bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of root density of wheat and okra on hydraulic properties of an unsaturated compacted loam
Authors: Chen Rui , Huang Jun Wen , Chen Zhong Kui , Xu Ying , Liu Jian , Ge Yun Hui 
Published: November 2018

Root‐induced changes of soil hydraulic properties, that is soil water retention curve (SWRC) and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity (K(ψ)), depend on plant species and root density. This study aimed to investigate the effects of wheat roots and okra roots on both SWRC andK(ψ) of soil within an extended range of matric potential (−300 ~ 0 kPa) and to investigate the effects of root density of wheat (i.e. grass species) and okra (i.e. shrub species) on SWRC andK(ψ) of a loamy soil. The SWRC andK(ψ) of soil planted with wheat and okra were measured by the simplified evaporation method. Soil matric potential was measured directly by high‐capacity tensiometers. Different root densities were obtained by establishing different seeding densities in the soil. Meanwhile, root characteristics in planted soil were obtained using image analysis. The results showed that wheat‐ and okra‐planted soil had significantly larger volumetric water content (VWC) within the range of matric potential from −90 to 0 kPa than that of unplanted soil. Within the range of matric potential from around −300 to −90 kPa, the effects of wheat and okra roots on SWRC were not significant. The effects of wheat and okra roots onK(ψ) were not significant within the range of matric potential from around −300 to −10 kPa. Wheat‐planted soil with a root length density (RLD) of 10.04 cm cm−3had larger values of VWC (ψ = 0, −33, −50 kPa) than those of wheat‐planted soil with RLD of 2.69 cm cm−3. The difference in hydraulic properties between okra‐planted soil and the two RLDs, 0.89 and 2.96 cm cm−3, was not significant. Okra roots were more effective in increasing saturated water content (θs) and field capacity (θfc) than wheat roots. This might be because okra roots are relatively coarser than wheat roots.HighlightsEffect of root density of wheat and okra on SWRC andK(ψ) was investigated.TheK(ψ) of soil planted with wheat and okra was measured at matric potentials less than −100 kPa.Okra roots were more effective in increasingθsandθfcthan wheat roots.Effect of wheat and okra roots onK(ψ) was not significant at matric potentials from −300 to −10 kPa.
Mechanisms of seed mass variation along resource gradients
Authors: DeMalach Niv , Ron Ronen , Kadmon Ronen 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe enormous variation in seed mass along gradients of soil resources has fascinated plant ecologists for decades. However, so far, this research has focused on the description of such variation, rather than its underlying mechanisms. Here we experimentally test a recent model relating such variation to two fundamental properties of plant growth: allometry of biomass growth and size‐asymmetry of light competition. According to the model, mean seed mass should increase, and the variance of seed mass should show a unimodal response, to increasing soil resource availability (productivity). We test these predictions and their underlying assumptions using a combination of field observations, mesocosm experiments and greenhouse experiments focusing on Mediterranean annual plants. Our results support the predictions and assumptions of the model, and allow us to reject alternative models of seed mass variation. We conclude that growth‐allometry and size‐asymmetric light competition are key drivers of seed‐mass variation along soil resource gradients.
Environmental filtering explains a U‐shape latitudinal pattern in regional β‐deviation for eastern North American trees
Authors: Xing Dingliang , He Fangliang 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe underlying drivers of β‐diversity along latitudinal gradients have been unclear. Previous studies have focused on β‐diversities calculated at a local scale and shed limited light on regional β‐diversity. We tested the much‐debated effects of range size vs. environmental filtering on the β‐gradient using data from the US Forest Inventory Analysis Program. We showed that the drivers of the β‐gradient were scale dependent. At the local scale species spatial patterns contributed little to the β‐gradient, whereas at the regional scale spatial patterns dominated the gradient and a U‐shape latitudinal relationship for the standardised β‐diversity deviation was revealed. The relationship can be explained by spatial variation in climate and soil texture, thus supporting the environmental filtering hypothesis. But it is inconsistent with Rapoport's rule about the effect of range size on β‐gradient. These results resolve the debate on whether species spatial distributions contribute to β‐gradient and attest the importance of environmental filtering in determining regional β‐diversity.
Effect of margin design on fracture load of zirconia crowns
Authors: Skjold Anneli , Schriwer Christian , Øilo Marit 
Published: November 2018

Zirconia‐based restorations are showing an increase as the clinicians’ preferred choice at posterior sites because of the strength and esthetic properties of such restorations. However, all‐ceramic restorations fracture at higher rates than do metal‐based restorations. Margin design is one of several factors that can affect the fracture strength of all‐ceramic restorations. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of preparation and crown margin design on fracture resistance. Four groups of bilayer zirconia crowns (with 10 crowns in each group) were produced by hard‐ or soft‐machining technique, with the following four different margin designs: chamfer preparation (control); slice preparation; slice preparation with an additional cervical collar of 0.7 mm thickness; and reduced occlusal thickness (to 0.4 mm) on slice preparation with an additional cervical collar of 0.7 mm thickness. Additionally, 10 hard‐machined crowns with slice preparation were veneered and glazed with feldspathic porcelain. In total, 90 crowns were loaded centrally in the occlusal fossa until fracture. The load at fracture was higher than clinically relevant mastication loads for all preparation and margin designs. The crowns on a chamfer preparation fractured at higher loads compared with crowns on a slice preparation. An additional cervical collar increased load at fracture for hard‐machined crowns.
Experimental multiaxial fatigue tests realized with newly developed geometry specimens
Authors: Morettini Giulia , Braccesi Claudio , Cianetti Filippo 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn the literature there are many experimental results of multiaxial fatigue testing, usually generated by the combination of two or more cyclical loads. The cases in which samples are randomly stressed are rarer. Moreover, to generate particular stress states, the use of specific machinery for fatigue tests is usually required. For these reasons, the authors have created a particular geometry of specimens, which, when solicited by a single input of a random type, guarantees the creation of specific multiaxial stress states without using complex and costly instruments. The experimental tests were finally used for the validation of the multiaxial reduction method developed and currently utilized in the authors' design phase, though potentially used to verify all the other methodologies present in the literature.
Buccal epithelium Expanded and Encapsulated in Scaffold‐Hybrid Approach to Urethral Stricture (BEES‐HAUS) procedure: A novel cell therapy‐based pilot study
Authors: Vaddi Surya P , Reddy Vijaya B , Abraham Samuel JK 
Published: November 2018

ObjectivesTo describe the feasibility of a novel cell‐based endoscopic technique using buccal epithelium, expanded and encapsulated in a thermoreversible gelation polymer scaffold for the treatment of urethral stricture.MethodsSix male patients with bulbar urethral stricture ranging from 2.0 to 3.5 cm in length were included in this pilot study. Autologous buccal epithelial cells from a small buccal mucosal biopsy were isolated, cultured and encapsulated in thermoreversible gelation polymer scaffold, and were implanted at the stricture site after a wide endoscopic urethrotomy.ResultsAll the patients voided well, with a mean peak flow rate of 24 mL/s. Urethroscopy carried out at 6 months showed healthy mucosa at the urethrotomy site. However, two of the six patients had recurrence at 18 and 24 months, respectively.ConclusionsThis endoscopic‐based Buccal epithelium Expanded and Encapsulated in Scaffold‐Hybrid Approach to Urethral Stricture (BEES‐HAUS) technique is a promising alternative for the open substitution buccal graft urethroplasty. It is possible to achieve the benefits of open substitution buccal urethroplasty with this endoscopic technique.
Spatial distribution and population dynamics of Callichirus major (Crustacea, Callianassidae) in a tropical sandy beach, northeastern Brazil
Authors: Rosa Leonardo C. , Freire Kátia M. F. , Souza Miller J. M. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractCallichirus major is a callianassid shrimp widely used as live bait by Brazilian recreational fishers. Here, we present information about spatial distribution and population dynamics of C. major based upon both the number of burrow openings and the number of specimens collected monthly between July 2011 and September 2012 at Aruanda Beach, northeastern Brazil. Burrows occupied a spatial area between 68 m (November 2011) and 107 m wide (April 2012), starting at the intermediate intertidal area (~48 ± 5 m below the high tide mark) and extending their distribution to the sublittoral zone. Mean density ranged from 5.6 ± 3.6 (December 2011) to 35.6 ± 18.7 burrows per m2 (July 2012). The population had a female‐biased sex ratio (1:1.5 males:females). Dorsal oval length was 3.97–14.65 mm for males and 4.31–16.30 mm for females. Weight–length relationships for males and females were both allometrically positive. Ovigerous females occurred from November 2011 to March 2012, with a mean fecundity of 2327 ± 1290 eggs, and recruitment was observed in June 2012. The von Bertalanffy growth parameters estimated for males were: L∞ = 15.00 mm, K = 0.78/year, C = 0.2, and WP = 0.6. For females, the model parameters were: L∞ = 16.50 mm, K = 0.78/year, C = 0.2, and WP = 0.6. The total instantaneous mortality rate for males and females was 1.72 and 1.11/year, respectively. The pattern of distribution, density, and reproductive cycle was similar to that reported for the species in southern‐southeastern Brazil. However, the asymptotic lengths estimated here for both males and females were higher, suggesting an underexploited status for this population, inhabiting an area where penaeid shrimps are the most preferred live bait used by local recreational fishers.
MicroRNA let‐7a regulates angiogenesis by targeting TGFBR3 mRNA
Authors: Wang Shao , Zhou Huandong , Wu Dazhou , Ni Huajing , Chen Zhongliang , Chen Chengshui , Xiang Youqun , Dai Kezhi , Chen Xiaoming , Li Xi 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAngiogenesis has a great impact on human health, owing to its participation in development, wound healing and the pathogenesis of several diseases. It has been reported that let‐7a is a tumour suppressor, but whether it plays a role in angiogenesis is unclear. Here we showed that let‐7a, a microRNA conserved in vertebrates, regulated angiogenesis by concomitantly down‐regulating TGFBR3. Overexpression of let‐7a or knockdown of TGFBR3 in cell culture inhibited the tube formation and reduced migration rate. Moreover, xenograft experiments showed that overexpression of let‐7a or knockdown of TGFBR3 had smaller tumour size. Downstream genes, such as VEGFC and MMP9, were also down‐regulated in let‐7a overexpression or TGFBR3 knockdown groups. Therefore, our results revealed a novel mechanism that let‐7a regulate angiogenesis through post‐transcriptional regulation of TGFBR3.
Different behaviour of DVL1, DVL2, DVL3 in astrocytoma malignancy grades and their association to TCF1 and LEF1 upregulation
Authors: Kafka Anja , Bačić Mateja , Tomas Davor , Žarković Kamelija , Bukovac Anja , Njirić Niko , Mrak Goran , Krsnik Željka , Pećina‐Šlaus Nives 
Published: November 2018

AbstractKey regulators of the Wnt signalling, DVL1, DVL2 and DVL3, in astrocytomas of different malignancy grades were investigated. Markers for DVL1, DVL2 and DVL3 were used to detect microsatellite instability (MSI) and gross deletions (LOH), while immunohistochemistry and immunoreactivity score were used to determine the signal strengths of the three DVL proteins and transcription factors of the pathway, TCF1 and LEF1. Our findings demonstrated that MSI at all three DVL loci was constantly found across tumour grades with the highest number in grade II (P = 0.008). Collectively, LOHs were more frequent in high‐grade tumours than in low grade ones. LOHs of DVL3 gene were significantly associated with grade IV tumours (P = 0.007). The results on protein expressions indicated that high‐grade tumours expressed less DVL1 protein as compared with low grade ones. A significant negative correlation was established between DVL1 expression and malignancy grades (P < 0.001). The expression of DVL2 protein was found similar across grades, while DVL3 expression significantly increased with malignancy grades (P < 0.001). The signal strengths of expressed DVL1 and DVL3 were negatively correlated (P = 0.002). However, TCF1 and LEF1 were both significantly upregulated and increasing with astrocytoma grades (P = 0.001). A positive correlation was established between DVL3 and both TCF1 (P = 0.020) and LEF1 (P = 0.006) suggesting their joint involvement in malignant progression. Our findings suggest that DVL1 and DVL2 may be involved during early stages of the disease, while DVL3 may have a role in later phases and together with TCF1 and LEF1 promotes the activation of Wnt signalling.
Plasma levels of miR‐29b and miR‐200b in type 2 diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Dantas da Costa e Silva Maria Enoia , Polina Evelise Regina , Crispim Daisy , Sbruzzi Renan Cesar , Lavinsky Daniel , Mallmann Felipe , Martinelli Nidiane Carla , Canani Luis Henrique , dos Santos Katia Gonçalves 
Published: November 2018

AbstractMicroRNAs (miRNAs/miRs) are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes mellitus and its chronic complications, and their circulating levels have emerged as potential biomarkers for the development and progression of diabetes. However, few studies have examined the expression of miRNAs in diabetic retinopathy (DR) in humans. This case‐control study aimed to investigate whether the plasma levels of miR‐29b and miR‐200b are associated with DR in 186 South Brazilians with type 2 diabetes (91 without DR, 46 with non‐proliferative DR and 49 with proliferative DR). We also included 20 healthy blood donors to determine the miRNA expression in the general population. Plasma levels of miR‐29b and miR‐200b were quantified by reverse transcription‐quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Proliferative DR was inversely associated with plasma levels of miR‐29b (unadjusted OR = 0.694, 95% CI: 0.535‐0.900, P = 0.006) and miR‐200b (unadjusted OR = 0.797, 95% CI: 0.637‐0.997, P = 0.047). However, these associations were lost after controlling for demographic and clinical covariates. In addition, patients with type 2 diabetes had lower miR‐200b levels than blood donors. Our findings reinforce the importance of addressing the role of circulating miRNAs, including miR‐29 and miR‐200b, in DR.
Accuracy of dermoscopy in distinguishing erythroplasia of Queyrat from common forms of chronic balanitis: results from a multicentric observational study
Authors: Errichetti E. , Lallas A. , Di Stefani A. , Apalla Z. , Kyrgidis A. , Lacarrubba F. , Micali G. , Galvan A. , Piaserico S. , Stinco G. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundClinical differentiation of erythroplasia of Queyrat (EQ) and chronic forms of balanitis may be challenging, especially in early phases or in overlapping cases. Dermoscopy has been shown to be a useful supportive tool in facilitating the distinction between tumoral and inflammatory skin conditions; yet, data on EQ and balanitis are scarce or sparse.ObjectivesTo systematically assess the dermoscopic features of both EQ and common forms of chronic balanitis and to investigate the accuracy of dermoscopy in distinguishing these conditions.MethodsSubjects with EQ or chronic balanitis confirmed histologically or microbiologically (for infectious forms) were recruited. A representative dermoscopic image of a target lesion was retrospectively assessed for the presence of specific morphological findings. A correlation matrix was created using Spearman's rho. Proportions of dermoscopic variables scoring among different conditions were compared with the non‐parametric Pearson's chi‐square test.ResultsA total of 81 lesions (14 EQ, 23 psoriasis, 31 Zoon plasma cell balanitis and 13 candidal balanitis) from 81 patients were included in the study. Glomerular vessels (both clustered and diffusely distributed) were highly predictive for the diagnosis of EQ, while diffuse dotted vessels were strongly associated with psoriatic balanitis. Finally, Zoon plasma cell balanitis was characterized by orange structureless areas (focal or diffuse) and focused linear curved vessels, whereas cottage cheese‐like structures (sparse white coating corresponding to Candida yeast colonies growth) showed a strong correlation with candidal balanitis.ConclusionsErythroplasia of Queyrat and balanitis may display different dermoscopic patterns, thereby bearing the usefulness of dermoscopy as a supportive non‐invasive tool for the recognition and differential diagnosis of such conditions.
A survey among dermatologists: diagnostics of superficial fungal infections – what is used and what is needed to initiate therapy and assess efficacy?
Authors: Saunte D.M.L. , Piraccini B.M. , Sergeev A.Y. , Prohić A. , Sigurgeirsson B. , Rodríguez‐Cerdeira C. , Szepietowski J.C. , Faergemann J. , Arabatzis M. , Pereiro M. , Skerlev M. , Lecerf P. , Schmid‐Grendelmeier P. , Nenoff P. , Nowicki R.J. , Emtestam L. , Hay R.J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractBackgroundSuperficial fungal infections are common. It is important to confirm the clinical diagnosis by mycological laboratory methods before initiating systemic antifungal treatment, especially as antifungal sensitivity and in vitro susceptibility may differ between different genera and species. For many years, the gold standard for diagnosis of superficial fungal infections has been direct fungal detection in the clinical specimen (microscopy) supplemented by culturing. Lately, newer molecular based methods for fungal identification have been developed.ObjectiveThis study was initiated to focus on the current usage of mycological diagnostics for superficial fungal infections by dermatologists. It was designed to investigate whether it was necessary to differentiate between initial diagnostic tests and those used at treatment follow‐up in specific superficial fungal infections.MethodsAn online questionnaire was distributed among members of the EADV mycology Task Force and other dermatologists with a special interest in mycology and nail disease.ResultsThe survey was distributed to 62 dermatologists of whom 38 (61%) completed the whole survey, 7 (11%) partially completed and 17 (27%) did not respond. Nearly, all respondents (82–100%) said that ideally they would use the result of direct microscopy (or histology) combined with a genus/species directed treatment of onychomycosis, dermatophytosis, Candida‐ and Malassezia‐related infections. The majority of the dermatologists used a combination of clinical assessment and direct microscopy for treatment assessment and the viability of the fungus was considered more important at this visit than when initiating the treatment. Molecular based methods were not available for all responders.ConclusionThe available diagnostic methods are heterogeneous and their usage differs between different practices as well as between countries. The survey confirmed that dermatologists find it important to make a mycological diagnosis, particularly prior to starting oral antifungal treatment in order to confirm the diagnose and target the therapy according to genus and species.
Seeds of Plantago psyllium and Plantago ovata: Mineral composition, grinding, and use for gluten‐free bread as substitutes for hydrocolloids
Authors: Ziemichód Alicja , Wójcik Monika , Różyło Renata 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe aim of the study was to evaluate the physicochemical characteristics, grinding, and possibility of whole seeds of Plantago psyllium (PP) and Plantago ovata (PO) application as an alternative to hydrocolloid for gluten‐free bread baking. The procedure of seeds swelling was proposed, trace elements and physical properties of seeds were determined. The grinding energy of seeds and the baking of gluten‐free bread with the addition of whole and grinded form of seeds was made. The seeds of PP and PO are a rich source of trace elements, such as zinc, manganese copper, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. These seeds swell very quickly. PO swells faster at lower temperatures than PP. Grinded seeds of two types of studied Plantago can be used as substitutes for hydrocolloids, they caused a considerable increase in the gluten‐free dough yield (from 200 to 240%) and beneficially affected the texture of the crumb.Practical applicationsSimilarly to fiber the seeds of PP or PO can also be used as replacements for hydrocolloids in the production of gluten‐free bread. The use of whole seeds does not require complicated procedures of fiber extraction, it also has much higher efficiency. Our research allowed to identify a hummer mill on which satisfactory results of Plantago seeds were obtained. PO compared to PP has the seeds that are more susceptible to grinding, their grinding energy is much lower. Characterization of the physical properties of seeds will allow adaptation of processing in the future. Plantago seeds swell intensely in water at different rates depending on the temperature. As a source of trace elements such as zinc, manganese copper, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, whole seeds of Plantago can be a valuable functional food additive.
Microbial quality of edible grasshoppers Ruspolia differens (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae): From wild harvesting to fork in the Kagera Region, Tanzania
Authors: Ng'ang'a Jeremiah , Imathiu Samuel , Fombong Forkwa , Ayieko Monica , Vanden Broeck Jozef , Kinyuru John 
Published: November 2018

AbstractIn Tanzania, edible Ruspolia differens are still harvested from the natural environments. In this perspective, little is known about the microbiological quality of wild harvested R. differens. This study was conducted to assess the microbiological quality of wild harvested R. differens and evaluate the efficacy of conventional processing methods in reducing microbial load. Two districts (Bukoba rural and Muleba) within the Kagera region were purposively selected for the study. Sampling was done from the same batches along the R. differens food chain as follows: (a) at harvest points in the villages, (b) after transportation to the market and plucking of wings and legs, (c) after rinsing with potable tap water, and (d) after processing using conventional methods. Generally, high microbial counts, that is, total viable aerobic count (TVC), Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria, bacterial endospores, and yeasts and molds were observed in raw R. differens samples. A significant increase in microbial counts after transportation and plucking was only observed for TVC, bacterial endospores, and yeasts and molds. A statistically significant reduction in all types of counts, with the exception of bacterial endospores, was observed after processing. All processed samples analyzed were devoid of salmonellae, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli.Practical applicationsAlthough commonly used processing methods of Ruspolia differens were effective in reducing microbial load, bacterial endospores were hardly eliminated and could pose a health hazard to consumers; thus, improved handling of R. differens along the food chain could reduce such risks.