bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change in the oceans: evolutionary versus phenotypically plastic responses of marine animals and plants
Authors: Reusch Thorsten B. H. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractI summarize marine studies on plastic versus adaptive responses to global change. Due to the lack of time series, this review focuses largely on thepotentialfor adaptive evolution in marine animals and plants. The approaches were mainly synchronic comparisons of phenotypically divergent populations, substituting spatial contrasts in temperature orCO2environments for temporal changes, or in assessments of adaptive genetic diversity within populations for traits important under global change. The available literature is biased towards gastropods, crustaceans, cnidarians and macroalgae. Focal traits were mostly environmental tolerances, which correspond to phenotypic buffering, a plasticity type that maintains a functional phenotype despite external disturbance. Almost all studies address coastal species that are already today exposed to fluctuations in temperature, pHand oxygen levels. Recommendations for future research include (i) initiation and analyses of observational and experimental temporal studies encompassing diverse phenotypic traits (including diapausing cues, dispersal traits, reproductive timing, morphology) (ii) quantification of nongenetic trans‐generational effects along with components of additive genetic variance (iii) adaptive changes in microbe–host associations under the holobiont model in response to global change (iv) evolution of plasticity patterns under increasingly fluctuating environments and extreme conditions and (v) joint consideration of demography and evolutionary adaptation in evolutionary rescue approaches.
Genomic selection for recovery of original genetic background from hybrids of endangered and common breeds
Authors: Amador Carmen , Hayes Ben J. , Daetwyler Hans D. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractCritically endangered breeds and populations are often crossed with more common breeds or subspecies. This results in genetic admixture that can be undesirable when it challenges the genetic integrity of wild and domestic populations, causing a loss in special characteristics or unique genetic material and ultimately extinction. Here, we present two genomic selection strategies, using genome‐wide DNA markers, to recover the genomic content of the original endangered population from admixtures. Each strategy relies on the estimation of the proportion of nonintrogressed genome in individuals based on a different method: either genomic prediction or identification of breed‐specific haplotypes. Then, breeding programs that remove introgressed genomic information can be designed. To test these strategies, we used empirical 50K SNP array data from two pure sheep breeds, Merino (used as target breed), Poll Dorset and an existing admixed population of both breeds. Sheep populations with varying degrees of introgression and admixture were simulated starting from these real genotypes. Both strategies were capable of identifying segment origin, and both removed up to the 100% of the Poll Dorset segments. While the selection process led to substantial inbreeding, we controlled it by imposing a minimum number of individuals contributing to the next generation.
Plastic limit load and its application to the fracture toughness testing for heterogeneous single edge notch tension specimens
Authors: Paredes M. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe current investigation pursues the confirmation of the applicability of the limit load solutions in determination of the η factors necessary for fracture toughness testing protocols. The procedure begins with the correct calculation of limit load values in welded single edge notch tension (SE(T)) fracture specimens containing centreline cracks. Hence, the η factor is inferred through the principle of potential energy. Additionally, such results are compared with those obtained from finite element analyses, including strain hardening effects available in the literature. SE(T) specimens subject to pin‐loading display that the η factors are insensitive to the configurational effects and hardening properties. On the other hand, in clamped SE(T) specimens, such effects become meaningful, making its usage in fracture toughness experiments questionable. This work provides an alternative methodology to compute fully plastic proportionality coefficients (η) based on limit load solutions for heterogeneous cracked SE(T) specimens. These analyses also consider the limitations and potentialities of such an approach in experimental measurements of ductile crack growth.
In‐plane progressive matrix cracking analysis of symmetric cross‐ply laminates with holes
Authors: Sadeghi G. , Hosseini‐Toudeshky H. , Mohammadi B. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTMost of the previously performed damage analyses in composite laminates have been restricted to model the plain laminates without geometry discontinuities. In this study, a micromechanical damage model is combined with the finite element formulation and is implemented in the integration points to perform progressive damage analyses of composite laminates. A micromechanical damage model based on the stress transfer method is used to find the degradation of mechanical properties of composite laminates. Crack density is also used as an only state variable representing the damage in each Gauss point of every layer of the laminate. The strain energy and critical energy release rate criterion is also used to predict the damage initiation and evolution in each layer. A finite element discretization is used in conjunction with the user element definition capability of ABAQUS commercial software. To verify the developed procedure, a single element is analysed, and the obtained results are compared with available results in the literature. Progressive damage analyses are also performed for several symmetric cross‐ply laminates with and without geometry discontinuity subjected to matrix cracking damage mechanism under in‐plane loading conditions. The obtained mechanical response and variations of matrix crack density versus the applied load are also discussed.
Early indicators of change: divergent climate envelopes between tree life stages imply range shifts in the western United States
Authors: Bell David M. , Bradford John B. , Lauenroth William K. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractAimTo determine if differences in climate envelopes for six coniferous tree species and two life stages (trees and seedlings) suggest a potential for species range contractions, expansions or shifts in response to climate change and if these patterns differ between subalpine (i.e. cool‐climate) and montane (i.e. warm‐climate) species.LocationThe dry domain of the western United States.MethodsUsing data from the Forest Inventory and Analysis National Program, we quantified the relationship between probability of occurrence and climate for adults and seedlings of each species with a Bayesian logistic regression. Assuming that distributional differences between life stages highlight shifting regeneration patterns relative to adult trees, we assessed differences between seedlings and adult trees based on predicted probabilities of occurrence and climate envelope boundaries.ResultsDifferences between occurrence probabilities for seedlings and adults were greatest for montane, as opposed to subalpine, species and along range margins, especially in the southern and western portions of the study area. Climate envelope boundaries of seedlings differed from adult trees most frequently in montane species and often suggested range contractions or range shifts, as opposed to range expansion.Main conclusionsOur results indicated that climate‐induced contractions and shifts in seedling distribution in response to recent change are already under way and are particularly severe in montane tree species. While adult trees may persist for hundreds of years without significant regeneration, tree species ranges will eventually contract where tree regeneration fails.
Assessing the Impact of Chlorinated‐Solvent Sites on Metropolitan Groundwater Resources
Authors: Brusseau Mark L. , Narter Matthew 
Published: October 2013

AbstractChlorinated‐solvent compounds are among the most common groundwater contaminants in the United States. A majority of the many sites contaminated by chlorinated‐solvent compounds are located in metropolitan areas, and most such areas have one or more chlorinated‐solvent contaminated sites. Thus, contamination of groundwater by chlorinated‐solvent compounds may pose a potential risk to the sustainability of potable water supplies for many metropolitan areas. The impact of chlorinated‐solvent sites on metropolitan water resources was assessed for Tucson, Arizona, by comparing the aggregate volume of extracted groundwater for all pump‐and‐treat systems associated with contaminated sites in the region to the total regional groundwater withdrawal. The analysis revealed that the aggregate volume of groundwater withdrawn for the pump‐and‐treat systems operating in Tucson, all of which are located at chlorinated‐solvent contaminated sites, was 20% of the total groundwater withdrawal in the city for the study period. The treated groundwater was used primarily for direct delivery to local water supply systems or for reinjection as part of the pump‐and‐treat system. The volume of the treated groundwater used for potable water represented approximately 13% of the total potable water supply sourced from groundwater, and approximately 6% of the total potable water supply. This case study illustrates the significant impact chlorinated‐solvent contaminated sites can have on groundwater resources and regional potable water supplies.
Characterization of F8 defects in haemophilia A in Pakistan: investigation of correlation between mutation type and the in vitro thrombin generation assay
Authors: Khanum F. , Collins P. W. , Harris R. L. , Bowen D. J. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryHereditary haemophilia A is an X‐linked bleeding disorder caused by mutations in the coagulation factor VIII gene (FVIII abbreviates protein, gene symbol F8). The mutation spectrum has been reported in various populations but not in Pakistan. The aims of this study were to (i) characterize F8 mutations in a large haemophilia A cohort from Pakistan and to (ii) investigate whether in vitro thrombin generation (TG) differs according to mutation type (null compared with missense) in severe haemophilia A. One hundred individuals diagnosed with haemophilia A and 100 healthy controls were recruited in Pakistan. Phenotypic measurements were re‐evaulated in Cardiff; the essential regions of F8 were screened for the causative defect. A diagnosis of haemophilia A was confirmed for 92 individuals, 7 were found to have haemophilia B and 1 did not have haemophilia. The F8 defects were characterized for 80 of the 92 haemophilia A individuals and comprised point mutations, inversions (intron 22 and intron 1) and frameshifts. Point mutations (41%) were the most frequent, followed by the intron 22 inversion (20%). Thirty novel variants were identified. Comparison of in vitro TG parameters [velocity index (VI) and peak] was made between severe individuals who had a null mutation (no FVIII) and those with a missense change (dysfunctional FVIII), no significant difference was observed. The spectrum of F8 defects in Pakistan is heterogenous; VI and peak in severe haemophilia A are not influenced by whether the underlying mutation gives rise to dysfunctional FVIII or no coagulation factor at all.
Acquired von Willebrand syndrome in patients with overt hypothyroidism: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Stuijver D. J. F. , Piantanida E. , van Zaane B. , Galli L. , Romualdi E. , Tanda M. L. , Meijers J. C. M. , Büller H. R. , Gerdes V. E. A. , Squizzato A. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryNumerous case reports have been published on acquired von Willebrand syndrome (aVWS) in patients with hypothyroidism, but no prospective studies have been published. The aim of this study was to investigate laboratory and clinical characteristics of aVWS in patients with newly diagnosed overt hypothyroidism. An observational cohort study was performed between May 2007 and February 2012. Consecutive hypothyroid patients before or within the first 48 h of replacement therapy were enrolled. At inclusion, blood was sampled for coagulation tests and bleeding history was documented by means of a standardized bleeding questionnaire. Repeat samples were obtained after restoration of euthyroidism. The prevalence of aVWS, defined as von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) ≤50% and/or VWF ristocetin activity (VWF:RCo) ≤50%, was calculated. Patients with aVWS were subsequently divided into severe (VWF:Ag and/or VWF:RCo ≤10%), moderate (VWF:Ag and/or VWF:RCo between 10 and 30%) or mild (VWF:Ag and/or VWF:RCo between 30 and 50%). A total of 90 patients were included among whom a prevalence of aVWS of 33% was found. There were no patients with severe aVWS. Eight patients (9%) had moderate aVWS and 21 (23%) had mild aVWS. Bleeding score was negatively correlated with both VWF:Ag (β −0.32, P = 0.03) and VWF:RCo (β −0.32, P = 0.02). After restoration of euthyroidism, VWF:Ag had significantly increased by 44%, VWF:RCo by 36%, factor VIII by 39%, and endogenous thrombin potential by 10%. aVWS has a high prevalence in hypothyroid patients. Highest bleeding scores in patients with lower VWF levels suggest clinical relevance.
Issues in the ageing individual with haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders: understanding and responding to the patients’ perspective
Authors: Smith N. , Bartholomew C. , Jackson S. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryAn increasing number of individuals with haemophilia and other severe bleeding disorders who are ≥40 years of age are entering uncharted territory with respect to the identification and management of medical, physical and social issues relevant to ageing with a bleeding disorder. This is because the population experienced considerable mortality during theHIV/AIDs and hepatitis C epidemic due to exposure to tainted blood products for treatment of bleeding. As a result, few older individuals with this disorder survive today. To provide insight for how the comprehensive care team can adapt to the changing needs of the adult haemophiliac we evaluated the patient perspective. The objective of this study was to identify key themes of importance in the ageing population with haemophilia and other inherited bleeding disorders. For this study all subjects with a diagnosis of haemophilia A or B, von Willebrand disease or rare bleeding disorders 40 years or older from a single clinic were invited to participate. Audio‐recordings of groups of six to eight participants were conducted by an independent investigator without content expertise. Transcripts were analysed using N*vivo (v. 8) software using thematic content analysis. Overall, 32 subjects, 18 men/14 women, with a mean age of 57.5 years (median 56.0 years) and range of 40–77 years, participated. Three major themes emerged: (i) reflection on living an active life, (ii) ‘normal’ ageing vs. disease‐specific impacts and (iii) the health system, and its ability to respond to their needs as ageing individuals with bleeding disorders. We found some anticipated themes and some unexpected ones, confirming that true perspective can only be provided by the patients themselves. Knowledge of these important themes has informed the development of new programmes aimed at this growing segment of the patient population.
The role of disease severity in influencing body mass index in people with haemophilia: a single‐institutional cross‐sectional study
Authors: McNamara M. , Antun A. , Kempton C. L. 
Published: October 2013

SummaryThe aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of haemophilia disease severity and potential intermediaries on body mass index (BMI) in patients with haemophilia. A secondary analysis of a cross‐sectional study of 88 adults with haemophilia was undertaken. On bivariate analysis, persons with severe haemophilia had 9.8% lower BMI (95% CI −17.1, −3.0) than persons with non‐severe haemophilia. The effect of haemophilia severity on BMI varied significantly by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) status. Among HIV‐positive subjects, haemophilia severity was not associated with BMI (+5.0%, 95% CI −22.4, 41.9). Among HIV‐negative subjects, severe haemophilia was associated with 15.1% lower BMI (95% CI, −23.6, −5.7). Older (>41 years) HIV‐negative subjects with severe haemophilia had a BMI that was 24.8% lower (95% CI −39.1, −7.0) than those with non‐severe haemophilia. No statistically significant association was detected between BMI and severe vs. non‐severe haemophilia for younger HIV‐negative subjects. Although joint disease, as measured by the World Federation of Hemophilia (WFH) joint score, did not influence the association between haemophilia disease severity and BMI, adjustment for the atrophy component of the WFH score reduced the association between haemophilia severity and BMI by 39.1–69.9%. This suggested that muscle atrophy mediated at least part of the relationship between haemophilia severity and BMI. Haemophilia disease severity is associated with BMI and appears to be mediated by muscle atrophy of surrounding joints. This association appears to be modified by HIV status and possibly age.
Serum Antibody Against Helicobacter pylori FlaA and Risk of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Tian Wenjing , Jia Yunhe , Yuan Kexin , Huang Lina , Nadolny Christina , Dong Xiaoqun , Ren Xiyun , Liu Jingjing 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is a major risk factor for gastric cancer (GC); however, only a minority of infected individuals develops GC. We aim to assess the association between serostatus of antibody against H. pylori flagellin A (FlaA) and risk of GC and to evaluate the value of serum FlaA antibody as a novel screening biomarker for GC risk.MethodsA hospital‐based case–control study including 232 cases and 264 controls was conducted. Logistic regression was adopted to analyze the association between the serostatus of FlaA antibody and risk of GC. Serum FlaA antibody was measured by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the screening efficacy and to identify a cutoff point of serum FlaA antibody level.ResultsHelicobacter pylori infection was associated with an increased risk of GC (p = .007). A positive association between serum FlaA antibody and GC risk was observed in overall subjects and H. pylori‐positive subjects (OR [95% CI]: 6.8 [4.3–10.7] and 6.9 [3.6–13.4], respectively; p < .001). The seropositivity of FlaA antibody was strongly related to GC risk in a dose‐dependent manner (p for trend < .001). The optimal cutoff value (OD) was 0.1403, providing a sensitivity of 74.1% and a specificity of 64.4%. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.74 in overall subjects and 0.73 in H. pylori‐positive subjects, respectively.ConclusionsFlaA was an independent risk factor for H. pylori‐related GC. Serum FlaA antibody may serve as a novel noninvasive biomarker for early detection of GC.
Consumer involvement in cancer research: example from a Cancer Network
Authors: Arain Mubashir , Pyne Sarah , Thornton Nigel , Palmer Susan , Sharma Ricky A. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundThe involvement of consumers and the general public in improving cancer services is an important component of health services. However, consumer involvement in cancer research is relatively unexplored. The objective of this study was to explore different ways of involving consumers in cancer research in one regional network.MethodsThames Valley Cancer Network Consumer Research Partnership (CRP) group was formed in 2009. The group consists of consumers and professionals to help in promoting consumer involvement in Cancer Research in the Thames Valley. This study evaluated the project of consumer involvement in cancer research in the Thames Valley from March 2010 to March 2011. We used different indices to judge the level of consumer involvement: number of projects involving consumers through the group, types of projects, level of involvement (ranged from consultation on research documents to collaborating in preparing grant applications) and the methods of involving consumers in cancer research.ResultsFifteen projects were submitted to the CRP group during the 12‐month period studied. Of these, eight projects were clinical trials, three were qualitative research projects, two were patients' surveys and two were non‐randomized interventional studies. Seven projects requested consumer involvement on patient information sheets for clinical trials. Of these seven applications, three also requested consumers' help in designing research questionnaires and another three requested that consumers should be involved in their project management group. In addition, four projects involved consumers in the proposal development phase and another four projects asked for advice on how to increase trial recruitment, conduct patient interviews or help with grant applications.ConclusionsThe creation of the CRP and this audit of its activity have documented consumer involvement in cancer research in the Thames Valley. We have clearly shown that consumers can be involved in designing and managing cancer research projects.
Supporting a person‐centred approach in clinical guidelines. A position paper of the Allied Health Community – Guidelines International Network (G‐I‐N)
Authors: van Dulmen Simone A. , Lukersmith Sue , Muxlow Josephine , Santa Mina Elaine , Nijhuis‐van der Sanden Maria W.G. , van der Wees Philip J. ,   G‐I‐N Allied Health Steering Group
Published: October 2013

AbstractBackgroundA person‐centred approach in the context of health services delivery implies a biopsychosocial model focusing on all factors that influence the person's health and functioning. Those wishing to monitor change should consider this perspective when they develop and use guidelines to stimulate active consideration of the person's needs, preferences and participation in goal setting, intervention selection and the use of appropriate outcome measures.ObjectiveTo develop a position paper that promotes a person‐centred approach in guideline development and implementation.Design, setting and participantsWe used three narrative discussion formats to collect data for achieving consensus: a nominal group technique for the Allied Health Steering Group, an Internet discussion board and a workshop at the annual G‐I‐N conference. We analysed the data for relevant themes to draft recommendations.ResultsWe built the position paper on the values of the biopsychosocial model. Four key themes for enhancing a person‐centred approach in clinical guidelines emerged: (i) use a joint definition of health‐related quality of life as an essential component of intervention goals, (ii) incorporate the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) as a framework for considering all domains related to health, (iii) adopt a shared decision‐making method, and (iv) incorporate patient‐reported health outcome measures. The position statement includes 14 recommendations for guideline developers, implementers and users.ConclusionThis position paper describes essential elements for incorporating a person‐centred approach in clinical guidelines. The consensus process provided information about barriers and facilitators that might help us develop strategies for implementing person‐centred care.