bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nonlinear nitrous oxide (N2O) response to nitrogen fertilizer in on‐farm corn crops of the US Midwest
Authors: HOBEN J. P. , GEHL R. J. , MILLAR N. , GRACE P. R. , ROBERTSON G. P. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractRow‐crop agriculture is a major source of nitrous oxide (N2O) globally, and results from recent field experiments suggest that significant decreases in N2O emissions may be possible by decreasing nitrogen (N) fertilizer inputs without affecting economic return from grain yield. We tested this hypothesis on five commercially farmed fields in Michigan, USA planted with corn in 2007 and 2008. Six rates of N fertilizer (0–225 kg N ha−1) were broadcast and incorporated before planting, as per local practice. Across all sites and years, increases in N2O flux were best described by a nonlinear, exponentially increasing response to increasing N rate. N2O emission factors per unit of N applied ranged from 0.6% to 1.5% and increased with increasing N application across all sites and years, especially at N rates above those required for maximum crop yield. At the two N fertilizer rates above those recommended for maximum economic return (135 kg N ha−1), average N2O fluxes were 43% (18 g N2O–N ha−1 day−1) and 115% (26 g N2O–N ha−1 day−1) higher than were fluxes at the recommended rate, respectively. The maximum return to nitrogen rate of 154 kg N ha−1yielded an average 8.3 Mg grain ha−1. Our study shows the potential to lower agricultural N2O fluxes within a range of N fertilization that does not affect economic return from grain yield.
Effect of combined hormonal and insulin therapy on the steroid hormone receptors and growth factors signalling in diabetic mice prostate
Authors: Fávaro Wagner J. , Cagnon Valéria H. A. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryDiabetes causes harmful effects on prostatic morphology and function. However, there still are doubts about the occurrence of various diseases in the prostate, as well as abnormal angiogenesis in relation to diabetes. Thus, the aim of this study was to correlate and quantify the level of the steroid hormone receptors and the angiogenic and antiangiogenic factors in non‐obese diabetic mice (Nod) after combined hormonal and insulin therapy. Sixty mice were divided into six groups after 20 days of diabetes: the control group received 0.9% NaCl, as did the diabetic group. The diabetic‐insulin group received insulin, the diabetic‐testosterone group received testosterone cypionate, the diabetic‐oestrogen group received 17β‐oestradiol, and the diabetic‐insulin–testosterone–oestrogen group received insulin, testosterone and oestrogen simultaneously. After 20 days, the ventral lobe was processed for immunocytochemical and hormonal analyses. The results showed that the lowest serum testosterone and androgen receptor levels were found in the diabetic group and the highest testosterone and androgen receptor levels in the diabetic‐insulin–testosterone–oestrogen group. The serum oestrogen level and its receptor showed changes opposite to those of testosterone and its receptor. The endostatin reactivity was mainly decreased in diabetic mice. The greatest IGFR‐1 and VEGF reactivities occurred in diabetic mice. Thus, diabetes led to the prostatic hormonal imbalance, affecting molecular dynamics and angiogenesis in this organ. Combined insulin and steroid hormone therapy partially restored the hormonal and angiogenic imbalance caused by diabetes.
Modelling pulsed releases for sterile insect techniques: fitness costs of sterile and transgenic males and the effects on mosquito dynamics
Authors: White Steven M. , Rohani Pejman , Sait Steven M. 
Published: October 2010

Summary 1. The development of transgenic technologies, coupled with sterile insect techniques (SIT), is being explored in relation to new approaches for the biological control of insect pests. Recent studies have shown that there are often fitness costs associated with transgenic insect strains, but the impact of these costs on their potential use in pest control is poorly understood. 2. In this paper, we explore the impact of an insect fitness cost on two control strategies (classical SIT and transgenic late‐acting bisex lethality) using a stage‐structured mathematical model, which is parameterized for the mosquito Aedes aegypti. Counter to the majority of studies, we use realistic pulsed release strategies and incorporate a fitness cost, which is manifested as a reduction in male mating competitiveness. 3. For both models we show that the level of control of a pest mosquito population is highly sensitive to the rate at which the transgenic or sterile males are released. Population control is more effective when smaller numbers of sterile/transgenic males are released more frequently than larger and less frequent releases. 4. If the wild‐type mosquito population exhibits cycles of peaks and troughs in abundance, as is the case for many insect species, then high frequency releases of transgenic males not only reduce mosquito abundance, but they may dampen future pest outbreaks, whereas the use of SIT alone may have an adverse effect, causing an increase in mosquito abundance. Additionally, the timing of sterile/transgenic male release during the mosquito population cycle is critical in reducing pest outbreak levels. 5. In all cases, the reduced fitness of the sterile/transgenic males causes reductions in control, thus requiring more frequent or greater magnitude releases. 6. Synthesis and applications. The sterile insect technique is considered to be a valuable non‐chemical tool for pest management. With the potential application of recent genetic developments to enhance the technique, it is becoming increasingly important to consider the wider ecological implications of this biological control strategy. Predicting the most efficient release strategies will be important in combating pest and vector insects as well as for limiting potential broader ecological effects. Although the focus of our models are based on the mosquito, A. aegypti, which can spread yellow fever, dengue fever and Chikungunya disease, our modelling approach and results can be applied more broadly to other species.
Couples’ thoughts about and expectations of their future life after the patient’s hospital discharge following acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Eriksson Monica , Asplund Kenneth , Svedlund Marianne 
Published: October 2010

Aim.  To describe and interpret couples’ thoughts and expectations about their future life after the patient’s discharge following acute myocardial infarction.Background.  An acute myocardial infarction is a challenge for both the patient and his/her partner, as it can disrupt family functioning and dynamics. Earlier research has generally focused on either the patient or the partner, and few studies have explored the experiences of the couple.Design.  Qualitative descriptive and interpretative.Methods.  Fifteen couples took part in individual interviews, 4–8 weeks after discharge. Data were analysed in two phases using qualitative content analysis.Results.  The first phase of the analysis revealed two categories: ‘an active approach to the future’ and ‘a wait‐and‐see approach to the future’, both of which described the participants’ thoughts about the future. In the second phase, the couples’ stories were interpreted and grouped into four positions: ‘the life companions’, ‘the tightrope walkers’, ‘the pathfinders’ and ‘the observers’, which illustrated their visions of the future.Conclusions.  Our results reveal differences in the couples’ thoughts about and expectations of their future life, most of them managed the situation by having a positive attitude to life and their future. The couples discovered their resources and compensated for or balanced each other in the early recovery period.Relevance to clinical practice.  The results indicate the importance of giving both partners the opportunity to express their views of the situation, as this increases nurses’ understanding of the impact of the illness on their life and relationship. However, the results also highlight the significance of seeing the couple and showing them consideration both as individuals and as a unit.
Acute care management of older people with dementia: a qualitative perspective
Authors: Moyle Wendy , Borbasi Sally , Wallis Marianne , Olorenshaw Rachel , Gracia Natalie 
Published: October 2010

Aim and objectives.  This Australian study explored management for older people with dementia in an acute hospital setting.Background.  As the population ages, increasing numbers of older people with dementia are placed into an acute care hospital to manage a condition other than dementia. These people require special care that takes into account the unique needs of confused older people. Current nursing and medical literature provides some direction in relation to best practice management; however, few studies have examined this management from the perspective of hospital staff.Design.  A descriptive qualitative approach was used.Method.  Data were collected using semi‐structured audio‐taped interviews with a cross section of thirteen staff that worked in acute medical or surgical wards in a large South East Queensland, Australia Hospital.Results.  Analysis of data revealed five subthemes with the overarching theme being paradoxical care, in that an inconsistent approach to care emphasised safety at the expense of well‐being and dignity. A risk management approach was used rather than one that incorporated injury prevention as one facet of an overall strategy.Conclusion.  Using untrained staff to sit and observe people with dementia as a risk management strategy does not encourage an evidence‐based approach. Staff education and environmental resources may improve the current situation so that people with dementia receive care that takes into account their individual needs and human dignity.Relevance to clinical practice.  Nurses can assist older people with dementia by encouraging evidence‐based care practices to become the part of hospital policy.
Plant–soil feedbacks contribute to an intransitive competitive network that promotes both genetic and species diversity
Authors: Lankau Richard A. , Wheeler Emily , Bennett Alison E. , Strauss Sharon Y. 
Published: October 2010

Summary 1. Plant communities are generally thought to follow strict competitive hierarchies, in which species can be linearly ordered according to their ability to compete for a few limiting resources. Such strict hierarchies should lead to reduced diversity, since the single best competitor will eventually exclude the other species. However, more complex dynamics may emerge if different plant species or genotypes compete in different ways, such as through the release of toxic allelochemicals or the alteration of soil microbial communities. 2.
Brassica nigra genotypes and their competitor species show a ‘rock‐paper‐scissors’ like dynamic, in which no one type is competitively superior to all others. This intransitive dynamic can maintain both species diversity and genetic variation in an allelochemical trait of B. nigra. 3. Here we show that feedbacks with soil biota, probably involving arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, facilitate these dynamics. Brassica nigra genotypes that invest heavily in the allelochemical sinigrin reduce mycorrhizal abundance of surrounding soils, which reduces the growth of heterospecific competitors. Since B. nigra is non‐mycorrhizal, investment in sinigrin does not improve a genotype’s ability to compete with other conspecifics. 4.
Synthesis. These results highlight the importance of complex soil communities for the maintenance of both genetic and species diversity in plant communities.
A review of cost‐effectiveness of varenicline and comparison of cost‐effectiveness of treatments for major smoking‐related morbidities
Authors: Zimovetz Evelina A. , Wilson Koo , Samuel Miny , Beard Stephen M. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractRationale This review aims to examine economic evaluations of varenicline, to compare the reported cost‐effectiveness of varenicline with that of treatments for major smoking‐related diseases and to evaluate the findings for decision making.Methods A literature search was performed to identify published articles in English indexed in MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library (Issue 1, 2009), which includes the Economic Evaluation Database. Additional sources also were searched to identify unpublished varenicline studies, including conference abstracts. The search for varenicline studies was limited from 2006 to October 2009; searches for all other types of studies were limited from 1990 to October 2009.Results The search yielded a total of 20 relevant economic evaluations of varenicline. In addition, 37 reviews of economic evaluations in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, non‐small cell lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as studies evaluating the impact of economic rewarding were considered in this review. From these identified economic evaluations, the incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios for varenicline ranged from dominance (more effective and cost saving) to €18 582 per quality‐adjusted life‐year (including indirect costs). These estimates appeared substantially lower when compared with incremental cost‐effectiveness ratios reported for secondary prevention of smoking‐related diseases, which in some cases were as high as €66 218 per quality‐adjusted life‐year.Conclusions Varenicline appears to be cost‐effective from the perspective of both health care payers and employers, because of reduced health care consumption and costs. The cost‐effectiveness of varenicline also compares favourably to that of interventions recommended for the treatment and prevention of smoking‐related diseases.
A review of the definitional criteria for chronic fatigue syndrome
Authors: Christley Yvonne , Duffy Tim , Martin Colin R. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractRationale, aims and objectives  The research community has for more than three decades tried to unravel the diagnostic mystery that is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS). This has resulted in considerable amounts of time and money being invested in attempts aimed at establishing the aetiology and pathogenesis of CFS. All of this investment has produced evidence of an interesting variety of endocrine, immune, infectious, muscular and neurological abnormalities in CFS; however, the cause remains elusive. The absence of a known causative agent or diagnostic test for CFS has resulted in the development of a number of CFS case definitions. As such, the main objectives of this paper are to provide a critical review of the similarities and differences between the varying approaches to CFS case definition. The conflicts and controversies that have emerged as a result of the differing definitional criterion for CFS are highlighted and the potential impact on future research is identified.Methods, results and conclusions  This paper presents a critical review of the most frequently used case definitions in CFS. There are currently five case definitions of CFS; however, the most prominent and widely used of these definitions is the 1994 Centre for Disease Control and Prevention Case Definitions. However, the pre‐eminence of this definition over the others has never been substantiated and it has been widely criticized for its lack of specificity. Furthermore, none of the above case definitions have produced evidence to demonstrate their accuracy or precision at defining cases of CFS. A summary description of the symptom profile included in each of the case definitions is provided. The inconsistencies that have emerged in CFS research as a consequence of differing approaches to case definition are also highlighted and discussed.
The factor structure of the SF‐36 in adults with progressive neuromuscular disorders
Authors: Banks Pauline , Martin Colin R. , Petty Richard K. H. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractObjective  Quality of life (QoL) is an important consideration in the care of patients with chronic neuromuscular disorder (NMD). The current study sought to determine the factor structure of the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form 36 (SF‐36) version 2 in patients with NMD to determine the appropriateness of using this instrument to assess QoL in this clinical population.Methods  Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on self‐report SF‐36 data from 245 individuals diagnosed with NMD. Six structural models of the SF‐36 were evaluated against the participants' data.Results  The underlying factor structure of the SF‐36 in NMD was observed to be consistent with contemporary theoretical models of the instrument. However, the traditional measurement model of SF‐36 performed comparatively poorly.Conclusion  The use of the SF‐36 in individuals with NMD can be recommended when eight sub‐scales are used and reported. However, the suggestion that the SF‐36 can be usefully used as a two‐sub‐scale measure of physical health and mental health components in this clinical group was not supported because of model fit limitations.
Multiple regions along the Escherichia coli FtsK protein are implicated in cell division
Authors: Dubarry Nelly , Possoz Christophe , Barre François‐Xavier 
Published: October 2010

Summary Escherichia coli FtsK is a large 1329 aa integral membrane protein, which links cell division and chromosome segregation through the respective activities of its 200 aa amino‐terminal domain, FtsKN, and its 500 aa carboxy‐terminal domain, FtsKC. A long 600 aa linker, FtsKL, connects these two domains. Only FtsKN is essential for cell division. However, previous observations suggested that the cytoplasmic part of FtsK also participates in the process of septation. Here, we identify two distinct regions within FtsKL, FtsK179–331 and FtsK332–641, which together with FtsKN, are required for normal septation. We discuss how the implication of multiple regions along the FtsK protein in cell division could participate in the co‐ordination of this process with the last stages of chromosome segregation.
Community signalling between Streptococcus gordonii and Porphyromonas gingivalis is controlled by the transcriptional regulator CdhR
Authors: Chawla Aarti , Hirano Takanori , Bainbridge Brian W. , Demuth Donald R. , Xie Hua , Lamont Richard J. 
Published: October 2010

SummaryInterspecies signalling between Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus gordonii serves to constrain development of dual species communities. Contact with S. gordonii propagates a tyrosine phosphorylation‐dependent signal within P. gingivalis that culminates in reduced transcription of adhesin and signalling genes. Here we demonstrate the involvement of the P. gingivalis orphan LuxR family transcription factor PGN_1373, which we designate CdhR, in this control pathway. Expression of cdhR is elevated following contact with S. gordonii; however, regulation of cdhR did not occur in a mutant lacking the tyrosine phosphatase Ltp1, indicating that CdhR and Ltp1 are components of the same regulon. Contact between S. gordonii and a CdhR mutant resulted in increased transcription of mfa, encoding the subunit of the short fimbriae, along with higher levels of Mfa protein. Expression of luxS, encoding AI‐2 synthase, was also increased in the cdhR mutant after contact with S. gordonii. The Mfa adhesive function and AI‐2‐dependent signalling participate in the formation and development of dual species communities, and consistent with this the cdhR mutant displayed elevated accumulation on a substratum of S. gordonii. Recombinant CdhR protein bound to upstream regulatory regions of both mfa and luxS, indicating that CdhR has a direct effect on gene expression. LuxS was also found to participate in a positive feedback loop that suppresses CdhR expression. Interaction of Mfa fimbriae with S. gordonii is necessary to initiate signalling through CdhR. These results reveal CdhR to be an effector molecule in a negative regulatory network that controls P. gingivalis–S. gordonii heterotypic communities.
Safe blood transfusion practices in blood banks of Karachi, Pakistan
Authors: Kassi M. , Afghan A. K. , Khanani M. R. , Khan I. A. , Ali S. H. 
Published: October 2010

Background: Since 1997, legislations pertaining to safe blood transfusion (SBT) have evolved considerably in Pakistan. The objective of this study was to evaluate the SBT practices in the blood banks of Pakistan. Methods: Twenty‐three blood banks were randomly selected from a list of registered 40 in Karachi, the largest city in Pakistan. To evaluate the SBT practices in the selected blood banks, a questionnaire and a checklist were administered during 2007–2008. Results: Of the 23 blood banks surveyed, 4 (17%) were affiliated with government or a semi‐government institution; 16 (70%) blood banks had a healthy donor recruitment program and 2 (9%) of the blood banks agreed that they recruited remunerated (paid) blood donors. Donors were screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and syphilis by all 23 blood banks, whereas malaria was screened by all blood banks but one. Conclusion: SBT practices in Karachi have improved since 1995; an active role by the government in policy‐making has proven effective.
Responses of Spotted Hyenas to Lions Reflect Individual Differences in Behavior
Authors: Watts Heather E. , Blankenship Lisa M. , Dawes Stephanie E. , Holekamp Kay E. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractCompetition among mammalian carnivores can be particularly intense and can influence population dynamics at lower trophic levels. One strategy employed by carnivores to minimize potentially costly interspecific competition is avoidance of dominant species. Recent research has highlighted the importance of consistent individual differences in behavior (i.e. temperament traits) in understanding behavioral variation during predator–prey interactions and intraspecific interactions. However, the importance of such individual differences to interspecific competition has received little attention. Here, we examined the responses of spotted hyenas (Crocuta crocuta) to their primary competitors, African lions (Panthera leo), to (1) determine whether hyenas avoid lions and (2) evaluate the potential importance of individual differences in behavior during interspecific competition. Spotted hyenas and lions co‐occur throughout much of Africa and are vigorous competitors. Whereas lions sometimes kill hyenas and steal their food, lions also represent a source of food for hyenas via scavenging. Using audio playback experiments, we found that hyenas do not uniformly avoid potential encounters with lions. Indeed, we noted considerable variation among individuals in their responses to lion roars, and this variation reflected consistent individual differences in risk‐taking and vigilance tendencies. Individual differences in vigilance behavior were specific to interactions with lions. We conclude that individual differences in behavior have the potential to play an important role in determining the nature and outcome of interspecific competition.
Associations of Avian Facial Flushing and Skin Colouration with Agonistic Interaction Outcomes
Authors: Bamford Andrew J. , Monadjem Ara , Hardy Ian C. W. 
Published: October 2010

AbstractFacial flushing, a colour change caused by variation of blood flow through highly vascularized skin, has been observed in taxonomically diverse bird species but the function of the behaviour has not been assessed. Lappet‐faced vultures,Aegypius tracheliotos,have unfeathered heads that can rapidly flush from pink to dark red, and this has been hypothesized to indicate contest ability in vulture gatherings. We show that adults with flushed heads won most interactions against those with pale heads. A previously unnoticed colour variation of the throat, visible only when the head is flushed, was also related to the outcome of interactions: blue‐throated adults participated in, and won, more interactions than red‐throated adults. We suggest that the non‐fixed groups of which lappet‐faced vulture populations consist promote the evolution of signals of dominance that can be adjusted extremely rapidly.