bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two repetitive bouts of intense eccentric‐concentric jaw exercises reduce experimental muscle pain in healthy subjects
Authors: Bucci R. , Lobbezoo F. , Michelotti A. , Koutris M. 
Published: May 2018

SummaryHigh‐intensity eccentric‐concentric contractions of the jaw‐closing muscles induce muscle soreness, fatigue and functional impairment of the jaw, resembling the symptoms of myalgia, according to the Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (DC/TMD). However, it is claimed that repetition of similar exercises can minimise these detrimental effects. This study aimed to evaluate the response of jaw‐closing muscles following two series of intense eccentric‐concentric exercises of the masticatory muscles in healthy subjects. Twelve pain‐free participants underwent 2 sessions of intense eccentric‐concentric jaw exercises, with 1‐week interval in between. Each session of jaw exercises comprises 6 sets of 5‐minute‐long bouts of concentric‐eccentric contractions. Self‐reported muscle fatigue and pain, maximum mouth opening without pain (MMO), pain pressure thresholds (PPTs) of temporalis and masseter muscles and maximum voluntary bite force (MVBF) were recorded before, immediately after, 24 and 48 hours after each bout of exercises. ANOVA for repeated measurements was used to analyse the data. During session 2, muscle pain and fatigue were statistically significantly decreased (P < .05) as compared to session 1. Furthermore, statistically significant increases of MVBF (P < .005), MMO (P < .005) and PPTs (P < .005) were found at session 2 as compared to session 1. Within the limitations of the study, is can be concluded that the repetition of eccentric‐concentric jaw‐closing exercises results in signs of muscle training. Future studies can elucidate whether this motor training might be useful for the treatment of myalgia.
Soy protein supplement intake for 12 months has no effect on sexual maturation and may improve nutritional status in pre‐pubertal children
Authors: Duitama Sandra M , Zurita Javier , Cordoba Diana , Duran Paola , Ilag Leopold , Mejia Wilson 
Published: May 2018

AimTo evaluate the intake of a soy protein‐based supplement (SPS) and its effects on the sexual maturation and nutritional status of prepubertal children who consumed it for a year.MethodsHealthy children (n = 51) were recruited and randomly assigned to consume the lunch fruit juice with (n = 29) or without (n = 22) addition of 45 g of a commercial soy protein‐based supplement (SPS) over 12 months. Nutritional assessment including anthropometry (bodyweight, height, triceps skinfold thickness, mid‐upper arm circumference), body mass index (BMI), upper arm muscle area, arm muscle circumference, upper arm area, upper arm fat area data were derived from measures using usual procedures; age and gender‐specific percentiles were used as reference. Sexual maturation was measured by Tanner stage. Isoflavones were quantified using liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.ResultsHeight, BMI/age, weight/age and height/age were significantly different (P < 0.05) at 12 months between girls in the control and intervention groups. Statistically significant differences between groups by gender (P < 0.05) were found in boys in the control group for the triceps skinfold thickness and fat area. Nutritional status was adequate according to the World Health Organization parameters. On average, 0.130 mg/kg body weight/day of isoflavones were consumed by children, which did not show significant differences in their sexual maturation.ConclusionConsumption of SPS for 12 months did not affect sexual maturation or the onset of puberty in prepubertal boys and girls; however, it may have induced an increase in height, BMI/age, height/age and weight/age of the girls, associated with variations in fat‐free mass.
Water quality and transparency characteristics during the Planktothrix abundance period in shallow Lake Kasumigaura, Japan
Authors: Ouchi Takao , Kobinata Hisao , Kamiya Koichi , Nakagawa Keita , Sugaya Kazuhisa , Aizaki Morihiro 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCyanobacterial blooms in lakes cause serious environmental problems on a global scale. Planktothrix (a filamentous cyanobacterium) blooms occurred during winter and spring from 2007 to 2011 in Lake Kasumigaura, a eutrophic lake located in Japan. This study analysed water quality during the period of Planktothrix abundance (2007–2010) at the centre of Lake Kasumigaura and compared it to that in the succeeding period, which did not have Planktothrix blooms (2012–2015). The average phytoplankton biovolume during the abundance period was larger than that in the succeeding period, which would contribute to the high chemical oxygen demand (CODMn; annual average of 9.7 mg/L) in the abundance period, compared to the succeeding period (7.6 mg/L). The total phosphorus concentration peaked in spring and summer in the abundance period, but only in summer in the succeeding period, whereas the seasonal variation in total nitrogen concentration between the two periods was relatively small. The annual average transparency (Secchi disc depth) increased before the abundance period due to a decrease in fixed suspended solid, which is comprised mainly of inorganic matter. It is likely that the change in irradiance conditions affected the occurrence of Planktothrix blooms.
Testing the role of climate in speciation: New methods and applications to squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes)
Authors: Jezkova Tereza , Wiens John J. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractClimate may play important roles in speciation, such as causing the range fragmentation that underlies allopatric speciation (through niche conservatism) or driving divergence of parapatric populations along climatic gradients (through niche divergence). Here, we developed new methods to test the frequency of climate niche conservatism and divergence in speciation, and applied it to species pairs of squamate reptiles (lizards and snakes). We used a large‐scale phylogeny to identify 242 sister species pairs for analysis. From these, we selected all terrestrial allopatric pairs with sufficient occurrence records (n = 49 pairs) and inferred whether each originated via climatic niche conservatism or climatic niche divergence. Among the 242 pairs, allopatric pairs were most common (41.3%), rather than parapatric (19.4%), partially sympatric (17.7%), or fully sympatric species pairs (21.5%). Among the 49 selected allopatric pairs, most appeared to have originated via climatic niche divergence (61–76%, depending on the details of the methods). Surprisingly, we found greater climatic niche divergence between allopatric sister species than between parapatric pairs, even after correcting for geographic distance. We also found that niche divergence did not increase with time, further implicating niche divergence in driving lineage splitting. Overall, our results suggest that climatic niche divergence may often play an important role in allopatric speciation, and the methodology developed here can be used to address the generality of these findings in other organisms.
Untangling liberal democracy from territoriality: from ethnic/civic to ethnic/territorial nationalism
Authors: Tabachnik Maxim 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe term ‘civic nationalism’ as it is used today in nationalism studies is misleading because it combines territorial collective identity with liberal‐democratic values. As such, for example, it does not provide much insight into the comparison of Azerbaijani and Georgian concepts of national identity. Azerbaijan, arguably an authoritarian country, has used unconditional citizenship by birth on territory (jus soli) and refused to naturalize Azeri co‐ethnics from Georgia. Georgia, seemingly a developed liberal democracy, hasn't practiced anyjus soli, has bestowed citizenship on Georgian co‐ethnics abroad and refused it to its ethnic minorities. These two cases testify to the need to revise the term ‘civic nationalism’, inapplicable to many, especially non‐Western, empirical cases of national identity. By establishing distinct historical narratives based on premodernist sources, the article argues that the ethnic/territorial tension is premodern, which explains why civic nationalism has a premodern (territoriality) and a modern (liberal‐democratic values) component. Territorial collective identity, in its contrast to an ethnic one, has deep historical roots and needs to be separated from the overall umbrella of civic nationalism. Such an approach resolves many current theoretical objections to ethnic/civic dichotomy, a ubiquitous, but still insufficiently understood, heuristic tool.
Improving haemodialysis fistula maturation following early ultrasound vascular mapping: ‘The Venous Preservation Scan’
Authors: Tan Ru Yu , Manning Michelle , Spurway Jacqueline , Jegatheesan Thulasi , Bertram Michelle , Phipps Lisa , Swinnen Jan 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTAimFormation of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is complicated by a high primary failure rate. We hypothesized that early (months to years before AVF creation) Venous Preservation Scan (VPS) followed by vasculature preservation is effective in protecting the patient’s best ‘for fistula’ vasculature. This study was performed to evaluate the impact of VPS on AVF outcomes.MethodsThe case records of 123 patients who underwent ultrasound mapping for AVF creation in a district hospital were reviewed. Ninety‐seven were VPS and 26 were Routine Pre‐Operative Planning Scan (RPOPS) performed immediately prior to surgery. Outcomes of 21 patients who went onto AVF creation in the VPS group were compared to 23 patients in the RPOPS group.ResultsSuccess and complication rates for AVF placement in patients who underwent VPS versus RPOPS were 100% versus 91.3% (P = 0.27) and 0 versus 8.7% (P = 0.23). A greater proportion of AVF created following RPOPS required intervention before maturation (47.6% vs 19%, P = 0.05). The median primary patency of AVF created following VPS versus RPOPS was 492 (IQR 222, 1219) versus 169 (IQR 116, 414) days (P = 0.02). The cumulative patency did not differ between the two groups (median = 807 (IQR 499, 1308) versus 1059 (IQR 331, 1263) days, P = 0.26).ConclusionsThis small study suggests that VPS may favourably influence the survival of primary AVF and reduce the need for assisted interventions. However, confirmation with larger randomized controlled trial is warranted.
Believing for Practical Reasons
Authors: Rinard Susanna 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSome prominent evidentialists argue that practical considerations cannot be normative reasons for belief because they can't be motivating reasons for belief. Existing pragmatist responses turn out to depend on the assumption that it's possible to believe in the absence of evidence. The evidentialist may deny this, at which point the debate ends in an impasse. I propose a new strategy for the pragmatist. This involves conceding that belief in the absence of evidence is impossible. We then argue that evidence can play a role in bringing about belief without being a motivating reason for belief, thereby leaving room for practical considerations to serve as motivating reasons. I present two ways in which this can happen. First, agents can use evidence as a mere means by which to believe, with practical considerations serving as motivating reasons for belief, just as we use tools (e.g. a brake pedal) as mere means by which to do something (e.g. slow down) which we are motivated to do for practical reasons. Second, evidence can make it possible for one to choose whether or not to believe – a choice one can then make for practical reasons. These arguments push the debate between the evidentialist and the pragmatist into new territory. It is no longer enough for an evidentialist to insist that belief is impossible without evidence. Even if this is right, the outcome of the debate remains unsettled. It will hang on the ability of the evidentialist to respond to the new pragmatist strategy presented here.
Ginsenoside C‐Mx Isolated from Notoginseng Stem‐leaf Ginsenosides Attenuates Ultraviolet B‐mediated Photoaging in Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Liu Xiao‐yi , Hwang Eunson , Park Bom , Ngo Hien T. T. , Xiao Yong‐kun , Yi Tae‐Hoo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractNotoginseng is a traditional herbal medicine widely used for medicinal therapy in Asia, as it contains numerous ginsenosides with pharmacological effects. In this study, we submitted Notoginseng stem‐leaf (NGL) ginsenosides to an enzyme to create a reaction with the monomer products of ginsenoside C‐Mx and then investigated the ability of ginsenoside C‐Mx to protect the skin against ultraviolet B‐induced injury in normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs). Ginsenoside C‐Mx alleviated UVB‐induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), MMP‐1 and IL‐6 expression while accelerating TGF‐β and procollagen type I secretion. In addition, ginsenoside C‐Mx reversed UVB‐induced procollagen type I reduction by regulating the TGF‐β/Smad signaling pathway. Moreover, ginsenoside C‐Mx inhibited activation of AP‐1 transcription factor, an inducer of MMPs. Ginsenoside C‐Mx displayed an outstanding antioxidant capacity, increasing expression of cytoprotective antioxidants such as HO‐1 and NQO‐1 expression by enhancing the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2. Interestingly, application of ginsenoside C‐Mx treatment (1, 10, 20 μm) significantly diminished UVB‐induced suppressed NF‐κB expression, decreasing the over‐released inflammatory cytokines. Taken together, our findings indicated that ginsenoside C‐Mx may act as a promising natural cosmetic ingredient for prevention and treatment of UVB‐induced skin damage.
Density Functional Theory and ab Initio Computational Evidence for Nitrosamine Photoperoxides: Hammett Substituent Effects in the Photogeneration of the Nitrooxide Intermediate
Authors: Greer Edyta M. , Kwon Kitae 
Published: May 2018

AbstractLittle attention has been focused on diradical and zwitterionic photoperoxides formed from nitrosamine compounds. Here, an attempt is made to probe the electronic character of the nitrooxide intermediate formed in photochemical reactions with triplet oxygen (3O2). Theoretical studies have been conducted to screen para‐substituted phenyl nitrosamines. In particular, we find that electron‐withdrawing substituents produce low‐lying triplet nitrooxide diradicals. A clear electronic dependence in the S0 – T1 and S0 – S1 energy gaps of nitrooxides was found using Hammett plots. Computed geometries show a twisted diradical triplet nitrooxide moiety, which contrasts to the nearly flat singlet zwitterionic ground state nitrooxide moiety; analyses of charges (natural bond order), molecular orbitals (HOMO/LUMO) and spin densities enable these assignments. Calculations predict the former triplet species is photogenerated initially from nitrosamine with O2. The conversion of the triplet nitrooxide diradical to the singlet ground state is an example where longer‐lived zwitterionic nitrooxide structures become possible. The reaction mechanism is consistent with a zwitterionic ground state nitrooxide playing an important role in the bimolecular oxygen‐transfer reaction with phosphine and phosphite trapping agents as has been observed experimentally.
Community‐based native seed production for restoration in Brazil – the role of science and policy
Authors: Schmidt I. B. , de Urzedo D. I. , Piña‐Rodrigues F. C. M. , Vieira D. L. M. , de Rezende G. M. , Sampaio A. B. , Junqueira R. G. P. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Large‐scale restoration programmes in the tropics require large volumes of high quality, genetically diverse and locally adapted seeds from a large number of species. However, scarcity of native seeds is a critical restriction to achieve restoration targets.

In this paper, we analyse three successful community‐based networks that supply native seeds and seedlings for Brazilian Amazon and Cerrado restoration projects. In addition, we propose directions to promote local participation, legal, technical and commercialisation issues for up‐scaling the market of native seeds for restoration with high quality and social justice.

We argue that effective community‐based restoration arrangements should follow some principles: (i) seed production must be based on real market demand; (ii) non‐governmental and governmental organisations have a key role in supporting local organisation, legal requirements and selling processes; (iii) local ecological knowledge and labour should be valued, enabling local communities to promote large‐scale seed production; (iv) applied research can help develop appropriate techniques and solve technical issues.

The case studies from Brazil and principles presented here can be useful for the up‐scaling restoration ecology efforts in many other parts of the world and especially in tropical countries where improving rural community income is a strategy for biodiversity conservation and restoration.
Germination niche breadth varies inconsistently among three Asclepias congeners along a latitudinal gradient
Authors: Finch J. , Walck J. L. , Hidayati S. N. , Kramer A. T. , Lason V. , Havens K. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Species responses to climate change will be primarily driven by their environmental tolerance range, or niche breadth, with the expectation that broad niches will increase resilience. Niche breadth is expected to be larger in more heterogeneous environments and moderated by life history. Niche breadth also varies across life stages. Therefore, the life stage with the narrowest niche may serve as the best predictor of climatic vulnerability. To investigate the relationship between niche breadth, climate and life stage we identify germination niche breadth for dormant and non‐dormant seeds in multiple populations of three milkweed (Asclepias) species.

Complementary trials evaluated germination under conditions simulating historic and predicted future climate by varying cold–moist stratification temperature, length and incubation temperature. Germination niche breadth was derived from germination evenness across treatments (Levins Bn), with stratified seeds considered less dormant than non‐stratified seeds.

Germination response varies significantly among species, populations and treatments. Cold–moist stratification ≥4 weeks (1–3 °C) followed by incubation at 25/15 °C+ achieves peak germination for most populations. Germination niche breadth significantly expands following stratification and interacts significantly with latitude of origin. Interestingly, two species display a positive relationship between niche breadth and latitude, while the third presents a concave quadratic relationship.

Germination niche breadth significantly varies by species, latitude and population, suggesting an interaction between source climate, life history and site‐specific factors. Results contribute to our understanding of inter‐ and intraspecific variation in germination, underscore the role of dormancy in germination niche breadth, and have implications for prioritising and conserving species under climate change.
Analysis of intraspecific seed diversity in Astragalus aquilanus (Fabaceae), an endemic species of Central Apennine
Authors: Di Cecco V. , Di Musciano M. , D'Archivio A. A. , Frattaroli A.R. , Di Martino L. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

This work aims to study seeds of the endemic species Astragalus aquilanus from four different populations of central Italy. We investigated seed morpho‐colorimetric features (shape and size) and chemical differences (through infrared spectroscopy) among populations and between dark and light seeds.

Seed morpho‐colorimetric quantitative variables, describing shape, size and colour traits, were measured using image analysis techniques. Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy was used to attempt seed chemical characterisation. The measured data were analysed by step‐wise linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Moreover, we analysed the correlation between the four most important traits and six climatic variables extracted from WorldClim 2.0.

The LDA on seeds traits shows clear differentiation of the four populations, which can be attributed to different chemical composition, as confirmed by Wilk's lambda test (P < 0.001). A strong correlation between morphometric traits and temperature (annual mean temperature, mean temperature of the warmest and coolest quarter), colorimetric traits and precipitation (annual precipitation, precipitation of wettest and driest quarter) was observed.

The characterisation of A. aquilanus seeds shows large intraspecific plasticity both in morpho‐colorimetric and chemical composition. These results confirm the strong relationship between the type of seed produced and the climatic variables.
Diversity of epicotyl dormancy among tropical montane forest species in Sri Lanka
Authors: Athugala Y. S. , Jayasuriya K. M. G. G. , Gunarathne A. M. T. A. , Baskin C. C. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Fruiting season of many Sri Lankan tropical montane species is not synchronised and may not occur when conditions are favourable for seedling establishment. We hypothesised that species with different fruiting seasons have different seed dormancy mechanisms to synchronise timing of germination with a favourable season for establishment. Using six species with different fruiting seasons, we tested this hypothesis.

Germination and imbibition of intact and manually scarified seeds were studied. Effect of GA3 on germination was examined. Embryo length:seed length (E:S) ratio of freshly matured seeds and of those with a split seed coat was determined. Time taken for radicle and plumule emergence and morphological changes of the embryos were recorded.

The radicle emerged from Ardisia missionis, Bheza nitidissima and Gaetnera walkeri seeds within 30 days, whereas it took >30 days in other species. Embryos grew in seeds of B. nitidissima and G. walkeri prior to radicle emergence but not in Microtropis wallichiana, Nothapodytes nimmoniana and Symplocos cochinchinensis. A considerable delay was observed between radicle and plumule emergence in all six species. Warm stratification and/or GA3 promoted germination of all species.

All the tested species have epicotyl dormancy. Seeds of B. nitidissima and G. walkeri have non‐deep simple morphophysiological epicotyl dormancy, and the other four species have non‐deep physiological epicotyl dormancy. Differences in radicle and epicotyl dormancy promote synchronisation of germination to a favourable time for seedling development. Therefore, information on dormancy‐breaking and germination requirements of both radicle and epicotyl are needed to determine the kind of dormancy of a particular species.