bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ten Indigenous Edible Plants: Contemporary Use in Eastern Crete, Greece
Authors: Psaroudaki Antonia , Dimitropoulakis Petros , Constantinidis Theophanis , Katsiotis Andreas , Skaracis George N. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn the present study, ten species of indigenous edible plants of Eastern Crete were collected, recorded, and botanically classified. Moreover, a survey study was conducted regarding the collection and use of edible wild greens in today's diet of the inhabitants of Eastern Crete. The results of the study showed that there is a positive correlation between the collection and consumption of edible wild plants and the age and profession of the collector. It was also clear that greens that are abundantly found and grow in nearby areas are preferred. Older people identify and collect a larger number of different species of plants compared with younger people. This fact demonstrates the risk of losing important nutritional information, although a large percentage of the sample teaches others the art of identifying and collecting wild plants.
Estimation of Evapotranspiration Across the Conterminous United States Using a Regression With Climate and Land‐Cover Data1
Authors: Sanford Ward E. , Selnick David L. 
Published: December 2012

Sanford, Ward E. and David L. Selnick, 2012. Estimation of Evapotranspiration Across the Conterminous United States Using a Regression with Climate and Land‐Cover Data. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1‐14. DOI: 10.1111/jawr.12010Abstract:  Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important quantity for water resource managers to know because it often represents the largest sink for precipitation (P) arriving at the land surface. In order to estimate actual ET across the conterminous United States (U.S.) in this study, a water‐balance method was combined with a climate and land‐cover regression equation. Precipitation and streamflow records were compiled for 838 watersheds for 1971‐2000 across the U.S. to obtain long‐term estimates of actual ET. A regression equation was developed that related the ratio ET/P to climate and land‐cover variables within those watersheds. Precipitation and temperatures were used from the PRISM climate dataset, and land‐cover data were used from the USGS National Land Cover Dataset. Results indicate that ET can be predicted relatively well at a watershed or county scale with readily available climate variables alone, and that land‐cover data can also improve those predictions. Using the climate and land‐cover data at an 800‐m scale and then averaging to the county scale, maps were produced showing estimates of ET and ET/P for the entire conterminous U.S. Using the regression equation, such maps could also be made for more detailed state coverages, or for other areas of the world where climate and land‐cover data are plentiful.
Allele elimination recalculated: nested subset analyses for molecular biogeographical data
Authors: Habel Jan Christian , Ulrich Werner , Assmann Thorsten 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimPost‐glacial colonization of species from low‐latitude refugia to high latitudes, or from lower to higher elevations, often involves repeated founder effects due to stepwise colonization. This may cause repeated population bottlenecks and the subsequent loss of alleles. Regression analyses have traditionally been used to analyse the correlation between the mean numbers of alleles and geographical distances from refugia. Here, we describe and evaluate the performance of nested subset analyses for detecting allele elimination.MethodsGenetic data sets from five butterfly and one beetle species were reanalysed using regression and nested subset analyses.ResultsThe data sets analysed here showed both congruent and divergent results under regression and nested subset analyses. Some data sets did not feature a significant correlation between the mean number of alleles and the colonization trajectory, but did show significant nested structure. Others showed the opposite effects. Using allele frequencies from the same data sets, we did not obtain significant patterns of nestedness.Main conclusionsOur results indicate that classical regression analyses are not always a suitable tool for analysing allele elimination, and nestedness analyses are much more meaningful. Local natural selection can alter allele frequencies, thereby erasing biogeographical patterns that have evolved as a result of the stochastic processes involved in colonization. Thus, an appropriate means of documenting allele elimination sensu Reinig is the joint application of nested subset and regression analyses based on presence/absence and abundance data for genetic diversity.
Different Definitions of Prevalent Hypertension Impact: The Clinical Epidemiology of Hypertension and Attainment of Healthy People Goals
Authors: Egan Brent M. , Zhao Yumin 
Published: December 2012

Prevalent hypertension in National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) is traditionally defined as blood pressure (BP) ≥140 mm Hg systolic and/or ≥90 diastolic and/or currently taking antihypertensive medications. When estimating prevalent hypertension, American Heart Association (AHA) statistical updates include the traditional definition of hypertension (tHTN) and untreated individuals with nonhypertensive BP told twice that they were hypertensive (nontraditional [ntHTN]). The characteristics of ntHTN and their impact on the clinical epidemiology of hypertension and Healthy People prevention and control goals are undefined. NHANES 1999–2002, 2003–2006, and 2007–2010 were analyzed. The ntHTN group was younger and had less diabetes and lower BP than the tHTN group but higher BP than the normotensive group. When classifying ntHTN as hypertensive, prevalent hypertension increased approximately 3% and control 5% to 6% across NHANES periods. In 2007–2010, the Healthy People 2010 goal of controlling BP in 50% of all hypertensive patientss was attained when ntHTN was classified as hypertension (56.5% [95% confidence interval (CI), 54.2–58.7]) and nonhypertension (51.8% [95% CI, 49.6–53.9]). When including ntHTN in prevalent hypertension estimates, the Healthy People 2020 goal of controlling BP in 60% of hypertensive patients becomes more attainable, whereas reducing prevalent hypertension to 26.9% (31.8% [95% CI, 30.5–33.1]) vs 28.7% [95% CI, 27.5–30.0]) becomes more challenging.
Histological responses of the periodontium to MTA: a systematic review
Authors: Katsamakis Sokratis , Slot Dagmar Else , Van der Sluis Luc W. M. , Van der Weijden Fridus 
Published: December 2012

AbstractAimThe purpose of this systematic review was to investigate whether a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) restoration of an endodontic‐periodontal communication leads to regeneration of the adjacent periodontal tissues.MethodologyThe databases MEDLINE‐PubMed, Cochrane‐CENTRAL, and EMBASE were searched, up to July 2012. In vivo studies that reported on the histological response of the periodontium to MTA were selected.ResultsThe screening of 98 title‐abstracts, full‐text reading, and hand searches in literature lists yielded 24 papers. All of them involved animals. There were no studies reporting on human histology. Study protocols presented heterogeneity regarding treated lesions, intervention, and reported outcomes. The histological results of the animal studies showed minimal inflammatory reactions, bone healing, periodontal ligament presence, and consistent cementum formation. Time lapse after mixing, bacterial contamination, root canal disinfection, and inflammation influenced MTA's cementoconductive properties.ConclusionsWithin the limitations of the selected papers concerning inhomogeneous study protocols and low methodological quality scores, their findings were consistent with regard to MTA's biocompatibility and cementogenic ability. Experimental animal studies show that MTA can promote healing towards regeneration. There is now a distinct need to examine the clinical performance of MTA in well‐controlled prospective human cohort studies.
Broad scale quantified flood risk analysis in the Taihu Basin, China
Authors: Yu C. , Hall J.W. , Cheng X. , Evans E.P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA geographic information system (GIS)‐based analysis tool, the Taihu Basin Risk Assessment System (TBRAS), is developed to perform scenario analysis of future flood risk changes in the Taihu Basin. The TBRAS integrates modules of climate modelling, hydrological and hydraulic modelling, dyke reliability analysis, socioeconomic analysis, and damage assessment. The results indicate that the TBRAS can provide a broad‐scale simulation of the flooding processes and damage evaluation for the entire Taihu Basin. Future climate change by 2050 in precipitation alone can approximately result in four or five times of risk increase compared with the 2005 baseline risk. Socioeconomic changes alone can increase flood risk by four to six times. The paper reveals that, without any proactive responses, the combination of socioeconomic change, sea‐level rise, and other climate changes can substantially increase the overall flood risks to 15–37 times of the present situation. We therefore conclude that both structural and non‐structural measures for reducing flood risks are required and provide a set of response options for managing and adapting future flood risk changes.
Flood risk assessment for infrastructure networks
Authors: Emanuelsson M.A.E. , McIntyre N. , Hunt C.F. , Mawle R. , Kitson J. , Voulvoulis N. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA practical framework for flood risk screening was developed to assess the flood risk to water utility assets within the infrastructure network. The tool is a combination of probability and consequence assessments. The first takes into account how probable it is for a particular asset to flood and cause significant damage. The second estimates the level of consequences a flood will have, considering, for example, the level of loss of service, environmental pollution and cost. The consequence assessment is based on a dependency assessment that identifies knock‐on effects on other assets within the asset network and assesses the level of consequence they will have. The probability and consequence assessments are combined to produce a risk score that can be used to rank assets in a screening process that aims to assist companies in prioritising the investments required for taking action to reduce flood risk to their assets.
Including climate change projections in probabilistic flood risk assessment
Authors: Ward P.J. , van Pelt S.C. , de Keizer O. , Aerts J.C.J.H. , Beersma J.J. , van den Hurk B.J.J.M. , te Linde A.H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis paper demonstrates a framework for producing probabilistic flood risk estimates, focusing on two sections of the Rhine River. We used an ensemble of six (bias‐corrected) regional climate model (RCM) future simulations to create a 3000‐year time‐series through resampling. This was complemented with 12 global climate model (GCM)‐based future time‐series, constructed by resampling observed time‐series of daily precipitation and temperature and modifying these to represent future climate conditions using an advanced delta change approach. We used the resampled time‐series as input in the hydrological model Hydrologiska Byråns Vattenbalansavdelning (HBV)‐96 to simulate daily discharge and extreme discharge quantiles for return periods up to 3000 years. To convert extreme discharges to estimates of flood damage and risk, we coupled a simple inundation model with a damage model. We then fitted probability density functions (PDFs) for the RCM, GCM, and combined ensembles. The framework allows for the assessment of the probability distribution of flood risk under future climate scenario conditions. Because this paper represents a demonstration of a methodological framework, the absolute figures should not be used in decision making at this time.
Laboratory simulation of the influence of building height and storm movement on the rainfall run‐off process in impervious areas
Authors: Isidoro J.M.G.P. , de Lima J.L.M.P. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractConverting land into impervious urban areas leads to more frequent and intense flash floods. Moving storms over impervious areas have a considerable influence on the rainfall run‐off process. A physical model of an urban catchment that can simulate different building heights is used to study the changes in run‐off caused by wind‐driven moving storms. The laboratory experiments show that, for all the studied building heights, both wind and storm movement significantly influence the characteristics of the resulting hydrographs. These showed significant dependence on the storm movement and the existence of wind, but less on buildings height. Downstream‐moving storms have higher discharge peaks than static or upstream‐moving storms and are thus more likely to cause flash flood events. In the simulated storm scenarios, wind‐driven rainfall leads to lower peak discharges than no‐wind scenarios do, for all storm types.
Qualitative analysis of preputial and vaginal bacterial microbiota in owl monkeys (Aotus azarai infulatus) raised in captivity
Authors: da Silva G.A. , Monteiro F.O.B. , Dias H.L.T. , Cavalcante R. de O. , Sampaio A.I. da F. , da Conceição M.E.B.A.M. , Takeshita R.S.C. , de Castro P.H.G. , Feijó F.M.C. , Rahal S.C. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to identify the aerobic bacteria of the preputial and vaginal microbiota in owl monkeys that have been raised in captivity and to evaluate the antimicrobial susceptibility of these bacteria by gender and social organization.MethodsThirty clinically healthy Aotus azarai infulatus were used. A total of 134 samples were collected, 60 from the preputial mucosa and 74 from the vaginal mucosa. An automated system of bacterial identification was used.Results and ConclusionsStaphylococcus intermedius and Proteus mirabilis were the microorganisms that were most frequently identified according to gender and social organization. The antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolated gram‐positive bacteria was similar in both sexes. However, the gram‐negative strains had some differences. The aerobic bacterial population of the vaginal and preputial microbiota is similar in owl monkeys, and there are no differences in the number and bacterial species according to sex and social organization.
Morphological plasticity of rodent astroglia
Authors: Rodnight Richard Burnard , Gottfried Carmem 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn the past two decades, there has been an explosion of research on the role of neuroglial interactions in the control of brain homeostasis in both physiological and pathological conditions. Astrocytes, a subtype of glia in the central nervous system, are dynamic signaling elements that regulate neurogenesis and development of brain circuits, displaying intimate dynamic relationships with neurons, especially at synaptic sites where they functionally integrate the tripartite synapse. When astrocytes are isolated from the brain and maintained in culture, they exhibit a polygonal shape unlike their precursors in vivo. However, cultured astrocytes can be induced to undergo morphological plasticity leading to process formation, either by interaction with neurons or by the influence of pharmacological agents. This review highlights studies on the molecular mechanisms underlying morphological plasticity in astrocyte cultures and intact brain tissue, both in situ and in vivo.
Immune response in cervical lymph nodes from patients with primary oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Gonçalves Andréia Souza , Costa Nádia Lago , Arantes Diego Antônio Costa , de Cássia Gonçalves Alencar Rita , Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Batista Aline Carvalho 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundDeficient immune response in the cervical lymph nodes of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma may contribute to dissemination of metastatic neoplastic cells. This study evaluates the immune response in cervical lymph nodes from patients with primary oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC).MethodsThe density of immature (CD1a+) and mature (CD83+) dendritic cells (DCs), cytotoxic T lymphocytes CD8+/perforin+ (CTLs), and Foxp3+ regulatory T (Tregs) cells in the lymph nodes of patients with OCSCC without cervical lymph node metastases (LN1) (negative) (n = 10) were identified through immunohistochemistry. From patients with cervical lymph node metastases, samples were obtained of lymph nodes both with (LM2) (positive) (n = 10) and without (LN2) (negative) (n = 10) metastases.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the number of CD1a+ and Foxp3+ cells was significantly higher in the LM2 group than in either the LN1 or the LN2 group. In addition, the number of CD8+/perforin+ and CD83+ cells was significantly lower in the LM2 group than in the other groups.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate a higher density of immature DCs and Tregs cells and a lower density of mature DCs and activated CTLs in metastatic than in non‐metastatic lymph nodes. These findings might indicate an immunosuppressive microenvironment, which could be involved in the spread of neoplastic cells to cervical lymph nodes.
In vivo infectivity of liver extracts after resolution of hepadnaviral infection following therapy associating DNA vaccine and cytokine genes
Authors: Saade F. , Buronfosse T. , Guerret S. , Pradat P. , Chevallier M. , Zoulim F. , Jamard C. , Cova L. 
Published: December 2012

SummaryDNA‐based vaccination appears of promise for chronic hepatitis B immunotherapy, although there is an urgent need to increase its efficacy. In this preclinical study, we evaluated the therapeutic benefit of cytokine (IL‐2, IFN‐γ) genes co‐delivery with DNA vaccine targeting hepadnaviral proteins in the chronic duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) infection model. Then, we investigated the persistence of replication‐competent virus in the livers of apparently resolved animals. DHBV carriers received four injections of plasmids encoding DHBV envelope and core alone or co‐delivered with duck IL‐2 (DuIL‐2) or duck IFN‐γ (DuIFN‐γ) plasmids. After long‐term (8 months) follow‐up, viral covalently closed circular (ccc) DNA was analysed in duck necropsy liver samples. Liver homogenates were also tested for in vivo infectivity in neonatal ducklings. Co‐delivery of DuIFN‐γ resulted in significantly lower mean viremia starting from week 21. Viral cccDNA was undetectable by conventional methods in the livers of 25% and 57% of animals co‐immunized with DuIL‐2 and DuIFN‐γ, respectively. Interestingly, inoculation of liver homogenates from 7 such apparently resolved animals, exhibiting cccDNA undetectable in Southern blotting and DHBV expression undetectable or restricted to few hepatocytes, revealed that three liver homogenates transmitted high‐titre viremia (3–5×1010 vge/mL) to naïve animals. In conclusion, our results indicate that IFN‐γ gene co‐delivery considerably enhances immunotherapeutic efficacy of DNA vaccine targeting hepadnaviral proteins. Importantly, we also showed that livers exhibiting only minute amounts of hepadnaviral cccDNA could induce extremely high‐titre infection, highlighting the caution that should be taken in occult hepatitis B patients to prevent HBV transmission in liver transplantation context.
Cyclooxygenase Expression and Platelet Function in Healthy Dogs Receiving Low‐Dose Aspirin
Authors: Dudley A. , Thomason J. , Fritz S. , Grady J. , Stokes J. , Wills R. , Pinchuk L. , Mackin A. , Lunsford K. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundLow‐dose aspirin is used to prevent thromboembolic complications in dogs, but some animals are nonresponsive to the antiplatelet effects of aspirin (“aspirin resistance”).Hypothesis/ObjectivesThat low‐dose aspirin would inhibit platelet function, decrease thromboxane synthesis, and alter platelet cyclooxygenase (COX) expression.AnimalsTwenty‐four healthy dogs.MethodsA repeated measures study. Platelet function (PFA‐100 closure time, collagen/epinephrine), platelet COX‐1 and COX‐2 expression, and urine 11‐dehydro‐thromboxane B2(11‐dTXB2) were evaluated before and during aspirin administration (1 mg/kg Q24 hours PO, 10 days). Based on prolongation of closure times after aspirin administration, dogs were divided into categories according to aspirin responsiveness: responders, nonresponders, and inconsistent responders.ResultsLow‐dose aspirin increased closure times significantly (62% by Day 10,P < .001), with an equal distribution among aspirin responsiveness categories, 8 dogs per group. Platelet COX‐1 mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) increased significantly during treatment, 13% on Day 3 (range, −29.7–136.1%) (P = .047) and 72% on Day 10 (range, −0.37–210%) (P < .001). Platelet COX‐2 MFI increased significantly by 34% (range, −29.2–270%) on Day 3 (P = .003) and 74% (range, −19.7–226%) on Day 10 (P < .001). Urinary 11‐dTXB2concentrations significantly (P = .005,P < .001) decreased at both time points. There was no difference between aspirin responsiveness and either platelet COX expression or thromboxane production.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceLow‐dose aspirin consistently inhibits platelet function in approximately one‐third of healthy dogs, despite decreased thromboxane synthesis and increased plateletCOXexpression in most dogs.COXisoform expression before treatment did not predict aspirin resistance.
Noninvasive Clinical Assessment of Systolic Torsional Motions by Two‐Dimensional Speckle‐Tracking Echocardiography in Dogs with Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Suzuki R. , Matsumoto H. , Teshima T. , Koyama H. 
Published: December 2012

BackgroundLeft ventricular torsional motion plays an important role for effective pump function. However, noninvasive clinical assessment of torsional deformations by two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography (2D‐STE) in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) has not been reported.HypothesisLeft ventricular torsion is determined by the native orientation of the helical myocardial fibers, such that it might provide better assessment of myocardial function than conventional methods.AnimalsSixty‐seven client‐owned dogs with MMVD were classified into 3 classes based on the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council classification and 16 weight‐ and age‐matched healthy dogs.MethodsDogs were examined for myocardial deformations by 2D‐STE and were evaluated for peak systolic rotation and rotation rate at each basal and apical view. Dogs also were evaluated for peak systolic torsion and torsion rate.ResultsPeak systolic torsion was higher in class II than in class I (P < .001) dogs. Peak systolic torsion was lower in class III than in class II (P = .001) dogs and controls (P = .003).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceTorsional deformations assessed by 2D‐STE differed among clinical classes of MMVD. Myocardial torsional deformations by 2D‐STE may provide more detailed assessment of contractile function in dogs with MMVD.