bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influenza H1N1pdm‐specific maternal antibodies offer limited protection against wild‐type virus replication and influence influenza vaccination in ferrets
Authors: Suguitan Amorsolo L. , Zengel James R. , Jacobson Scott , Gee Stephanie , Cetz Janet , Cha Paulyn , Chen Zhongying , Broome Rosemary , Jin Hong 
Published: December 2013

ObjectiveThe objective was to study passively acquired influenza H1N1 pandemic (H1N1pdm) maternal antibody kinetics and its impact on subsequent influenza infection and vaccination in ferrets during an outbreak of the H1N1pdm.Design and main outcome measuresInfectivity of the H1N1pdm in the respiratory tract of ferrets was compared with the previous seasonal A/South Dakota/6/2007 (SD07, H1N1). Influenza‐specific antibodies were quantitated and antibody‐mediated protection against the homologous and heterologous H1N1 virus challenge infection was determined.ResultsH1N1pdm virus was approximately 10 times more infectious than SD07 in ferrets, replicated to higher viral titers in the upper respiratory tract and shed for a longer duration. Influenza‐specific antibodies after natural infection persisted much longer in the circulation than passively acquired maternal antibodies. The protection conferred by the maternal antibodies was limited to the homologous virus strain and was ineffective against SD07 and H3N2 virus. Serum antibodies from maternal transmission or passive transfer interfered with homologous vaccine strain‐mediated antibody responses in the ferret. A booster immunization was required to elicit a high level of antibody.ConclusionsThe findings support the rationale for a prime and boost immunization strategy in young children in whom maternal antibodies are present.
Determining the Strength of Coarse‐Grained AlON and Spinel
Authors: Swab Jeffrey J. , Pavlacka Robert , Gilde Gary , Kilczewski Steve , Wright Jared , Harris Donovan 
Published: December 2013

The strength of two coarse‐grained (grain size > 200 μm) cubic ceramics, a magnesium aluminate spinel (MgAl2O4) and an
AlON
, along with a fine‐grained (1.5 μm) MgAl2O4, was determined by conducting a series of four‐point and equibiaxial flexure tests on specimens of different sizes. Weibull strength size scaling revealed a linear relationship on a log–log plot between average flexure strength and effective specimen area for the fine‐grained spinel, but a nonlinear relationship for both coarse‐grained materials. Initial fractography showed that each material had a single flaw population limiting the strength over the entire specimen size range, which does not account for the nonlinear size scaling relationship in the two coarse‐grained materials. However, further fractography revealed that in both materials there was an initial flaw and a critical flaw. The former appears to be machining/polishing damage that started the fracture process while the latter was a cleaved grain in
AlON
or a cracked grain boundary in the HP/HIP spinel that lead to fracture of the specimen. The difference between the initial and critical flaw size coupled with a detailed analysis of the strength as a function of test specimen thickness accounted for the nonlinear strength size scaling relationship. As a result, strength values obtained using thin test specimens can lead to an erroneous strength prediction for large components made of these ceramics. The implication of these findings is that strength tests must be conducted using appropriately thick specimens to obtain a representative strength value. If appropriately thick specimens cannot be tested, then fractography must be conducted to determine the flaw size. If the flaw size is sufficiently large, compared with the specimen thickness, then the strength must be adjusted according to a stress field correction factor to obtain a more accurate strength value.
Sensory evolution of hearing in tettigoniids with differing communication systems
Authors: Strauß J. , Lehmann A. W. , Lehmann G. U. C. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn Tettigoniidae (Orthoptera: Ensifera), hearing organs are essential in mate detection. Male tettigoniids usually produce calling songs by tegminal stridulation, whereas females approach the males phonotactically. This unidirectional communication system is the most common one among tettigoniids. In several tettigoniid lineages, females have evolved acoustic replies to the male calling song which constitutes a bidirectional communication system. The genus Poecilimon (Tettigoniidae: Phaneropterinae) is of special interest because the ancestral state of bidirectional communication, with calling males and responding females, has been reversed repeatedly to unidirectional communication. Acoustic communication is mediated by hearing organs that are adapted to the conspecific signals. Therefore, we analyse the auditory system in the Tettigoniidae genus Poecilimon for functional adaptations in three characteristics: (i) dimension of sound‐receiving structures (tympanum and acoustic spiracle), (ii) number of auditory sensilla and (iii) hearing sensitivity. Profound differences in the auditory system correlate with uni‐ or bidirectional communication. Among the sound‐receiving structures, the tympana scale with body size, whereas the acoustic spiracle, the major sound input structure, was drastically reduced in unidirectional communicating species. In the unidirectional P. ampliatus group, auditory sensilla are severely reduced in numbers, but not in the unidirectional P. propinquus group. Within the P. ampliatus group, the number of auditory sensilla is further reduced in P. intermedius which lost acoustic signalling due to parthenogenesis. The auditory sensitivity correlated with the size of the acoustic spiracle, as hearing sensitivity was better with larger spiracles, especially in the ultrasonic range. Our results show a significant reduction in auditory structures, shaped by the differing sex roles during mate detection.
Selection of trait combinations through bee and fly visitation to flowers of Polemonium foliosissimum
Authors: Campbell D. R. , Forster M. , Bischoff M. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractPollinators are known to exert natural selection on floral traits, but the extent to which combinations of floral traits are subject to correlational selection (nonadditive effects of two traits on fitness) is not well understood. Over two years, we used phenotypic manipulations of plant traits to test for effects of flower colour, flower shape and their interaction on rates of pollinator visitation to Polemonium foliosissimum. We also tested for correlational selection based on weighting visitation by the amount of conspecific pollen delivered per visit by each category of insect visitor. Although bumblebees were the presumed pollinators, solitary bees and flies contributed substantially (42%) to pollination. In manipulations of one trait at a time, insects visited flowers presenting the natural colour and shape over flowers manipulated to present artificial mutants with either paler colour or a more open or more tubular flower. When both colour and shape were manipulated in combination, selection on both traits arose, with bumblebees responding mainly to colour and flies responding mainly to shape. Despite selection on both floral traits, in a year with many bumblebees, we saw no evidence for correlational selection of these traits. In a year when flies predominated, fly visitation showed a pattern of correlational selection, but not favouring the natural phenotype, and correlational selection was still not detected for expected pollen receipt. These results show that flower colour and shape are subject to pollinator‐mediated selection and that correlational selection can be generated based on pollinator visitation alone, but provide no evidence for correlational selection specifically for the current phenotype.
Interspecies and intraspecies interactions in social amoebae
Authors: Sathe S. , Khetan N. , Nanjundiah V. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractThe stable co‐existence of individuals of different genotypes and reproductive division of labour within heterogeneous groups are issues of fundamental interest from the viewpoint of evolution. Cellular slime moulds are convenient organisms in which to address both issues. Strains of a species co‐occur, as do different species; social groups are often genetically heterogeneous. Intra‐ and interspecies 1 : 1 mixes of wild isolates of Dictyostelium giganteum and D. purpureum form chimaeric aggregates, following which they segregate to varying extents. Intraspecies aggregates develop in concert and give rise to chimaeric fruiting bodies that usually contain more spores (reproductives) of one component than the other. Reproductive skew and variance in the proportion of reproductives are positively correlated. Interspecies aggregates exhibit almost complete sorting; most spores in a fruiting body come from a single species. Between strains, somatic compatibility correlates weakly with sexual compatibility. It is highest within clones, lower between strains of a species and lowest between strains of different species. Trade‐offs among fitness‐related traits (between compatible strains), sorting out (between incompatible strains) and avoidance (between species) appear to lie behind coexistence.
Future fluvial flood risks in Central Vietnam assessed using global super‐high‐resolution climate model output
Authors: Nam D.H. , Udo K. , Mano A. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractFluvial flood risks are explored at the Vu Gia–Thu Bon River system in Central Vietnam based on a coupled hydrological–hydraulic model combined with design storm hyetographs constructed based on heavy rainfall downscaled from the output of a state‐of‐the‐art super‐high‐resolution (20‐km mesh) global climate model simulated under greenhouse gas emission scenario A1B. The results indicate that intensified rainfall due to future climate changes (2075–2099) will lead to higher flood risks in the fluvial plains, especially in the lower areas of the river system. The potential extent of inundation caused by a 25‐year return period flood in future climate patterns will increase by approximately 150% compared with those produced by the most severe flood in the present‐day climate (1979–2003). Moreover, the flood risks induced by a 10‐year return period flood tend to be slightly more severe than that of the 25‐year return period in the present‐day climate.
Effect of Trilostane on Hormone and Serum Electrolyte Concentrations in Dogs with Pituitary‐Dependent Hyperadrenocorticism
Authors: Griebsch C. , Lehnert C. , Williams G.J. , Failing K. , Neiger R. 
Published: December 2013

BackgroundThe effects of trilostane on key hormones and electrolytes over 24 hours in dogs with pituitary‐dependent hyperadrenocorticism (PDH) are unknown.ObjectivesTo determine the plasma concentration of cortisol, endogenous adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), aldosterone, sodium, potassium, and ionized calcium concentrations, and plasma renin activity over a 24‐hour period after administration of trilostane to dogs with well‐controlled PDH.AnimalsNine dogs (mean age 9.3 ± 0.67 years, mean weight 31.9 ± 6.4 kg) with confirmed PDH.MethodsProspective study. Thirty days after the first administration of trilostane, blood samples were taken at −30, 0 (baseline), 15, 30, 60, and 90 minutes, and 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24 hours after administration of trilostane and plasma concentration of cortisol, endogenous ACTH, aldosterone, sodium, potassium, ionized calcium, and renin activity were determined.ResultsCortisol concentrations decreased significantly (P < .001) 2–4 hours after trilostane administration. From baseline, there was a significant (P < .001) increase in endogenous ACTH concentrations between hours 3–12, a significant increase (P < .001) in aldosterone concentration between hours 16–20, and a significant (P < .001) increase in renin activity between hours 6–20. Potassium concentration decreased significantly (P < .05) between hours 0.5–2.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceTreatment with trilostane did not cause clinically relevant alterations in plasma aldosterone and potassium concentration. Results suggest that in dogs with PDH, the optimal time point for an ACTH‐stimulation test to be performed is 2–4 hours after trilostane dosing. Future studies are necessary to establish interpretation criteria for a 2‐ to 4‐hour postpill ACTH‐stimulation test.
Plant species size and density‐dependent effects on growth and survival
Authors: Schamp Brandon S. , Aarssen Lonnie W. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractQuestionExperimental evidence suggests that competition among plant species is generally hierarchical and that relatively large species are at a competitive advantage when competition is predominantly above‐ground. However, regional species pools are dominated numerically by relatively small plant species, and small species generally have higher local densities of resident plants within natural communities. One explanation is that larger plant species suffer disproportionately more under effects of intra‐specific competition (i.e. greater density dependence). We tested this prediction using ten herbaceous plant species in a competition experiment.LocationKingston, Ontario, Canada, glasshouse.MethodsUsing a glasshouse experiment, we tested whether relatively large species suffer disproportionately more in monoculture relative to mixtures of all ten herbaceous plant species. We measured the effects of competition on biomass production and survival by monitoring both in monocultures and mixtures of our species.ResultsLarger plant species suffered more under intra‐specific relative to diffuse inter‐specific competition in terms of survival; however, the slope of this relationship was not significantly greater than one, indicating that larger species did not suffer disproportionate density‐dependent suppression.ConclusionsOur results support a role for size in plant competition, but also indicate that this role is reduced because relatively larger species suffer greater density‐dependent mortality when competing with other, equally large plants. As such, size‐based competitive hierarchies may not function as clearly in natural systems because the increased negative density dependence for larger species contributes to balancing out competition across size hierarchies.
The number of vegetation types in European countries: major determinants and extrapolation to other regions
Authors: Jiménez‐Alfaro Borja , Chytrý Milan , Rejmánek Marcel , Mucina Ladislav 
Published: December 2013

AbstractQuestionsHow many vegetation classes and alliances are described in European countries? What are the main factors driving the number of these vegetation types? What would be the estimated number of vegetation types in so far under‐explored regions outside Europe?LocationTwenty‐three countries and regions in Europe. Fourteen regions outside Europe.MethodsWe compiled lists of vegetation types (phytosociological classes as broader units and alliances as narrower ones) described in European countries with a well‐developed vegetation classification. The delimitation and nomenclature of classes and alliances were standardized according to a unified classification system for Europe. Generalized linear models were used to test the influence of floristic richness, area, sampling effort, altitudinal range and geological diversity on the number of vegetation types. Best predictors were used to estimate the number of classes and alliances in selected regions over the world.ResultsIn agreement with broadly recognized diversity patterns, we found the highest numbers of vegetation types in countries with a mediterranean climate. The numbers of classes and alliances per country did not depend on the country size, while country's floristic richness was identified as the main explanatory variable, accounting for up to 67% of explained deviance. The number of alliances increased in countries with broad altitudinal range and large geological diversity, but these variables did not influence the number of classes. Accordingly, estimates of the number of alliances for other (mostly non‐European) regions were adjusted when including altitudinal range as an additional predictor.ConclusionsAt broad scales, the number of vegetation types can be predicted from floristic richness, which indirectly accounts for the effect of area, and from environmental heterogeneity. Furthermore, this overview demonstrates that the number of phytosociological alliances reflects biogeographic patterns in Europe better than the number of classes. We also estimate, for the first time, the number of vegetation types that may be expected in so far poorly surveyed regions worldwide, using procedures of vegetation classification analogous to those used in European phytosociology.
Clinical parameters and symptom severity in males with fecal leakage and incontinence
Authors: Paramor K. A. , Ibrahim Q. I. , Sadowski D. C. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundDespite the commonality of fecal incontinence (FI) in men, few studies have been carried out in this patient group. The aim of the study was to determine the contributions of clinical and physiological factors to symptom severity in males with fecal leakage (FL) and FI.MethodsThe records of all male patients referred for evaluation of FI and FL over a 6‐year period were analyzed. For each male case, the records of three age‐matched female controls with FI or FL were retrieved. All patients completed symptom assessment questionnaires (Vaizey score) and standard anorectal manometry testing.Key ResultsA total of 100 males and 300 age‐matched female controls were included. Vaizey scores were similar between sexes. For all Vaizey strata, males had normal maximal resting pressures (MRP) as well as normal maximal squeeze pressure (MSP). Females had a significantly reduced MRP and MSP across all Vaizey strata. In the FL subgroup, males had higher MRP and MSP than females. A multivariable linear regression analysis in males did not identify any clinical factors predictive of symptoms severity. For females, increased symptom duration, abnormal Bristol score, and reduced MSP were associated with worsening in Vaizey score.Conclusions & InferencesFor females, FL represents one end of the severity spectrum of FI while in males FL has a distinct pathophysiology. Contributing factors to symptoms in males with FL are not identified by routine clinical tests; however, anorectal manometry may identify a subgroup of FL males with low anal sphincter pressures that may respond to targeted interventions.
Motility changes induced by intraluminal FeSO4 in guinea pig jejunum
Authors: Wang K. , Bertrand R. L. , Senadheera S. , Polglaze K. E. , Murphy T. V. , Sandow S. L. , Liu L. , Bornstein J. C. , Bertrand P. P. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundDietary iron supplementation is associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side effects including vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Although inorganic iron in high concentrations may be damaging to the intestinal mucosa, we hypothesize that there are physiological effects on the GI tract that occur at concentrations achieved by supplementation. Thus, our aim was to investigate the effect of intraluminal ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) on jejunal motility.MethodsSegments of guinea pig jejunum were cannulated and the intraluminal pressure recorded with a transducer, while movements were recorded with a video camera. Peristaltic threshold was the oral pressure that evoked four consecutive propulsive contractions. The nutrients decanoic acid (1 mM), l‐phenylalanine (50 mM), or the micronutrient FeSO4 (1 mM) were infused intraluminally. We also tested the effect of FeSO4 on electrochemically detected serotonin (5‐HT, 5‐hydroxytryptamine) released from in vitro tissues, both at rest and following mechanical stimulation.Key ResultsThe jejuna peristaltic threshold was significantly decreased by all three nutrients: FeSO4: 31 ± 2–23 ± 3 mmH2O; decanoic acid: 27 ± 2–14 ± 2 mmH2O; and l‐phenylalanine: 30 ± 3–14 ± 3mmH2O. Of the three, only decanoic acid induced segmentation, while FeSO4 inhibited decanoic acid‐induced segmentation. Resting 5‐HT release was increased by FeSO4 (128% of control), but mechanically evoked 5‐HT release was reduced (70% of control).Conclusions & InferencesThese data suggest that some luminal effects of inorganic iron on jejunal motility could be mediated through a pathway involving altered release of 5‐HT. A better understanding of the interaction between luminal iron and 5‐HT containing enterochromaffin cells could improve iron supplementation strategies, thus reducing side effects.
Eculizumab reverses the potentially fatal effects of kidney graft reperfusion injury
Authors: Kaabak Michael , Babenko Nadezhda , Kuznetsov Oleg , Matveev Alexander , Minina Marina , Platova Elena , Morozova Margaret , Novozhilova Tatyana 
Published: December 2013

AbstractHalf an hour after reperfusion, the kidney, transplanted to the infant from an adult brain dead standard criteria donor, became flabby and acquired blue color. Hyperacute rejection was suspected as a consequence of false negative cross match, and eculizumab was administered with the purpose to treat antibody‐mediated injury, with fast and clear effect. The patient's blood was tested for donor‐specific antibodies on the next day, and results were negative. We attribute graft damage to reperfusion injury and explain eculizumab's effectiveness to its ability to prevent progression of reperfusion injury.
Association of chronic nasal symptoms with dyspnoea and quality‐of‐life impairment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Caillaud Denis , Chanez Pascal , Escamilla Roger , Burgel Pierre‐Régis , Court‐Fortune Isabelle , Nesme‐Meyer Pascale , Deslee Gaëtan , Perez Thierry , Pinet Christophe , Roche Nicolas ,   Initiatives BPCO scientific committee and investigators
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackground and objectivePrevious studies suggested that chronic nasal symptoms (CNS) are frequent in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) subjects, but their contribution to dyspnoea and quality‐of‐life (QoL) impairment is not clearly established.MethodsData from the French COPD cohort ‘Initiatives bronchopneumopathie chronique obstructive’ were analyzed to assess the frequency of CNS (rhinorrhea, obstruction, anosmia) in COPD patients and analyze their impact and associated risk factors. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to assess the relationship between CNS with sociodemographic and anthropometric characteristics, risk factors, respiratory symptoms, spirometry, QoL (Saint George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ)), dyspnoea (modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) scale), mood disorders (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)), number of exacerbations and comorbid conditions.ResultsCNS were reported by 115 of 274 COPD subjects (42%). Among them, rhinorrhea and nasal obstruction were reported by 62% and 43%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, COPD patients with CNS had higher SGRQ total scores, corresponding to worse QoL (P = 0.01), while no independent association was found with exacerbations, lung function and HADS. Among SGRQ domains, an independent association was found with the activity score (P = 0.007). When SGRQ score was forced out of the model to avoid redundancy, mMRC score was independently associated with CNS (P = 0.01). Among risk factors, cumulative smoking, hay fever and atopic dermatitis but not occupational exposures were independently associated with CNS.ConclusionsIn this group of COPD subjects, CNS were frequently observed and associated with dyspnoea and poorer QoL. CNS should be systematically assessed and could be a potential target in the management of COPD.