bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Review of Huanglongbing (Citrus Greening) Management in Citrus Using Nutritional Approaches in China
Authors: Xia Yulu , Ouyang Gecheng , Sequeira Ronald A. , Takeuchi Yu , Baez Ignacio , Chen Jianchi 
Published: November 2011

The Asian form of huanglongbing (HLB) is caused by ‘Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (Las),’ a phloem-limited bacterium transmitted by the Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama. Nutrient management, together with other cultural practices such as pruning and irrigation, for mitigation of the disease has been practiced in China for many years. Our literature review, field survey, and interviews with Chinese scientists and growers indicate that these cultural practices were generally ineffective for the disease management. However, a nutritional approach in conjunction with other cultural practices such as irrigation can maintain grove productivity for a certain time depending on the type of citrus species/cultivars, the age of the trees, the propagation method of the plants, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP) (Diaphorina citri Kuwayama) population, and other factors. Symptomatic mature pommelo (Citrus maxima Merr) and sweet orange (C. sinensis L. Osbeck) plants can commonly survive and maintain a certain level of productivity for an additional 4 to 5 years, even longer assuming vigorous ACP control. Accepted for publication 27 June 2011. Published 3 October 2011.
Isolation and molecular characterization of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus from public transport
Authors: Iwao Yasuhisa , Yabe Shizuka , Takano Tomomi , Higuchi Wataru , Nishiyama Akihito , Yamamoto Tatsuo 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTMethicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) not only causes disease in hospitals, but also in the community. The characteristics of MRSA transmission in the environment remain uncertain. In this study, MRSA were isolated from public transport in Tokyo and Niigata, Japan. Of 349 trains examined, eight (2.3%) were positive for MRSA. The MRSA isolated belonged to sequence types (STs) 5, 8, 88, and 89, and included community infection‐associated ST8 MRSA (with novel type IV staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec) and the ST5 New York/Japan hospital clone. The data indicate that public transport could contribute to the spread of community‐acquired MRSA, and awareness of this mode of transmission is necessary.
Helicobacter pylori antigens as potential modulators of lymphocytes’ cytotoxic activity
Authors: Rudnicka Karolina , Włodarczyk Marcin , Moran Anthony P. , Rechciński Tomasz , Miszczyk Eliza , Matusiak Agnieszka , Szczęsna Ewelina , Walencka Maria , Rudnicka Wiesława , Chmiela Magdalena 
Published: November 2011

ABSTRACTHelicobacter pylori (H.p) colonizes human gastric mucosa and causes gastric and duodenal ulcer disease or gastric cancer. Various H.p compounds may modulate the host immune response in regards to tolerance of the infection or disease development. The aim of this study was to determine whether H.p lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and glycine acid extract antigens (GE) or E. coli LPS influence the cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes from H.p infected – H.p (+) or uninfected – H.p (−) individuals, in the presence or absence of exogenous interleukin (IL)12. Individual H.p status was defined by the urea breath test. Lymphocytes, stimulated or not with H.p, and control antigens, with or without IL‐12, were used as effector cells and epithelial HeLa cells as targets. The cytotoxicity of lymphocytes was expressed as the percentage of dead target cells unable to reduce tetrazolium salt. The supernatants from HeLa/lymphocyte cultures were used for detection of the cellular cytotoxicity markers granzyme B and caspase 8. The natural cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes from H.p (+) was less than that of H.p (−) donors. This may have been due to fewer natural killer cells of CD3−CD56+Nkp46+ phenotype in H.p (+) in comparison to H.p (−) subjects. H.p GE and standard E. coli LPS enhanced the cytotoxicity of lymphocytes towards target cells whereas H.p LPS downregulated this activity. The decrease in lymphocyte cytotoxicity in response to H.p LPS correlated with a lack of IL‐2 and IL‐12 production, inhibition of interferon‐γ production, and low IL‐10 secretion by mononuclear leukocytes. IL‐12 significantly enhanced the natural as well as H.p LPS and H.p GE driven cytotoxic capacity of lymphocytes. In conclusion, H.p LPS may negatively modulate natural cytotoxic activity and cytokine secretion by immunocompetent cells and thus be involved in the maintenance of infection and development of gastric pathologies.
The association between maternal serious psychological distress and child obesity at 3 years: a cross‐sectional analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Data
Authors: Ramasubramanian L. , Lane S. , Rahman A. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  The prevalence of child obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide. Early childhood has been identified as a critical time period for the development of obesity. Maternal mental health and early life environment are crucial factors and have been linked to adverse child outcomes. The objective of the study was to examine the relationship between maternal serious psychological distress and obesity in early childhood.Methods  A cross‐sectional analysis of data from the Millennium Cohort Study was conducted. Subjects consisted of all natural mothers (n= 10 465) who had complete and plausible data for Kessler‐6 scores, socio‐demographic and anthropometric variables, and their children for whom anthropometric measurements were completed at age 3. Maternal serious psychological distress was defined as a score of 13 or more on the Kessler‐6 scale. Obesity was defined as body mass index ≥95th centile of the 1990 reference chart for age and sex in children. The data were analysed using spss 16. Maternal socio‐demographic factors that are known to influence maternal mental health and child obesity were identified and adjusted using multivariate logistic regression.Results  Of the 10 465 mother–child dyads, 3.5% of mothers had serious psychological distress and 5.5% of children were obese at 3 years of age. Logistic regression analysis showed that maternal serious psychological distress was associated with early childhood obesity (P= 0.01; OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.11, 2.37). After adjusting for potential confounding factors using multivariate logistic regression, maternal serious psychological distress remained significantly associated with early childhood obesity (P= 0.01; OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.08, 2.34).Conclusions  The results show that maternal serious psychological distress is independently associated with early childhood obesity.
Children's adjustment in non‐traditional families in Israel: the effect of parental sexual orientation and the number of parents on children's development
Authors: Shechner T. , Slone M. , Lobel T. E. , Shechter R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractObjectives  This study examined differences in children's psychological and social indicators in non‐traditional families in Israel, focusing on fatherless families headed by lesbian mothers and single mothers by choice. Although Israel is considered an industrialized westernized country, centrality of the traditional nuclear family predominates this country.Methods  This factorial design study included four family types: lesbian and heterosexual mothers, each in both single and coupled parenthood. Children's measures included the Child Behavior Checklist, perception of peer relations and perceived self‐competence.Results  Children from single parent as opposed to two‐parent families exhibited more externalizing behaviour problems and aggressiveness. Children of lesbian mothers reported more prosocial behaviours and less loneliness than children from heterosexual families. No differences emerged for perceived self‐competence across family types.Conclusion  Mother's sexual orientation did not affect children's adjustment negatively, whereas single parenthood placed children at greater risk for some difficulties. Implications include the need for apprising health professionals of effects of family types on children's development.
Autism in Glasgow: cumulative incidence and the effects of referral age, deprivation and geographical location
Authors: Campbell M. , Reynolds L. , Cunningham J. , Minnis H. , Gillberg C. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractBackground  Referrals to the Greater Glasgow Community Autism Team (CAT) made before the child's sixth birthday were analysed to obtain an estimation of the proportion of children in Greater Glasgow with childhood autism and investigate whether there were any variations in diagnosis rates, or in age at referral and diagnosis, depending on deprivation or geographical location.Methods  An analysis was made of the database recording referrals to Greater Glasgow CAT, between 2004 and 2007 inclusive, of children referred by age 6 years, comprising 584 cases. Cumulative incidence was calculated for childhood autism. Ages at referral and diagnosis were also analysed.Results  For this subset of children, there were 246 diagnosed cases of childhood autism, a cumulative incidence from 2004 until 2007 of 11.1 per year per 10 000 children aged 0–6 years. Of children with an eventual diagnosis of autism by age 6, 72% were referred by the age of 4 years. Deprivation was found to have an association with referral and diagnostic rates, with higher rates seen in the most deprived. There was geographical variation in the cumulative incidence of autism.Conclusion  Given that the populations were not known to differ in any manner that would lead to a true variation, the geographical variation in the cumulative incidence of autism in children up to 6 years in Greater Glasgow observed in this study is likely to represent differences in the care pathway between areas. Such differences may also explain the observed association with deprivation. Reasons for the variation are being explored.
On the forest cover–water yield debate: from demand‐ to supply‐side thinking
Authors: Ellison David , N. Futter Martyn , Bishop Kevin 
Published: November 2011

AbstractSeveral major articles from the past decade and beyond conclude the impact of reforestation or afforestation on water yield is negative: additional forest cover will reduce and removing forests will raise downstream water availability. A second group of authors argue the opposite: planting additional forests should raise downstream water availability and intensify the hydrologic cycle. Obtaining supporting evidence for this second group of authors has been more difficult due to the larger scales at which the positive effects of forests on the water cycle may be seen. We argue that forest cover is inextricably linked to precipitation. Forest‐driven evapotranspiration removed from a particular catchment contributes to the availability of atmospheric moisture vapor and its cross‐continental transport, raising the likelihood of precipitation events and increasing water yield, in particular in continental interiors more distant from oceans. Seasonal relationships heighten the importance of this phenomenon. We review the arguments from different scales and perspectives. This clarifies the generally beneficial relationship between forest cover and the intensity of the hydrologic cycle. While evidence supports both sides of the argument – trees can reduce runoff at the small catchment scale – at larger scales, trees are more clearly linked to increased precipitation and water availability. Progressive deforestation, land conversion from forest to agriculture and urbanization have potentially negative consequences for global precipitation, prompting us to think of forest ecosystems as global public goods. Policy‐making attempts to measure product water footprints, estimate the value of ecosystem services, promote afforestation, develop drought mitigation strategies and otherwise manage land use must consider the linkage of forests to the supply of precipitation.
Modelling the potential impact of climate variability and change on species regeneration potential in the temperate forests of South‐Eastern Australia
Authors: Mok Hoi‐Fei , Arndt Stefan K. , Nitschke Craig R. 
Published: November 2011

AbstractThe sensitivity of early plant regeneration to environmental change makes regeneration a critical stage for understanding species response to climate change. We investigated the spatial and temporal response of eucalypt trees in the Central Highland region of south eastern Australia to high and low climate change scenarios. We developed a novel mechanistic model incorporating germination processes, TACA‐GEM, to evaluate establishment probabilities of five key eucalypt species, Eucalyptus pauciflora, Eucalyptus delegatensis, Eucalyptus regnans, Eucalyptus nitens and Eucalyptus obliqua. Changes to regeneration potential at landscape and site levels were calculated to determine climate thresholds. Model results demonstrated that climate change is likely to impact plant regeneration. We observed increases and decreases in regeneration potential depending on the ecosystem, indicating that some species will increase in abundance in some forest types, whilst other forest types will become inhabitable. In general, the dry forest ecosystems were most impacted, whilst the wet forests were least impacted. We also observed that species with seed dormancy mechanisms, like E. pauciflora and E. delegatensis, are likely to be at higher risk than those without. Landscape‐ and site‐level analysis revealed heterogeneity in species response at different scales. On a landscape scale, a 4.3 °C mean temperature increase and 22% decline in precipitation (predicted for 2080) is predicted to be a threshold for large spatial shifts in species regeneration niches across the study region, while a 2.6 °C increase and 15% decline in precipitation (predicted for 2050) will likely result in local site‐level shifts. Site‐level analysis showed that considerable declines in regeneration potential for E. delegatensis, E. pauciflora and E. nitens were modelled to occur in some ecosystems by 2050. While overall model performance and accuracy was good, better understanding of effects from extreme events and other underlying processes on regeneration will improve modelling and development of species conservation strategies.
An improved model for teaching use of electronic apex locators
Authors: Tchorz J. P. , Hellwig E. , Altenburger M. J. 
Published: November 2011

Tchorz JP, Hellwig E, Altenburger MJ. An improved model for teaching use of electronic apex locators. International Endodontic Journal, 45, 307–310, 2012.AbstractAim  To develop a simple, practical and inexpensive model, which enables the use of electronic apex locators (EALs) during pre‐clinical and continuing education.Methodology  Extracted teeth were placed in a mould and embedded in acrylic resin. The resin was applied in two consecutive steps to form a cavity around the root apices. A closable plastic tube serves as a valve, and a steel wire connects to the EAL.Results  With its semi‐closed reservoir for conductive fluids surrounding the root apices, the new model enables working length measurements of root canals using EALs.Conclusions  The model simulates the clinical situation for endodontic teaching purposes, as it allows working length determination of root canals as recommended. The measuring results of the EAL can be verified by radiography. At the same time, the roots are not directly visible and accessible to the user, allowing a precise evaluation and grading of the treatment.
Investigation into the use of complementary and alternative medicine and affecting factors in Turkish asthmatic patients
Authors: Tokem Yasemin , Aytemur Zeynep Ayfer , Yildirim Yasemin , Fadiloglu Cicek 
Published: November 2011

Aims.  The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of complementary and alternative medicine usage in asthmatic patients living in the west of Turkey, the most frequently used complementary and alternative medicine methods and socio‐demographic factors affecting this and factors related to the disease.Background.  While the rate of complementary and alternative medicine usage in asthmatic patients and the reasons for using it vary, practices specific to different countries and regions are of interest. Differing cultural and social factors even in geographically similar regions can affect the type of complementary and alternative medicine used.Methods.  Two hundred asthmatic patients registered in the asthma outpatient clinic of a large hospital in Turkey and who had undergone pulmonary function tests within the previous six months were included in this study, which was planned according to a descriptive design. The patients filled out a questionnaire on their demographic characteristics and complementary and alternative medicine usage.Results.  The proportion of patients who reported using one or more of the complementary and alternative medicine methods was 63·0%. Of these patients, 61·9% were using plants and herbal treatments, 53·2% were doing exercises and 36·5% said that they prayed. The objectives of their use of complementary and alternative medicine were to reduce asthma‐related complaints (58%) and to feel better (37·8%). The proportion of people experiencing adverse effects was 3·3% (n = 4). Factors motivating asthmatic patients to use complementary and alternative medicine were the existence of comorbid diseases and a long period since diagnosis (p < 0·05). No statistically significant difference was found between the use of complementary and alternative medicine and the severity of the disease, pulmonary function test parameters, the number of asthma attacks or hospitalisations because of asthma within the last year (p > 0·05).Relevance to clinical practice.  Understanding by nurses of the causes and patterns of the use of complementary and alternative medicine in asthmatic patients helps them in directing patient care and patient safety. Nurses should conduct comprehensive diagnostics in the light of complementary and alternative medicine use, and they should be aware of the potential risks.
Patient expectations of ‘effectiveness’ in health care: an example from medical herbalism
Authors: Little Christine V 
Published: November 2011

Aims and objectives.  The study explored people’s experiences of medical herbalism, with the aim of enhancing understanding about the use of herbalism in the context of contemporary UK health care.Background.  The popularity and use of complementary and alternative medicine in westernised societies is now well documented, and medical herbalism, in particular, is enjoying a particularly strong revival of interest. Despite this, the reasons for its sustained popularity remain unclear.Design.  The study was underpinned by Gadamerian hermeneutic phenomenology.Method.  Nineteen adult clients of medical herbalists were interviewed about their experiences. The processes of data collection and data analysis were informed predominantly by van Manen’s phenomenological framework and by Kvale’s framework for interview‐based studies.Results.  Herbalism more closely met participants’ expectations of effective health care. The themes ‘dealing with illness causation’, ‘patient–practitioner collaboration’ and ‘provision of authentic evidence’ were fundamental to achieving effectiveness but were perceived as more easily attainable in the context of medical herbalism.Conclusions.  Health care is more likely to meet the expectations of patients when its purposes, methods and goals are negotiated and made explicit, from the perspectives of both patient and health care professional. Medical herbalism has the potential to contribute usefully to participants’ healthcare, especially when used selectively and in conjunction with conventional health care.Relevance to clinical practice.  The continued popularity of complementary and alternative medicine amongst the general public makes its acknowledgement in conventional health care more important than ever. In the context of the integrative health movement, it is therefore essential that health care professionals develop their understanding about patient practices and preferences, if a responsive health care system is to be maintained. Nurses are in a prime position to influence the knowledge base and future direction of integrative health care, especially in relation to the patient perspective.
Field‐scale evaluation of effects of nitrogen deposition on the functioning of heathland ecosystems
Authors: Jones Alan G. , Power Sally A. 
Published: November 2011

Summary1. Plant communities that are adapted to low levels of nutrient availability are particularly sensitive to the effects of elevated nitrogen (N) deposition. Although site‐level manipulation experiments have been used widely to examine the effects of N deposition on (semi‐)natural ecosystems under controlled conditions, relatively few studies have investigated field‐scale impacts of elevated ambient N deposition on native plant communities and ecosystems.2. This study investigates the relationship between atmospheric N deposition, plant and soil nutrient status and microbial enzyme activities at 32 lowland heathland sites across the UK. Sites were chosen to cover a range of N deposition rates (13.3–30.8 kg N ha−1 year−1), geographical areas and different geologies.3. Significant relationships were found between rates of N deposition (total, reduced and oxidized) and concentrations of N and phosphorus (P) in Calluna shoots, litter and soil; relationships were generally stronger with total and reduced forms of N, compared with oxidized N. Litter and humus layers were deeper at sites receiving higher atmospheric N inputs, suggesting increased rates of soil carbon and N accumulation, despite higher levels of phenol‐oxidase activity (implying faster rates of organic matter decomposition) at these sites.4. The combination of elevated plant and soil P concentrations at sites receiving greater N inputs suggests strongly that N is increasing the availability and uptake rates of P, in addition to N. Furthermore, significant interactions between temperature and N deposition on indices relating to productivity and the turnover and uptake of nutrients highlight the influence of climate on ecosystem response to N deposition.5. Synthesis: Field‐scale evidence of changes in rates of nutrient cycling, organic matter accumulation and plant biochemistry suggests that ambient levels of N deposition are affecting the functioning of many heathland ecosystems and that the magnitude of these effects is also influenced by climate. Since such changes are known to be associated with reduced resistance to environmental stress and loss of plant diversity, current (and predicted future) levels of N deposition are likely to have important implications for the conservation and long‐term sustainability of nutrient‐poor ecosystems, particularly in the face of climate change.
A pattern recognition method for lattice distortion measurement from HRTEM images
Authors: PRZYBYŁA P. 
Published: November 2011

SummaryThe idea of the method is to analyse a crystal lattice by creating a grid of quadrilaterals corresponding to repeated cells that are visible in the image. This approach combines image processing elements with a continuum field theory, to create a distortion‐independent similarity measure that is used to select the most appropriate among possible lattice configurations. Subsequently, displacement and distortion fields are computed from individual cell positions. The method allows one to obtain these fields even for images where a periodic cell does not necessarily appear as a single dot of intensity in a high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image, which results in a lower accuracy of commonly used approaches, namely geometric phase and peak finding. The results obtained from this method are verified quantitatively by comparison with known distortion tensor distributions and Burgers vector values on both simulated and real images.