bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection and identification of Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni from symptomless plant material: results of an Italian test performance study
Authors: Loreti S. , Pucci N. , Perez G. , Catara V. , Scortichini M. , Bella P. , Ferrante P. , Giovanardi D. , Stefani E. 
Published: April 2015

Xanthomonas arboricola pv. pruni, the causal agent of bacterial spot disease of stone fruits, is a regulated quarantine pathogen in the European Union, listed as an A2 pest by the European and Mediterranean Plant Protection Organization (EPPO). Because detection and identification of this pathogen is key for its management and to ensure the production of pest free propagation material, it should be based on reliable tests, in particular when dealing with symptomless material. The current EPPO diagnostic Standard (PM 7/64) does not provide specific molecular methods for detection of this pest. The present paper summarizes the results of a test‐performance study (TPS) to validate, at a national level, a detection procedure for this bacterium. A working group was established in order to evaluate the performance criteria for tests included in the current EPPO Standard, and for a conventional PCR. On the basis of the obtained performance criteria, a diagnostic procedure was elaborated and then applied to perform an inter‐laboratory comparison. Screening tests for the detection of the bacterium on symptomless plant material based on IF and/or PCR were proposed, in parallel with isolation on agar media. For identification two methods were suggested: a molecular test or IF. This paper reports on the results of the TPS and proposes a flow diagram for the detection and identification of X. arboricola pv. pruni.
Invasive trout increase the climatic sensitivity of zooplankton communities in naturally fishless lakes
Authors: MacLennan Megan M. , Dings‐Avery Chantal , Vinebrooke Rolf D. 
Published: April 2015

Summary

Widespread stocking of fish into naturally fishless montane lakes has restructured their food webs by excluding invertebrate top predators and releasing smaller zooplankton from predation and competition. The persistence of non‐native trout in these lakes may also compound the effects of global warming, such that current efforts to manage these two stressors independently may be ineffective.

We conducted a survey of 22 naturally fishless and stocked lakes positioned along an altitudinal (and thus climatic) gradient and a two‐factor experiment using outdoor mesocosms. We hypothesised that stocked rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) increase the effects of higher temperature on zooplankton production in naturally fishless lakes by suppressing large invertebrates (e.g. Chaoborus), which then releases from predation smaller species that are more sensitive to warming. We also expected that introduced trout would stimulate primary production by suppressing larger grazers and increasing nutrient availability.

The survey confirmed that non‐native trout and temperature are significant explanatory variables of zooplankton species turnover. Both lines of evidence agreed that the positive influence of higher temperature on total zooplankton biomass occurred only in the presence of non‐native trout, probably because warming stimulated reproduction of smaller, herbivorous species that are favoured in lakes with stocked fish. Otherwise, the direct effects of higher temperatures on fishless communities were negligible. The positive effect of fish on primary production also probably provided the extra food to support greater reproduction by these small herbivorous species under warmed conditions.

Stocking trout into naturally fishless montane lakes increases the sensitivity of their zooplankton to the otherwise subtle direct effects of higher temperature. The likely effect of global warming on food webs in montane lakes may depend on their trophic structure, and the destabilizing influence of introduced fish.
Why do birds migrate? A macroecological perspective
Authors: Somveille Marius , Rodrigues Ana S. L. , Manica Andrea 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimBird migration poses a challenge to macroecology, because with one in five species moving twice yearly between breeding and non‐breeding grounds, macroecological patterns in birds are dynamic rather than static. But migration is also a natural experiment for testing hypotheses about the ecological mechanisms driving species distributions. Here, we use macroecological patterns of migratory bird diversity to test whether seasonality, winter harshness and the cost of migration drive the global distribution of migratory birds.LocationGlobal.MethodsWe used data on the distribution of the world's bird species to derive global empirical patterns of: the number of breeding migrants, the number of non‐breeding migrants and the difference in seasonal diversity. We built statistical models with ecologically meaningful predictors related to each of the hypotheses and investigated if they can significantly explain global empirical patterns of migratory bird diversity. We formally tested these models by training on one hemisphere (Western or Eastern) to predict the other hemisphere in turn. Model predictions were assessed in terms of match to the empirical data and their ability to predict the spatial features of patterns.ResultsWe found strong support for the hypotheses that birds move to breeding grounds to exploit a surplus in resources, preferring areas with harsh winters (presumably to avoid competition). In contrast, distribution during the non‐breeding season seems driven by avoidance of harsh winters and connectivity to breeding grounds. Models integrating these hypotheses explain well the observed variance in the empirical patterns and reproduce key spatial features, even when models trained in one hemisphere are used to predict another.Main conclusionsThe strong predictive power of the models suggests that we have captured the main mechanisms that drive global patterns in bird migration. The fact that the models perform well despite being applied to species with very different ecologies suggests general mechanisms driving migration across taxa.
Resistance and resilience of terrestrial birds in drying climates: do floodplains provide drought refugia?
Authors: Selwood Katherine E. , Thomson James R. , Clarke Rohan H. , McGeoch Melodie A. , Mac Nally Ralph 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimClimate refugia will become increasingly important for biota as climate change causes an increased frequency and intensity of extreme events, such as drought. Floodplains are potential drought refugia because they have cooler and more mesic microclimates than adjacent areas, and greater water availability through shallower groundwater and flooding. We explored the role of floodplains as drought refugia by estimating the resistance and resilience of terrestrial birds over a 13‐year drought (the ‘Big Dry’) and for 4 years following the break in the drought in floodplain and non‐floodplain zones.LocationMurray–Darling Basin, Australia.MethodsWe used Atlas of Australian Birds survey data from more than 39,000 surveys at over 28,000 sites to estimate trends in reporting rates in floodplain and non‐floodplain zones for 144 bird species during extended drought (1998–2009) and in the post‐drought period (2010–13).ResultsThere was greater resistance to drought in floodplain zones: fewer species declined in floodplain zones (19%) than in non‐floodplain zones (29%) during the Big Dry, and more species had elevated reporting rates (13% vs. 8%). More species showed a recovery in reporting rates in non‐floodplain zones (40.3%) than in floodplain zones (15.3%) during the post‐drought period, which was expected because declines during the Big Dry were more common in non‐floodplain zones. There was some evidence for limitations in the resilience of floodplain avifauna, with only 17.9% of species that declined in floodplain zones during the drought subsequently recovering.ConclusionsFloodplains appear to enhance resistance to drought for many bird species, and are likely to be particularly important as refugia in areas with an arid climate. However, their role in resilience is less clear. Floodplain ecosystems require long‐term management to relieve pressures and to restore their ecological condition so that their role as drought refugia is maintained or enhanced.
Facile Fabrication and Microstructure of α‐Al2O3/TiC Composite Coating as Tritium Permeation Barrier
Authors: Lu Caixuan , Li Heping , Liu Xiaobang , Xue Lihong , Yan Youwei 
Published: April 2015

Well‐crystallized α‐Al2O3/TiC composite coating was synthesized on the surface of steel substrate by a facile laser‐assisted combustion synthesis technique without subsequent calcination. The effect of laser cladding speed on formation and microstructure of the coatings was studied. At 6 mm/s, α‐Al2O3/TiC coating with good quality was obtained without pores and cracks and was well bonded with the steel substrate. By adjusting the precoating thickness, the coating thickness was easily controlled. As a simple, environmentally friendly and energy‐saving technique, laser‐assisted combustion synthesis is expected to find applications in ceramic coating fabrication as tritium permeation barrier or wear‐ and corrosion‐resistance coatings.
Electrical Properties of Sr1–xBixFe0.6Sn0.4O3 Thermistor Ceramics
Authors: Yuan Changlai , Yang Tao , Chen Guohua , Zhou Changrong , Yang Yun , Zhou Xiujuan 
Published: April 2015

BixSr1−xFe0.6Sn0.4O3 (0.2 ≤ x ≤ 0.6) thermistor ceramics were prepared by conventional solid‐state reaction method. The Bi substitution affected the crystalline structure and induced the decrease of lattice parameters a, b, and c in BixSr1−xFe0.6Sn0.4O3 ceramics, except for x = 0.6. The values of room‐temperature resistivity, thermistor constant, and activation energy of BixSr1−xFe0.6Sn0.4O3 ceramics were 7.05–6790 kΩ.cm, 4375–6694 K, and 0.378–0.578 eV, respectively. Electrical microstructural analysis indicated that in ceramic surface layers, grain boundaries, and grain cores of the thermistor ceramics, Ohmic behavior was the main conductive mechanism and space‐charge effect was dominant in grain shells.
Comparison of efficacy and toxicity profiles between paclitaxel/lobapoatin‐ and cisplatin/5‐fluorouracil‐based concurrent chemoradiotherapy of advanced inoperable oesophageal cancer
Authors: Yang J‐S. , Wang T. , Qiu M‐Q. , Li Q‐L. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackground and AimCurrent chemoradiotherapy doesn't usually effectively control oesophageal cancer progression. This study assessed the efficacy and toxicity profiles of paclitaxel/lobaplatin (TL)‐ and cisplatin/5‐fluorouracil (PF)‐based concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in patients with advanced inoperable oesophageal cancer.MethodsA total of such 68 patients was recruited and randomised to receive TL or PF‐based CCRT. Radiotherapy was given at a total dose of 60–70 Gy over 6 weeks. In the TL group of patients, paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 was administered intravenously on day 1, 8 and 15 and lobaplatin 30 mg/m2 was administered on day 2 in two cycles at 3‐week intervals. In the PF group, cisplatin 75 mg/m2 was administered intravenously on day 1, and 5‐fluorouracil 500 mg/m2 and leucovorin 200 mg/m2 were administered intravenously daily for 5 days in two cycles at 3‐week intervals. Adverse events, treatment response and follow‐up data were collected.ResultsThe treatment response rates were 73.53% and 50.00% in the TL and PF groups respectively (P = 0.040). The median tumour progression‐free survival (PFS) was 13.0 and 6.5 months in the TL and PF groups respectively (P = 0.034). Compared with PF group, the TL group demonstrated decreased grade 3/4 nausea and vomiting (5.88% vs 35.29%, P = 0.003), decreased granulocytopenia (11.76% vs 32.35%, P = 0.041) and platelet count reduction (32.5% vs 8.8%, P = 0.016).ConclusionsThe TL treatment regimen demonstrated higher efficacy with less overall toxicity in patients with advanced inoperable oesophageal cancer compared with the PF regimen. Further study is warranted to validate our current observations.
Cardiac resynchronisation therapy in 2015: keeping up with the pace
Authors: Voskoboinik A. , McGavigan A. D. , Mariani J. A. 
Published: April 2015

AbstractDespite improved understanding of the pathophysiology of heart failure (HF) and availability of better medical therapies, HF continues to grow as a cause of morbidity and mortality in Australia and worldwide. Over the past decade, cardiac resynchronisation therapy (CRT), or biventricular pacing, has been embraced as a powerful weapon against this growing epidemic. However, much has changed in our understanding of dyssynchrony in HF, and this has led to a change in guidelines to ensure more appropriate selection of CRT candidates to improve the ‘non‐response’ rate. More data have also emerged about the use of CRT in atrial fibrillation and in pacemaker‐dependent patients. There has also been a growing focus on multimodality imaging to guide patient selection and lead positioning. Exciting new lead technologies are also emerging, with the potential to improve CRT outcomes further.
Doctor‐to‐doctor communication of prognosis in metastatic cancer: a review of letters from medical oncologists to referring doctors
Authors: Moth E. B , Parry J. , Stockler M. R , Beale P. , Blinman P. , Della‐Fiorentina S. , Kiely B. E 
Published: April 2015

AbstractBackgroundShared understanding of prognosis is vital for optimal, multidisciplinary, clinical decision making.AimsThis study aims to determine the frequency and nature of prognostic information in medical oncologists’ letters to referring doctors for patients with metastatic cancer.MethodsWe reviewed all consultation letters (to June 2014) for new patients with metastatic cancer presenting to medical oncologists at Concord and Macarthur Cancer Centres between June 2012 and June 2013. We recorded the presence and nature of prognostic information in the letters, patients’ characteristics and survival. Characteristics associated with inclusion of prognostic information were explored.ResultsWe analysed 1344 letters pertaining to 272 patients with a median survival of 13 months. The median number of letters per patient was 4 (interquartile range 1–7), with 50% written by trainees. The terms ‘metastatic’ or ‘stage IV cancer’ were included in letters for 253 patients (93%), treatment was described as ‘palliative’ for 174 patients (64%) and the word ‘incurable’ was included for 93 (34%). Only 31 patients (11%) had a quantitative estimate of prognosis in any correspondence: median or average survival in 14, general time frame in 12 and, best case, typical and worst case scenarios in 5. Inclusion of quantitative prognostic information was not associated with patient age, cancer type, treatment plan, trainee authoring letter or shorter survival.ConclusionInclusion of quantitative prognostic information in written correspondence from medical oncologists regarding patients with metastatic cancer was infrequent. Encouraging oncologists to include quantitative prognostic information in their letters could improve communication between oncologists, referring doctors and patients.
Contact sensitisation in patients with chronic leg ulcers
Authors: Artüz Ferda , Yılmaz Emrah , Külcü Çakmak Seray , Polat Düzgün Arife 
Published: April 2015

AbstractThe aim of our study is to identify the allergens in patients with leg ulcers who have contact dermatitis surrounding the skin of the ulcer and compare them with a control group consisting of patients with lower extremity contact dermatitis. A total of 40 patients with chronic leg ulcers (CLU) and contact dermatitis around the skin of ulcer were included in the study. As a control group, 20 patients with contact dermatitis of lower extremity without leg ulcers were included. The patient and control groups were patch tested with 37 allergens of the European Standard Series. Of the 40 patients, 31 (77·5%) had positivity to one or more allergens, and 10 (50%) of the control group patients had positivity to one or more allergens. The number of patients who had positivity to at least one allergen was significantly higher in the patient group (P < 0·05). Positivity to the balsam of Peru and benzocaine was significantly higher in the patient group than that in the control group (P < 0·05). Contact sensitisation to benzocaine and balsam of Peru was found to be associated with the presence of CLU. The efficacy of therapy in patients with leg ulcers might be increased by avoiding these allergens.
Treatment of peri‐implant mucositis using a glycine powder air‐polishing or ultrasonic device: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Riben‐Grundstrom Caroline , Norderyd Ola , André Ulrika , Renvert Stefan 
Published: April 2015

AbstractAimTo evaluate the clinical treatment effects of a glycine powder air‐polishing or ultrasonic device on peri‐implant mucositis.Materials and methodsThirty‐seven patients with one implant diagnosed with peri‐implant mucositis (probing depth ≥4 mm (0.2N) and bleeding on probing (BOP) (primary outcome)) were randomly assigned to treatment with either glycine powder air‐polishing (GPAP) or ultrasonic (US) debridement. Treatment was performed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months. Professional supra gingival cleaning was performed at 9 and 12 months. Oral hygiene instructions were reinforced at each visit.ResultsAt 12 months there was a statistically significant reduction in mean plaque score, bleeding on probing and number of periodontal pockets ≥4 mm within the treatment groups compared to baseline. The percentages of diseased sites were significantly reduced for both groups.ConclusionsTreatment with a glycine powder air‐polishing or an ultrasonic device is effective in non‐surgical treatment of peri‐implant mucositis.
Aristotle, Hume and the goals of medicine
Authors: Misselbrook David 
Published: April 2015

AbstractWhilst medicine is now an immense global industry clinicians often appear unclear as to its goals. This paper uses two philosophical steps to clarify our conceptualization of health and thus our goals for healthcare. Firstly, clinicians need to understand the significance of Hume's fact / value distinction in medicine, for medicine relies on both facts and values. Secondly clinicians need a better specified definition of ‘health’ to use as a goal for healthcare. Aristotle's model of human flourishing is used as the starting point for a new conceptualization of health.
Properties of Sugar‐Free Cookies with Xylitol, Sucralose, Acesulfame K and Their Blends
Authors: Kutyła‐Kupidura Edyta Maja , Sikora Marek , Krystyjan Magdalena , Dobosz Anna , Kowalski Stanisław , Pysz Mirosław , Tomasik Piotr 
Published: April 2015

AbstractRecipes were designed for cookies with sucrose substituted with alternative sweeteners such as xylitol, sucralose and acesulfame K applied either separately or in blends. Rheological and textural properties of resulting doughs were examined. Sensory and textural parameters of cookies were compared with control samples sweetened with sucrose. Viscoelastic properties of the products containing blends of xylitol (X) with acesulfame K (A) (X25A75) and X with sucralose (S) (X50S50) most closely resembled those found for control sample. Doughs sweetened with blends dominated by xylitol had properties best resembling those for control dough. Hardness of baked cookies best resembled that of control when they contained either acesulfame K as the sole additive or a blend of xylitol with sucralose (X50S50). According to the sensory analyses, cookies sweetened with sucrose received the highest score (4.38 points), whereas those sweetened with a blend of xylitol and acesulfame K (X75A25, X50A50) received 3.47 and 3.30 points, respectively.Practical ApplicationsThe study offers the sugar‐free cookies sweetened either with xylitol or with a blend of xylitol and acesulfame K (X75A25, X50A50), which enjoyed with an appreciation of the sensory panel. The sugar‐free cookies elaborated in the presented study could be useful for people suffering from type 2 diabetes as well as for people with obesity. These are mostly diseases of civilization and people suffering from them have limited possibilities of sweet snack consumption. An application of technology, which uses alternative sweeteners, could be an excellent addition to their diet in sweet snacks.
Mild Cognitive Impairment Is Associated with Poorer Decision‐Making in Community‐Based Older Persons
Authors: Han S. Duke , Boyle Patricia A. , James Bryan D. , Yu Lei , Bennett David A. 
Published: April 2015

ObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is associated with poorer financial and healthcare decision‐making.DesignCommunity‐based epidemiological cohort study.SettingCommunities throughout northeastern Illinois.ParticipantsOlder persons without dementia from the Rush Memory and Aging Project (N = 730).MeasurementsAll participants underwent a detailed clinical evaluation and decision‐making assessment using a measure that closely approximates materials used in real‐world financial and healthcare settings. This allowed for measurement of total decision‐making and financial and healthcare decision‐making. Regression models were used to examine whether MCI was associated with a lower level of decision‐making. In subsequent analyses, the relationship between specific cognitive systems (episodic memory, semantic memory, working memory, perceptual speed, visuospatial ability) and decision‐making was explored in participants with MCI.ResultsMCI was associated with lower total, financial, and healthcare decision‐making scores after accounting for the effects of age, education, and sex. The effect of MCI on total decision‐making was equivalent to the effect of more than 10 additional years of age. Additional models showed that, when considering multiple cognitive systems, perceptual speed accounted for the most variance in decision‐making in participants with MCI.ConclusionPersons with MCI may have poorer financial and healthcare decision‐making in real‐world situations, and perceptual speed may be an important contributor to poorer decision‐making in persons with MCI.
Functional Disability and Nursing Resource Use Are Predictive of Antimicrobial Resistance in Nursing Homes
Authors: Min Lillian , Galecki Andrzej , Mody Lona 
Published: April 2015

ObjectivesTo use a simple measure of activities of daily living, wounds, and indwelling devices (urinary catheter, feeding tube) to predict prevalent, new, and intermittent multidrug‐resistant organism (MDRO) acquisition in nursing home (NH) residents.DesignSecondary analysis, prospective cohort study.SettingSoutheast Michigan NHs (n = 15).ParticipantsNH residents (N = 111, mean age 81) with two or more monthly visits (729 total).MeasurementsMonthly microbiological surveillance for MDROs from multiple anatomic sites from enrollment until discharge or 1 year. The Arling scale, previously developed as a measure of NH residents' need (time‐intensity) for nursing resources, was used to predict prevalent and time to new or intermittent acquisition (months) of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin‐resistant enterococci (VRE), and antibiotic‐resistant gram‐negative bacteria (R‐GNB) colonization using multiple‐failure accelerated time‐factor survival analysis, controlling for comorbidity, hospitalization, and antibiotic use in the prior month.ResultsOne‐fifth of participants had a wound, and one‐third had a device. There were 60 acquisitions of MRSA, 56 of R‐GNB, and 15 of VRE. Expected time to acquisition was less than 1 year for MRSA (median 6.7 months) and R‐GNB (median 4.5 months) and more than 1 year for VRE (median 40 months). Arling score was associated with earlier new MRSA and VRE acquisition. A resident with only mild functional impairment and no device or wound would be expected to acquire MRSA in 20 months, versus 5 months for someone needing the most‐intense nursing contact.ConclusionMDRO acquisition is common in community NHs. Need for nursing care predicts new MDRO acquisition in NHs, suggesting potential mechanisms for MDRO acquisition and strategies for future interventions for high‐risk individuals (e.g., enhanced barrier precautions).