bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Treatment of uncertainty in conservation under climate change
Authors: Kujala Heini , Burgman Mark A. , Moilanen Atte 
Published: October 2012

AbstractClimate change is an important threat to biodiversity globally, but there are major uncertainties associated with its magnitude and ecological consequences. Here, we investigate how three major classes of uncertainty, linguistic uncertainty, epistemic uncertainty (uncertainty about facts), and human decision uncertainty, have been accounted for in scientific literature about climate change. Some sources of uncertainty are poorly characterized and epistemic uncertainty is much more commonly treated than linguistic or human decision uncertainty. Furthermore, we show that linguistic and human decision uncertainties are relatively better treated in the literature on sociopolitics or economics than in natural sciences, which often overlook communication between stakeholders and socioeconomic consequences. As uncertainty can significantly influence implementation of conservation, we discuss uncertainties associated with some commonly proposed conservation adaptation actions to mitigate climate change. There may be major differences between strategies, with implications on how they should be viewed in conservation planning. We conclude that evaluating conservation strategies in terms of different types of uncertainty will facilitate communication between disciplines and stakeholders. While accounting for uncertainties in a quantitative manner is difficult and data demanding, even qualitative appreciation about the uncertainties inherent in conservation strategies can facilitate and improve decision making.
Miscanthus × giganteus leaf senescence, decomposition and C and N inputs to soil
Authors: Amougou Norbert , Bertrand Isabelle , Cadoux Stephane , Recous Sylvie 
Published: October 2012

AbstractEnergy crops are currently promoted as potential sources of alternative energy that can help mitigate the climate change caused by greenhouse gases (GHGs). The perennial crop Miscanthus × giganteus is considered promising due to its high potential for biomass production under conditions of low input. However, to assess its potential for GHG mitigation, a better quantification of the crop's contribution to soil organic matter recycling under various management systems is needed. The aim of this work was to study the effect of abscised leaves on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) recycling in a Miscanthus plantation. The dynamics of senescent leaf fall, the rate of leaf decomposition (using a litter bag approach) and the leaf accumulation at the soil surface were tracked over two 1‐year periods under field conditions in Northern France. The fallen leaves represented an average yearly input of 1.40 Mg C ha−1 and 16 kg N ha−1. The abscised leaves lost approximately 54% of their initial mass in 1 year due to decomposition; the remaining mass, accumulated as a mulch layer at the soil surface, was equivalent to 7 Mg dry matter (DM) ha−1 5 years after planting. Based on the estimated annual leaf‐C recycling rate and a stabilization rate of 35% of the added C, the annual contribution of the senescent leaves to the soil C was estimated to be approximately 0.50 Mg C ha−1yr−1 or 10 Mg C ha−1 total over the 20‐year lifespan of a Miscanthus crop. This finding suggested that for Miscanthus, the abscised leaves contribute more to the soil C accumulation than do the rhizomes or roots. In contrast, the recycling of the leaf N to the soil was less than for the other N fluxes, particularly for those involving the transfer of N from the tops of the plant to the rhizome.
Communication pathways in community aged care: an Australian study
Authors: Allen Jacqui , Ottmann Goetz , Brown Rhonda , Rasmussen Bodil 
Published: October 2012

BackgroundHealth and social care practitioners collaborate in discharge planning for older people. Difficulties securing timely and quality discharge information and unclear role boundaries can be challenging. There are limited reports in the literature describing community‐based practitioners' roles communicating client information.AimTo describe the roles of community‐based practitioners in communication of older clients' information in an Australian context.DesignA descriptive and exploratory qualitative research design was applied.MethodsFour focus groups were conducted in 2009 with a small sample (n = 16) of district nurses, practice nurses and aged care case managers.ResultsAll participants described communication as a core characteristic of their role focused on minimising risks for older people. Participants valued dialogue with other health and social care providers in real time with an emphasis on telephone communication, face‐to‐face meetings, and case conferences. Telephone communication was considered important where there was an urgent need to problem solve. Written communication was noted as less effective.ConclusionsThere is an increasing need for stronger models of communication in community‐based settings to facilitate safe, efficient and sustainable health and social outcomes for older people.Implications for practiceThere is limited available research with this focus to guide practice. Findings from this exploratory study indicate a number of important areas for further research: (i) to understand how communication feedback systems and pathways between community and inpatient providers could improve information exchange and (ii) to describe community nurses' roles in communication and medication risks for older people.
Coronary Venous Retention—A Feature in Heart Failure as Evidenced by Mean of Cardiac Computed Tomography
Authors: MLYNARSKA AGNIESZKA , MLYNARSKI RAFAL , SOSNOWSKI MACIEJ 
Published: October 2012

Background:
Whether the functional status of the heart can influence the coronary venous system itself has not yet been examined. In order to answer this question, we used multislice computed tomography (CT) imaging.
Purpose:
To answer the question of whether the heart failure (HF) is associated with significant anatomical changes in the coronary venous system?
Methods:
In 136 (aged 56.6±11.5) patients, a 64‐slice CT was performed. Patients were divided into three groups according their ejection fraction. In each case, nine 3D volume rendering reconstructions, using a 2‐mm layer with electrocardiographic‐gating, were created at 0% to 90% R‐R intervals (step 10%). The visualization of coronary veins (CVs) was graded independently by two experts trained in multislice computed tomography on a 0–5 point scale (0—not visible/lack of vein; 5—smoothly bordered vascular structure).
Results:
The average number of visible CVs per case was 3.44 in the HF group and 2.72 in patients with a normal ejection fraction (P = 0.0246). The statistical correlation between a reduction in ejection fraction and the increase in the number of veins was found (r =−0.2446, P < 0.05). For two of seven common variants of the coronary venous system at least two target veins (posterolateral and lateral) for cardiac resynchronization were presented.
Conclusions:
The statistically higher number of veins in patients with heart failure may suggest an association between a failing heart and cardiac venous retention. (PACE 2012;35:1472–1479)
Usefulness of the Noncontact Mapping System to Elucidate the Conduction Property for the Treatment of Common Atrial Flutter
Authors: KONDO MASATERU , FUKUDA KOJI , WAKAYAMA YUJI , NAKANO MAKOTO , HASEBE YUHI , SHIMOKAWA HIROAKI 
Published: October 2012

Background: The functional role of the cavotricuspid isthmus (CTI) for common atrial flutter (cAFL) remains to be elucidated. In the present study, we examined whether the EnSite system (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul, MN, USA), a noncontact mapping system, is useful to evaluate the conduction properties of CTI to minimize radiofrequency (RF) ablation applications for cAFL.
Methods: We enrolled 22 consecutive patients with cAFL (64.1 ± 9.5 years old, M/F 21/1) treated with the EnSite system and examined the conduction properties during cAFL and during atrial pacing. In addition, the effectiveness of the system was evaluated in comparison with the conventional ablation group (67 ± 8.9 years old, n = 15, M/F 13/2).
Result: In 11 out of the 22 patients, CTI block line was achieved by fewer RF applications on a presumed single activation pathway which the EnSite system showed (point ablation [PA] group), and the remaining 11 patients needed additional linear ablation (additional ablation [AA] group). The number of RF applications in the PA group was significantly smaller than that in the conventional group. During the lower lateral right atrial pacing at a cycle length of 600 ms, the CV of the CTI in the PA group was smaller compared to that in the AA group (1.36 ± 0.61 vs 2.17 ± 0.66 m/s, P < 0.05), although the CV during cAFL (averaged cycle length 245 ± 34 ms) was not different in both groups.
Conclusions: These results indicate that targeting the presumed single line identified by EnSite could be an optional therapy for cAFL RF ablation, and diverse conduction properties in CTI are related to the success rate of this procedure. (PACE 2012;35:1464–1471)
Fluoroscopic and Electrical Assessment of a Series of Defibrillation Leads: Prevalence of Externalized Conductors
Authors: KODOTH VIVEK N. , HODKINSON EMILY C. , NOAD REBECCA L. , ASHFIELD KYLE P. , CROMIE NICHOLAS A. , McENEANEY DAVID J. , WILSON CAROL M. , ROBERTS MICHAEL J. D. 
Published: October 2012

Introduction
: Insulation defects with externalized conductors have been reported in the St. Jude Riata® family of defibrillation leads (St. Jude Medical, Sylmar, CA, USA). The objective of the Northern Ireland Riata® lead screening program was to identify insulation defects and externalized conductors by systematic fluoroscopic and electrical assessment in a prospectively defined cohort of patients. We sought to estimate the prevalence, identify risk factors, and determine the natural history of this abnormality.
Methods
: All patients with a Riata® lead under follow‐up at the Royal Victoria Hospital were invited for fluoroscopic imaging and implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator lead parameter checks. Fluoroscopic images were read independently by two cardiologists and the presence of externalized conductors was classified as positive, negative, or borderline.
Results:

One hundred and sixty‐five of 212 patients with a Riata lead were evaluated by fluoroscopy and lead parameter measurements. The mean duration after implantation was 3.98+/−1.43 years. After screening 25 (15%) patients were classified as positive, 137 (83%) negative, and three (1.8%) borderline. Time since implantation (P = 0.001), presence of a single coil lead (P = 0.042), and patient age (P = 0.034) were significantly associated with externalized conductors. The observed rate of externalized conductors was 26.9% for 8‐French and 4.7% for 7‐French leads. No leads that were identified prospectively with externalized conductors had electrical abnormalities. Seven of 25 (28%) patients had a defective lead extracted by the end of this screening period.
Conclusion:

A significant proportion (15%) of patients with a Riata lead had an insulation breach 4 years after implantation. High‐resolution fluoroscopic imaging in at least two orthogonal views is required to identify this abnormality. (PACE 2012;35:1498–1504)
Inheritance and chromosome location of photoperiod‐thermo sensitive male sterility in wheat line Xinong 291S
Authors: Dong Puhui , Hu Yingang , Guo Guanghui , He Beiru , Wang Liming , Yuan Jianguo 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe present research aimed to study the inheritance and chromosomal location of a photoperiod‐thermo sensitive male sterility (PTSMS) gene in Xinong 291S (XN291S), which is a new PTSMS wheat line. The inheritance was studied in F1 and F2 populations derived from crosses between XN291S and eight wheat cultivars. All F1 plants were fertile and the F2 populations segregated in either 15 : 1 or 3 : 1 fertile : sterile ratios indicating that PTSMS was controlled by one or two recessive major genes. Five wheat cultivars carried homozygous dominant alleles for fertility, whereas the other three, including ‘Chinese Spring’ (CS), carried a single homozygous dominant allele. Chromosomal location of the PTSMS gene was studied by crossing a set of CS nulli‐tetrasomic lines to XN291S. Self‐fertility of F1 hybrids XN291S/N5BT5A and XN291S/N5BT5D were significantly lower than the others. Therefore, the PTSMS gene in XN291S that differed from CS was located on chromosome 5B. Location of the second PTSMS gene needs further study.
Inhibition of melanoma development in the Nras(Q61K)::Ink4a−/− mouse model by the small molecule BI‐69A11
Authors: Feng Yongmei , Lau Eric , Scortegagna Marzia , Ruller Chelsea , De Surya K. , Barile Elisa , Krajewski Stan , Aza‐Blanc Pedro , Williams Roy , Pinkerton Anthony B. , Jackson Michael , Chin Lynda , Pellecchia Maurizio , Bosenberg Marcus , Ronai Ze'ev A. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryTo date, there are no effective therapies for tumors bearing NRAS mutations, which are present in 15–20% of human melanomas. Here we extend our earlier studies where we demonstrated that the small molecule BI‐69A11 inhibits the growth of melanoma cell lines. Gene expression analysis revealed the induction of interferon‐ and cell death‐related genes that were associated with responsiveness of melanoma cell lines to BI‐69A11. Strikingly, the administration of BI‐69A11 inhibited melanoma development in genetically modified mice bearing an inducible form of activated Nras and a deletion of the Ink4a gene (Nras(Q61K)::Ink4a−/−). Biweekly administration of BI‐69A11 starting at 10 weeks or as late as 24 weeks after the induction of mutant Nras expression inhibited melanoma development (100 and 36%, respectively). BI‐69A11 treatment did not inhibit the development of histiocytic sarcomas, which constitute about 50% of the tumors in this model. BI‐69A11‐resistant Nras(Q61K)::Ink4a−/− tumors exhibited increased CD45 expression, reflective of immune cell infiltration and upregulation of gene networks associated with the cytoskeleton, DNA damage response, and small molecule transport. The ability to attenuate the development of NRAS mutant melanomas supports further development of BI‐69A11 for clinical assessment.
Effect of Embryonic and Maternal Genotype on Embryo and Foetal Survival in Rabbit
Authors: Vicente JS , Llobat MD , Jiménez‐Trigos E , Lavara R , Marco‐Jiménez F 
Published: October 2012

ContentsThe aim of this work was to study the influence of embryonic and maternal genotype of two lines of rabbits selected by growth rate (line R) and litter size at weaning (line A) on prenatal survival. Embryos were recovered at 48 h of gestation from R and A donors (39 and 35 does, respectively) and reciprocally transferred to the oviducts of recipient does to the R (n = 15) and A (n = 14) lines. Each recipient doe received six embryos from line R into one oviduct and six embryos from line A into the other. Recipient does were examined by laparoscopy to determine implantation rate on day 14 and slaughtered on day 25 of gestation to determine the number of live foetuses and the weight of foetuses and placentas. No differences were found between lines in fertilization rate and stage of embryo development at 48 h post‐insemination. Implantation rate was affected by both the embryonic and maternal genotype. While embryos from donor line A had the highest implantation rate (0.78 ± 0.032 vs 0.65 ± 0.036 for line R), recipient line R had a better implantation rate (0.78 ± 0.033 vs 0.64 ± 0.036 for line A). Foetal survival was affected by the embryonic genotype. Embryos from donor line A had a higher foetal survival rate than embryos from donor line R (0.65 ± 0.036 vs 0.53 ± 0.038, respectively) but lower foetal and placenta weights. In conclusion, while embryonic genotype influenced both implantation and foetal survival rate, R embryos had the lowest rates, maternal genotype affected the implantation rate and R recipients may show a greater uterine receptivity during implantation period. Moreover, it must be observed that foetal and placenta weights were significantly affected by embryonic genotype and heavier for R line.
Evaluation of vonWillebrand Factor During Pregnancy, Lactation and Oestrous Cycle in Bitches Affected and Unaffected by vonWillebrand Disease
Authors: Mattoso CRS , Takahira RK , Beier SL , Araujo JP , Corrente JE 
Published: October 2012

ContentsPlasmatic concentrations of vonWillebrandFactor (vWF) increase during pregnancy in humans and dogs; however the mechanism of such increase is still not well defined. The aims of this study were: (i) to evaluate changes in vWFconcentration during pregnancy and during the subsequent oestrous cycle in bitches affected and unaffected by vonWillebrandDisease (vWD); (ii) to correlate thevWFlevels and cortisol levels in both groups. Seven vWDaffected (GI) and nine unaffected (GII) bitches were used. The animals were assessed during pregnancy, parturition, lactation and non‐gestational oestrous cycle in 11 moments (Pregnancy 1, Pregnancy 2, Parturition, Lactation 1, Lactation 2, Lactation 3, Anestrus, Proestrus, Oestrus, Diestrus 1, and Diestrus 2). The following tests were performed; measurement of vonWillebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag), albumin and cortisol. In both groups, vWFconcentration remained stable during the non‐gestational oestrous cycle, but increased during pregnancy, with the highest value observed at parturition. Increases of 70% and 124% in vWFwere seen inGIandGII, respectively, compared to anestrus. No correlation was found between vWFand cortisol. Values of vWF:Ag changed during pregnancy, with a peak at parturition, both in vWDaffected and unaffected animals. Values of vWFwere not altered in the different phases of the oestrous cycle following pregnancy in both groups. Evaluation of vWFduring pregnancy can cause false negative results for vWD, but assessment can be performed at any point in the oestrous cycle of non‐pregnant bitches.
In vivo extraction of Arabidopsis cell turgor pressure using nanoindentation in conjunction with finite element modeling
Authors: Forouzesh Elham , Goel Ashwani , Mackenzie Sally A. , Turner Joseph A. 
Published: October 2012

SummaryTurgor pressure in plant cells is involved in many important processes. Stable and normal turgor pressure is required for healthy growth of a plant, and changes in turgor pressure are indicative of changes taking place within the plant tissue. The ability to quantify the turgor pressure of plant cells in vivo would provide opportunities to understand better the process of pressure regulation within plants, especially when plant stress is considered, and to understand the role of turgor pressure in cellular signaling. Current experimental methods do not separate the influence of the turgor pressure from the effects associated with deformation of the cell wall when estimates of turgor pressure are made. In this paper, nanoindentation measurements are combined with finite element simulations to determine the turgor pressure of cells in vivo while explicitly separating the cell‐wall properties from the turgor pressure effects. Quasi‐static cyclic tests with variable depth form the basis of the measurements, while relaxation tests at low depth are used to determine the viscoelastic material properties of the cell wall. Turgor pressure is quantified using measurements on Arabidopsis thaliana under three pressure states (control, turgid and plasmolyzed) and at various stages of plant development. These measurements are performed on cells in vivo without causing damage to the cells, such that pressure changes may be studied for a variety of conditions to provide new insights into the biological response to plant stress conditions.
Antibody Responses to Norovirus Genogroup GI.1 and GII.4 Proteases in Volunteers Administered Norwalk Virus
Authors: Ajami Nadim J. , Barry Meagan A. , Carrillo Berenice , Muhaxhiri Zana , Neill Frederick H. , Prasad B. V. Venkataram , Opekun Antone R. , Gilger Mark A. , Graham David Y. , Atmar Robert L. , Estes Mary K. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT
An assay was developed to detect antibodies against two norovirus proteases among participants in a Norwalk virus (GI.1) challenge study. Prechallenge seroprevalence was lower against the protease from the homologous GI.1 virus than against protease from a heterologous GII.4 strain. Seroresponses were detected for 14 of 19 (74%) infected persons.
Fatal Case of Weeksella virosa Sepsis
Authors: Slenker A. K. , Hess B. D. , Jungkind D. L. , DeSimone J. A. 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACTWeeksella virosais an aerobic Gram-negative rod that has rarely been reported to cause infection. We describe a fatal case ofW. virosasepsis in a young female with end-stage renal disease, report three additional cases ofW. virosainfection, and review the literature regarding this infection.
Association between an Emerging Disseminated form of Leishmaniasis and Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis Strain Polymorphisms
Authors: Queiroz Adriano , Sousa Rosana , Heine Claudia , Cardoso Manuela , Guimarães Luiz Henrique , Machado Paulo Roberto Lima , Carvalho Edgar M. , Riley Lee W. , Wilson Mary E. , Schriefer Albert 
Published: October 2012

ABSTRACT

Leishmania
(
Viannia
)
braziliensis
causes three main types of American tegumentary leishmaniasis (ATL), localized cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL), mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), and disseminated leishmaniasis (DL). All forms are observed among individuals of Corte de Pedra, Brazil. We previously used random amplified markers to identify a multiclonal population among
L
. (
V
.)
braziliensis
isolates from ATL patients, defining parasite clades associated with different clinical syndromes. Herein we compared sequences of random amplified markers to identify genotypes of
L
. (
V
.)
braziliensis
recovered from lesions of CL, ML, and DL patients. Six polymorphic genomic loci were sequenced from 35 parasite isolates. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and insertions-deletions (indels) at each locus allowed us to segregate the
L
. (
V
.)
braziliensis
population according to haplotypes. Several SNPs, indels, and haplotypes were significantly associated with an increased risk of DL. Molecular genotyping may provide markers to identify
L
. (
V
.)
braziliensis
strains likely to cause this emerging, hard-to-treat form of ATL.