bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Indirect emissions of forest bioenergy: detailed modeling of stump‐root systems
Authors: Liski Jari , Kaasalainen Sanna , Raumonen Pasi , Akujärvi Anu , Krooks Anssi , Repo Anna , Kaasalainen Mikko 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIndirect carbon dioxide emissions from producing bioenergy from tree stumps and roots depend critically on the decomposition rate of these harvest residues if they were left in forest to decay. We developed a method to improve the current estimates of these emissions. First, the 3D structure of uprooted stump‐root systems was modeled based on terrestrial laser‐scanning data. Second, information obtained on the size distribution of the stumps and the roots was used to simulate their decomposition and to estimate the indirect emissions. The method was able to describe the structure of stump‐root systems at a clear‐cut boreal Norway spruce test site. Compared with earlier results based on the diameter of stumps alone, the new estimates of the decomposition rate were slightly higher and, consequently, those of the indirect emissions slightly lower. The method is useful to collect information on the indirect emissions of stump‐root bioenergy quickly in different forests.
Climatic control of forest herb seed banks along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Plue Jan , De Frenne Pieter , Acharya Kamal , Brunet Jörg , Chabrerie Olivier , Decocq Guillaume , Diekmann Martin , Graae Bente J. , Heinken Thilo , Hermy Martin , Kolb Annette , Lemke Isgard , Liira Jaan , Naaf Tobias , Shevtsova Anna , Verheyen Kris , Wulf Monika , Cousins Sara A. O. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimSeed banks are central to the regeneration strategy of many plant species. Any factor altering seed bank density thus affects plant regeneration and population dynamics. Although seed banks are dynamic entities controlled by multiple environmental drivers, climatic factors are the most comprehensive, but still poorly understood. This study investigates how climatic variation structures seed production and resulting seed bank patterns.LocationTemperate forests along a 1900 km latitudinal gradient in north‐western (NW) Europe.MethodsSeed production and seed bank density were quantified in 153 plots along the gradient for four forest herbs with different seed longevity: Geum urbanum, Milium effusum, Poa nemoralis and Stachys sylvatica. We tested the importance of climatic and local environmental factors in shaping seed production and seed bank density.ResultsSeed production was determined by population size, and not by climatic factors. G. urbanum and M. effusum seed bank density declined with decreasing temperature (growing degree days) and/or increasing temperature range (maximum–minimum temperature). P. nemoralis and S. sylvatica seed bank density were limited by population size and not by climatic variables. Seed bank density was also influenced by other, local environmental factors such as soil pH or light availability. Different seed bank patterns emerged due to differential seed longevities. Species with long‐lived seeds maintained constant seed bank densities by counteracting the reduced chance of regular years with high seed production at colder northern latitudes.Main conclusionsSeed bank patterns show clear interspecific variation in response to climate across the distribution range. Not all seed banking species may be as well equipped to buffer climate change via their seed bank, notably in short‐term persistent species. Since the buffering capacity of seed banks is key to species persistence, these results provide crucial information to advance climatic change predictions on range shifts, community and biodiversity responses.
Latitudinal gradients in phylogenetic relatedness of angiosperm trees in North America
Authors: Qian Hong , Zhang Yangjian , Zhang Jian , Wang Xianli 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTo test two predictions of the phylogenetic niche conservatism hypothesis for the latitudinal diversity gradient: (1) species in colder regions tend to be more phylogenetically related to each other (i.e. greater phylogenetic clustering) than those in warmer regions, and (2) clades are younger in colder regions.LocationNorth America.MethodsCorrelation analysis was used to relate richness, mean clade age and phylogenetic relatedness (measured as phylogenetic species variability and net relatedness index) of angiosperm trees in 1175 regional assemblages (each with 12100 km2) to latitude and minimum temperature. The analysis was conducted for North America north of Mexico as a whole as well as for each of the three longitudinal bands (eastern, central and western) of North America.ResultsSpecies richness and mean clade age are negatively correlated with latitude and positively correlated with minimum temperature. Tree species in regional assemblages tend to be more phylogenetically related (clustered) in regions at higher latitudes with lower temperatures.Main conclusionsThe results of this study support two of the major predictions of the phylogenetic niche conservatism hypothesis for the latitudinal diversity gradient: species tend to be more phylogenetically clustered and ages of clades tend to be younger in colder regions, compared with those in warmer regions.
Interspecific differences in tree growth and mortality responses to environmental drivers determine potential species distributional limits in Iberian forests
Authors: Benito‐Garzón Marta , Ruiz‐Benito Paloma , Zavala Miguel A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTree growth may be enhanced by carbon dioxide fertilization unless drought stress becomes too severe, yet the likely increase in tree growth under a warmer climate is still controversial. Tree mortality has increased in some regions, but its multifactorial nature makes the prediction of likely global trends difficult. The aims of this work are: (1) to assess which abiotic, structural and competition factors influence tree growth and tree mortality in mainland Spain, and (2) to evaluate whether these processes would drive species distributions and would improve current niche model predictions.LocationContinental Spain.MethodsWe projected species distributional models by integrating nonparametric tree growth and tree mortality models based on repeated surveys of diameter at breast height and mortality for 40,721 trees distributed in 45,301 plots, which include the 11 most common canopy tree species in continental Spain, as measured in the second and third National Forest Inventories, with a mean lag time of 11 years.ResultsTree growth and tree mortality were explained by an assemblage of many factors, among which climate and competition played a key role. The accuracy of models including tree growth and tree mortality in predicting tree habitat suitability was comparable to classical niche models based on species occurrence. Projections under climate change showed for 9 out of 11 species, a likely increase in tree growth that would be counteracted by an increase in tree mortality, suggesting that even if growth rates increase, mortality would limit the species ranges under global warming expectations.Main conclusionsGrowth and mortality are major determinants of species distributions. Under future climate change expectations, our model suggests that growth may increase for some Iberian species, but even in this case, species ranges at the rear edge would be limited by an increase in mortality rates.
Correlation between changes in bodyweight and changes in ascites volume in liver cirrhosis patients with hepatic edema in short‐term diuretic therapy
Authors: Sakaida Isao , Okita Kiwamu 
Published: May 2013

AimAlthough it is an important treatment challenge to treat ascites with diuretic therapy, no objective markers have been established to assess improvement of ascites. However, change in bodyweight has been used as a marker of change in ascites volume. Thus, we evaluated the relationship between changes in bodyweight and changes in ascites volume in liver cirrhosis patients with ascites.MethodsWe calculated ascites volume in patients using the simple 5‐point method by conventional computed tomography and conducted a correlation analysis between changes in bodyweight and changes in ascites volume as a part of our double‐blind phase 3 trial of tolvaptan.ResultChange in bodyweight (x‐axis) was correlated with change in ascites volume (y‐axis) in all included patients (r = 0.52). A strong correlation were observed between the changes in patients without lower limb edema (r = 0.61). These correlations between the changes were expressed by the following linear regression equations: y = −0.102 + 0.206x or y = −0.033 + 0.292x, respectively. Proportions of change in ascites volume to change in bodyweight were estimated to be nearly 30%. Therefore, bodyweight reduction was confirmed to lead to improvement in ascites.ConclusionChange in bodyweight can be an objective marker to assess improvement of hepatic edema in the short‐term diuretic therapy in everyday clinical practice. Decrease in ascites volume was estimated to account for nearly 30% of bodyweight reduction.
Significance of viral status on recurrence of hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma after curative therapy: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Qu Li‐Shuai , Liu Jin‐Xia , Kuai Xiao‐Ling , Xu Zheng‐Fu , Jin Fei , Zhou Guo‐Xiong 
Published: May 2013

AimThe impact of viral status on recurrence of hepatitis B‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after curative therapy remains controversial. This meta‐analysis aimed to determine whether the presence of viral load, genotype, specific mutation and antiviral therapy influenced HCC recurrence after curative therapy.MethodsWe performed a meta‐analysis including 20 studies to assess the effect of viral status and antiviral therapy with nucleoside analog on recurrence of HCC after curative therapy. The pooled odds ratios (OR) were calculated using a random or fixed effects model. PUBMED, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Cochrane Database were searched for articles published from 1990 to December 2012.ResultsOur results showed that the presence of high viral load significantly increased overall HCC recurrence risk after curative therapy. Pooled data from four studies on the recurrence rate among patients with genotype C infection compared with genotype B showed an increased risk of recurrence. Basal core promoter (BCP) mutation was associated with a significant risk in the recurrence of HCC. The pooled estimate of treatment effect was significantly in favor of a preventive effectiveness of antiviral therapy.ConclusionThe present study suggested that HCC patients with high viral load, genotype C and BCP mutation had a significantly higher risk of recurrence. Antiviral therapy has potential beneficial effects after the curative treatment of HCC in terms of tumor recurrence.
A systematic review of research into black and ethnic minority patients' views on self‐management of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Majeed‐Ariss Rabiya , Jackson Cath , Knapp Peter , Cheater Francine M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractContextEliciting patients' views of type 2 diabetes self‐management provides insights on how policy and services might better support the needs of this population.ObjectiveTo synthesize black and ethnic minority patients' views on the barriers and facilitators influencing the self‐management of type 2 diabetes.Search strategyA systematic search of international literature published in nine electronic databases was undertaken in 2008. Search strategies used both MeSH and free‐text terms. Two relevant journals were also hand searched.Inclusion criteriaAny primary empirical study published in the English language since 1986 that reported black and ethnic minority patients' views on type 2 diabetes self‐management.Data extraction and synthesisData were extracted and study quality was formally assessed. Data were analysed using thematic synthesis.Main resultsFifty‐seven studies were included, of qualitative (n = 54), mixed‐method (n = 2) or quantitative (n = 1) design. Studies were from North America (n = 41), Europe (n = 14) and Australia (n = 2), including 1735 participants in total. Three analytical themes emerged: ‘Importance of identity’; ‘Being understood by others’ and ‘Making sense of condition’, all linked conceptually under the overarching theme ‘Sense of self’. The quality of the studies varied.Discussion and conclusionsThe findings provide insight into what black and minority ethnic people regard as the barriers to, and facilitators of self‐management, as opposed to what health professionals, policy makers and trial researchers may have assumed. Recognition of the views of people with diabetes is essential for the design and delivery of patient‐centred care and policies.
Nurses' perceptions about health sector privatization in Turkey
Authors: Harmanci Seren A.K. , Yildirim A. 
Published: May 2013

AimThe aim of this study is to identify the perceptions of the nurses about the privatization implementation, as it pertains to privatization, health services privatization and the impact of privatization on nursing in Turkey.BackgroundTurkey is taking important steps in health services privatization but the related choices made in political arena are not shared with the employees of the health institutions where the privatization implementations are to take place.MethodsThe study was conducted among nurses who are working for the state health institutions and the members of professional organizations of healthcare workers, which are operating in Istanbul in Turkey. Data were collected via Nurses' Privatization Perception Scale in 2009 and were analysed using mean calculations, analysis of variance, Mann–Whitney U‐test, t‐test, Kruskal–Wallis test and Cronbach's alpha analyses.FindingsNurses' perceptions of privatization in general, health services privatization and the impact of privatization on nursing were found to be negative in all of the three sub‐domains of the scale, as well as their perceptions of privatization implementations measured throughout the scale. The conducted comparisons showed that nurses' perceptions of the privatization implementations varied in accordance with independent variables.ConclusionsThe privatization implementations put in place in health services are perceived negatively by nurses. Policy makers in relevant fields are recommended to take the findings of this study into consideration.
The nursing profession: public image, self‐concept and professional identity. A discussion paper
Authors: Hoeve Yvonne ten , Jansen Gerard , Roodbol Petrie 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimTo discuss the actual public image of nurses and other factors that influence the development of nurses' self‐concept and professional identity.BackgroundNurses have become healthcare professionals in their own right who possess a great deal of knowledge. However, the public does not always value the skills and competences nurses have acquired through education and innovation.DesignDiscussion paper.Data sourcesWe identified 1216 relevant studies by searching MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases in the period 1997–2010. Finally, 18 studies met our inclusion criteria.DiscussionThe included studies show that the actual public image of nursing is diverse and incongruous. This image is partly self‐created by nurses due to their invisibility and their lack of public discourse. Nurses derive their self‐concept and professional identity from their public image, work environment, work values, education and traditional social and cultural values.Implications for nursingNurses should work harder to communicate their professionalism to the public. Social media like the Internet and YouTube can be used to show the public what they really do.ConclusionTo improve their public image and to obtain a stronger position in healthcare organizations, nurses need to increase their visibility. This could be realized by ongoing education and a challenging work environment that encourages nurses to stand up for themselves. Furthermore, nurses should make better use of strategic positions, such as case manager, nurse educator or clinical nurse specialist and use their professionalism to show the public what their work really entails.
Comparison of Balloon Catheter Ablation Technologies for Pulmonary Vein Isolation: The Laser Versus Cryo Study
Authors: BORDIGNON STEFANO , CHUN KR JULIAN , GUNAWARDENE MELANIE , FUERNKRANZ ALEXANDER , URBAN VERENA , SCHULTE‐HAHN BRITTA , NOWAK BERND , SCHMIDT BORIS 
Published: May 2013

Laser‐ Versus CryoBalloon for PVIIntroductionBalloon catheters have been developed to facilitate pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) in patients with paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF). We sought to compare the safety and efficacy of the cryoballoon (CB) and the laserballoon (LB) in a pilot study.Methods and ResultsOne hundred and forty patients with drug‐refractory PAF were prospectively allocated in a 1:1 fashion to undergo a PVI procedure with the 28 mm CB or the LB and were followed for 12 months using 3‐day Holter ECG recording. The primary efficacy endpoint was a documented AF recurrence ≥30 seconds between 90 and 365 days after the index ablation.In total, 269 of 270 PVs (99.6%) and 270 of 273 PVs (98.9%) were acutely isolated in the CB and LB group, respectively. Mean procedural time was 136 ± 30 minutes for the CB group and 144 ± 33 minutes for the LB group (P = 0.13). Mean fluoroscopy time was longer in the CB group (21 ± 9 minutes vs 15 ± 6 minutes; P < 0.001). During 12 months follow‐up, 37% of patients in the CB group and 27% in the LB group experienced an AF recurrence (P = 0.18). Phrenic nerve palsies occurred in 5.7% (CB) and 4.2% (LB) of patients, respectively.ConclusionBalloon catheters are a viable option to safely perform a PVI procedure in patients with drug‐refractory PAF. Ninety‐nine percent of PVs may be acutely isolated with a single balloon catheter. The AF free survival rate after a single ablation procedure was not statistically different between groups.
Procedural Arrhythmia Termination and Long‐Term Single‐Procedure Clinical Outcome in Patients with Non‐paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: ZHOU GENQING , CHEN SONGWEN , CHEN GANG , ZHANG FENG , MENG WEIDONG , YAN YIWEN , LU XIAOFENG , WEI YONG , LIU SHAOWEN 
Published: May 2013

Arrhythmia Termination and Long‐Term OutcomeBackgroundThe influence of procedural arrhythmia termination on long‐term single‐procedure clinical outcome in patients with non‐paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) remains controversial.MethodsAn individualized stepwise ablation strategy was used in 200 consecutive patients with non‐paroxysmal AF who underwent first‐time radiofrequency catheter ablation, with pulmonary vein isolation and sinus rhythm (SR) restoration as the primary endpoints.ResultsSR was restored by ablation in 94 patients, including 32 with AF directly and 62 with intermediate atrial tachycardia (AT). Cardioversion was performed to restore SR in 106 patients, including 31 with intermediate AT, and 75 with sustained AF. During a mean follow‐up of 50.0 ± 9.3 months, single‐procedure success was achieved in 99 (49.5%) patients. There was a significant difference in long‐term success between patients with SR restoration by ablation and by cardioversion (63.8% vs 36.8%; P < 0.001), but not between patients with AF termination by ablation and by cardioversion (53.6% vs 42.7%; P = 0.146). SR restoration by ablation (odds ratio = 3.032; 95% confidence interval = 1.703–5.398; P < 0.001) was the only predictor of single‐procedure success by logistic regression analyses. In patients with intermediate AT (n = 93), AT termination by ablation was associated with a higher success rate than AT termination by cardioversion (62.9% vs 22.6%; P < 0.001).ConclusionsSR restoration and AT termination by ablation were both associated with an improved long‐term single‐procedure clinical outcome in patients with non‐paroxysmal AF.
Differential expression of mitogen activating protein kinases in periodontitis
Authors: Travan Suncica , Li Fei , D'Silva Nisha J. , Slate Elizabeth H. , Kirkwood Keith L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimFollowing toll‐like receptor (TLR) engagement, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can stimulate the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines thus activating the innate immune response. The production of inflammatory cytokines results, in part, from the activation of kinase‐induced signalling cascades and transcriptional factors. Of the four distinct classes of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) described in mammals, p38, c‐Jun N‐terminal activated kinases (JNK1‐3) and extracellular activated kinases (ERK1,2) are the best studied. Previous data have established that p38 MAPK signalling is required for inflammation and bone loss in periodontal disease pre‐clinical animal models.Materials & MethodsIn this study, we obtained healthy and diseased periodontal tissues along with clinical parameters and microbiological parameters. Excised fixed tissues were immunostained with total and phospho‐specific antibodies against p38, JNK and ERK kinases.ResultsIntensity scoring from immunostained tissues was correlated with clinical periodontal parameters. Rank correlations with clinical indices were statistically significantly positive (p‐value < 0.05) for total p38 (correlations ranging 0.49–0.68), phospho‐p38 (range 0.44–0.56), and total ERK (range 0.52–0.59) levels, and correlations with JNK levels also supported association (range 0.42–0.59). Phospho‐JNK and phospho‐ERK showed no significant positive correlation with clinical parameters of disease.ConclusionThese data strongly implicate p38 MAPK as a major MAPK involved in human periodontal inflammation and severity.
Aflatoxin Detoxification Potential of Ocimum Tenuiflorum
Authors: Panda Pragyanshree , Mehta Alka 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAflatoxins are the secondary toxic metabolites produced by a group of toxigenic fungi. They are the common contaminants of food and feed that cause severe economic and health losses. The present study concerns control of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) synthesis from Aspergillus flavus, direct degradation of AFB1 and its decontamination on rice by the aqueous extract of Ocimum tenuiflorum. In the presence of Ocimum extract, the culture of A. flavus in yeast extract sucrose medium showed an increase in mycelium mass and reduction in AFB1 production up to 64%. The direct treatment of AFB1 with extract at 85C for 4 h led to 74.7% degradation. Whereas in rice spiked with AFB1, the degradation was 70.2%. This degradation resulted in detoxification, which was confirmed using mammalian cell culture method. The results of the study showed that Ocimum extract can be used efficiently to eliminate the AFB1 threat.Practical ApplicationsMycotoxin contamination of food and feed is a major concern in food and agricultural sector. Continuous research in the area of physical and chemical methods to eliminate mycotoxin is being carried out but there is a need to find more safe natural agents to reduce the mycotoxin threat. This study demonstrates the efficacy of Ocimum as a safe additive, which not only inhibits the aflatoxin production but also degrades the existing toxin. Hence, the Ocimum can be safely used for the reduction and removal of aflatoxin to the safe level from the food and feed chain.