bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Associational susceptibility in broccoli: mediated by plant volatiles, impeded by ozone
Authors: Li Tao , Blande James D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractPlant‐emitted volatile organic compounds (VOCs) mediate interactions within a plant community. Typically, receiving a signal from a damaged neighbour enhances the defensive attributes of a receiver plant. The mechanisms underlying plant–plant interactions may be divided into active and passive processes, both of which involve transit ofVOCs between plants and are vulnerable to environmental perturbation. Numerous studies have documented between‐plant interactions, but the specific effects on a receiver plant's interactions with herbivores have received little attention. Moreover, the relative contributions of active and passive processes to plant defence and the effects of environmental pollutants on the processes have been largely unexplored. We used a system comprisingBrassica oleraceavar.italica(broccoli) and the specialist herbivorePlutella xylostellato test whether plants previously exposed to herbivore‐damaged neighbours differed from nonexposed plants in their susceptibility to oviposition. We then investigated the roles of active and passive mechanisms in our observations and whether differences in susceptibility remained under elevated ozone concentrations. Plants exposed to herbivore‐damaged neighbours were more susceptible to oviposition than plants exposed to undamaged neighbours, which indicates associational susceptibility. Mechanistically, active and passive volatile‐mediated processes occurred in tandem with the passive process – involving adsorption of sesquiterpenes to receiver plants – appearing to structure the oviposition response. Exposure to ozone rapidly degraded the sesquiterpenes and eliminated the associational susceptibility. Plant volatiles have typically been thought to play roles in between‐plant interactions and to promote receiver plant defence. Here, we show that receiver plants may also become more susceptible to oviposition and thus more likely to be damaged. Extensive disruption of volatile‐mediated interactions by an atmospheric pollutant highlights the need to consider the pervading environment and changes therein when assessing their ecological significance.
Biogeographically distinct controls on C3 and C4 grass distributions: merging community and physiological ecology
Authors: Griffith Daniel M. , Anderson T. Michael , Osborne Colin P. , Strömberg Caroline A. E. , Forrestel Elisabeth J. , Still Christopher J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimC4 photosynthesis is an adaptation that maintains efficient carbon assimilation in high‐light, high‐temperature conditions. Due to the importance of C4 grasses for carbon and surface energy fluxes, numerous models have been proposed to describe their spatial distribution and forecast their responses to climate change. These models often rely on broad climatic predictors (e.g. temperature and precipitation) but fail to integrate other ecologically relevant factors like disturbance and competition, which may modify realized C3/C4 grass distributions. Here, we present a combined evaluation of the contribution of ecological factors and climatic predictors to realized C3/C4 grass distributions. We consider multiple biogeographic regions of North America using a multisource database of over 40,000 vegetation plots.LocationThe conterminous United States of America (USA).MethodsWe identified a comprehensive pool of climatic models in the literature and used information theoretic criteria to select a primary climatic predictor of C3 and C4 grass distributions. Subsequently, the best model was combined with ecological predictors (e.g. fire, tree cover) using a multiple regression framework and tested within eight regions.ResultsSurprisingly, grass‐dominated communities across the USA exist largely in C3‐ or C4‐dominated states. Transitions between C3/C4 dominance were best explained by models that integrated temperature and precipitation with ecological factors that varied according to region. For some regions, like Eastern Temperate Forests, local ecological factors were comparable in strength to broad‐scale climatic predictors of C3/C4 abundance.Main conclusionLocal ecological factors modify C3/C4 grass responses to broad‐scale climatic drivers in ways that manifest at regional scales. In Eastern Temperate Forests, for example, C4 grass abundances are maintained below climatic expectations where tree cover creates light limitation but above expectations where frequent fires reduce tree cover. Thus, local ecological factors, which vary among biogeographic regions, contribute to large‐scale climate disequilibrium.
Quantiferon TB‐Gold conversion can predict active tuberculosis development in elderly nursing home residents
Authors: Tsou Ping‐Hsien , Huang Wei‐Chang , Huang Chen‐Cheng , Lin Chen‐Fu , Wu Kun‐Ming , Hsu Jeng‐Yuan , Shen Gwan‐Han 
Published: December 2014

AimThe study was carried out on elderly nursing home residents in Taiwan. We assessed whether the serial QuantiFERON‐TB Gold (QFT‐G) assay and serial tuberculin skin test (TST) were reliable tools to predict or exclude the development of active tuberculosis (TB).MethodsThis prospective observational cohort study involved non‐bacillus Calmette–Guérin‐vaccinated 259 elderly nursing home residents free of active TB at baseline. Of these, 147 were eligible for follow up. Participants underwent serial QFT‐G and TST at baseline and 2‐year follow up, and were monitored for active TB over 5 years. Agreement between QFT‐G and TST, incidence rate ratio, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value for progression to active TB were measured.ResultsDuring 5‐year follow up, three participants developed active TB. The agreement between these two tests was 54.13% (ĸ = 0.167, P = 0.001). The incidence rate ratio was 15.8 (P = 0.016) for the QFT‐G‐conversion group compared with the TST‐positive group at baseline. Positive predictive value for QFT‐G conversion groups was 25%. Negative predictive value was 100% for the TST‐negative group at baseline.ConclusionIn the elderly nursing home residents, QFT‐G conversion is a more reliable tool to predict the development of active TB. Meanwhile, TST is a valuable tool for predicting the chance of not developing active TB. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1179–1184.
Prognostic factors for long‐term poor outcomes after acute ischemic stroke in very old age (>80 years) patients: Total cholesterol level might differently influence long‐term outcomes after acute ischemic stroke at ages above 80 years
Authors: Cha Jae‐Kwan , Lim Jun‐Ho , Kim Dae‐Hyun , Nah Hyun‐Wook , Park Hyun‐Seok , Choi Jae‐Hyung , Suh Hyun‐Kyung , Huh Jae‐Taeck 
Published: December 2014

AimWe investigated the differences in determinant factors for functional outcomes between patients aged >80 years and those aged <80 years after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). In particular, we would like to know the differential impacts of initial total cholesterol (TC) levels between the two groups.MethodsWe defined a poor outcome as 3–6 modified Rankin Scale 90 days after AIS.ResultsIn the present study, 2772 participants were enrolled. Among them, 374 patients (13.5%) were aged >80 years, and 1061 patients had a poor outcome 90 days after AIS. The proportion was significantly higher in patients aged >80 years than in those aged <80 years after AIS. Regarding factors relating to poor outcomes, previous history of stroke, stroke severity and stroke subtypes of ischemic stroke were independent factors in patients aged <80 years, and the stroke severity and initial TC level independently influenced the outcome for patients aged >80 years. In particular, risk of poor outcome adjusted for age, stroke severity and subtypes of ischemic stroke for patients (OR [95% CI]) in the first quartile range (≤157 mg%) were 2.21 (1.06–4.62), in the third quartile range (184–210 mg%) 2.76 (1.27–6.01) and in the fourth quartile range (≥211 mg%) 2.75 (1.21–6.24) compared with those in the second quartile range (158–183 mg%) in patients aged >80 years.ConclusionsThere were also some differences in related factors regarding occurrences of poor outcome between the two groups. In particular, the initial TC level might play a crucial role for the outcome after AIS in the very old population. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2015; 15: 1227–1233.
A New Assessment Framework for Transience in Hydrogeological Systems
Authors: Currell Matthew , Gleeson Tom , Dahlhaus Peter 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe importance of transience in the management of hydrogeologic systems is often uncertain. We propose a clear framework for determining the likely importance of transient behavior in groundwater systems in a management context. The framework incorporates information about aquifer hydraulics, hydrological drivers, and time scale of management. It is widely recognized that aquifers respond on different timescales to hydrological change and that hydrological drivers themselves, such as climate, are not stationary in time. We propose that in order to assess whether transient behavior is likely to be of practical importance, three factors need to be examined simultaneously: (1) aquifer response time, which can be expressed in terms of the response to a step hydrological change (τstep) or periodic change (τcycle); (2) temporal variation of the dominant hydrological drivers, such as dominant climatic systems in a region; (3) the management timescale and spatial scale of interest. Graphical tools have been developed to examine these factors in conjunction, and assess how important transient behavior is likely to be in response to particular hydrological drivers, and thus which drivers are most likely to induce transience in a specified management timeframe. The method is demonstrated using two case studies; a local system that responds rapidly and is managed on yearly to decadal timeframes and a regional system that exhibits highly delayed responses and was until recently being assessed as a high level nuclear waste repository site. Any practical groundwater resource problem can easily be examined using the proposed framework.
Recombinant factor IX (BAX326) in previously treated paediatric patients with haemophilia B: a prospective clinical trial
Authors: Urasinski T. , Stasyshyn O. , Andreeva T. , Rusen L. , Perina F. G. , Oh M. S. , Chapman M. , Pavlova B. G. , Valenta‐Singer B. , Abbuehl B. E. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryA newly developed recombinant factor IX (BAX3261) was investigated for prophylactic use in paediatric patients aged <12 years with severe (FIX level <1%) or moderately severe (FIX level 1–2%) haemophilia B. The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to assess the safety, haemostatic efficacy and pharmacokinetic profile of BAX326 in previously treated paediatric patients. BAX326 was administered as prophylaxis twice a week for a period of 6 months, and on demand for treatment of bleeds. Safety was assessed by the occurrence of related AEs, thrombotic events and immunologic assessments. Efficacy was evaluated by annualized bleeding rate (ABR), and by treatment response rating (excellent, good, fair, none). PK was assessed over 72 h. None of the 23 treated paediatric subjects had treatment‐related SAEs or AEs. There were no thrombotic events, inhibitory or specific binding antibodies against FIX, rFurin or CHO protein. Twenty‐six bleeds (19 non‐joint vs. 7 joint bleeds) occurred (mean ABR 2.7 ± 3.14, median 2.0), of which 23 were injury‐related. Twenty subjects (87%) did not experience any bleeds of spontaneous aetiology. Haemostatic efficacy of BAX326 was excellent or good for >96% of bleeds (100% of minor, 88.9% of moderate and 100% of major bleeds); the majority (88.5%) resolved after 1–2 infusions. Longer T1/2 and lower IR were observed in younger children (<6 years) compared to those aged 6 to 12 years. BAX326 administered as prophylactic treatment as well as for controlling bleeds is efficacious and safe in paediatric patients aged <12 years with haemophilia B.
Helicobacter pylori‐induced Sonic Hedgehog Expression is Regulated by NFκB Pathway Activation: The Use of a Novel In vitro Model to Study Epithelial Response to Infection
Authors: Schumacher Michael A. , Feng Rui , Aihara Eitaro , Engevik Amy C. , Montrose Marshall H. , Ottemann Karen M. , Zavros Yana 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection leads to acute induction of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) in the stomach that is associated with the initiation of gastritis. The mechanism by which H. pylori induces Shh is unknown. Shh is a target gene of transcription factor Nuclear Factor‐κB (NFκB). We hypothesize that NFκB mediates H. pylori‐induced Shh.Materials and MethodsTo visualize Shh ligand expression in response to H. pylori infection in vivo, we used a mouse model that expresses Shh fused to green fluorescent protein (Shh::GFP mice) in place of wild‐type Shh. In vitro, changes in Shh expression were measured in response to H. pylori infection using 3‐dimensional epithelial cell cultures grown from whole dissociated gastric glands (organoids). Organoids were generated from stomachs collected from the fundic region of control and mice expressing a parietal cell‐specific deletion of Shh (PC‐ShhKO mice).ResultsWithin 2 days of infection, H. pylori induced Shh expression within parietal cells of Shh::GFP mice. Organoids expressed all major gastric cell markers, including parietal cell marker H+,K+‐ATPase and Shh. H. pylori infection of gastric organoids induced Shh expression; a response that was blocked by inhibiting NFκB signaling and correlated with IκB degradation. H. pylori infection of PC‐ShhKO mouse‐derived organoids did not result in the induction of Shh expression.ConclusionGastric organoids allow for the study of the interaction between H. pylori and the differentiated gastric epithelium independent of the host immune response. H. pylori induces Shh expression from the parietal cells, a response mediated via activation of NFκB signaling.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Helicobacter pylori Infection in Saudi Children: A Three‐Year Prospective Controlled Study
Authors: Hasosah Mohammed , Satti Mohammed , Shehzad Amir , Alsahafi Ashraf , Sukkar Ghassan , Alzaben Abdullah , Sunaid Areej , Ahmed Abdullah , AlThubiti Sami , Mufti Areej , Jacobson Kevan 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is the most common chronic infections. The risk factors for H. pylori infection in both developing and developed countries are closely related to poor living conditions in childhood. This study aimed to establish the prevalence of H. pylori infection and its associated risk factors among children in the western and central regions of Saudi Arabia.MethodsA prospective cross‐sectional study was performed among symptomatic children in National Guard hospitals who underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy from 2010 to 2013. The gold standard diagnosis of H. pylori infection was histologic presence of the bacteria in the gastric biopsy. The variables analyzed as possible risk factors included demographic and living characteristics, socioeconomic status, potential mode of transmission, and clinical indications of H. pylori infection.ResultsA total of 303 children were included in the study. The overall prevalence of H. pylori infection was 49.8%. Among the studied variables, the following were positively associated with the presence of H. pylori in multivariable analyses: age above 10 years(OR = 11.84, 95% CI = 3.90–35.94, p < .0001), an income of <5000 SR (OR = 2.06, 95% CI = 1.07–3.95), more than eight persons in the household (OR = 3.46, 95% CI = 1.67–7.20), bed sharing (OR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.32–3.86), and two affected parents (OR = 11.19, 95% CI = 1.29–97.27). Abdominal pain and anorexia were significant predictors of H. pylori infection (p = .005 and .009, respectively).ConclusionHelicobacter pylori infection had a high prevalence among Saudi children in the cities of Jeddah and Riyadh. It was a relatively common cause of abdominal pain and anorexia. In this cohort of children, H. pylori infection was associated with variables indicative of a crowded environment and poor living conditions, further supporting the conclusion that improving socioeconomic conditions and designing a preventive health strategy in Saudi Arabia will likely protect children against this infection.
Cardiac function and morphology studied by two‐dimensional doppler echocardiography in unsedated newborn pigs
Authors: Fugelseth Drude , Satas Saulius , Runde Martin , Hågå Per , Thoresen Marianne 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYThe newborn pig is currently the most used species in animal neonatal research. Valid non‐invasive monitoring is important in particular for long‐term survival of unsedated animals. In the unsedated newborn pig (n = 35, median age 24 h, range 7–48 h) we standardized two‐dimensional Doppler echocardiography and determined the normal ranges for cardiac function. Probe positioning had to be adjusted to the V‐shaped thorax and the mid‐line position of the heart. Six out of the sixteen animals < 20 h had a patent ductus arteriosus compared with one of the twenty animals > 20 h old. One atrial septal defect (5 mm) and one small ventricular septal defect were diagnosed. The average heart size was 0.7‐0.9 % of body weight which is similar to human infants of the same size. The mean aortic diameter was 6.0 ± 0.5 mm (mean ± S.D.) and cardiac output was 0.38 ± 0.08 1 min−1; both correlate with body weight (r = 0.80 and 0.73, respectively). Tricuspid regurgitation velocity was 3.0 ± 0.4 m s−1 (mean ± S.D.), giving an estimated pressure gradient across the tricuspid valve of 37 ± 9.7 mmHg. The aortic diameter and the heart weight per kg body weight are comparable to those reported for preterm neonates. The cardiac output and velocities across the four valves are more comparable with term neonates.
The physiology of the mammalian urinary outflow tract
Authors: Brading Alison F. 
Published: December 2014

SUMMARYUrinary outflow from the mammalian bladder occurs through the urethra. This outflow tract is a complicated structure composed of striated and smooth muscle and vascular urothelium. It is controlled by somatic and autonomic nerves and has several functions: it generates sustained tone to prevent urinary leakage during bladder filling; it generates transient reflex increases in pressure to prevent opening of the lumen when abdominal pressure rises; it undergoes relaxation preceding micturition and can generate urethral opening and shortening during micturition. A urethral pressure profile shows a peak pressure of ≥ 100 cmH2O. The outermost coat is striated muscle, the striated or external sphincter. The fibres are predominantly circularly oriented. The extent varies in different species and between sexes. In the human female it extends the length of the urethra, and is composed mainly of slow twitch fibres. In the male, the sphincter extends from the membranous urethra over the base of the prostate and has nearly equal numbers of slow and fast twitch fibres. In both sexes, the posterior border may be deficient in striated muscle, and filled by circularly oriented smooth muscle. Activity in the slow twitch fibres through somatic nerves may be continuous during bladder filling. Outer circular and inner longitudinal smooth muscle is present Strips from either layer will generate sustained tone particularly if dissected from the high pressure zone. This tone is myogenic, and may be achieved in the absence of action potentials, but relies on influx of calcium through L‐type calcium channels. Both layers receive sympathetic and parasympathetic excitatory innervation and nitrergic inhibitory innervation. Normal urethral pressure requires blood flow to the urothelium (lamina propria). Striated and smooth muscles are both thought to contribute to the resting urethral pressure in the human. The precise role of the smooth muscles during micturition is as yet unresolved.
Professional mechanical plaque removal for prevention of periodontal diseases in adults – systematic review update
Authors: Needleman Ian , Nibali Luigi , Di Iorio Anna 
Published: December 2014

AbstractAimTo update previous systematic review investigating effect of professional mechanical plaque removal (PMPR) on prevention of periodontal diseases.MethodsSearch for randomized controlled trials: 2004 to April 2014. Screening and data abstraction conducted independently/in duplicate and narrative synthesis.ResultsFrom 1655 titles and abstracts, 24 full‐text articles screened and three new studies were eligible. Low–to moderate strength of evidence suggests that in adults, PMPR, particularly if combined with oral hygiene instructions (OHI), may achieve greater changes in measures of dental plaque and gingival bleeding/inflammation than no treatment. Moderate strength of evidence suggests there is no additional benefit to plaque and gingival bleeding outcomes from PMPR over that achieved by repeated and thorough OHI. There is no evidence from RCTs to inform on prevention of periodontitis. Low strength of evidence suggests that more frequent PMPR is associated with improved plaque and bleeding outcomes and possibly less annual attachment loss.ConclusionsThere are insufficient data to inform directly on the effect of PMPR on primary prevention of periodontitis. However, in relation to gingival health, new studies strengthen the evidence that there is little value in providing PMPR without OHI. In fact, repeated, thorough OHI can achieve a similar benefit to repeated PMPR.
Transition to retirement and participation in mainstream community groups using active mentoring: a feasibility and outcomes evaluation with a matched comparison group
Authors: Stancliffe R. J. , Bigby C. , Balandin S. , Wilson N. J. , Craig D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractBackgroundThis paper reports on the feasibility and outcomes of a transition to retirement programme for older adults with disability. Without activities and social inclusion, retirees with disability are likely to face inactivity, isolation and loneliness.MethodsMatched intervention and comparison groups each consisted of 29 older individuals with disability. There were 42 men and 16 women with a mean age of 55.6 years While attending their individual mainstream community group 1 day per week, intervention group participants received support from community group members trained as mentors. We assessed participants’ loneliness, social satisfaction, depression, life events, quality of life, community participation, social contacts, and work hours before and 6 months after joining a community group.ResultsTwenty‐five (86%) of the intervention group attended their community group weekly for at least 6 months. They increased their community participation, made an average of four new social contacts and decreased their work hours. Intervention participants were more socially satisfied post‐intervention than comparison group members.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate that participation in mainstream community groups with support from trained mentors is a viable option for developing a retirement lifestyle for older individuals with disability.
VALUE CREATION AND TRADE IN 21ST CENTURY MANUFACTURING
Authors: Baldwin Richard E. , Evenett Simon J. 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTThe factors responsible for the spatial reorganization of contemporary manufacturing are presented here and the predictive power of long‐standing notions of comparative advantage revisited. While a growing number of commercial tasks and technologies are in principle mobile internationally, giving rise to the perception of evermore footloose manufacturing firms and greater job insecurity, there is much in the modern organization of manufacturing that is both viscid and involves location‐specific competitive advantages. This calls for a more nuanced assessment of the impact of an open world trading system on the spatial division of labor and on living standards.