bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Growth decline and divergent tree ring isotopic composition (δ13C and δ18O) contradict predictions of CO2 stimulation in high altitudinal forests
Authors: Gómez‐Guerrero Armando , Silva Lucas C. R. , Barrera‐Reyes Miguel , Kishchuk Barbara , Velázquez‐Martínez Alejandro , Martínez‐Trinidad Tomás , Plascencia‐Escalante Francisca Ofelia , Horwath William R. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractHuman‐induced changes in atmospheric composition are expected to affect primary productivity across terrestrial biomes. Recent changes in productivity have been observed in many forest ecosystems, but low‐latitude upper tree line forests remain to be investigated. Here, we use dendrochronological methods and isotopic analysis to examine changes in productivity, and their physiological basis, in Abies religiosa (Ar) and Pinus hartwegii (Ph) trees growing in high‐elevation forests of central Mexico. Six sites were selected across a longitudinal transect (Transverse Volcanic Axis), from the Pacific Ocean toward the Gulf of Mexico, where mature dominant trees were sampled at altitudes ranging from 3200 to 4000 m asl. A total of 60 Ar and 84 Ph trees were analyzed to describe changes in growth (annual‐resolution) and isotopic composition (decadal‐resolution) since the early 1900s. Our results show an initial widespread increase in basal area increment (BAI) during the first half of the past century. However, BAI has decreased significantly since the 1950s with accentuated decline after the 1980s in both species and across sites. We found a consistent reduction in atmosphere to wood 13C discrimination, resulting from increasing water use efficiency (20–60%), coinciding with rising atmospheric CO2. Changes in 13C discrimination were not followed, however, by shifts in tree ring δ18O, indicating site‐ and species‐specific differences in water source or uptake strategy. Our results indicate that CO2 stimulation has not been enough to counteract warming‐induced drought stress, but other stressors, such as progressive nutrient limitation, could also have contributed to growth decline. Future studies should explore the distinct role of resource limitation (water vs. nutrients) in modulating the response of high‐elevation ecosystems to atmospheric change.
Comparison of spike and aerosol challenge tests for the recovery of viable influenza virus from non‐woven fabrics
Authors: Zuo Zhili , de Abin Martha , Chander Yogesh , Kuehn Thomas H. , Goyal Sagar M. , Pui David Y. H. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundTo experimentally determine the survival kinetics of influenza virus on personal protective equipment (PPE) and to evaluate the risk of virus transfer from PPE, it is important to compare the effects on virus recovery of the method used to contaminate the PPE with virus and the type of eluent used to recover it.MethodsAvian influenza virus (AIV) was applied as a liquid suspension (spike test) and as an aerosol to three types of non‐woven fabrics [polypropylene (PP), polyester (PET), and polyamide (Nylon)] that are commonly used in the manufacture of PPE. This was followed by virus recovery using eight different eluents (phosphate‐buffered saline, minimum essential medium, and 1·5% or 3·0% beef extract at pH 7, 8, or 9).ResultsFor spike tests, no statistically significant difference was found in virus recovery using any of the eluents tested. Hydrophobic surfaces (PP and PET) yielded higher spiked virus recovery than hydrophilic Nylon. From all materials, the virus recovery was much lower in aerosol challenge tests than in spike tests.ConclusionsSignificant differences were found in the recovery of viable AIV from non‐woven fabrics between spike and aerosol challenge tests. The findings of this study demonstrate the need for realistic aerosol challenge tests rather than liquid spike tests in studies of virus survival on surfaces where airborne transmission of influenza virus may get involved.
Conversation therapy for agrammatism: exploring the therapeutic process of engagement and learning by a person with aphasia
Authors: Beckley Firle , Best Wendy , Johnson Fiona , Edwards Susan , Maxim Jane , Beeke Suzanne 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackground & AimsA recent systematic review of conversation training for communication partners of people with aphasia has shown that it is effective, and improves participation in conversation for people with chronic aphasia. Other research suggests that people with aphasia are better able to learn communication strategies in an environment which closely mirrors that of expected use, and that cognitive flexibility may be a better predictor of response to therapy than severity of language impairment. This study reports results for a single case, one of a case series evaluation of a programme of conversation training for agrammatism that directly involves a person with aphasia (PWA) as well as their communication partner. It explores how a PWA is able to engage with and learn from the therapy, and whether this leads to qualitative change in post‐therapy conversation behaviours.Methods & ProceduresA 55‐year‐old man with chronic agrammatism and his wife took part in eight weekly sessions of conversation therapy, adapted from Supporting Partners of People With Aphasia in Relationships and Conversation (SPPARC). Language and conversation were assessed before and after therapy, and the couple's views on conversation and disability were elicited. Conversation analysis was used to analyse: (1) pre‐therapy conversation patterns, (2) how the PWA engaged and learned during therapy and the forms of facilitation that aided this process, and (3) qualitative change in post‐therapy conversation behaviour.Outcomes & ResultsAfter therapy, the PWA showed increased insight and acceptance of the use of strategies such as writing and drawing in the face of conversational difficulty. However, use was prompted by his wife and was rarely spontaneous.Conclusions & ImplicationsThis single case study suggests that conversation training based around an experiential learning process is able to engage a PWA directly in learning about the effects of aphasia on conversation. Key facilitators were self‐study via video and experience of practising conversation whilst receiving online feedback from a speech and language therapist. However, increased insight did not automatically change conversation behaviour. Although he better understood the effects of his aphasia on conversations with his wife, learning stopped short of the ultimate goal of the conversation training programme; the spontaneous use of strategies worked on in therapy when faced with conversation breakdown. One explanation may be that limited cognitive flexibility lead to problems with switching from one strategy to another.
Olfactomedin‐like 3 (OLFML3) gene expression in baboon and human ocular tissues: cornea, lens, uvea, and retina
Authors: Rodríguez‐Sánchez I.P. , Garza‐Rodríguez M.L. , Mohamed‐Noriega K. , Voruganti V.S. , Tejero M.E. , Delgado‐Enciso I. , Pérez‐Ibave D.C. , Schlabritz‐Loutsevitch N.E. , Mohamed‐Noriega J. , Martinez‐Fierro M.L. , Reséndez‐Pérez D. , Cole S.A. , Cavazos‐Adame H. , Comuzzie A.G. , Mohamed‐Hamsho J. , Barrera‐Saldaña H.A. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundOlfactomedin‐like is a family of polyfunctional polymeric glycoproteins. This family has at least four members. One member of this family is OLFML3, which is preferentially expressed in placenta but is also detected in other adult tissues including the liver and heart. However, its orthologous rat gene is expressed in the iris, sclera, trabecular meshwork, retina, and optic nerve.MethodsOLFML3 messenger amplification was performed by RT‐PCR from human and baboon ocular tissues. The products were cloned and sequenced.ResultsWe report OLFML3 expression in human and baboon eye. The full coding DNA sequence has 1221 bp, from which an open reading frame of 406 amino acid was obtained. The baboon OLFML3 gene nucleotidic sequence has 98% and amino acidic 99% similarity with humans.ConclusionsOLFML3 gene expression in human and baboon ocular tissues and its high similarity make the baboon a powerful model to deduce the physiological and/or metabolic function of this protein in the eye.
Effect of physical restraint on glucose tolerance in cynomolgus monkeys
Authors: Shirasaki Yasufumi , Yoshioka Naoya , Kanazawa Kanpei , Maekawa Tsuyoshi , Horikawa Tadahiro , Hayashi Toshiaki 
Published: February 2013

AbstractBackgroundPhysiologic stress has been demonstrated to impair glucose tolerance.MethodsGlucose tolerance tests were performed using six cynomolgus monkeys.ResultsChair‐restrained subjects elicited higher elevations of plasma glucose and cortisol compared with squeezing device‐restrained subjects.ConclusionsThe responses to a glucose challenge are altered by different restraint procedures.
Community‐based postpartum exercise program
Authors: Ko Yi‐Li , Yang Chi‐Li , Fang Chin‐Lung , Lee Mei‐Ying , Lin Pi‐Chu 
Published: February 2013

Aims and objectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise programme for postpartum women to lose weight and relieve fatigue and depression.BackgroundThe optimal period for weight loss is six months postpartum. However, most women cannot return to their pre‐pregnancy fitness level within that period of time.DesignA quasi‐experimental one‐group pretest–post‐test design was carried out.MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to recruit 28 women at 2–6 months postpartum. The ‘Yoga and Pilates Exercise Programme for Postpartum Woman’ was designed for this study and was delivered in group sessions once a week for three months (12 times total) for 60 minutes each time by a professional coach. Of the participants, 23 completed the entire program. The participants' body composition and levels of depression and fatigue were measured before and after the programme to identify differences.ResultsWomen in the high‐score group showed a significant decrease of 6·71 ± 5·71 points (t = 3·113, p = 0·021) in the depression score after participating in the exercise programme. No significant difference was found for the level of fatigue before and after the exercise programme (p > 0·05). Significant reductions in the participants' body weight, body fat percentage, fat mass and basic metabolic rate were observed after the exercise programme (p < 0·001).ConclusionsThese physical activities benefited the physical and mental health of postpartum women and enhanced their quality of life.Relevance to clinical practiceIt is worthwhile promoting a yoga and Pilates exercise programme for postpartum women in communities.
Enhanced Defence Responses of Chickpea Plants Against Rhizoctonia solani by Pre‐Inoculation with Rhizobia
Authors: Hemissi Imen , Mabrouk Yassine , Mejri Sonia , Saidi Mouldi , Sifi Bouaziz 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe aim of this work was to study the antagonist effect of two Rhizobium strains Pch Azm and Pch S.Nsir2 to Rhizoctonia solani and for an evaluation of the relative impact of rhizobia on the expression of the plant's defence response against Rhizoctonia. First, these strains reduced fungal growth observed in vitro using the same or separately Petri dishes. Moreover, these isolates led to reduced chickpea infection by R. solani, resulting from the direct effect of rhizobia on pathogens and possible induced resistance in chickpea. Concomitantly, reduction in infection was accompanied by enhanced level of defence‐related enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia lyase (PAL) and peroxidase (POX). An increased level of phenol content was recorded in the roots of bacterized plants grown in the presence of pathogen. The results promise the use of rhizobia for protection of chickpea against R. solani.
Femoral fracture repair and sciatic and femoral nerve blocks in a guinea pig
Authors: Aguiar J. , Mogridge G. , Hall J. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractA four‐month‐old, entire male guinea pig was presented for surgical repair of a closed oblique femoral fracture. Analgesia was provided with 30 µg/kg buprenorphine intramuscularly (im) four times a day and 0 · 3 mg/kg meloxicam subcutaneously once a day. The following day, anaesthesia was induced and maintained with 100 µg/kg medetomidine im, 20 mg/kg ketamine im, 30 µg/kg buprenorphine im and isoflurane in oxygen. Femoral and sciatic nerve blocks were performed with bupivacaine. The fracture was reduced and aligned using an intramedullary 1 · 4 mm K‐wire and a 3 metric polydioxanone cerclage. Three weeks postoperatively remodelling and callus formation was documented, with no evidence of complications. Complete union was present 14 weeks postoperatively.
Sleep‐related attentional bias in poor versus good sleepers is independent of affective valence
Authors: Barclay Nicola L. , Ellis Jason G. 
Published: February 2013

SummaryContradictory evidence exists relating to the presence of an attention bias to sleep‐related stimuli in poor sleepers/insomnia using the emotional Stroop task (EST). These inconsistencies may be due to methodological issues related to the affective valence of the sleep‐related stimuli. Thus, individuals may attend differentially to sleep‐related stimuli not because of their ‘sleep’ properties, but their negativity. The current study addresses this by controlling the affective valence of sleep‐related words. A total of 107 participants [mean age = 33.22 years, standard deviation (SD) = 12.31 years; 61.7% female] were recruited during an evening event at the Newcastle Science Festival. Participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and a computerized EST containing 20 non‐affective sleep‐related, 20 neutral and 20 negatively valenced threat words. Good and poor sleepers were categorized using the PSQI. There were no significant differences between groups on response latency to sleep‐related words (t(105) = –0.30, P = 0.76). However, the interaction between good versus poor sleepers and word‐type on response latency was significant (F(2,210) = 3.06, P < 0.05). Poor sleepers took longer to respond to sleep‐related words (mean = 723.35, SD = 172.55) compared to threat words (mean = 694.63, SD = 162.17) than good sleepers (mean = 713.20, SD = 166.32; and mean = 716.65, SD = 181.14). The results demonstrate the presence of an attention bias towards sleep‐related stimuli compared to threat stimuli in poor sleepers. Accordingly, poor sleepers may be consumed by stimuli relevant to their specific difficulties, as well as being more highly attuned to negative cues that signal anxious states. Thus, the present research suggests that there are two opposing forces at play: one which facilitates performance (non‐specific threats) and one which hinders performance (personally relevant threats).
Insulin Sensitivity during Late Gestation in Ewes Affected by Pregnancy Toxemia and in Ewes with High and Low Susceptibility to this Disorder
Authors: Duehlmeier R. , Fluegge I. , Schwert B. , Ganter M. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundInsulin resistance during late gestation might act as 1 etiologic factor causing pregnancy toxemia in ewes.ObjectiveEvaluation of pancreatic insulin secretion and peripheral insulin sensitivity in ewes with differing susceptibility to pregnancy toxemia and in ketotic ewes.AnimalsPregnant ewes suffering from (PT, n = 5) and ewes with high (HR, n = 7) and low risk (LR, n = 5) of being affected by pregnancy toxemia.MethodsIn a case‐control study, the pancreatic insulin release and the peripheral insulin sensitivity were assessed by means of the intravenous glucose tolerance test with subsequent measurement of the plasma concentrations of glucose, insulin, nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA), and β‐hydroxybutyrate (β‐HB). The ewes were tested during late pregnancy within 5 and 15 days antepartum.ResultsThe insulin secretion after glucose administration was significantly lower in the HR and PT than in the LR ewes. The baseline rate of lipolysis was significantly increased in the HR ewes, but the NEFA clearance was similar in both risk groups, albeit delayed in the PT ewes. The baseline β‐HB concentration was significantly higher in the PT than in the HR and LR ewes. In the HR and in the PT ewes, the plasma β‐HB concentrations did not decrease after glucose administration.Conclusion and Clinical ImportanceThere is reduced pancreatic first‐phase insulin response and impaired insulin‐dependent inhibition of the ketone body formation during late pregnancy in the HR and PT ewes. This insulin resistance might represent 1 causative factor in the pathogenesis of ovine pregnancy toxemia.
Risk Factors for Coughing in Dogs with Naturally Acquired Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease
Authors: Ferasin L. , Crews L. , Biller D.S. , Lamb K.E. , Borgarelli M. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundCough often is reported as the primary clinical sign of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs with chronic degenerative myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD). Concurrent airway disease and compression of the left mainstem bronchus by a large left atrium also have been proposed as potential causes of coughing in these patients.ObjectivesTo investigate the association between the presence of coughing and different potential causes of cough, includingCHF, abnormal radiographic airway pattern, and cardiomegaly in dogs affected by naturally acquiredMMVD.AnimalsTwo hundred six client‐owned dogs.MethodsRetrospective analysis performed on medical records of dogs affected byMMVDthat underwent full cardiac evaluation, including echocardiographic examination and thoracic radiography.ResultsUnivariate analyses showed thatCHFis not a predictor of coughing (OR = 1.369; 0.723, 2.594), whereas abnormal radiographic airway pattern (OR = 3.650; 2.051, 6.496) and increased left atrial size observed radiographically (OR = 3.637; 1.904, 6.950) or echocardiographically (OR = 2.553; 1.436, 4.539) were significantly associated with coughing in dogs withMMVD. The same risk factors were significant in multivariate analyses.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis study indicates thatCHFis not significantly associated with coughing in dogs withMMVD. Instead, abnormal radiographic airway pattern and left atrial enlargement are associated with coughing in these patients. This important finding should be taken into account when considering diagnosis and clinical management ofCHFin these dogs.
Duration of T4 Suppression in Hyperthyroid Cats Treated Once and Twice Daily with Transdermal Methimazole
Authors: Boretti F.S. , Sieber‐Ruckstuhl N.S. , Schäfer S. , Baumgartner C. , Riond B. , Hofmann‐Lehmann R. , Reusch C.E. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundTransdermal methimazole is an acceptable alternative to oral treatment for hyperthyroid cats. There are, however, no studies evaluating the duration of T4 suppression after transdermal methimazole application. Such information would be valuable for therapeutic monitoring.ObjectiveTo assess variation in serum T4 concentration in hyperthyroid cats after once‐ and twice‐daily transdermal methimazole administration.AnimalsTwenty client‐owned cats with newly diagnosed hyperthyroidism.MethodsMethimazole was formulated in a pluronic lecithin organogel‐based vehicle and applied to the pinna of the inner ear at a starting dose of 2.5 mg/cat q12h (BID group, 10 cats) and 5 mg/cat q24h (SID group, 10 cats). One and 3 weeks after starting treatment, T4 concentrations were measured immediately before and every 2 hours after gel application over a period of up to 10 hours.ResultsSignificantly decreased T4 concentrations were observed in week 1 and 3 compared with pretreatment concentrations in both groups. All cats showed sustained suppression of T4 concentration during the 10‐hour period, and T4 concentrations immediately before the next methimazole treatment were not significantly different compared with any time point after application, either in the BID or SID groups.ConclusionsBecause transdermal methimazole application led to prolonged T4 suppression in both the BID and SID groups, timing of blood sampling does not seem to be critical when assessing treatment response.
Comparison of Histopathologic Findings in Duodenal and Ileal Endoscopic Biopsies in Dogs with Chronic Small Intestinal Enteropathies
Authors: Procoli F. , Mõtsküla P.F. , Keyte S.V. , Priestnall S. , Allenspach K. 
Published: February 2013

BackgroundThe current tendency when investigating dogs with chronic upper gastrointestinal signs is to perform endoscopy and biopsy only the duodenum. This approach could lead to overlooking important ileal lesions and affect the clinical management.ObjectivesTo compare concurrent duodenal and ileal endoscopic biopsies in dogs with chronic enteropathies and evaluate their correlation with clinicopathologic findings.AnimalsThirty‐eight dogs with chronic enteropathies.MethodsDuodenal and ileal biopsies were retrospectively reviewed. Nine histologic variables, 5 structural (villous stunting, epithelial injury, crypt distension, lacteal dilatation, and mucosal fibrosis) and 4 inflammatory (intraepithelial lymphocytes, lamina propria lymphocytes and plasma cells, eosinophils, and neutrophils) were scored. Clinical severity scores and relevant clinicopathologic variables were evaluated.ResultsThere was only slight agreement between duodenal and ileal histologic scores (κ = 0.003). There was slight agreement between the presence of any of the morphological and inflammatory variables, with the exception of mucosal fibrosis (κ = 0.44). Statistically significant correlation was found between clinical severity and duodenal crypt distension (P = .031), ileal lacteal dilatation (P = .038), and ileal mucosal lymphoplasmacytic inflammation (P = .035). A significant correlation was found between hypoalbuminemia and ileal lacteal dilatation (P = .033) and number of ileal intraepithelial lymphocytes (P = .019). A statistically significant correlation was found between hypocobalaminemia and number of ileal intraepithelial lymphocytes (P = .012).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceWhen investigating dogs with chronic upper gastrointestinal signs, the collection of concurrent duodenal and ileal endoscopic biopsies is recommended.
Influence of Seaweed Aquaculture on Marine Inorganic Carbon Dynamics and Sea‐air CO2 Flux
Authors: Jiang Zengjie , Fang Jianguang , Mao Yuze , Han Tingting , Wang Guanghua 
Published: February 2013

AbstractOn the basis of field data measured during four cruises from April 2011 to January 2012, spatial and seasonal variations of CO2 dynamics and aqueous pCO2 were investigated in the seaweed aquaculture area, Lidao town, China. Results showed that the mean annual concentrations of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), HCO3−, CO32−, and CO2 were 2024.79 ± 146.96, 1842.41 ± 132.13, 170.02 ± 42.82, and 12.35 ± 2.52 µmol/L, respectively. There were no significant differences between areas in concentrations of DIC and HCO3− (P > 0.05), while the differences for the concentration of CO2 was very significant (P < 0.01). The mean annual values of aqueous pCO2 and sea‐air CO2 flux were 287.80 ± 37.90 µatm and −32.71 ± 17.23 mmol/m2/d, respectively. There were very significant differences (P < 0.01) for aqueous pCO2 and sea‐air CO2 flux not only between different areas, but also between different seasons. The buffer factor β indicates that, inside the seaweed area, inorganic carbon dynamics are mainly influenced by photosynthesis and respiration process.