bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variation in root system traits among African semi‐arid savanna grasses: Implications for drought tolerance
Authors: HARTNETT DAVID C. , WILSON GAIL W. T. , OTT JACQUELINE P. , SETSHOGO MOFFAT 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn arid to semi‐arid grasslands and savannas, plant growth, population dynamics, and productivity are consistently and strongly limited by soil water and nutrient availability. Adaptive traits of the root systems of grasses in these ecosystems are crucial to their ability to cope with strong water and/or nutrient limitation and the increasing drought stress associated with ecosystem degradation or projected climate change. We studied 18 grass species in semi‐arid savanna of the Kalahari region of Botswana to quantify interspecific variation in three important root system traits including root system architecture, rhizosheath thickness and mycorrhizal colonization. Drought‐tolerant species and shorter‐lived species showed greater rhizosheath thickness and fine root development but lower mycorrhizal colonization compared to later successional climax grasses and those characteristic of wetter sites. In addition, there was a significant positive correlation between root fibrousness index and rhizosheath thickness among species and a weak negative correlation between root fibrousness index and mycorrhizal colonization. These patterns suggest that an extensive fine root system and rhizosheath development may be important complementary traits of grasses coping with drought conditions, the former aiding in the acquisition of water by the grass plant and the latter aiding in water uptake and retention, and reducing water loss in the rhizosphere. Within species, both rhizosheath development and mycorrhizal colonization were significantly greater in a wet year than in a year with below‐average precipitation. The observed patterns suggest that the primary benefit of rhizosheath development in African savanna grasses is improved drought tolerance and that it is a plastic trait that can be adjusted annually to changing environmental conditions. The functioning of mycorrhizal symbiosis is likely to be relatively more important in infertile savannas where nutrient limitation is higher relative to water limitation.
Prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients admitted to Australian hospitals: summary of National Health and Medical Research Council clinical practice guideline
Authors: Wickham N. , Gallus A. S. , Walters B. N. J. , Wilson A. ,   the NHMRC VTE Prevention Guideline Adaptation Committee
Published: June 2012

AbstractEach year in Australia, about 1 in 1000 people develop a first episode of venous thromboembolism (VTE), which approximates to about 20 000 cases. More than half of these episodes occur during or soon after a hospital admission, which makes them potentially preventable. This paper summarises recommendations from the National Health and Medical Research Council's ‘Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention of Venous Thromboembolism in Patients Admitted to Australian Hospitals’ and describes the way these recommendations were developed. The guideline has two aims: to provide advice on VTE prevention to Australian clinicians and to support implementation of effective programmes for VTE prevention in Australian hospitals by offering evidence‐based recommendations which local hospital guidelines can be based on. Methods for preventing VTE are pharmacological and/or mechanical, and they require appropriate timing, dosing and duration and also need to be accompanied by good clinical care, such as promoting mobility and hydration whilst in hospital. With some procedures or injuries, the risk of VTE is sufficiently high to require that all patients receive an effective form of prophylaxis unless this is contraindicated; in other clinical settings, the need for prophylaxis requires individual assessment. For optimal VTE prevention, all patients admitted to hospital should have early and formal assessments of: (i) their intrinsic VTE risk and the risks related to their medical conditions; (ii) the added VTE risks resulting from surgery or trauma; (iii) bleeding risks that would contraindicate pharmacological prophylaxis; (iv) any contraindications to mechanical prophylaxis, culminating in (v) a decision about prophylaxis (pharmacological and/or mechanical, or none). The most appropriate form of prophylaxis will depend on the type of surgery, medical condition and patient characteristics. Recommendations for various clinical circumstances are provided as summary tables with relevance to orthopaedic surgical procedures, other types of surgery and medical inpatients. In addition, the tables indicate the grades of supporting evidence for the recommendations (these range from Grade A which can be trusted to guide practice, to Grade D where there is more uncertainty; Good Practice Points are consensus‐based expert opinions).
Effects of water‐based exercise in obese older women: Impact of short‐term follow‐up study on anthropometric, functional fitness and quality of life parameters
Authors: Rica Roberta Luksevicius , Carneiro Renata Meireles Mendes , Serra Andrey Jorge , Rodriguez Daniel , Pontes Junior Francisco L , Bocalini Danilo Sales 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  In this study, the effects of a short‐term follow‐up intervention by water‐based exercise (WE) on indicators of obesity in frail obese older women were investigated.Methods:  A total of 28 obese older women (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2) aged between 60 and 75 years voluntarily took part in the study. The WE program consisted of 60‐min sessions, three times a week, over 12 weeks. Training was carried out on three different days, with a 1‐day rest between sessions. Each training session included a 10‐min warm‐up period; 45‐min endurance training and a 5‐min cool‐down/relaxation. Anthropometric parameters, aerobic strength and muscle strength were evaluated by functional tests and quality of life.Results:  No alterations in any anthropometric parameters were found after the WE program. However, an improvement in all functional parameters (time to walk 800 m 16 ± 1 vs 10 ± 1 min; chair test before 21 ± 1 vs 35 ± 1 repetitions; and arm flexion 21 ± 2 vs 32 ± 1 repetitions) and self‐reported quality of life (physical 68 ± 3 vs 87 ± 2 points; psychological 62 ± 3 vs 82 ± 2 points; social 63 ± 3 vs 82 ± 2 points; and environmental 63 ± 3 vs 77 ± 4 points) was found after WE.Conclusion:  The WE program was not successful in reducing anthropometric parameters in obese older women, but it was useful in improving aerobic capacity, muscle strength and quality of life. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 209–214.
Geriatric depression in advanced cancer patients: The effect of cognitive and physical functioning
Authors: Mystakidou Kyriaki , Parpa Efi , Tsilika Eleni , Panagiotou Irene , Zygogianni Anna , Giannikaki Eugenia , Gouliamos Athanasios 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The aims of the current study were to evaluate geriatric depression and its risk factors in advanced cancer patients.Methods:  A cross‐sectional study was carried out in a palliative care unit in Greece. Patients completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, the M. D. Anderson Symptoms Instrument (MDASI), the Activities of Daily Living and the Mini‐Mental State Examination. Patients were included if they were aged >65 years, if they had cancer, were able to communicate and had agreed to sign informed consent. The final sample consisted of 92 elderly advanced cancer patients.Results:  The prevalence of depression was found to be 67.4%. The univariate comparison between the depressed elderly and non‐depressed group showed that patients with metastases were found to be 2.2‐fold more likely to suffer from geriatric depression compared with those without metastases (P = 0.074). Patients with moderate or severe cognitive impairment were found to be 3.61‐fold more likely to suffer from geriatric depression in comparison with those with normal cognitive function (P = 0.019). In the multiple logistic regression analysis, elderly with cognitive impairment were 3.3‐fold more likely to have geriatric depression than those without (adjusted odds ratio = 3.3 [95% CI 0.99–10.74], P = 0.052) and MDASI factor 1 was consistently a significant risk factor for depression in the elderly; when MDASI factor 1 increased by 1 unit, the odds of being classified as depressed increased by 7.6%.Conclusions:  The present study found that cognitive impairment and symptoms such as enjoyment of life, walking, relationship with people, general activity, sadness and pain (MDASI F1) are strong independent predictors of depression in the elderly. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 281–288..
Meta‐analysis of type and complexity of a secondary task during walking on the prediction of elderly falls
Authors: Chu Yu‐Hsiu , Tang Pei‐Fang , Peng Ya‐Chi , Chen Hui‐Ya 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Dual‐tasking probes divided attention and causes performance changes that are associated with an increased risk for falls in the elderly. There is no systematic review investigating the effect of task type and complexity on the prediction of elderly falls. This article synthesizes research evidence regarding this issue on the contents of dual‐tasking walking.Methods:  Relevant studies were systematically identified from electronic databases of Medline, PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL and PsycINFO, and the reference lists of identified articles. The selection criteria were defined a priori. Two independent reviewers classified task types based on properties for cognitive demand, assessed the methodological quality with a customized checklist, and calculated the odds ratio of fall prediction.Results:  There was one study of reaction time, one of discrimination and decision‐making, 10 of mental tracking, three of verbal fluency and five of manual tasks. The methodological heterogeneity was manifested in the selection criteria, faller classification, tasks and measures, resulting in substantial heterogeneity (I2 87–92%). Meta‐analyses resulted in a significant pooled odds ratio 1.33 (95% CI 1.18–1.50). The mental tracking task was the only type that yielded a significant odds ratio 3.30 (95% CI 2.00–5.44). Running meta‐analyses separately for simple and difficult mental tracking task showed similar odds ratios.Conclusion:  The mental tracking task yielded significant dual‐task‐related changes for fall prediction. Most studies successively used an appropriate level of task complexity specific to the specified population of interest. More research is required for definite conclusions regarding the effect of task type and complexity. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 289–297.
Development and psychometric properties of the Geriatric Mistreatment Scale
Authors: Giraldo‐Rodríguez Liliana , Rosas‐Carrasco Oscar 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  Elder mistreatment is a phenomenon that has increased proportionally to the increase in the number of older adults in different populations of the world. So far, in Mexico there is no instrument measuring and assessing this phenomenon. The objective of the present study was to develop and to know some psychometric properties of the Geriatric Mistreatment Scale (GMS).Methods:  A documentary and qualitative investigation was undertaken to contextualize the mistreatment phenomenon in Mexico. Each item was included in the preliminary version if it obtained 80% or greater agreement by experts (content validity). The preliminary scale (49‐item) was applied to 626 older adults using a probabilistic sample representative of the older adults living in Mexico City. Then a statistical process was carried out to reduce the number of items, prove their internal consistency and associations with other measurements. The 22‐item final version of the GMS that assesses physical, psychological, neglect, economic mistreatment and sexual abuse is reported herein.Results:  The mean age of participants was 71.94 ± 8 years. The internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.83) was appropriate. Subject memory complaint, depression, functional dependence and other measurements were associated with overall mistreatment. Regarding prevalence, 10.28% reported having experienced at least one type of mistreatment.Conclusion:  The 22‐item GMS had an acceptable internal consistency; the relationship with other measurements was significant according to the hypotheses. Therefore, the GMS is recommended for the screening of the five different types of elder mistreatment. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 466–474.
Relationship between dual‐task performance and neurocognitive measures in older adults with mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Makizako Hyuma , Doi Takehiko , Shimada Hiroyuki , Yoshida Daisuke , Takayama Yuko , Suzuki Takao 
Published: June 2012

Aim:  The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between dual‐task performance and neurocognitive measures in community‐dwelling older people with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:  A total of 98 subjects (mean age 74.8 years, 52.0% female) participated in the study. We compared 36 participants with amnestic MCI (aMCI) with 62 participants with non‐amnestic MCI (non‐aMCI) on dual‐task performance as measured by reaction time responses. The relationships between dual‐task performance and multiple domains of neurocognitive functions, including general cognitive function, visual memory, working memory, executive function and processing speed, were examined.Results:  Although there were no statistically significant group differences in simple reaction times (P = 0.734), the aMCI group showed significantly slower dual‐task reaction times than the non‐aMCI group (P = 0.012). Using multiple regression analysis, we found that there was a significant relationship between executive function and dual‐task reaction times (β = 0.298, P = 0.006).Conclusion:  These results showed that aMCI subjects showed a specific deficit in dual‐task performance compared with non‐aMCI subjects, and poor dual‐task performance was associated with declines in executive function in older people with MCI. Future longitudinal and interventional studies should investigate the use of dual‐task testing with varying levels of cognitive demand in older adults at risk of dementia. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2013; 13: 314–321.
The absence of Complexin 3 and Complexin 4 differentially impacts the ON and OFF pathways in mouse retina
Authors: Landgraf Immanuel , Mühlhans Johanna , Dedek Karin , Reim Kerstin , Brandstätter Johann H. , Ammermüller Josef 
Published: June 2012

AbstractComplexins (Cplxs) regulate the speed and Ca2+‐sensitivity of synaptic vesicle fusion. It has been shown that all four known Cplxs are present at mouse retinal synapses – at conventional amacrine cell synapses (Cplx 1 to Cplx 3) and at photoreceptor and bipolar cell ribbon synapses (Cplx 3 and Cplx 4) [K. Reim et al. (2005)J. Cell Biol.,169, 669‐680]. Electroretinographic recordings in Cplx 3/Cplx 4 double‐knockout (DKO) mice showed perturbed transmission in the outer plexiform layer, and possible changes in the inner plexiform layer [K. Reim et al. (2009)J. Cell Sci.,122, 1352–1361]. In the present study, we examined the effects of the absence of Cplx 3 and Cplx 4 on ganglion cell responses. We report that the lack of Cplx 3 and Cplx 4 differentially impacts the ON and OFF pathways. Under photopic conditions, the responses in the cone OFF pathway are largely unaffected, whereas the responses in the cone ON pathway are diminished in Cplx 3/Cplx 4 DKO mice. Under scotopic conditions, both ON and OFF response rates are reduced and high‐sensitivity OFF responses are missing in Cplx 3/Cplx 4 DKO mice. The electrophysiological findings are corroborated by new immunocytochemical findings. We now show that rod spherules contain only Cplx 4. However, both Cplx 3 and Cplx 4 co‐localize in cone pedicles. In the inner plexiform layer, Cplx 3 is present in rod bipolar cell terminals and in amacrine cell processes. Most importantly, Cplx 3 is localized in the lobular appendages of AII amacrine cells, the sites of signal transmission from the primary rod pathway into the OFF pathway in the inner plexiform layer.
Propofol–remifentanil intravenous anesthesia and spontaneous ventilation for airway foreign body removal in children with preoperative respiratory impairment
Authors: Shen Xia , Hu Chun‐Bo , Ye Min , Chen Ying‐Zi 
Published: June 2012

SummaryPurpose:  To investigate the efficacy and safety of propofol–remifentanil total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) and spontaneous ventilation for foreign body (FB) removal in pediatric patients with preoperative respiratory impairment.Methods:  We carried out a prospective observational clinical study of FB removal using a rigid bronchoscope under propofol–remifentanil TIVA and spontaneous ventilation in 65 pediatric patients who presented with preoperative respiratory impairment. Heart rate, blood pressure, pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), respiratory rate, endtidal CO2 (ETCO2), induction time, and remifentanil rate were recorded. Adverse events, the intervention for these events, and the duration of postoperative care were also of interest.Results:  Sixty children completed the study. The mean induction time was 12.3 min. During the procedure, the maximum remifentanil rate was 0.14 μg·kg−1·min−1. Light breath holding occurred in 16 (26.7%) patients. No severe breath holding or body movements were observed. An SpO2 below 90% occurred in 10 (16.7%) cases. No progressive desaturation was observed. The mean ETCO2 at the end of the procedures was 7.91 KPa and returned to normal 5 min after the procedure. In the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), no hypoxemia was observed and the mean recovery time was 23.4 min. No laryngospasm, pneumothorax, or arrhythmias were observed.Conclusion:  Propofol–remifentanil TIVA and spontaneous ventilation are effective and safe techniques to manage anesthesia during airway FB removal in children with preoperative respiratory impairment.
Diversity in Eucalyptus susceptibility to the gall‐forming wasp Leptocybe invasa
Authors: Dittrich‐Schröder Gudrun , Wingfield Michael J. , Hurley Brett P. , Slippers Bernard 
Published: June 2012

Extensive variation to damage by the invasive gall‐forming wasp Leptocybe invasa Fisher & LaSalle (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is known to exist amongst Eucalyptus genotypes.
In the present study, 30 of the 50 tested genotypes were susceptible to gall formation and development of the wasp. Gall development on the petiole and leaves of plants was compared to calculate the percentage of infestation per plant and per genotype.
A positive correlation between galls on petioles and leaves indicated an absence of specificity at this level, and also that either leaves or petioles could be used to obtain an accurate estimate of the level of infestation.
Genotypes of E. nitens×E. grandis and E. grandis×E. camaldulensis were most susceptible, with a maximum damage index value for leaves and petioles of 0.52 and 0.39, respectively. Eucalyptus dunii, E. nitens, E. smithii, E. urophylla and E. saligna×E. urophylla showed little or no infestation.
The results obtained in the present study suggest that the selection and planting of resistant/less susceptible genotypes will be an important aid in managing damage from L. invasa invasion.
Time use and physical activity: a shift away from movement across the globe
Authors: Ng S. W. , Popkin B. M. 
Published: June 2012

SummaryTechnology linked with reduced physical activity (PA) in occupational work, home/domestic work, and travel and increased sedentary activities, especially television viewing, dominates the globe. Using detailed historical data on time allocation, occupational distributions, energy expenditures data by activity, and time‐varying measures of metabolic equivalents of task (MET) for activities when available, we measure historical and current MET by four major PA domains (occupation, home production, travel and active leisure) and sedentary time among adults (>18 years). Trends by domain for the United States (1965–2009), the United Kingdom (1961–2005), Brazil (2002–2007), China (1991–2009) and India (2000–2005) are presented. We also project changes in energy expenditure by domain and sedentary time (excluding sleep and personal care) to 2020 and 2030 for each of these countries. The use of previously unexplored detailed time allocation and energy expenditures and other datasets represents a useful addition to our ability to document activity and inactivity globally, but highlights the need for concerted efforts to monitor PA in a consistent manner globally, increase global PA and decrease sedentary behavior. Given the potential impact on weight gain and other cardiometabolic health risks, the differential declines in MET of activity and increases in sedentary time across the globe represent a major threat to global health.
Selective Inspection and Interactive Visualization of Light Transport in Virtual Scenes
Authors: Reiner Tim , Kaplanyan Anton , Reinhard Marcel , Dachsbacher Carsten 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThis paper presents novel interactive visualization techniques for inspecting the global light transport in virtual scenes. First, we propose a simple extension to photon mapping to gather required lighting information. We then introduce a set of five light inspection tools which process this data to provide further insights. Corresponding visualizations help the user to comprehend how light travels within a scene, how the lighting affects the appearance of a surface, and how objects cause lighting effects such as caustics. We implemented all tools for direct usage in real production environments. Rendering is based on progressive photon mapping, providing interactivity and immediate visual feedback. We conducted a user study to evaluate all techniques in various application scenarios and hence discuss their individual strengths and weaknesses. Moreover, we present feedback from domain experts.
Perceptually Linear Parameter Variations
Authors: Lindow Norbert , Baum Daniel , Hege Hans‐Christian 
Published: June 2012

AbstractMost visual analysis tasks require interactive adjustment of parameter values. In general, a linear variation of a parameter, using for instance a GUI slider, changes the visual result in a perceptually non‐linear way. This hampers interactive adjustment of parameters, especially in regions where rapid perceptual changes occur. Selecting a good parameter value therefore remains a time‐consuming and often difficult task. We propose a novel technique to build a non‐linear function that maps a new parameter to the original parameter. By prefixing this function to the original parameter and using the new parameter as input, a linear relationship between input and visual feedback is obtained. To construct the non‐linear function, we measure the variation of the visual result using image metrics. Given a suitable perceptual image metric, perceptually linear image variations are achieved. We demonstrate the practical utility of our approach by implementing two common image metrics, a perceptual and a non‐perceptual one, and by applying the method to a few visual analysis tasks.