bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Large‐scale recruitment limitation in Mediterranean pines: the role of Quercus ilex and forest successional advance as key regional drivers
Authors: Carnicer Jofre , Coll Marta , Pons Xavier , Ninyerola Miquel , Vayreda Jordi , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimLarge‐scale patterns of limitations in tree recruitment remain poorly described in the Mediterranean Basin, and this information is required to assess the impacts of global warming on forests. Here, we unveil the existence of opposite trends of recruitment limitation between the dominant genera Quercus and Pinus on a large scale and identify the key ecological drivers of these diverging trends.LocationSpainMethodsWe gathered data from the Spanish National Forest inventory to assess recruitment trends for the dominant species (Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinea, Pinus pinaster, Pinus nigra, Pinus sylvestris, Pinus uncinata, Quercus suber, Quercus ilex, Quercus petraea, Quercus robur, Quercus faginea and Quercus pyrenaica). We assessed the direct and indirect drivers of recruitment by applying Bayesian structural equation modelling techniques.ResultsSevere limitations in recruitment were observed across extensive areas for all Pinus species studied, with recruitment failure affecting 54–71% of the surveyed plots. In striking contrast, Quercus species expanded into 41% of the plots surveyed compared to only 10% for Pinus and had a lower local recruitment failure (29% of Quercus localities compared to 63% for Pinus species). Bayesian structural equation models highlighted the key role of the presence of Q. ilex saplings and the increase in the basal area of Q. ilex in limiting recruitment in five Pinus species. The recruitment of P. sylvestris and P. nigra showed the most negative trends and was negatively associated with the impacts of fire.Main conclusionsThis study identified Q. ilex, the most widespread species in this area, as a key driver of recruitment shifts on a large scale, negatively affecting most pine species with the advance of forest succession. These results highlight that the future expansion/contraction of Q. ilex stands with ongoing climate change will be a key process indirectly controlling the demographic responses of Pinus species in the Mediterranean Basin.
Benefit of technetium‐99m galactosyl human serum albumin scintigraphy instead of indocyanine green test in patients scheduled for hepatectomy
Authors: Ohkura Yasuo , Mizuno Shugo , Kishiwada Masashi , Hamada Takashi , Usui Masanobu , Sakurai Hiroyuki , Tabata Masami , Yamada Tomomi , Isaji Shuji 
Published: October 2013

AimThe aim of this study was to evaluate the benefit of technetium‐99m galactosyl human serum albumin (99mTc‐GSA) scintigraphy instead of the indocyanine green retention rate at 15 min (ICGR15) in the patients scheduled for hepatectomy, paying special attention to the factors causing the discrepancy between the ICGR15 and the hepatic uptake ratio of 99mTc‐GSA scintigraphy at 15 min (LHL15).MethodsThe medical records on the 197 patients who underwent hepatectomy between 2006 and 2010 were retrospectively reviewed. We defined ICG‐good as less than 15% at ICGR15 and ICG‐poor as 15% or more, and LHL‐good as 0.9 or more at LHL15 and LHL‐poor as less than 0.9.ResultsThe patients were divided into the four groups ICG‐good/LHL‐good, ICG‐good/LHL‐poor, ICG‐poor/LHL‐good and ICG‐poor/LHL‐poor, showing the discrepancy between the two tests in 47 (23.8%) patients. In the ICG‐good group, the incidence of liver cirrhosis (LC) was significant higher in the ICG‐good/LHL‐poor group than in the ICG‐good/LHL‐good group at 54.5% versus 14.9% (P = 0.014). In the ICG‐poor group, the incidence of LC was significant lower in the ICG‐poor/LHL‐good group than in the ICG‐poor/LHL‐poor group at 44.4% versus 77.8% (P = 0.004). In multivariate analysis of the factors causing discrepancy, the factor contributing to LHL‐poor was hepatitis C infection and those contributing to LHL‐good were albumin and hyaluronic acid.Conclusion99mTc‐GSA scintigraphy is very helpful to assess the hepatic functional reserve in the ICG‐good patients who have hepatitis C infection and in the ICG‐poor patients who have relatively good levels of albumin and hyaluronic acid.
Mortality in perinatally HIV‐infected young people in England following transition to adult care: an HIV Young Persons Network (HYPNet) audit
Authors: Fish R , Judd A , Jungmann E , O'Leary C , Foster C ,   HIV Young Persons Network (HYPNet)
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesMortality in young people with perinatally acquired HIV infection (PHIV) following transfer to adult care has not been characterized in the UK. We conducted a multicentre audit to establish the number of deaths and associated factors.MethodsFourteen adult clinics caring for infected young people reported deaths to 30 September 2011 on a proforma. Deaths were matched to the Collaborative HIV Paediatric Study, a clinical database of HIV‐infected children in the UK/Ireland, to describe clinical characteristics in paediatric care of those who died post‐transition.ResultsEleven deaths were reported from 14 clinics which cared for 248 adults with PHIV. For the 11 deaths, the median age at transfer to adult care was 17 years (range 15–21 years), and at death was 21 years (range 17–24 years). Causes of death were suicide (two patients), advanced HIV disease (seven patients) and bronchiectasis (one patient), with one cause missing. At death, the median CD4 count was 27 cells/μL (range 0–630 cells/μL); five patients were on antiretroviral therapy (ART) but only two had a viral load < 50 HIV‐1 RNA copies/mL. Nine had poor adherence when in paediatric care, continuing into adult care despite multidisciplinary support. Eight had ART resistance, although all had potentially suppressive regimens available. Nine had mental health diagnoses.ConclusionsOur findings highlight the complex medical and psychosocial issues faced by some adults with PHIV, with nine of the 11 deaths in our study being associated with poor adherence and advanced HIV disease. Novel adherence interventions and mental health support are required for this vulnerable cohort.
Relationship between physicochemical and functional properties of amaranth (Amaranthus hypochondriacus) protein isolates
Authors: Shevkani Khetan , Singh Narpinder , Rana Jai Chand , Kaur Amritpal 
Published: October 2013

SummaryProtein isolates from six amaranth lines/cultivars (APIs) were evaluated to study their physicochemical (hunter colour, protein content and zeta potential), structural (thermal and conformational) and functional (emulsification, foaming, water and fat absorption) properties. APIs had protein content, whiteness index and gel temperature in range of 79.4–85.4%, 41.17–54.26 and 87.8–91.8 °C, respectively. The Fourier‐transform infrared spectra of APIs revealed α‐helix, β‐sheets and random coil conformations in the secondary structure. APIs with higher relative proportion of β‐sheets had higher Differential Scanning Calorimeter denaturation temperature and gel temperature. Minimum protein solubility (PS) was observed at pH 5.0, indicating isoelectric point (pI) of amaranth proteins. The PS, emulsifying activity index (EAI), emulsifying stability index (ESI), foaming capacity (FC) and foam stability (FS) of APIs at neutral pH were related to their zeta potential (ζ). The emulsifying and foaming properties were also determined at different pHs (between 2.0 and 9.0). The EAI‐pH profile of APIs confirmed close relationship between the emulsifying ability and PS.
Changes in CNS cells in Hyperammonemic portal hypertensive rats
Authors: Tallis Silvina , Caltana Laura R. , Souto Pablo A. , Delfante Amalia E. , Lago Néstor R. , Brusco Alicia , Perazzo Juan C. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractRats with pre‐hepatic portal hypertension because of partial portal vein ligation develop minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) with hyperammonemia, impaired blood–brain barrier, mild brain edema, and severe mitochondrial changes in the hippocampus. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes of different neural cells in the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. Animals were divided into two groups, MHE and sham. Astrocytes were studied by immunostaining with glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100β protein; neurons were immunostained with neuronal nuclear marker, microtubule associated protein‐2, and NF‐200 and capillaries with Nestin. The hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF‐1α) and its downstream proteins, P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) and erythropoietin receptor (Epo‐R), were also evaluated. Astrocytes were increased in area and number only in the hippocampus, while S100β increased in both brain areas in MHE animals. Microtubule associated protein‐2 and NF‐200 immunoreactivities (‐ir) were significantly reduced in both areas. Hippocampal Nestin‐ir was increased in MHE animals. These cellular changes were similar to those described in ischemic conditions, thus HIF‐1α, P‐gp, and Epo‐R were also evaluated. A high expression of HIF‐1α in cortical neurons was observed in the MHE group. It is likely that this hypoxia‐like state is triggered via ammonia occupying the binding domain of HIF‐1α and thereby preventing its degradation and inducing its stabilization, leading to the over‐expression of P‐gp and the Epo‐R.
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Rats with pre‐hepatic portal hypertension because of partial portal vein ligation afford a model of minimal hepatic encephalopathy that developed hyperammonemia. The cellular changes found here were similar to those described in ischemic conditions. Besides, a high expression of HIF‐1α in cortical neurons was observed. It is likely that a hypoxia‐like state is triggered via ammonia occupying the binding domain of HIF‐1α and thereby preventing its degradation and inducing its stabilization, leading to the over‐expression of P‐gp and the Epo‐R.
Autism and normative sexual development: a narrative review
Authors: Dewinter Jeroen , Vermeiren Robert , Vanwesenbeeck Ine , van Nieuwenhuizen Chijs 
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectivesTo explore the existing knowledge on sexuality and autism spectrum disorders. To this end, the concept of normative sexual development was used as an organising framework.BackgroundSexual health can be seen as a developmental task for all children, adolescents and adults. Core autism features are related with skills central to sexual development and functioning. More insight in sexual development in people with autism is relevant for education, support and interventions by parents and professionals in somatic and mental health care.MethodsA comprehensive search of scientific online databases and reference lists was conducted. Publications based on qualitative and quantitative research, including case studies, were selected.ResultsFifty‐five articles and reports were selected and discussed. Information was grouped according to three domains: sexual behaviour, sexual selfhood and sexual socialisation.ConclusionSexual development is a part of life for people with autism of all developmental levels and is generally understudied in this population. Most information was available on behavioural aspects and experiences of socialising agents, such as parents and professionals. Developmental processes and the relation between sexual behaviour, selfhood and socialisation remained unclear.Relevance to clinical practiceNurses working in schools, institutions and general health care support children, adolescents and adults with autism and advice their families, teachers, other educators and caregivers on sexuality issues. They can have an important role in daily assessment and support of this developmental domain by actively enquiring about the different aspects of sexual development and by offering information. Our findings offer an overview on the existing knowledge and support the idea that sexual development is normative for people with autism just as for anybody else.
Improving quality‐of‐life outcomes for patients with cancer through mediating effects of depressive symptoms and functional status: a three‐path mediation model
Authors: Hsu Mei‐Chi , Tu Chun‐Hsien 
Published: October 2013

Aims and objectivesTo test a hypothetical three‐path mediation model evaluating the effects of functional status and depressive symptoms on the relationship between fatigue and quality of life in patients with cancer on the basis of the Theory of Unpleasant Symptoms.BackgroundPatients with cancer often experience two or more concurrent, interrelated, mutually influential symptoms. Multiple unpleasant symptoms that have been proposed as mediating variables affecting quality of life in a model proposed in recent cancer studies are scanty.DesignThis study was a cross‐sectional, descriptive, correlational design.MethodsThree hundred and twenty‐six patients with cancer from oncology clinics were recruited in Taiwan between 2010–2011. Mediation models were tested and confirmed by applying structural modelling using Analysis of Moment Structures and the joint significance test.ResultsFatigue affects patient quality of life directly or indirectly through functional status and depressive symptoms. These two mediating variables exhibited direct effects on quality of life. A path analysis approach revealed that 47·28 and 67·70% of the total effects of functional status and depressive symptoms, respectively, on the quality‐of‐life mediation models are attributable to 29·6 and 44·7% of the total effects between fatigue and quality of life, which mediated through two mediators, respectively.ConclusionQuality of life may be enhanced by simultaneously improving physiological and psychological factors.Relevance to clinical practiceAn understanding of mediating effects is valuable in nursing care of patients with cancer, particularly in the early phase of treatment or in newly diagnosed stages I–III or recently treated patients with cancer in different disease stages.
Sensory Nerve Conduction and Somatosensory Evoked Potentials of the Trigeminal Nerve in Horses with Idiopathic Headshaking
Authors: Aleman M. , Williams D.C. , Brosnan R.J. , Nieto J.E. , Pickles K.J. , Berger J. , LeCouteur R.A. , Holliday T.A. , Madigan J.E. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundIdiopathic headshaking (HSK) in horses is a distressing disorder in which the etiology and pathophysiology are unknown.HypothesisDifferences in sensory function of the trigeminal nerve exist between healthy and affected horses.AnimalsSix healthy mature geldings and 6 mature geldings with idiopathicHSK.MethodsProspective study. Sensory nerve action and somatosensory evoked potentials studies were performed. The stimulus site comprised the gingival mucosa dorsal to the maxillary canine. A pair of recording electrodes was placed along the sensory pathway of the trigeminal complex at the infraorbital nerve (R1), maxillary nerve (R2), spinal tract of trigeminal (R3), and somatosensory cortex (R4). Sensory nerve action potential latency (ms), amplitude (μV), duration (ms), area under the curve (μVms), and conduction velocity (m/s) were calculated.ResultsThreshold for activation of the infraorbital branch of the trigeminal nerve was significantly different between 5 affected (≤5 mA) and 6 control horses (≥10 mA). After initiation of an action potential, there were no differences in all parameters measured and no differences between left and right sides. A horse with seasonalHSKtested during a time of no clinical manifestations showed a threshold for activation similar to control horses.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study confirms involvement of the trigeminal nerve hyperexcitability in the pathophysiology of disease. Further, results might support a functional rather than a structural alteration in the sensory pathway of the trigeminal complex that can be seasonal. The horse could serve as a natural animal model for humans with idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.
Plasma D‐Dimer Concentrations during ExperimentalEHV‐1 Infection of Horses
Authors: Goehring L.S. , Soboll Hussey G. , Gomez Diez M. , Benedict K. , Maxwell L.K. , Morley P.S. , Sloet van Oldruitenborgh‐Oosterbaan M.M. , Lunn D.P. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundCentral nervous system blood vessel thrombosis is a part of the pathogenesis of equid herpesvirus‐associated myeloencephalopathy (EHM). D‐dimers (DD) are stable breakdown products of cross‐linked fibrin, and increasedDD‐plasma concentrations could reflect the degree of systemic coagulation duringEHV‐1 infection.HypothesisWe hypothesized that bloodDDconcentrations will be increased during periods ofEHV‐1 fever and viremia, reflecting an activated coagulation cascade with fibrinolysis.AnimalsTwenty‐eight equids were infected withEHV‐1 in 3 experimental infection studies. Three (uninfected) horses were included in a separate study to evaluate methodology forDDconcentration measurements.MethodsClinical data and quantitative viremia were evaluated, andDDconcentrations were measured in blood samples on the day before the infection and during days 1–12 postchallenge. Uninfected horses were sampled every 3 hours for 48 hours. Logistic and linear regression was used to investigate the potential association between the fever and viremia with the presence or absence ofDDconcentrations in peripheral blood.ResultsDDconcentrations were increased for 1–8 days in the majority of infected animals. Both viremia (odds ratio [OR] 6.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] 3.4–11.8;P = .0013) and fever (OR4.9;CI2.3–10.1;P = .001) were strongly associated with the likelihood of detectingDDin peripheral blood.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceEHV‐1 viremia is associated with increases inDDconcentration in horses and ponies. This indicates thatEHV‐1 viremia can lead to an activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis.
Combined NanoSIMS and synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence reveal distinct cellular and subcellular distribution patterns of trace elements in rice tissues
Authors: Moore Katie L. , Chen Yi , van de Meene Allison M. L. , Hughes Louise , Liu Wenju , Geraki Tina , Mosselmans Fred , McGrath Steve P. , Grovenor Chris , Zhao Fang‐Jie 
Published: October 2013

Summary

The cellular and subcellular distributions of trace elements can provide important clues to understanding how the elements are transported and stored in plant cells, but mapping their distributions is a challenging task.

The distributions of arsenic, iron, zinc, manganese and copper, as well as physiologically related macro‐elements, were mapped in the node, internode and leaf sheath of rice (Oryza sativa) using synchrotron X‐ray fluorescence (S‐XRF) and high‐resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (NanoSIMS).

Although copper and silicon generally showed cell wall localization, arsenic, iron and zinc were strongly localized in the vacuoles of specific cell types. Arsenic was highly localized in the companion cell vacuoles of the phloem in all vascular bundles, showing a strong co‐localization with sulfur, consistent with As(III)–thiol complexation. Within the node, zinc was localized in the vacuoles of the parenchyma cell bridge bordering the enlarged and diffuse vascular bundles, whereas iron and manganese were localized in the fundamental parenchyma cells, with iron being strongly co‐localized with phosphorus in the vacuoles.

The highly heterogeneous and contrasting distribution patterns of these elements imply different transport activities and/or storage capacities among different cell types. Sequestration of arsenic in companion cell vacuoles may explain the limited phloem mobility of arsenite.
Naturally occurring melanomas in dogs as models for non‐UV pathways of human melanomas
Authors: Gillard Marc , Cadieu Edouard , De Brito Clotilde , Abadie Jérôme , Vergier Béatrice , Devauchelle Patrick , Degorce Frédérique , Dréano Stephane , Primot Aline , Dorso Laetitia , Lagadic Marie , Galibert Francis , Hédan Benoit , Galibert Marie‐Dominique , André Catherine 
Published: October 2013

SummarySpontaneously occurring melanomas are frequent in dogs. They appear at the same localizations as in humans, i.e. skin, mucosal sites, nail matrix and eyes. They display variable behaviors: tumors at oral localizations are more frequent and aggressive than at other anatomical sites. Interestingly, dog melanomas are associated with strong breed predispositions and overrepresentation of black‐coated dogs. Epidemiological analysis of 2350 affected dogs showed that poodles are at high risk of developing oral melanoma, while schnauzers or Beauce shepherds mostly developped cutaneous melanoma. Clinical and histopathological analyses were performed on a cohort of 153 cases with a 4‐yr follow‐up. Histopathological characterization showed that most canine tumors are intradermal and homologous to human rare morphological melanomas types – ‘nevocytoid type’ and ‘animal type’‐. Tumor cDNA sequencing data, obtained from 95 dogs for six genes, relevant to human melanoma classification, detected somatic mutations in oral melanoma, in NRAS and PTEN genes, at human hotspot sites, but not in BRAF. Altogether, these findings support the relevance of the dog model for comparative oncology of melanomas, especially for the elucidation of non‐UV induced pathways.
Resistance to vemurafenib resulting from a novel mutation in the BRAFV600E kinase domain
Authors: Wagenaar Timothy R. , Ma Leyuan , Roscoe Benjamin , Park Sung Mi , Bolon Daniel N. , Green Michael R. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryResistance to the BRAF inhibitor vemurafenib poses a significant problem for the treatment of BRAFV600E‐positive melanomas. It is therefore critical to prospectively identify all vemurafenib resistance mechanisms prior to their emergence in the clinic. The vemurafenib resistance mechanisms described to date do not result from secondary mutations within BRAFV600E. To search for possible mutations within BRAFV600E that can confer drug resistance, we developed a systematic experimental approach involving targeted saturation mutagenesis, selection of drug‐resistant variants, and deep sequencing. We identified a single nucleotide substitution (T1514A, encoding L505H) that greatly increased drug resistance in cultured cells and mouse xenografts. The kinase activity of BRAFV600E/L505H was higher than that of BRAFV600E, resulting in cross‐resistance to a MEK inhibitor. However, BRAFV600E/L505H was less resistant to several other BRAF inhibitors whose binding sites were further from L505 than that of PLX4720. Our results identify a novel vemurafenib‐resistant mutant and provide insights into the treatment for melanomas bearing this mutation.
Automated Fast Initial Guess in Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Wang Z. , Vo M. , Kieu H. , Pan T. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTA challenging task that has hampered the fully automatic processing of the digital image correlation (DIC) technique is the initial guess when large deformation and rotation are present. In this paper, a robust scheme combining the concepts of a scale‐invariant feature transform (SIFT) algorithm and an improved random sample consensus (iRANSAC) algorithm is employed to conduct an automated fast initial guess for the DIC technique. The scale‐invariant feature transform algorithm can detect a certain number of matching points from two images even though the corresponding deformation and rotation are large or the images have periodic and identical patterns. After removing the wrong matches with the improved random sample consensus algorithm, the three pairs of closest and non‐collinear matching points serve for the purpose of initial guess calculation. The validity of the technique is demonstrated by both computer simulation and real experiment.