bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Resistance levels of Spanish conifers against Fusarium circinatum and Diplodia pinea
Authors: Iturritxa E. , Ganley R. J. , Raposo R. , García‐Serna I. , Mesanza N. , Kirkpatrick S. C. , Gordon T. R. 
Published: June 2013

SummaryPitch canker, caused by Fusarium circinatum, and Diplodia shoot blight, caused by Diplodia pinea, are both damaging to pines (Pinus spp.) grown in plantations throughout the world, including Spain. To assess the potential for interspecific differences in susceptibility to contribute to the management of pitch canker and Diplodia shoot blight in the Atlantic region of Spain, the present study was undertaken to characterize the susceptibility of six pine species (P. sylvestris, P. nigra, P. pinaster, P. radiata, P. halepensis and P. pinea) and Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) to F. circinatum and D. pinea. Based on inoculations of 2‐year‐old trees, Ps. menziesii, P. pinea and P. nigra were the most resistant to F. circinatum, with lesion lengths ranging from 3.7 to 21.5 mm, 2.2 to 12.6 mm and 2.8 to 30.9 mm, respectively. At the other extreme, Pinus radiata was the most susceptible, sustaining lesions that ranged from 8.5 to 74.8 mm in length. Pinus sylvestris, P. pinaster and P. halepensis showed an intermediate response to F. circinatum. Broadly similar results were observed in inoculations with D. pinea, with Ps. menziesii being relatively resistant and P. radiata being highly susceptible. Consistent with these results, field surveys revealed no pitch canker in stands of Ps. menziesii and low severity of Diplodia shoot blight, whereas P. radiata was severely affected by both diseases. Our findings suggest that selection of appropriate species can greatly reduce the risk of damage from two important canker diseases affecting pine plantations in the Atlantic region of Spain. Furthermore, intraspecific variation in susceptibility implies that selection may allow for the enhancement of resistance in otherwise susceptible species.
Administration of alemtuzumab and G‐CSF to adults with relapsed or refractory acute lymphoblastic leukemia: results of a phase II study
Authors: Gorin Norbert‐Claude , Isnard Françoise , Garderet Laurent , Ikhlef Souhila , Corm Selim , Quesnel Bruno , Legrand Ollivier , Cachanado Marine , Rousseau Alexandra , Laporte Jean‐Philippe 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe outlook for adults with refractory and relapsed acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) is poor. CD52 is expressed in most patients with ALL. Alemtuzumab is an anti‐CD52 humanized monoclonal antibody. This phase II study assessed the efficacy of alemtuzumab combined with granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor (G‐CSF) to boost antibody‐dependent cell cytotoxicity mediated by neutrophils.Twelve patients with relapsed (n = 11) or refractory (n = 1) ALL, including four relapses postallogeneic stem cell transplantation, were treated and monitored between October 2006 and January 2011. Patients received 1 wk of alemtuzumab every other day at increasing doses of 3, 10, and 30 mg to test tolerance and 30 mg three times a week for 12–18 infusions. If in complete remission (CR), patients received maintenance therapy for 1 wk, every 2 months. G‐CSF was administered at 5 μg/kg per day during alemtuzumab administration. The primary endpoint was disappearance of blast cells on a marrow aspirate. CD52 was expressed in all patients. Four patients reached CR. In one additional patient, clearance of blast cells was observed in peripheral blood but not in the marrow. The most frequent adverse events during course 1 of treatment were fever and chills (n = 3), skin rash (n = 3), and bronchospasm (n = 2). Tumor lysis syndrome was observed at treatment initiation in one patient who reached CR. All patients progressed within a few months and all but one died. The surviving patient is still alive after relapse and a second allogeneic stem cell transplantation.This study shows that in relapse/refractory ALL, alemtuzumab with G‐CSF can produce good responses of short duration.
Transparency in the EU Council of Ministers: An Institutional Analysis
Authors: Hillebrandt Maarten Zbigniew , Curtin Deirdre , Meijer Albert 
Published: June 2013

AbstractThe development of access to documents and open meetings provisions by the Council of Ministers of the European Union shows an interesting pattern: before 1992 no formal transparency provisions existed, between 1992 and 2006 formal transparency provisions dramatically increased, and since 2006 this increase has come to a halt. This paper aims to enhance our understanding of these shifts by conducting a historical institutional analysis of policy change. As explanatory factors, we consider the preferences and power resources of Member States, as well as external catalysts and social structures. We conclude that the current revision deadlock is more stable than the situation before 1992 because now the pro‐transparency coalition and transparency‐sceptic Council majority have entrenched their positions. Nevertheless, and in spite of Council entrenchment, we expect that Council transparency will continue to develop in the longer term, under the pressure of increasingly influential outside actors, particularly the European Parliament.
Personality under EU Law: A Conceptual Answer towards the Pluralisation of the EU
Authors: Ruffert Matthias 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAlthough the trend towards pluralisation within the institutional framework of the EU is somewhat reflected in theoretical efforts, legal scholarship's answer remains incomplete. Acknowledging that legal personality is always relative—ie related to a particular legal system—personality under EU Law should be recognised and developed as a distinct category. This allows for reconsideration and rearrangement of inter‐ and intrapersonal relations in EU Law: inter‐institutional agreements can gain firmer legal ground, the recognition of hierarchical structures within the EU executive branch can advance the maintenance of the rule of law, legal protection of the Union's citizens shall be advanced, and options as well as limits to privatising organisation at the EU level shall be formulated. On the whole, methodological self‐reflection along these lines is bound to lead to a valuable contribution of legal research in times of EU crisis.
Testing species distribution models across space and time: high latitude butterflies and recent warming
Authors: Eskildsen Anne , le Roux Peter C. , Heikkinen Risto K. , Høye Toke T. , Kissling W. Daniel , Pöyry Juha , Wisz Mary S. , Luoto Miska 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimTo quantify whether species distribution models (SDMs) can reliably forecast species distributions under observed climate change. In particular, to test whether the predictive ability ofSDMsdepends on species traits or the inclusion of land cover and soil type, and whether distributional changes at expanding range margins can be predicted accurately.LocationFinlandMethodsUsing 10‐km resolution butterfly atlas data from two periods, 1992–99 (t1) and 2002–09 (t2), with a significant between‐period temperature increase, we modelled the effects of climatic warming on butterfly distributions with boosted regression trees (BRTs) and generalized additive models (GAMs). We evaluated model performance by using the split‐sample approach with data fromt1(‘non‐independent validation’), and then compared model projections based on data fromt1with species' observed distributions int2(‘independent validation’). We compared climate‐onlySDMs toSDMs including land cover, soil type, or both. Finally, we related model performance to species traits and compared observed and predicted distributional shifts at northern range margins.ResultsSDMs showed fair to good model fits when modelling butterfly distributions under climate change. Model performance was lower with independent compared with non‐independent validation and improved when land cover and soil type variables were included, compared with climate‐only models.SDMs performed less well for highly mobile species and for species with long flight seasons and large ranges. When forecasting changes at northern range margins, correlations between observed and predicted range shifts were predominantly low.Main conclusionsSDMs accurately describe current distributions of most species, yet their performance varies with species traits and the inclusion of land cover and soil type variables. Moreover, their ability to predict range shifts under climate change is limited, especially at the expanding edge. More tests with independent validations are needed to fully understand the predictive potential ofSDMsacross taxa and biomes.
Evolution of parasite island syndromes without long‐term host population isolation: parasite dynamics in Macaronesian blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla
Authors: Pérez‐Rodríguez Antón , Ramírez Álvaro , Richardson David S. , Pérez‐Tris Javier 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimThe study of parasite biogeography on islands is important for our understanding of both the processes involved in the evolution of parasite assemblages worldwide and the ecology and conservation of insular communities. By studying the haemosporidian blood parasites of a bird that has recently colonized a number of oceanic islands, we were able to test hypotheses relating to the processes of parasite colonization and community assembly prior to the permanent isolation of host species on islands.LocationThe Atlantic Ocean archipelagos of Madeira and the Canary Islands.MethodsWe used cytochrome b DNA sequences to determine the prevalence and richness of parasites of the genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon in blackcaps, Sylvia atricapilla, a widespread passerine that colonized these archipelagos during the Last Glacial Maximum. We compared insular blackcap parasite assemblages with those observed in 37 blackcap populations sampled on mainland Europe.ResultsThe insular parasite assemblage was impoverished, containing c. 10% of the parasites found on the continent. None of the parasites observed on the islands were blackcap specific. Some of the observed parasites appear to have switched from blackcaps to other Macaronesian host species, whereas others were of Afrotropical origin and were acquired after blackcaps colonized the islands. The prevalence of parasites in the island populations of blackcaps was lower than in mainland blackcap populations and parasite richness decreased with increasing island distance to the continent.Main conclusionsMacaronesian blackcaps do not face the strong parasite load encountered by their mainland counterparts despite the fact that blackcap migration from the continent may directly transport mainland blackcap parasites to the islands. This supports the idea that normal mainland host–parasite associations are compromised on islands and that parasite island syndromes (low richness, frequent host‐switching and reduced specialization) evolve even before insular host populations become completely isolated from their mainland counterparts.
Climate or migration: what limited European beech post‐glacial colonization?
Authors: Saltré Frédérik , Saint‐Amant Rémi , Gritti Emmanuel S. , Brewer Simon , Gaucherel Cédric , Davis Basil A. S. , Chuine Isabelle 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimDespite the recent improvements made in species distribution models (SDMs), assessing species' ability to migrate fast enough to track their climate optimum remains a challenge. This study achieves this goal and demonstrates the reliability of a process‐based SDM to provide accurate projections by simulating the post‐glacial colonization of European beech.LocationEurope.MethodsWe simulated the post‐glacial colonization of European beech over the last 12,000 years by coupling a process‐based SDM (PHENOFIT) and a new migration model based on Gibbs point processes, both parameterized with modern ecological data. Simulations were compared with palaeoarchives and phylogeographic data on European beech.ResultsModel predictions are consistent with palaeoarchives and phylogeographic data over the Holocene. The results suggest that post‐glacial expansion of European beech was limited by climate on its north‐eastern leading edge, while limited by its migration abilities on its north‐western leading edge. The results show a mean migration rate of beech varying from 270 m yr −1 to 280 m yr−1 and a maximum migration rate varying from 560 m yr−1 to 630 m yr−1, when limited and not limited by climate, respectively. They also highlight the relative contribution of known and suspected glacial refugia in present beech distribution and confirm the results of phylogeographic studies.Main conclusionsFor the first time, we were able to reproduce accurately the colonization dynamics of European beech during the last 12 kyr using a process‐based SDM and a migration model, both parameterized with modern ecological data. Our methodology has allowed us to identify the different factors that affected European beech migration during its post‐glaciation expansion in different parts of its range. This method shows great potential to help palaeobotanists and phylogeographers locate putative glacial refugia, and to provide accurate projections of beech distribution change in the future.
Climate‐driven global changes in carbon use efficiency
Authors: Zhang Yangjian , Yu Guirui , Yang Jian , Wimberly Michael C. , Zhang XianZhou , Tao Jian , Jiang Yanbin , Zhu Juntao 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimCarbon use efficiency [net primary production (NPP)/gross primary production (GPP) ratio] is a parameter related to the allocation of photosynthesized products by plants and is commonly used in many biogeochemical cycling models. But how this parameter changes with climates is still unknown. Faced by an aggravated global warming, there is a heightened necessity in unravelling the dependence of the NPP/GPP ratio on climates. The objective of this study was to examine how ongoing climate change is regulating global patterns of change in the NPP/GPP ratio. The study finding would elucidate whether the global vegetation ecosystem is becoming more or less efficient in terms of carbon storage under climatic fluctuation.LocationThe global planetary ecosystem.MethodsThe annual NPP/GPP ratio of the global terrestrial ecosystem was calculated over a 10‐year period based on Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer data and an ecosystem productivity model. The temporal dynamics of the global NPP/GPP ratio and their dependence on climate were investigated.ResultsThe global NPP/GPP ratio exhibited a decreasing trend from 2000 to 2009 due to decreasing NPP and stable GPP over this period. The temporal dynamics of the NPP/GPP ratio were strongly controlled by temperature and precipitation. Increased temperature lowered the NPP/GPP ratio, and increased precipitation led to a higher NPP/GPP ratio.ConclusionsThe NPP/GPP ratio exhibits a clear temporal pattern associated with climatic fluctuations at a global scale. The associations of the NPP/GPP ratio with climatic variability challenge the conventional assumption that the NPP/GPP ratio should be consistent independent of environmental conditions. More importantly, the findings of this study have fundamental significance for our understanding of ongoing global climatic change. In regions and time periods experiencing drought or increased temperatures, plant ecosystems would suffer a higher ecosystem respiration cost and their net productivity would shrink.
Expression of moesin and CD44 is associated with poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma
Authors: Jung Woon Yong , Kang Youngran , Lee Hyunjoo , Mok Young‐Jae , Kim Han Kyeom , Kim Aeree , Kim Baek‐hui 
Published: June 2013

AimsCD44 has been reported as a negative prognostic marker in gastric cancer. It interacts with moesin in epithelial–mesenchymal transition. To date, to our knowledge, there has been no clinical study dealing with the relationship between moesin and gastric adenocarcinoma. We analysed the expression of moesin and CD44 in gastric adenocarcinoma tissue, and correlations with clinicopathological factors.Methods and resultsA retrospective analysis was made of 430 patients who had undergone gastrectomy at the Korea University Guro Hospital between 2002 and 2005 for gastric adenocarcinoma. Using tissue microarray and immunohistochemical staining, moesin expression was observed in 192 (44.7%) cases; it was associated significantly with poorly differentiated histology, invasion depth, lymph node metastasis, lymphatic invasion and advanced pathological TNM stage. CD44 expression was not correlated with clinicopathological features or moesin expression. Moesin expression was a strong predictor of lymph node metastasis in logistic regression analysis. Both moesin expression and CD44 expression were associated significantly with poor overall survival in univariate analysis. Furthermore, in multivariate analysis, moesin and CD44 were independent markers of poor prognosis, along with pathological TNM stage and older patient age.ConclusionMoesin expression and CD44 expression might be useful markers of poor prognosis in gastric adenocarcinoma.
Minimising time to treatment: targeted strategies to minimise time to thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Tai Y. J. , Yan B. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractTime to thrombolysis is a critical determinant of favourable outcomes in acute ischaemic stroke. It is not infrequent that patient outcomes are compromised due to out‐of‐hospital and in‐hospital time delays. On the other hand, time delays could be minimised through the identification of barriers and the implementation of targeted solutions. This review outlines the different strategies in minimising treatment delays and offers recommendations. Literature search in PubMed, Medline and EBSCO Host was conducted to identify studies that are relevant to reduction of time to treatment from January 1995 to December 2012. Strategies to reduce time to thrombolysis are categorised into pre‐hospital strategies, in‐hospital strategies and post‐treatment decision strategies. Proposed pre‐hospital strategies include public education on stroke symptoms awareness, prioritising stroke by emergency medical services, increasing ease of access to medical records, pre‐hospital notification, and mobile computed tomography scanning. In‐hospital strategies include a streamlined code stroke system, computed tomography scanner co‐location with emergency department, 24/7 availability of stroke physicians, point‐of‐care laboratory testing and access to expert neuroimaging interpretation. Post‐decision strategies include increasing availability of intravenous thrombolysis and simplification of informed consent procurement. Time to thrombolysis delays is multifactorial. Effective reduction of time delays for acute ischaemic stroke requires the correct identification of and targeted strategies to overcome time barriers.
Prospective data collection of off‐label use of rituximab in Australian public hospitals
Authors: O'Connor K. , Liddle C. 
Published: June 2013

AbstractBackgroundRituximab is a chimeric, anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody registered for the treatment of B‐cell malignancies and refractory rheumatoid arthritis in Australia. In addition to these approved indications, there has been growing interest in the use of off‐label rituximab in the management of a variety of diseases.AimsTo determine the current usage of off‐label rituximab in Australia, we collected nationwide data.MethodsInformation regarding patients receiving rituximab for off‐label indications was prospectively collected for a 6‐month period from Australian public hospitals. Data recorded included clinical indication, dosing schedule, previous therapy and efficacy assessment. The level of evidence for the use of rituximab was determined for each off‐label indication.ResultsDuring the 6‐month period, a total of 364 instances of off‐label rituximab use was recorded in the national database. A total of 63 underlying diagnoses was identified. These were subclassified into haematological disorders (19%), autoimmune connective tissue diseases (12%), vasculitis (12%), neurological disorders (12%), transplant‐related uses (12%), haematological malignancies (11%), muscle disorders (8%), renal diseases (6%), dermatological conditions (5%), other conditions (2%) and ocular diseases (1%). Forty per cent of these requests were supported only by level 4 evidence of benefit. Data highlighted the non‐standardised approaches to drug approval mechanisms, dosing schedules and monitoring for efficacy.ConclusionsOff‐label rituximab is prescribed for a diverse range of clinical conditions. Determining a safe and effective means of regulating this use within an evidence‐based framework remains an ongoing challenge.
Low‐Temperature Sintering of β‐Spodumene Ceramics Using Li2O–GeO2 as a Sintering Additive
Authors: Ogiwara Toshio , Noda Yoshimasa , Kimura Osamu 
Published: June 2013

Low‐temperature sintering of β‐spodumene ceramics with low coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) was attained using Li2O–GeO2 sintering additive. Single‐phase β‐spodumene ceramics could be synthesized by heat treatment at 1000°C using highly pure and fine amorphous silica, α‐alumina, and lithium carbonate powders mixture via the solid‐state reaction route. The mixture was calcined at 950°C, finely pulverized, compacted, and finally sintered with or without the sintering additive at 800°C–1400°C for 2 h. The relative density reached 98% for the sample sintered with 3 mass% Li2O–GeO2 additive at 1000°C. Its Young's modulus was 167 GPa and flexural strength was 115 MPa. Its CTE (from R.T. to 800°C) was 0.7 × 10−6 K−1 and dielectric constant was 6.8 with loss tangent of 0.9% at 5 MHz. These properties were excellent or comparative compared with those previously reported for the samples sintered at around 1300°C–1400°C via melt‐quenching routes. As a result, β‐spodumene ceramics with single phase and sufficient properties were obtained at about 300°C lower sintering temperature by adding Li2O–GeO2 sintering additive via the conventional solid‐state reaction route. These results suggest that β‐spodumene ceramics sintered with Li2O–GeO2 sintering additive has a potential use as LTCC for multichip modules.
An integrative literature review on preparing nursing students through simulation to recognize and respond to the deteriorating patient
Authors: Fisher Duana , King Lindy 
Published: June 2013

AbstractAimsTo synthesize studies that explored simulation as preparation of nursing students for recognition and response to the deteriorating patient.BackgroundNew graduate nurses are expected to have the skills to recognize and respond to rapidly deteriorating patient conditions. To this end, education programmes have turned increasingly to simulation to assist students to gain the necessary skills.DesignIntegrative review.Data SourcesCINAHL, Informit, ProQuest, Ovid MEDLINE, SAGE Journals and Web of Knowledge electronic databases, keywords and inclusion/exclusion criteria were searched. Eighteen studies published between 2004–2012 were found.Review MethodsStudies were appraised using recognized evaluation tools. Thematic analysis was undertaken and emergent themes were extracted with similar and divergent perspectives sought.ResultsSix themes were identified namely, ‘transferability of simulation skills to clinical practice’, ‘exposure to broader range of experiences’, ‘confidence levels in relation to simulation training’, ‘competence/performance’, ‘clinical judgment’ and ‘student perceptions of preparedness for practice following simulation’.ConclusionSimulation exposes students to a broader range of experiences whilst in a safe environment with transference of skills to clinical practice occurring. Confidence, clinical judgement, knowledge and competence, all vital in the care of a deteriorating patient, were enhanced. However, evidence of simulation used specifically to prepare nursing students to recognize and respond to the deteriorating patient appeared limited. This educational field appears rich for interprofessional collaboration and further research.