bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complexity of multitrophic interactions in a grassland ecosystem depends on plant species diversity
Authors: Rzanny Michael , Voigt Winfried 
Published: January 2012

Summary1. We studied the theoretical prediction that a loss of plant species richness has a strong impact on community interactions among all trophic levels and tested whether decreased plant species diversity results in a less complex structure and reduced interactions in ecological networks.2. Using plant species‐specific biomass and arthropod abundance data from experimental grassland plots (Jena Experiment), we constructed multitrophic functional group interaction webs to compare communities based on 4 and 16 plant species. 427 insect and spider species were classified into 13 functional groups. These functional groups represent the nodes of ecological networks. Direct and indirect interactions among them were assessed using partial Mantel tests. Interaction web complexity was quantified using three measures of network structure: connectance, interaction diversity and interaction strength.3. Compared with high plant diversity plots, interaction webs based on low plant diversity plots showed reduced complexity in terms of total connectance, interaction diversity and mean interaction strength. Plant diversity effects obviously cascade up the food web and modify interactions across all trophic levels. The strongest effects occurred in interactions between adjacent trophic levels (i.e. predominantly trophic interactions), while significant interactions among plant and carnivore functional groups, as well as horizontal interactions (i.e. interactions between functional groups of the same trophic level), showed rather inconsistent responses and were generally rarer.4. Reduced interaction diversity has the potential to decrease and destabilize ecosystem processes. Therefore, we conclude that the loss of basal producer species leads to more simple structured, less and more loosely connected species assemblages, which in turn are very likely to decrease ecosystem functioning, community robustness and tolerance to disturbance. Our results suggest that the functioning of the entire ecological community is critically linked to the diversity of its component plants species.
A descriptive study of the experiences of lesbian, gay and transgender parents accessing health services for their children
Authors: Chapman Rose , Wardrop Joan , Freeman Phoenix , Zappia Tess , Watkins Rochelle , Shields Linda 
Published: January 2012

Aim. To explore the experiences of lesbian, gay and transgender families accessing health care for their children.Background. Although lesbian, gay and transgender families are becoming more common, little is known about their health‐seeking experiences. These families may be fearful about disclosing their sexual orientation or gender identity to health professionals. As a result, lesbian, gay and transgender parents may not be receiving optimal care for their children.Design. Descriptive qualitative study.Method. Data were collected through semi‐structured interviews with 11 lesbian, gay and transgender parents in Australia.Results. Three themes were generated from the data: ‘managing health care experiences’, ‘attitudes’ and ‘transforming bureaucracies’. Negative experiences included encountering homophobia or transphobia and being required to educate health professionals. Positive experiences occurred when both parents were acknowledged as having an equal say in their child’s health care.Conclusion. Many health professionals lack the skill or knowledge to meet the needs of lesbian, gay and transgender families. Health services are required to ensure that all policies and procedures are inclusive of all family constellations and that staff receive relevant and up‐to‐date sensitivity training and create an environment that is respectful of all family groups.Relevance to clinical practice. Adopting a philosophy of family centred care can enable health providers and health professionals to provide lesbian, gay and transgender families with inclusive non‐discriminatory care.
Behavioural modification of the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory response to C‐reactive protein in patients with hypertension
Authors: Nolan R. P. , Floras J. S. , Ahmed L. , Harvey P. J. , Hiscock N. , Hendrickx H. , Talbot D. 
Published: January 2012

Abstract.  Nolan RP, Floras JS, Ahmed L, Harvey PJ, Hiscock N, Hendrickx H, Talbot D (University Health Network and University of Toronto; Women’s College Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; and Unilever Discover, Colworth Science Park, Sharnbrook, UK). Behavioural modification of the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory response to C‐reactive protein in patients with hypertension. J Intern Med 2012; 272: 161–169.Objectives.  A central hypothesis of the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory reflex model is that innate immune activity is inhibited by the efferent vagus. We evaluated whether changes in markers of tonic or reflex vagal heart rate modulation following behavioural intervention were associated inversely with changes in high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) or interleukin‐6 (IL‐6).Design.  Subjects diagnosed with hypertension (n = 45, age 35–64 years, 53% women) were randomized to an 8‐week protocol of behavioural neurocardiac training (with heart rate variability biofeedback) or autogenic relaxation. Assessments before and after intervention included pro‐inflammatory factors (hsCRP, IL‐6), markers of vagal heart rate modulation [RR high‐frequency (HF) power within 0.15–0.40 Hz, baroreflex sensitivity and RR interval], conventional measures of lipoprotein cholesterol and 24‐h ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure.Results.  Changes in hsCRP and IL‐6 were not associated with changes in lipoprotein cholesterol or blood pressure. After adjusting for anti‐inflammatory drugs and confounding factors, changes in hsCRP related inversely to changes in HF power (β =−0.25±0.1, P = 0.02), baroreflex sensitivity (β = −0.33±0.7, P = 0.04) and RR interval (β = −0.001 ± 0.0004, P = 0.02). Statistically significant relationships were not observed for IL‐6.Conclusions.  Changes in hsCRP were consistent with the inhibitory effect of increased vagal efferent activity on pro‐inflammatory factors predicted by the cholinergic anti‐inflammatory reflex model. Clinical trials for patients with cardiovascular dysfunction are warranted to assess whether behavioural interventions can contribute independently to the chronic regulation of inflammatory activity and to improved clinical outcomes.
Differential effect of transient global ischaemia on the levels of γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor subunit mRNAs in young and older rats
Authors: Montori S. , Dos_Anjos S. , Poole A. , Regueiro‐Purriños M. M. , Llorente I. L. , Darlison M. G. , Fernández‐López A. , Martínez‐Villayandre B. 
Published: January 2012

S. Montori, S. Dos_Anjos, A. Poole, M. M. Regueiro‐Purriños, I. L. Llorente, M. G. Darlison, A. Fernández‐López and B. Martínez‐Villayandre (2012) Neuropathology and Applied Neurobiology38, 710–722Differential effect of transient global ischaemia on the levels of γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor subunit mRNAs in young and older ratsAims: This study has investigated how global brain ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) modifies levels of mRNAs encoding γ‐aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor α1, β2 and γ2 subunits and glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 (GAD65) in an age‐ and structure‐dependent manner. Gene expression in response to treatment with the anti‐inflammatory agent meloxicam was also investigated. Methods: Global ischaemia was induced in 3‐ and 18‐month‐old male Sprague–Dawley rats. CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) hippocampal areas, cerebral cortex (CC) and caudate putamen (C‐Pu) from sham‐operated and I/R‐injured animals were excised 48 h after the insult and prepared for quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays. Following I/R, meloxicam treatment was also carried out on young animals. Results: Data revealed significant decreases in the levels of all GABAA receptor subunit transcripts in the hippocampus of both young and older injured animals compared with sham‐operated ones. In contrast, there was either an increase or no change in GAD65 mRNA levels. GABAA receptor subunit transcript decreases were also observed in the CC and C‐Pu in young injured animals but not in the CC of the older injured ones; interestingly, significant increases were observed in the C‐Pu of older injured animals compared with controls. Meloxicam treatment following the insult resulted in a diminution of the previously described I/R response. Conclusions: The data indicate that I/R results in the modification of the levels of several gene transcripts involved in GABAergic signalling in both the pre‐ and postsynaptic components, of this neurotransmitter system, in an age‐ and structure‐dependent manner.
Comparison of extraction procedures for detection of Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli in common bean seed
Authors: He Y. , Munkvold G. P. 
Published: January 2012

Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli (Xap) is an important seedborne pathogen of Phaseolus vulgaris. Accurate seed health testing methods are critical to protect seed quality and meet phytosanitary requirements. Currently employed selective media‐based methods include several variations in extraction procedures. In order to optimize pathogen extraction from seeds, the influence of different extraction steps on the sensitivity of Xap detection was assessed. Seeds were inoculated by vacuum infiltration with Xap to achieve inoculum levels from 101 to 105 CFU per seed; one contaminated seed was mixed into 1000‐seed subsamples of uncontaminated P. vulgaris seeds. Thirty subsamples of 1000 seeds were tested using each different extraction procedure. These included soaking whole seeds in sterilized saline phosphate buffer, either overnight at 4°C or for 3 h at room temperature, with or without vacuum extraction, and either with or without concentrating the seed extract by centrifuging. Seed extract dilutions were cultured on semiselective agar media MT and XCP1. The percentages of positive subsamples were compared to measure the effects of each extraction step on detection sensitivity. Vacuum extraction and centrifugation of seed extracts increased sensitivity; the highest sensitivity was obtained with the 3 h vacuum extraction followed by centrifugation. These results were confirmed with naturally infested seeds; Xap was detected in 48 of 70 samples using the 3 h vacuum extraction with centrifugation, whereas only 35 of 70 field samples tested positive using overnight soaking, a significant difference. The results suggest that these steps would be valuable modifications to the current method approved by the International Seed Testing Association (ISTA).
Influence of an injection system on the effect of activated soil steaming on Brassica juncea and the natural weed seedbank
Authors: PERUZZI A , RAFFAELLI M , FRASCONI C , FONTANELLI M , BÀRBERI P 
Published: January 2012

Peruzzi A, Raffaelli M, Frasconi C, Fontanelli M & Bàrberi P (2012) Influence of an injection system on the effect of activated soil steaming on Brassica juncea and the natural weed seedbank. Weed Research 52, 140–152.SummarySoil steaming is a promising preventive method for weed control in high‐value cash crops, such as vegetables and flowers. A 2‐year experiment (2005–2006) was carried out to test the effect of five different systems of steam injection (surface or deep steam injection bar and three mixed systems at different steam distribution ratios between the surface and the deep bar: 1:2; 1:1 and 2:1) on an artificial infestation of Brassica juncea and on the natural weed seedbank. Treatments were carried out using steam alone or in association with two different exothermic compounds (KOH and CaO), distributed at two different rates (1000 and 4000 kg ha−1). The effects of treatments on the seedbank were analysed by the seedling emergence technique at three different soil depths (0–7, 7–14 and 14–21 cm). Non‐linear dose‐response curves were used to correlate weed emergence with soil temperature sum. Surface steaming was the most effective treatment (up to 100% weed control) at 0–7 cm depth. Deep steaming depleted the weed seedbank up to 95% in the deepest soil layer. The most homogeneous weed control effect across the soil profile was obtained with mixed systems, with differences depending on their distribution ratio. The new steam injection systems increased the versatility of this innovative soil steaming machine and confirmed its efficiency in reducing the weed seedbank, making it a promising replacement of methyl bromide fumigation before growing high‐value crops.
Effect of a fluid challenge on the Surgical Pleth Index during stable propofol–remifentanil anaesthesia
Authors: HANS P. , VERSCHEURE S. , UUTELA K. , HANS G. , BONHOMME V. 
Published: January 2012

BackgroundThe Surgical Pleth Index (SPI), derived from pulse amplitude and heartbeat interval, is proposed to monitor anti‐nociception during anaesthesia. Its response to noxious stimulation can be affected by the intravascular volume status. This study investigated the effect of a fluid challenge (FC) on SPI during steady‐state conditions.MethodsAfter Institutional Review Board approval, 33 consenting patients undergoing neurosurgery received a 4 ml/kg starch FC over less than 5 min under stable surgical stimulation conditions and stable propofol (CePPF) and remifentanil (CeREMI) effect‐site concentrations as estimated by target‐controlled infusion systems. Intravascular volume status was assessed using the Delta Down (DD). We looked at the SPI response to FC according to DD, CePPF, and CeREMI.ResultsFollowing FC, SPI did not change in 16, increased in 12, and decreased in 3 patients. CeREMI poorly affected the SPI response to FC. In normovolaemic patients, the probability of an SPI change after FC was low under common CePPF (0.9 to 3.9 μg/ml). A decrease in SPI was more probable with worsening hypovolaemia and lowering CePPF, while an increase in SPI was more probable with increasing CePPF. SPI changes were only attributable to modifications in pulse wave amplitude and not in heart rate.ConclusionsDuring stable anaesthesia and surgery, SPI may change in response to FC. The effect of FC on SPI is influenced by volaemia and CePPF through pulse wave amplitude modifications. These situations may confound the interpretation of SPI as a surrogate measure of the nociception–anti‐nociception balance.
Indigenous and non‐Indigenous knowledge and values combine to support management of Nywaigi lands in the Queensland coastal tropics
Authors: Grice Anthony C. , Cassady Jacob , Nicholas David M. 
Published: January 2012

SummaryThe Nywaigi Aboriginal people suffered disconnection from their ancestral lands in the coastal wet tropics of Queensland, Australia, during the regime of agricultural and urban settlement in the 19th and 20th centuries. Their acquisition of the Mungalla property in 1999 has allowed them to pursue customary and non‐customary aspirations, combining scientific and Indigenous knowledge to address significant challenges and build the capacity of Nywaigi people in natural resource management.
Sleep disturbance in menopause
Authors: Ameratunga D. , Goldin J. , Hickey M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractSleep disturbance during menopause is a common and important complaint faced by many women. There are many factors that may play a role in this problem, including vasomotor symptoms and changing hormone levels, circadian rhythm abnormalities, exacerbation of primary insomnia, mood disorders, coexistent medical conditions as well as lifestyle factors. Sleep can be measured both objectively and subjectively; however, correlation between the two measures is not high. Most of the menopause‐related sleep disturbances have been reported as qualitative in nature; however, there have also been studies showing changes in objective measures. This discrepancy has implications with regard to evaluation of research in sleep and menopause, as well as application in the clinical setting. Investigations of inadequate sleep and sleep problems during the menopausal period and obtaining a thorough understanding of the factors contributing to these problems are essential in formulating treatment strategies. Such strategies can vary from hormonal treatment and medications to lifestyle and behavioural modification.
Brain metastases from colorectal cancer: the role of surgical resection in selected patients
Authors: Kye B.‐H. , Kim H. J. , Kang W. K. , Cho H.‐M. , Hong Y.‐K. , Oh S. T. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractAim  Brain metastasis is infrequent in colorectal cancer patients, and the prognosis is poor. In this retrospective study survival and prognostic factors were determined in patients with brain metastasis from colorectal cancer.Method  Between 1997 and 2006, 39 patients with brain metastasis from colorectal cancer who survived more than 1 month were identified. Data were collected with regard to patient characteristics, location and stage of the primary tumour, extent and location of metastatic disease, and treatment modalities used.Results  Most (79.5%) patients had pulmonary metastases before brain metastasis, and the brain was the site of solitary metastasis in only one patient. The most frequent symptom was weakness [18 (43.6%) patients]. Overall median survival was 5.0 months and the 1‐ and 2‐year survival rates were 21.8 and 9.1%, respectively. Univariate analysis revealed uncontrolled extracranial metastases (P = 0.019), multiple brain lesions (P = 0.026), bilateral brain metastases (P = 0.032) and serum carcinoembryonic antigen levels greater than 5 ng/ml (P = 0.008) to be poor prognostic factors. The median survival after the diagnosis of brain metastasis was significantly longer in patients who underwent surgical resection (15.2 ± 8.0 months) than in those treated by other modalities (P = 0.001). Treatment modality was the only independent prognostic factor for overall survival in patients with brain metastases from colorectal cancers (P = 0.015).Conclusion  Aggressive surgical resection in selected patients with brain metastases from colorectal cancer may prolong survival, even in the presence of extracranial metastatic lesions.
Investigations on the conjunctival goblet cells and the characteristics of the glands associated with the eye in chinchillas (Chinchilla Laniger)
Authors: Voigt Susanne , Fuchs‐Baumgartinger Andrea , Egerbacher Monika , Tichy Alexander , Nell Barbara 
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjective  To investigate the density and distribution of conjunctival goblet cells (GC) and study the anatomy and microscopic characteristics of glands associated with the eye in chinchillas (Chinchilla Laniger).Procedure  12 chinchillas were included in the study. Conjunctiva (divided into four regions), eyelids, and glands were embedded in paraffin wax, sectioned, stained, and analyzed.Results  Highest GC densities were found in the palpebral region of the nasal and temporal conjunctiva of both eyelids (GC index: 25.1–18.2%), and lowest densities, in the bulbar and marginal region of the nasal and temporal conjunctiva of both eyelids (GC index: 1.5–0.0%). Meibomian glands extend along the entire length of both eyelids, and the whole glandular complex broadens toward the temporal canthus. This is macroscopically visible through the conjunctiva. The openings of the Meibomian glands are macroscopically not discernible. The light pink, smooth, and crescent‐shaped lacrimal gland lies next to the aforementioned broadened part of the Meibomian glands in the temporal canthus. The whitish, 0.9‐cm‐long, smooth Harderian gland is firmly attached to the posterior part of the globe and extends nasally from the optic nerve to the equator. Furthermore, chinchillas possess two lacrimal puncta, situated on the inner conjunctival surface of both eyelids near the medial canthus. A pigmented lacrimal canaliculus originates from each punctum. The vestigial nictitating membrane is supported by a hyaline cartilage and is pigmented at its free margin.Conclusions  Chinchillas possess a Harderian gland, a lacrimal gland, and Meibomian glands. The GC density in the nasal and temporal palpebral conjunctiva is higher than in guinea pigs.
Stock dividends in China: signalling or liquidity explanations?
Authors: Nguyen Nhut H. , Wang David Y. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWe test alternative hypotheses on a sample of Chinese stock dividends. The inverse Mills ratio, a signal about future performance, is positively related to announcement returns but does not predict higher future performance. Analysts do not revise their earnings forecasts after the announcement date. Our results are more consistent with liquidity‐based theories. We find that managers choose higher stock dividend ratios if share prices deviate more from the industry‐wide average. Increases in proportional spreads, depth, and the number of trades and decreases in average trade size, and price impact suggest greater participation of liquidity and small investors following stock dividends.
Safe travels? HIV transmission among Britons travelling abroad
Authors: Rice B , Gilbart VL , Lawrence J , Smith R , Kall M , Delpech V 
Published: January 2012

ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to identify and describe the characteristics of persons born in the UK who acquire HIV infection abroad.MethodsAnalyses using case reports and follow‐up data from the national HIV database held at the Health Protection Agency were performed.ResultsFifteen per cent (2066 of 13 891) of UK‐born adults diagnosed in England, Wales and Northern Ireland between 2002 and 2010 acquired HIV infection abroad. Thailand (534), the USA (117) and South Africa (108) were the countries most commonly reported. As compared with UK‐born adults acquiring HIV infection in the UK, those acquiring HIV infection abroad were significantly (P < 0.01) more likely to have acquired it heterosexually (70% vs. 22%, respectively), to be of older age at diagnosis (median 42 years vs. 36 years, respectively), and to have reported sex with a commercial sex worker (5.6% vs. 1%, respectively). Among men infected in Thailand, 11% reported sex with a commercial sex worker.ConclusionsA substantial number of UK‐born adults are acquiring HIV infection in countries with generalized HIV epidemics, and in common holiday destinations. Of particular concern is the high proportion of men infected reporting sex with a commercial sex worker. We recommend HIV prevention and testing efforts be extended to include travellers abroad, and that sexual health advice be provided routinely in travel health consultations and in occupational health travel advice packs, particularly to those travelling to high HIV prevalence areas and destinations for sex tourism. Safer sex messages should include an awareness of the potential detrimental health and social impacts of the sex industry.
Fiction as History: The Black Death and Beyond*
Authors: HATCHER JOHN 
Published: January 2012

AbstractStorytellers, chroniclers, poets, propagandists, playwrights, novelists and screenwriters have all drawn freely from history's limitless supply of characters, events and context, and in recent years the demand for historical fiction has soared. While historians should welcome the increasing popularity of the past, they are right to be concerned that the public's appetite is being both stimulated and satisfied overwhelmingly by writers whose loyalty is to the medium and the story rather than the truth. However, fiction need not always be seen as antithetical to history and this article explores a number of ways in which the use of style, imagination and straightforward invention of the type employed by the creators of fiction might assist in the writing of history: not merely by making it more attractive and accessible to a wider audience but by advancing knowledge and understanding of the past.