bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the role of seed size in annual legume seedling performance under experimental autumn moisture conditions
Authors: Arellano Gabriel , Peco Begoña 
Published: February 2012

AbstractQuestionPrevious studies show that large‐seeded species increase their abundance in Mediterranean annual grasslands in growing seasons with dry autumns. One possible explanation is that large‐seeded species have larger seedlings, which provide an advantage under drier conditions. We address the following questions: is seed mass correlated with seedling survival in annual legumes? Is this correlation influenced by the watering regime? Can seedling growth characteristics explain the differential survival of small‐ and large‐seeded species?LocationAnnual Mediterranean grassland, Central Spain.MethodsAn experiment was conducted with six grassland legume species of different seed sizes, subjected to six different watering regimes, monitoring survival and morphological variables (shoot and root growth) for 40 d.ResultsLarge seeds provide an advantage for seedling survival, but in extreme drought conditions, seedling survival in small‐seeded species equals that of seedlings from large‐seeded species. Seedlings from larger seeds are larger than those of small‐seeded species, but have a lower root/shoot biomass ratio, leading to greater potential evapotranspiration, which could explain their loss of relative advantage under extreme droughts.ConclusionThe hypothesis that seedlings from large‐seeded species survive better than small‐seeded species under drought conditions was not supported. Germination behaviour seems to be a more plausible explanation for the increased abundance in the field of large‐seeded species in growing seasons with dry autumns.
Changes in arctic vegetation on Jan Mayen Island over 19 and 80 years
Authors: Kapfer Jutta , Virtanen Risto , Grytnes John‐Arvid 
Published: February 2012

AbstractQuestionsCan recent vegetation changes on an isolated, grazer‐free island be explained by recent climate change? Are observed changes consistent when focusing on two different time scales?LocationJan Mayen, an arctic volcanic island in the North Atlantic Ocean.MethodsWe re‐surveyed two botanical studies conducted 19 and 80 yr earlier to explore changes in species frequency, cover and co‐occurrence with other species. The observed changes were statistically evaluated using restricted permutation tests and were compared for the two time scales considered using Pearson correlation tests.ResultsTotal number of species did not significantly change over the two time periods considered. One species (Botrychium lunaria) was found new to the island. The dwarf‐shrub Salix herbacea and several graminoids increased in frequency or cover, or both, whereas species linked to snowbeds (e.g. Saxifraga spp., Oxyria digyna, Cerastium cerastoides) decreased. Changes over 19 yr were significantly correlated with 80‐yr changes considering species frequency, but not when comparing changes in cover and species co‐occurrences. Observed changes were more pronounced in the 80‐yr comparison.ConclusionsOur findings from the virtually grazer‐free island of Jan Mayen are in line with other studies on short‐ and long‐term vegetation changes in the Arctic and confirm that indirect effects of climate change (e.g. longer growing season, altered soil moisture conditions, increased nutrient availability) may be the main driver of the observed changes in arctic vegetation composition. However, whereas our study found the main trend to be similar over both time scales considered, discrepancies in the trends of some species suggest that long‐term changes are only partly predictable from short‐term studies.
Patient with terminal 9 Mb deletion of chromosome 9p: Refining the critical region for 9p monosomy syndrome with trigonocephaly
Authors: Mitsui Norimasa , Shimizu Kenji , Nishimoto Hiroshi , Mochizuki Hiroshi , Iida Masao , Ohashi Hirofumi 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTWe describe a patient with typical manifestations of 9p monosomy syndrome, including trigonocephaly and sex reversal. Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) revealed a 9p terminal deletion of approximately 9 Mb with the breakpoint at 9p23. We compared the deleted segments of 9p associated with reported cases of 9p monosomy syndrome with trigonocephaly. We did not identify a region that was shared by all patients; however, when only pure terminal or interstitial deletions that did not involve material from any other chromosome were compared, we identified a segment from D9S912 to RP11‐439I6 of approximately 1 Mb that was deleted in every patient. We propose that this 1‐Mb segment might be the critical region for 9p monosomy syndrome with trigonocephaly.
View from the ground
Authors: Rachwani Manar , Soliman Amany 
Published: February 2012

Amany Soliman Scans a potentially bumpy road ahead for an Egyptian society divided between groups supportive and skeptical of the country's interim military rulers.Manar Rachwani Asks why the Turkish AKP has enjoyed success as a ‘democratic Islamic’ party, and how lookalike parties might succeed in other post‐revolution Arab countries.
Temporal Trends in Risk of Future Cardiac Events among Stroke Survivors in the United States
Authors: Towfighi Amytis , Markovic Daniela , Ovbiagele Bruce 
Published: February 2012

Background Long term, stroke survivors have a higher risk of death from cardiac causes than incident stroke. However, little is known about temporal trends in age- and gender-specific risk of future cardiac events among stroke survivors. Aims To determine temporal trends in 10-year risk of future major cardiac events (measured using the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score) and components of the Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score among a nationally representative population of stroke survivors in the United States. Methods Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Score was assessed among individuals with a self-reported history of stroke ( n = 748) who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys in the United States during the years 1988–1994 and 1999–2006. Results In both National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys waves, male stroke survivors had higher mean Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Scores than their female counterparts. This gender disparity was driven by the #>64 years age group, where men had a threefold higher Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Scores compared to women ( P #< 0.01). Analysis of temporal trends revealed that mean Framingham Cardiovascular Risk Scores was lower in 1999–2006 compared to 1988–1994 in men (21% (standard error 1%) vs. 28% (standard error 0.2%), P = 0.01) and women (9% (standard error 1%) vs. 11% (standard error 1%), P = 0.06). Temporal comparisons revealed that diastolic blood pressure and total cholesterol levels were better in 1999–2006 compared to 1988–1994 for both genders. Conclusions Male stroke survivors, particularly those over the age of 64, are at higher risk for future cardiac events than their female counterparts. For both genders, the risk of future cardiac events after stroke has declined in recent years; this reduction is most pronounced in men and likely due to improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
Copeptin and Risk Stratification in Patients with Ischemic Stroke and Transient Ischemic Attack: The CoRisk Study
Authors: De Marchis Gian Marco , Katan Mira , Weck Anja , Brekenfeld Caspar , Mattle Heinrich P , Buhl Daniela , Müller Beat , Christ-Crain Mirjam , Arnold Marcel 
Published: February 2012

Rationale Copeptin independently predicts functional outcome and mortality at 90 days and one-year after ischemic stroke. In patients with transient ischemic attack, elevated copeptin values indicate an increased risk of further cerebrovascular events. Aims The Copeptin Risk Stratification (CoRisk) study aims to validate the predictive value of copeptin in patients with ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attack. In patients with ischemic stroke, the CoRisk study aims to further explore the effect of treatment (i.e. thrombolysis) on the predictive value of copeptin. Design Prospective observational multicenter study analyzing three groups of patients, i.e. patients with ischemic stroke treated with and without thrombolysis and patients with transient ischemic attack. Outcomes Primary end-point: In patients with ischemic stroke, the primary end-point includes disability (modified Rankin scale from 3 to 5) and mortality (modified Rankin scale 6) at three-months after stroke. In patients with transient ischemic attack, the primary end-point is a recurrent ischemic cerebrovascular event (i.e. ischemic stroke or recurrent transient ischemic attack). Secondary end-point: In patients with ischemic stroke, the secondary end-points include in-house complications (i.e. symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, malignant edema, aspiration pneumonia or seizures during hospitalization, and in-house mortality).
The scope for potential energy savings in the flocculation process
Authors: Cairns R. , Sharp E. , Maher K. , Jefferson B. 
Published: February 2012

AbstractWater treatment plants traditionally use coagulation/flocculation process to remove organics and turbidity particles in drinking water. As a result of the chemical optimisation of the coagulation process having such a strong influence, it is believed that the current hydraulic conditions for flocculation cited under best practice could be out of date. A 450 Mld plant treating upland water was chemically optimised, and it was observed that the total mixing energy input could be reduced by 66% without any detrimental impact upon the clarified water being observed. Under the new mixing regime, energy costs could be reduced by £37 300 pa equating to approximately a 280 t reduction in CO
2.
Environment: a potential source of animal and human infection with influenza A (H5N1) virus
Authors: Horm Srey V. , Gutiérrez Ramona A. , Sorn San , Buchy Philippe 
Published: February 2012

Please cite this paper as: Horm et al. (2012) Environment: a potential source of animal and human infection with influenza A (H5N1) virus. Influenza and Other Respiratory Viruses 6(6), 442–448.Background  Very little is known regarding the persistence of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 viruses in natural settings during outbreaks in tropical countries, although environmental factors may well play a role in the persistence and in the transmission of H5N1 virus.Objective  To investigate various environmental compartments surrounding outbreak areas as potential sources for H5N1 virus transmission.Methods  Environmental specimens were collected following outbreaks of avian influenza in Cambodia between April 2007 and February 2010. The methods used to concentrate H5N1 virus from water samples were based either on agglutination of the virus with chicken red blood cells or on adsorption on glass wool, followed by an elution‐concentration step. An elution‐concentration method was used for mud specimens. All samples that tested positive by real‐time RT‐PCRs (qRT‐PCRs) targeting the HA5, M and NA1 genes were inoculated into embryonated hen eggs for virus isolation.Results  Of a total of 246 samples, 46 (19%) tested positive for H5N1 by qRT‐PCRs. Viral RNA was frequently detected in dust, mud and soil samples from the farms’ environment (respectively, 46%, 31% and 15%). Samples collected from ponds gave a lower proportion of positive samples (6%) as compared to those collected from the farms (24%). In only one sample, infectious virus particles were successfully isolated.Conclusion  During H5N1 virus outbreaks, numerous environmental samples surrounding outbreak areas are contaminated by the virus and may act as potential sources for human and/or animal contamination.
Dietary d‐Psicose Reduced Visceral Fat Mass in High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Obese Rats
Authors: Chung Young‐Mee , Hyun Lee Joo , Youl Kim Deuk , Hwang Se‐Hee , Hong Young‐Ho , Kim Seong‐Bo , Jin Lee Song , Hye Park Chi 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  d‐Psicose, a C‐3 epimer of d‐fructose, has shown promise in reducing body fat accumulation in normal rats and plasma glucose level in genetic diabetic mice. Effects of d‐psicose on diet‐induced obesity are not clearly elucidated, and we investigated food intake, body weight, and fat accumulation in rats fed high‐fat (HF) diet. Sprague–Dawley rats became obese by feeding HF diet for 4 wk, and were assigned either to normal or HF diet supplemented with or without d‐psicose, sucrose, or erythritol for 8 wk. Changing HF to normal diet gained less body weight and adipose tissue due to different energy intake. d‐psicose‐fed rats exhibited lower weight gain, food efficiency ratio, and fat accumulation than erythritol‐ and sucrose‐fed rats. This effect was more prominent in d‐psicose‐fed rats with normal diet than with HF diet, suggesting combination of psicose and calorie restriction further reduced obesity. There was no difference in serum cholesterol/high‐density lipoprotein (HDL)‐C and low‐density lipoprotein (LDL)‐C/HDL‐C ratios between d‐psicose group and other groups. Liver weight in 5% psicose group with normal diet was higher than in other groups, but histopathological examination did not reveal any psicose‐related change. d‐Psicose inhibited the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) to adipose tissue in a concentration‐dependent manner. These results demonstrate that d‐psicose produces a marked decrease, greater than erythritol, in weight gain and visceral fat in an established obesity model by inhibiting MSC differentiation to adipocyte. Thus, d‐psicose can be useful in preventing and reducing obesity as a sugar substitute and food ingredient.Practical Application:  We can develop d‐psicose as a sugar substitute and food ingredient since it can prevent obesity in normal people, but also suppress adiposity as a sugar substitute or food ingredients with antiobesity effect in obese people. d‐psicose can be unique functional sweetener because of its function of reducing visceral fat mass and weight gain.
Mineral Content and Sensory Characteristics of Gordal Green Table Olives Fermented in Chloride Salt Mixtures
Authors: María Moreno‐Baquero José , Bautista‐Gallego Joaquín , Garrido‐Fernández Antonio , López‐López Antonio 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  This work studies the effects of the initial brine concentrations of NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 on the mineral content and gustatory and kinaesthetic sensations of fermented green table olives, using a simplex centroid mixture design augmented with interior points. The sodium in the flesh was linearly related to the mixture concentrations while potassium and calcium were linked by quadratic and special cubic models respectively. Acidity, saltiness, hardness, fibrousness, and crunchiness were expressed as linear funtions of the NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 initial brine contents but bitterness required quadratic equations. The models can be used to produce table olives with specific mineral contents in the flesh and to predict their corresponding sensory characteristics.Practical Application:  The study provides the industry with models to estimate the Na, K, and Ca mineral contents in the flesh of fermented Gordal green table olives as well as their sensory characteristics as a function of the NaCl, KCl, and CaCl2 initial compositions in the brining solution. Therefore, the paper provides tools which are able to support the production of commercial presentations which not only satisfy consumer demand for low Na, but are also K and Ca fortified table olive presentations with specific sensory profiles.
Identification and Quantification of Flavor Attributes present in Chicken, Lamb, Pork, Beef, and Turkey
Authors: Maughan Curtis , Martini Silvana 
Published: February 2012

Abstract:  The objectives of this study were to use a meat flavor lexicon to identify and quantify flavor differences among different types of meats such as beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and turkey, and to identify and quantify specific flavor attributes associated with “beef flavor” notes. A trained descriptive panel with 11 participants used a previously developed meat lexicon composed of 18 terms to evaluate the flavor of beef, chicken, pork, turkey, and lamb samples. Results show that beef and lamb samples can be described by flavor attributes such as barny, bitter, gamey, grassy, livery, metallic, and roast beef. Inversely related to these samples were pork and turkey and those attributes that were closely related to them, namely brothy, fatty, salty, sweet, and umami. Chicken was not strongly related to the other types of meats or the attributes used. The descriptive panel also evaluated samples of ground beef mixed with chicken to identify and quantify flavor attributes associated with a “beef flavor.” Meat patties for this portion consisted of ground beef mixed with ground chicken in varying amounts: 0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% beef, with the remainder made up of chicken. Beef and beef‐rich patties (75% beef) were more closely related to flavor attributes such as astringent, bloody, fatty, gamey, metallic, livery, oxidized, grassy, and roast beef, while chicken was more closely associated with brothy, juicy, sour, sweet, and umami. This research provides information regarding the specific flavor attributes that differentiate chicken and beef products and provides the first set of descriptors that can be associated with “beefy” notes.Potential Application:  The use of a standardized flavor lexicon will allow meat producers to identify specific flavors present in their products. The impact is to identify and quantify negative and positive flavors in the product with the ultimate goal of optimizing processing or cooking conditions and improve the quality of meat products.
Impact of Sea Level Rise on Groundwater Salinity in a Coastal Community of South Florida1
Authors: Guha Hillol , Panday Sorab 
Published: February 2012

Guha, Hillol and Sorab Panday, 2012. Impact of Sea Level Rise on Groundwater Salinity in a Coastal Community of South Florida. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(3): 510‐529. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2011.00630.xAbstract:  Freshwater resources of coastal communities in the United States and world over are threatened by the rate of sea level rise. According to recent estimates by various governmental agencies and climate researchers, the global sea level rise is likely to be between 0.6 and 2.1 m by the year 2100. South Florida is a coastal community and much of its coastline is subject to sea level rise and potential impacts to wetlands and the water resources of the area. To understand what the impact of sea level rise would cause to the groundwater level and salinity intrusion, an integrated groundwater and surface water model was developed for North Miami‐Dade and Broward Counties of South Florida. The model was calibrated against daily groundwater heads, base flows in canals, and chloride concentrations for a period of one year and six months. Three separate sensitivity analyses were conducted by increasing the sea level by 0.6, 0.9, and 1.22 m. Results of the simulations shows increase of groundwater heads in some areas from 4 to 15%; whereas the average relative chloride concentrations increased significantly by 100‐600% in some wells. The increase in groundwater elevations and chloride concentrations varies from location of the wells and its proximity to the coast. The model results indicate that even a 0.6 m increase in sea level (which is the conservative estimate) is likely to impair the vital freshwater resources in many parts of South Florida.
Musculoskeletal CPD revision: Cases from the New Zealand bone and soft tissue tumour registry
Authors: Weerakkody Yuranga Dilan , Dray Michael , Pinto Clinton , Rosenfeldt Michael , Flint Michael 
Published: February 2012

SummaryThe following case report was selected from the New Zealand Bone and Soft Tissue Tumour Registry to highlight some key concepts and findings in musculoskeletal imaging with radiological‐pathological correlation. The presentation follows a question and answer format followed by clinical information, selected images, diagnosis, discussion and teaching points.
Negative coronary CT angiography for chest pain assessment predicts low event rate in 5 years
Authors: Chong Fei Y , Soon Kean , Brown Fraser , Bell Kevin , Lim Yean L 
Published: February 2012

AbstractIntroduction: Coronary CT angiography (CTA) is becoming a popular investigation for chest pain. A negative coronary CTA is known to have a good negative predictive value for major adverse cardiovascular events in short term. The data on the long‐term outcomes of negative coronary CTA are lacking. We aim to investigate the long‐term prognostic value of negative coronary CTA in the evaluation of chest pain.Methods: This was a retrospective observational study involving 259 cases of coronary CTA on our registry from July 2004 to November 2006. All coronary CTA were performed with GE 16‐slice CT and then GE 64‐slice CT scanner in late 2006. A negative coronary CTA was defined as no single coronary segment with stenosis ≥50% based on American Heart Association 16‐segment model. The end point of the study was defined as a composite of major cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction, myocardial death or revascularisation.Results: Seventy cases of 259 on the registry were diagnosed as negative studies. Mean follow‐up period was 4.64 ± 0.6 years (range from 3.4 to 5.7 years). Of these negative studies, only one patient suffered from the end point during the follow‐up. Thus, the negative predictive value of a negative coronary CTA for a long‐term major cardiovascular event was 0.986 (95% confidence interval: 0.92–0.99).Conclusions: A negative coronary CTA in patients with a low or intermediate pretest probability for significant coronary artery disease predicts a low rate of major cardiovascular events within a 5‐year period.
Radiotherapy in the management of high‐grade gliomas diagnosed in Western Australia: A patterns of care study
Authors: Jackson Melanie , Bydder Sean , Maujean Eric , Taylor Mandy , Nowak Anna 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPurpose: Radiotherapy (RT) plays an integral role in the management of high‐grade glioma (HGG). However, there is little information on the patterns of care in unselected Australian patients with HGG.Patient and Methods: This prospective cohort study collected information on patients with a diagnosis of HGG managed in Western Australia over a 25‐month period from 2006 to 2008. RT treatment and survival data were analysed.Results: 86% of Western Australian patients with HGG were treated at the study site over this period. Of these, 80% were reviewed by a radiation oncologist with RT recommended in 88% of cases. One hundred eighty‐seven patients proceeded to have RT, with most receiving 60 Gy in 30 fractions with limited field external beam radiotherapy (LFRT). Median survival from diagnosis was 13.6 months for all patients and 15.4 months for those planned for treatment with 60 Gy in 30 fractions. The median time from surgery to the start of RT was 41 days. Longer waiting times were not predictors of poor survival. Failure to receive all planned treatment (13% of patients) predicted for poor survival (hazard ratio 0.38).Conclusion: Dose and fractionation practices show concordance with published data and guidelines. Survival is also consistent with clinical trial data for patients planned for aggressive therapy. Nevertheless, a substantial number of patients are not suited to aggressive therapy or fail to complete planned therapy, and these patients have poor outcomes. Treatment delays did not affect survival outcomes but are confounded by earlier treatment of those unsuited to LFRT.