bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure-guided design of an invariant natural killer T cell agonist for optimum protection from type 1 diabetes in non-obese diabetic mice
Authors: Blumenfeld H J , Tohn R , Haeryfar S M M , Liu Y , Savage P B , Delovitch T L 
Published: July 2011

SummaryBecause invariant natural killer T (iNK T) cells link innate and adaptive immunity, the structure-dependent design of iNK T cell agonists may have therapeutic value as vaccines for many indications, including autoimmune disease. Previously, we showed that treatment of non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice with the iNK T cell activating prototypic glycolipid α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) protects them from type 1 diabetes (T1D). However, α-GalCer is a strong agonist that can hyperactivate iNK T cells, elicit several side effects and has shown only limited success in clinical trials. Here, we used a structure-guided design approach to identify an iNK T cell agonist that optimally protects from T1D with minimal side effects. Analyses of the kinetics and function of a panel of synthetic α-GalCer fatty acyl chain derivatives (C8:0-C16:0) were performed in NOD mice. C16:0 elicited the highest protection from insulitis and T1D, which was associated with a higher frequency and survival of iNK T cells and enhanced activity of tolerogenic dendritic cells (DCs) in draining pancreatic lymph nodes (PLN), inability to transactivate NK cells and a more rapid kinetics of induction and recovery of iNK T cells from anergy. We conclude that the length and structure of the acyl chain of α-GalCer regulates the level of protection against T1D in mice, and propose that the extent of this protection depends on the relative capacity of the acyl chain to accommodate an endogenous spacer lipid of appropriate length and structure. Thus, our findings with the α-GalCer C16:0 derivative suggest strongly that it be considered as a lead glycolipid candidate in clinical trials of T1D.
Stochastic inversion of a gravity field on multiple scale parameters using surface and borehole data
Authors: Shamsipour Pejman , Marcotte Denis , Chouteau Michel , Allard Michel 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTA 3D stochastic inversion method based on a geostatistical approach is presented for three‐dimensional inversion of gravity on multiple scale parameters using borehole density and gravity and surface gravity. The algorithm has the capability of inverting data on multiple supports. The method involves four main steps: i) upscaling of borehole densities to block densities, ii) selection of block densities to use as constraints, iii) inversion of gravity data with selected block densities as constraints and iv) downscaling of inverted densities to small prisms. Two modes of application are presented: estimation and simulation. The method is first applied to a synthetic stochastic model. The results show the ability of the method to invert surface and borehole data simultaneously on multiple scale parameters. The results show the usefulness of borehole data to improve depth resolution. Finally, a case study using gravity measurements at the Perseverance mine (Quebec, Canada) is presented. The recovered 3D density model identifies well three known deposits and it provides beneficial information to analyse the geology of massive sulfide for the domain under study.
Spatial variability of the plankton trophic interaction in the North Sea: a new feature after the early 1970s
Authors: Llope Marcos , Licandro Priscilla , Chan Kung‐Sik , Stenseth Nils Chr. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractTraditionally, marine ecosystem structure was thought to be bottom‐up controlled. In recent years, a number of studies have highlighted the importance of top‐down regulation. Evidence is accumulating that the type of trophic forcing varies temporally and spatially, and an integrated view – considering the interplay of both types of control – is emerging. Correlations between time series spanning several decades of the abundances of adjacent trophic levels are conventionally used to assess the type of control: bottom‐up if positive or top‐down if this is negative. This approach implies averaging periods which might show time‐varying dynamics and therefore can hide part of this temporal variability. Using spatially referenced plankton information extracted from the Continuous Plankton Recorder, this study addresses the potential dynamic character of the trophic structure at the planktonic level in the North Sea by assessing its variation over both temporal and spatial scales. Our results show that until the early‐1970s a bottom‐up control characterized the base of the food web across the whole North Sea, with diatoms having a positive and homogeneous effect on zooplankton filter‐feeders. Afterwards, different regional trophic dynamics were observed, in particular a negative relationship between total phytoplankton and zooplankton was detected off the west coast of Norway and the Skagerrak as opposed to a positive one in the southern reaches. Our results suggest that after the early 1970s diatoms remained the main food source for zooplankton filter‐feeders east of Orkney–Shetland and off Scotland, while in the east, from the Norwegian Trench to the German Bight, filter‐feeders were mainly sustained by dinoflagellates.
Nitrogen deposition enhances moss growth, but leads to an overall decline in habitat condition of mountain moss‐sedge heath
Authors: Armitage Heather F. , Britton Andrea J. , van der Wal René , Pearce Imogen S. K. , Thompson Des B. A. , Woodin Sarah J. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractEcosystems are subject to multiple, natural and anthropogenic environmental influences, including nitrogen (N) deposition, land use and climate. Assessment of the relative importance of these influences on biodiversity and ecosystem functioning is crucial for guiding policy and management decisions to mitigate global change; yet, few studies consider multiple drivers. In the UK, ongoing loss of the internationally important arctic/alpine moss‐sedge community, Racomitrium heath, has been linked to elevated N deposition, high grazing pressures and their combination; however, the relative importance of these drivers remains unclear. We used environmental gradients across the habitat's European distribution (UK, Faroes, Norway and Iceland) to investigate the relative impact of N deposition and grazing pressure, as well as climate, on the condition of the dominant moss species, Racomitrium lanuginosum. Key variables including tissue chemistry, growth and cover were measured at 36 sites, and multiple linear regressions were used to examine the relative importance of the drivers across sites. Our results clearly show that regional variation in the condition of R. lanuginosum across Europe is primarily associated with the impacts of N deposition, with climate (air temperature) and grazing pressure playing secondary roles. In contrast to previous experimental studies, we found moss growth to be stimulated by elevated N deposition; this apparent discrepancy may result from the use of artificially high N concentrations in many experiments. Despite increased growth rates, we found that moss mat depth and cover declined in response to N deposition. Our results suggest that this is due to increased decomposition of material in the moss mat, which ultimately leads to loss of moss cover and habitat degradation. This study clearly demonstrates both the key role of N deposition in degradation of Racomitrium heath and the importance of observational studies along natural gradients for testing predictions from experimental studies in the real world.
Modeling methane emissions from irrigated rice cultivation inChina from 1960 to 2050
Authors: Zhang Wen , Yu Yongqiang , Huang Yao , Li Tingting , Wang Ping 
Published: July 2011

AbstractRice paddy is a major source of anthropogenic terrestrial methane (CH4).China has the second‐largest area of rice cultivation in the world, accounting for ca. 19% of the world's rice‐producing area. Recognizing the significance ofChina's rice cultivation in the globalCH4budget, we estimated theCH4emissions resulting from irrigated rice cultivation inChina from 1960 to 2050 using aCH4MODmodel. The model estimates suggest that the annualCH4emissions decreased from 5.62 Tg yr−1in 1960 to 4.13 Tg yr−1in 1970, and this decrease was attributed to changes in water management from continuous flooding to mid‐season drainage irrigation. Since the early 1970s, the amount ofCH4emissions gradually increased to 6.85 Tg yr−1by 2009 because of significant improvements in crop production that led to high‐crop residue retention. Higher levels ofCH4emissions occurred in southernChina, where double rice cropping systems are most common. For theA1BandB1scenarios of theIPCCSpecial Report on Emissions Scenarios (SRES), the amount ofCH4emissions from 2010 to 2050 is predicted to increase at an average rate of 1.2 kg ha−1 yr−1in response to global warming. Compared to 2009, theCH4flux is predicted to increase by ca. 14% by the late 2040s, and the increase in these emissions in northeasternChina is estimated to become more significant than in the other rice‐growing regions of the country. Under the assumptions that the rice‐producing land area will remain the same, decrease by 25% or increase by 38% by the late 2040s, theCH4emissions are projected to be 7.8, 5.6 or 11.7 Tg yr−1, respectively.
A Bayesian hierarchical occupancy model for track surveys conducted in a series of linear, spatially correlated, sites
Authors: Aing Chrisna , Halls Sarah , Oken Kiva , Dobrow Robert , Fieberg John 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. Natural resource agencies often rely on surveys of animal sign (e.g. scat, scent marks, tracks) for population assessment, with repeat surveys required to model and account for uncertain detection. Using river otter Lontra canadensis snow‐track survey data as a motivating example, we develop a 3‐level occupancy model with parameters that describe (i) site‐level occupancy probabilities, (ii) otter movement (and thus, track availability) and (iii) recorded presence–absence of tracks (conditional on the availability of tracks for detection).2. We incorporated several recent developments in occupancy modelling, including the presence of both false negatives and false positives, spatial and temporal correlation and repeated sampling across distinct observers.3. We investigated optimal allocation of sampling effort (e.g. within and among snowfall events) using simulations. We also compared models that allowed site‐level occupancy and track‐laying processes to be spatially correlated with models that assumed independence among sites.4. Both types of models (independence and spatial) performed well across a range of simulated parameter values, but the spatial model resulted in more accurate point estimates for detection parameters and credibility intervals with better coverage rates when data were spatially correlated. When applied to real data, the spatial model resulted in a higher estimate of the occupancy rate than the baseline model (0·82 vs. 0·59). A minimum of 15–20 helicopter flights, distributed among at least three unique snow events, were needed to meet precision goals (standard error ).5.
Synthesis and applications. We describe a flexible and robust occupancy modelling framework that accounts for heterogeneous detection rates in surveys of animal sign. The method allows for spatially correlated sites and should have broad relevance to surveys conducted by many natural resource agencies.
A literature review of the impact of a diagnosis of cancer of the vulva and surgical treatment
Authors: Jefferies Hilary , Clifford Collette 
Published: July 2011

Aims and objectives.  This paper examines the evidence available regarding the physical, psychological and sexual consequences for women following a diagnosis and treatment for cancer of the vulva.Background.  Cancer of the vulva is a rare condition affecting approximately 1000 women in the UK each year. However, little is known about the impact of the condition as there is a limited research base to inform clinical practice.Design.  Review.Method.  This paper critiques the 15 studies identified in the English language literature relating to carcinoma of the vulva from 1983 to the present. Collectively these involved less than 400 women with this condition.Results.  The review highlighted a paucity of published studies on this patient group. There are weaknesses in the design and analytical methods of the studies and a lack of clarity in the analysis of the published data. However, the review has enabled a picture to be built up of the challenges these women face postoperatively. The lack of recent evidence to support care practices offers limited help in contemporary health care today.Conclusion.  There is a clear need for further research to explore the issues for women facing treatment for carcinoma vulva.Relevance to clinical practice.  An awareness of the issues facing women following a diagnosis and subsequent treatment, usually surgery, for cancer of the vulva will allow nurses and other health care professionals to have a greater understanding of the needs of these women and thus impact on care planning.
Stress tolerance in closely related species and their first‐generation hybrids: a case study ofSilene
Authors: Favre Adrien , Karrenberg Sophie 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. Hybridization is common in natural plant populations. Trait expression and ecological performance of hybrids determine the consequences of hybridization such as the degree and direction of gene flow or the generation of phenotypic novelty.2. We investigated responses to shade and drought stress in crosses within the naturally hybridizing campionsSilene dioica and S. latifoliaand reciprocal crosses between them. We collected data on fitness proxies and on leaf and root traits in a 2‐year greenhouse experiment.3. Responses to drought stress did not differ between cross types. Shade stress, in contrast, led to a reduced flowering incidence inS. dioicabut not inS. latifolia. Rapid flowering under stress conditions inS. latifoliacould be an adaptation to disturbance in its habitat, whereas a delay of reproduction might be adaptive in the more predictable environment ofS. dioica.4. Hybrids exhibited intermediate, parental‐like and transgressive trait expression. Both hybrid cross types were similar toS. latifoliain terms of biomass production possibly because of dominance ofS. latifoliaalleles or heterosis. Hybrids further had a strongly reduced flowering incidence under shade stress as didS. dioica, suggesting dominance ofS. dioicaalleles for flower induction. Under shade stress, both hybrid cross types produced much larger leaves than either of the two species suggesting that epigenetic interactions are disturbed. Reciprocal hybrids did not differ in fitness; however, maternal effects were observed for root cross‐sectional area and mass per male flower, possibly supporting asymmetric gene flow in natural populations.5. Synthesis. Silene latifoliaandS. dioicaresponded to stress with differences in life history rather than in growth. Our results further suggest that different modes of gene action are responsible for the specific combination of intermediate, parental‐like and transgressive traits observed in first‐generation hybrids that may limit their performance and thus gene flow between the species.
Seed dispersal distance is more strongly correlated with plant height than with seed mass
Authors: Thomson Fiona J. , Moles Angela T. , Auld Tony D. , Kingsford Richard T. 
Published: July 2011

Summary1. It is often assumed that there is a trade‐off between maternal provisioning and dispersal capacity, leading small‐seeded species to disperse further than large‐seeded species. However, this relationship between dispersal distance and seed mass has only been quantified for species from particular sites or with particular dispersal syndromes.2. We provided the first large‐scale, cross‐species quantification of the correlations between dispersal distance and both seed mass and plant height. Seed mass was positively related to mean dispersal distance, with a 100‐fold increase in seed mass being associated with a 4.5‐fold increase in mean dispersal distance (R2 = 0.16; n = 210 species; P < 0.001). However, plant height had substantially stronger explanatory power than did seed mass, and we found a 5‐fold increase in height was associated with a 4.6‐fold increase in mean dispersal distance (R2 = 0.54; n = 211 species; P < 0.001).3. Once plant height was accounted for, we found that small‐seeded species dispersed further than did large‐seeded species (R2 = 0.54; n = 181 species; slope = −0.130; P < 0.001); however, seed mass only added 2% to the R2 of the model. Within dispersal syndromes, tall species dispersed further than did short species, while seed mass had little influence on dispersal distance.4. Synthesis. These findings enhance our understanding of plant life‐history strategies and improve our ability to predict which species are best at colonizing new environments.
Reducing interrater variability and improving health care: a meta‐analytical review
Authors: Tuijn Saskia , Janssens Frans , Robben Paul , van den Bergh Huub 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectives  In the scientific literature about reliability, the main approach to increasing reliability seems to involve increasing the number of observers and improving the instrument used. Other aspects for improving reliability – like the training of raters – seem to receive less notice. It is worth asking whether this technical approach could be complemented by training the user of the instrument. A systematic meta‐analytical review of the research literature was performed to answer this question and examine the effectiveness of planned interventions for improving interrater reliability of health care professionals.Method  The databases of PubMed (MEDLINE), Embase, Omega and PsycINFO were searched. The inclusion criteria were met by 57 studies. Details extracted from the studies included the study design, the number of observers and the number of observed cases, the intervention, the type of instrument (whether or not it was highly technical), and statistical information about the agreement before and after the intervention. Interventions were categorized into three groups: training of professionals, improving the diagnostic instrument and a combination of training and improving the instrument. A meta‐analysis was performed by means of linear regression.Results  The interventions were arranged according to their effectiveness in improving the diagnostic instrument (mean change: β = 0.13), training combined with improving the instrument (mean change: β = 0.10) and training (mean change: β = 0.09).Conclusion  On average, although all types of interventions are effective, improving the diagnostic instrument seems to be the most effective. Especially when highly technical instruments were concerned, improvement proved to be very effective (β = 0.52). Because instrumental variables constitute a major source of error, improving the instrument is an important approach. However, this review offers solid arguments that can complement the literature and practice, with a focus on training the user of the instrument.
The impact of living arrangements and deinstitutionalisation in the health status of persons with intellectual disability in Europe
Authors: Martínez‐Leal R. , Salvador‐Carulla L. , Linehan C. , Walsh P. , Weber G. , Van Hove G. , Määttä T. , Azema B. , Haveman M. , Buono S. , Germanavicius A. , van Schrojenstein Lantman‐de Valk H. , Tossebro J. , Carmen‐Câra A. , Moravec Berger D. , Perry J. , Kerr M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractBackground  Despite progress in the process of deinstitutionalisation, very little is known about the health conditions of people with intellectual disability (PWID) who live in large institutions and PWID living in small residential services, family homes or independent living within the community. Furthermore, there are no international comparison studies at European level of the health status and health risk factors of PWID living in fully staffed residential services with formal support and care compared with those living in unstaffed family homes or independent houses with no formal support.Methods  A total of 1269 persons with ID and/or their proxy respondents were recruited and face‐to‐face interviewed in 14 EU countries with the P15, a multinational assessment battery for collecting data on health indicators relevant to PWID. Participants were grouped according to their living arrangements, availability of formal support and stage of deinstitutionalisation.Results  Obesity and sedentary lifestyle along with a number of illnesses such as epilepsy, mental disorders, allergies or constipation were highly prevalent among PWID. A significantly higher presence of myocardial infarctions, chronic bronchitis, osteoporosis and gastric or duodenal ulcers was found among participants in countries considered to be at the early stage of deinstitutionalisation. Regardless of deinstitutionalisation stage, important deficits in variables related to such medical health promotion measures as vaccinations, cancer screenings and medical checks were found in family homes and independent living arrangements. Age, number of people living in the same home or number of places in residential services, presence of affective symptoms and obesity require further attention as they seem to be related to an increase in the number of illnesses suffered by PWID.Discussion  Particular illnesses were found to be highly prevalent in PWID. There were important differences between different living arrangements depending on the level of formal support available and the stage of deinstitutionalisation. PWID are in need of tailored primary health programs that guarantee their access to quality health and health promotion and the preventative health actions of vaccination programs, systematic health checks, specific screenings and nutritional controls. Extensive national health surveys and epidemiological studies of PWID in the EC member states are urgently needed in order to reduce increased morbidity rates among this population.
Variability of self‐regulatory strategies in children with intellectual disability and typically developing children in pretend play situations
Authors: Nader‐Grosbois N. , Vieillevoye S. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjective This study has examined whether or not self‐regulatory strategies vary depending on pretend play situations in 40 children with intellectual disability and 40 typically developing children.Method Their cognitive, linguistic and individual symbolic play levels were assessed in order to match the children of the two groups. During two dyadic pretend play sessions (Itinerary, Creativity), their abilities in dyadic pretend play and in self‐regulation were assessed by coding their behaviour via two validated grids.Results The results showed similar overall levels in dyadic pretend play in both groups but a lower involvement was observed in disabled children. Some specific deficits and strengths in self‐regulatory strategies were highlighted in children with intellectual disability. In both groups, non‐structured Creativity situation induced weaker abilities in pretend play, and better self‐evaluation strategy than in the structured Itinerary situation. In both groups, positive links between specific self‐regulation strategies (identification of objective, planning, self‐regulated attention, self‐motivation, self‐evaluation) and specific dyadic pretend play abilities (involvement, roles, actions, objects, social participation) are more numerous and higher in the structured Itinerary situation than in the Creativity situation.