bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using Changes in Agricultural Utility to Quantify Future Climate‐Induced Risk to Conservation
Authors: ESTES LYNDON D. , PAROZ LYDIE‐LINE , BRADLEY BETHANY A. , GREEN JONATHAN M.H. , HOLE DAVID G. , HOLNESS STEPHEN , ZIV GUY , OPPENHEIMER MICHAEL G. , WILCOVE DAVID S. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractMuch of the biodiversity‐related climate change impacts research has focused on the direct effects to species and ecosystems. Far less attention has been paid to the potential ecological consequences of human efforts to address the effects of climate change, which may equal or exceed the direct effects of climate change on biodiversity. One of the most significant human responses is likely to be mediated through changes in the agricultural utility of land. As farmers adapt their practices to changing climates, they may increase pressure on some areas that are important to conserve (conservation lands) whereas lessening it on others. We quantified how the agricultural utility of South African conservation lands may be altered by climate change. We assumed that the probability of an area being farmed is linked to the economic benefits of doing so, using land productivity values to represent production benefit and topographic ruggedness as a proxy for costs associated with mechanical workability. We computed current and future values of maize and wheat production in key conservation lands using the DSSAT4.5 model and 36 crop‐climate response scenarios. Most conservation lands had, and were predicted to continue to have, low agricultural utility because of their location in rugged terrain. However, several areas were predicted to maintain or gain high agricultural utility and may therefore be at risk of near‐term or future conversion to cropland. Conversely, some areas were predicted to decrease in agricultural utility and may therefore prove easier to protect from conversion. Our study provides an approximate but readily transferable method for incorporating potential human responses to climate change into conservation planning.Uso de Cambios en la Utilidad Agrícola para Cuantificar Riesgos Futuros para la Conservación Inducidos por el Clima
Quantifying Preferences for the Natural World Using Monetary and Nonmonetary Assessments of Value
Authors: DALLIMER MARTIN , TINCH DUGALD , HANLEY NICK , IRVINE KATHERINE N. , ROUQUETTE JAMES R. , WARREN PHILIP H. , MALTBY LORRAINE , GASTON KEVIN J. , ARMSWORTH PAUL R. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGiven that funds for biodiversity conservation are limited, there is a need to understand people's preferences for its different components. To date, such preferences have largely been measured in monetary terms. However, how people value biodiversity may differ from economic theory, and there is little consensus over whether monetary metrics are always appropriate or the degree to which other methods offer alternative and complementary perspectives on value. We used a choice experiment to compare monetary amounts recreational visitors to urban green spaces were willing to pay for biodiversity enhancement (increases in species richness for birds, plants, and aquatic macroinvertebrates) with self‐reported psychological gains in well‐being derived from visiting the same sites. Willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) estimates were significant and positive, and respondents reported high gains in well‐being across 3 axes derived from environmental psychology theories (reflection, attachment, continuity with past). The 2 metrics were broadly congruent. Participants with above‐median self‐reported well‐being scores were willing to pay significantly higher amounts for enhancing species richness than those with below‐median scores, regardless of taxon. The socio‐economic and demographic background of participants played little role in determining either their well‐being or the probability of choosing a paying option within the choice experiment. Site‐level environmental characteristics were only somewhat related to WTP, but showed strong associations with self‐reported well‐being. Both approaches are likely to reflect a combination of the environmental properties of a site and unobserved individual preference heterogeneity for the natural world. Our results suggest that either metric will deliver mutually consistent results in an assessment of environmental preferences, although which approach is preferable depends on why one wishes to measure values for the natural world.Preferencias de Cuantificación para el Mundo Natural Usando Estudios de Valor Monetario y No Monetario.
Factors Mediating Co‐Occurrence of an Economically Valuable Introduced Fish and Its Native Frog Prey
Authors: HARTMAN ROSEMARY , POPE KAREN , LAWLER SHARON 
Published: December 2013

AbstractHabitat characteristics mediate predator–prey coexistence in many ecological systems but are seldom considered in species introductions. When economically important introduced predators are stocked despite known negative impacts on native species, understanding the role of refuges, landscape configurations, and community interactions can inform habitat management plans. We measured these factors in basins with introduced trout (Salmonidae) and the Cascades frog (Rana cascadae) to determine, which are responsible for observed patterns of co‐occurrence of this economically important predator and its native prey. Large, vegetated shallows were strongly correlated to co‐occurrence, and R. cascadae larvae occur in shallower water when fish are present, presumably to escape predation. The number of nearby breeding sites of R. cascadae was also correlated to co‐occurrence, but only when the western toad (Anaxyrus boreas) was present. Because A. boreas larvae are unpalatable to fish and resemble R. cascadae, they may provide protection from trout via Batesian mimicry. Although rescue‐effect dispersal from nearby populations may maintain co‐occurrence, within‐lake factors proved more important for predicting co‐occurrence. Learning which factors allow co‐occurrence between economically important introduced species and their native prey enables managers to make better‐informed stocking decisions.Factores que Median la Co‐Ocurrencia de un Pez Introducido con Valor Económico y su Presa, una Rana Nativa
Potential Impacts of Global Warming on the Diversity and Distribution of Stream Insects in South Korea
Authors: LI FENGQING , KWON YONG‐SU , BAE MI‐JUNG , CHUNG NAMIL , KWON TAE‐SUNG , PARK YOUNG‐SEUK 
Published: December 2013

AbstractGlobally, the East Asian monsoon region is one of the richest environments in terms of biodiversity. The region is undergoing rapid human development, yet its river ecosystems have not been well studied. Global warming represents a major challenge to the survival of species in this region and makes it necessary to assess and reduce the potential consequences of warming on species of conservation concern. We projected the effects of global warming on stream insect (Ephemeroptera, Odonata, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera [EOPT]) diversity and predicted the changes of geographical ranges for 121 species throughout South Korea. Plecoptera was the most sensitive (decrease of 71.4% in number of species from the 2000s through the 2080s) order, whereas Odonata benefited (increase of 66.7% in number of species from the 2000s through the 2080s) from the effects of global warming. The impact of global warming on stream insects was predicted to be minimal prior to the 2060s; however, by the 2080s, species extirpation of up to 20% in the highland areas and 2% in the lowland areas were predicted. The projected responses of stream insects under global warming indicated that species occupying specific habitats could undergo major reductions in habitat. Nevertheless, habitat of 33% of EOPT (including two‐thirds of Odonata and one‐third of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera) was predicted to increase due to global warming. The community compositions predicted by generalized additive models varied over this century, and a large difference in community structure in the highland areas was predicted between the 2000s and the 2080s. However, stream insect communities, especially Odonata, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera, were predicted to become more homogenous under global warming.Impacto Potencial del Calentamiento Global sobre la Diversidad y la Distribución de Insectos de Arroyo en Corea del Sur
Experiencing Biodiversity as a Bridge over the Science–Society Communication Gap
Authors: MEINARD YVES , QUÉTIER FABIEN 
Published: December 2013

AbstractDrawing on the idea that biodiversity is simply the diversity of living things, and that everyone knows what diversity and living things mean, most conservation professionals eschew the need to explain the many complex ways in which biodiversity is understood in science. On many biodiversity‐related issues, this lack of clarity leads to a communication gap between science and the general public, including decision makers who must design and implement biodiversity policies. Closing this communication gap is pivotal to the ability of science to inform sound environmental decision making. To address this communication gap, we propose a surrogate of biodiversity for communication purposes that captures the scientific definition of biodiversity yet can be understood by nonscientists; that is, biodiversity as a learning experience. The prerequisites of this or any other biodiversity communication surrogate are that it should have transdisciplinary relevance; not be measurable; be accessible to a wide audience; be usable to translate biodiversity issues; and understandably encompass biodiversity concepts. Biodiversity as a learning experience satisfies these prerequisites and is philosophically robust. More importantly, it can effectively contribute to closing the communication gap between biodiversity science and society at large.Experimentando la Biodiversidad como un Puente sobre el Vacío entre la Comunicación Ciencia‐Sociedad
Health‐related quality of life after surgery for advanced and recurrent rectal cancer: a nationwide prospective study
Authors: Thaysen H. V. , Jess P. , Rasmussen P. C. , Nielsen M. B. , Laurberg S. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractAimAdvances in the treatment of rectal cancer have made it possible to perform complex rectal cancer surgery (COMP‐RCS) in patients with primary advanced rectal cancer penetrating beyond the total mesorectal excision planes and in patients with locally recurrent rectal cancer. The aim of this study was to examine health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) before and during the first 2 years after COMP‐RCS.MethodBetween 2001 and 2008, 180 patients were treated with COMP‐RCS at Aarhus University Hospital. HRQoL was assessed preoperatively and 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after surgery using three questionnaires. The results were compared with those for patients treated with standard rectal cancer surgery (STAN‐RCS) and with data from the general Danish population (NORM‐data).ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐two (68%) patients responded to the questionnaires. Of these 80 (66%) with disease‐free survival for 2 years after surgery were included in the main analysis. The lowest level of functioning and the highest degree of symptoms were reported preoperatively. The majority of the HRQoL scales improved or remained stable during the first postoperative year; a decrease was observed for body image only. One year after surgery, HRQoL in patients treated with COMP‐RSC was comparable to that for patients treated with STAN‐RCS. Lower levels were found for physical and emotional role functioning, compared with NORM‐data.ConclusionPatients treated with COMP‐RCS experienced improvement in HRQoL in the first year after surgery. One year after surgery, HRQoL was similar to that of patients treated with STAN‐RCS. Compared with NORM‐data, lower levels were found for physical and emotional role functioning.
Land Sparing Versus Land Sharing: Moving Forward
Authors: Fischer Joern , Abson David J. , Butsic Van , Chappell M. Jahi , Ekroos Johan , Hanspach Jan , Kuemmerle Tobias , Smith Henrik G. , von Wehrden Henrik 
Published: December 2013

AbstractTo address the challenges of biodiversity conservation and commodity production, a framework has been proposed that distinguishes between the integration (“land sharing”) and separation (“land sparing”) of conservation and production. Controversy has arisen around this framework partly because many scholars have focused specifically on food production rather than more encompassing notions such as land scarcity or food security. Controversy further surrounds the practical value of partial trade‐off analyses, the ways in which biodiversity should be quantified, and a series of scale effects that are not readily accounted for. We see key priorities for the future in (1) addressing these issues when using the existing framework, and (2) developing alternative, holistic ways to conceptualise challenges related to food, biodiversity, and land scarcity.
The prognosis and treatment outcomes of patients with recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation
Authors: Roh Young‐Nam , David Kwon Choon Hyuck , Song Sanghyun , Shin Milljae , Man Kim Jong , Kim Sungjoo , Joh Jae‐Won , Lee Suk‐Koo 
Published: December 2013

AbstractLiver transplantation (LT) is performed in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but recurrent HCC after LT remains a problem. We retrospectively reviewed the data from 63 patients with recurrent HCC who underwent LT at a single institution between September 1996 and March 2011 to determine the prognosis of patients with recurrent HCC after LT. A survival analysis was performed with the preoperative data, histological findings, patterns of recurrence, and treatment methods. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the factors associated with early (<1 yr) cancer‐related death. The independent prognostic factors, according to the multivariate analysis, were recurrence within six months (hazards ratio [HR] = 4.557, p = 0.021) and initial multiple‐organ involvement (HR = 5.494, p = 0.015). The survival rates of patients differed according to the treatment type. The combined treatment with local and systemic treatment resulted in increased survival even in patients with HCC recurrences involving multiple organs.
Flow cytometry assessment of graft‐infiltrating lymphocytes can accurately identify acute rejection in kidney transplants
Authors: Xavier Paula D.P. , Lema Gloria L. , Magalhães Maria C. , Teixeira‐Pinto Armando , Sampaio‐Norton Susana , Gaião Sérgio , Guimarães Tiago , Oliveira José G.G. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundPreviously, we have reported that flow cytometry analysis of fine‐needle aspirates can accurately predict rejection in kidney transplants treated with cyclosporine–azathioprine–prednisolone. In this study, we examined this technique's accuracy using current immunosuppression.MethodsKidney transplant recipients were treated with calcineurin inhibitors, mycophenolate mofetil, and prednisolone: 92 remained rejection‐free – Group I – and 37 developed acute rejection – Group II. An allograft aspiration specimen and peripheral blood were collected from Group I on post‐transplant day 7 and from Group II on the day of clinical rejection.ResultsSignificant changes were seen in both aspiration and peripheral blood samples in several T cell subsets when comparing Groups I and II. A sensitivity of 94.6%, specificity of 85%, and AUC = 0.966 were observed through combining CD8DR with CD3CD69 values from aspiration specimen; the corresponding AUC in peripheral blood was 0.847. Irreversible rejections displayed a significantly higher activation score (p = 0.024).ConclusionsFlow cytometry analysis of aspiration specimen achieved high diagnostic performance in renal transplants through studying CD8DR and CD3CD69 under current immunosuppressive therapy. Peripheral blood analysis, although not significant, showed the same trend. The activation score anticipated the irreversibility of rejection. The data suggest this test, through an easily tolerated technique, merits further diagnostic use.
Endothelial nitric oxide synthase polymorphism influences renal allograft outcome
Authors: Uyar Murathan , Sezer Siren , Ozdemir Fatma Nurhan , Kulah Eyup , Arat Zubeyde , Atac Fatma Belgin , Haberal Mehmet 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundAtherosclerotic lesions within the graft are considered to be a major cause of interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (IF/TA). We evaluated the factors that influence the development of IF/TA and three‐ and five‐yr graft survival including nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and angiotensin II type 1 and type 2 receptor gene polymorphism.MethodsSeventy‐one male and 35 female patients (age: 34.9 ± 11.2 yr) who underwent living‐related renal transplantation were included. Angiotensin type 1 and type 2 receptor gene polymorphisms and eNOS intron 4 gene polymorphism were analyzed. The pre‐ and post‐transplant laboratory data, patient characteristics, acute rejection episodes, and presence of IF/TA were evaluated.ResultsPatients with the bb allele of eNOS gene had a lower prevalence of post‐transplant third year (12.6% and 38.5%, p = 0.005) and fifth year IF/TA (46.6% and 82.3%, p = 0.02) and a lower incidence of five‐yr graft failure (35.4% and 55.6%, p < 0.005). The eNOS gene polymorphism was independent and was the most prominent factor associated with third and fifth year IF/TA (p = 0.01, RR: 29.72, and p = 0.03, RR: 4.1, respectively). No significant relationship existed when angiotensin II gene polymorphisms were considered.ConclusionsWe concluded that recipient eNOS gene polymorphism can predict IF/TA, and the presence of the bb allele is associated with better graft outcome.
Preoperative left ventricular hypertrophy is associated with reduced patient survival after liver transplantation
Authors: Darstein F. , König C. , Hoppe‐Lotichius M. , Grimm D. , Knapstein J. , Mittler J. , Zimmermann A. , Otto G. , Lang H. , Galle P.R. , Zimmermann T. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractLeft ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has been described in the context of cirrhotic cardiomyopathy. The influence of LVH on survival of liver transplant (LT) recipients has not been clarified. Therefore, we evaluated the effect of LVH on survival in LT recipients. In total, data from 352 LT patients were analyzed. LVH was diagnosed by echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular wall thickness before LT. Patients were followed up for a mean of 4.2 yr. LVH was diagnosed in 135 (38.4%) patients. Patients with LVH had significantly more frequently male gender (p = 0.046), diastolic dysfunction (p < 0.001), and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC; p = 0.004). Furthermore, LVH patients were older (p < 0.001) and had a higher body mass index (BMI; p = 0.001). There was no difference in frequency of arterial hypertension, pre‐transplant diabetes mellitus, or etiology of liver cirrhosis. Patients without LVH had a better survival (log rank: p = 0.05) compared with LVH patients. In a multivariate Cox regression LVH (p = 0.031), end‐stage renal disease (ESRD; p = 0.003) and lack of arterial hypertension (p = 0.004) but not MELD score (p = 0.885) were associated with poorer survival.ConclusionLVH is frequently diagnosed in patients on the waiting list and influences survival after LT.
Patients' expectations and experiences of rehabilitation following lung transplantation
Authors: Fuller L.M. , Button B. , Tarrant B. , Battistuzzo C.R. , Braithwaite M. , Snell G. , Holland A.E. 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIntroductionExercise rehabilitation is a key element of care following lung transplantation; however, little is known about the patients' experience of rehabilitation, or whether it meets the needs of this complex patient group. This qualitative study explored patients' expectations of a supervised exercise rehabilitation program following lung transplantation.MethodsParticipants undertook two semi‐structured interviews, one before and one after the rehabilitation program. Interviews were digitally recorded, and themes were developed using line‐by‐line iterative thematic analysis and grounded theory.ResultsEighteen adults (11 females) with mean age of 52 participated in a mean of 26 sessions of exercise training. Themes were (i) desire for normalcy including resuming family roles and performing everyday activities; (ii) the importance of rehabilitation as the mechanism for how this transformation occurred; (iii) the benefits of exercising in a group setting; and (iv) the limitations on rehabilitation that were imposed by comorbidities, either existing pre‐transplant or occurring as a postoperative sequelae.ConclusionPost‐transplant exercise rehabilitation was perceived as a highly valuable tool that assisted recipients to return to “normal life.” Group exercise was motivational, offered peer support, and therefore was advantageous to assist patients to achieve their desired physical performance level following transplantation.
Feasibility for a large scale mouse mutagenesis by injecting CRISPR/Cas plasmid into zygotes
Authors: Mashiko Daisuke , Young Samantha A. M. , Muto Masanaga , Kato Hirotaka , Nozawa Kaori , Ogawa Masaki , Noda Taichi , Kim Yeon‐Joo , Satouh Yuhkoh , Fujihara Yoshitaka , Ikawa Masahito 
Published: December 2013

The recombinant clustered regulatory interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas system has opened a new era for mammalian genome editing. Here, we constructed pX330 plasmids expressing humanized Cas9 (hCas9) and single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) against mouse genes and validated them both in vitro and in vivo. When we randomly chose 291 target sequences within protein coding regions of 73 genes, an average number of off‐target candidates (exact match 13 nucleotides from 3′ target and NGG) found by Bowtie software was 9.2 ± 21.0 (~1.8 times more than the estimated value, 5.2). We next validated their activity by observing green fluorescence reconstituted by homology dependent repair (HDR) of an EGFP expression cassette in HEK293T cells. Of the pX330 plasmids tested, 81.8% (238/291) were found to be functional in vitro. We finally injected the validated pX330 plasmids into mouse zygotes in its circular form against 32 genes (including two genes previously tested) and obtained mutant mice at a 52.9 ± 22.3% (100/196) mutation frequency. Among the pups carrying mutations on the autosomes, 43.6% (47/96) carried the mutations in both alleles. When off‐target candidate sites were examined in 63 mutant mice, 0.8% (3/382) were mutated. We conclude that our method provides a simple, efficient, and cost‐effective way for mammalian gene editing that is applicable for large scale mutagenesis in mammals.