bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial patterns of overstory trees in late-successional conifer forests
Authors: Larson Andrew J. , Churchill Derek 
Published: April 2010

We analyzed spatial patterns of overstory trees in late-successional Abies amabilis (Dougl. ex Loud.) Dougl. ex J. Forbes forests and late-successional Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco forests to establish reference spatial patterns for restoration thinning treatments, and to determine whether thinning treatments with minimum intertree spacing rules result in spatial patterns characteristic of late-successional forests. On average, 32.7% of overstory trees in Abies plots and 26.3% of overstory trees in Pseudotsuga plots occurred as members of multitree clusters (groups of trees in which trees are spaced within a specified minimum distance of each other) at a distance of 3.0 and 4.0 m, respectively. Multitree clusters occurred throughout the three Abies plots; the distribution of multitree clusters within the two Pseudotsuga plots was variable. Spatial patterns of overstory trees in late-successional forests were significantly different from those created by simulated restoration thinning treatments. Restoration thinning treatments that release both individual trees and multitree clusters promote characteristic late-successional tree spatial patterns at the within-patch scale (<0.04 ha). This formulation of restoration thinning highlights conservation of existing small-scale (<0.04 ha) spatial heterogeneity within the treatment area, elaborating on current practices that emphasize introduction of spatial heterogeneity at scales of 0.04 ha to 1.0 ha.
SNAP-STABILIZING PREFIX TREE FOR PEER-TO-PEER SYSTEMS
Authors: CARON EDDY , DESPREZ FRÉDÉRIC , PETIT FRANCK , TEDESCHI CÉDRIC 
Published: April 2010

Several factors still hinder the deployment of computational grids over large scale platforms. Among them, the resource discovery is one crucial issue. New approaches, based on peer-to-peer technologies, tackle this issue. Because they efficiently allow range queries, Tries (a.k.a., Prefix Trees) appear to be among promising ways in the design of distributed data structures indexing resources. Despite their lack of robustness in dynamic settings, trie-structured approaches outperform other peer-to-peer fashioned technologies by efficiently supporting range queries. Within recent trie-based approaches, the fault-tolerance is handled by preventive mechanisms, intensively using replication. However, replication can be very costly in terms of computing and storage resources and does not ensure the recovery of the system after arbitrary failures. Self-stabilization is an efficient approach in the design of reliable solutions for dynamic systems. It ensures a system to converge to its intended behavior, regardless of its initial state, in a finite time. A snap-stabilizing algorithm guarantees that it always behaves according to its specification, once the protocol is launched. In this paper, we provide the first snap-stabilizing protocol for trie construction. We design particular tries called Proper Greatest Common Prefix (PGCP) Tree. The proposed algorithm arranges the n label values stored in the tree, in average, in O(h + h′) rounds, where h and h′ are the initial and final heights of the tree, respectively. In the worst case, the algorithm requires an O(n) extra space on each node, O(n) rounds and O(n2) actions. However, simulations allow to state that this worst case is far from being reached and to confirm the average complexities, showing the practical efficiency of this protocol.
Leakage-saving opportunities in mesh-based massive multi-core architectures
Authors: Musoll Enric 
Published: April 2010

When processing multi-threaded workloads requiring significant inter-thread communication, opportunities to reduce power consumption arise due to the large latencies in obtaining data from the threads running on remote cores and the lack of architectural resources implemented in the simple cores to cover these latencies.
In this work we propose to use the drowsy mode technique to save leakage power on the cores and leverage the mesh-based communication fabric to hide the wake-up latency of the core blocks. We have observed a potential for reducing the overall power of around 70% in a generic homogeneous 256-core tile-based multi-core architecture.
Verbal versus numerical probabilities: Does format presentation of probabilistic information regarding breast cancer screening affect women’s comprehension?
Authors: Vahabi Mandana 
Published: April 2010

Objective: To test whether the format in which women receive probabilistic information about breast cancer and mammography affects their comprehension. Methods: A convenience sample of 180 women received pre-assembled randomized packages containing a breast health information brochure, with probabilities presented in either verbal or numeric format, and four questionnaires. Enclosed questionnaires assessed women’s knowledge of breast health, socio-demographic/ clinical characteristics, comprehension of breast health information brochure and format preference. Results: Nearly two-thirds of the study participants reported a preference for the numeric format. However, the study results showed that comprehension was significantly higher among women who received probabilistic information in verbal format than those who received the information in numeric format. This higher degree of comprehension was sustained even if the verbal format was inconsistent with the respondents’ format preference, and even if the respondents’ educational background were relatively limited. Women’s comprehension was strongly associated with the interaction between received format and their format preferences as well as their education level and their perceived benefit of early detection of breast cancer. Conclusion: The study demonstrates that comprehension of information depends on: (1) women’s readiness to receive information; and (2) their education and numeracy skills in processing and interpreting probabilistic information, particularly, when presented in quantitative format. Attention must be paid to these factors when designing or communicating breast health information in order to ensure full comprehension of information, and to avoid any potential discrimination which people may face relating to their poor education or numeracy skills. Systematic investigation into the relationships among readiness, numeracy problems, and format preferences could help build effective guidelines for providing women with appropriate and comprehensible information.
The great boundary crossing: Perceptions on training pharmacists as supplementary prescribers in the UK
Authors: Tann Jennifer , Blenkinsopp Alison , Grime Janet , Evans Amanda 
Published: April 2010

Objective: To explore the perceptions of General Medical Practitioners and pharmacist supplementary prescribers of the training provided for qualification as a pharmacist supplementary prescriber, and the experience of pharmacist supplementary prescribers of subsequent continuing professional development in practice. Design: A qualitative study of pharmacists from the first wave of those trained to become pharmacist supplementary prescribers, comprising interviews, focus groups and documentary analysis of recorded critical incidents. Setting: The research was conducted in three general practices located in two primary care trusts in the UK Midlands. Each practice had a pharmacist supplementary prescriber. Eight pharmacist supplementary prescribers participated, seven of whom were prescribing, all in a general practice setting. Method: A practice-specific focus group was held in each of the three general practices. Two focus groups were held for pharmacists and seven pharmacists were interviewed, six of whom provided two or more critical incidents. Results: Pharmacists were critical of some aspects of the academic training but were unanimous in acknowledging the value of the period of learning in practice and the input of their Designated Medical Practitioner. Learning was recognized by both parties as being reciprocal. Pharmacists’ accounts illustrated a variety of ways in which they undertook continuing professional development, with learning on the job a key component. There was little consensus between General Practitioner partners in two of the practices on the appropriateness of pharmacist supplementary prescribing, discussion focusing on the acquisition of clinical skills. Some partners, particularly those who were Designated Medical Practitioners, saw potential benefits. Conclusion: The coaching relationship between General Practitioner Designated Medical Practitioners and pharmacists served to embed skills and enhance confidence.The reflection skills gained by the pharmacist supplementary prescribers during their academic learning period appear to be important in their subsequent work-based learning.
Screen-related sedentary behaviours of school-aged children
Authors: He Meizi , Piché Leonard , Beynon Charlene , Kurtz Joanne , Harris Stewart 
Published: April 2010

Objective: To solicit school principals’ and teachers’ perspectives on children’s screen-related sedentary behaviour and to identify possible solutions to reduce sedentary behaviours among school-aged children. Method: In-person interviews using a semi-structured interview guide were conducted with school principals and grades five and six classroom teachers in 14 randomly selected elementary schools in London and Middlesex County, Ontario. Fourteen principals and 39 classroom teachers participated in the study. Inductive content analysis was performed independently by two researchers. Results: Both principals and teachers were very concerned about children’s excessive screen viewing activities, but they did not perceive that they could play a key role in reducing these behaviours. Key barriers were identified to reducing screen-related sedentary behaviour and to children’s active living both at and away from school. They included competing demands from other subjects, limited gym resources/space within the school, a lack of control over the home environment, and a perception that parents were poor role models. Notwithstanding the above barriers, principals and teachers still recommended increasing children’s daily physical activity both within and outside of school hours. Furthermore, they stressed the need for parents to play a key role in reducing their children’s screen-related sedentary behaviours and increasing their level of physical activity. Conclusion: School principals and teachers were very concerned about excessive screen-related behaviour among school-aged children when away from school and suggested that interventions should emphasize increasing daily physical education, promoting recreational sports at or away from school, and engaging parents in regulating screen time at home.
Evidence of secular changes in physical activity and fitness, but not adiposity and diet, in Welsh 12–13 year olds
Authors: Thomas Non E , Williams DRR , Rowe David A , Davies Bruce , Baker Julien S 
Published: April 2010

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate secular trends in selected cardiovascular disease risk factors (namely adiposity, physical activity, physical fitness and diet) in a sample of Welsh 12—13 year olds between 2002 and 2007. Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: A secondary school based in South West Wales. Method: Two studies in 2002 ( n = 71) and 2007 ( n = 83), were compared to evaluate changes in adiposity, physical activity, physical fitness and diet in school children. On both occasions testing was carried out in the same school and using identical procedures. Results: Between the two time periods, mean adiposity levels remained stable. The percentage of school children who were classified as overweight or obese in 2002 was 39.4 per cent (boys) and 26.3 per cent (girls). In 2007, this was 21.3 per cent and 26.0 per cent respectively. Physical activity and fitness levels improved for boys and girls; however, 80.0 per cent of girls still did not meet the recommended one hour per day of moderate physical activity. For both sexes, there were no significant differences in dietary fat intake between 2002 and 2007 cohorts. Both boys and girls continued to consume a diet that was heavily reliant on foods that were high in saturated fat. Conclusion: We identified a trend towards increased physical activity among 12—13 year olds but there were no changes in dietary habits or adiposity. The findings indicate that increased physical activity, used in isolation without dietary modification, has no effect on adiposity. This study has demonstrated a need for large-scale studies to better evaluate existing and future initiatives targeting obesity in young people.
Don’t forget the distributor! The importance of field testing draft educational materials with key gatekeepers before production and dissemination
Authors: Flores Alina L , Prue Christine E , Panissidi Paula 
Published: April 2010

Objective: This article presents the results of testing draft folic acid educational materials with key gatekeepers, leading to the development of a Spanish-language print advertisement, poster, and radio public service announcement (PSA) aimed at promoting folic acid consumption among 18- to 25-year-old young Latina adults, as well as a Spanish-language print advertisement, poster, brochure, and radio PSA for 26- to 34-year-old Latina mothers. Design: Individual in-person interviews yielded both qualitative and quantitative data. Method: In-person interviews with key gatekeepers who work closely with Spanish-speaking Latinas. Setting: Interviews were conducted in Miami, Florida; Chicago, Illionis; Los Angeles, California; New York, New York; Denver, Colorado; and San Antonio, Texas, USA. Results: Overall, the gatekeepers’ ratings of the materials were high. Important concerns that emerged helped guide changes that were made to the materials to ultimately enhance their reach and effectiveness. Conclusion: Testing draft educational materials with key gatekeepers who work closely with Spanish-speaking Latinas before final development and dissemination is a critical component of an educational outreach effort. Incorporating feedback from these professionals can help enhance the quality of the end product; such feedback can also help researchers assess whether and how the materials will be disseminated.
Blockade of interleukin-23 signaling results in targeted protection of the colon and allows for separation of graft-versus-host and graft-versus-leukemia responses
Authors: Das Rupali , Komorowski Richard , Hessner Martin J. , Subramanian Hariharan , Huettner Claudia S. , Cua Daniel , Drobyski William R. 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Allogeneic stem cell transplantation is the most potent form of effective adoptive immunotherapy. The graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect mediated by the allogeneic graft, however, is typically coexpressed with graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), which is the major complication of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In this study, we used genetic and antibody-based strategies to examine the effect that blockade of interleukin 23 (IL-23) signaling had on GVH and GVL reactivity in murine transplantation recipients. These studies demonstrate that the selective protection of the colon that occurs as a consequence of inhibition of IL-23 signaling reduces GVHD without loss of the GVL effect. The separation of GVH and GVL reactivity was noted in both acute and chronic hematologic malignancy models, indicating that this approach was not restricted by the kinetic profile of the underlying leukemia. Furthermore, a potent GVL response could be mounted in the colon under conditions where tumor cells migrated to this site, indicating that this organ did not serve as a sanctuary site for subsequent systemic relapse in GVHD-protected animals. These studies demonstrate that blockade of IL-23 signaling is an effective strategy for separating GVH and GVL responses and identify IL-23 as a therapeutic target for the regulation of alloresponses in humans.
Presence of the P2RY8-CRLF2 rearrangement is associated with a poor prognosis in non–high-risk precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children treated according to the ALL-BFM 2000 protocol
Authors: Cario Gunnar , Zimmermann Martin , Romey Renja , Gesk Stefan , Vater Inga , Harbott Jochen , Schrauder André , Moericke Anja , Izraeli Shai , Akasaka Takashi , Dyer Martin J. S. , Siebert Reiner , Schrappe Martin , Stanulla Martin 
Published: April 2010

AbstractHigh-level expression of the cytokine receptor-like factor 2 gene, CRLF2, in precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (pB-ALL) was shown to be caused by a translocation involving the IGH@ locus or a deletion juxtaposing CRLF2 with the P2RY8 promoter. To assess its possible prognostic value, CRLF2 expression was analyzed in 555 childhood pB-ALL patients treated according to the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster 2000 (ALL-BFM 2000) protocol. Besides CRLF2 rearrangements, high-level CRLF2 expression was seen in cases with supernumerary copies of the CRLF2 locus. On the basis of the detection of CRLF2 rearrangements, a CRLF2 high-expression group (n = 49) was defined. This group had a 6-year relapse incidence of 31% plus or minus 8% compared with 11% plus or minus 1% in the CRLF2 low-expression group (P = .006). This difference was mainly attributable to an extremely high incidence of relapse (71% ± 19%) in non–high-risk patients with P2RY8-CRLF2 rearrangement. The assessment of CRLF2 aberrations may therefore serve as new stratification tool in Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster–based protocols by identifying additional high-risk patients who may benefit from an intensified and/or targeted treatment.
Systematic cytokine receptor profiling reveals GM-CSF as a novel TLR-independent activator of human plasmacytoid predendritic cells
Authors: Ghirelli Cristina , Zollinger Raphaël , Soumelis Vassili 
Published: April 2010

Abstract
Human plasmacytoid predendritic cells (pDCs) can be activated during microbial infection through Toll-like receptor engagement. They are also involved in nonmicrobial inflammatory diseases, but their activation pathways in this context remain elusive. To identify Toll-like receptor-independent pDC activators, we performed a systematic analysis of cytokine receptors on primary human pDCs. Six receptors were expressed both at mRNA and protein levels: interleukin-3 receptor (IL-3R), IL-6R, IL-10R, IL-18R, interferon-γ receptor, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) receptor. Only GM-CSF and IL-3 were able to efficiently promote pDC survival and induce their differentiation into dendritic cells. Allogeneic naive CD4 T cells primed with GM-CSF–activated pDCs produced more interferon-γ and less IL-4 and IL-10 compared with IL-3–activated pDCs, indicating a shift in the Th1/Th2 balance. Our data point at a novel function of GM-CSF, which may serve as a link between a pathologic inflammatory environment, pDC activation, and the modulation of CD4 T-cell responses.
Cystic fibrosis and survival to 40 years: a case–control study
Authors: Simmonds N.J. , MacNeill S.J. , Cullinan P. , Hodson M.E. 
Published: April 2010

The clinical course of patients with cystic fibrosis (CF) is variable and probably determined by many interacting factors. We aimed to examine the influence of early social and clinical factors on long-term survival.A case–control study of adult CF patients was used to compare long-term survivors (aged ≥40 yrs) with patients who died before reaching 30 yrs of age. Each case (n = 78) was matched by birth date with at least one control (n = 152), after exclusion of “late diagnosis” patients. Probability-weighted logistic regression models were used to identify influences on survival.Factors resulting in increased probabilities of survival included high body mass index (OR 1.76, 95% CI 1.40–2.22), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (OR per 5% increase 1.54, 95% CI 1.32–1.80), and forced vital capacity (OR per 5% increase 1.54, 95% CI 1.33–1.78) at transfer to the adult clinic and the exclusive use of oral antibiotics (OR 8.31, 95% CI 3.02–22.88). Factors resulting in decreased probabilities of survival werePseudomonas aeruginosaacquisition (OR 0.18, 95% 0.05–0.65) or pneumothorax before transfer to the adult clinic (OR 0.02, 95% CI 0.004–0.08) and referral from a paediatric clinic in a deprived area (OR 0.13, 95% CI 0.04–0.38).Long-term survival is associated with the clinical features present by the time of referral to an adult clinic. Even “early-diagnosis” disease appears to have different phenotypes, possibly independent of CF gene function, that have different survival patterns.
Osteopontin promotes host defense duringKlebsiella pneumoniae-induced pneumonia
Authors: van der Windt G.J.W. , Hoogerwerf J.J. , de Vos A.F. , Florquin S. , van der Poll T. 
Published: April 2010

Klebsiellapneumoniaeis a common cause of nosocomial pneumonia. Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphorylated glycoprotein involved in inflammatory processes, some of which is mediated by CD44. The aim of this study was to determine the role of OPN duringK. pneumoniae-induced pneumonia.Wild-type (WT) and OPN knockout (KO) mice were intranasally infected with 104colony forming units ofK. pneumoniae, or administeredKlebsiellalipopolysaccharides (LPS). In addition, recombinant OPN (rOPN) was intranasally administered to WT and CD44 KO mice.DuringKlebsiellapneumonia, WT mice displayed elevated pulmonary and plasma OPN levels. OPN KO and WT mice showed similar pulmonary bacterial loads 6 h after infection; thereafter,Klebsiellaloads were higher in lungs of OPN KO mice and the mortality rate in this group was higher than in WT mice. Early neutrophil recruitment into the bronchoalveolar space was impaired in the absence of OPN after intrapulmonary delivery of eitherKlebsiellabacteria orKlebsiellaLPS. Moreover, rOPN induced neutrophil migration into the bronchoalveolar space, independent from CD44.In vitro, OPN did not affectK. pneumoniaegrowth or neutrophil function.In conclusion, OPN levels were rapidly increased in the bronchoalveolar space duringK. pneumoniaepneumonia, where OPN serves a chemotactic function towards neutrophils, thereby facilitating an effective innate immune response.
Pulmonary artery pressure limits exercise capacity at high altitude
Authors: Naeije R. , Huez S. , Lamotte M. , Retailleau K. , Neupane S. , Abramowicz D. , Faoro V. 
Published: April 2010

Altitude exposure is associated with decreased exercise capacity and increased pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR).Echocardiographic measurements of pulmonary haemodynamics and a cardiopulmonary exercise test were performed in 13 healthy subjects at sea level, in normoxia and during acute hypoxic breathing (1 h, 12% oxygen in nitrogen), and in 22 healthy subjects after acclimatisation to an altitude of 5,050 m. The measurements were obtained after randomisation, double-blinded to the intake of placebo or the endothelin A receptor blocker sitaxsentan (100 mg·day−1for 7 days). Blood and urine were sampled for renal function measurements.Normobaric as well as hypobaric hypoxia increased PVR and decreased maximum workload and oxygen uptake (V′O2,max). Sitaxsentan decreased PVR in acute and chronic hypoxia (both p<0.001), and partly restoredV′O2,max, by 30 % in acute hypoxia (p<0.001) and 10% in chronic hypoxia (p<0.05). Sitaxsentan-induced changes in PVR andV′O2,maxwere correlated (p = 0.01). Hypoxia decreased glomerular filtration rate and free water clearance, and increased fractional sodium excretion. These indices of renal function were unaffected by sitaxsentan intake.Selective endothelin A receptor blockade with sitaxsentan improves mild pulmonary hypertension and restores exercise capacity without adverse effects on renal function in hypoxic normal subjects.