bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
FATE‐HD: a spatially and temporally explicit integrated model for predicting vegetation structure and diversity at regional scale
Authors: Isabelle Boulangeat , Damien Georges , Wilfried Thuiller 
Published: November 2013

AbstractDuring the last decade, despite strenuous efforts to develop new models and compare different approaches, few conclusions have been drawn on their ability to provide robust biodiversity projections in an environmental change context. The recurring suggestions are that models should explicitly (i) include spatiotemporal dynamics; (ii) consider multiple species in interactions and (iii) account for the processes shaping biodiversity distribution. This article presents a biodiversity model (FATE‐HD) that meets this challenge at regional scale by combining phenomenological and process‐based approaches and using well‐defined plant functional groups. FATE‐HD has been tested and validated in a French National Park, demonstrating its ability to simulate vegetation dynamics, structure and diversity in response to disturbances and climate change. The analysis demonstrated the importance of considering biotic interactions, spatio‐temporal dynamics and disturbances in addition to abiotic drivers to simulate vegetation dynamics. The distribution of pioneer trees was particularly improved, as were all undergrowth functional groups.
SEAWAT‐Based Simulation of Axisymmetric Heat Transport
Authors: Vandenbohede Alexander , Louwyck Andy , Vlamynck Nele 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSimulation of heat transport has its applications in geothermal exploitation of aquifers and the analysis of temperature dependent chemical reactions. Under homogeneous conditions and in the absence of a regional hydraulic gradient, groundwater flow and heat transport from or to a well exhibit radial symmetry, and governing equations are reduced by one dimension (1D) which increases computational efficiency importantly. Solute transport codes can simulate heat transport and input parameters may be modified such that the Cartesian geometry can handle radial flow. In this article, SEAWAT is evaluated as simulator for heat transport under radial flow conditions. The 1971, 1D analytical solution of Gelhar and Collins is used to compare axisymmetric transport with retardation (i.e., as a result of thermal equilibrium between fluid and solid) and a large diffusion (conduction). It is shown that an axisymmetric simulation compares well with a fully three dimensional (3D) simulation of an aquifer thermal energy storage systems. The influence of grid discretization, solver parameters, and advection solution is illustrated. Because of the high diffusion to simulate conduction, convergence criterion for heat transport must be set much smaller (10−10) than for solute transport (10−6). Grid discretization should be considered carefully, in particular the subdivision of the screen interval. On the other hand, different methods to calculate the pumping or injection rate distribution over different nodes of a multilayer well lead to small differences only.
Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2 and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) status in ovarian adult granulosa cell tumours
Authors: Higgins Patricia A , Brady Aidan , Dobbs Stephen P , Salto‐Tellez Manuel , Maxwell Perry , McCluggage W Glenn 
Published: November 2013

AimsAdult granulosa cell tumours (AGCTs) are uncommon ovarian sex cord–stromal tumours which recur following surgical removal in up to 50% of patients. Treatment options for recurrent and advanced stage AGCTs are limited, with poor response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. We aimed to assess epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), HER2 and insulin‐like growth factor‐1 receptor (IGF‐1R) status in AGCTs with a view to investigating whether or not these receptors might be potential therapeutic targets in these neoplasms.Methods and resultsImmunohistochemical staining for EGFR, HER2 and IGF‐1R was undertaken in 31 AGCTs. Tumour DNA was also analysed for mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR (exons 18–21) by Cobas mutation RT–PCR. Twenty‐three of 31 (74%) AGCTs showed some degree of EGFR expression, generally with cytoplasmic or mixed membranous and cytoplasmic staining of variable intensity. Eleven of 27 (41%) cases exhibited strong membranous and cytoplasmic expression of IGF‐1R. HER2 expression was not seen. No mutations were found in exons 18–21 of the EGFR gene in hot‐spots of therapeutic relevance.ConclusionsThis study raises the possibility that anti‐EGFR and/or anti‐IGF‐1R therapies may be of potential benefit in ovarian AGCTs, and this requires further study. Lack of known mutations within the tyrosine kinase domain of EGFR suggests that EGFR‐related tyrosine kinase inhibitors may not be useful therapeutically.
Virus‐encoded ectopic CD74 enhances poxvirus vaccine efficacy
Authors: Walline Crystal C. , Deffit Sarah N. , Wang Nan , Guindon Lynette M. , Crotzer Victoria L. , Liu Jianyun , Hollister Kristin , Eisenlohr Laurence C. , Brutkiewicz Randy R. , Kaplan Mark H. , Blum Janice S. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryVaccinia virus (VV) has been used globally as a vaccine to eradicate smallpox. Widespread use of this viral vaccine has been tempered in recent years because of its immuno‐evasive properties, with restrictions prohibiting VV inoculation of individuals with immune deficiencies or atopic skin diseases. VV infection is known to perturb several pathways for immune recognition including MHC class II (MHCII) and CD1d‐restricted antigen presentation. MHCII and CD1d molecules associate with a conserved intracellular chaperone, CD74, also known as invariant chain. Upon VV infection, cellular CD74 levels are significantly reduced in antigen‐presenting cells, consistent with the observed destabilization of MHCII molecules. In the current study, the ability of sustained CD74 expression to overcome VV‐induced suppression of antigen presentation was investigated. Viral inhibition of MHCII antigen presentation could be partially ameliorated by ectopic expression of CD74 or by infection of cells with a recombinant VV encoding murine CD74 (mCD74‐VV). In contrast, virus‐induced disruptions in CD1d‐mediated antigen presentation persisted even with sustained CD74 expression. Mice immunized with the recombinant mCD74‐VV displayed greater protection during VV challenge and more robust anti‐VV antibody responses. Together, these observations suggest that recombinant VV vaccines encoding CD74 may be useful tools to improve CD4+ T‐cell responses to viral and tumour antigens.
Health‐promoting behaviour among women with abdominal obesity: a conceptual link to social support and perceived stress
Authors: Cho Jeong Hyun , Jae Sae Young , Choo IL Han , Choo Jina 
Published: November 2013

AbstractAimTo identify a conceptual link among health‐promoting behaviour, interpersonal support and perceived stress and to examine whether the link between interpersonal support and health‐promoting behaviour would be mediated by perceived stress among women with abdominal obesity.BackgroundAbdominal obesity is a strong risk factor for cardiovascular disease in women and its reduction can be achieved by weight loss. Adopting health‐promoting behaviour may be critical for successful weight loss.DesignA cross‐sectional, correlational study design.MethodStudy participants were 126 women with abdominal obesity, who comprised a baseline sample in the Community‐based, Heart and Weight Management Trial. The Data were collected between September 2010–November 2011. A multiple regression analysis and Sobel's test were performed.FindingsHigher levels of interpersonal support and lower levels of perceived stress were significantly associated with higher levels of health‐promoting behaviour, after controlling for age, obesity‐related comorbidity, postmenopausal status and current smoking in the regression models. The association between interpersonal support and health‐promoting behaviour was significantly mediated by perceived stress in the Sobel's test; the magnitude of the association between interpersonal support and health‐promoting behaviour decreased when adding perceived stress to the predictor variables in the regression model.ConclusionOur findings indicate the practical significance of identifying the levels of interpersonal support and perceived stress among women seeking weight management interventions. Nurses need to develop effective strategies for enhancing social support and stress management skills in weight management interventions for facilitating health‐promoting behaviour.
Daytime Systolic Ambulatory Blood Pressure With a Two‐Step Switch From Candesartan to Olmesartan Monotherapy and the Fixed‐Dose Combination of Olmesartan/Amlodipine in Patients With Uncontrolled Essential Hypertension (SEVICONTROL‐2)
Authors: Bramlage Peter , Zemmrich Claudia , Gansz Andrea , Sturm Claus‐Dieter , Fimmers Rolf , Nadal Jennifer , Schmieder Roland E. , Schrader Joachim , Lüders Stephan 
Published: November 2013

The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the fixed‐dose combination olmesartan/amlodipine 40/10 mg in patients with moderate essential hypertension not controlled on candesartan 32 mg. This was a prospective, single‐arm, phase IV study. The primary endpoint was the change in mean daytime systolic blood pressure (BP). A total of 77 of 89 screened patients started candesartan 32 mg, 62 olmesartan 40 mg, and 57 olmesartan 40 mg/amlodipine 10 mg. Mean daytime systolic BP was reduced by 9.8±15.2 mm Hg (P<.001) vs candesartan monotherapy. Office BP reduction was 9.2±18.8/5.0±8.9 mm Hg (P<0.001). Treatment goals (<140/90 mm Hg for office and <135/85 mm Hg for ambulatory BP) were achieved in 58.2% and 78.4% of patients, respectively. There was one drug‐related adverse event (edema) and no serious adverse events. Patients of Caucasian ethnicity with moderate essential hypertension uncontrolled on candesartan experienced a further drop in BP using olmesartan and amlodipine.
Individual vocal signatures in barn owl nestlings: does individual recognition have an adaptive role in sibling vocal competition?
Authors: Dreiss A. N. , Ruppli C. A. , Roulin A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractTo compete over limited parental resources, young animals communicate with their parents and siblings by producing honest vocal signals of need. Components of begging calls that are sensitive to food deprivation may honestly signal need, whereas other components may be associated with individual‐specific attributes that do not change with time such as identity, sex, absolute age and hierarchy. In a sib–sib communication system where barn owl (Tyto alba) nestlings vocally negotiate priority access to food resources, we show that calls have individual signatures that are used by nestlings to recognize which siblings are motivated to compete, even if most vocalization features vary with hunger level. Nestlings were more identifiable when food‐deprived than food‐satiated, suggesting that vocal identity is emphasized when the benefit of winning a vocal contest is higher. In broods where siblings interact iteratively, we speculate that individual‐specific signature permits siblings to verify that the most vocal individual in the absence of parents is the one that indeed perceived the food brought by parents. Individual recognition may also allow nestlings to associate identity with individual‐specific characteristics such as position in the within‐brood dominance hierarchy. Calls indeed revealed age hierarchy and to a lower extent sex and absolute age. Using a cross‐fostering experimental design, we show that most acoustic features were related to the nest of origin (but not the nest of rearing), suggesting a genetic or an early developmental effect on the ontogeny of vocal signatures. To conclude, our study suggests that sibling competition has promoted the evolution of vocal behaviours that signal not only hunger level but also intrinsic individual characteristics such as identity, family, sex and age.
Testing search strategies for systematic reviews in the Medline literature database through PubMed
Authors: Volpato Enilze S. N. , Betini Marluci , El Dib Regina 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundA high‐quality electronic search is essential in ensuring accuracy and completeness in retrieved records for the conducting of a systematic review.ObjectiveWe analysed the available sample of search strategies to identify the best method for searching in Medline through PubMed, considering the use or not of parenthesis, double quotation marks, truncation and use of a simple search or search history.MethodsIn our cross‐sectional study of search strategies, we selected and analysed the available searches performed during evidence‐based medicine classes and in systematic reviews conducted in the Botucatu Medical School, UNESP, Brazil.ResultsWe analysed 120 search strategies. With regard to the use of phrase searches with parenthesis, there was no difference between the results with and without parenthesis and simple searches or search history tools in 100% of the sample analysed (P = 1.0). The number of results retrieved by the searches analysed was smaller using double quotations marks and using truncation compared with the standard strategy (P = 0.04 and P = 0.08, respectively).ConclusionsThere is no need to use phrase‐searching parenthesis to retrieve studies; however, we recommend the use of double quotation marks when an investigator attempts to retrieve articles in which a term appears to be exactly the same as what was proposed in the search form. Furthermore, we do not recommend the use of truncation in search strategies in the Medline via PubMed. Although the results of simple searches or search history tools were the same, we recommend using the latter.
Using Attributional Life Cycle Assessment to Estimate Climate‐Change Mitigation Benefits Misleads Policy Makers
Authors: Plevin Richard J. , Delucchi Mark A. , Creutzig Felix 
Published: November 2013

SummaryLife cycle assessment (LCA) is generally described as a tool for environmental decision making. Results from attributional LCA (ALCA), the most commonly used LCA method, often are presented in a way that suggests that policy decisions based on these results will yield the quantitative benefits estimated by ALCA. For example, ALCAs of biofuels are routinely used to suggest that the implementation of one alternative (say, a biofuel) will cause an X% change in greenhouse gas emissions, compared with a baseline (typically gasoline). However, because of several simplifications inherent in ALCA, the method, in fact, is not predictive of real‐world impacts on climate change, and hence the usual quantitative interpretation of ALCA results is not valid. A conceptually superior approach, consequential LCA (CLCA), avoids many of the limitations of ALCA, but because it is meant to model actual changes in the real world, CLCA results are scenario dependent and uncertain. These limitations mean that even the best practical CLCAs cannot produce definitive quantitative estimates of actual environmental outcomes. Both forms of LCA, however, can yield valuable insights about potential environmental effects, and CLCA can support robust decision making. By openly recognizing the limitations and understanding the appropriate uses of LCA as discussed here, practitioners and researchers can help policy makers implement policies that are less likely to have perverse effects and more likely to lead to effective environmental policies, including climate mitigation strategies.
Small auxin upregulated RNA (SAUR) gene family in maize: Identification, evolution, and its phylogenetic comparison with Arabidopsis, rice, and sorghum
Authors: Chen Yuzhu , Hao Xi , Cao Jun 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSmall auxin‐up RNAs (SAURs) are the early auxin‐responsive genes represented by a large multigene family in plants. Here, we identified 79 SAUR gene family members from maize (Zea mays subsp. mays) by a reiterative database search and manual annotation. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the SAUR proteins from Arabidopsis, rice, sorghum, and maize had divided into 16 groups. These genes were non‐randomly distributed across the maize chromosomes, and segmental duplication and tandem duplication contributed to the expansion of the maize SAUR gene family. Synteny analysis established orthology relationships and functional linkages between SAUR genes in maize and sorghum genomes. We also found that the auxin‐responsive elements were conserved in the upstream sequences of maize SAUR members. Selection analyses identified some significant site‐specific constraints acted on most SAUR paralogs. Expression profiles based on microarray data have provided insights into the possible functional divergence among members of the SAUR gene family. Quantitative real‐time PCR analysis indicated that some of the 10 randomly selected ZmSAUR genes could be induced at least in maize shoot or root tissue tested. The results reveal a comprehensive overview of the maize SAUR gene family and may pave the way for deciphering their function during plant development.
Impaired sexual function and prostate cancer: a mixed method investigation into the experiences of men and their partners
Authors: O'Shaughnessy Peter K , Ireland Colin , Pelentsov Lemuel , Thomas Laws A , Esterman Adrian J 
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore issues related to sexual function and relationships, for men and their wives or partners, following diagnosis and treatment for prostate cancer.BackgroundA diagnosis of prostate cancer and subsequent treatment result in a significant number of men experiencing some impairment to their sexual function. There is scant research into the impact of changed sexual function on these men's masculinity, sexuality, intimate relationships and their needs regarding counselling and supportive care.DesignInternet‐based survey.MethodsFocus groups and couple interviews were used to improve validity for questionnaire items designed to provide insight into men's experiences of prostate cancer in areas such as sexual function and relationships. The questionnaire included both closed and open‐ended questions and had the option for the wife or partner to complete a section.ResultsQualitative research revealed 17 specific categories within three key themes: sexual dysfunction, loss of libido and masculinity. The questionnaire found, unexpectedly, the majority of men said that they had sufficient emotional and psychological support. Wives/partners confirmed cancer had impacted on their partner's feelings of masculinity (71%), compared to 42% of men who felt that this was the case. Predictors of loss of libido, erectile dysfunction and ‘feeling less of a man’ were developed. Univariate predictors included hormone therapy, regrets about treatment choice, cancer having impacted on masculinity and distress during the last week.ConclusionsMen are not able to clearly identify the challenges prostate cancer brings especially changes to their masculinity.Relevance to clinical practiceThe findings strongly suggest that for men with prostate cancer, nursing assessments of men's sexual health be augmented by information gained from their partners; further, these assessments should be augmented with a careful exploration of these men's psyche guided by the knowledge that masculinity influences perceptions of self (being a man) and help seeking.
Women's experiences of infertility – towards a relational model of care
Authors: Cunningham Nicola , Cunningham Tom 
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectivesTo consider the effectiveness of current models of patient‐centred infertility care.BackgroundPatient centredness is defined as one of six key dimensions of quality of care. In the field of infertility, a new interaction model of patient‐centred infertility care is proposed. Despite positive moves, this model reveals shortcomings in knowledge about the lived experience of infertility and lacks the shift in attitudes and approach that effective patient‐centred care requires.DesignThe study has a qualitative research design. Nine women living with and through infertility participated in online life‐story interviews.MethodsData were analysed using a layered strategy influenced by the voice‐centred relational method, emphasising narrative content, form and function.ResultsWomen reveal a complex experience. Three key themes were found: Approaching the clinic narratives are infused with personal expectations while deeply reflective of cultural expectations and social norms. Relatedness recognises women's experiences cannot be neatly separated into distinct domains. Liminality and infertility describes women's experiences lost in transition through and beyond infertility treatment.ConclusionsThe current model of patient‐centred infertility care requires further development. Women in this study found themselves lost in transition and irrespective of treatment failure or success. Conceptual development must embrace a relational understanding of patient's experience to ensure that patient‐centred infertility care is realistic and relevant to patients, clinical staff and the system as a whole.Relevance to clinical practicePsychosocial skills are recognised as core competences for fertility nurses. A relational conceptualisation of patient's experiences, living with and through infertility, provides further information for the development of staff and enhanced knowledge and practice skills.
Tertiary paediatric hospital health professionals’ attitudes to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents seeking health care for their children
Authors: Nicol Pam , Chapman Rose , Watkins Rochelle , Young Jeanine , Shields Linda 
Published: November 2013

Aims and objectivesTo ascertain health professionals’ knowledge, attitudes and beliefs towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents seeking health care for their children in a paediatric tertiary hospital setting which practises family‐centred care.BackgroundLesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents are often reluctant to disclose their sexual orientation to health professionals for fear of discrimination and compromised quality of care. Staff knowledge, attitudes and beliefs can influence disclosure by parents, but little is known about knowledge, attitudes and beliefs in paediatric tertiary hospital staff towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents accessing care for their children.DesignDescriptive comparative study of health staff using a cross‐sectional survey.MethodsA set of validated anonymous questionnaires was used to assess knowledge about homosexuality, attitudes towards lesbians and gay men, and gay affirmative practice. Three open‐ended questions were also used to assess beliefs about encouraging disclosure of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parenting roles and how this may impact on care.ResultsOf the 646 staff surveyed, 212 (32·8%) responded. Knowledge and attitudes were significantly associated with professional group, gender, Caucasian race, political voting behaviour, presence of religious beliefs, the frequency of attendance at religious services, the frequency of praying, and having a friend who was openly lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.ConclusionThis study highlighted that staff working in a tertiary paediatric hospital setting, with family‐centred care models in place, held attitudes and beliefs that may impact on the experience of hospitalisation for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender parents, and the quality of care received by their children.Relevance to clinical practiceTo promote equitable care to all families, organisations should ensure that family‐centred care policies and guidelines are adopted and appropriately implemented. In addition to formal education, affirmative health service action and innovative methods may be required.