bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Next‐generation dynamic global vegetation models: learning from community ecology
Authors: Scheiter Simon , Langan Liam , Higgins Steven I. 
Published: March 2013

Summary

Dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs) are powerful tools to project past, current and future vegetation patterns and associated biogeochemical cycles. However, most models are limited by how they define vegetation and by their simplistic representation of competition.

We discuss how concepts from community assembly theory and coexistence theory can help to improve vegetation models. We further present a trait‐ and individual‐based vegetation model (aDGVM2) that allows individual plants to adopt a unique combination of trait values. These traits define how individual plants grow and compete. A genetic optimization algorithm is used to simulate trait inheritance and reproductive isolation between individuals. These model properties allow the assembly of plant communities that are adapted to a site's biotic and abiotic conditions.

The aDGVM2 simulates how environmental conditions influence the trait spectra of plant communities; that fire selects for traits that enhance fire protection and reduces trait diversity; and the emergence of life‐history strategies that are suggestive of colonization–competition trade‐offs.

The aDGVM2 deals with functional diversity and competition fundamentally differently from current DGVMs. This approach may yield novel insights as to how vegetation may respond to climate change and we believe it could foster collaborations between functional plant biologists and vegetation modellers.
Issues in caregiving for older people with intellectual disabilities and their ageing family carers: a review and commentary
Authors: Ryan Assumpta , Taggart Laurence , Truesdale‐Kennedy Maria , Slevin Eamonn 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundIn keeping with worldwide demographic changes and an ageing population, people with intellectual disabilities are living longer and all the evidence suggest that this trend will continue. This ‘new’ population of older people and their carers will pose challenges for health and social care providers.AimThis paper presents a review of the literature on key issues influencing caregiving for older people with intellectual disabilities and their ageing family carers.MethodsThe review was undertaken using a framework adapted from the NHS Centre for Reviews and Dissemination. Papers were identified through the use of databases including CINAHL, Science Direct, PsychoInfo, Blackwell Synergy, the Cochrane Library and MEDLINE.FindingsThe key themes which emerged from the literature and which consequently form the basis of this review include: ageing family carers, future planning and support services. In the context of family caregiving, older people with intellectual disabilities represent a unique group insofar as they are unlikely to be married and therefore have no spouse or dependents to care for them in later life. As a result, parents (usually mothers) have to continue caring for their son or daughter with an intellectual disability as they both grow older, often resulting in a mutually dependent relationship. The caregiving situation is further complicated by poor emergency and future planning and by a lack of appropriate services for this group of individuals.ConclusionsIn light of the emergence of a ‘new’ population of older people with intellectual disabilities, there is an urgent need to develop services and support structures which will enable these individuals and their ageing carers to x91age in placex92 and when this is no longer possible, to have appropriate alternatives that recognise the duality of their needs as older people and as people with intellectual disabilities.Implications for PracticeOpportunities for supervision could be one way to increase individuals' awareness of their own role in the team.
Biofortification of cereals to overcome hidden hunger
Authors: Rawat Nidhi , Neelam Kumari , Tiwari Vijay K. , Dhaliwal Harcharan S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMore than 60% of the world population suffers from iron deficiency, and over 30% of the global population has zinc deficiency. Micronutrient deficiency leads to compromised health and economic losses and is prevalent in populations depending on non‐diversified plant‐based diets. Increasing mineral content of staple food crops through biofortification is the most feasible strategy of combating micronutrient malnutrition. Additionally, it will also enhance the agronomic efficiency of crops on mineral poor soils. A multipronged strategy towards enhancing mineral content of cereal grains should involve increased uptake of minerals from soil, enhanced partitioning towards grain and improved sequestration in the edible tissues of grains. At the same time, it is essential to improve mineral absorption in vivo from cereal‐based diets. Both conventional and modern breeding approaches and genetic engineering are being employed for biofortification of crop plants. With increased understanding of mineral uptake and transport mechanisms in plants, it is becoming ever more possible to engineer biofortified crop plants with the ultimate goal of overcoming hidden hunger.
Pyloromyotomy versus i.v. atropine therapy for the treatment of infantile pyloric stenosis: Nationwide hospital discharge database analysis
Authors: Takeuchi Masato , Yasunaga Hideo , Horiguchi Hiromasa , Hashimoto Hideki , Matsuda Shinya 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundSeveral studies have suggested that i.v. atropine has a potential role in treating infantile hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (IHPS). It remains unclear, however, whether surgery can be replaced by i.v. therapy.MethodsData were extracted on infants with IHPS who were treated with atropine and/or surgery, from a nationwide administrative database through 2006–2008. Patient demographic data, treatment effects and length of hospital stay were analyzed in each treatment group.ResultsA total of 585 infants met the criteria for IHPS; 188 patients (32%) were initially treated with atropine (i.v. form, n = 180; oral form, n = 8), while 397 were treated with surgery as a first‐line therapy. Of the 180 infants receiving i.v. atropine, 38 were withdrawn from medical management and subsequently underwent surgery. Thus, the overall success rate of i.v. atropine was 78.9% (142/180). Surgery had a success rate of 100%, and postoperative complications were found in 2.8% of patients (12/435). Medical management required longer hospital stay than surgery (mean, 13.5 days vs 8.0 days; P < 0.001).ConclusionSurgery remains the suitable standard management option for IHPS, with its high success rate, minimal complications and shorter hospital stay compared with i.v. atropine therapy.
Increased risk of gastrointestinal acute GVHD following the addition of melphalan to busulfan/cyclophosphamide conditioning
Authors: Mårtensson T. , Priftakis P. , Casswall T. , Ringdén O. , Mattsson J. , Remberger M. , Hassan M. , Gustafsson B. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractRisk factors associated with the development of aGVHD in the gastrointestinal tract have not been studied in depth. We retrospectively assessed 25 pediatric patients with MDS and JMML and compared the treatment outcome of two different conditioning regimens. Seventeen children (68%) underwent conditioning with busulfan (Bu), cyclophosphamide (Cy), and melphalan (Mel) and eight children (32%) with Bu and Cy. Gastrointestinal aGVHD stages II–IV (day 0–100) were observed in 47% (eight of 17) of the patients in the BuCyMel group and in none (0 of 8) in the BuCy group (p < 0.05). In patients who developed gastrointestinal aGVHD stages III–IV, a 24‐h variation in the Bu concentration with a nighttime peak was noted. HC and liver aGVHD stages II–IV were observed in 47% (eight of 17) and 35% (six of 17) after BuCyMel conditioning and in 0% (0 of 17) and 12.5% (one of eight) after BuCy conditioning. The overall survival rate was 53% (nine of 17) in the BuCyMel group and 62.5% (five of eight) in the BuCy group. In conclusion, the addition of melphalan to the BuCy conditioning regimen resulted in severe gastrointestinal complications and did not improve overall survival.
Apoptosis‐Related Protein Expression During Pre‐ and Post‐Natal Testicular Development After Administration of Glucocorticoid in utero in the Sheep
Authors: Pedrana G , Viotti MH , Souza E , Sloboda D , Martin GB , Cavestany D , Ortega HH 
Published: March 2013

ContentsPre‐natal glucocorticoids are used in women at risk of preterm delivery to induce foetal lung maturation. However, glucocorticoids can produce negative outcomes for other tissues such as the reproductive system. We therefore tested the effects of pre‐natal betamethasone on testicular morphology and apoptotic protein immune expression during pre‐ and post‐natal development. Pregnant ewes (n = 42) bearing singleton male foetuses were randomly allocated to receive intramuscular injections of saline or betamethasone (0. 5 mg/kg) at 104, 111 and 118 days of gestation (DG). Testes were collected at 121 and 132 DG, and at 45 and 90 post‐natal days (PD) and subjected to morphometric analysis (volume densities of sex cords and interstitial tissues; sex cord diameter). Immunohistochemistry (% stained area) was used to assess active caspase‐3, Bax, Bcl‐2 and cell‐cycle proteins (PCNA). Compared with control values, betamethasone treatment decreased sex cord diameter at 121 DG, 45 and 90 PD, and sex cord volume at 90 PD. Active caspase‐3 was decreased by betamethasone at 121 DG and 90 PD, but Bax was increased in all betamethasone groups. Bcl‐2 and PCNA decreased in the betamethasone groups at 121 DG and 45 PD, but increased at 132 DG and 90 PD. We conclude that high levels of pre‐natally administered glucocorticoid reduce foetal testicular development, perhaps via changes in the balance between pro‐ and anti‐apoptotic proteins and cell‐cycle proteins. These outcomes could compromise the future spermatogenic potential of male offspring.
Professional support and emergency visits during the first 2 weeks postpartum
Authors: Barimani Mia , Oxelmark Lena , Johansson Sven‐Erik , Langius‐Eklöf Ann , Hylander Ingrid 
Published: March 2013

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to assess mothers' perceived satisfaction with professional support during the first 2 weeks after childbirth and the extent to which mothers seek emergency care during the same period.DesignA cross‐sectional study was conducted of all mothers (n = 546) in Stockholm County, Sweden, who gave birth to a live baby during the same week in 2009.Ethical issuesThe study was approved by the regional Research and Ethics Committee at the Karolinska Insititutet, Sweden.MethodsThe mothers responded to a study‐specific questionnaire on perceived satisfaction with professional support and the sense of coherence scale, which measures coping strategies. The mothers also provided information about their socio‐demographic background, obstetric and infant data, and visits to hospital emergency departments. Descriptive and logistic regression analyses were performed.ResultsFifty‐three percent of the mothers rated the support received as sufficient or more than sufficient, 29.7% as neither sufficient nor insufficient and 17.7% as insufficient or completely insufficient. The results indicate a lack of continuity in postpartum care. As many as 17% of the mothers in the study population visited hospital emergency departments during the first 2 weeks after childbirth, as a result of problems related to delivery, breastfeeding or infant health. A higher frequency of such emergency visits was associated with poor perception of professional support, low sense of coherence and delivery complications.ConclusionsRelative to otherwise comparable mothers, mothers who experience complications with delivery are less satisfied with professional support and turn more frequently to hospital emergency departments for support.
Obtaining Party Positions on Immigration in Switzerland: Comparing Different Methods
Authors: Ruedin Didier 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe position of political parties on policy issues is crucial for many questions of political science, including studies of political representation. This research note examines different methods for obtaining party positions on immigration in retrospective. Party positions are obtained using pooled expert surveys, manual coding of party manifestos with a conventional codebook, manual coding of manifestos using check‐lists, and automatic coding of manifestos using Wordscores and a dictionary of keywords respectively. In addition, positions from a media analysis and a retrospective evaluation of researchers in the field of immigration are used. The results suggest that most methods differentiate the same order of party positions. While there are high correlations between many methods, the different methods tend not to agree on the exact positions. The automatic dictionary approach does not seem to measure party positions reliably.
Determination of Ductile Fracture Parameters of a Dual‐Phase Steel by Optical Measurements
Authors: Gruben G. , Vysochinskiy D. , Coudert T. , Reyes A. , Lademo O.‐G. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTMarciniak–Kuczynski and Nakajima tests of the dual‐phase steel Docol 600DL (www.ssab.com/) have been carried out for a range of stress‐states spanning from uniaxial tension to equi‐biaxial tension. The deformation histories of the specimens have been recorded by digital images, and the displacement and strain fields have been determined by post‐processing the images with digital image correlation software. The fracture characteristics of the material are presented by means of the stress triaxiality, the Lode parameter and the equivalent strain. These parameters are evaluated on the surface of the specimens based on the optical field measurements and assumptions regarding the mechanical behaviour of the material. Additionally the minor versus major principal strains up to fracture are presented. It is found that the material displays a significantly lower ductility in plane‐strain tension than in uniaxial tension and equi‐biaxial tension, and that it, in the tests exposed to local necking, undergoes large strains between the onset of necking and fracture. Fractographs of selected specimens reveal that fracture is due to growth and coalescence of voids that occur in localised areas governed by shear‐band instability.
The Cimmerian geopuzzle: new data from South Pamir
Authors: Angiolini Lucia , Zanchi Andrea , Zanchetta Stefano , Nicora Alda , Vezzoli Giovanni 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBased on its Permian‐Triassic stratigraphic and biotic evolution, we correlate the SE Pamir to the Karakoram terrane, and we consider them equivalent, along with the Central Pamir, to the Qiantang Terrane of Tibet, all of Palaeozoic Gondwanan ancestry. We prove the occurrence of a marked Cimmerian unconformity, documented by lowermost Jurassic deposits suturing intensively faulted and folded Permian and Triassic units, which suggests that the South Pamir collided around the T‐J boundary with the Central Pamir along the Rushan‐Pshart suture. Collision of the Karakoram to the South Pamir happened slightly later along the Wakhan‐Tirich Boundary Zone. Progressive time shifting of deformation can be related to the complex setting of the Cimmerian belt, which was subdivided into minor blocks by incipient oceanic basins, providing strong crustal mobility.
Influence of hepatitis C virus infection and high virus serum load on biliary complications in liver transplantation
Authors: Horster S. , Bäuerlein F.J.B. , Mandel P. , Raziorrouh B. , Hopf C. , Stemmler H.J. , Guba M. , Angele M. , Stangl M. , Rentsch M. , Frey L. , Kaspar M. , Kaczmarek I. , Eberle J. , Nickel T. , Gruener N. , Zachoval R. , Diepolder H. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackgroundBiliary complications (BCs) and recurrent hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are among the major causes of morbidity and graft loss following liver transplantation. The influence of HCV on BCs has not been definitely clarified.Patients and methodsWe performed a retrospective cohort study to analyze risk factors and outcome of post orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) BCs in 352 liver transplant recipients over 12 years in Munich, Germany (n = 84 with HCV; living donor and re‐OLT were excluded). BCs diagnosed with imaging techniques and abnormal liver enzyme pattern, requiring an intervention, were considered.ResultsIn a multivariate analysis, HCV serostatus and a high pre‐and post‐surgery HCV RNA serum load were independent risk factors for anastomotic strictures. HCV positivity and BCs alone did not alter graft loss. HCV‐positive patients with BCs, however, had a significantly worse graft outcome (P = 0.02). Non‐anastomotic strictures, bile leaks, and the number of interventions needed to treat bile leaks led to worse graft outcome in all patients.ConclusionHCV positivity and a high HCV RNA serum load were risk factors for anastomotic strictures. BCs and HCV had an additive effect on graft loss.
Alcohol use, drunkenness and tobacco smoking in rural western Kenya
Authors: Lo T. Q. , Oeltmann J. E. , Odhiambo F. O. , Beynon C. , Pevzner E. , Cain K. P. , Laserson K. F. , Phillips‐Howard P. A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectivesTo describe the prevalence of smoking and alcohol use and abuse in an impoverished rural region of western Kenya.MethodsPicked from a population‐based longitudinal database of demographic and health census data, 72 292 adults (≥18 years) were asked to self‐report their recent (within the past 30 days) and lifetime use of tobacco and alcohol and frequency of recent ‘drunkenness’.ResultsOverall prevalence of ever smoking was 11.2% (11.0–11.5) and of ever drinking, 20.7% (20.4–21.0). The prevalence of current smoking was 6.3% (6.1–6.5); 5.7% (5.5–5.9) smoked daily. 7.3% (7.1–7.5) reported drinking alcohol within the past 30 days. Of these, 60.3% (58.9–61.6) reported being drunk on half or more of all drinking occasions. The percentage of current smokers rose with the number of drinking days in a month (P < 0.0001). Tobacco and alcohol use increased with decreasing socio‐economic status and amongst women in the oldest age group (P < 0.0001).ConclusionsTobacco and alcohol use are prevalent in this rural region of Kenya. Abuse of alcohol is common and likely influenced by the availability of cheap, home‐manufactured alcohol. Appropriate evidence‐based policies to reduce alcohol and tobacco use should be widely implemented and complemented by public health efforts to increase awareness of their harmful effects.
In vivo reduction of cell‐free methemoglobin to oxyhemoglobin results in vasoconstriction in canines
Authors: Wang Dong , Piknova Barbora , Solomon Steven B. , Cortes‐Puch Irene , Kern Steven J. , Sun Junfeng , Kanias Tamir , Gladwin Mark T. , Helms Christine , Kim‐Shapiro Daniel B. , Schechter Alan N. , Natanson Charles 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundCell‐free hemoglobin (Hb) in the vasculature leads to vasoconstriction and injury. Proposed mechanisms have been based on nitric oxide (NO) scavenging by oxyhemoglobin (oxyHb) or processes mediated by oxidative reactions of methemoglobin (metHb). To clarify this, we tested the vascular effect and fate of oxyHb or metHb infusions.Study Design and MethodsTwenty beagles were challenged with 1‐hour similar infusions of (200 μmol/L) metHb (n = 5), oxyHb (n = 5), albumin (n = 5), or saline (n = 5). Measurements were taken over 3 hours.ResultsInfusions of the two pure Hb species resulted in increases in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP), systemic vascular resistance index, and NO consumption capacity of plasma (all p < 0.05) with the effects of oxyHb being greater than that from metHb (MAP; increase 0 to 3 hr; 27 ± 6% vs. 7 ± 2%, respectively; all p < 0.05). The significant vasoconstrictive response of metHb (vs. albumin and saline controls) was related to in vivo autoreduction of metHb to oxyHb, and the vasoactive Hb species that significantly correlated with MAP was always oxyHb, either from direct infusion or after in vivo reduction from metHb. Clearance of total Hb from plasma was faster after metHb than oxyHb infusion (p < 0.0001).ConclusionThese findings indicate that greater NO consumption capacity makes oxyHb more vasoactive than metHb. Additionally, metHb is reduced to oxyHb after infusion and cleared faster or is less stable than oxyHb. Although we found no direct evidence that metHb itself is involved in acute vascular effects, in aggregate, these studies suggest that metHb is not inert and its mechanism of vasoconstriction is due to its delayed conversion to oxyHb by plasma‐reducing agents.
Systematic Realist Review of Key Factors Affecting the Successful Implementation and Sustainability of the Liverpool Care Pathway for the Dying Patient
Authors: McConnell Tracey , O'Halloran Peter , Porter Sam , Donnelly Michael 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP) is recommended internationally as a best practice model for the care of patients and their families at the end of life. However, a recent national audit in the United Kingdom highlighted shortcomings; and understanding is lacking regarding the processes and contextual factors that affect implementation.AimTo identify and investigate factors that help or hinder successful implementation and sustainability of the LCP.MethodsElectronic databases (Medline, CINAHL, British Nursing Index, Science Direct) and grey literature were searched, supplemented by citation tracking, in order to identify English language papers containing information relevant to the implementation of the LCP. Using a realist review approach, we systematically reviewed all relevant studies that focused on end of life care and integrated care pathway processes and identified theories that explained how the LCP and related programmes worked.ResultsFifty‐eight papers were included in the review. Key factors identified were: a dedicated facilitator, education and training, audit and feedback, organisational culture, and adequate resources.DiscussionWe discuss how these factors change behaviour by influencing the beliefs, attitudes, motivation and confidence of staff in relation to end of life care, and how contextual factors moderate behaviour change.ConclusionsThe implementation process recommended by the developers of the LCP is necessary but not sufficient to ensure successful implementation and sustainability of the pathway. The key components of the intervention (a dedicated facilitator, education and training, audit and feedback) must be configured to influence the beliefs of staff in relation to end of life care, and increase their motivation and self‐efficacy in relation to using the LCP. The support of senior managers is vital to the release of necessary resources, and a dominant culture of cure, which sees every death as a failure, works against effective communication and collaboration in relation to the LCP.