bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seed orchard genetics.
Authors: Funda T. , El-Kassaby Y. A. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Seed orchards represent the link between tree breeding and silvicultural activities. Their genetic efficiency is of vital importance as it determines the extent of genetic gain and diversity of future forest tree plantations. Given their importance, seed orchard genetics has received increased scientific and managerial scrutiny. Virtually all aspects affecting seed orchard genetic efficiency have been thoroughly investigated, including their biological model, underpinning assumptions and management practices developed and implemented to improve crop genetic quality. In this review, we systematically address these topics starting with the position of seed orchards in the tree improvement cycle, their population genetics model and the biological factors affecting this model; namely, reproductive investment and success, reproductive phenology, inbreeding, gene flow and finally the biology of the seed. Management practices are reviewed including those implemented during the establishment phase (orchard size, design, number of parents and their representation) and those implemented for enhanced crop management (crown management, supplemental mass pollination, bloom delay, selective seed harvesting and the production of designer crops). The genetic consequences of these issues are discussed. The intention of this article is to produce a state-of-art review of this vital component of every tree improvement delivery system and to facilitate and encourage further research and development for present and future seed orchards.
REDD reckoning: a review of research on a rapidly moving target.
Authors: Seymour F. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
This review characterizes the major themes of articles on reducing emissions from deforestation and forest degradation (REDD) published between January 2007 and December 2010 in various peer-reviewed journals, as well as selected reports in the 'grey literature'. The main themes of the articles and reports are analysed in relation to four topics: the global architecture of REDD; measurement and monitoring; national and subnational policies, institutions and governance; and the relationship of REDD to other objectives such as biodiversity conservation, poverty reduction and rights protection. The review identifies a number of topics for further research, including empirical validation of the predicted benefits and risks of implementing REDD policies and projects, and analysis of the degree to which REDD is shaping, or being shaped by, the political economy of forest governance at national and global levels.
An Age‐Structured Integrated Assessment of Chinook Salmon Population Dynamics in Lake Huron's Main Basin since 1968
Authors: Brenden Travis O. , Bence James R. , Szalai Emily B. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWe conducted a statistical catch‐at‐age (SCAA) assessment, also known as an integrated assessment, of the Chinook salmonOncorhynchus tshawytschapopulation in Lake Huron's main basin to describe the dynamics and assess population abundance since the species began being stocked in 1968. The purpose of this assessment was to determine whether recent declines in Chinook salmon recreational harvest were indicative of an overall decrease in population abundance, and to estimate the magnitude of that decline. Data sources integrated into the assessment model included recreational harvest and effort, returns to the Swan River weir by year‐class, age composition of recreational harvest (overall and of mature fish), and proportion mature by age. Parameters estimated included time‐varying age‐0 natural mortality rates and recreational fishing catchabilities, age‐specific recreational fishing selectivities, and the parameters of a logistic function relating maturation probability to fish age and weight. The fitted model did a reasonable job of predicting recreational harvest, Swan River weir returns, age composition of recreational harvest, and proportion mature by age. The model predicted that abundance of age‐1 and older Chinook salmon has declined by approximately 98% since the mid‐1980s, with an estimated abundance of age‐1 and older fish of approximately 65,000 in 2009. The primary cause for this decline has been a substantial increase in age‐0 natural mortality rates, which peaked at an instantaneous rate of around 6.3 in the late 2000s, although fishing mortality rates have also been quite high. Initially, declines in survival were associated with increases in overall predator abundance in the lake. The most recent and large declines were associated with a decrease in the abundance of alewivesAlosa pseudoharengus. We suspect that declines in age‐0 survival reflect both direct effects of food limitation and increased predation mortality by larger fish, and are consequences of decreased abundance of other prey fishes.
Experimental and theoretical study of electron-beam-induced spin-reorientation transition reversal in the CO/Co(1 1 0) system
Authors: Reeve Robert M , Chin Shin-Liang , Kopper Klaus-Peter , Ionescu Adrian , Barnes Crispin H W 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The spin-reorientation transition (SRT) of Co films on Cu(1 1 0) due to adsorption of CO is investigated using in situ Mott polarimetry to measure the secondary electron spin polarization (SESP). The polarization along the [0 0 1] axis is found to decrease in time as the residual gas adsorbs on the surface, while the polarization along the orthogonal axis increases. By subsequently exposing the films to an electron beam for an extended period, the CO on the surface is perturbed and the process is reversed. The SESP is consequently observed to follow the opposite evolution to that seen during the initial SRT, with the SESP reverting to 83.6 ± 1.1% of its initial value after the complete reversal. Density functional theory calculations suggest that this is due to the electron-beam dissociation of the CO, leaving behind C on the cobalt surface. Furthermore, the calculations show that the C adatom results in a reduction in the SESP signal to 81% of the clean Co(1 1 0) surface, which is in good quantitative agreement with our experimental results. The experimental SESP data are also fitted to an analytical model taking into account the interaction of the electron beam with the surface adsorbate to yield an average electronic cross-section for the process of σ = (5.8 ± 1.1) × 10−18 cm2 and a strikingly small CO coverage responsible for the effect of just 0.065 ± 0.012 ML. A series of in situ magneto-optical Kerr effect measurements were also performed across the sample to show that this reversal effect is localized and confirm the ability to pattern the magnetization by locally modifying the magnetic anisotropy of the system via an electron-beam exposure.
Development of robust flexible OLED encapsulations using simulated estimations and experimental validations
Authors: Lee Chang-Chun , Shih Yan-Shin , Wu Chih-Sheng , Tsai Chia-Hao , Yeh Shu-Tang , Peng Yi-Hao , Chen Kuang-Jung 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
This work analyses the overall stress/strain characteristic of flexible encapsulations with organic light-emitting diode (OLED) devices. A robust methodology composed of a mechanical model of multi-thin film under bending loads and related stress simulations based on nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) is proposed, and validated to be more reliable compared with related experimental data. With various geometrical combinations of cover plate, stacked thin films and plastic substrate, the position of the neutral axis (NA) plate, which is regarded as a key design parameter to minimize stress impact for the concerned OLED devices, is acquired using the present methodology. The results point out that both the thickness and mechanical properties of the cover plate help in determining the NA location. In addition, several concave and convex radii are applied to examine the reliable mechanical tolerance and to provide an insight into the estimated reliability of foldable OLED encapsulations.
Discharge characteristics of mercury-free flat fluorescent lamps with various electrode configurations analysed through a two-dimensional fluid model simulation
Authors: Kwon Ohyung , Oh Byung Joo , Whang Ki-Woong 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The discharge characteristics and factors related to the luminous efficacy of mercury-free flat fluorescent lamps (MFFLs) with three different types of coplanar, counter and combination electrode configurations were studied via a two-dimensional numerical simulation. The spatiotemporal distributions of the potential, electric field, electron density, Xe** density and current waveforms of the MFFLs were obtained and analysed. The MFFL with the combination electrode configuration shows the highest vacuum ultraviolet (VUV) efficacy value. The vertical electrode in the MFFL with the combination electrode configuration prevents the electric field at the gap space from decreasing rapidly, and extends the discharge path. The effects of the vertical electrode help one to increase the Xe excitation efficacy. In addition, a new auxiliary electrode was proposed in the original MFFL with the combination electrode configuration. The MFFL with the new auxiliary electrode has broader distributions of electrons and Xe** species, and a higher VUV efficacy value than the original MFFL with the combination electrode configuration at the same voltage.
Relations of circulating vitamin D concentrations with left ventricular geometry and function
Authors: Fall Tove , Shiue Ivy , Bergeå af Geijerstam Per , Sundström Johan , Ärnlöv Johan , Larsson Anders , Melhus Håkan , Lind Lars , Ingelsson Erik 
Published: June 2012

AimsVitamin D deficiency has been associated with risk of overt cardiovascular disease (CVD), but associations with subclinical disease are not well characterized. Hence, we examined associations of circulating vitamin D concentrations and left ventricular (LV) geometry and function by echocardiography at baseline and after 5 years in a community‐based study.Methods and resultsIn the PIVUS study, we measured serum 25‐dihydroxyvitamin‐D (25‐OH D) at age 70 and performed echocardiography including LV mass, wall thickness, end‐diastolic diameter, end‐systolic diameter (LVESD), left atrial diameter, fractional shortening, ejection fraction, isovolumic relaxation time, and E/A ratio at both age 70 and 75. We included 870 participants (52% women) without prior myocardial infarctions, heart failure, or prevalent valvular disease. After adjusting for potential confounders, 25‐OH D at baseline was found to be significantly associated with LVESD, fractional shortening, and ejection fraction (β, –0.42 mm, P = 0.03; β, 0.70%, P = 0.03; and β, 0.91% P = 0.01, respectively), per 1 SD increase in 25‐OH D (SD = 20 nmol/L) at baseline. In longitudinal analyses, vitamin D levels at baseline were not significantly associated with change in LV geometry and function after 5 years.ConclusionIn our community‐based study among the elderly, we found higher circulating vitamin D concentrations to be associated cross‐sectionally with better LV systolic function and smaller LVESD at baseline. The association persisted after adjusting for several potential confounders, including cardiovascular risk factors and calcium, phosphate, and parathyroid hormone levels. Randomized clinical trials are needed to establish firmly or refute a causal relationship between vitamin D levels and changes in LV geometry and function.
A Simulation Study of Common Propofol and Propofol-Opioid Dosing Regimens for Upper Endoscopy
Authors: LaPierre Cris D. , Johnson Ken B. , Randall Benjamin R. , Egan Talmage D. 
Published: June 2012

Background
Using models of respiratory compromise, loss of response to esophageal instrumentation, and loss of responsiveness, the authors explored through simulation published dosing schemes for endoscopy using propofol alone and in combination with selected opioids. They hypothesized that models would predict adequate conditions for esophageal instrumentation and once drug administration is terminated, rapid return of responsiveness and minimal respiratory compromise.

Methods
Four published dosing regimens of propofol alone or in combination with opioids were used to predict the probability of loss of response to esophageal instrumentation for a 10-min procedure and the probability of respiratory compromise and return of responsiveness once the procedure had ended.

Results
Propofol alone provided a low probability (9-20%) and propofol-opioid techniques provided a moderate probability (15-58%) of loss of response to esophageal instrumentation. Once the procedure ended, all techniques provided a high likelihood of rapid return of responsiveness (less than 3 min). Propofol-opioid techniques required more time than propofol alone to achieve a high probability of no respiratory compromise (7 vs. 4 min).

Conclusions
Propofol alone would likely lead to inadequate conditions for esophageal instrumentation but would provide a rapid return to responsiveness and low probability of respiratory compromise once the procedure ended. The addition of remifentanil or fentanyl improved conditions for esophageal instrumentation and had an equally rapid return to responsiveness. The time required to achieve a low probability of respiratory compromise was briefly prolonged; this is likely inconsequential given that patients are responsive and can be prompted to breathe.
Anesthetic Protection of Neurons Injured by Hypothermia and Rewarming
Authors: Bickler Philip E. , Warren Daniel E. , Clark John P. , Gabatto Pablo , Gregersen Maren , Brosnan Heather 
Published: June 2012

Background
Mild hypothermia is neuroprotective after cerebral ischemia but surgery involving profound hypothermia (PH, temperature less than 18°C) is associated with neurologic complications. Rewarming (RW) from PH injures hippocampal neurons by glutamate excitotoxicity, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, and intracellular calcium. Because neurons are protected from hypoxia-ischemia by anesthetic agents that inhibit N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors, we tested whether anesthetics protect neurons from damage caused by PH/RW.

Methods
Organotypic cultures of rat hippocampus were used to model PH/RW injury, with hypothermia at 4°C followed by RW to 37°C and assessment of cell death 1 or 24 h later. Cell death and intracellular Ca were assessed with fluorescent dye imaging and histology. Anesthetic agents were present in the culture media during PH and RW or only RW.

Results
Injury to hippocampal CA1, CA3, and dentate neurons after PH and RW involved cell swelling, cell rupture, and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) loss; this injury was similar for 4 through 10 h of PH. Isoflurane (1% and 2%), sevoflurane (3%) and xenon (60%) reduced cell loss but propofol (3 μM) and pentobarbital (100 μM) did not. Isoflurane protection involved reduction in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated Ca influx during RW but did not involve γ-amino butyric acid receptors or KATP channels. However, cell death increased over the next day.

Conclusion
Anesthetic protection of neurons rewarmed from 4°C involves suppression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated Ca overload in neurons undergoing ATP loss and excitotoxicity. Unlike during hypoxia/ischemia, anesthetic agents acting predominantly on γ-aminobutyric acid receptors do not protect against PH/RW. The durability of anesthetic protection against cold injury may be limited.
Prevalence of alcohol and other drugs in fatally injured drivers
Authors: Brady Joanne E. , Li Guohua 
Published: June 2012

AbstractAimThis study aims to examine the prevalence of alcohol and/or other drugs (AOD) in a large sample of fatally injured drivers.DesignUsing data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System for 2005–09, the authors examined the prevalence of AOD detected in fatally injured drivers in the United States.SettingFatal motor vehicle crashes occurring on public roads.ParticipantsDrivers who died within 1 hour of the crash in 14 states that performed toxicological testing on more than 80% of these drivers.MeasurementsThe prevalence of AOD and multivariable‐adjusted prevalence ratios (aPR).FindingsOf the 20 150 fatally injured drivers studied, 57.3% tested positive for AOD, including 19.9% being positive for two or more substances. Alcohol was the most commonly detected substance, present in 40.2% of the fatally injured drivers, followed by cannabinols (10.5%), stimulants (9.0%), narcotics (5.7%) and depressants (4.0%). Multivariable analysis revealed that AOD was significantly more prevalent among drivers who died in single‐vehicle crashes [aPR 1.69, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.62–1.76] or night‐time crashes (aPR 1.43, 95% CI: 1.39–1.47), or who had a driving‐while‐intoxicated conviction within the past 3 years (aPR 1.41, 95% CI: 1.35–1.47), and less prevalent among drivers who were 65 years or older (aPR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.42–0.49), Asian (aPR 0.47, 95% CI 0.41–0.53) or female (aPR 0.88, 95% CI: 0.85–0.91) or who were operating a motor carrier (aPR 0.41, 95% CI 0.34–0.48).ConclusionsMore than half of fatally injured drivers in the United States had been using AOD and approximately 20% had been using polydrugs. The prevalence of AOD use varies significantly with driver and crash characteristics.
A pregnancy physiologically based pharmacokinetic (p‐PBPK) model for disposition of drugs metabolized by CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4
Authors: Gaohua Lu , Abduljalil Khaled , Jamei Masoud , Johnson Trevor N. , Rostami‐Hodjegan Amin 
Published: June 2012

AimsPregnant women are usually not part of the traditional drug development programme. Pregnancy is associated with major biological and physiological changes that alter the pharmacokinetics (PK) of drugs. Prediction of the changes to drug exposure in this group of patients may help to prevent under‐ or overtreatment. We have used a pregnancy physiologically based pharmacokinetic (p‐PBPK) model to assess the likely impact of pregnancy on three model compounds, namely caffeine, metoprolol and midazolam, based on the knowledge of their disposition in nonpregnant women and information from in vitro studies.MethodsA perfusion‐limited form of a 13‐compartment full‐PBPK model (Simcyp® Simulator) was used for the nonpregnant women, and this was extended to the pregnant state by applying known changes to all model components (including the gestational related activity of specific cytochrome P450 enzymes) and through the addition of an extra compartment to represent the fetoplacental unit. The uterus and the mammary glands were grouped into the muscle compartment. The model was implemented in Matlab Simulink and validated using clinical observations.ResultsThe p‐PBPK model predicted the PK changes of three model compounds (namely caffeine, metoprolol and midazolam) for CYP1A2, CYP2D6 and CYP3A4 during pregnancy within twofold of observed values. The changes during the third trimester were predicted to be a 100% increase, a 30% decrease and a 35% decrease in the exposure of caffeine, metoprolol and midazolam, respectively, compared with the nonpregnant women.ConclusionsIn the absence of clinical data, the in silico prediction of PK behaviour during pregnancy can provide a valuable aid to dose adjustment in pregnant women. The performance of the model for drugs metabolized by a single enzyme to different degrees (high and low extraction) and for drugs that are eliminated by several different routes warrants further study.
Therapeutic manipulation of natural killer (NK) T cells in autoimmunity: are we close to reality?
Authors: Simoni Y , Diana J , Ghazarian L , Beaudoin L , Lehuen A 
Published: June 2012

SummaryT cells reactive to lipids and restricted by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-like molecules represent more than 15% of all lymphocytes in human blood. This heterogeneous population of innate cells includes the invariant natural killer T cells (iNK T), type II NK T cells, CD1a,b,c-restricted T cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. These populations are implicated in cancer, infection and autoimmunity. In this review, we focus on the role of these cells in autoimmunity. We summarize data obtained in humans and preclinical models of autoimmune diseases such as primary biliary cirrhosis, type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and atherosclerosis. We also discuss the promise of NK T cell manipulations: restoration of function, specific activation, depletion and the relevance of these treatments to human autoimmune diseases.
Adenovirus-mediated delivery of soluble ST2 attenuates ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma in mice
Authors: Yin H , Li X Y , Liu T , Yuan B H , Zhang B B , Hu S L , Gu H B , Jin X B , Zhu J Y 
Published: June 2012

SummaryAllergic asthma is associated with excessive T helper type 2 (Th2) cells activation and airway hyperreactivity (AHR), implicated in the context of significant morbidity and mortality. Soluble ST2, a member of the interleukin (IL)-1 receptor family, has been shown to play a critical role in modulation of inflammatory disorders, yet the function of soluble ST2 in allergic inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we examined the possibility of regulating ovalbumin (OVA)-challenged airway inflammation by recombinant adenovirus-mediated sST2-Fc (Ad-sST2-Fc) gene transfer. Single intranasal administration of Ad-sST2-Fc before allergen challenge in OVA-immunized mice profoundly reduced serum immunoglobulin (Ig)E secretion, eosinophil infiltration and concentrations of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with administration of a control Ad vector. Histopathological examination of the lungs revealed that sST2-Fc over-expression markedly suppressed allergen-induced peribronchial inflammation and disruption of the alveolar architecture. Moreover, the beneficial effect of sST2-Fc in allergic lung inflammation is related to blocking the IL–33/ST2L signalling. Taken together, these results suggested that administration of Ad-sST2-Fc gene transfer may have therapeutic potential for the immunomodulatory treatment of OVA-mediated allergic pulmonary diseases.
Impaired function of regulatory T cells in cord blood of children of allergic mothers
Authors: Hrdý J , Kocourková I , Prokešová L 
Published: June 2012

Summary
Allergy is one of the most common diseases with constantly increasing incidence. The identification of prognostic markers pointing to increased risk of allergy development is of importance. Cord blood represents a suitable source of cells for searching for such prognostic markers. In our previous work, we described the increased reactivity of cord blood cells of newborns of allergic mothers in comparison to newborns of healthy mothers, which raised the question of whether or not this was due to the impaired function of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in high-risk children. Therefore, the proportion and functional properties of Tregs in cord blood of children of healthy and allergic mothers were estimated by flow cytometry. The proportion of Tregs[CD4+CD25highCD127lowforkhead box protein 3 (FoxP3+)] in cord blood of children of allergic mothers tends to be higher while, in contrast, the median of fluorescence intensity of FoxP3 was increased significantly in the healthy group. Intracellular presence of regulatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-10 and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta was also higher in Tregs of children of healthy mothers. Although we detected an increased proportion of Tregs in cord blood of children of allergic mothers, the functional indicators (intracellular presence of regulatory cytokines IL-10 and TGF-beta, median of fluorescence intensity of FoxP3) of those Tregs were lower in comparison to the healthy group. We can conclude that impaired function of Tregs in cord blood of children of allergic mothers could be compensated partially by their increased number. Insufficient function of Tregs could facilitate allergen sensitization in high-risk individuals after subsequent allergen encounter.