self‐assessed health status changes in a community cohort of people with multiple sclerosis: 11 years of follow‐up
Authors: Giordano A. , Ferrari G. , Radice D. , Randi G. , Bisanti L. , Solari A. ,   the POSMOS study
Published: December 2012

Background and purposeFew data are available on the health status of people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) in the community. We assessed changes in self‐perceived health status and health related quality of life of a community‐based cohort of PwMS over a decade, and identified predictors of such changes.MethodsIn 1999 we started the POSMOS study (Postal Survey of Self‐Assessed Health of MS Adults and their Significant Others) on a random sample of 251 adults with MS from the Milan area (mean age 42 years, range 18–71 years), and prospectively assessed changes in self‐perceived health status over 11 years. Participants completed the Multiple Sclerosis Quality‐of‐Life‐54 (MSQOL‐54) and a general/clinical questionnaire. We re‐assessed the cohort in 2004 and 2010, sending the same questionnaires plus the Chicago Multiscale Depression Inventory.ResultsThere were 205 (86%) respondents in 2004, 171 (74%) in 2010; 28 (11%) died during the study. Severely impaired [self‐determined Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) > 6.5] increased from 19% to 32%. One‐fifth remained fully ambulatory (EDSS < 4.0): 25% women (median age 44 years [interquartile range, IQR 39–53], median years from diagnosis 16 [IQR 12–19]); and 17% men (median age 40 years [IQR 38–45], median years from diagnosis 14 [IQR 12–17]). Changes in MSQOL‐54 composite scores were negligible; but among individual scales, change in health, cognitive function and general health worsened, and social function and emotional wellbeing improved significantly. Depressive symptoms were high and stable.ConclusionsMultiple sclerosis had a pervasive but inhomogeneous impact on the lives of our MS sufferers. Notwithstanding overall clinical deterioration and aging, hospital admissions and medical consultations decreased, suggesting reduced use of health care resources. By contrast, housing adaptations and home care increased, psychological burden was high and self‐perceived cognitive functioning worsened.
Imaging actinic keratosis by high‐definition optical coherence tomography. Histomorphologic correlation: a pilot study
Authors: Boone Marc A. L. M. , Norrenberg Sarah , Jemec Gregor B. E. , Del Marmol Veronique 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWith the continued development of non‐invasive therapies for actinic keratosis such as PDT and immune therapies, the non‐invasive diagnosis and monitoring become increasingly relevant. High‐definition optical coherence tomography is a high‐resolution imaging tool, with micrometre resolution in both transversal and axial directions, enable to visualize individual cells up to a depth of around 570 μm filling the imaging gap between conventional optical coherence tomography and reflectance confocal microscopy. We sought to determine the feasibility of detecting and grading of actinic keratosis by this technique using criteria defined for reflectance confocal microscopy compared to histology. In this pilot study, skin lesions of 17 patients with a histologically proven actinic keratosis were imaged by high‐definition optical coherence tomography just before excision and images analysed qualitatively. The surrounding normal looking skin has been used as control group. In lesional skin, dyskeratotic and atypical keratinocytes could be noticed with this new technique. An atypical honeycomb pattern in variable degree or a disarranged epidermal pattern could be observed. A good correlation between the dimension of atypia and/or disarrangement of the spinous–granular layer on en face images and the histopathological grading could be demonstrated. Relevant cross‐sectional imaging criteria could be defined for the different histopathological variants of actinic keratoses. The surrounding skin displayed features of photodamage. Using features already suggested by reflectance confocal microscopy, the study implies that high‐definition optical coherence tomography facilitates in vivo diagnosis of actinic keratosis and allows the grading of different actinic keratosis lesions for increased clinical utility.
Expression profiles of cortisol‐inactivating enzyme, 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‐2, in human epidermal tumors and its role in keratinocyte proliferation
Authors: Terao Mika , Itoi Saori , Murota Hiroyuki , Katayama Ichiro 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe enzyme 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (11β‐HSD) catalyzes the interconversion between hormonally active cortisol and inactive cortisone within cells. There are two isozymes: 11β‐HSD1 activates cortisol from cortisone and 11β‐HSD2 inactivates cortisol to cortisone. 11β‐HSD1 was recently discovered in skin, and we subsequently found that the enzyme negatively regulates keratinocyte proliferation. We verified 11β‐HSD1 and 11β‐HSD2 expression in benign and malignant skin tumors and investigated the role of 11β‐HSD in skin tumor pathogenesis. Randomly selected formalin‐fixed sections of skin lesions of seborrheic keratosis (SK), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) were stained with 11β‐HSD1 and 11β‐HSD2 antibodies, and 11β‐HSD expression was also evaluated in murine epidermis in which hyperproliferation was induced by 12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13 acetate (TPA). We observed that 11β‐HSD1 expression was decreased in all SK, SCC, and BCC lesions compared with unaffected skin. Conversely, 11β‐HSD2 expression was increased in SK and BCC but not in SCC. Overexpression of 11β‐HSD2 in keratinocytes increased cell proliferation. In the murine model, 11β‐HSD1 expression was decreased in TPA‐treated hyperproliferative skin. Our findings suggest that 11β‐HSD1 expression is decreased in keratinocyte proliferative conditions, and 11β‐HSD2 expression is increased in basal cell proliferating conditions, such as BCC and SK. Assessing 11β‐HSD1 and 11β‐HSD2 expression could be a useful tool for diagnosing and characterizing skin tumors.
Effects of sliding on rolling contact fatigue of railway wheels
Authors: LANGUEH A. M. G. , BRUNEL J.‐F. , CHARKALUK E. , DUFRÉNOY P. , TRITSCH J.‐B. , DEMILLY F. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTThis paper proposes a numerical approach based on a steady‐state algorithm to predict the rolling contact fatigue crack initiation in railway wheels in practical conditions. This work suggests taking into account the cyclic hardening of the wheel's material and one of its originality is to conduct a complete numerical approach whatever the loading level. The main stages are the characterization and modelling of the material behaviour, the determination of the stress–strain fields using a numerical steady‐state method and the application of a high cycle fatigue criterion. Computations were made with the Abaqus FE commercial software. Three cases are studied: rolling with or without sliding and skating. The numerical results give several types of mechanical responses: elastic or plastic shakedown. Otherwise, the results show that the location where the shear stress is maximal is not the same as where the risk of crack is the highest.
The role of subtropical zooplankton as grazers of phytoplankton under different predation levels
Authors: LACEROT GISSELL , KRUK CARLA , LÜRLING MIQUEL , SCHEFFER MARTEN 
Published: December 2012

Summary1. Large zooplankton such asDaphniaplay a fundamental role as consumers of phytoplankton in temperate lakes. These organisms are scarce in subtropical lakes where smaller cladocerans or copepods take this niche. However, such smaller grazers appear to be less able to exert an effective top–down control on the phytoplankton community.2. We experimentally analysed the ability of zooplankton typical of subtropical, nutrient‐rich lakes to graze effectively on the phytoplankton community. We conducted two outdoor mesocosm experiments in a hypertrophic lake, with combinations of three different zooplankton densities and three different omnivorous fish densities. In the first experiment, the zooplankton community was dominated by a small‐sized cladoceran (Moina micrura) and in the second by a calanoid copepod (Notodiaptomus incompositus). The phytoplankton community also differed between experiments, with dominance of large size classes and less palatable species in the first experiment and edible sizes in the second.3. In both experiments, the effect of fish on the largest zooplankton was strong and negative, and low fish densities were sufficient to eliminate the larger zooplankton. Fish presence had positive effects on the biovolume of the largest phytoplankton size fraction (30–100 μm) in the first experiment. This effect was more pronounced in combination with high zooplankton biomass, suggesting that nutrient recycling by both fish and zooplankton may have been an important mechanism promoting phytoplankton growth.4. None of the zooplankton communities tested had significant top–down effects on the phytoplankton community. In view of the phytoplankton species that dominated the communities at the end of both experiments, inedibility, toxicity and antigrazer defences may explain the absence of significant effects of zooplankton grazing.5. Our results support the idea that in subtropical nutrient‐rich lakes, drastic removal of small omnivorous fish may be needed to allow an increase in zooplankton biomass. In addition, our results imply that for such a change to result in effective top–down control of phytoplankton, a shift in zooplankton community composition is essential too, as the experimental increase in small‐sized grazers had little effect on the phytoplankton communities.
Proximate weather patterns and spring green‐up phenology effect Eurasian beaver (Castor fiber) body mass and reproductive success: the implications of climate change and topography
Authors: Campbell Ruairidh D. , Newman Chris , Macdonald David W. , Rosell Frank 
Published: December 2012

AbstractLow spring temperatures have been found to benefit mobile herbivores by reducing the rate of spring‐flush, whereas high rainfall increases forage availability. Cold winters prove detrimental, by increasing herbivore thermoregulatory burdens. Here we examine the effects of temperature and rainfall variability on a temperate sedentary herbivore, the Eurasian beaver, Castor fiber, in terms of inter‐annual variation in mean body weight and per territory offspring production. Data pertain to 198 individuals, over 11 years, using capture‐mark‐recapture. We use plant growth (tree cores) and fAPAR (a satellite‐derived plant productivity index) to examine potential mechanisms through which weather conditions affect the availability and the seasonal phenology of beaver forage. Juvenile body weights were lighter after colder winters, whereas warmer spring temperatures were associated with lighter adult body weights, mediated by enhanced green‐up phenology rates. Counter‐intuitively, we observed a negative association between rainfall and body weight in juveniles and adults, and also with reproductive success. Alder, Alnus incana, (n = 68) growth rings (principal beaver food in the study area) exhibited a positive relationship with rainfall for trees growing at elevations >2 m above water level, but a negative relationship for trees growing <0.5 m. We deduce that temperature influences beavers at the landscape scale via effects on spring green‐up phenology and winter thermoregulation. Rainfall influences beavers at finer spatial scales through topographical interactions with plant growth, where trees near water level, prone to water logging, producing poorer forage in wetter years. Unlike most other herbivores, beavers are an obligate aquatic species that utilize a restricted ‘central‐place’ foraging range, limiting their ability to take advantage of better forage growth further from water during wetter years. With respect to anthropogenic climate change, interactions between weather variables, plant phenology and topography on forage growth are instructive, and consequently warrant examination when developing conservation management strategies for populations of medium to large herbivores.
Evaluation of the GrazeIn model of grass dry‐matter intake and milk production prediction for dairy cows in temperate grass‐based production systems. 2 – Animal characteristics
Authors: O'Neill B. F. , Lewis E. , O'Donovan M. , Shalloo L. , Mulligan F. J. , Boland T. M. , Delagarde R. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis study evaluated the prediction accuracy of grass dry‐matter intake (GDMI) and milk yield predicted by the GrazeIn model using a large database representing 8787 per cow GDMI measurements. In this study, the animal input variables (age, parity, week of lactation, potential peak milk yield, milk fat content, milk protein content, bodyweight, body condition score (BCS), week of conception, BCS at calving and calf birth weight) were investigated. The mean actual GDMI of the database was 15·9 kg DM per cow d−1and GrazeIn predicted a mean GDMI for the database of 15·5 kg DM per cow d−1. The mean bias was −0·4 kg DM per cow d−1. GrazeIn predicted GDMI for the total database with an RPE of 15·5% at cow level. The mean actual daily milk yield of the database was 21·3 kg per cow d−1and GrazeIn predicted a daily milk yield for the database of 22·2 kg per cow d−1. The mean bias was +0·9 kg per cow d−1. GrazeIn predicted milk yield for the total database with an RPE of 16·7% at cow level. From the evaluation, GrazeIn predicted milk yield of all cows in late lactation with a larger level of error than in early and mid‐lactation. This error appears to be due to the persistency of the lactation curve used by the model, which results in a higher predicted milk yield in late lactation compared with the actual milk yield.
Hydrolysis of factor VIII mediated by catalytic antibodies occurs in haemophilia A patients with or without factor VIII inhibitors
Authors: Grosbois S. S. , Brionne M. F. , de Longcamp A. L. F. , Gautier P. , V Kaveri S. , Borel‐Derlon A. , Repessé Y. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryThe major complication of the substitutive treatment of haemophilia A (HA) is the development of antifactor VIII (FVIII) antibodies. Most of these antibodies neutralize FVIII procoagulant activity, and are identified as FVIII inhibitor. A subgroup of these antibodies, ‘catalytic antibodies’, catalyses the FVIII hydrolysis. We investigated the frequency and the activity of catalytic antibodies, according to the phenotype of HA and the presence or absence of FVIII inhibitor. IgG from 16 patients with inhibitor and 17 patients without inhibitor were purified. Rates of FVIII hydrolysis and inhibitor titres were evaluated. Anti‐FVIII catalytic antibodies were detected in 63.6% of patients with HA, irrespective of the HA phenotype and the presence of FVIII inhibitor. The frequency was significantly higher for severe HA patients (73.3%) and patients with inhibitor (87.5%), but their FVIII‐proteolytic activity was not significantly different from patients with mild or moderate HA and patients without inhibitor. The evolution of both catalytic and inhibitory activities was studied for 11 patients with FVIII inhibitor. We observed two profiles. In the profile 1, 18.2% of patients, the catalytic activity and the inhibitor titre coevolved. In contrast, a dissociated evolution of these two parameters was observed in 72.8% patients in profile 2. These data confirm the importance of anti‐FVIII catalytic activity in patients with severe, moderate and mild HA. Interestingly, most of the patients presented a dissociated profile, suggesting that anti‐FVIII antibodies might not systematically act as FVIII inhibitors.
Screening for fall risk in patients with haemophilia
Authors: Flaherty L. M. , Josephson N. C. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryMany risk factors for falls identified in the general population are found in patients with haemophilia. Furthermore, fall risk increases with age and patients with haemophilia are increasingly entering the over 65 age group. After a fall occurs, there are often behavioural changes that have significant health consequences and further increase fall risk. Fall risk can be quickly assessed in the clinical setting with specific questions in the medical history and by a variety of performance‐based screening tools. Identification of fall risk enables early intervention, thereby preventing injury and fear of physical activity, both of which have been associated with falling and may carry an increased risk in patients with haemophilia. Review of the existing literature on assessment of fall risk reveals the importance of screening in the clinical setting, which is commonly done via a fall history and performance‐based assessment tools. Selecting appropriate fall risk screening tools is an important step in identifying and providing optimal interventions for those at risk. Assessments of fall history, fear of falling, gait velocity, gait variability and vestibular dysfunction are suggested as screening tools for patients with haemophilia. Additional research is needed to determine the optimal screening, evaluation and treatment techniques for these patients. The longitudinal physical therapy care provided by Haemophilia Treatment Centres presents a unique opportunity for instituting measures that will reduce the incidence of falling in patients with haemophilia.
Shared Governance in the Modern University
Authors: Taylor Mark 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA governance model is developed in which university governance is shared between the academic and governing bodies and is coordinated by the university executive. Viewing the university as a professional service organisation, and noting the importance of developing a flexible culture within a shifting, marketised external environment, it is argued that a degree of shared governance is necessary for the success of the modern university. Although the discussion is couched largely within the context and evolution of UK university governance over the past sixty years, it also draws on the US evidence and experience and the conclusions drawn are general.
Carer involvement with drug services: a qualitative study
Authors: Orr Linda C. , Barbour Rosaline S. , Elliott Lawrie 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundEmpirical research suggests that involving carers brings benefits to families and services. Consequently, drug‐related policy and guidance has increasingly encouraged drug services to involve carers at all levels of service provision.ObjectiveTo explore the purpose and scope of carer involvement with adult drug services in North‐east Scotland.Design, Setting and ParticipantsA total of 82 participants (20 informal carers, 43 service providers and 19 policy makers) were purposively selected to take part in a qualitative study. Eight focus groups and 32 interviews were conducted between 2007 and 2008.FindingsThree themes were identified through thematic coding: ‘Current levels of involvement’, ‘Use of the term carer’ and ‘Opportunities for change?’ Carer involvement was described as limited, unplanned and unstructured, and consisted largely of information and advice, practical and emotional support, and signposting of services. Although use of the term ‘carer’ was contested within and across the groups, caring in a drug context was considered the ‘same but different’ from caring in other contexts. Carers remained sceptical that services actually wanted to involve them in supporting their relative or to offer carers support in their own right. Many service providers and policy makers regarded carer involvement as an aspiration.ConclusionEncouraging carers, service providers and policy makers to reach a shared understanding of caring in a drug context may help translation of policy into practice. However, there is also a fundamental need for drug services to widen the level and type of involvement activities on offer to carers.