bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Massive floral display affects insect visits but not pollinator‐mediated pollen transfer inRhododendron ferrugineum
Authors: Delmas C. E. L. , Escaravage N. , Pornon A. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractFragmentation of natural vegetation creates one of the largest threats to plant–pollinator interactions. Although fragmentation impacts on plant populations have been explored in many, mainly herbaceous, species, the response of wild mass‐flowering species is poorly known. Here, we studied 28 heathland patches dominated by the mass‐flowering shrubRhododendron ferrugineum, each presenting differentR. ferrugineumfloral display sizes (total inflorescence number per patch) and patch isolation (median distance to the three nearest patches). We assessed the impacts of these two factors on (i) heathland patch visitor assemblage (consideringR. ferrugineum versussurrounding community) and (ii)R. ferrugineumflower visitation rate and pollen transfer limitation (comparing seed set from emasculated to pollen‐supplemented flowers). We found that diversity and abundance of bees visitingR. ferrugineumin heathland patches significantly decreased with decreasingR. ferrugineumfloral display, while overall visitor density per patch and flower visitation rate increased. Moreover, a decrease in massive floral display and increase in patch isolation resulted in reduced visitor density in the surrounding community. Even in patches with few individuals, we found disproportionate visitor abundance inR. ferrugineumcompared to the surrounding community. Finally, pollen transfer limitation inR. ferrugineumwas neither affected by visitation rate nor by patch attributes. By disproportionally attracting pollinators from co‐flowering species, and probably promoting geitonogamous pollen transfer, the mass‐flowering trait appears adequate to compensate, in terms of conspecific pollen transfer, for the decrease in visitor diversity and abundance and in mate availability, which usually result from population fragmentation.
Oxidative stress and antioxidant enzyme activity in South Indian male smokers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Arja Cholendra , Surapaneni Krishna Mohan , Raya Premanand , Adimoolam Chandrasekar , Balisetty Badhareenadhudu , Kanala Kodanda Reddy 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveOxidative stress resulting from tobacco smoking has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The aim of the present study was to evaluate the oxidant and antioxidant levels in smokers with and without COPD.MethodsTwo hundred thirty‐six patients with COPD and 150 smokers with no respiratory problems were selected. COPD diagnosis and staging was done based on the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria. Plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione‐s‐transferase (GST) activities were assessed.ResultsCOPD patients had higher levels of MDA and lower levels of antioxidants when compared with controls (P < 0.01). Analysis of variance revealed increase in MDA (P < 0.05) and decrease in CAT activity (P < 0.01) and GSH (P < 0.05) level with the progression of the disease. In patients, lung function positively correlated with CAT and SOD activities and negatively correlated with MDA levels (P < 0.01). Smoking history showed negative relation with forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (P < 0.05) and positive correlation with CAT activity (P < 0.01). MDA levels negatively correlated with SOD (r = –0.239; P < 0.01). In controls, MDA levels showed significant positive correlation with FEV1 and GPx (P < 0.05) and negative correlation with GSH (P < 0.01). Logistic regression showed association of higher MDA levels with increased risk and higher levels of CAT and GSH with decreased risk of progressing in the disease (odds ratio = 2.938, 2.538, 7.860).ConclusionsOur study demonstrates that there is an oxidant antioxidant imbalance in COPD patients and suggests the importance of GPx in maintaining lung function.
Chronic respiratory disease, comorbid cardiovascular disease and mortality in a representative adult US cohort
Authors: Mannino David M. , Davis Kourtney J. , DiSantostefano Rachael L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackground and objectiveWe sought to determine the relationship between chronic respiratory disease, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and mortality in a nationally representative cohort of the US population aged 40 years and older.MethodsWe analysed data from the baseline (1988–1994) and follow‐up of the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES III). Subjects were classified in to one of four categories: obstructed (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity <70% and forced expiratory volume in 1 s <80% predicted), restricted (forced expiratory volume in 1 s/forced vital capacity ≥70% and forced vital capacity <80% predicted), symptomatic (neither obstructed nor restricted but reporting respiratory symptoms) and normal (none of the above). Subjects were classified as having overt CVD, CVD risk factors only or neither at the baseline examination.ResultsThe analysis data set included 9054 subjects, of whom 1132 (12.0%, weighted percentage (WP)) were obstructed, 1319 (10.3%, WP) were restricted and 2457 were symptomatic (27.6%, WP). Overt CVD was present at baseline in 1284 subjects (10.4 %, WP), and CVD risk factors alone were present in 4900 (53.3%, WP). Three thousand five hundred seventy‐one (28.4%, WP) subjects died during the up to 18‐year follow‐up period. When compared with ‘normal’ subjects, those in the obstructed group were more likely to have overt CVD (odds ratio 1.87, 95% confidence interval: 1.15–3.04, P < 0.001), with a similar risk seen in the restricted and symptomatic group.ConclusionsIn this large US population‐based cohort, the presence of obstruction, restriction or respiratory symptoms alone was associated with higher adjusted risk of overt CVD.
Management of tuberculosis and latent tuberculosis infection in human immunodeficiency virus‐infected persons
Authors: Lee Shui Shan , Meintjes Graeme , Kamarulzaman Adeeba , Leung Chi Chiu 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe syndemic of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/tuberculosis (TB) co‐infection has grown as a result of the considerable sociogeographic overlaps between the two epidemics. The situation is particularly worrisome in countries with high or intermediate TB burden against the background of a variable HIV epidemic state. Early diagnosis of TB disease in an HIV‐infected person is paramount but suffers from lack of sensitive and specific diagnostic tools. Enhanced symptom screening is currently advocated, and the wide application of affordable molecular diagnostics is urgently needed. Treatment of TB/HIV co‐infection involves the concurrent use of standard antiretrovirals and antimycobacterials during which harmful drug interaction may occur. The pharmacokinetic interaction between rifamycin and antiretrovirals is a case in point, requiring dosage adjustment and preferential use of rifabutin, if available. Early initiation of antiretroviral therapy is indicated, preferably at 2 weeks after starting TB treatment for patients with a CD4 of <50 cells/μL. Development of TB‐immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (TB‐IRIS) is however more frequent with early antiretroviral therapy. The diagnosis of TB‐IRIS is another clinical challenge, and cautious use of corticosteroids is suggested to improve clinical outcome. As a preventive measure against active TB disease, the screening for latent TB infection should be widely practiced, followed by at least 6–9 months of isoniazid treatment. To date tuberculin skin test remains the only diagnostic tool in high TB burden countries. The role of alternative tests, for example, interferon‐γ release assay, would need to be better defined for clinical application.
National Agenda for Prevention of Healthcare‐Associated Infections in Dialysis Centers
Authors: Gupta Neil , Cannon Marjory , Srinivasan Arjun ,   for the members of the Working Group of the Federal Steering Committee for the Prevention of Healthcare‐Associated Infections in End‐Stage Renal Disease Facilities
Published: May 2013

AbstractHealthcare‐associated infections (HAIs) are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in dialysis patients. To coordinate HAI prevention efforts, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services established the National Action Plan to Prevent Healthcare Associated Infections in End‐Stage Renal Disease Facilities. This comprehensive plan prioritizes HAI prevention practices and 5‐year evaluation targets based on the burden of disease, level of scientific evidence, and anticipated impact from the recommended intervention. As such, the Plan focuses primarily on interventions to reduce vascular access‐related complications and infections with hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus. Over the last decade, there have been several efforts to expand HAI surveillance and prevention efforts, including coordination of HAI reporting metrics across multiple national agencies, changes in financial incentives by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), and federal funding for expansion of state‐based HAI prevention programs. As a result, a paradigm shift in HAI prevention has developed. Public health officials have assumed greater responsibility in reducing the burden of HAIs and healthcare providers have become more involved in HAI prevention. Since the Plan was initially drafted, several collaborative efforts in dialysis facilities have reported a reduction in HAIs through implementation of these interventions. These early successes highlight the potential impact of coordinated action to combat HAIs in dialysis settings and this National Action Plan provides evidence‐based strategies on how best to achieve this.
Jealousy in response to online and offline infidelity: the role of sex and sexual orientation
Authors: Dijkstra Pieternel , Barelds Dick P. H. , Groothof Hinke A. K. 
Published: May 2013

The goal of the present study was to examine the emotional content and intensity of jealousy in response to different types of infidelity (both online and offline unfaithful partner behaviors) among Dutch heterosexuals (n = 191) and homosexuals (n = 121). Based on previous research (Dijkstra, Barelds & Groothof, 2010), participants were presented with ten jealousy‐evoking situations following which the intensity of two different emotional aspects of jealousy was assessed (betrayal/anger and threat). Results showed that scenarios describing a partner having sex with someone else or falling in love with someone else primarily evoked betrayal/anger‐related jealousy, whereas scenarios describing an emotional connection between a partner and someone else primarily evoked threat‐related jealousy. In addition, women experienced more jealousy than men in response to scenarios in which a partner engaged in potentially extra‐dyadic online (but not offline) behaviors. Finally, compared to same‐sex heterosexuals, homosexuals, both male and female, responded with less intense jealousy to scenarios describing a partner having sex with someone else. Implications for the treatment of (internet) infidelity are discussed.
“It's just reflex now”: German Language Learners’ Use of Online Resources
Authors: Larson‐Guenette Julie 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis study examined how often and to what extent university learners of German use online resources (e.g., online dictionaries and translators) in relation to German coursework, their motivations for use, and their beliefs about online resources and language learning. Data for this study consisted of open‐ended surveys (n=71) and face‐to‐face interviews (n=13) with students from second‐, fourth‐, fifth‐, and sixth‐semester language courses. Results from both the survey and interview data revealed that learners consistently used online resources, including online dictionaries, translation sites, and other websites for reasons related to time efficiency, vocabulary, to “check” or “compare” their work, and general reference. As to whether or not the use of online resources contributes to learning, learners had mixed beliefs regarding the advantages and disadvantages of using online resources.
Scission ofCOPIandCOPIIVesicles Is Independent ofGTPHydrolysis
Authors: Adolf Frank , Herrmann Alexia , Hellwig Andrea , Beck Rainer , Brügger Britta , Wieland Felix T. 
Published: May 2013

SynopsisThe question as to whether GTP is hydrolyzed for the scission of a coated bud to release a transport vesicle from a donor membrane is pivotal for elucidating the mechanism of the scission step proper. We have revisited the requirement for GTP hydrolysis in the formation of COP vesicles in semi‐intact cells in combination with recombinant COPI and COPII coat proteins and their respective small GTPases (Arf1 and Sar1). Both types of vesicles were efficiently formed and released without the need of GTP hydrolysis or mechanical manipulation.
Repopulation of the immunosuppressed retrorsine‐treated infant rat liver with human hepatocytes
Authors: Tachibana Asato , Tateno Chise , Yoshizato Katsutoshi 
Published: May 2013

AbstractBackgroundWe previously generated humanized chimeric mice by transplanting h‐hepatocytes into the livers of the diseased‐liver transgenic mouse model with immunodeficient background. These mice with livers mostly replaced by human (h) hepatocytes have been proved to be useful for research on drug metabolism and toxicity and on intrahepatic pathogens such as hepatitis. However, their small body size prohibited collecting sufficient biological samples and made surgical manipulation difficult, which motivated us to produce humanized larger animal(s) bearing h‐hepatocytes.MethodsFischer 344 (F344) rats at 2 weeks of age were administrated with hepatotoxin retrorsine (RS) and then transplanted with syngeneic F344 rat (r)‐ or h‐hepatocytes via the portal vein. The hosts were injected daily with FK506 immunosuppressant. The livers were harvested periodically for determining donor‐cell replacement ratios and compared with those of the humanized chimeric mice, and liver‐specific mRNA and protein expressions by immunohistochemistry and reverse‐transcription PCR.ResultsRS treatment of infant rats inhibited hepatocyte proliferation, resulting in decreased liver weight and megalocytic changes in hepatocytes. R‐hepatocytes transplanted into RS‐treated rats engrafted into and repopulated the liver at ratios of 16.4 ± 6.7% and 48.3 ± 29.3% at 3 and 6 weeks after transplantation, respectively. H‐hepatocytes also engrafted into the rat liver and showed a repopulation ratio of 2.5 ± 1.5% at 3 weeks post‐transplantation, which was comparable to the ratio in the humanized chimeric mouse model at least until 3 weeks. Propagated h‐hepatocytes in the rat liver expressed hepatocyte‐specific mRNA and proteins at least 3 weeks after transplantation.ConclusionsXenogeneic hepatocytes were able to engraft rat liver and grow well therein for at least 3 weeks post‐transplantation in rats when immunosuppression was combined appropriately with liver injury at comparable levels to the well‐characterized humanized chimeric mouse model.
Reference dosimetry at the Australian Synchrotron's imaging and medical beamline using free‐air ionization chamber measurements and theoretical predictions of air kerma rate and half value layer
Authors: Crosbie Jeffrey C. , Rogers Peter A. W. , Stevenson Andrew W. , Hall Christopher J. , Lye Jessica E. , Nordström Terese , Midgley Stewart M. , Lewis Robert A. 
Published: May 2013

Purpose:Novel, preclinical radiotherapy modalities are being developed at synchrotrons around the world, most notably stereotactic synchrotron radiation therapy and microbeam radiotherapy at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France. The imaging and medical beamline (IMBL) at the Australian Synchrotron has recently become available for preclinical radiotherapy and imaging research with clinical trials, a distinct possibility in the coming years. The aim of this present study was to accurately characterize the synchrotron‐generated x‐ray beam for the purposes of air kerma‐based absolute dosimetry.Methods:The authors used a theoretical model of the energy spectrum from the wiggler source and validated this model by comparing the transmission through copper absorbers (0.1–3.0 mm) against real measurements conducted at the beamline. The authors used a low energy free air ionization chamber (LEFAC) from the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency and a commercially available free air chamber (ADC‐105) for the measurements. The dimensions of these two chambers are different from one another requiring careful consideration of correction factors.Results:Measured and calculated half value layer (HVL) and air kerma rates differed by less than 3% for the LEFAC when the ion chamber readings were corrected for electron energy loss and ion recombination. The agreement between measured and predicted air kerma rates was less satisfactory for the ADC‐105 chamber, however. The LEFAC and ADC measurements produced a first half value layer of 0.405 ± 0.015 and 0.412 ± 0.016 mm Cu, respectively, compared to the theoretical prediction of 0.427 ± 0.012 mm Cu. The theoretical model based upon a spectrum calculator derived a mean beam energy of 61.4 keV with a first half value layer of approximately 30 mm in water.Conclusions:The authors showed in this study their ability to verify the predicted air kerma rate and x‐ray attenuation curve on the IMBL using a simple experimental method, namely, HVL measurements. The HVL measurements strongly supports the x‐ray beam spectrum, which in turn has a profound effect on x‐ray dosimetry.
CMIP5 Projected Changes in the Annual Cycle of Precipitation in Monsoon Regions
Authors: Seth Anji , Rauscher Sara A. , Biasutti Michela , Giannini Alessandra , Camargo Suzana J. , Rojas Maisa 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Analyses of phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) experiments show that the global monsoon is expected to increase in area, precipitation, and intensity as the climate system responds to anthropogenic forcing. Concurrently, detailed analyses for several individual monsoons indicate a redistribution of rainfall from early to late in the rainy season. This analysis examines CMIP5 projected changes in the annual cycle of precipitation in monsoon regions, using a moist static energy framework to evaluate competing mechanisms identified to be important in precipitation changes over land. In the presence of sufficient surface moisture, the local response to the increase in downwelling energy is characterized by increased evaporation, increased low-level moist static energy, and decreased stability with consequent increases in precipitation. A remote mechanism begins with warmer oceans and operates on land regions via a warmer tropical troposphere, increased stability, and decreased precipitation. The remote mechanism controls the projected changes during winter, and the local mechanism controls the switch to increased precipitation during summer in most monsoon regions. During the early summer transition, regions where boundary layer moisture availability is reduced owing to decreases in evaporation and moisture convergence experience an enhanced convective barrier. Regions characterized by adequate evaporation and moisture convergence do not experience reductions in early summer precipitation.
This enhanced convective barrier leads to a redistribution of rainfall from early to late summer, and is robust in the American and African monsoons but muddled in Asia. As described here, viewing monsoons from their inherent ties to the annual cycle could help to fingerprint changes as they evolve.
Characteristics of Subsurface Ocean Response to ENSO Assessed from Simulations with the NCEP Climate Forecast System
Authors: Wang Hui , Kumar Arun , Wang Wanqiu 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
The subsurface ocean temperature response to El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is examined based on 31-yr (1981–2011) simulations with the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Climate Forecast System (CFS) coupled model. The model sea surface temperature (SST) in the tropical Pacific is relaxed to observations to ensure realistic ENSO variability in the simulations.
In the tropical Pacific, the subsurface temperature response to the ENSO SST is closely related to the variability of thermocline. The subsurface response is stronger and deeper in the tropical Indian Ocean than in the tropical Atlantic. The analysis at three selected locations reveals that the peak response of the subsurface temperature to ENSO lags the Niño-3.4 SST by 3, 6, and 6 months, respectively, in the southern tropical Indian Ocean, the northern tropical Atlantic, and the North Pacific, where SSTs are also known to be strongly influenced by ENSO. The ENSO-forced temperature anomalies gradually penetrate to the deeper ocean with time in the North Pacific and the tropical Atlantic, but not in the tropical Indian Ocean where the subsurface response at different depths peaks almost at the same time (i.e., at about 3–4 months following ENSO). It is demonstrated that the ENSO-induced surface wind stress plays an important role in determining the time scale and strength of the subsurface temperature response to ENSO in the North Pacific and the northern tropical Atlantic. Additionally, the ENSO-related local surface latent heat flux also contributes to the subsurface response to ENSO in these two regions.
Future Changes in Northern Hemisphere Snowfall
Authors: Krasting John P. , Broccoli Anthony J. , Dixon Keith W. , Lanzante John R. 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Using simulations performed with 18 coupled atmosphere–ocean global climate models from phase 5 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5), projections of the Northern Hemisphere snowfall under the representative concentration pathway (RCP4.5) scenario are analyzed for the period 2006–2100. These models perform well in simulating twentieth-century snowfall, although there is a positive bias in many regions. Annual snowfall is projected to decrease across much of the Northern Hemisphere during the twenty-first century, with increases projected at higher latitudes. On a seasonal basis, the transition zone between negative and positive snowfall trends corresponds approximately to the −10°C isotherm of the late twentieth-century mean surface air temperature, such that positive trends prevail in winter over large regions of Eurasia and North America. Redistributions of snowfall throughout the entire snow season are projected to occur—even in locations where there is little change in annual snowfall. Changes in the fraction of precipitation falling as snow contribute to decreases in snowfall across most Northern Hemisphere regions, while changes in total precipitation typically contribute to increases in snowfall. A signal-to-noise analysis reveals that the projected changes in snowfall, based on the RCP4.5 scenario, are likely to become apparent during the twenty-first century for most locations in the Northern Hemisphere. The snowfall signal emerges more slowly than the temperature signal, suggesting that changes in snowfall are not likely to be early indicators of regional climate change.