bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Top‐cited articles in digestive system disease from 1950 to 2013
Authors: Tang Xiaowei , Gong Wei , Yuan Fangfang , Li Ran , Han Xiaomei , Huang Silin , Zhi Fachao , Jiang Bo
Published: July 2015

Background and Aim

Examination of top‐cited articles is a tool that can help to identify and monitor outstanding scientific researches and landmark papers. We aimed to identify the 100 most cited published papers in peer‐reviewed biomedical journals in the field of digestive diseases and to examine their characteristics.

Methods

The Web of Science (including Science Citation Index) was searched for the most cited papers related to digestive diseases, published from 1955 to the present. The top 100 most cited articles were identified. The number of citations, countries, and institutions of origin, year of publication, study design, topic, and levels of evidence of the articles were noted and analyzed.

Results

The most top‐cited articles had a mean of 1375 citations. These articles were published between 1978 and 2009 in 29 high‐impact journals, with the New England Journal of Medicine (n = 22) topping the list. Of the 100 articles, 34 were clinical studies, 15 were review articles, and 34 were concerned basic science. These articles came from 18 countries, with the USA contributing most of the top‐cited articles (n = 53). Eighty‐seven institutions produced these 100 top‐cited articles, led by the University of Barcelona (n = 4). Seven persons authored two or more of these top‐cited articles. The mostly represented specialty was gastrointestinal oncology (n = 49).

Conclusions

Our study can give a historical perspective on the scientific progress of digestive diseases, as well as allow for recognition of most important advances in this area and provide useful information to guide future researches.
Home‐made and commercial complementary meals in German infants: results of the DONALD study
Authors: Hilbig A. , Foterek K. , Kersting M. , Alexy U.
Published: July 2015

Background

Infant complementary food can be home‐made or bought as ready‐to‐eat commercial products. The nutrient composition of commercial products is regularised in a European Commission guideline, whereas the preparation of home‐made complementary meals is the responsibility of caregivers. In the present study, the composition of commercial and home‐made complementary meals as eaten by healthy German infants was compared.

Methods

Of 8226 complementary meals (74% commercial and 26% home‐made) recorded in 1083, 3‐day weighed dietary records from 396 participants (6–12 months old) of the German DONALD (DOrtmund Nutritional and Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed) study were analysed.

Results

Median energy density (kcal 100 g–1) was highest in commercial and home‐made cereal–milk meals (89 kcal 100 g–1). In home‐made savoury and cereal–fruit meals, the energy density was significantly higher compared to their commercial counterparts. Median protein contents were highest in savoury and cereal–milk meals (>2.5 g 100 g–1) and dairy–fruit meals (2–4 g 100 g–1). Added sugars were found in less than a quarter of meals. Highest median sodium contents were found not only in commercial savoury meals (median 38 mg 100 g–1) and vegetable meals (32 mg 100 g–1), but also in home‐made cereal–milk meals (36 mg 100 g–1). Both median fat and iron contents were higher in home‐made meals compared to commercial savoury and cereal–fruit meals.

Conclusions

With the exception of the higher sodium content in commercial savoury meals for older infants, the lower fat content in commercial savoury and cereal–fruit meals, and the added sugar content in some commercial dairy–fruit meals, a comparison of commercial and home‐made complementary meals did not reveal any serious inadequacy.
Comparison of energy estimates in chronic kidney disease using doubly‐labelled water
Authors: Sridharan S. , Wong J. , Vilar E. , Farrington K.
Published: July 2015

Background

Total energy expenditure (TEE) is estimated in clinical practice as a combined measure of resting energy expenditure and physical activity level. Commonly available questionnaires to estimate physical activity level have not been validated in patients with kidney disease using the doubly‐labelled water method.

Methods

This prospective, cross‐sectional study was conducted on 40 patients with chronic kidney disease stages 1–5 with the objective of validating two physical activity questionnaires: the Recent Physical Activity Questionnaire (RPAQ) and the Stanford 7‐day recall questionnaire. TEE was measured using doubly‐labelled water technique. TEE was also estimated using predicted resting energy expenditure and estimated physical activity measures from the questionnaires.

Results

Measured TEE correlated better with TEE estimated from RPAQ compared to that from the Stanford questionnaire. In Bland–Altman analysis, TEE estimated from RPAQ had the least bias and narrower limits of agreement compared to the measured TEE. A metabolic equivalent of task value of 1.3 for the unaccounted time in RPAQ provided the best approximation of estimated TEE to the measured TEE.

Conclusions

RPAQ is an acceptable questionnaire tool for assessing physical activity level in patients with chronic kidney disease.
UHT metamorphism on Seram, eastern Indonesia: reaction microstructures and P–T evolution of spinel‐bearing garnet–sillimanite granulites from the Kobipoto Complex
Authors: Pownall J. M.
Published: July 2015

The island of Seram, part of the northern limb of the Banda Arc in eastern Indonesia, exposes an extensive Mio‐Pliocene granulite facies migmatite complex (the Kobipoto Complex) comprising voluminous leucosome‐rich diatexites and scarcer Al–Fe‐rich residual granulites. The migmatites are intimately associated with ultramafic rocks of predominantly lherzolitic composition that were exhumed by substantial lithospheric extension beneath low‐angle detachment faults; heat supplied by the lherzolites was evidently a major driver for the granulite facies metamorphism and accompanying anatexis. Residual garnet–sillimanite granulites sampled from the Kobipoto Mountains, central Seram, contain scarce garnet‐hosted inclusions of hercynite spinel (~1.5 wt% ZnO) + quartz (± ilmenite) in direct grain‐boundary contact – an assemblage potentially indicative of metamorphism under ultrahigh‐temperature (UHT) conditions. thermocalc ‘Average P–T’ reactions and melanosome‐specific thermocalc , T–MO, and P–T pseudosections in the Na2O–CaO–K2O–FeO–MgO–Al2O3–SiO2–H2O–TiO2–Fe2O3 (NCKFMASHTO) chemical system, supported by Ti‐in‐garnet thermobarometry, are permissive of the rock having experienced a clockwise P–T path peaking at 925 °C and 9 kbar – thus narrowly reaching UHT conditions – before undergoing near‐isothermal decompression to ~750 °C and ~4 kbar. Spinel + quartz assemblages are interpreted to have formed at or just after the metamorphic peak from localized reactions between sillimanite, ilmenite and surrounding garnet. Further decompression of the rock resulted in the formation of complex reaction microstructures comprising cordierite ± plagioclase coronae around garnet, and symplectic intergrowths of cordierite + spinel + ilmenite around sillimanite. Small grains of sapphirine + corundum developed subsequently within spinel by localized quartz‐absent reactions. The post‐peak evolution of the granulites may be related to previously published U–Pb zircon and 40Ar/39Ar ages of c. 16 Ma, further substantiating the claim for the Kobipoto Complex granulites having recorded Earth's youngest‐identified episode of UHT metamorphism, albeit at slightly lower temperature and higher pressure than previously inferred. The Kobipoto Complex granulites demonstrate how UHT conditions may be achieved in the ‘modern’ Earth by extreme lithospheric extension, which, in this instance, was driven by slab rollback of the Banda Arc.
Prospects for regenerative medicine approaches in women's health
Authors: Schenke‐Layland Katja , Brucker Sara Y.
Published: July 2015

Novel regenerative strategies, stem cell‐based therapies or the development of advanced human cell‐based in vitro‐manufactured preclinical test systems offer great potential to generate advances in clinical practice in the field of women's health. This review aims to provide a brief overview of the current advances in the field.
Efficacy of diode laser (810 and 940 nm) for facial skin tightening
Authors: Voravutinon Nataya , Seawthaweesin Kanikar , Bureethan Apron , Srivipatana Anchisa , Vejanurug Patnapa
Published: July 2015

Background

Laser treatment has been introduced for facial skin tightening. However, no prior study has used a diode laser to treat facial skin laxity.

Aims

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 810‐ and 940‐nm diode laser (MeDioStarNeXT) for treating facial skin laxity.

Methods

Thirty patients, with facial skin laxity grading scale II‐IV, were enrolled in this study. Each patient underwent four sessions with a 810‐ and 940‐nm diode laser (MeDioStarNeXT) treatment over 3‐week intervals. Improvement in the laxity of facial skin was evaluated using a Cutometer MPA 580, spectrophotometer, and a grading scale.

Results

Significant improvement was observed with the Cutometer F3 and R7 parameters at 1 and 3 months after complete treatment, respectively. Physician assessment showed significant improvement in the laxity scale at 1 and 6 months after treatment. Approximately 10% of the patients reported mild pain or minor adverse events. Ninety‐eight percent of the patients were satisfied with the treatments.

Conclusion

Treatment with a diode laser (810 and 940 nm) is safe and may be effective for facial skin tightening. Maintenance treatment is necessary to sustain the effect of treatment.
Changes in pelvic shape among Japanese pregnant women over the last 5 decades
Authors: Narumoto Keiichiro , Sugimura Motoi , Saga Kozue , Matsunaga Youichi
Published: July 2015

Aim

Pelvic shape affects the progression of labor. The gynecoid‐type pelvis has been the most common in women, but a previous study reported that the anthropoid type has increased in Japan. The purpose of this study was to examine: (i) the current prevalence of different pelvic shapes in Japanese pregnant women; and (ii) the changes in the prevalence of the pelvic shapes over the past 50 years.

Material and Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional study using descriptive analysis for the prevalence of the pelvic shape and a historical comparison to assess the changes in the proportions of pelvic shapes with Japanese data from the 1960s to the 1980s. We reviewed a total of 517 delivery records from May 2010 to August 2012 at a rural Japanese hospital where prenatal X‐ray pelvimetry had been routinely performed as local practice. We analyzed the readings of the digital imaging data in pregnant women who underwent X‐ray pelvimetry.

Results

We identified the X‐ray data in 326 Japanese pregnant women. The prevalence of the anthropoid, gynecoid and flat types was 151 (46.3%), 142 (43.6%), and 33 (10.1%), respectively. There were no differences in the maternal characteristics according to the pelvic shapes. The prevalence of the anthropoid‐type pelvis has increased by approximately 40% and that of the gynecoid type has decreased by 20% since the 1960s.

Conclusion

The prevalence of the anthropoid‐type pelvis have significantly increased in Japan. Identifying a determinant of this phenomenon requires further research.
A Mobile Stroke Treatment Unit for Field Triage of Patients for Intraarterial Revascularization Therapy
Authors: Cerejo Russell , John Seby , Buletko Andrew B. , Taqui Ather , Itrat Ahmed , Organek Natalie , Cho Sung‐Min , Sheikhi Lila , Uchino Ken , Briggs Farren , Reimer Andrew P. , Winners Stacey , Toth Gabor , Rasmussen Peter , Hussain Muhammad S.
Published: July 2015

INTRODUCTION

Favorable outcomes in intraarterial therapy (IAT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) are related to early vessel recanalization. The mobile stroke treatment unit (MSTU) is an on‐site, prehospital, treatment team, laboratory, and CT scanner that reduces time to treatment for intravenous thrombolysis and may also shorten time to IAT.

METHODS

Using our MSTU database, we identified patients that underwent IAT for AIS. We compared the key time metrics to historical controls, which included patients that underwent IAT at our institution six months prior to implementation of the MSTU. We further divided the controls into two groups: (1) transferred to our institution for IAT and (2) directly presented to our emergency room and underwent IAT.

RESULTS

After 164 days of service, the MSTU transported 155 patients of which 5 underwent IAT. We identified 5 historical controls that were transferred to our center for IAT. Substantial reduction in times including median door to initial CT (12 minute vs. 32 minute), CT to IAT (82 minute vs. 165 minute), and door to MSTU/primary stroke center departure (37 minute vs. 106 minute) were noted among the two groups. Compared to the 6 patients who presented to our institution directly, the MSTU process times were also shorter.

CONCLUSION

Our initial experience shows that MSTU may help in early triage and shorten the time to IAT for AIS.
Toward a “Theoretical Toolbox” for the Supplier‐Enabled Fuzzy Front End of the New Product Development Process
Authors: Wowak Kaitlin D. , Craighead Christopher W. , Ketchen David J. , Hult G. Tomas M.
Published: July 2015

As technology life cycles have shortened in both products and processes, more research attention has been placed on the involvement of suppliers within the new product development (NPD) process. The majority of this research focuses on the execution‐oriented back‐end (production through product launch) resulting in a dearth of research centered on the fuzzy front end (FFE; idea generation through a production‐ready product). This is surprising considering that the FFE is arguably the most important and challenging phase in the NPD process coupled with how critical suppliers may be to this phase of NPD. To provide a foundation for future inquiry in this important, but underdeveloped, research area, we describe how five promising theories can help inform future research centered on how suppliers can enhance the FFE of the NPD process. Specifically, we use: (1) resource orchestration theory; (2) real options theory; (3) tournament theory; (4) attribution theory; and (5) justice theory to help make the FFE of the NPD process become less “fuzzy” and more concrete.
Distribution and population structure of deep‐dwelling red coral in the Northwest Mediterranean
Authors: Angiolillo Michela , Gori Andrea , Canese Simonepietro , Bo Marzia , Priori Cristina , Bavestrello Giorgio , Salvati Eva , Erra Fabrizio , Greenacre Michael , Santangelo Giovanni
Published: July 2015

Commercially harvested since ancient times, the highly valuable red coral Corallium rubrum (Linnaeus, 1758) is an octocoral endemic to the Mediterranean Sea and adjacent Eastern Atlantic Ocean, where it occurs on rocky bottoms over a wide bathymetric range. Current knowledge is restricted to its shallow populations (15–50 m depth), with comparably little attention given to the deeper populations (50–200 m) that are nowadays the main target of exploitation. In this study, red coral distribution and population structure were assessed in three historically exploited areas (Amalfi, Ischia Island and Elba Island) in the Tyrrhenian Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea) between 50 and 130 m depth by means of ROV during a cruise carried out in the summer of 2010. Red coral populations showed a maximum patch frequency of 0.20 ± 0.04 SD patches·m−1 and a density ranging between 28 and 204 colonies·m−2, with a fairly continuous bathymetric distribution. The highest red coral densities in the investigated areas were found on cliffs and boulders mainly exposed to the east, at the greatest depth, and characterized by medium percentage sediment cover. The study populations contained a high percentage (46% on average) of harvestable colonies (>7 mm basal diameter). Moreover, some colonies with fifth‐order branches were also observed, highlighting the probable older age of some components of these populations. The Ischia population showed the highest colony occupancy, density and size, suggesting a better conservation status than the populations at the other study locations. These results indicate that deep dwelling red coral populations in non‐stressed or less‐harvested areas may diverge from the inverse size‐density relationship previously observed in red coral populations with increasing depth.
Crustacean decapod assemblages associated with fragmented Posidonia oceanica meadows in the Alboran Sea (Western Mediterranean Sea): composition, temporal dynamics and influence of meadow structure
Authors: Mateo‐Ramírez Ángel , Urra Javier , Marina Pablo , Rueda José L. , García Raso José Enrique
Published: July 2015

The decapod assemblage associated with a Posidonia oceanica meadow located near its western limit of biogeographic distribution was studied over an annual cycle. Fauna samples were taken seasonally over a year (five replicates per season) in two sites located 7 km apart, using a non‐destructive sampling method (airlift sampler) for the seagrass. The dominant species of the assemblage, Pisidia longimana, Pilumnus hirtellus and Athanas nitescens, were associated with the protective rhizome stratum, which is mainly used as a nursery. The correlations between decapod assemblage structure and some phenological parameters of the seagrass shoots and wave height were negative or null, which reflects that species associated with the rhizome had a higher importance than those associated with the leaf stratum. The abundance and composition of the decapod assemblage as well as the ecological indexes displayed a seasonality trend with maximum values in summer‐autumn and minimum in winter‐spring, which were related to the seawater temperature and the recruitment periods of the dominant species. The spatial differences found in the structure and dynamics of the assemblages may be due to variations in the recruitment of the dominant species, probably as a result of the influence of local factors (e.g. temperature, currents) and the high dispersal ability of decapods, together with the patchy configuration and the surrounding habitats. The studied meadows are fragmented and are integrated within a mosaic of habitats (Cymodocea nodosa patches, algal meadows, rocky and sandy bottoms), which promotes the movement of individuals and species among them, maintaining a high species richness and evenness.
Puppets as a strategy for communication with Brazilian children with cancer
Authors: Sposito Amanda Mota Pacciulio , de Montigny Francine , Sparapani Valéria de Cássia , Lima Regina Aparecida Garcia de , Silva‐Rodrigues Fernanda Machado , Pfeifer Luzia Iara , Nascimento Lucila Castanheira
Published: July 2015

Children are considered competent social actors. Although they are able to express their opinions, they may have some difficulties in answering direct verbal questions, requiring researchers and health professionals to enter their world by using auxiliary resources for communication. This study presents the experience of using finger puppets as a playful strategy for improving interaction and communication with hospitalized children with cancer, aged seven to 12. It describes the strategy of making and using puppets as an auxiliary tool to communicate with children with cancer and presents the results and limitations of using puppets in clinical practice. The use of the puppets, creatively and in accordance with the children's motor, cognitive, and emotional development, showed benefits, such as allowing the children to freely express themselves; respecting their autonomy; and minimizing the hierarchical adult‐child relationship. The use of puppets is an appropriate strategy to communicate with hospitalized children. This tool can also enrich clinical practice, as it encourages children with cancer to report their experience of being ill and also helps the health team during evaluation and intervention.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is associated with increased impedance measures of reflux compared to non‐fibrotic disease among pre‐lung transplant patients
Authors: Gavini S. , Finn R. T. , Lo W.‐K. , Goldberg H. J. , Burakoff R. , Feldman N. , Chan W. W.
Published: July 2015

Background

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) has been associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), although the mechanism remains unclear. Gastroesophageal reflux/microaspiration may lead to lung fibrosis, while increased pulmonary workload may also worsen GER. Comparing the GER profile of IPF patients to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients with similar lung function may help delineate the role of GER in IPF pathogenesis.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of IPF and COPD patients undergoing pre‐lung transplant multichannel intraluminal impedance and pH study (MII‐pH) off acid suppression at a tertiary center in 2008–2014. Patients with prior fundoplication were excluded. Baseline demographics, pulmonary function test, and MII‐pH results were recorded. Univariate analyses were performed using Fisher's exact (binary variables) and Student's t (continuous variables) tests. Logistic regression was performed to adjust for potential confounders.

Key Results

A total of 90 subjects (54 IPF, 36 COPD) met inclusion criteria. Compared to COPD, IPF patients had increased total reflux episodes (65.9 vs 46.1, p = 0.02), proximal reflux episodes (30.3 vs 20.3, p = 0.04), and prevalence of abnormal total reflux episodes (38.9% vs 16.7%, p = 0.02). On multivariate analyses, abnormal total reflux episodes (OR: 4.9, p = 0.05) and bolus reflux exposure time (OR: 4, p = 0.04) remained significantly associated with IPF.

Conclusions & Inferences

Abnormal reflux was significantly more prevalent among IPF patients after controlling for lung disease severity. Gastroesophageal reflux/microaspiration likely plays a role in fibrosis in IPF. A significant portion of IPF patients had increased non‐acid reflux. Therapies aiming to prevent reflux of gastric contents may be more beneficial than antisecretory medications alone in these patients.
Association of high dietary saturated fat intake and uncontrolled diabetes with constipation: evidence from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
Authors: Taba Taba Vakili S. , Nezami B. G. , Shetty A. , Chetty V. K. , Srinivasan S.
Published: July 2015

Background

Constipation is highly prevalent in the United States. The association of dietary fat intake with constipation has not been well studied. We recently reported that mice fed a high‐fat diet had higher incidence of constipation than regular diet fed mice. The aim of this study was to assess if increased intake of dietary saturated fat in humans is also associated with higher risk of constipation and reduced stool frequency.

Methods

Analyses were based on data from 6207 adults (≥20 years) from the 2005–2006 and 2007–2008 cycles of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys who had completed the bowel health questionnaire. Constipation was defined as a stool frequency of less than three times per week. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted prevalence odds ratio (OR) estimates. Statistical analyses were performed using R and RStudio softwares.

Key Results

The prevalence of constipation in this sample was 3.1%. After multivariable adjustment high saturated fat remained associated with constipation. The OR for high saturated fat intake associated with constipation was much higher in diabetics above 65 years, especially in non‐Hispanic blacks, females, and those with poor glycemic control, compared to the control group.

Conclusions & Inferences

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to investigate the association of high saturated fat diet, bowel frequency, and diabetes. This study demonstrates that a high dietary saturated fat intake is associated with significant increase in the prevalence of constipation, especially in the uncontrolled diabetic, non‐Hispanic black, female patients.
Developing therapies for spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Wertz Mary H. , Sahin Mustafa
Published: July 2015

Spinal muscular atrophy is an autosomal‐recessive pediatric neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of spinal motor neurons. It is caused by mutation in the gene survival of motor neuron 1 (SMN1), leading to loss of function of the full‐length SMN protein. SMN has a number of functions in neurons, including RNA splicing and snRNP biogenesis in the nucleus, and RNA trafficking in neurites. The expression level of full‐length SMN protein from the SMN2 locus modifies disease severity. Increasing full‐length SMN protein by a small amount can lead to significant improvements in the neurological phenotype. Currently available interventions for spinal muscular atrophy patients are physical therapy and orthopedic, nutritional, and pulmonary interventions; these are palliative or supportive measures and do not address the etiology of the disease. In the past decade, there has been a push for developing therapeutics to improve motor phenotypes and increase life span of spinal muscular atrophy patients. These therapies are aimed primarily at restoration of full‐length SMN protein levels, but other neuroprotective treatments have been investigated as well. Here, we discuss recent advances in basic and clinical studies toward finding safe and effective treatments of spinal muscular atrophy using gene therapy, antisense oligonucleotides, and other small molecule modulators of SMN expression.
Dendrimer nanotechnology for enhanced formulation and controlled delivery of resveratrol
Authors: Chauhan Abhay S.
Published: July 2015

In spite of its wide and beneficial pharmacological potential, resveratrol lags behind other compounds because of its comparatively less impressive pharmacokinetic profile. Resveratrol has very low oral bioavailability and, from a formulation perspective, it has low solubility in water, which leads to its poor absorption upon oral administration. Apart from low aqueous solubility, resveratrol has poor metabolic stability and instability at high pH, and is photosensitive. The pharmacokinetic and formulation‐related limitations of resveratrol can be controlled by entrapping the small resveratrol molecule inside highly water‐soluble poly(amidoamine) dendrimer nanostructures, which provide spherical architecture and polyvalency at the nanoscale level, thus leading to novel features. Dendrimer architecture is used to entrap resveratrol for enhancement of its solubility and stability in aqueous solution; they can be engineered to control pharmacokinetics and targeting for oral, mucosal, transdermal, or parenteral administration. Dendrimers have the potential to work as excipients with multifunctional capability by enhancing solubility, dissolution, stability, permeability, multiple drug/cosmetic entrapment, controlled delivery, bioavailability, and efficacy of drugs.
Eddy covariance captures four‐phase crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) gas exchange signature in Agave
Authors: Owen Nick A. , Choncubhair Órlaith Ní , Males Jamie , del Real Laborde José Ignacio , Rubio‐Cortés Ramón , Griffiths Howard , Lanigan Gary
Published: July 2015

Mass and energy fluxes were measured over a field of Agave tequilana in Mexico using eddy covariance (EC) methodology. Data were gathered over 252 d, including the transition from wet to dry periods. Net ecosystem exchanges (FN,EC) displayed a crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM) rhythm that alternated from CO2 sink at night to CO2 source during the day, and partitioned canopy fluxes (FA,EC) showed a characteristic four‐phase CO2 exchange pattern. Results were cross‐validated against diel changes in titratable acidity, leaf‐unfurling rates, energy exchange fluxes and reported biomass yields. Projected carbon balance (g C m−2 year−1, mean ± 95% confidence interval) indicated the site was a net sink of −333 ± 24, of which contributions from soil respiration were +692 ± 7, and FA,EC was −1025 ± 25. EC estimated biomass yield was 20.1 Mg (dry) ha−1 year−1. Average integrated daily FA,EC was −234 ± 5 mmol CO2 m−2 d−1 and persisted almost unchanged after 70 d of drought conditions. Regression analyses were performed on the EC data to identify the best environmental predictors of FA. Results suggest that the carbon acquisition strategy of Agave offers productivity and drought resilience advantages over conventional semi‐arid C3 and C4 bioenergy candidates.
Leaf size serves as a proxy for xylem vulnerability to cavitation in plantation trees
Authors: Schreiber Stefan G. , Hacke Uwe G. , Chamberland Sabrina , Lowe Christopher W. , Kamelchuk David , Bräutigam Katharina , Campbell Malcolm M. , Thomas Barb R.
Published: July 2015

Hybrid poplars are an important renewable forest resource known for their high productivity. At the same time, they are highly vulnerable to water stress. Identifying traits that can serve as indicators for growth performance remains an important task, particularly under field conditions. Understanding which trait combinations translate to improved productivity is key in order to satisfy the demand for poplar wood in an uncertain future climate. In this study, we compared hydraulic and leaf traits among five hybrid poplar clones at 10 plantations in central Alberta. We also assessed the variation of these traits between 2‐ to 3‐year‐old branches from the lower to mid‐crown and current‐year long shoots from the mid to upper crown. Our results showed that (1) hybrid poplars differed in key hydraulic parameters between branch type, (2) variation of hydraulic traits among clones was relatively large for some clones and less for others, and (3) strong relationships between measured hydraulic traits, such as vessel diameter, cavitation resistance, xylem‐specific and leaf‐specific conductivity and leaf area, were observed. Our results suggest that leaf size could serve as an additional screening tool when selecting for drought‐tolerant genotypes in forest management and tree improvement programmes.
Bark water uptake promotes localized hydraulic recovery in coastal redwood crown
Authors: Mason Earles J. , Sperling Or , Silva Lucas C. R. , McElrone Andrew J. , Brodersen Craig R. , North Malcolm P. , Zwieniecki Maciej A.
Published: July 2015

Coastal redwood (Sequoia sempervirens), the world's tallest tree species, rehydrates leaves via foliar water uptake during fog/rain events. Here we examine if bark also permits water uptake in redwood branches, exploring potential flow mechanisms and biological significance. Using isotopic labelling and microCT imaging, we observed that water entered the xylem via bark and reduced tracheid embolization. Moreover, prolonged bark wetting (16 h) partially restored xylem hydraulic conductivity in isolated branch segments and whole branches. Partial hydraulic recovery coincided with an increase in branch water potential from about −5.5 ± 0.4 to −4.2 ± 0.3 MPa, suggesting localized recovery and possibly hydraulic isolation. As bark water uptake rate correlated with xylem osmotic potential (R2 = 0.88), we suspect a symplastic role in transferring water from bark to xylem. Using historical weather data from typical redwood habitat, we estimated that bark and leaves are wet more than 1000 h per year on average, with over 30 events being sufficiently long (>24 h) to allow for bark‐assisted hydraulic recovery. The capacity to uptake biologically meaningful volumes of water via bark and leaves for localized hydraulic recovery throughout the crown during rain/fog events might be physiologically advantageous, allowing for relatively constant transpiration.
Preparation of Silver Carbonate and its Application as Visible Light‐driven Photocatalyst Without Sacrificial Reagent
Authors: Jiang Wei , Zeng Ya , Wang Xiaoyan , Yue Xiaoning , Yuan Shaojun , Lu Houfang , Liang Bin
Published: July 2015

Visible light‐driven photocatalyst is the current research focus and silver oxyacid salts with p‐block elements are the promising candidates. In this research, Ag2CO3 was prepared by a facile precipitation method and used to degrade the pollutants from waters. The results revealed that the silver carbonate with monoclinic structure quickly decomposed methyl orange and rhodamine B in less than 15 min under visible light irradiation. When it was recycled six times, the degradation of methyl orange still can reach 87% after 30 min. The calculated band gap of Ag2CO3 was 2.312 eV with Valence band edge potential of 2.685 eV and Conduction band 0.373 eV vs NHE, which endowed the excellent photo‐oxidation ability of silver carbonate. Photogenerated holes and ozone anion radicals were the primary active species in the photo‐oxidization degradation of dye. The generation of metallic silver resulted from photocorrosion and the consequent reduction in the ozone anion radical amount led to the performance degradation of Ag2CO3. The simple preparation method and high photocatalytic performance of Ag2CO3 increases its prospect of application in future.
Getting People to Behave: Research Lessons for Policy Makers
Authors: Weaver R. Kent
Published: July 2015

Many government policies attempt to change the behavior of individuals and businesses. This article argues that policy makers and administrators should (1) think comprehensively about the barriers that may keep target populations from complying with government policies, (2) match policy instruments to the most important barriers that inhibit compliance, and (3) take into account heterogeneity within the target population. Relatively nonintrusive strategies such as social marketing, providing resources to targets to help them comply, and manipulating options and defaults (choice architecture) are politically attractive but unlikely to secure compliance when incentives for noncompliance are high. Based on the three basic principles outlined in the article, the author recommends strategies to increase compliance, including the use of leverage points and secondary targets, adjusting for unanticipated behavioral responses, and employing long‐term, multiphase strategic management of behavior change initiatives.
Self‐reported previous knee injury and low knee function increase knee injury risk in adolescent female football
Authors: Clausen M. B. , Tang L. , Zebis M. K. , Krustrup P. , Hölmich P. , Wedderkopp N. , Andersen L. L. , Christensen K. B. , Møller M. , Thorborg K.
Published: July 2015

Knee injuries are common in adolescent female football. Self‐reported previous knee injury and low Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) are proposed to predict future knee injuries, but evidence regarding this in adolescent female football is scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate self‐reported previous knee injury and low KOOS subscale score as risk factors for future knee injuries in adolescent female football. A sample of 326 adolescent female football players, aged 15–18, without knee injury at baseline, were included. Data on self‐reported previous knee injury and KOOS questionnaires were collected at baseline. Time‐loss knee injuries and football exposures were reported weekly by answers to standardized text‐message questions, followed by injury telephone interviews. A priori, self‐reported previous knee injury and low KOOS subscale scores (< 80 points) were chosen as independent variables in the risk factor analyses. The study showed that self‐reported previous knee injury significantly increased the risk of time‐loss knee injury [relative risk (RR): 3.65, 95% confidence (CI) 1.73–7.68; P < 0.001]. Risk of time‐loss knee injury was also significantly increased in players with low KOOS subscale scores (< 80 points) in Activities of Daily Living (RR: 5.0), Sport/Recreational (RR: 2.2) and Quality of Life (RR: 3.0) (P < 0.05). In conclusion, self‐reported previous knee injury and low scores in three KOOS subscales significantly increase the risk of future time‐loss knee injury in adolescent female football.
Whole‐body vibration training induces hypertrophy of the human patellar tendon
Authors: Rieder F. , Wiesinger H.‐P. , Kösters A. , Müller E. , Seynnes O. R.
Published: July 2015

Animal studies suggest that regular exposure to whole‐body vibration (WBV) induces an anabolic response in bone and tendon. However, the effects of this type of intervention on human tendon properties and its influence on the muscle‐tendon unit function have never been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of WBV training on the patellar tendon mechanical, material and morphological properties, the quadriceps muscle architecture and the knee extension torque–angle relationship. Fifty‐five subjects were randomized into either a vibration, an active control, or an inactive control group. The active control subjects performed isometric squats on a vibration platform without vibration. Muscle and tendon properties were measured using ultrasonography and dynamometry. Vibration training induced an increase in proximal (6.3%) and mean (3.8%) tendon cross‐sectional area, without any appreciable change in tendon stiffness and modulus or in muscle architectural parameters. Isometric torque at a knee angle of 90° increased in active controls (6.7%) only and the torque–angle relation remained globally unchanged in all groups. The present protocol did not appreciably alter knee extension torque production or the musculo‐tendinous parameters underpinning this function. Nonetheless, this study shows for the first time that WBV elicits tendon hypertrophy in humans.
Retracted: KATP channels in the nodose ganglia mediate the orexigenic actions of ghrelin
Authors: Grabauskas Gintautas , Wu Xiaoyin , Lu Yuanxu , Heldsinger Andrea , Song Il , Zhou Shi‐Yi , Owyang Chung
Published: July 2015

Key points

Ghrelin, a hunger signalling peptide derived from the peripheral tissues, overcomes the satiety signals evoked by anorexigenic molecules, such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and leptin, to stimulate feeding.

Using in vivo and in vitro electrophysiological techniques, we show that ghrelin hyperpolarizes neurons and inhibits currents evoked by leptin and CCK‐8.

Administering a KATP channel antagonist or silencing Kir6.2, a major subunit of the KATP channel, abolished ghrelin inhibition.

The inhibitory actions of ghrelin were also abolished by treating the vagal ganglia neurons with pertussis toxin, as well as phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) or extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (Erk1/2) small interfering RNA.

Feeding experiments showed that silencing Kir6.2 in the vagal ganglia abolished the orexigenic actions of ghrelin.

These data indicate that ghrelin modulates vagal ganglia neuron excitability by activating KATP conductance via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor subtype 1a–Gαi–PI3K–Erk1/2–KATP pathway.

This provides a mechanism to explain the actions of ghrelin with respect to overcoming anorexigenic signals that act via the vagal afferent pathways.

Ghrelin is the only known hunger signal derived from the peripheral tissues. Ghrelin overcomes the satiety signals evoked by anorexigenic molecules, such as cholecystokinin (CCK) and leptin, to stimulate feeding. The mechanisms by which ghrelin reduces the sensory signals evoked by anorexigenic hormones, which act via the vagus nerve to stimulate feeding, are unknown. Patch clamp recordings of isolated rat vagal neurons show that ghrelin hyperpolarizes neurons by activating K+ conductance. Administering a KATP channel antagonist or silencing Kir6.2, a major subunit of the KATP channel, abolished ghrelin inhibition in vitro and in vivo. Patch clamp studies show that ghrelin inhibits currents evoked by leptin and CCK‐8, which operate through independent ionic channels. The inhibitory actions of ghrelin were abolished by treating the vagal ganglia neurons with pertussis toxin, as well as phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K) or extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1 and 2 (Erk1/2) small interfering RNA. In vivo gene silencing of PI3K and Erk1/2 in the nodose ganglia prevented ghrelin inhibition of leptin‐ or CCK‐8‐evoked vagal firing. Feeding experiments showed that silencing Kir6.2 in the vagal ganglia abolished the orexigenic actions of ghrelin. These data indicate that ghrelin modulates vagal ganglia neuron excitability by activating KATP conductance via the growth hormone secretagogue receptor subtype 1a–Gαi–PI3K–Erk1/2–KATP pathway. The resulting hyperpolarization renders the neurons less responsive to signals evoked by anorexigenic hormones. This provides a mechanism to explain the actions of ghrelin with respect to overcoming anorexigenic signals that act via the vagal afferent pathways.
μ opioid receptor activation hyperpolarizes respiratory‐controlling Kölliker–Fuse neurons and suppresses post‐inspiratory drive
Authors: Levitt Erica S. , Abdala Ana P. , Paton Julian F. R. , Bissonnette John M. , Williams John T.
Published: July 2015

Key points

In addition to reductions in respiratory rate, opioids also cause aspiration and difficulty swallowing, indicating impairment of the upper airways. The Kölliker–Fuse (KF) maintains upper airway patency and a normal respiratory pattern.

In this study, activation of μ opioid receptors in the KF reduced respiratory frequency and tidal volume in anaesthetized rats.

Nerve recordings in an in situ preparation showed that activation of μ opioid receptors in the KF eliminated the post‐inspiration phase of the respiratory cycle.

In brain slices, μ opioid agonists hyperpolarized a distinct population (61%) of KF neurons by activation of an inwardly rectifying potassium conductance.

These results suggest that KF neurons that are hyperpolarized by opioids could contribute to opioid‐induced respiratory disturbances, particularly the impairment of upper airways.

Opioid‐induced respiratory effects include aspiration and difficulty swallowing, suggesting impairment of the upper airways. The pontine Kölliker–Fuse nucleus (KF) controls upper airway patency and regulates respiration, in particular the inspiratory/expiratory phase transition. Given the importance of the KF in coordinating respiratory pattern, the mechanisms of μ opioid receptor activation in this nucleus were investigated at the systems and cellular level. In anaesthetized, vagi‐intact rats, injection of opioid agonists DAMGO or [Met5]enkephalin (ME) into the KF reduced respiratory frequency and amplitude. The μ opioid agonist DAMGO applied directly into the KF of the in situ arterially perfused working heart–brainstem preparation of rat resulted in robust apneusis (lengthened low amplitude inspiration due to loss of post‐inspiratory drive) that was rapidly reversed by the opioid antagonist naloxone. In brain slice preparations, activation of μ opioid receptors on KF neurons hyperpolarized a distinct population (61%) of neurons. As expected, the opioid‐induced hyperpolarization reduced the excitability of the neuron in response to either current injection or local application of glutamate. In voltage‐clamp recordings the outward current produced by the opioid agonist ME was concentration dependent, reversed at the potassium equilibrium potential and was blocked by BaCl2, characteristics of a G protein‐coupled inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) conductance. The clinically used drug morphine produced an outward current in KF neurons with similar potency to morphine‐mediated currents in locus coeruleus brain slice preparations. Thus, the population of KF neurons that are hyperpolarized by μ opioid agonists are likely mediators of the opioid‐induced loss of post‐inspiration and induction of apneusis.
Accurate and representative decoding of the neural drive to muscles in humans with multi‐channel intramuscular thin‐film electrodes
Authors: Muceli Silvia , Poppendieck Wigand , Negro Francesco , Yoshida Ken , Hoffmann Klaus P. , Butler Jane E. , Gandevia Simon C. , Farina Dario
Published: July 2015

Key points

Intramuscular electrodes developed over the past 80 years can record the concurrent activity of only a few motor units active during a muscle contraction.

We designed, produced and tested a novel multi‐channel intramuscular wire electrode that allows in vivo concurrent recordings of a substantially greater number of motor units than with conventional methods.

The electrode has been extensively tested in deep and superficial human muscles.

The performed tests indicate the applicability of the proposed technology in a variety of conditions.

The electrode represents an important novel technology that opens new avenues in the study of the neural control of muscles in humans.

We describe the design, fabrication and testing of a novel multi‐channel thin‐film electrode for detection of the output of motoneurones in vivo and in humans, through muscle signals. The structure includes a linear array of 16 detection sites that can sample intramuscular electromyographic activity from the entire muscle cross‐section. The structure was tested in two superficial muscles (the abductor digiti minimi (ADM) and the tibialis anterior (TA)) and a deep muscle (the genioglossus (GG)) during contractions at various forces. Moreover, surface electromyogram (EMG) signals were concurrently detected from the TA muscle with a grid of 64 electrodes. Surface and intramuscular signals were decomposed into the constituent motor unit (MU) action potential trains. With the intramuscular electrode, up to 31 MUs were identified from the ADM muscle during an isometric contraction at 15% of the maximal force (MVC) and 50 MUs were identified for a 30% MVC contraction of TA. The new electrode detects different sources from a surface EMG system, as only one MU spike train was found to be common in the decomposition of the intramuscular and surface signals acquired from the TA. The system also allowed access to the GG muscle, which cannot be analysed with surface EMG, with successful identification of MU activity. With respect to classic detection systems, the presented thin‐film structure enables recording from large populations of active MUs of deep and superficial muscles and thus can provide a faithful representation of the neural drive sent to a muscle.
Ageing induced vascular smooth muscle cell senescence in atherosclerosis
Authors: Uryga Anna K. , Bennett Martin R.
Published: July 2015

Atherosclerosis is a disease of ageing in that its incidence and prevalence increase with age. However, atherosclerosis is also associated with biological ageing, manifest by a number of typical hallmarks of ageing in the atherosclerotic plaque. Thus, accelerated biological ageing may be superimposed on the effects of chronological ageing in atherosclerosis. Tissue ageing is seen in all cells that comprise the plaque, but particularly in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Hallmarks of ageing include evidence of cell senescence, DNA damage (including telomere attrition), mitochondrial dysfunction, a pro‐inflammatory secretory phenotype, defects in proteostasis, epigenetic changes, deregulated nutrient sensing, and exhaustion of progenitor cells. In this model, initial damage to DNA (genomic, telomeric, mitochondrial and epigenetic changes) results in a number of cellular responses (cellular senescence, deregulated nutrient sensing and defects in proteostasis). Ultimately, ongoing damage and attempts at repair by continued proliferation overwhelm reparative capacity, causing loss of specialised cell functions, cell death and inflammation. This review summarises the evidence for accelerated biological ageing in atherosclerosis, the functional consequences of cell ageing on cells comprising the plaque, and the causal role that VSMC senescence plays in atherogenesis.

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