bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modeling the spatial and temporal heterogeneity of deforestation‐driven carbon emissions: the INPE‐EM framework applied to the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Aguiar Ana Paula Dutra , Ometto Jean Pierre , Nobre Carlos , Lapola David Montenegro , Almeida Claudio , Vieira Ima Célia , Soares João Vianei , Alvala Regina , Saatchi Sassan , Valeriano Dalton , Castilla‐Rubio Juan Carlos 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe present a generic spatially explicit modeling framework to estimate carbon emissions from deforestation (INPE‐EM). The framework incorporates the temporal dynamics related to the deforestation process and accounts for the biophysical and socioeconomic heterogeneity of the region under study. We build an emission model for the Brazilian Amazon combining annual maps of new clearings, four maps of biomass, and a set of alternative parameters based on the recent literature. The most important results are as follows: (a) Using different biomass maps leads to large differences in estimates of emission; for the entire region of the Brazilian Amazon in the last decade, emission estimates of primary forest deforestation range from 0.21 to 0.26 Pg C yr−1. (b) Secondary vegetation growth presents a small impact on emission balance because of the short duration of secondary vegetation. In average, the balance is only 5% smaller than the primary forest deforestation emissions. (c) Deforestation rates decreased significantly in the Brazilian Amazon in recent years, from 27 Mkm2 in 2004 to 7 Mkm2 in 2010. INPE‐EM process‐based estimates reflect this decrease even though the agricultural frontier is moving to areas of higher biomass. The decrease is slower than a non‐process instantaneous model would estimate as it considers residual emissions (slash, wood products, and secondary vegetation). The average balance, considering all biomass, decreases from 0.28 in 2004 to 0.15 Pg C yr−1 in 2009; the non‐process model estimates a decrease from 0.33 to 0.10 Pg C yr−1. We conclude that the INPE‐EM is a powerful tool for representing deforestation‐driven carbon emissions. Biomass estimates are still the largest source of uncertainty in the effective use of this type of model for informing mechanisms such as REDD+. The results also indicate that efforts to reduce emissions should focus not only on controlling primary forest deforestation but also on creating incentives for the restoration of secondary forests.
Improving plant functional groups for dynamic models of biodiversity: at the crossroads between functional and community ecology
Authors: Boulangeat Isabelle , Philippe Pauline , Abdulhak Sylvain , Douzet Roland , Garraud Luc , Lavergne Sébastien , Lavorel Sandra , Van Es Jérémie , Vittoz Pascal , Thuiller Wilfried 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe pace of on‐going climate change calls for reliable plant biodiversity scenarios. Traditional dynamic vegetation models use plant functional types that are summarized to such an extent that they become meaningless for biodiversity scenarios. Hybrid dynamic vegetation models of intermediate complexity (hybrid‐DVMs) have recently been developed to address this issue. These models, at the crossroads between phenomenological and process‐based models, are able to involve an intermediate number of well‐chosen plant functional groups (PFGs). The challenge is to build meaningful PFGs that are representative of plant biodiversity, and consistent with the parameters and processes of hybrid‐DVMs. Here, we propose and test a framework based on few selected traits to define a limited number of PFGs, which are both representative of the diversity (functional and taxonomic) of the flora in the Ecrins National Park, and adapted to hybrid‐DVMs. This new classification scheme, together with recent advances in vegetation modeling, constitutes a step forward for mechanistic biodiversity modeling.
Sward structure management for a maximum short‐term intake rate in annual ryegrass
Authors: Amaral M. F. , Mezzalira J. C. , Bremm C. , Da Trindade J. K. , Gibb M. J. , Suñe R. W. M. , de F. Carvalho P. C. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis study tested the hypothesis that different sward structures, which were constructed by varying the pre‐ and post‐grazing sward heights of annual ryegrass pasture (Lolium multiflorumLam.) in southernBrazil, affect the short‐term intake rate (STIR) by dairy cows. Treatments consisted of four sward‐management strategies defined by a combination of two pre‐ (25 and 15 cm) and two post‐grazing sward heights (10 and 5 cm): 15‐05, 15‐10, 25‐05 and 25‐10. A completely randomized block design with four replicates was used for the experimental design. TheSTIRwas determined by the double‐weighing technique. Jaw movements were evaluated using automatic recorders (IGER BehaviourRecorder). The results showed that treatment 25‐10 allowed the animals to collect more herbage with a greater bite mass and thus resulted in a greaterSTIR. Treatments in which sward height was reduced to 10 cm generally favoured the ingestion process than treatments with a post‐grazing sward height of 5 cm.
Should pulp chamber pulpotomy be seen as a permanent treatment? Some preliminary thoughts
Authors: Simon S. , Perard M. , Zanini M. , Smith A. J. , Charpentier E. , Djole S. X. , Lumley P. J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimTo investigate the benefits of pulpotomy (to the level of the floor of the pulp chamber) as an endodontic treatment for teeth with vital pulps.MethodologySeventeen patients, aged 7–54 years (mean of 37.2 year), were treated by pulpotomy and filling with ProRoot MTA® in premolar or molar teeth with vital pulps and without clinical evidence of irreversible pulpitis. The patients were then followed up for 12 to 24 months and the teeth then assessed by clinical and radiographic examination. Statistical analysis was performed with Kaplan–Meier survival probability statistics to estimate the survival of the treated teeth.ResultsAt 24 months, the survival rate without any complementary treatment was estimated to be 82%. Two of the 17 treated teeth required root canal treatment for pain control and one for prosthetic reasons.ConclusionsUnder the conditions of this study, pulpotomy offered a viable alternative to root canal treatment for teeth with vital pulps in the short term. However, there is insufficient clinical evidence to consider this technique for the treatment of every permanent tooth. Nevertheless, it should be considered as a potential alternative approach to be further developed for future applications.
Characterization of a programmed necrosis process in 3‐dimensional cultures of dental pulp fibroblasts
Authors: Le Clerc J. , Pérard M. , Pellen‐Mussi P. , Novella A. , Tricot‐Doleux S. , Jeanne S. , Pérez F. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAimTo analyse and compare the expression of nemosis markers in human lung and dental pulp fibroblasts and to determine whether this process differs by the type of mesenchymal cell.MethodsHuman dental pulp fibroblasts were obtained from unerupted third molars. Sound lung and pulpal fibroblasts were cultured in vitro as spheroids to determine the expression of the nemosis hallmark cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2) mRNA using RT‐PCR and the concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor (HGF/SF) proteins using an ELISA test. Cell viability within spheroids was also compared with spheroid diameters over time.ResultsIncreased expression of COX‐2 and VEGF was found in all spheroids compared with corresponding monolayers. Although HGF/SF was highly expressed in MRC5 cells, dental pulp fibroblasts aggregates maintained only a basal level compared with monolayer cultures. Further, the observed progressive loss of viable cells explained the decreased diameters of spheroids over time. The results demonstrate that nemosis occurs in sound lung and pulpal fibroblasts. This cell death also displays differences between these two different cell types, as they do not produce the same growth factors quantity release.ConclusionsThe nemosis process occurred in human dental pulp fibroblasts and is different between the two cell types studied. This in vitro experimental nemosis model could become an interesting inflammatory tool. More investigations are needed to compare nemosis process in dental pulp fibroblast and inflammation during pulpitis.
The usefulness of lean six sigma to the development of a clinical pathway for hip fractures
Authors: Niemeijer Gerard C. , Flikweert Elvira , Trip Albert , Does Ronald J. M. M. , Ahaus Kees T. B. , Boot Anja F. , Wendt Klaus W. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractAims and objectivesThe objective of this study was to show the usefulness of lean six sigma (LSS) for the development of a multidisciplinary clinical pathway.MethodsA single centre, both retrospective and prospective, non‐randomized controlled study design was used to identify the variables of a prolonged length of stay (LOS) for hip fractures in the elderly and to measure the effect of the process improvements – with the aim of improving efficiency of care and reducing the LOS.ResultsThe project identified several variables influencing LOS, and interventions were designed to improve the process of care. Significant results were achieved by reducing both the average LOS by 4.2 days (−31%) and the average duration of surgery by 57 minutes (−36%). The average LOS of patients discharged to a nursing home reduced by 4.4 days.ConclusionThe findings of this study show a successful application of LSS methodology within the development of a clinical pathway. Further research is needed to explore the effect of the use of LSS methodology at clinical outcome and quality of life.
The 2011 Program Evaluation Standards: a framework for quality in medical education programme evaluations
Authors: Ruhe Valerie , Boudreau J. Donald 
Published: July 2012

AbstractRationale, aims and objectivesBased on input from 400 stakeholders over 6 years, the 2011 Program Evaluation Standards represents an in‐depth analysis of values, meaning and measurement and their relationships in programme evaluation. Evaluation quality is achieved by balancing five attributes: utility, feasibility, propriety, accuracy and evaluation accountability. These attributes are used to organize 30 standards, 200 strategies and 197 hazards.MethodIn response to a call from the authors of the standards, we have used them to guide our meta‐evaluation of McGill's undergraduate physicianship programme.ResultsOur findings show how the standards illuminate the tensions, dilemmas and hazards inherent in all stages of programme evaluation studies and offer helpful strategies for designing and conducting high‐quality evaluation studies.ConclusionsBased on our experience, the third edition needs to be used as a reference document in all stages of evaluations of medical education programmes.
Two CheW coupling proteins are essential in a chemosensory pathway of Borrelia burgdorferi
Authors: Zhang Kai , Liu Jun , Tu Youbin , Xu Hongbin , Charon Nyles W. , Li Chunhao 
Published: July 2012

SummaryIn the model organism Escherichia coli, the coupling protein CheW, which bridges the chemoreceptors and histidine kinase CheA, is essential for chemotaxis. Unlike the situation in E. coli, Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, has three cheW homologues (cheW1, cheW2 and cheW3). Here, a comprehensive approach is utilized to investigate the roles of the three cheWs in chemotaxis of B. burgdorferi. First, genetic studies indicated that both the cheW1 and cheW3 genes are essential for chemotaxis, as the mutants had altered swimming behaviours and were non‐chemotactic. Second, immunofluorescence and cryo‐electron tomography studies suggested that both CheW1 and CheW3 are involved in the assembly of chemoreceptor arrays at the cell poles. In contrast to cheW1 and cheW3, cheW2 is dispensable for chemotaxis and assembly of the chemoreceptor arrays. Finally, immunoprecipitation studies demonstrated that the three CheWs interact with different CheAs: CheW1 and CheW3 interact with CheA2 whereas CheW2 binds to CheA1. Collectively, our results indicate that CheW1 and CheW3 are incorporated into one chemosensory pathway that is essential for B. burgdorferi chemotaxis. Although many bacteria have more than one homologue of CheW, to our knowledge, this report provides the first experimental evidence that two CheW proteins coexist in one chemosensory pathway and that both are essential for chemotaxis.
Cationic antimicrobial peptides disrupt the Streptococcus pyogenes ExPortal
Authors: Vega Luis Alberto , Caparon Michael G. 
Published: July 2012

SummaryAlthough they possess a well‐characterized ability to porate the bacterial membrane, emerging research suggests that cationic antimicrobial peptides (CAPs) can influence pathogen behaviour at levels that are sublethal. In this study, we investigated the interaction of polymyxin B and human neutrophil peptide (HNP‐1) with the human pathogen Streptococcus pyogenes. At sublethal concentrations, these CAPs preferentially targeted the ExPortal, a unique microdomain of the S. pyogenes membrane, specialized for protein secretion and processing. A consequence of this interaction was the disruption of ExPortal organization and a redistribution of ExPortal components into the peripheral membrane. Redistribution was associated with inhibition of secretion of certain toxins, including the SpeB cysteine protease and the streptolysin O (SLO) cytolysin, but not SIC, a protein that protects S. pyogenes from CAPs. These data suggest a novel function for CAPs in targeting the ExPortal and interfering with secretion of factors required for infection and survival. This mechanism may prove valuable for the design of new types of antimicrobial agents to combat the emergence of antibiotic‐resistant pathogens.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis WhiB4 regulates oxidative stress response to modulate survival and dissemination in vivo
Authors: Chawla Manbeena , Parikh Pankti , Saxena Alka , Munshi MohamedHusen , Mehta Mansi , Mai Deborah , Srivastava Anup K. , Narasimhulu K. V. , Redding Kevin E. , Vashi Nimi , Kumar Dhiraj , Steyn Adrie J. C. , Singh Amit 
Published: July 2012

SummaryHost‐generated oxidative stress is considered one of the main mechanisms constraining Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) growth. The redox‐sensing mechanisms in Mtb are not completely understood. Here we show that WhiB4 responds to oxygen (O2) and nitric oxide (NO) via its 4Fe‐4S cluster and controls the oxidative stress response in Mtb. The WhiB4 mutant (MtbΔwhiB4) displayed an altered redox balance and a reduced membrane potential. Microarray analysis demonstrated that MtbΔwhiB4 overexpresses the antioxidant systems including alkyl hydroperoxidase (ahpC‐ahpD) and rubredoxins (rubA‐rubB). DNA binding assays showed that WhiB4 [4Fe‐4S] cluster is dispensable for DNA binding. However, oxidation of the apo‐WhiB4 Cys thiols induced disulphide‐linked oligomerization, DNA binding and transcriptional repression, whereas reduction reversed the effect. Furthermore, WhiB4 binds DNA with a preference for GC‐rich sequences. Expression analysis showed that oxidative stress repressed whiB4 and induced antioxidants in Mtb, while their hyper‐induction was observed in MtbΔwhiB4. MtbΔwhiB4 showed increased resistance to oxidative stress in vitro and enhanced survival inside the macrophages. Lastly, MtbΔwhiB4 displayed hypervirulence in the lungs of guinea pigs, but showed a defect in dissemination to their spleen. These findings suggest that WhiB4 systematically calibrates the activation of oxidative stress response in Mtb to maintain redox balance, and to modulate virulence.
Functional alteration in frontolimbic systems relevant to moral judgment in cocaine‐dependent subjects
Authors: Verdejo‐Garcia Antonio , Contreras‐Rodríguez Oren , Fonseca Francina , Cuenca Aida , Soriano‐Mas Carles , Rodriguez Joan , Pardo‐Lozano Ricardo , Blanco‐Hinojo Laura , de Sola Llopis Susana , Farré Magí , Torrens Marta , Pujol Jesús , de la Torre Rafael 
Published: July 2012

AbstractCocaine addiction is characterized by persistent decision‐making deficits, which are linked to structural and functional abnormalities in frontolimbic systems. Moral judgment is as a special instance of decision making, in which both cognitive and emotional signals must be adequately integrated to decide how to resolve moral dilemmas. Here, we employed a moral dilemmas functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) task to explore possible alterations of frontolimbic systems in cocaine‐dependent subjects. We also explored if these alterations relate to more basic deficits in functional connectivity within these systems during spontaneous resting‐state activation. Ten cocaine‐dependent subjects and 14 non‐drug‐using controls participated in the study. Cocaine‐dependent subjects were carefully selected to discard potentially confounding co‐morbidities, and they underwent a uniform supervised abstinence period of 10 days. Both groups were scanned, and fMRI maps were generated to identify (1) brain response to moral dilemmas; and (2) the strength of functional connectivity within frontolimbic systems during resting‐state. During the moral dilemmas task, cocaine‐dependent subjects showed reduced activation involving frontolimbic structures as the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), left insula and brain stem. Connectivity analyses showed that cocaine users had less resting‐state functional connectivity between ACC, thalamus, insula and brain stem. These results demonstrate that cocaine‐dependent subjects have functional alterations in the frontolimbic systems that support moral judgment and social decision making.
Potent rewarding and reinforcing effects of the synthetic cathinone 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV)
Authors: Watterson Lucas R. , Kufahl Peter R. , Nemirovsky Natali E. , Sewalia Kaveish , Grabenauer Megan , Thomas Brian F. , Marusich Julie A. , Wegner Scott , Olive M. Foster 
Published: July 2012

AbstractReports of abuse and toxic effects of synthetic cathinones, frequently sold as ‘bath salts’ or ‘legal highs’, have increased dramatically in recent years. One of the most widely used synthetic cathinones is 3,4‐methylenedioxypyrovalerone (MDPV). The current study evaluated the abuse potential of MDPV by assessing its ability to support intravenous self‐administration and to lower thresholds for intracranial self‐stimulation (ICSS) in rats. In the first experiment, the rats were trained to intravenously self‐administer MDPV in daily 2‐hour sessions for 10 days at doses of 0.05, 0.1 or 0.2 mg/kg per infusion. The rats were then allowed to self‐administer MDPV under a progressive ratio (PR) schedule of reinforcement. Next, the rats self‐administered MDPV for an additional 10 days under short access (ShA; 2 hours/day) or long access (LgA; 6 hours/day) conditions to assess escalation of intake. A separate group of rats underwent the same procedures, with the exception of self‐administering methamphetamine (0.05 mg/kg per infusion) instead of MDPV. In the second experiment, the effects of MDPV on ICSS thresholds following acute administration (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) were assessed. MDPV maintained self‐administration across all doses tested. A positive relationship between MDPV dose and breakpoints for reinforcement under PR conditions was observed. LgA conditions led to escalation of drug intake at 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg doses, and rats self‐administering methamphetamine showed similar patterns of escalation. Finally, MDPV significantly lowered ICSS thresholds at all doses tested. Together, these findings indicate that MDPV has reinforcing properties and activates brain reward circuitry, suggesting a potential for abuse and addiction in humans.
Exploring older and younger adults' preferences for health information and participation in decision making using the Health Information Wants Questionnaire (HIWQ)
Authors: Xie Bo , Wang Mo , Feldman Robert , Zhou Le 
Published: July 2012

AbstractContextExisting measurements of patient preferences cover only a limited range of health information and participation in decision making. A broader approach is necessary to understand the breadth and variations in patient preferences.ObjectiveTo explore the breadth and variances in patient preferences for health information and participation in decision making and to understand the relationship between age and each type of preference.DesignThe Health Information Wants Questionnaire (HIWQ) was administered during May–December 2010 to gather data about the information and corresponding decision‐making autonomy participants would want in seven areas: diagnosis, treatment, laboratory tests, self‐care, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), psychosocial factors and health‐care providers.SettingA large state university, public libraries and senior centres in Maryland, USA.ParticipantsA convenience sample of 438 individuals, including 226 undergraduates (mean age = 20; SD = 2.15) and 212 community‐dwelling older adults (mean age = 72; SD = 9.00).Main Outcome MeasuresRatings on the information and decision‐making items of the HIWQ.ResultsParticipants expressed higher levels of preference for information than for participation in decision making on six of seven subscales. On the psychosocial subscale, they expressed stronger desire for participation in decision making than for information. Age had no predictive effect on the overall preferences or specific preferences for information and participation in decision making about standard treatments and CAM. The predictive effect of age on the other types of preferences varied significantly.ConclusionsPhysicians should take into account the breadth and variations in patient preferences. The predictive effect of age on patient preferences varied depending on the specific area of preferences.
When should we expect early bursts of trait evolution in comparative data? Predictions from an evolutionary food web model
Authors: Ingram T. , Harmon L. J. , Shurin J. B. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractConceptual models of adaptive radiation predict that competitive interactions among species will result in an early burst of speciation and trait evolution followed by a slowdown in diversification rates. Empirical studies often show early accumulation of lineages in phylogenetic trees, but usually fail to detect early bursts of phenotypic evolution. We use an evolutionary simulation model to assemble food webs through adaptive radiation, and examine patterns in the resulting phylogenetic trees and species’ traits (body size and trophic position). We find that when foraging trade‐offs result in food webs where all species occupy integer trophic levels, lineage diversity and trait disparity are concentrated early in the tree, consistent with the early burst model. In contrast, in food webs in which many omnivorous species feed at multiple trophic levels, high levels of turnover of species’ identities and traits tend to eliminate the early burst signal. These results suggest testable predictions about how the niche structure of ecological communities may be reflected by macroevolutionary patterns.