bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grazing response patterns indicate isolation of semi‐natural European grasslands
Authors: Weiss Lina , Pfestorf Hans , May Felix , Körner Katrin , Boch Steffen , Fischer Markus , Müller Jörg , Prati Daniel , Socher Stephanie A. , Jeltsch Florian
Published: February 2014

Identifying drivers of species diversity is a major challenge in understanding and predicting the dynamics of species‐rich semi‐natural grasslands. In particular in temperate grasslands changes in land use and its consequences, i.e. increasing fragmentation, the on‐going loss of habitat and the declining importance of regional processes such as seed dispersal by livestock, are considered key drivers of the diversity loss witnessed within the last decades.

It is a largely unresolved question to what degree current temperate grassland communities already reflect a decline of regional processes such as longer distance seed dispersal. Answering this question is challenging since it requires both a mechanistic approach to community dynamics and a sufficient data basis that allows identifying general patterns. Here, we present results of a local individual‐ and trait‐based community model that was initialized with plant functional types (PFTs) derived from an extensive empirical data set of species‐rich grasslands within the ‘Biodiversity Exploratories’ in Germany. Driving model processes included above‐ and belowground competition, dynamic resource allocation to shoots and roots, clonal growth, grazing, and local seed dispersal. To test for the impact of regional processes we also simulated seed input from a regional species pool. Model output, with and without regional seed input, was compared with empirical community response patterns along a grazing gradient. Simulated response patterns of changes in PFT richness, Shannon diversity, and biomass production matched observed grazing response patterns surprisingly well if only local processes were considered. Already low levels of additional regional seed input led to stronger deviations from empirical community pattern. While these findings cannot rule out that regional processes other than those considered in the modeling study potentially play a role in shaping the local grassland communities, our comparison indicates that European grasslands are largely isolated, i.e. local mechanisms explain observed community patterns to a large extent.
Fabrication of Aluminum Oxynitride (γ‐AlON) Transparent Ceramics with Modified Gelcasting
Authors: Wang Jun , Zhang Fang , Chen Feng , Zhang Hailong , Tian Run , Dong Manjiang , Liu Juan , Zhang Zhao , Zhang Jian , Wang Shiwei
Published: February 2014

Transparent aluminum oxynitride (AlON) ceramics have been prepared through aqueous gelcasting forming technique starting from the raw materials of single phase AlON powders. The powder was specially treated for anti‐hydrolysis in ethanol before the shaping technique. The surface‐treated AlON powders could then be dispersed in an aqueous‐organic solution to prepare stable slurries containing 35 vol% solids loading. The obtained stable slurries were subsequently casted, calcined, and pressureless sintered at 1950°C for 8 h in nitrogen atmosphere. High transparent AlON ceramics with an average grain size of 112 μm and the in‐line transmittance of 81% at wavelength 1100 nm have been obtained.
Masculinities, humour and care for penile cancer: a qualitative study
Authors: Branney Peter , Witty Karl , Braybrook Debbie , Bullen Kate , White Alan , Eardley Ian
Published: February 2014

Aim

To explore how men with penile cancer construct humour in relation to their diagnosis and treatment.

Background

Functionalist, relief and incongruity theories attempt to account for humour, but there is a dearth of empirical evidence in nursing care. This is particularly so in relation to a condition like penile cancer where some nurses think that humour in their interactions with patients would be inappropriate.

Design

The study employed a participative, mixed‐qualitative‐methods design.

Method

Focus groups and patient‐conducted interviews were both used during a one‐day ‘pilot workshop’ in March 2011. The data were initially analysed using framework analysis. This paper explores the theme of humour in depth.

Findings

Humour helped participants make light of their condition, which meant that they could laugh about the consequences of treatment (‘laughing about urination’) and build rapport with health professionals (‘humour with health professionals’). Nevertheless, the use of humour was less important than the treatment of their cancer (‘humour discounted’) and there was a fear that they would be subject to ridicule because of their condition (‘fear of ridicule’).

Conclusion

The findings suggest a combination of functionalist, relief and incongruity theories of humour; the emotions these men experience are contained (functionalist) and released (relief) through humorous interaction, and the potential for comedy lies in an incongruity between what is expected socially and the experiences of these men, for example, around expectations that men use urinals in public toilets. Nurses should continue to use humour to build rapport with patients, should they judge this to be appropriate, although they may want to avoid jokes about sexual and urinary functioning until after treatment.
Landscape evolution and phylogeography of Micrablepharus atticolus (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae), an endemic lizard of the Brazilian Cerrado
Authors: Santos Marcella Gonçalves , Nogueira Cristiano , Giugliano Lilian Gimenes , Colli Guarino Rinaldi
Published: February 2014

Aim

Our aims were to investigate the spatial genetic structure of Micrablepharus atticolus and to assess the relative importance of differentiation in plateaus versus depressions, in areas of historical stability versus instability, and in central versus peripheral regions.

Location

The Brazilian Cerrado.

Methods

We compared the elevational range of M. atticolus with that of its sister species, Micrablepharus maximiliani, to investigate their putative elevational segregation. We identified past (6, 21 and 130 ka) and current variables associated with the distribution of M. atticolus. Based on cytochrome b sequences, we compared genetic diversity indexes and neutrality statistics between plateau/depression, stable/unstable and core/periphery populations. We identified geographically homogeneous and maximally differentiated groups of populations and tested the association between genetic and geographical distances. Finally, we traced elevational range on the phylogeny and tested for a significant phylogenetic signal associated with elevation.

Results

We found no elevational segregation between M. atticolus and M. maximiliani. There is high genetic diversity and structuring among populations, with the primary differentiation occurring between north‐eastern and south‐western Cerrado localities. We recognized three main groups of populations that roughly correspond to the southern, central‐northern and north‐western portions of the Cerrado, which diverged between 3.5 and 1.5 Ma. Genetic diversity indices indicated no differences between plateaus and depressions or stable and unstable areas, but samples from peripheral isolates in south‐western Amazonia exhibited low haplotype and nucleotide diversity and signs of population expansion.

Main conclusions

The diversification of M. atticolus in the Cerrado was primarily affected by events in the late Neogene. We found no support for the plateau/depression and stability/instability hypotheses, but we did find support for the core/periphery hypothesis. The spatial patterns seemingly resulted from a combination of shifting environmental conditions during climatic cycles, with repeated colonizations of plateaus and depressions, isolation by distance, and divergence in and recolonization of peripheral isolates within Amazonia.
Exclusion of Fluoroscopy Use in Catheter Ablation Procedures: Six Years of Experience at a Single Center
Authors: FERNÁNDEZ‐GÓMEZ JUAN M. , MORIÑA‐VÁZQUEZ PABLO , MORALES ELENA DEL RIO , VENEGAS‐GAMERO JOSÉ , BARBA‐PICHARDO RAFAEL , CARRANZA MANUEL HERRERA
Published: February 2014

Exclusion of Fluoroscopy Use in Catheter Ablation Procedures

Background

Nonfluoroscopic mapping systems have demonstrated significant reduction of radiation exposure in radiofrequency (RF) catheter ablation procedures. However, their use as only imaging guide is still limited.

Objective

To evaluate the usefulness of a completely nonfluoroscopic approach to catheter ablation of supraventricular arrhythmias using the Ensite‐NavX™ electroanatomical navigation system.

Methods

During 6 years, all consecutive patients referred for RF catheter ablation of regular supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) were admitted for a “zero‐fluoroscopy” approach and studied prospectively. The only exclusion criterion was the need to perform a transseptal puncture.

Results

A total of 340 procedures were performed on 328 patients (179 men, age 55.7 ± 18.6 years). One hundred fifty‐three patients had typical atrial flutter (AFL), 146 had AV nodal reentrant tachycardia (AVNRT), 35 had AV reciprocating tachycardia (AVRT), 4 patients had incisional atrial flutter (IAF), and 2 had focal atrial tachycardia (AT). Procedural success was achieved in 337 of the cases (99.1%). In 322 (94.7%), the procedure was completed without any fluoroscopy use. Mean procedure time was 110.5 ± 51.8 minutes. Mean RF application time was 9.8 ± 12.8 minutes and the number of RF lesions was 16.43 ± 15.8. Only 1 major complication related to vascular access was recorded. During follow‐up, there were 12 recurrences (3.5%) (8 patients from the AVNRT group, 4 patients from the AP group).

Conclusion

RF catheter ablation of SVT with an approach completely guided by the NavX system and without use of fluoroscopy is feasible, safe, and effective.
Coupling Interval Dispersion and Body Mass Index Are Independent Predictors of Idiopathic Premature Ventricular Complex‐Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: KAWAMURA MITSUHARU , BADHWAR NITISH , VEDANTHAM VASANTH , TSENG ZIAN H. , LEE BYRON K. , LEE RANDALL J. , MARCUS GREGORY M. , OLGIN JEFFREY E. , GERSTENFELD EDWARD P. , SCHEINMAN MELVIN M.
Published: February 2014

Predictors of LV Dysfunction with Idiopathic PVC

Introduction

Patients with frequent premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) might be at risk for the developing or exacerbation of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction. However, some patients with a high‐PVC burden do not develop cardiomyopathy, while other patients with low‐PVC burden can develop cardiomyopathy. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the positive predictors of idiopathic PVCs‐induced cardiomyopathy.

Methods and Results

We investigated 214 patients undergoing successful ablation of PVCs who had no other causes of cardiomyopathy. We divided the study cohort into 2 groups: ejection fraction (EF) ≥ 50% (normal LV) and EF < 50% (LV dysfunction). We analyzed the clinical characteristics, including the electrocardiogram and findings at electrophysiology study. Among these patients, 51 (24%) had reduced LVEF and 163 (76%) had normal LV function. Patients with LV dysfunction had significantly longer coupling interval (CI) dispersion (maximum‐CI–minimum‐CI) and had significantly higher PVC burden compared to those with normal LV function (CI‐dispersion: 115 ± 25 milliseconds vs. 94 ± 19 milliseconds; P < 0.001; PVC burden: 19% vs. 15%; P = 0.04). Furthermore, patients with LV dysfunction had significantly higher body mass index (BMI) compared to those with normal LV function (BMI > 30 kg/m2; 37% vs. 13%; P = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis showed that CI‐dispersion, PVC burden, and BMI (>30 kg/m2) are independent predictors of PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy.

Conclusions

In addition to the PVC burden, the CI‐dispersion and BMI are associated with PVC‐induced cardiomyopathy.
Localization microscopy: mapping cellular dynamics with single molecules
Authors: NELSON A.J. , HESS S.T.
Published: February 2014

Resolution describes the smallest details within a sample that can be recovered by a microscope lens system. For optical microscopes detecting visible light, diffraction limits the resolution to ∼200–250 nm. In contrast, localization measures the position of an isolated object using its image. Single fluorescent molecules can be localized with an uncertainty of a few tens of nanometres, and in some cases less than one nanometre. Superresolution fluorescence localization microscopy (SRFLM) images and localizes fluorescent molecules in a sample. By controlling the visibility of the fluorescent molecules with light, it is possible to cause a sparse subset of the tags to fluoresce and be spatially separated from each other. A movie is acquired with a camera, capturing images of many sets of visible fluorescent tags over a period of time. The movie is then analysed by a computer whereby all of the single molecules are independently measured, and their positions are recorded. When the coordinates of a sufficient number of molecules are collected, an image can be rendered by plotting the coordinates of the localized molecules. The spatial resolution of these rendered images can be better than 20 nm, roughly an order of magnitude better than the diffraction limited resolution. The invention of SRFLM has led to an explosion of related techniques. Through the use of specialized optics, the fluorescent signal can be split into multiple detection channels. These channels can capture additional information such as colour (emission wavelength), orientation and three‐dimensional position of the detected molecules. Measurement of the colour of the detected fluorescence can allow researchers to distinguish multiple types of fluorescent tags and to study the interaction between multiple molecules of interest. Three‐dimensional imaging and determination of molecular orientations offer insight into structural organization of the sample. SRFLM is compatible with living samples and has helped to illuminate many dynamic biological processes, such as the trajectories of molecules within living cells. This review discusses the concept and process of SRFLM imaging and investigates recent advances in SRFLM functionality. Since its announcement in 2006, SRFLM has been quickly adopted and modified by many researchers to help investigate questions whose answers lie below the diffraction limit. The versatility of the SRFLM technique has great promise for improving our understanding of cell biology at the molecular level.
Regulating Front‐of‐Package Nutrition Information Disclosures: A Test of Industry Self‐Regulation vs. Other Popular Options
Authors: KEES JEREMY , ROYNE MARLA B. , CHO YOON‐NA
Published: February 2014

In recent years, there has been considerable attention surrounding the topic of front‐of‐package (FOP) nutrition information disclosures. FOP nutrition disclosures are typically used to provide nutrient information that may help consumers more easily determine if a particular food is a healthy option. The current research compares four different types of FOP formats to assess consumer response. Results from two studies suggest that all FOP disclosure formats tested produce significantly more positive consumer responses than packages without any FOP nutrition information at all. Study 1 finds that levels of consumer nutrition knowledge moderate the FOP‐ease of use relationship, while Study 2 reveals that an educational prime also moderates this same relationship. Additional exploratory thought analysis indicates that packages with FOP disclosures generally produce more nutrition‐related thoughts than packages without any FOP nutrition information. Our results offer implications for both industry and government regulation, and generate several fruitful areas for future research.
Dynamic Risk Management: Investment, Capital Structure, and Hedging in the Presence of Financial Frictions
Authors: Amaya Diego , Gauthier Geneviève , Léautier Thomas‐Olivier
Published: February 2014

This article develops a dynamic risk management model to determine a firm's optimal risk management strategy. This strategy has two elements. First, for low‐leverage values, the firm fully hedges its operating cash flow exposure, due to the convexity of its cost of capital. When leverage exceeds a very high threshold, the firm gambles for resurrection and stops hedging. Second, the firm manages its capital structure through dividend distributions and investment. When leverage is low, the firm replaces depreciated assets, fully invests in opportunities if they arise, and distribute dividends, all of these together to achieve its optimal capital structure. As leverage increases, the firm stops paying dividends, while fully investing. After a certain leverage, the firm also reduces investment until it stops investing completely. The model predictions are consistent with empirical observations.
Chemopreventive and hepatoprotective effects of Epigallocatechin-gallate against hepatocellular carcinoma: role of heparan sulfate proteoglycans pathway
Authors: Darweish Mohamed M , Abbas Ahmed , Ebrahim Mohamed A , Al-Gayyar Mohammed M H
Published: February 2014

Objective

Epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) claims a plethora of health benefits including protection against neoplastic diseases. Meanwhile, heparan-sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) have defensive role against tumour cell invasion. Therefore, the chemopreventive and hepatoprotective effects of EGCG were studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in vivo and in vitro and compared with strong water soluble antioxidant, sodium ascorbate.

Methods

HCC was induced in SD rats by thioacetamide (200 mg/Kg). Some rats were treated with EGCG (20 mg/Kg) or sodium ascorbate (100 mg/Kg). Liver impairment was assessed by measuring serum α-fetoprotein and investigating liver sections stained with H/E. Hepatic HSPGs, syndecan-1 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were measured by ELISA. Gene expression of fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-2 was measured. Cell death was assessed by caspase-3 activity. In addition, all markers were measured in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2).

Key findings

EGCG increased the animal survival and decreased both α-fetoprotein and HepG2 viability. In addition, EGCG ameliorated fibrosis and massive hepatic tissue breakdown. EGCG restored HSPGs and reduced expression of MMP-9, syndecan-1 and FGF-2 in-vivo and in-vitro. Sodium ascorbate showed significantly lower results than EGCG.

Conclusions

Besides antioxidant activity, other mechanisms are involved in the chemopreventive and hepatoprotective effects of EGCG including restoration of HSPGs receptors and inhibition of vascular invasion.
Efficacy of Vaginally Applied Estrogen, Testosterone, or Polyacrylic Acid on Sexual Function in Postmenopausal Women: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Fernandes Tatiane , Costa-Paiva Lucia Helena , Pinto-Neto Aarão Mendes
Published: February 2014

Introduction

Female libido is multifactorial and complex. Declining estrogen levels in postmenopausal women affects vaginal function.

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate female sexual function after using topical estrogen, testosterone, or polyacrylic acid as vaginal lubricants with K-Y jelly as a placebo lubricant.

Methods

This was a randomized controlled clinical trial on 80 postmenopausal women between 40 and 70 years of age with follow-up at the Menopause Clinic of the CAISM Unicamp. The women were randomized to treatment with topical vaginal estrogen, testosterone, polyacrylic acid, or oil lubricant alone, three times a week for a period of 12 weeks from November 2011 to January 2013.

Main Outcome Measure

We used the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) to assess changes in sexual response at baseline, and after 6 and 12 weeks.

Results

After 12 weeks of treatment, polyacrylic acid and topical testosterone produced improvements in the FSFI domains of sexual desire, lubrication, satisfaction, reduced pain during intercourse, and total score compared with lubricant alone. Treatment with topical estrogen in comparison with lubricant alone showed an improvement in the FSFI field of desire. The intragroup analysis over the time of the treatment showed improvements in the fields of desire, lubrication, and reduced pain for polyacrylic acid, testosterone, and estrogen. Furthermore, women who used testosterone showed improvements over time in the fields of arousal, orgasm, and satisfaction.

Conclusions

Treatment of postmenopausal women with symptoms of vaginal atrophy with polyacrylic acid, testosterone, and estrogen for 12 weeks produced improvements in self-reported female sexual function when compared with a placebo lubricant.
Empirical Investigations of the Role of Implicit Prosody in Sentence Processing
Authors: Breen Mara
Published: February 2014

Recently, psycholinguistics has seen an increase in the number of empirical studies investigating the role of implicit (silent) prosodic representations in reading. The current paper reviews studies from the last several years conducted to investigate Fodor's (2002) Implicit Prosody Hypothesis, which maintains that even during silent reading, readers generate representations of sentence intonation, phrasing, stress, and rhythm, and that these representations can affect readers' interpretation of the text. We argue that the accumulated evidence suggests that implicit prosody can influence online sentence interpretation and explore the implications of these findings for models of sentence processing.
Optimality Theory and Spanish Phonology
Authors: Bradley Travis G.
Published: February 2014

This article surveys research in Spanish phonology from the perspective of Optimality Theory, a formal linguistic framework based on ranked and violable constraints. Theoretical insights from OT enrich our understanding of Spanish phonology, and Spanish data also figure prominently in the latest theoretical developments within OT. The article concludes with areas for ongoing research and suggestions for further reading on OT in Spanish phonology.
Evolutionary renovation ofL/Mopsin polymorphism confers a fruit discrimination advantage to atelineNewWorld monkeys
Authors: Matsumoto Yoshifumi , Hiramatsu Chihiro , Matsushita Yuka , Ozawa Norihiro , Ashino Ryuichi , Nakata Makiko , Kasagi Satoshi , Di Fiore Anthony , Schaffner Colleen M. , Aureli Filippo , Melin Amanda D. , Kawamura Shoji
Published: February 2014

New World monkeys exhibit prominent colour vision variation due to allelic polymorphism of the long‐to‐middle wavelength (L/M) opsin gene. The known spectral variation of L/M opsins in primates is broadly determined by amino acid composition at three sites: 180, 277 and 285 (the ‘three‐sites’ rule). However, two L/M opsin alleles found in the black‐handed spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi) are known exceptions, presumably due to novel mutations. The spectral separation of the two L/M photopigments is 1.5 times greater than expected based on the ‘three‐sites’ rule. Yet the consequence of this for the visual ecology of the species is unknown, as is the evolutionary mechanism by which spectral shift was achieved. In this study, we first examine L/M opsins of two other Atelinae species, the long‐haired spider monkeys (A. belzebuth) and the common woolly monkeys (Lagothrix lagotricha). By a series of site‐directed mutagenesis, we show that a mutation Y213D (tyrosine to aspartic acid at site 213) in the ancestral opsin of the two alleles enabled N294K, which occurred in one allele of the ateline ancestor and increased the spectral separation between the two alleles. Second, by modelling the chromaticity of dietary fruits and background leaves in a natural habitat of spider monkeys, we demonstrate that chromatic discrimination of fruit from leaves is significantly enhanced by these mutations. This evolutionary renovation of L/M opsin polymorphism in atelines illustrates a previously unappreciated dynamism of opsin genes in shaping primate colour vision.
Origin, acquisition and diversification of heritable bacterial endosymbionts in louse flies and bat flies
Authors: Duron Olivier , Schneppat Ulrich E. , Berthomieu Arnaud , Goodman Steven M. , Droz Boris , Paupy Christophe , Obame Nkoghe Judicaël , Rahola Nil , Tortosa Pablo
Published: February 2014

The γ‐proteobacterium Arsenophonus and its close relatives (Arsenophonus and like organisms, ALOs) are emerging as a novel clade of endosymbionts, which are exceptionally widespread in insects. The biology of ALOs is, however, in most cases entirely unknown, and it is unclear how these endosymbionts spread across insect populations. Here, we investigate this aspect through the examination of the presence, the diversity and the evolutionary history of ALOs in 25 related species of blood‐feeding flies: tsetse flies (Glossinidae), louse flies (Hippoboscidae) and bat flies (Nycteribiidae and Streblidae). While these endosymbionts were not found in tsetse flies, we identify louse flies and bat flies as harbouring the highest diversity of ALO strains reported to date, including a novel ALO clade, as well as Arsenophonus and the recently described Candidatus Aschnera chinzeii. We further show that the origin of ALO endosymbioses extends deep into the evolutionary past of louse flies and bat flies, and that it probably played a major role in the ecological specialization of their hosts. The evolutionary history of ALOs is notably complex and was shaped by both vertical transmission and horizontal transfers with frequent host turnover and apparent symbiont replacement in host lineages. In particular, ALOs have evolved repeatedly and independently close relationships with diverse groups of louse flies and bat flies, as well as phylogenetically more distant insect families, suggesting that ALO endosymbioses are exceptionally dynamic systems.
Freedom in Relationship: Joseph Ratzinger and Alexander Schmemann in Dialogue
Authors: Kaethler Andrew T. J.
Published: February 2014

Joseph Ratzinger and Alexander Schmemann, representing West and East respectively, share similar views of personhood and freedom. This similarity is evidenced both in their constructive construal of Christian freedom, and their destructive dismantling of secular freedom. According to both theologians, Christian freedom is grounded in a relational anthropology in which the human person images God's relational freedom as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. In contrast, secular understandings of freedom place freedom in antinomic relationship with authority. In other words, Christian freedom is ontological, and secular freedom is ‘external’. There are differences between Ratzinger and Schmemann, yet the differences do not divide. This essay concludes that their various emphases are brought together via the three-fold office of Christ—prophet, priest, and king—to provide a robust and ecumenical expression of Christian freedom.
Unraveling the functions of the membrane‐bound glucocorticoid receptors: first clues on origin and functional activity
Authors: Strehl Cindy , Buttgereit Frank
Published: February 2014

Glucocorticoids (GCs) are routinely used to treat a wide range of rheumatic and other inflammatory diseases. GCs are steroidal drugs that exert their strong anti‐inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects via genomic mechanisms, primarily by signaling through the cytosolic glucocorticoid receptor. In addition, rapid, nongenomic responses following GC treatment have been reported to involve signaling via the membrane‐bound glucocorticoid receptor (mGR). Since an important clinical role of this receptor has been proposed, investigations regarding the origin and function of the mGR are currently performed in order to understand rapid GC signaling and to optimize treatment strategies with GCs. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the mGR and compare these findings to results obtained for other membrane‐bound receptors, such as membrane forms of the estrogen and progesterone receptors.
Tradeoffs and scaling of functional traits in Sphagnum as drivers of carbon cycling in peatlands
Authors: Laing C. G. , Granath G. , Belyea L. R. , Allton K. E. , Rydin H.
Published: February 2014

Growth and decomposition of Sphagnum controls turnover of a large global store of soil organic carbon. We investigated variation in morphological and physiological traits of Sphagnum shoots, and related this variation to canopy variables relevant to peatland carbon cycling. We sampled Sphagnum along a bog plateau‐swamp forest gradient and measured a suite of shoot traits and canopy variables. Major axes of variation were identified using principal component analysis and correlated with canopy variables such as growth, biomass and decomposition. We also examined scaling of shoot traits with one another and with canopy variables. Two distinct tradeoffs in shoot traits emerged. From dry to wet habitats, individual metabolic rates and capitulum size increased while numerical density decreased, leading to faster growth and elongation on an individual basis. From treed to open habitats, photosynthetic efficiency decreased and photosynthetic biomass increased, driving faster growth on an area basis and slower litter mass loss. The tradeoffs identified have important implications for peatlands undergoing climate‐related changes in water and light availability. Sphagnum trait comparisons, combined with scaling analyses, offer a promising approach to understanding and predicting the effects of environmental change on peatland carbon cycling.
Ultrasound characteristics of the patellar and quadriceps tendons among young elite athletes
Authors: Visnes H. , Tegnander A. , Bahr R.
Published: February 2014

Tendons adapt in response to sports‐specific loading, but sometimes develop tendinopathy. If the presence of ultrasound changes like hypoechoic areas and neovascularization in asymptomatic tendons precede (and predict) future tendon problems is unknown. The aim of this prospective cohort study was to investigate the relationship between the development of ultrasound changes in the patellar and quadriceps tendons and symptoms of jumper's knee, as well to examine the medium‐term effects of intensive training on tendon thickness among adolescent athletes. Elite junior volleyball athletes were followed with semi‐annual ultrasound and clinical examinations (average follow‐up: 1.7 years). Of the 141 asymptomatic athletes included, 22 athletes (35 patellar tendons) developed jumper's knee. In a multivariate logistic regression analysis, a baseline finding of a hypoechoic tendon area (odds ratio 3.3, 95% confidence interval 1.1 to 9.2) increased the risk of developing symptoms of jumper's knee. Patellar tendon thickness among healthy athletes did not change (Wilk's lambda, P = 0.07) while quadriceps tendon thickness increased (P = 0.001). In conclusion, ultrasound changes at baseline were risk factors for developing symptoms of jumper's knee. Also, among healthy athletes, we observed a 7–11% increase in quadriceps tendon thickness, while there was no increase in patellar tendon thickness.
Serial analysis of serum cardiac troponin I changes and correlation with clinical findings in 46 dogs with mitral valve disease
Authors: Polizopoulou Zoe S. , Koutinas Christos K. , Dasopoulou Anastasia , Patsikas Michael , York Malcolm , Roman Ian , Gandhi Mitul , Patel Sonal , Koutinas Alexander F. , O'Brien Peter J.
Published: February 2014

Background

Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a biomarker correlated with the severity of myocardial injury. It is hypothesized that serial assessment ofcTnIcould provide information about the disease progression in chronic heart failure.

Objective

The purpose of the study was to correlate serial serumcTnIconcentrations with clinical scoring and select diagnostic imaging findings in dogs managed for mitral valve degeneration (MVD) for a period of 6 months.

Methods

Client‐owned dogs withMVDwere prospectively recruited for the study. The dogs were allocated into 3 groups (I,II,III) according to the severity of their clinical signs based on the classification suggested by the International Small Animal Cardiac Health Council. During the 6‐month study period, serum specimens for biochemical testing were obtained biweekly, clinical progression and response to treatment were also evaluated biweekly, and radiographic reevaluation was performed every 2 months.

Results

A total of 46 dogs were evaluated. There was a marked decrease incTnIvalues during the first 2 weeks after initial diagnosis, more pronounced in group III, and corresponding to the initiation of therapy and clinical stabilization of animals. SerumcTnIwas significantly different (P < .05) among the 3 dog groups throughout the study period. The interaction between Group and Period was significant in group III, indicating an upwardcTnItrend evident in severely affected animals. A positive correlation was demonstrated in all groups between serumcTnIand clinical scoring.

Conclusion

Long‐term management of MVD in dogs could benefit from the serial measurement ofcTnI.
Static Recovery Activation Energy of Pure Aluminum at Room Temperature
Authors: An-Chou Yeh , Ho-Chieh Chuang , Chen-Ming Kuo
Published: February 2014

Thermally activated energy, which varies linearly with static recovered strain, is calculated from static recovery experiments of pure aluminum initially plastically deformed by strain-rate-controlled tensile tests up to 10% engineering strain at room temperature. The activation energy at the initial static recovery is 20 kJ mol−1, which is much less than that of pure copper and attributed to the dislocation annihilation by glide or cross-slip as well as higher stacking fault energy. Once dislocation annihilation processes are exhausted, more energy is required for subgrains to form and then grow. Eventually the recovered strain is slowed down and gradually saturated.
Experimental and Numerical Investigations of a Bypass Dual Throat Nozzle
Authors: Gu Rui , Xu Jinglei , Guo Shuai
Published: February 2014

The bypass dual throat nozzle (BDTN) is a new kind of fluidic vectoring nozzle. A bypass is set between the upstream convergent section and upstream minimum area based on the conventional dual throat nozzle (DTN). The BDTN shows a minimum or even no penalty on the nozzle's thrust performance, while it would be able to produce steady and efficient vectoring deflection similar to the conventional DTN. A BDTN model has been designed and subjected to experimental and computational study. The main results show that: (1) BDTN does not consume any secondary injection from the other part of the engine, while it can produce steady and efficient vectoring deflection. (2) Under the same condition, it can provide the maximum thrust vectoring efficiency of all the known fluidic thrust vectoring concepts reported in the literature. (3) The thrust vector angle is also greater than that of the conventional DTN that has been reported up to now. Especially, under NPR = 10, the thrust vector angle of BDTN can reach 21.3 deg. (4) For a wide NPR range from 2 to 10, the BDTN generates the best thrust vectoring performance under NPR = 4. Above all, the BDTN is well suited to produce vectored thrust for nozzles.
Development of an Analytical Design Tool for Monolithic Emission Control Catalysts and Application to Nano-Textured Substrate System
Authors: Baker Chad A. , Osman Emiroglu Alaattin , Mallick Rehan , Ezekoye Ofodike A. , Shi Li , Hall Matthew J.
Published: February 2014

An analytical transport/reaction model was developed to simulate the catalytic performance of ZnO nanowires as a catalyst support. ZnO nanowires were chosen because they have easily characterized, controllable features and a spatially uniform morphology. The analytical model couples convection in the catalyst flow channel with reaction and diffusion in the porous substrate material; it was developed to show that a simple analytical model with physics-based mass transport and empirical kinetics can be used to capture the essential physics involved in catalytic conversion of hydrocarbons. The model was effective at predicting species conversion efficiency over a range of temperature and flow rate. The model clarifies the relationship between advection, bulk diffusion, pore diffusion, and kinetics. The model was used to optimize the geometry of the experimental catalyst for which it predicted that maximum species conversion density for fixed catalyst surface occurred at a channel height of 520 μm.
Wavelength-Selective Solar Thermal Absorber With Two-Dimensional Nickel Gratings
Authors: Jae Lee Bong , Chen Yu-Bin , Han Sunwoo , Chiu Feng-Cheng , Jin Lee Hyun
Published: February 2014

The direct utilization of solar radiation has been considered a promising energy source because of its abundance, sustainability, and cleanness. The conversion of solar radiation into usable heat largely depends on the absorption characteristics of a solar thermal collector. In the present study, we conducted design analysis of a wavelength-selective absorber composed of a two-dimensional Nickel grating, a thin SiO2 film, and a Nickel substrate. Dimensions of the two-dimensional grating were determined with the Taguchi method, which optimized the spectral absorptance for both polarizations. The spectral absorptance demonstrated a broad-band plateau within the visible and the near-infrared spectral region, but it was significantly suppressed at longer wavelengths. Moreover, the absorptance plateau was nearly insensitive to the incident orientation of solar radiation. Physical mechanisms of the absorption enhancement were elucidated with the local magnetic field distribution.
Air-Side Heat Transfer Performance of Louver Fin and Multitube Heat Exchanger for Direct Methanol Fuel Cell Cooling Application
Authors: Kang Hie Chan , Cho Hyejung , Kim Jin Ho , Jacobi Anthony M.
Published: February 2014

The present work is performed to evaluate the heat transfer performance of a heat exchanger used in a direct methanol fuel cell. Because of material constraints and performance requirements, a louver fin heat exchanger is modified for use with conventional microchannel tubes and also with multiple small-diameter tubes (called multitubes). Prototype heat exchangers are tested, and the air-side heat transfer, pressure drop, and fan power are measured in a wind tunnel and simulated using a commercial code. The air-side pressure drop and heat transfer coefficient of the multitubes show similar trends to those of the flat-tube heat exchanger if the contact resistance is negligible. The tube spacing of the prototype multitube heat exchangers has a small effect on the pressure drop and heat transfer, but it has a profound effect on the air-side heat transfer performance because of the contact resistance between the tubes and louver fins. The air-side pressure drop agrees well with an empirical correlation for flat tubes.
Semipolar (202¯1) GaN laser diodes operating at 388 nm grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Sawicka Marta , Muziol Grzegorz , Turski Henryk , Feduniewicz-Żmuda Anna , Kryśko Marcin , Grzanka Szymon , Grzanka Ewa , Smalc-Koziorowska Julita , Albrecht Martin , Kucharski Robert , Perlin Piotr , Skierbiszewski Czeslaw
Published: February 2014

Laser diodes (LDs) were grown by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy on semipolar (202¯1) GaN substrates. Metal-rich conditions provided smooth surface morphology and good structural quality as confirmed by atomic force microscopy and transmission electron microscopy studies. No stacking faults or any linear defects were formed during the growth in the InGaN/InGaN multiquantum well active region. Devices were processed with ridge-waveguide along the [1¯21¯0] direction. Mirrors were cleaved or fabricated by focused ion beam (FIB) processing. LDs operated at 388.2 nm with the threshold current density 13.2 kA/cm2 and the threshold voltage 10.8 V. The device with mirrors fabricated by FIB processing reached practically the same threshold current and slope efficiency as the one with cleaved mirrors. The authors present the beneficial role of the InGaN optical confinement layers in semipolar LDs, which can be optimized to improve the threshold current of these devices.
Influence of Ar/Kr ratio and pulse parameters in a Cr-N high power pulse magnetron sputtering process on plasma and coating properties
Authors: Bobzin Kirsten , Bagcivan Nazlim , Theiß Sebastian , Trieschmann Jan , Brugnara Ricardo Henrique , Preissing Sven , Hecimovic Ante
Published: February 2014

Krypton is sometimes used in physical vapor deposition processes due to its greater atomic mass and size compared to argon, which leads to a lower gas incorporation and may have beneficial effects on kinetics of the coating growth. In this paper, the authors investigate the plasma composition and properties of deposited high power pulse magnetron sputtering Cr-N coatings for discharges with various Ar/Kr ratios and for various pulse lengths of 40 μs, 80 μs, and 200 μs, keeping the average discharge power constant. The results show that an addition of Kr influences the discharge process by altering the ignition and peak values of the discharge current. This influences the metal ion generation and growth conditions on the substrate by reducing the nucleation site densities, leading to a predominantly columnar grow. However, the deposition rate is highest for an Ar/Kr ratio of 120/80. The integral of the metal ion and atom emission exhibits the same trend, having a maximum for Ar/Kr ratio of 120/80. By decreasing the pulse length, the deposition rate of coatings decreases, while the hardness increases.
mTORC1 Promotes Denervation-Induced Muscle Atrophy Through a Mechanism Involving the Activation of FoxO and E3 Ubiquitin Ligases
Authors: Tang Huibin , Inoki Ken , Lee Myung , Wright Erika , Khuong Andy , Khuong Amanda , Sugiarto Sista , Garner Matthew , Paik Jihye , DePinho Ronald A. , Goldman Daniel , Guan Kun-Liang , Shrager Joseph B.
Published: February 2014

A kinase complex associated with cellular growth has an unexpected role in muscle atrophy.
Sox Keep Hair Follicle Stem Cells Cozy
Authors: Berndt Jason D.
Published: February 2014

Sox9 enables hair follicle stem cells to maintain self-renewal.
Why Wounds Won’t Heal for Diabetics
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: February 2014

Activation of Notch signaling by the transcriptional coactivator PGC-1α contributes to endothelial cell dysfunction in diabetes.
Autophagic Machinery Promotes Viral Budding
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2014

An influenza A protein recruits autophagy machinery to the plasma membrane to promote production of stable virus particles.
Plant-Derived Decapeptide OSIP108 Interferes with Candida albicans Biofilm Formation without Affecting Cell Viability
Authors: Delattin Nicolas , De Brucker Katrijn , Craik David J. , Cheneval Olivier , Fröhlich Mirjam , Veber Matija , Girandon Lenart , Davis Talya R. , Weeks Anne E. , Kumamoto Carol A. , Cos Paul , Coenye Tom , De Coninck Barbara , Cammue Bruno P. A. , Thevissen Karin
Published: February 2014

We previously identified a decapeptide from the model plant
Arabidopsis thaliana
, OSIP108, which is induced upon fungal pathogen infection. In this study, we demonstrated that OSIP108 interferes with biofilm formation of the fungal pathogen
Candida albicans
without affecting the viability or growth of
C. albicans
cells. OSIP108 displayed no cytotoxicity against various human cell lines. Furthermore, OSIP108 enhanced the activity of the antifungal agents amphotericin B and caspofungin
in vitro
and
in vivo
in a
Caenorhabditis elegans-C. albicans
biofilm infection model. These data point to the potential use of OSIP108 in combination therapy with conventional antifungal agents. In a first attempt to unravel its mode of action, we screened a library of 137 homozygous
C. albicans
mutants, affected in genes encoding cell wall proteins or transcription factors important for biofilm formation, for altered OSIP108 sensitivity. We identified 9 OSIP108-tolerant
C. albicans
mutants that were defective in either components important for cell wall integrity or the yeast-to-hypha transition. In line with these findings, we demonstrated that OSIP108 activates the
C. albicans
cell wall integrity pathway and that its antibiofilm activity can be blocked by compounds inhibiting the yeast-to-hypha transition. Furthermore, we found that OSIP108 is predominantly localized at the
C. albicans
cell surface. These data point to interference of OSIP108 with cell wall-related processes of
C. albicans
, resulting in impaired biofilm formation.
Polyethylene Glycol-Based Hydrogels for Controlled Release of the Antimicrobial Subtilosin for Prophylaxis of Bacterial Vaginosis
Authors: Sundara Rajan Sujata , Cavera Veronica L. , Zhang Xiaoping , Singh Yashveer , Chikindas Michael L. , Sinko Patrick J.
Published: February 2014

Current treatment options for bacterial vaginosis (BV) have been shown to be inadequate at preventing recurrence and do not provide protection against associated infections, such as that with HIV. This study examines the feasibility of incorporating the antimicrobial peptide subtilosin within covalently cross-linked polyethylene glycol (PEG)-based hydrogels for vaginal administration. The PEG-based hydrogels (4% and 6% [wt/vol]) provided a two-phase release of subtilosin, with an initial rapid release rate of 4.0 μg/h (0 to 12 h) followed by a slow, sustained release rate of 0.26 μg/h (12 to 120 h). The subtilosin-containing hydrogels inhibited the growth of the major BV-associated pathogen
Gardnerella vaginalis
with a reduction of 8 log
10
CFU/ml with hydrogels containing ≥15 μg entrapped subtilosin. In addition, the growth of four common species of vaginal lactobacilli was not significantly inhibited in the presence of the subtilosin-containing hydrogels. The above findings demonstrate the potential application of vaginal subtilosin-containing hydrogels for prophylaxis of BV.
Characterization of
bla
OXA-143
Variants in Acinetobacter baumannii and Acinetobacter pittii
Authors: Zander Esther , Bonnin Rémy A. , Seifert Harald , Higgins Paul G.
Published: February 2014

The acquired carbapenem-hydrolyzing oxacillinase (OXA) OXA-143 has thus far been detected only in
Acinetobacter baumannii
isolates from Brazil. The aim of this study was to characterize three OXA-143 variants: OXA-231 and OXA-253 from carbapenem-resistant
A. baumannii
isolates and OXA-255 in a carbapenem-susceptible
Acinetobacter pittii
isolate originating from Brazil, Honduras, and the United States, respectively. The 5′ rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) technique identified the same transcription initiation site for all
bla
OXA-143-like
genes and revealed differences in the putative promoter regions. However, all cloned OXA-143 variants conferred carbapenem resistance on
A. baumannii
ATCC 17978 and OXA-255 conferred carbapenem resistance on
A. pittii
SH024, which was correlated with
bla
OXA-255
gene expression. This is the first description of OXA-143-like outside
A. baumannii
. Detection of OXA-143-like in the United States and Honduras indicates its dissemination through the American continent.