bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Drought tolerance and growth in populations of a wide‐ranging tree species indicate climate change risks for the boreal north
Authors: Montwé David , Isaac‐Renton Miriam , Hamann Andreas , Spiecker Heinrich 
Published: October 2015

AbstractChoosing drought‐tolerant planting stock in reforestation programs may help adapt forests to climate change. To inform such reforestation strategies, we test lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta Doug. ex Loud. var latifolia Englm.) population response to drought and infer potential benefits of a northward transfer of seeds from drier, southern environments. The objective is addressed by combining dendroecological growth analysis with long‐term genetic field trials. Over 500 trees originating from 23 populations across western North America were destructively sampled in three experimental sites in southern British Columbia, representing a climate warming scenario. Growth after 32 years from provenances transferred southward or northward over long distances was significantly lower than growth of local populations. All populations were affected by a severe natural drought event in 2002. The provenances from the most southern locations showed the highest drought tolerance but low productivity. Local provenances were productive and drought tolerant. Provenances from the boreal north showed lower productivity and less drought tolerance on southern test sites than all other sources, implying that maladaptation to drought may prevent boreal populations from taking full advantage of more favorable growing conditions under projected climate change.
Different glucose tolerance status and incident cardiovascular disease and all‐cause mortality among elderly Iranians
Authors: Mirbolouk Mohammadhassan , Hajebrahimi Mohammad Ali , Akbarpour Samaneh , Tohidi Maryam , Azizi Fereidoun , Hadaegh Farzad 
Published: October 2015

AimsTo determine the effect of different glucose categories on incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) and all‐cause mortality in a population‐based cohort.MethodsA total of 834 individuals aged 65 years and older without a history of CVD at baseline were stratified according to 2‐h post‐load glucose fasting glucose test into six categories including: (i) normal fasting glucose/normal glucose tolerance; (ii) prediabetes, (iii) isolated fasting hyperglycemia (IFH); (iv) isolated post‐challenge hyperglycemia (IPH); (v) IPH and IFH; and (vi) known diabetes mellitus. The prognostic significance of these groups on CVD and total mortality were examined by Cox proportional hazard ratios in a multivariate adjusted model.ResultsOver 9 years of follow up, 186 incidents of CVD and 218 deaths occurred (72 CVD mortality).Of the population, 45.2%, 30.7%, 1.2%, 6.1% 4.7%, and 11.9% were normal fasting glucose/normal glucose tolerance, prediabetes IFH, IPH, IFH and IPH, and known diabetes mellitus, respectively. Multivariate adjusted hazard ratios for CVD were 1.13 (95% CI 0.78–1.64), 1.03 (95% CI 0.25–4.22), 1.17 (95% CI 0.65–2.11), 2.52 (95% CI 1.43–4.42) and 2.39 (95% CI 1.55–3.69), and for CVD mortality were 0.59 (95% CI 0.27–1.30), 2.02 (95% CI 0.27–15.15), 1.26 (95% CI 0.51–3.16), 3.57 (95% CI 1.64–7.75), and 4.70 (95% CI 2.54–8.69) for prediabetes, IFH, IPH, IFH and IPH, and known diabetes mellitus phenotypes, respectively. Corresponding hazard ratios for all‐cause mortality in multivariate model adjusted for prevalent CVD were 1.07 (95% CI 0.73–1.57), 0.59 (95% CI 0.08–4.30), 0.92 (95% CI 0.5–1.70), 2.31 (95% CI 1.33–4.01) and 3.88 (95% CI 2.70–5.55), respectively.ConclusionAmong the elderly population with newly diagnosed diabetes, only the combined IFH and IPH phenotype, but not IFH or IPH alone, was a significant predictor of CVD and mortality events. Prediabetes was not associated with any risk. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2016; 16: 1263–1271.
Focal But Not Diffuse Myocardial Fibrosis Burden Quantification Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Left Ventricular Reverse Modeling Following Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy
Authors: CHEN ZHONG , SOHAL MANAV , SAMMUT EVA , CHILD NICK , JACKSON TOM , CLARIDGE SIMON , COOKLIN MICHAEL , O'NEILL MARK , WRIGHT MATTHEW , GILL JASWINDER , CHIRIBIRI AMEDEO , SCHAEFFTER TOBIAS , CARR‐WHITE GERRY , RAZAVI REZA , RINALDI C. ALDO 
Published: October 2015

Focal But Not Diffuse Fibrosis Burden Predicts CRT Remodeling ResponseIntroductionMany heart failure patients with dyssynchrony do not reverse remodel (RR) in response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). The presence of focal and diffuse interstitial myocardial fibrosis may explain this high nonresponse rate. T1 mapping is a new cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) technique that overcomes the limitations of conventional contrast CMR and provides reliable quantitative assessment of diffuse myocardial fibrosis. The study tested the hypothesis that focal and diffuse fibrosis quantification would correlate with a lack of left ventricular (LV) RR to CRT.Methods and ResultsIn a prospective study of 48 consecutive patients (27 ischemic cardiomyopathy, 21 dilated cardiomyopathy) LV scar burdens were quantified (scar core and gray zone using late gadolinium enhancement LGE CMR; interstitial fibrosis using T1 mapping) before CRT implant. LV RR was defined by a ≥ 15% reduction in LV end‐systolic volume 6 months postimplant. Twenty‐seven (56%) patients were responders with RR. Association between scar quantification and LV RR was assessed using the Poisson regression model. Univariate analysis showed that QRS duration/morphology, scar core, and gray zone volumes expressed as % of LV mass and extracellular volume index (ECV) (a measure of interstitial fibrosis from T1 mapping) to be significant predictors of LV RR. Multivariable‐adjusted analyses demonstrated scar core quantification (≥13.7% LV mass) to be the only independent predictor of LV RR (prevalence ratio 0.40, P = 0.038).ConclusionsFocal scar burden detected by LGE CMR is associated with a poor response to CRT. Diffuse interstitial fibrosis assessment by T1 mapping, however, is not independently predictive of CRT response.
Apixaban, Rivaroxaban, and Dabigatran in Patients Undergoing Atrial Fibrillation Ablation
Authors: RILLIG ANDREAS , LIN TINA , PLESMAN JOAQUINA , HEEGER CHRISTIAN‐H. , LEMES CHRISTINE , METZNER ANDREAS , MATHEW SHIBU , WISSNER ERIK , WOHLMUTH PETER , OUYANG FEIFAN , KUCK KARL‐HEINZ , TILZ ROLAND RICHARD 
Published: October 2015

Periprocedural Anticoagulation in AF AblationIntroductionData on the novel oral anticoagulants (NOACS) during catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF) are still limited. This study evaluated the periprocedural major complications (MC) of CA of AF, and compared Apixaban, Dabigatran, and Rivaroxaban with continuous phenoprocoumon.Methods and ResultsA total of 444 patients (mean age = 65.1 ± 9.4 years; 283 [64%] male) with paroxysmal (n = 180 [41%]), persistent (n = 256 [58%]), or longstanding‐persistent AF were enrolled. CA was performed in all patients using radiofrequency energy in conjunction with a 3D‐mapping system. MCs were defined according to the current guidelines. Continuous phenprocoumon‐therapy was administered in 120/444 (27%) patients (group 1) and 324/444 (73%) patients were treated with NOACs (group 2; Dabigatran: n = 51 [15.7%]; Rivaroxaban: n = 193 [59.6%]; Apixaban: n = 80 [24.7%]). Procedure times were comparable between groups 1 and 2 (128.2 ± 39.7 minutes vs. 129.7 ± 51.2 minutes; P = 0.77). CHA2DS2‐Vasc (3.0 [2.0, 4.0)] vs. 2.0 [1.0, 3.0]; P < 0.01) and HASBLED scores (2.0 [2.0, 2.5] vs. 2.0 [1.0, 2.0]; P = 0.002) were higher in group 1 patients. The incidence of MCs in the overall group was 8/444 (2%) and was equally distributed between groups 1 and 2 (2/120 [2%] vs. 6/324 [2%], P = 0.90). The incidence of MCs was comparable between the three different NOACs. There were no significant differences between patients with and without MCs with regard to age, CHA2DS2‐Vasc‐score or HASBLED‐score.ConclusionsThe major complication rate between all three NOACs currently available and continuous phenprocoumon during AF ablation seem to be comparable. Complication rates were similar between patients treated with the three different available NOACs.
Antiretrovirals inhibit arginase in human microglia
Authors: Lisi Lucia , Laudati Emilia , Miscioscia Teresa F. , Dello Russo Cinzia , Topai Alessandra , Navarra Pierluigi 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPreliminary evidence in an animal model, that is, primary cultures of rat microglia cells, suggested that some antiretroviral drugs (ARVs), namely darunavir, atazanavir, efavirenz, and nevirapine, increase NO production through a mechanism involving the inhibition of arginase (ARG) activity. This study was conceived to investigate the effects of ARVs on ARG activity in a human experimental model. We compared CHME‐5 human microglial immortalized cells under basal conditions with cells exposed to either IL‐4, a mix of inflammatory cytokines, or both stimuli given together. We also tested the effects of ARVs on CHME‐5 cell lysates after exposure to the above stimuli. Moreover, the interaction between the ARVs and ARG was investigated via computational chemistry. We found that ARVs consistently inhibit ARG activity both in intact and lysed cells. In docking studies, darunavir and atazanavir showed similar scores compared with both l‐arginine and the ARG antagonist nor‐NOHA. Efavirenz and nevirapine, which are less potent in inhibiting ARG in the biochemical assay, also had lower scores. In conclusion, the present findings in a human model support the notion that ARG pathway can present a new, additional molecular target for different ARVs in HIV treatments.
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We found that antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) consistently inhibit arginase (ARG)‐I activity both in intact and lysed cells. In docking studies, darunavir (DRV) and atazanavir (ATV) showed similar scores compared to both l‐arginine and the ARG antagonist, Nω‐hydroxy‐nor‐arginine (nor‐NOHA). Efavirenz (EFV) and nevirapine (NVP), which are less potent in inhibiting ARG in the biochemical assay, also had lower scores. In conclusion, the present findings in a human model support the notion that ARG pathway can be envisioned as an additional and new molecular target of different ARVs in HIV treatments.
The patient's experience of temporary paralysis from spinal anaesthesia, a part of total knee replacement
Authors: Bager Louise , Konradsen Hanne , Dreyer Pia Sander 
Published: October 2015

Aims and objectivesThe aim of this study was to describe the meaning of being temporary paralysed from spinal anaesthesia when undergoing total knee replacement.BackgroundTotal knee arthroplasty is a common procedure, and regional anaesthesia is used as a method for anaesthetising the patient. The experience is highly individual in substance and duration, and it can extend far beyond care settings as intraoperative care and the postanaesthesia care unit that have been investigated so far.DesignA qualitative phenomenological hermeneutic design was chosen to gain a deeper understanding of the experience of spinal anaesthesia, as a part of having a total knee replacement.MethodsTwelve patients were interviewed in March 2014 after undergoing an elective total knee arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia. The interviews were analysed with a Ricoeur‐inspired interpretation method.ResultsThree themes were derived from the interviews: ‘anaesthesia – an unavoidable necessity’, ‘an unrecognisable and incomprehensible body’ and ‘the body returns – joy and agony’.ConclusionThe results reveal that trust in the health care personnel and knowledge of the course of events play a key role in the experience. The trust can be breached by unforeseen events, or if the patient's experiences were not taken into account. The ability of the health care personnel to be in contact, share relevant knowledge with‐ and compensate for the patient is crucial in the prevention of negative experiences.Relevance to clinical practiceThe results of this study contribute to insights and deeper knowledge that can enhance staff's ability to provide care for patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty in spinal anaesthesia. The results provide perspectives that argue for care in accordance to individual needs.
Earnings Announcements and Systematic Risk
Authors: SAVOR PAVEL , WILSON MUNGO 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACTFirms scheduled to report earnings earn an annualized abnormal return of 9.9%. We propose a risk‐based explanation for this phenomenon, whereby investors use announcements to revise their expectations for nonannouncing firms, but can only do so imperfectly. Consequently, the covariance between firm‐specific and market cash flow news spikes around announcements, making announcers especially risky. Consistent with our hypothesis, announcer returns forecast aggregate earnings. The announcement premium is persistent across stocks, and early (late) announcers earn higher (lower) returns. Nonannouncers' response to announcements is consistent with our model, both over time and across firms. Finally, exposure to announcement risk is priced.
Field test of canopy cover estimation by hemispherical photographs taken with a smartphone
Authors: Tichý Lubomír 
Published: October 2015

AbstractAimTo test the Canopy Cover (CaCo) index for forest vegetation research estimation of canopy cover from hemispherical photographs, and introduce a new Android smartphone application for use of this index.MethodsThe original and modified CaCo index were evaluated using a data set of 234 hemispherical photographs taken in 78 plots in coniferous, mixed and broad‐leaved deciduous forests. The results of the CaCo analysis of these photographs were compared with expert field visual estimation of canopy cover of these plots. For each hemispherical photograph, several CaCo values were calculated based on the photograph being restricted to different degrees by artificial horizon masking. The CaCo index was also tested with respect to precision of canopy cover estimation and sensitivity to different photographic equipment, using a different set of 93 canopy photographs taken in mixed and coniferous forests. Calculation of the CaCo index was done with the newly developed GLAMA – Gap Light Analysis Mobile Application software.ResultsLinear regression showed a close relationship between the CaCo index and visually observed canopy cover data. A proposed calculation modification improved the stability of the CaCo index in cases in which no horizon masking was applied. The best fit, zero‐intercept and a regression slope close to1 were found in cases in which an artificial horizon mask that extended higher than 45° restricted the bottom part of the sky hemisphere. Low sensitivity of the CaCo index to type of photographic equipment used was shown.ConclusionsThe CaCo index is robust and can be used for precise canopy cover estimation, comparable to visual canopy cover estimation and unaffected by observer bias. Not only can it be used on already‐captured photographs, but the index can also be employed on smartphones to rapidly capture hemispherical photographs and immediately calculate their index values. This application is freely available on the Internet and can serve as a powerful research and educational tool that can not only calculate CaCo values, but also standardize forest canopy visual estimates.
Development and function of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells
Authors: Wang Yuan Min , Ghali Joanna , Zhang Geoff Yu , Hu Min , Wang Ya , Sawyer Andrew , Zhou Jimmy Jianheng , Hapudeniya Dhanushka A. , Wang Yiping , Cao Qi , Zheng Guoping , Harris David C. , Alexander Stephen I. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractRegulatory T cells (Tregs) have been recognized as having a major role in maintaining peripheral tolerance and preventing and limiting autoimmune and chronic inflammatory diseases. Tregs derive from the thymus and also develop peripherally. In this review, we discuss recent progress in our understanding of the basic mechanisms involved in Treg development and function in protecting against autoimmunity in the periphery, including thymic selection, peripheral induction and the many mechanisms of Treg suppression. Specifically in kidney disease, Tregs have been shown to play a role in limiting injury and may potentially have a therapeutic role.
Maternal Vocal Interactions with Infants: Reciprocal Visual Influences
Authors: Trehub Sandra E. , Plantinga Judy , Russo Frank A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe present study examined the influence of infant visual cues on maternal vocal and facial expressiveness while speaking or singing and the influence of maternal visual cues on infant attention. Experiment 1 asked whether mothers exhibit more vocal emotion when speaking and singing to infants in or out of view. Adults judged which of each pair of audio excerpts (in view, out of view) sounded more emotional. Face‐to‐face vocalizations were judged more emotional than vocalizations to infants out of view. Moreover, mothers smiled considerably more while singing than while speaking to infants. Experiment 2 examined the influence of video feedback from infants on maternal speech and singing. Maternal vocalizations in the context of video feedback were judged to be less emotional than those in face‐to‐face contexts but more emotional than those in out‐of‐view contexts. Experiment 3 compared six‐month‐old infants’ attention to maternal speech and singing with audio‐only versions or with silent video‐only versions. Infants exhibited comparable attention to audio‐only versions of speech and singing but greater attention to video‐only versions of singing. The present investigation is unique in documenting the contribution of infant visual feedback to maternal vocal emotion in contexts that control for infants’ presence, visibility, and proximity.
Teaching Introductory Upper‐Level Religion and Theology Classes
Authors: Clingerman Forrest , O'Brien Kevin J. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractThe undergraduate study of religion is predominantly undertaken by non‐majors who are meeting a general education requirement. This means that, while curricular discussions make important distinctions between the work of lower‐ and upper‐division courses, many religion and theology faculty are teaching hybrid courses that we call “introductory upper‐level courses.” These play an introductory role in general education while also serving the study of religion in a more advanced way. Attention to how these courses fit into multiple curricular goals will be important for the scholarship of teaching and learning in religious studies and theology. This essay draws on scholarship about introductory teaching and a survey of faculty about introductory upper‐level courses to argue that the content of such courses should be understood as serving the study of religion at an advanced level, the context should be understood as introducing general education goals, and the goals for intellectual growth must strike a challenging balance between the two.
Selection and genetic analysis of fenvalerate resistance in Amblyseius pseudolongispinosus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: ZHU KEYAN , KE LISHENG , XIN JIELIU 
Published: October 2015

A fenvalerate-resistant strain of Amblyseius pseudolongispinosus Xin, Liang & Ke was selected and evaluated for level of resistance. After 18 selection cycles, the LC50 value was 65 times higher than in wild-type strain. Resistance was partially lost if the selection pressure was removed. Genetic studies indicated that the resistance factor was controlled by a single, incompletely dominant gene. The resistant strain, which had the same intrinsic rate of increase as the wild-type strain, might be a useful biological control agent of spider mites in an IPM system.
The Relationship between Microbial Community Evenness and Function in Slow Sand Filters
Authors: Haig Sarah-Jane , Quince Christopher , Davies Robert L. , Dorea Caetano C. , Collins Gavin 
Published: October 2015

ABSTRACT

Two full-scale slow sand filters (SSFs) were sampled periodically from April until November 2011 to study the spatial and temporal structures of the bacterial communities found in the filters. To monitor global changes in the microbial communities, DNA from sand samples taken at different depths and locations within the SSFs and at different filters ages was used for Illumina 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Additionally, 15 water quality parameters were monitored to assess filter performance, with functionally relevant microbial members being identified by using multivariate statistics. The bacterial diversity in the SSFs was found to be much larger than previously documented, with community composition being shaped by the characteristics of the SSFs (filter age and depth) and sampling characteristics (month, side, and distance from the influent and effluent pipes). We found that several key genera (
Acidovorax
,
Halomonas
,
Sphingobium
, and
Sphingomonas
) were associated with filter performance. In addition, at the whole-community level, a strong positive correlation was found between species evenness and filter performance. This study is the first to comprehensively characterize the microbial community of SSFs and link specific microbes to water quality parameters. In doing so, we reveal key patterns in microbial community structure that relate to overall community function.

IMPORTANCE
The supply of sustainable, energy-efficient, and safe drinking water to an increasing world population is a huge challenge faced by the water industry. SSFs have been used for hundreds of years to provide a safe and reliable source of potable drinking water, with minimal energy requirements. However, a lack of knowledge pertaining to the treatment mechanisms, particularly the biological processes, underpinning SSF operation has meant that SSFs are still operated as “black boxes.” Understanding these dynamics alongside performance-induced effects associated with operational differences will promote optimized SSF design, maintenance, and operation, creating more efficient and environmentally sustainable filters. Through a spatial-temporal survey of full-scale SSFs at various points of operation, we present the most detailed characterization to date of the functional microbial communities found in SSFs, linking various taxa and community metrics to optimal water quality production.