bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Choosing natural enemies for conservation biological control: use of the prey detectability half‐life to rank key predators of Colorado potato beetle
Authors: Greenstone Matthew H. , Szendrei Zsofia , Payton Mark E. , Rowley Daniel L. , Coudron Thomas C. , Weber Donald C. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractDetermining relative strengths of trophic links is critical for ranking predators for conservation biological control. Molecular gut‐content analysis enables ranking by incidence of prey remains in the gut, but differential digestive rates bias such rankings toward predators with slower rates. This bias can be reduced by indexing each predator’s half‐life to that of the middle‐most half‐life in a predator complex. We demonstrate this with data from key species in the predator complex of Colorado potato beetle (CPB),Leptinotarsa decemlineata(Say) (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), comprising adults and immatures of four taxonomically diverse species. These animals display order‐of‐magnitude variation in detectability half‐life for the cytochrome oxidase I DNA sequence of a single CPB egg: from 7.0 h in larvalColeomegilla maculata(DeGeer) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) to 84.4 h in nymphalPerillus bioculatus(Fabricius) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae). The raw species‐specific incidence ofL. decemlineataDNA in the guts of 351 field‐collected predators ranged from 11 to 95%, ranking them as follows:C. maculataadults < Lebia grandisHentz (Coleoptera: Carabidae) adults < Podisus maculiventris(Say) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) adults < P.maculiventrisnymphs < P. bioculatusadults < P. bioculatusnymphs. Half‐life adjustment reorders the rankings:C. maculataadults < P. bioculatusadults < P. bioculatusnymphs < P. maculiventrisnymphs < L. grandisadults < P. maculiventrisadults. These changes in status demonstrate the value of half‐life‐adjusted molecular gut‐content data for ranking predators. This is the first study to measure prey detectability half‐lives for the key arthropod predators of a major insect pest, and to use them to evaluate the relative impact of all adults and immatures in this predator complex.
Baff serum level predicts time to first treatment in early chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Molica Stefano , Digiesi Giovanna , Battaglia Caterina , Cutrona Giovanna , Antenucci Anna , Molica Matteo , Giannarelli Diana , Sperduti Isabella , Gentile Massimo , Morabito Fortunato , Ferrarini Manlio 
Published: June 2010

AbstractWe analyzed the correlation between well‐established biological parameters of prognostic relevance in B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) [i.e. mutational status of the immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IgVH), ZAP‐70 and CD38 expression] and serum levels of B cell–activating factor (BAFF of the TNF family) by evaluating the impact of these variables on the time to first treatment (TFT) in a series of 169 previously untreated CLL patients in Binet stage A. Higher levels of BAFF were more frequently associated with female gender (P = 0.02), younger age (P = 0.01), Rai stage 0 (P = 0.002), higher platelet count (P = 0.005), mutated IgVH disease (P = 0.002), higher occurrence of normal cytogenetic profile or presence of 13q deletion (P = 0.02), low ZAP‐70‐ (P = 0.003), and CD38‐expression (P = 0.02). Maximally selected log‐rank statistic plot identified a serum BAFF concentration of 0.313 ng/mL as the best cut‐off (P < 0.0001). This threshold recognized two subsets of patients with different TFT (P < 0.0001). Because in multivariate analysis soluble BAFF [Hazard ratio (HR), 8.23; confidence Interval (CI) 95%,3.0–22.6, P < 0.0001] and mutational status of IgVH (HR = 2.60; CI 95% 1.10–6.14, P = 0.03) maintained the discriminating power their combined effect on clinical outcome was assessed. When three groups were considered: (1) low‐risk (n = 93), patients with concordant IgVHmut and higher soluble BAFF; (2) intermediate‐risk (n = 50), patients with IgVHmut and low BAFF levels or IgVHunmut and soluble higher BAFF;(3) high‐risk (n = 26), patients with concordant IgVH unmut and low soluble BAFF, the 2‐yr TFTs were, respectively, 95%, 85%, and 41% (P < 0.0001). In conclusion, our results indicate that in early B‐cell CLL, the biological profile including among other parameters soluble BAFF may provide a useful insight into the complex interrelationship of prognostic variables.
Communal spawning of brook and river lampreys (Lampetra planeri and L. fluviatilis) is common in the Oir River (France)
Authors: Lasne E. , Sabatié M.‐R. , Evanno G. 
Published: June 2010

Lasne E, Sabatié M‐R, Evanno G. Communal spawning of brook and river lampreys (Lampetra planeri and L. fluviatilis) is common in the Oir River (France). Ecology of Freshwater Fish 2010: 19: 323–325. © 2010 John Wiley & Sons A/SAbstract –  The taxonomic status of river Lampreys (Lampetra fluviatilis) and brook lampreys (L. planeri) has been repeatedly questioned due to the high morphological similarity of these species. Here, we report a high frequency (54%) of communal spawning involving both species in the Lampetra redds of a French coastal river. These observations suggest that reproductive isolation between the two species may not be as strong as previously supposed.
The intergalactic magnetic field constrained by Fermi/Large Area Telescope observations of the TeV blazar 1ES 0229+200
Authors: Tavecchio F. , Ghisellini G. , Foschini L. , Bonnoli G. , Ghirlanda G. , Coppi P. 
Published: June 2010

Abstract
TeV photons from blazars at relatively large distances, interacting with the optical–infrared cosmic background, are efficiently converted into electron–positron pairs. The produced pairs are extremely relativistic (Lorentz factors of the order of 106– 107) and promptly lose their energy through inverse Compton scatterings with the photons of the microwave cosmic background, producing emission in the GeV band. The spectrum and the flux level of this reprocessed emission are critically dependent on the intensity of the intergalactic magnetic field, B, that can deflect the pairs diluting the intrinsic emission over a large solid angle. We derive a simple relation for the reprocessed spectrum expected from a steady source. We apply this treatment to the blazar 1ES0229+200, whose intrinsic, very hard TeV spectrum is expected to be approximately steady. Comparing the predicted reprocessed emission with the upper limits measured by the Fermi/Large Area Telescope, we constrain the value of the intergalactic magnetic field to be larger than B≃ 5 × 10−15 G, depending on the model of extragalactic background light.
Food for Thought: EU Climate Change Policy Presents New Challenges for Agriculture  Éléments de réflexion : La politique européenne en matière de changement climatique offre de nouveaux défis à l’agriculture  Denkanstoß: Die EU‐Politik zum Klimawandel stellt die Landwirtschaft vor neue Herausforderungen
Authors: Breen James P. , Donnellan Trevor , Westhoff Pat 
Published: June 2010

summaryFood for Thought: EU Climate Change Policy Presents New Challenges for AgricultureIn an effort to curb mankind’s impact on the global climate, the EU has proposed a reduction in Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions of 20 per cent by 2020 relative to the 1990 levels. The required reduction in GHG emissions in the non‐Emissions Trading Sector, which includes agriculture, varies by Member States (MS) with Ireland, Denmark and Luxembourg given the largest reduction target of 20 per cent relative to their 2005 levels. For some EU MS, such as Ireland, agriculture represents a significant source of national GHG emissions and achieving the reduction targets could potentially have a significant impact on the agriculture sector in these MS. Various policy‐based abatement strategies can be applied to reduce the cost of GHG emissions abatement. This article discusses some of the main merits and demerits of these strategies. Tradable Emissions Permits, which are currently being used to reduce the emissions from the EU energy and heavy industry sectors, are one such strategy and are examined in more detail in the context of reducing GHG emissions from agriculture. A number of potential obstacles to the successful implementation of a scheme of tradable emissions permits for Irish or EU agriculture are discussed in greater detail.
Measurement of the Optical Properties of Leaves Under Diffuse Light
Authors: Gorton Holly L. , Brodersen Craig R. , Williams William E. , Vogelmann Thomas C. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractMeasuring leaf light absorptance is central to many areas of plant biology including photosynthesis and energy balance. Absorptance is calculated from measured values of transmittance and reflectance, and most such measurements have used direct beam light. However, photosynthesis and other processes can differ under direct and diffuse light. Optical properties under diffuse light may be different, but there have been technical difficulties involved in measuring total reflectance of diffuse light. We developed instrumentation to measure this reflectance using a chopped measuring beam delivered alternately to sample and reference integrating spheres, and lock‐in detection. We also built instrumentation for measuring transmittance of diffuse light. We developed standards to calibrate our instruments and correct for substitution error, a known systematic error with integrating sphere‐based measurements. Helianthus annuus leaves measured under diffuse light reflected 5–10% more and transmitted a few percent less 400–700 nm light than under direct light. Overall absorptance was only a few percent higher under direct light, but leaves may utilize absorbed direct and diffuse light differently. For example, of the light entering the leaf, significantly more direct light than diffuse light is transmitted through the leaf, suggesting differences in localization of absorption within the leaf.
Psychometric Properties of the Mentor Role Instrument when Used in an Academic Medicine Setting
Authors: Dilmore Terri Collin , Rubio Doris McGartland , Cohen Elan , Seltzer Deborah , Switzer Galen E. , Bryce Cindy , Primack Brian , Fine Michael J. , Kapoor Wishwa N. 
Published: June 2010

AbstractThe Ragins and McFarlin Mentor Role Instrument (RMMRI) was originally developed to measure perceptions of mentoring relationships in research and development organizations. The current study was designed to evaluate the RMMRI's reliability and validity when the instrument was administered to clinical and translational science trainees at an academic medical center. The 33‐item RMMRI was administered prospectively to a cohort of 141 trainees at the University of Pittsburgh in 2007–2008. Likert‐scale items focused on perceptions of five mentoring roles in the career dimension (sponsor, coach, protector, challenger, and promoter) and six mentoring roles in the psychosocial dimension (friend, social associate, parent, role model, counselor, and acceptor). Outcome items included overall perceptions of mentoring satisfaction and effectiveness. Of 141 trainees, 53% were male, 66% were white, 22% were Asian, and 59% were medical doctors. Mean age was 32 years. Analyses showed strong within‐factor inter‐item correlations (Pearson Coefficients of 0.57–0.93); strong internal consistency (Cronbach alphas of 0.82–0.97); confirmatory factorial validity, as demonstrated by confirmatory factor analysis of the two mentoring dimensions, 11 mentoring roles, and 33 RMMRI items; and concurrent validity, as demonstrated by strong correlations (Pearson Coefficients of 0.56–0.71) between mentoring dimensions, satisfaction, and effectiveness. This article concludes that the RMMRI shows reliability and validity in capturing the multidimensional nature of mentoring when administered to clinical and translational science trainees in the academic setting. Clin Trans Sci 2010; Volume 3: 104–108
The application of temperature measurement of the eyes by digital infrared thermal imaging as a prognostic factor of methylprednisolone pulse therapy for Graves’ ophthalmopathy
Authors: Shih Shyang‐Rong , Li Hung‐Yuan , Hsiao Yung‐Lien , Chang Tien‐Chun 
Published: June 2010

Abstract.Purpose:  Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) involves autoimmune process resulting in proptosis, congestion, oedema and diplopia. Werner’s NOSPECS classification and clinical activity score (CAS) of GO cannot objectively describe the inflammatory status. Digital infrared thermal imaging (DITI) detects local temperature and may reflect the degree of orbital inflammation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical application of the eye temperature measured by DITI.Methods:  Forty‐six patients with GO receiving intravenously methylprednisolone pulse therapy (MPT) were included in this study. Local temperatures of the lateral orbit, upper eyelid, inner caruncle, medial conjunctiva, lateral conjunctiva, lower eyelid and cornea were measured with DITI before and after MPT. CAS, proptosis, eye movement (EOM) and diplopia were also recorded. Improvement of CAS was defined as at least one point decrease at either side of the eye, which was 0.5 score decrease as to the average of bilateral CAS.Results:  Local temperatures of the eyes decreased after MPT. The mean value of temperature (MT) of 12 points including the lateral orbit, upper eyelid, inner caruncle, medial conjunctiva, lateral conjunctiva and lower eyelid of both eyes before MPT was 32.65°. The mean change of MT after MPT (△T) was −0.22°. △T significantly negative‐correlated with basal MT (correlation coefficient = −0.54, p = 0.004). Higher baseline MT and CAS before MPT correlated with higher possibility of improvement of CAS after MPT (p = 0.013 and 0.012, respectively). Baseline MT and CAS together correlated with improvement of CAS after MPT better than baseline CAS alone could do (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve: 82.81% and 66.63%, respectively).Conclusions:  Basal temperature of the eyes measured by DITI was an objective indicator of inflammation of GO. Combining CAS and MT could better predict the outcome of MPT than CAS alone.
Black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia) intoxication as a suspected cause of transient hyperammonaemia and enteral encephalopathy in a pony
Authors: Vanschandevijl K. , Van Loon G. , Lefère L. , Deprez P. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryTwo ponies presented with mild abdominal pain and mild diarrhoea one hour after ingestion of roots of a black locust tree. On admission, symptoms had progressed to depression, weakness and the passing of dark, firm faeces. Treatment was symptomatic and supportive, aiming at the evacuation of the toxin from the gastrointestinal tract. One pony developed severe, reversible neurological signs associated with transient hyperammonaemia in the absence of liver disease. After 24 h the ammonia level returned to normal and central nervous signs disappeared. Both ponies recovered completely. This report describes the ingestion of black locust closely followed by the development of central nervous signs and hyperammonaemia. Increased ammonia absorption due to the intestinal wall inflammation caused by the toxins of the black locust tree, as well as increased ammonia production by enteric bacteria is therefore considered a plausible pathophysiological mechanism of the neurological signs displayed in black locust intoxication.
Effect of endometrial pathology on the success of non‐surgical embryo transfer
Authors: PASCOE D. R. , LIU I. K. M. , SPENSLEY M. S. , HUGHES J. P. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryEndometrial pathology and prolonged infertility caused a marked reduction in embryo recovery from barren mares. Young maiden mares produced more embryos later, rather than earlier, in the breeding season. Recipient mares with a normal endometrium had a higher pregnancy rate (P<0.05) than recipient mares in which moderate endometrial pathology was observed. Minimal pregnancy loss occurred between the time of embryo transfer and Day 50 of gestation in recipient mares with normal endometria that had been closely synchronised with their respective donor mares.
Comparative studies of the maternal recognition of pregnancy
Authors: HEAP R. B. , WHYTE A. , SALAMONSEN L. , WANG M.‐W. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryOf primary importance for the establishment of pregnancy is the maintenance or prolongation of corpus luteal function. In large domestic animals this is achieved by a blastocyst‐derived signal which disarms the uterine luteolytic mechanism some time before there is any structural association between embryonic and maternal tissues. This is not the case in all mammals because, in certain instances, maternal recognition of pregnancy, as defined by luteal response in terms of maintained or prolonged function, may correspond with the onset of nidation and even post date the time of attachment and implantation. Evidence for the importance of blastocyst‐derived signals and their intensity has been examined but the hypothesis requires further testing to elucidate the relationship between stimulus (signal) and response (luteal function). Studies of the mechanisms by which progesterone action can be blocked in early pregnancy currently focus on target cell epithelia in the uterus and the nature of surface antigens associated with the onset of the implantation process. To date, proof is lacking for a uterus‐specific growth factor with unique functions which forms an essential component of histotrophe; but there is substantial evidence that polypeptide growth factors are detectable at significant concentrations in the uterus. The development of specific peptide antagonists should help to reveal the functions of polypeptide mitogens in uterine physiology and their role in the complex cellular signalling and recognition that occurs between embryo and mother in the early stages of gestation (Brigstocket al1989).
Use of serial progesterone measurements to assess cycle length, time of ovulation and timing of uterine flushes in order to recover equine morulae
Authors: BOYLE M. S. , SANDERSON M. W. , SKIDMORE JULIAN , ALLEN W. R. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryIn 1987, as part of an embryo transfer programme to produce monozygotic twin foals, mares were flushed during the morning (09:30 to 13:30 h) of Day 6. Of 100 flushes, 48 embryos were recovered half of which were morulae. In 1988, in an attempt to increase the proportion of morulae, various flushing times between 17.00 h on Day 5 and the afternoon of Day 6 were used. For flushes carried out during the morning of Day 6, recovery rates were similar to those of the previous year. However, although the proportion of flushes resulting in the recovery of morulae was not significantly different for times between 23:00 h on Day 5 and 13:00 h on Day 6, the overall recovery rates for flushes on Day 6 were higher than those on Day 5. In addition, a number of mares that did not produce an embryo when flushed before 09:00 h on Day 6, were subsequently found to be pregnant when scanned at Day 18 suggesting that flushing had been carried out before arrival of the embryo in the uterus. To determine whether valid predictions could be made as to when to flush a mare to maximise recovery of morulae, a review of embryo recovery rates and plasma progesterone profiles of a large herd of mares over two breeding seasons was carried out. Mean plasma progesterone levels on the first three days after ovulation were higher for mares that produced embryos when flushed on Day 5 than for all other groups. Comparison of the results of previous flushes with the corresponding plasma progesterone profiles suggested that the characteristics of the post ovulation progesterone rise may have some value in deciding when a mare should be flushed. A review of the effects of uterine flushing, PGF2α and hCG on cycle length and ovulation time was also carried out in order to devise more efficient methods of herd management and ensure a supply of suitably synchronised recipient and donor mares at convenient times for embryo transfer experiments.
Are pony and larger mares similar as recipients for non‐surgical transfer of Day 7 embryos?
Authors: LAGNEAUX D. , PALMER E. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryNon‐surgical transfer of equine embryos to nine recipient pony mares failed to result in any pregnancies whereas transfer of nine embryos to larger Selle‐Français recipient mares resulted in four pregnancies. Plasma progesterone profiles in the recipient and sham transfer control mares showed the occurrence of early luteolysis (before Day 12 after ovulation) in three of the nine recipient pony mares whereas luteolysis occurred at the normal time (Day 14 to 15) in the control mares and the non‐pregnant Selle‐Français and pony recipient mares. Daily plasma PGFM measurements showed the occurrence of PGF release on the day before luteolysis in all groups, except the recipient pony mares which underwent early luteolysis. In these animals, luteolysis occurred four days after the initial PGF release. PGFM profiles in closely timed serial blood samples taken on the day of transfer showed that cervical transfer induced PGF release from 1 min to 6 h after transfer in both breeds. This release was not directly responsible for non‐pregnancy in the pony recipient mares; in all three pony recipient mares which underwent early luteolysis, this immediate post‐transfer PGF release was followed by an additional release on the day after transfer. This suggests that the uteri of pony mares respond differently to those of larger mares with regard to mechanical stimulation of the cervix and/or bacterial or other types of endometritis. Clearly, pony and Selle‐Français mares are not similar as recipients for non‐surgical transfer of Day 7 equine embryos.
Pregnancy rates of cooled, transported equine embryos
Authors: COOK V. M. , SQUIRES E. L. , McKINNON A. O. , BAILEY J. , LONG P. L. 
Published: June 2010

SummaryThe ability to collect embryos and transfer them to another location has many advantages. The results of a field trial on the fertility of embryos cooled and stored in an Equitainer and transported by commercial airline to Colorado State University are presented. Time from embryo collection to transfer was generally less than 12 h, but ranged from 5 to 24 h. Cooling, storage at 5°C and/or transportation of embryos had no effect on embryo size and quality. Pregnancy rates at 15 and 50 days were similar (P>0.05) for fresh control embryos (20 of 26 and 17 of 26) compared to cooled embryos (20 of 24 and 18 of 24).