bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling daily flowering probabilities: expected impact of climate change on Japanese cherry phenology
Authors: Allen Jenica M. , Terres Maria A. , Katsuki Toshio , Iwamoto Kojiro , Kobori Hiromi , Higuchi Hiroyoshi , Primack Richard B. , Wilson Adam M. , Gelfand Alan , Silander John A. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractUnderstanding the drivers of phenological events is vital for forecasting species’ responses to climate change. We developed flexible Bayesian survival regression models to assess a 29‐year, individual‐level time series of flowering phenology from four taxa of Japanese cherry trees (Prunus spachiana, Prunus × yedoensis, Prunus jamasakura, and Prunus lannesiana), from the Tama Forest Cherry Preservation Garden in Hachioji, Japan. Our modeling framework used time‐varying (chill and heat units) and time‐invariant (slope, aspect, and elevation) factors. We found limited differences among taxa in sensitivity to chill, but earlier flowering taxa, such as P. spachiana, were more sensitive to heat than later flowering taxa, such as P. lannesiana. Using an ensemble of three downscaled regional climate models under the A1B emissions scenario, we projected shifts in flowering timing by 2100. Projections suggest that each taxa will flower about 30 days earlier on average by 2100 with 2–6 days greater uncertainty around the species mean flowering date. Dramatic shifts in the flowering times of cherry trees may have implications for economically important cultural festivals in Japan and East Asia. The survival models used here provide a mechanistic modeling approach and are broadly applicable to any time‐to‐event phenological data, such as plant leafing, bird arrival time, and insect emergence. The ability to explicitly quantify uncertainty, examine phenological responses on a fine time scale, and incorporate conditions leading up to an event may provide future insight into phenologically driven changes in carbon balance and ecological mismatches of plants and pollinators in natural populations and horticultural crops.
Satellite observed widespread decline in Mongolian grasslands largely due to overgrazing
Authors: Hilker Thomas , Natsagdorj Enkhjargal , Waring Richard H. , Lyapustin Alexei , Wang Yujie 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThe Mongolian Steppe is one of the largest remaining grassland ecosystems. Recent studies have reported widespread decline of vegetation across the steppe and about 70% of this ecosystem is now considered degraded. Among the scientific community there has been an active debate about whether the observed degradation is related to climate, or over‐grazing, or both. Here, we employ a new atmospheric correction and cloud screening algorithm (MAIAC) to investigate trends in satellite observed vegetation phenology. We relate these trends to changes in climate and domestic animal populations. A series of harmonic functions is fitted to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) observed phenological curves to quantify seasonal and inter‐annual changes in vegetation. Our results show a widespread decline (of about 12% on average) in MODIS observed normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) across the country but particularly in the transition zone between grassland and the Gobi desert, where recent decline was as much as 40% below the 2002 mean NDVI. While we found considerable regional differences in the causes of landscape degradation, about 80% of the decline in NDVI could be attributed to increase in livestock. Changes in precipitation were able to explain about 30% of degradation across the country as a whole but up to 50% in areas with denser vegetation cover (P < 0.05). Temperature changes, while significant, played only a minor role (r2 = 0.10, P < 0.05). Our results suggest that the cumulative effect of overgrazing is a primary contributor to the degradation of the Mongolian steppe and is at least partially responsible for desertification reported in previous studies.
Financial literacy: A comparative study across four countries
Authors: Nicolini Gianni , Cude Brenda J. , Chatterjee Swarn 
Published: August 2013

AbstractThis study analysed differences in financial literacy across four countries: Canada, Italy, the UK and the US. The purpose was to understand whether factors associated with financial literacy in one country can be generalized to other countries as well or whether unique national characteristics make it necessary to examine financial literacy in each country individually. A financial literacy index, based on the number of correct answers to four multiple‐choice questions, was used to test the relevance of country of origin to financial literacy. Results suggest significant differences among countries indicating that there are national and cultural differences in what households know and need to know about their personal finances. Policy makers should consider these differences when developing financial literacy assessment tools for their respective countries.
Cryoballoon versus RF Ablation in Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation: Results from the German Ablation Registry
Authors: SCHMIDT MARTIN , DORWARTH UWE , ANDRESEN DIETRICH , BRACHMANN JOHANNES , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ , KUNISS MALTE , LEWALTER THORSTEN , SPITZER STEFAN , WILLEMS STEPHAN , SENGES JOCHEN , JÜNGER CLAUS , HOFFMANN ELLEN 
Published: August 2013

German Ablation Registry‐Different Energy Sources in AF AblationBackgroundCatheter ablation is used extensively with curative intention in atrial fibrillation. Radiofrequency ablation has long been a standard of care, while cryoballoon technology has emerged as a feasible approach with promising results. Prospective multicenter registry data referring to both ablation technologies in AF ablation therapy are lacking.MethodsBetween January 2007 and August 2011, a total of 3,775 consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF who underwent PV ablation in their respective centers were enrolled. The cohort was divided into 2 groups according to the ablation energy source used: cryoballoon ablation (group 1, n = 905 [24.0%], median age 63 years, 64.3% men) and RF ablation (group 2, n = 2870 [76.0%], median age 63 years, 62.7% men). Comorbidities and baseline clinical characteristics were similar in both groups.ResultsAcute success rate was similar in both groups (97.5% in cryo vs 97.6% in RF; P = 0.81). Procedure times were similar, ablation and fluoroscopy times were higher in cryoballoon when compared to RF ablation. Overall complication rate was similar in cryo‐ (4.6%) and RF‐ablation (4.6%; P = 1.0). Phrenic nerve palsy was more often in cryo versus RF ablation (2.1% in cryo vs 0.0% in RF; P < 0.001). Other complications were more common in RF compared to cryoablation (4.6% in RF vs 2.7% in cryo; P < 0.05).ConclusionRF ablation is the most widespread ablation method in Germany, but use of cryoballoon increased significantly. Procedure times were similar, but ablation and fluoroscopy times were longer in cryoballoon ablation. No significant differences were found in terms of acute success and overall complication rate.
MicroRNA profile before and after antiviral therapy in liver transplant recipients for hepatitis C virus cirrhosis
Authors: Gelley Fanni , Zadori Gergely , Nemes Balazs , Fassan Matteo , Lendvai Gabor , Sarvary Eniko , Doros Attila , Gerlei Zsuzsanna , Nagy Peter , Schaff Zsuzsa , Kiss Andras 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackground and AimManagement of hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence is a major challenge after liver transplantation. Significant dysregulated expression of HCV receptors (i.e. claudin‐1, occludin, tetraspanin CD81, scavenger receptor type B1) has been shown recently during HCV infection. This might facilitate hepatocytic entry and reinfection of HCV. MicroRNAs (miRs) play role in the regulation of gene expression. We aimed to characterize miR expression profiles related to HCV infection and antiviral therapy in adult liver transplant recipients, with special emphasis on miRs predicted to target HCV receptors.MethodsTwenty‐eight adult liver transplant recipients were enrolled in the study. Paired biopsies were obtained at the time of HCV recurrence and at the end of antiviral treatment. MiRs for HCV receptors were selected using target prediction software. Expression levels of miR‐21, miR‐23a miR‐34a, miR‐96, miR‐99a*, miR‐122, miR‐125b, miR‐181a‐2*, miR‐194, miR‐195, miR‐217, miR‐221, and miR‐224 were determined by reverse transcription–quantitative polymerase chain reaction.ResultsmiR‐99a* and miR‐224 expressions were increased in HCV recurrence samples, while miR‐21 and miR‐194 were decreased in comparison to normal liver tissue. Increased expressions of miR‐221, miR‐224, and miR‐217 were observed in samples taken after antiviral therapy when compared with HCV recurrence samples. High HCV titer at recurrence was associated with higher level of miR‐122.ConclusionsSamples at recurrence of HCV and after antiviral therapy revealed distinct HCV‐related miR expression profiles, with significant dysregulation of those miRNAs potentially targeting mRNAs of HCV receptors. In particular, miR‐194 and miR‐21 might be involved in the regulation of HCV receptor proteins' expression during HCV infection and antiviral therapy.
An Anatomy of Commodity Futures Risk Premia
Authors: SZYMANOWSKA MARTA , DE ROON FRANS , NIJMAN THEO , VAN DEN GOORBERGH ROB 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTWe identify two types of risk premia in commodity futures returns: spot premia related to the risk in the underlying commodity, and term premia related to changes in the basis. Sorting on forecasting variables such as the futures basis, return momentum, volatility, inflation, hedging pressure, and liquidity results in sizable spot premia between 5% and 14% per annum and term premia between 1% and 3% per annum. We show that a single factor, the high‐minus‐low portfolio from basis sorts, explains the cross‐section of spot premia. Two additional basis factors are needed to explain the term premia.
Making time for national identity: theoretical concept and empirical glance on the temporal performance of national identity
Authors: Lavi Liron 
Published: August 2013

AbstractDespite global, economic, technological and social transformations, nationality has remained an influential identity category. It still forms the basis for collective self‐determination, political sovereignty and sense of belonging. This article puts forward the concept of ‘Chrono‐Work’ to offer a critical approach to national identity. Employing temporal and performative perspectives, the concept addresses the conditions for establishing and constructing national identity. Drawing on Judith Butler's performance theory, it is suggested that performance of national acts loads national identity with meaning through the construction of a chronological narrative. To complete the theoretical picture, a case study of ‘Chrono‐Work’ among the Jewish settlers on the Golan Heights in Israel is offered. It is shown that national identity is constantly performed through temporal strategies that aim at achieving a chronological order. Therefore, it is suggested that national identity is not given, but rather is the result of continuous ‘Chrono‐Work’.
Susceptibility to stress induced visceral hypersensitivity in maternally separated rats is transferred across generations
Authors: van den Wijngaard R. M. , Stanisor O. I. , van Diest S. A. , Welting O. , Wouters M. M. , Cailotto C. , de Jonge W. J. , Boeckxstaens G. E. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBackgroundIn irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), familial clustering and transfer across generations may largely depend on environmental factors but this is difficult to establish in the human setting. Therefore, we aimed to set up a relevant animal model. We investigated whether susceptibility to stress induced visceral hypersensitivity in maternally separated (MS) Long Evans rats can be transferred across generations without further separation protocols and, if so, whether this depends on maternal care.MethodsAt adult age, we evaluated pre‐ vs post water avoidance (WA) changes in visceromotor response to distension in non‐handled second filial generation offspring (NH‐F2) of previously separated MS‐F1 dams. Furthermore, the role of maternal care was evaluated by cross‐fostering F2 offspring of NH‐F1 and MS‐F1 dams and subsequent sensitivity measurements at adult age. Involvement of mast cells in post stress hypersensitivity of NH‐F2 rats was evaluated by mast cell stabilization.Key ResultsIn adult NH‐F2 offspring of MS‐F1 dams, post‐WA hypersensitivity to colorectal distension was observed in 80% of rats compared with 19% in offspring of NH‐F1 dams. Cross‐fostered pups adapted to the phenotype of the foster mother: pups of NH‐F1 dams nursed by MS‐F1 dams showed post‐WA hypersensitivity to distension at adult age and vice versa (100% and 20% respectively). In NH‐F2 rats, post‐WA hypersensitivity was reversed by mast cell stabilizer doxantrazole.Conclusions & InferencesMaternal separated‐induced susceptibility to stress‐triggered visceral hypersensitivity is transferred across generations and this transfer depends on maternal care. Thus, MS is a suitable model to evaluate environmental triggers relevant to IBS clustering in families.
Identification of a Highly Antigenic Region of Subtilisin-Like Serine Protease 1 for Serodiagnosis of Neospora caninum Infection
Authors: Ybañez Rochelle Haidee D. , Terkawi Mohamad Alaa , Kameyama Kyohko , Xuan Xuenan , Nishikawa Yoshifumi 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTNeospora caninumis an apicomplexan parasite that causes abortion in cattle; hence, accurate diagnosis of this pathogen is important to the cattle farming industry. Our previous proteomics and immunoscreening analyses revealed that theN. caninumsubtilisin-like serine protease 1 (NcSUB1) has potential as a serodiagnostic tool forNeospora. Consequently, we expressed two fragments containing five NcSUB1 tandem repeat copies covering amino acids (aa) 524 to 843 (NcSUB1t) and 555 to 679 (NcSUB1tr) to identify the antigenic regions. The serodiagnostic performances of NcSUB1t and NcSUB1tr were compared with that of N54, which contains a single copy of the repeats (aa 649 to 784), and with the truncated NcSAG1 (NcSAG1t), which lacks a signal peptide and C-terminal hydrophobic regions, as a positive reference. Serum samples fromN. caninumexperimentally infected cattle and mice and cattle from a farm with confirmed cases ofNeosporaabortion were tested by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with the four antigens. In theN. caninumexperimentally infected cattle, the highest IgG1 antibody titers were detected against NcSUB1t, while specific IgG1 antibodies were detectable from 16 days postinfection (dpi), with levels peaking at 36 dpi for all of the antigens. On the other hand, the levels of anti-NcSUB1 IgG2 antibodies were lower than those of anti-SAG1t IgG2 antibodies. The ELISA with NcSUB1t and NcSUB1tr had good sensitivity (94.59 to 95.95%) and specificity (80 to 100%) with bovine serum field samples compared to NcSAG1t and showed no cross-reactions with sera fromToxoplasma gondiiexperimentally infected mice. Moreover, IgG antibodies against NcSUB1t were detected during parturition in the NcSAG1t antibody-positive cattle, and NcSUB1t-specific antibody transfer was observed from a mother to her calf. Our results show that the NcSUB1 tandem repeat is potentially useful for serodiagnosis ofN. caninum.
Insight from Molecular, Pathological, and Immunohistochemical Studies on Cellular and Humoral Mechanisms Responsible for Vaccine-Induced Protection of Rainbow Trout against Yersinia ruckeri
Authors: Deshmukh Sidhartha , Kania Per W. , Chettri Jiwan K. , Skov Jakob , Bojesen Anders M. , Dalsgaard Inger , Buchmann Kurt 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTThe immunological mechanisms associated with protection of vaccinated rainbow trout,Oncorhynchus mykiss, against enteric redmouth disease (ERM), caused byYersinia ruckeri, were previously elucidated by the use of gene expression methodology and immunochemical methods. That approach pointed indirectly to both humoral and cellular elements being involved in protection. The present study correlates the level of protection in rainbow trout to cellular reactions in spleen and head kidney and visualizes the processes by applying histopathological, immunohistochemical, andin situhybridization techniques. It was shown that these cellular reactions, which were more prominent in spleen than in head kidney, were associated with the expression of immune-related genes, suggesting a Th2-like response.Y. ruckeri, as shown byin situhybridization (ISH), was eliminated within a few days in vaccinated fish, whereas nonprotected fish still harbored bacteria for a week after infection. Vaccinated fish reestablished normal organ structure within a few days, whereas nonprotected fish showed abnormalities up to 1 month postinfection. Protection in the early phase of infection was mainly associated with the expression of genes encoding innate factors (complement factors, lysozyme, and acute phase proteins), but in the later phase of infection, increased expression of adaptive immune genes dominated. The histological approach used has shown that the cellular changes correlated with protection of vaccinated fish. They comprised transformation of resident cells into macrophage-like cells and increased occurrence of CD8α and IgM cells, suggesting these cells as main players in protection. Future studies should investigate the causality between these factors and protection.
Mortality in Kittens Is Associated with a Shift in Ileum Mucosa-Associated Enterococci from Enterococcus hirae to Biofilm-Forming Enterococcus faecalis and Adherent Escherichia coli
Authors: Ghosh Anuradha , Borst Luke , Stauffer Stephen H. , Suyemoto Mitsu , Moisan Peter , Zurek Ludek , Gookin Jody L. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTApproximately 15% of foster kittens die before 8 weeks of age, with most of these kittens demonstrating clinical signs or postmortem evidence of enteritis. While a specific cause of enteritis is not determined in most cases, these kittens are often empirically administered probiotics that contain enterococci. The enterococci are members of the commensal intestinal microbiota but also can function as opportunistic pathogens. Given the complicated role of enterococci in health and disease, it would be valuable to better understand what constitutes a “healthy” enterococcal community in these kittens and how this microbiota is impacted by severe illness. In this study, we characterized the ileum mucosa-associated enterococcal community of 50 apparently healthy and 50 terminally ill foster kittens. In healthy kittens,Enterococcus hiraewas the most common species of ileum mucosa-associated enterococci and was often observed to adhere extensively to the small intestinal epithelium. TheseE. hiraeisolates generally lacked virulence traits. In contrast, non-E. hiraeenterococci, notablyEnterococcus faecalis, were more commonly isolated from the ileum mucosa of kittens with terminal illness. Isolates ofE. faecalishad numerous virulence traits and multiple antimicrobial resistances. Moreover, the attachment ofEscherichia colito the intestinal epithelium was significantly associated with terminal illness and was not observed in any kitten with adherentE. hirae. These findings identify a significant difference in the species of enterococci cultured from the ileum mucosa of kittens with terminal illness compared to the species cultured from healthy kittens. In contrast to prior case studies that associated enteroadherentE. hiraewith diarrhea in young animals, these controlled studies identifiedE. hiraeas more often isolated from healthy kittens and adherence ofE. hiraeas more common and extensive in healthy kittens than in sick kittens.
Comparative Evaluation of BD Phoenix and Vitek 2 Systems for Species Identification of Common and Uncommon Pathogenic Yeasts
Authors: Posteraro Brunella , Ruggeri Alberto , De Carolis Elena , Torelli Riccardo , Vella Antonietta , De Maio Flavio , Ricciardi Walter , Posteraro Patrizia , Sanguinetti Maurizio 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
The BD Phoenix system was evaluated for species-level identification of yeasts (250 clinical isolates) and compared with the Vitek 2 system, using ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequence analysis as the gold standard. Considering only the species included in each system's database, 96.3% (236/245) and 91.4% (224/245) of the isolates were correctly identified by BD Phoenix and Vitek 2, respectively.
Evidence for Recombination between Pandemic GII.4 Norovirus Strains New Orleans 2009 and Sydney 2012
Authors: Martella V. , Medici M. C. , De Grazia S. , Tummolo F. , Calderaro A. , Bonura F. , Saporito L. , Terio V. , Catella C. , Lanave G. , Buonavoglia C. , Giammanco G. M. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACT
During 2012, a novel pandemic GII.4 norovirus variant, Sydney 2012, emerged worldwide. A signature of the variant was a GII.Pe ORF1, in association with GII.4 Apeldoorn 2008-like ORF2-ORF3 genes. We report the detection of recombinant GII.4 Sydney 2012 strains, possessing the ORF1 gene of the former pandemic variant New Orleans 2009.
Cutaneous Listeriosis
Authors: Godshall Casey E. , Suh Gina , Lorber Bennett 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTCutaneous infections due toListeria monocytogenesare rare. Typically, infections manifest as nonpainful, nonpruritic, self-limited, localized, papulopustular or vesiculopustular eruptions in healthy persons. Most cases follow direct inoculation of the skin in veterinarians or farmers who have exposure to animal products of conception. Less commonly, skin lesions may arise from hematogenous dissemination in compromised hosts with invasive disease. Here, we report the first case in a gardener that occurred following exposure to soil and vegetation.
Defining the Interaction of HIV-1 with the Mucosal Barriers of the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Carias Ann M. , McCoombe Scott , McRaven Michael , Anderson Meegan , Galloway Nicole , Vandergrift Nathan , Fought Angela J. , Lurain John , Duplantis Maurice , Veazey Ronald S. , Hope Thomas J. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTWorldwide, HIV-1 infects millions of people annually, the majority of whom are women. To establish infection in the female reproductive tract (FRT), HIV-1 in male ejaculate must overcome numerous innate and adaptive immune factors, traverse the genital epithelium, and establish infection in underlying CD4+target cells. How the virus achieves this remains poorly defined. By utilizing a new technique, we define how HIV-1 interacts with different tissues of the FRT using human cervical explants andin vivoexposure in the rhesus macaque vaginal transmission model. Despite previous claims of the squamous epithelium being an efficient barrier to virus entry, we reveal that HIV-1 can penetrate both intact columnar and squamous epithelial barriers to depths where the virus can encounter potential target cells. In the squamous epithelium, we identify virus entry occurring through diffusive percolation, penetrating areas where cell junctions are absent. In the columnar epithelium, we illustrate that virus does not transverse barriers as well as previously thought due to mucus impediment. We also show a statistically significant correlation between the viral load of inocula and the ability of HIV-1 to pervade the squamous barrier. Overall, our results suggest a diffusive percolation mechanism for the initial events of HIV-1 entry. With these data, we also mathematically extrapolate the number of HIV-1 particles that penetrate the mucosa per coital act, providing a biological description of the mechanism for HIV-1 transmission during the acute and chronic stages of infection.