bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Do we know enough about vegetation dynamics to manage fire regimes in central Australia?
Authors: Friedel Margaret , Allan Grant E. , Duguid Angus 
Published: May 2014

SummaryEcologists have long been concerned that contemporary fire regimes of central Australia have poor consequences for some plant species, vegetation communities and the native animals they support. Fire frequency, size and intensity (the ‘fire regime’) have all been implicated in the decline of native biota and in vegetation changes that potentially constitute ecological drift. However, not all perceived declines and changes are quantified or proven. The fire regimes themselves defy quantification and are arguably unknowable. We examine the relationships between fire, vegetation and the physical landscape and consider the adequacy of available knowledge for guiding fire management. Devising targeted ‘fire management regimes’, which take into account vegetation type and management objectives such as pastoral production, conservation and cultural observance, and which actively use fire to achieve those objectives, is a more realistic goal than controlling unquantifiable fire regimes in spatially diverse landscapes.
Managing ski resorts to improve biodiversity conservation: Australian reptiles as a case study
Authors: Sato Chloe F. , Schroder Mellesa , Green Ken , Michael Damian R. , Osborne William S. , Lindenmayer David B. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryAlpine/subalpine environments are diverse systems that support many endemic species. Worldwide, these ecosystems are under threat from ski resort disturbances – even in areas broadly designated for biodiversity conservation. The effects of ski resorts on reptiles are largely unknown, making it difficult to implement effective conservation actions. Many ski resorts do not currently address the needs of reptiles, even those listed as threatened, in their management plans. If reptiles are to continue inhabiting ski resorts inAustralia, strategies must be implemented that target their conservation. To begin to address this problem, we summarise current research investigating the effects of ski resorts on reptiles. Based on this information, we recommend strategies that will enhance the conservation of reptiles in areas affected by ski‐related disturbances. Suggested strategies include (i) restricting intensive disturbances to already highly modified areas of Australian ski resorts, (ii) avoiding disturbance of remaining native vegetation and structural complexity in ski resorts and (iii) re‐establishing structural complexity at highly modified sites through revegetation programmes, or through the cessation of mowing during peak reptile activity periods. While these strategies are designed to facilitate the persistence of reptiles in ski resorts, their long‐term success can only be evaluated by monitoring their effectiveness.
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) with age in HIV‐positive men: a comparison of the D:A:D CVD risk equation and general population CVD risk equations
Authors: Petoumenos K , Reiss P , Ryom L , Rickenbach M , Sabin CA , El‐Sadr W , d'Arminio Monforte A , Phillips AN , De Wit S , Kirk O , Dabis F , Pradier C , Lundgren JD , Law MG ,   D:A:D study group
Published: May 2014

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to statistically model the relative increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) per year older in Data collection on Adverse events of anti‐HIV Drugs (D:A:D) and to compare this with the relative increased risk of CVD per year older in general population risk equations.MethodsWe analysed three endpoints: myocardial infarction (MI), coronary heart disease (CHD: MI or invasive coronary procedure) and CVD (CHD or stroke). We fitted a number of parametric age effects, adjusting for known risk factors and antiretroviral therapy (ART) use. The best‐fitting age effect was determined using the Akaike information criterion. We compared the ageing effect from D:A:D with that from the general population risk equations: the Framingham Heart Study, CUORE and ASSIGN risk scores.ResultsA total of 24 323 men were included in analyses. Crude MI, CHD and CVD event rates per 1000 person‐years increased from 2.29, 3.11 and 3.65 in those aged 40–45 years to 6.53, 11.91 and 15.89 in those aged 60–65 years, respectively. The best‐fitting models included inverse age for MI and age + age2 for CHD and CVD. In D:A:D there was a slowly accelerating increased risk of CHD and CVD per year older, which appeared to be only modest yet was consistently raised compared with the risk in the general population. The relative risk of MI with age was not different between D:A:D and the general population.ConclusionsWe found only limited evidence of accelerating increased risk of CVD with age in D:A:D compared with the general population. The absolute risk of CVD associated with HIV infection remains uncertain.
Reliability of texture analysis using co‐occurrence matrices (glcm) on photographic image in the assessment of cellulite in a Spanish population
Authors: de la Casa Almeida M. , Serrano C. Suárez , Rejano J.J. Jiménez , Díaz J. Ríos , Lugo M.L. Benitez , Roldán J.R. Rebollo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundDespite the existence of diverse instruments to assess cellulite, its high prevalence and the continuous advances in its treatment makes the development of new, more objective methods for evaluation necessary.AimTo study intraobserver validity and reliability (test–retest) of textural analysis using co‐occurrence matrices on photographic images in the evaluation of cellulite in a Spanish population and its possible relationship to the degree of cellulite.MethodsTwenty‐seven women were selected for this reliability study (mean age 26.41SD = 6.16). Digital photographs were taken under standardized conditions in contraction and relaxation of the femoral gluteus region. The areas of interest of the photographs were selected at two different times a month apart. Textural parameters studied were energy (ASM), entropy, contrast, Homogeneity (IDM) and textural correlation. Reliability was analysed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Differences between laterality and between contraction and relaxation were performed by analysis of variance for repeated measurements. Correlation between Cellulite Severity Scale (CSS) and the textural parameters by means of the Pearson correlation coefficient was studied.CSSwas re‐coded to a binary variable, performing a differentiate analysis for each laterality with this variable and the textural parameters.ResultsIn the intraobserver reliability analysisICCwas high (≥0.80) in seven parameters and excellent (≥0.90) in 35 parameters. In general,CSSand textural parameters showed more cellulite severity in right areas than in left ones. Correlation coefficients showed a moderate correlation between textural parameters andCSSscore. The multivariate discriminant model obtained with textural parameters classified a high percentage of images (96% right side and 82% left side).ConclusionTextural analysis used to assess cellulite on the backs of thighs and buttocks proved to be an instrument that has excellent reliability, moderate correlation withCSSand a satisfactory power classification model.
Enhanced male coloration after immune challenge increases reproductive potential
Authors: Velando A. , Beamonte‐Barrientos R. , Torres R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn many animal species, females select a mate on the basis of the expression of secondary sexual traits. A prevalent theory suggests that male ornaments are reliable indicators of immunocompetence, because the cost of immune function prevents cheating. However, sexual signalling is a component of male reproductive effort, and an immune challenge may also alter his perceived future prospects and hence signalling effort. In this study, blue‐footed booby males (Sula nebouxii) were inoculated with a diphtheria–tetanus vaccine during courtship to investigate the consequences of mounting an immune response on signalling effort. We found that, after this immune challenge, on average, males increased their signalling effort but lost more body mass compared with control males. Importantly, vaccination affected the partner's reproductive decisions: compared with control females, females paired with vaccinated males laid eggs earlier and increased clutch volume in pairs that laid early. Overall, our results suggest that blue‐footed booby males invest more in sexual signals when future breeding opportunities are at risk, eliciting a greater reproductive investment by their partners. Increased signalling effort by infected individuals may contrast the idea of sexual ornaments as signals of infection status.
Delays and errors in abnormal chest radiograph follow‐up: a systems approach to promoting patient safety in radiology
Authors: Bhaludin Basrull Najmi , Shelmerdine Susan Cheng , Arora Sonal , Senbanjo Taiwo , Parthipun Arum 
Published: May 2014

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesThis study aimed to apply the ‘systems approach’ to patient safety in order to identify causes for delays and errors in lung cancer diagnoses following an abnormal chest radiograph.MethodsIn the first part of this study, the systems approach to patient safety was comprehensively reviewed by three radiologists and seven patient safety experts. In the second part of this study, a retrospective review was performed of all patients referred to the lung cancer multidisciplinary team (MDT) meeting over a 1‐year period. All abnormal chest radiograph reports were examined and a root–cause analysis performed of cases where errors and delays in diagnoses were deemed to have occurred.ResultsA total of 124 cases were reviewed, of which 36 (29%) patients had an abnormal preceding chest radiograph prior to MDT referral. In six cases, serious errors from delay and lack of follow‐up were identified. These are analysed and discussed in detail in this article. Application of the systems approach to each case identified poor communication and lack of clinical action as prime causes.ConclusionsBoth reporting radiologists and referring clinicians have a responsibility to ensure appropriate action following an abnormal chest radiograph. The main error lies in communication between the referring clinicians and the radiologists. Direct electronic communication is potentially a more robust method to overcome this.
An Analysis of Escherichia coli Isolations for Antimicrobial Resistance Genes
Authors: Colobătiu Liora , Oniga Ovidiu , Tăbăran Alexandra , Mihaiu Romolica , Mirel Simona , Daniel Sorin Dan , Mihaiu Marian 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis research was conducted in order to reveal antimicrobial resistance patterns and the prevalence of genes encoding resistance in Escherichia coli isolated from raw poultry meat.One hundred samples of poultry meat were collected, and 51 isolates of E. coli were recovered and further tested for antimicrobial susceptibility to 11 antimicrobials, using the classical disk diffusion method. Fifteen isolates, showing a high degree of resistance among the collection were examined for antimicrobial resistance genes by multiplex polymerase chain reaction.Resistance was most frequently observed to tetracycline (84.26%), ampicillin (73.03%) and sulfamethoxazole (66.29%). The tetracycline resistance genes TetA and TetB and beta‐lactam TEM gene were frequently detected in the tested isolates. Genes responsible for resistance to sulfonamides (33.33%) and trimethoprim (26.66%) were also found.E. coli isolates recovered from raw poultry meat are highly resistant to antimicrobials and carry antimicrobial resistance genes that could be transferred to other microbes in the food chain, even important human pathogens.Practical ApplicationsThe findings from this work provide baseline data for further antimicrobial resistance studies especially in our country, were antimicrobial resistance epidemiology needs constant improvement.To our knowledge, this is one of the first reports regarding the identification of various resistance genes identified in E. coli meat isolations in Romania. Moreover, the work contributes to the risk assessment concerning the possible E. coli threat in food products and draws a warning signal for further actions that can assist the implementation of efficient measures to prevent possible adverse public health consequences.
Balance exercise in patients with chronic sensory ataxic neuropathy: a pilot study
Authors: Riva Nilo , Faccendini Simone , Lopez Ignazio D. , Fratelli Annamaria , Velardo Daniele , Quattrini Angelo , Gatti Roberto , Comi Giancarlo , Comola Mauro , Fazio Raffaella 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAlthough exercise therapy is considered part of the treatment of neuropathic patients, and somatosensory input is essential for motor learning, performance and neural plasticity, rehabilitation of patients with sensory ataxia has received little attention so far. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to explore the short‐ and medium‐term efficacy of a 3‐week intensive balance and treadmill exercise program in chronic ataxic neuropathy patients; 20 consecutive patients with leg overall disability sum score (ODSS‐leg) ≥2, absent/mild motor signs, clinical and therapeutic stability ≥4 months were enrolled. Evaluations were done at baseline, at the end of treatment and at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up. Outcome measurements included: ODSS‐leg, Berg balance scale, 6‐min walk distance, and the functional independence measure (FIM) scale. The short‐form‐36 health status scale (SF‐36) was used to measure health‐related quality of life (HRQoL). ODSS‐leg improved significantly compared with baseline, 3 weeks, 3 months (primary outcome), and 6 months follow‐up. A significant improvement in all functional secondary outcome measurements and in some SF‐36 subscales was also observed. This pilot study suggests that balance exercise is safe and well tolerated and might be effective in ameliorating disability and HRQoL in patients with chronic peripheral sensory ataxia.
The Boss's “Brains”: Political Capital, Democratic Commerce and the New York Tweed Ring, 1868–1871
Authors: Broxmeyer Jeffrey D. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDeparting from Pierre Bourdieu's contention that capital takes on many forms beyond the economic, including a political form, this article examines how commodification patterned nineteenth century American politics. A case study of the Tweed Ring, which briefly governed Gilded Age New York, is reevaluated as a speculative political bubble that produced empirically identifiable political profits. From an election sweep in 1868 to a bank run in 1871, William Tweed gained and lost political power and material wealth through management of what the editorial cartoonist Thomas Nast hailed as the boss's “Brains,” or democratic commerce, the market in political commodities.
Influence of Sample Presentation Protocol on the Results of Consumer Tests
Authors: Gutiérrez‐Salomón A.L. , Gámbaro A. , Angulo O. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe influence of two sample presentation and instruction delivery protocols on the results of consumer‐based sensory evaluations was studied. In two independent experiments, five peach jams and four Colonia‐type cheese (from the Colonia region in Uruguay) were taste‐tested. In the first experiment, one group of 54 consumers used the sequential monadic (SM) and the other group of 54 consumers used the rank‐rating (RR) sample presentation protocols for the jam sample evaluation. In the second experiment, one group of 54 consumers used the SM and the other group of 54 consumers used the RR sample presentation protocols for the cheese sample evaluation. All samples were evaluated using hedonic scales and CATA (check‐all‐that‐apply) questions. Overall liking scores were found not to depend on the sample presentation protocol. Although the protocol was found to affect the choice and number of attributes listed in the CATA question used by respondents to differentiate the samples, the spatial configurations of samples derived by multiple factor analysis showed a high degree of correlation between the two protocols for most of the CATA attributes. Based on these results, the SM and RR protocols were found to be equally sensitive, for the products tested, in the conditions of this study.Practical ApplicationsConsumer testing is mainly used to predict operational preference that would assure success in the market. Side‐by‐side or monadic presentation of samples during traditional hedonic consumer testing would give results with the same degree of accuracy when testing a reduced number of samples (4–5). The use of CATA (check‐all‐that‐apply) questions would provide the attributes of the samples in a similar way in either monadic or side‐by‐side sample presentation during consumer testing.
Evolution and Molecular Epidemiology ofCitrus tristeza viruson Crete: Recent Introduction of a Severe Strain
Authors: Owen Carolyn , Mathioudakis Matthaios , Gazivoda Anita , Gal Peter , Nol Nevena , Kalliampakou Katerina , Figas Angela , Bellan Anais , Iparaguirre Anais , Rubio Luis , Livieratos Ioannis 
Published: May 2014

AbstractSporadic incidences ofCitrus tristeza virus(CTV) in western Crete resulting from the introduction of a mild strain (Spanish isolate T385) have been reported previously. Further analysis within this region has identified an emerging secondCTVstrain with minimal genetic divergence, sharing 99% nucleotide identity with the severe stem‐pitting isolateTaiwan‐Pum/SP/T1. Other severe isolates from the Mediterranean region appear in the same phylogenetic cluster, indicating movement or new introductions and the need for targeted control actions and improved phytosanitary measures in this area.
Purification of p47f, a Necrosis‐Inducing Protein Fraction from the Secretome of Phytophthora capsici
Authors: Flores‐Giubi María Eugenia , Díaz‐Brito Mayra Alejandra , Brito‐Argáez Ligia , García‐Sosa Karlina , Escalante‐Erosa Fabiola , Peña‐Rodríguez Luis Manuel , Islas‐Flores Ignacio 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe oomycete Phytophthora capsici causes wilting disease in chilli pepper and another solanaceous plants, with important economic consequences. Although much investigation has been conducted about this pathogen, little is still known about which of its proteins are involved in the infection process. In this study, the bioassay‐guided fractionation of the secretome of P. capsici resulted in the purification of a phytotoxic protein fraction designated as p47f, capable of inducing wilting and necrosis on leaves of Capsicum chinense Jacq, and having a 47 kDa polypeptide with proteolytic activity as the major component. The isolated p47f fraction induced DNA degradation and decreased cell survival of C. chinense cell suspension culture. Sequencing of p47f indicated the presence of 15 proteins, which could be grouped into seven classes including a protease group, cell wall remodelling proteins and the transglutaminase elicitor M81D, among others. This is the first report of P. capsici secreting proteins that modulate cell responses mediated by ROS in the host.
Interleukin‐28 gene polymorphisms may contribute to HBsAg persistence and the development of HBeAg‐negative chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Karataylı Senem C. , Bozdayı Mithat , Karataylı Ersin , Öztürk Tuğba , Husseini Abbas A. , Albayrak Rabia , Özkan Muhip , Kalaylıoğlu Zeynep , Yalçın Kendal , Çınar Kubilay , İdilman Ramazan , Yurdaydın Cihan 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsAim of this study was to investigate whether a potential association exists between several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the IL‐28B gene (rs12979860, rs1188122, rs8099917, rs8105790, rs12980275) and HBsAg persistence. Further, a potential effect on the development of HBeAg‐negative CHB vs. inactive HBsAg carrier state was assessed in a genotype D HBV cohort. A cohort of chronic HDV patients was also used to see if they behave differently compared to chronic HBV patients.MethodsThis study was conducted in three main patient cohorts: Group 1 consisted of 482 patients with HBsAg persistence. Of them 143 were inactive carriers, 94 had HBeAg‐positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and 245 had anti‐HBe‐positive CHB. Group 2 represents spontaneously recovered HBV patients; they were anti‐HBs and anti‐HBc positive. Group 3 consisted of 176 chronic hepatitis delta (CHD) patients with antidelta and HDV‐RNA positivity. DNA sequencing was performed for genotyping.ResultsWhen patients with HBsAg persistence were compared with spontaneously recovered patients, a significant difference was observed for rs8105790 (P < 0.0001), rs12980275 (P < 0.02). Patients who had the CC/TC genotype for rs8105790 (P < 0.0001) and AA genotype for 1188122 (P < 0.02) were more likely to be inactive HBsAg carriers, when inactive HBsAg carriers were compared with HBeAg‐negative CHB patients. Comparison of CHD patients vs. recovered HBV patients was parallel to that of HBV persistence vs. recovered HBV with similar significant differences in same SNPs.ConclusionThese results suggest that IL‐28B polymorphisms may contribute to HBsAg persistence and the development of the inactive HBsAg carrier state.
Hepatitis B surface antigen levels after hepatitis B e‐antigen seroclearance: a longitudinal follow‐up study
Authors: Fung James , Seto Wai‐kay , Wong Danny Ka‐ho , Lai Ching‐lung , Yuen Man‐fung 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsThe role of quantitative hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) after hepatitis B e‐antigen (HBeAg) seroclearance is not well defined. To determine the role of HBsAg levels in predicting significant viremia and hepatitis flares after HBeAg seroclearance.MethodsA total of 228 chronic hepatitis B patients with spontaneous HBeAg seroclearance were included. Patients were followed up regularly at 3–6 monthly intervals with routine liver biochemistry and hepatitis B serology. Levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg were measured at yearly intervals for up to 5 years after HBeAg seroclearance.ResultsThe median log HBsAg and HBV DNA level after HBeAg seroclearance was 3.52 IU/ml and 4.13 IU/ ml respectively, with no significant correlation observed between them (P = 0.572). The HBV DNA at HBeAg seroclearance was 4.13 log IU/ml, compared with 3.12 log IU/ml after 5 years (P < 0.001). No significant change was observed for HBsAg levels (P = 0.991). Hepatitis B flares occurred in 76 (33.3%) patients. Patients who developed hepatitic flares compared with those without hepatitic flares were older (40 vs. 36 years, P = 0.001), had a higher HBV DNA at the time of HBeAg seroclearance (4.70 vs. 3.77 log IU/ml, P =< 0.001), and more likely to be males (42.7% vs. 23.4%, P = 0.002) respectively. There was no difference in HBsAg levels between those with and without hepatitis flare (3.54 vs. 3.52 log IU/ml respectively, P = 0.555).ConclusionHBV DNA levels, but not HBsAg levels, after HBeAg seroclearance were associated with subsequent significant viremia and hepatitic flares. Male gender and older age was associated with significant viremia.