bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An accounting of C‐based trace gas release during abiotic plant litter degradation
Authors: Lee Hanna , Rahn Thom , Throop Heather 
Published: October 2011

AbstractRecent studies showed that photochemical breakdown (photodegradation) of plant material accounts for a substantial portion of litter decomposition and subsequent trace gas release in ecosystems under high radiative load and low precipitation. In the absence of solar radiation, thermal degradation may also cause trace gas release at temperatures below the ignition point. These observations suggest that the abiotic processes of photodegradation and thermal degradation of plant litter may be important in understanding global trace gas budgets. In a laboratory incubation study, we performed a simultaneous carbon (C) accounting of CO2, CO, and CH4 produced as a byproduct of photodegradation and thermal degradation of six different plant litter types that varied in chemical composition. The patterns of trace gas release during photodegradation and thermal degradation differed considerably across the six plant materials, suggesting that chemical composition of litter may influence the rates of abiotic degradation. There was a strong positive correlation between the rates of trace gas release during photodegradation and temperature. A significant portion of trace gases were produced during low temperature (< 100 °C) thermal degradation of litter in the absence of solar radiation, which was also positively correlated to temperature. In addition, both thermal degradation and photodegradation occurred in the absence of O2. This indicates that the mechanism formerly accepted as photo‐oxidation may only be one of several photodegradation processes. We speculate that the direct breakdown of chemical groups such as carboxyl, carbonyl, and methoxyl groups may result in CO2, CO, and CH4 release. We suggest that the combined processes of thermal and photodegradation of litter may be a previously under accounted source of C‐based trace gases from terrestrial systems.
The effects of land use and climate change on the carbon cycle of Europe over the past 500 years
Authors: Kaplan Jed O. , Krumhardt Kristen M. , Zimmermann Niklaus E. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractThe long residence time of carbon in forests and soils means that both the current state and future behavior of the terrestrial biosphere are influenced by past variability in climate and anthropogenic land use. Over the last half‐millennium, European terrestrial ecosystems were affected by the cool temperatures of the Little Ice Age, rising CO2 concentrations, and human induced deforestation and land abandonment. To quantify the importance of these processes, we performed a series of simulations with the LPJ dynamic vegetation model driven by reconstructed climate, land use, and CO2 concentrations. Although land use change was the major control on the carbon inventory of Europe over the last 500 years, the current state of the terrestrial biosphere is largely controlled by land use change during the past century. Between 1500 and 2000, climate variability led to temporary sequestration events of up to 3 Pg, whereas increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations during the 20th century led to an increase in carbon storage of up to 15 Pg. Anthropogenic land use caused between 25 Pg of carbon emissions and 5 Pg of uptake over the same time period, depending on the historical and spatial pattern of past land use and the timing of the reversal from deforestation to afforestation during the last two centuries. None of the currently existing anthropogenic land use change datasets adequately capture the timing of the forest transition in most European countries as recorded in historical observations. Despite considerable uncertainty, our scenarios indicate that with limited management, extant European forests have the potential to absorb between 5 and 12 Pg of carbon at the present day.
Regulation of CD4+ T‐cell polarization by suppressor of cytokine signalling proteins
Authors: Knosp Camille A. , Johnston James A. 
Published: October 2011

SummarySuppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins are induced in responses to many stimuli and by binding to cytokine receptors and associated janus kinase (JAK) proteins, directly regulate the activation of the signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs). STAT proteins regulate the expression of many genes required for the differentiation of various CD4+ T helper cell lineages, and there is now accumulating evidence that SOCS also play essential roles in the regulation and maintenance of CD4+ T‐cell polarization. As it is now clear that CD4+ T cells are more plastic than initially thought, it is of particular importance to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating CD4+ T‐cell differentiation. Here we review the current understanding of how STATs and SOCS act in concert to influence the polarization of CD4+ T cells and highlight the relevance of this in disease.
Development and psychometric testing of a measure of informal caregiving for hospitalized older adults
Authors: Gur‐Yaish Nurit , Zisberg Anna , Sinoff Gary , Shadmi Efrat 
Published: October 2011

gur‐yaish n., zisberg a., sinoff g. & shadmi e. (2011) Development and psychometric testing of a measure of informal caregiving for hospitalized older adults. Journal of Advanced Nursing 68(4), 931–938.AbstractAim.  This paper is a report of the development and psychometric testing of the questionnaire evaluating informal caregiving for hospitalized older adults.Background.  Informal caregiving of hospitalized older adults is an understudied phenomenon that lacks a valid and reliable measure to capture its multi‐dimensionality.Methods.  An instrument development procedure, followed by an empirical study, was conducted from February to November 2009. Instrument development included item generation and content validity, which was established by five experts. The validation study utilized a retrospective between‐patients design. The sample consisted of 279 patients, aged 70 and older, who were hospitalized in a large medical centre in northern Israel. The internal consistency reliability, construct, convergent and divergent validity of the measure were tested.Results.  The 14‐item scale describes various aspects of informal caregiving for older adults in the hospital setting. The scale has four dimensions: Instrumental care, Supervision of care, Psychological support and Ensuring and Explaining care. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the theoretical model of the four dimensions of care. Reliability analysis revealed acceptable‐to‐high estimates for the total and for the dimensional scores (ranging from 0·78 to 0·89). The convergent and divergent validity coefficients were all in the expected direction.Conclusions.  The preliminary psychometric properties of the measure showed acceptable results. The measure should be further explored in different cultural settings and for its ability to link between caregiving attributes, as captured by the measure, and hospitalization outcomes in older adults.
The added value of quantitative analysis of on‐therapy impedance‐pH parameters in distinguishing refractory non‐erosive reflux disease from functional heartburn
Authors: Frazzoni M. , Conigliaro R. , Mirante V. G. , Melotti G. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractBackground  By analysis of symptom‐reflux association, endoscopy‐negative refractory heartburn can be related to acid/non‐acid refluxes with impedance‐pH monitoring. Unfortunately, patients frequently do not report symptoms during the test. We aimed to assess the contribution of quantitative analysis of impedance‐pH parameters added to symptom‐reflux association in evaluating patients with endoscopy‐negative heartburn refractory to high‐dose proton pump inhibitor therapy.Methods  The symptom association probability (SAP), the symptom index (SI), the esophageal acid exposure time and the number of distal and proximal refluxes were assessed at on‐therapy impedance‐pH monitoring. Relationships with hiatal hernia and manometric findings were also evaluated.Key Results  Eighty patients were prospectively studied. Refractory heartburn was more frequently related to reflux by a positive SAP/SI and/or abnormal impedance‐pH parameters (52/80 cases) (65%) than by a positive SAP/SI only (38/80 cases) (47%) (P = 0.038).In patients with refractory non‐erosive reflux disease (NERD) defined by a positive SAP/SI and/or abnormal impedance‐pH parameters, the prevalence of hiatal hernia was significantly higher (56%vs 21%, P = 0.007) and the mean lower esophageal sphincter tone was significantly lower (18.7 vs 25.8 mmHg, P = 0.005) than in those (35%) with reflux‐unrelated, i.e., functional heartburn (FH). On the contrary, no significant difference was observed subdividing patients according to a positive SAP/SI only.Conclusions & Inferences  Quantitative analysis of impedance‐pH parameters added to symptom‐reflux association allows a subdivision of refractory‐heartburn patients into refractory NERD and FH which is substantiated by pathophysiological findings and which restricts the diagnosis of FH to one third of cases.
Increased neural progenitors in individuals with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Ekonomou A. , Johnson M. , Perry R. H. , Perry E. K. , Kalaria R. N. , Minger S. L. , Ballard C. G. 
Published: October 2011

A. Ekonomou, M. Johnson, R. H. Perry, E. K. Perry, R. N. Kalaria, S. L. Minger and C. G. Ballard (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 344–353Increased neural progenitors in individuals with cerebral small vessel diseaseAims: Recent work has highlighted a significant increase of neural stem/progenitor cells after stroke in humans. In this study, we examined neurogenesis in small vessel disease, a key concurrent pathology in Alzheimer's disease. Methods: We assayed autopsy tissue from 13 vascular dementia patients with small vessel disease and 12 age‐matched subjects without cerebrovascular pathology, undertaking immunohistochemistry in the affected brain area and the subventricular zone with a well‐characterized battery of antibodies to detect neural stem cells/progenitors and immature neurones, as well as choline acetyltransferase immunoreactivity. Results: We showed significant increases ranging from 33% to 92% (P < 0.05) in neural progenitor cells around the areas of microvascular pathology and in the subventricular zone in patients with small vessel disease compared to individuals without cerebrovascular changes, even in patients with severe cerebrovascular disease, as defined by neuropathological assessment. Some of the progenitor cells give rise to immature neurones in the affected areas. These alterations were associated with vascular changes, but were unrelated to the cholinergic deficit observed in the cortex and subventricular zone in these patients, in contrast to other dementias examined such as dementia with Lewy bodies. Conclusions: This study provides evidence for neurogenesis in small vessel disease and may have important implications for the development of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
The impact of risk information exposure on women's beliefs about direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing for BRCA mutations
Authors: Gray SW , Hornik RC , Schwartz JS , Armstrong K 
Published: October 2011

Gray SW, Hornik RC, Schwartz JS, Armstrong K. The impact of risk information exposure on women's beliefs about direct‐to‐consumer genetic testing for BRCA mutations.Despite an increase in direct‐to‐consumer (DTC) genetic testing, little is known about how variations in website content might alter consumer behavior. We evaluated the impact of risk information provision on women's attitudes about DTC BRCA testing. We conducted a randomized experiment; women viewed a ‘mock’BRCA testing website without [control group (CG)] or with information on the potential risks of DTC testing [RG; framed two ways: unattributed risk (UR) information and risk information presented by experts (ER)]. Seven hundred and sixty‐seven women participated; mean age was 37 years, mean education was 15 years, and 79% of subjects were white. Women in the RG had less positive beliefs about DTC testing (mean RG = 23.8,CG = 25.2;p = 0.001), lower intentions to get tested (RG = 2.8,CG = 3.1;p = 0.03), were more likely to prefer clinic‐based testing (RG = 5.1,CG = 4.8;p = 0.03) and to report that they had seen enough risk information (RG = 5.3,CG = 4.7;p < 0.001). UR and ER exposure produced similar effects. Effects did not differ for women with or without a personal/family history of breast/ovarian cancer. Exposing women to the potential risks of DTC BRCA testing altered their beliefs, preferences, and intentions. Risk messages appear to be salient to women irrespective of their chance of having a BRCA mutation.
Fertilizer Best Management Practices: A Perspective from the Dryland West Asia–North Africa Region
Authors: Ryan J. , Sommer R. , Ibrikci H. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractChemical fertilizer use has contributed significantly to increased global food output in the past half century, especially in climatically favourable regions of the world. However, in drier agro‐ecological zones, such as in West Asia and North Africa (WANA) with a Mediterranean‐type climate, fertilizer use has been low but has increased rapidly in the past few decades. Chemical fertilizer use is now widely adopted in rainfed and irrigated agriculture. As elsewhere, fertilizer use is underpinned by concerns about biological and economic efficiency. Fertilizer use efficiency is central to the current concept of fertilizer best management practices (FBMP), which embraces right source, right place, right timing and right application method. In this brief review, we highlight such FBMP concepts as related to agriculture of the WANA region, with emphasis on the key nutrients for crop production. Rainfall has a dominant influence on dryland crop yields. Nitrogen (N) use efficiency increases with increasing rainfall and is influenced by crop rotation. Under rainfed conditions, modest N losses by volatilization can occur. Leaching losses are usually minimal. Phosphorus use (P) efficiency is higher with band application than with broadcasting. Balanced fertilization, especially involving potassium (K) and micronutrients, is fundamental to efficient nutrient use. Fertilizer efficiency is also influenced by soil test values and agronomic factors that influence crop yields, e.g. sowing date and varietal differences. Rational fertilizer application rates are guided by calibration–response trials. Effective fertilizer use in the region is also dictated by external factors such as government policies and a functioning extension service. In contrast to other regions of the world, environmental impacts from the overuse of fertilizers are relatively minor, while developments in fertilizer formulations that promote efficiency have yet to have impact. Despite the relatively low fertilizer use intensity in dryland areas such as the WANA region, the FBMP comprehensive approach is a logical framework within which to achieve the most efficient management and use of fertilizer in the region’s agriculture.
Decay of the Chloroplast Pool of Ascorbate Switches on the Oxidative Burst in UV‐B‐Irradiated Rice
Authors: Lidon F. J. C. , Teixeira M. , Ramalho J. C. 
Published: October 2011

AbstractA parallel was drawn between UV‐B irradiation and the oxidative burst in the chloroplast lamellae of rice plants (Oryza sativa L. cv. Safari). After irradiation with a total biological effective UV‐B of 20.825 kJ m−2 between the 15th and 21st days following germination, it was found that superoxide, hydroxyl radicals and hydrogen peroxide increased significantly in stressed leaves. The levels of ascorbate and the kinetics of superoxide dismutase, glutathione reductase, dehydroascorbate reductase, ascorbate peroxidase and catalase became increasingly inhibited. The developing oxidative burst also diminished photosynthetic pigments and galactolipids accumulation, while the de‐epoxidation state of xanthophylls and lipids peroxidation increased. Following grana disorganisation, the accumulation of chloroplast polypeptides having 72/69, 33/32, 28/26, 22/20 and 18/16 kDa decreased, but the relative proportion of the 49/46 kDa polypeptides increased. The 69/65 kDa polypeptides also diminished on the 15th day. These alterations implicated the failure of both photosystems functioning, but the inhibition of the Hill reactions coupled to the water splitting complex was uppermost. In the 28th day, the chloroplast lamellae of leaves grown after UV‐B exposure revealed a general recovery from oxidative burst and a subsequent higher stacking of thylakoids. It is concluded that UV‐B irradiation becomes lethal when ascorbate oxidation in the xanthophyll cycle limits the antioxidant enzymes kinetics, triggering chloroplast proteolysis and acyl lipid peroxidation because of reactive oxygen species propagation.
Influence of types of sterile cytoplasm on the resistance to sorghum shoot fly (Atherigona soccata)
Authors: Akula Umakanth V. , Poluru Padmaja G. , Jangam Ashok Kumar , Jagannath Patil V. 
Published: October 2011

With 2 figures and 3 tablesAbstractShoot fly Atherigona soccata (Rondani) is one of the most important insect pests affecting sorghum during early stages of crop growth. Commercial production of hybrid seed in sorghums relies on a single source of male sterility (A1) resulting in restricted nuclear genetic diversity of male‐sterile (A) as well as restorer (R) lines. Alternative cytoplasms should be exploited to avoid insect pest outbreaks that might be related to the use of single source of cytoplasm. Therefore, this study was carried out to identify the non‐milo cytoplasms that are less susceptible to shoot fly. Four isogenic lines in four male‐sterile backgrounds, viz. A1, A2, A3 and A4, and their corresponding maintainer (B lines) lines were studied using a fishmeal technique across rainy and postrainy seasons of 2006–07. The A4 cytoplasm was found to be least susceptible to shoot fly as it was comparatively less preferred for oviposition and had lower deadheart formation across seasons than the other cytoplasms tested and thus can be exploited for developing shoot fly‐resistant hybrids.
Influence of Season on the Freezability of Free‐Range Poultry Semen
Authors: Santiago‐Moreno J , Castaño C , Toledano‐Díaz A , Coloma MA , López‐Sebastián A , Prieto MT , Campo JL 
Published: October 2011

ContentsThe purpose of the present study was to examine the seasonal variation in freezing damage in free‐range rooster sperm. Over a period of 1 year, heterospermic semen samples were collected weekly by massage from the roosters of 14 Spanish chicken breeds, all housed under natural photoperiod and climatic conditions. All samples were frozen in straws using DMA as a cryoprotectant, placing them first in nitrogen vapour and then plunging them into liquid nitrogen. No seasonal effects on fresh sperm quality were found. Neither did season affect the percentage of viable frozen–thawed spermatozoa nor the percentage with an intact acrosome. However, the collection season influenced (p < 0.05) most frozen–thawed sperm motility values. The percentage of immotile frozen–thawed spermatozoa was lower (p < 0.05) in spring‐collected sperm than in summer‐ or autumn‐collected samples. The percentage of spermatozoa showing progressive motility was higher in spring‐collected sperm compared with winter‐, summer‐ or autumn‐collected samples (p < 0.05). The curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight‐line velocity (VSL) and average path velocity (VAP) values of spring‐collected sperm were also higher (p < 0.05). In conclusion, spring would appear to be the best season for collecting and freezing the semen of free‐range Mediterranean chicken breeds.
Testicular Fluid Content and Scrotal Surface Temperature Increase with Rams’ Sexual Activity
Authors: Ungerfeld R , Fila D 
Published: October 2011

ContentsContact with oestrual ewes induces an increase in LH and testosterone concentrations in rams. LH provokes an increase in testicular capillary permeability in rodents and an increase in testicular fluid in rams. Therefore, the objectives of the present experiment were to determine whether contact with oestrual ewes, including courtship and mating, induces an increase in testicular fluid content and scrotal temperature in rams. During the breeding season, after 2 weeks isolated from females, a total of 18 tests were performed using one ram with one ewe. The rams were allowed to court and mate the ewes during 20 min. Testosterone blood concentrations were measured by RIA from blood samples taken before and immediately after each test. Rectal, scrotal surface and anal skin temperatures were measured before the test, at the end, and 30 min later. At the same moments, ultrasonographic examinations of the testes were performed. Testosterone concentrations increased after the tests (p = 0.016), and ultrasound images were darker at the end of the tests and 30 min later (p < 0.0001). Rectal, anal skin and scrotal temperatures increased at the end of the test, but decreased 30 min later to initials values. The stimulus of oestrual ewes determined an increase in testosterone secretion, which was associated with an increase in testicular fluid content. Fluid content remained increased at least for 30 min after the end of the ram–ewe contact. Contact with oestrual ewes triggered an increase in testicular fluid that remained higher after the end of the test.
High‐flow nasal cannulae and nasal continuous positive airway pressure use in non‐tertiary special care nurseries in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Manley Brett J , Owen Louise , Doyle Lex W , Davis Peter G 
Published: October 2011

Aim:  Non‐tertiary centres (NTCs) in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly providing non‐invasive respiratory support, including high‐flow nasal cannulae (HFNC) and nasal continuous positive airway pressure (nCPAP), to newborn infants. We aimed to determine the proportion of NTCs in these countries treating newborn infants with HFNC and nCPAP, and how these therapies are used.Methods:  We surveyed public and private NTCs in Australia and public NTCs in New Zealand. The survey, directed at senior medical and nursing staff, consisted of questions regarding unit demographics, HFNC and nCPAP use.Results:  One hundred seventeen responses were received regarding HFNC use, from 88% (80/91) of public hospitals and 64% (37/58) of private hospitals surveyed. Ten (8.5%) responders (nine public and one private) used HFNC; all used the Fisher & Paykel system. HFNC was used for respiratory distress syndrome from birth (9/10 units), as a weaning mode from nCPAP (5/10 units) and as treatment for apnoea (3/10 units). Flow rates used ranged from 1 to 8 L/min, with typical minimum flow of 1 L/min and maximum of 4–6 L/min. The main perceived advantage of HFNC was ‘ease of use’. In the units treating newborn infants with nCPAP, it was used either in an ongoing fashion (43 units), short term or episodically (four units), or only for stabilisation prior to transfer (11 units). Excluding those units using nCPAP only for stabilisation and non‐responders, 47/108 (44%) units were using nCPAP.Conclusions:  HFNC is being used in NTCs in Australia and New Zealand, and the use of nCPAP has increased over time.