bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Experimental variations in functional and demographic traits of Lappula semiglabra among dew amount treatments in an arid region
Authors: Yang Xiao‐Dong , Lv Guang‐Hui , Ali Arshad , Ran Qi‐Yang , Gong Xue‐Wei , Wang Fei , Liu Zhi‐Dong , Qin Lu , Liu Wei‐Guo 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIn an arid region, water is the limiting factor for the performance of plants and, hence, the input of water significantly affects the ecological processes. Although the dew phenomenon often occurs in the desert, whether plants can absorb and utilise this water source is still unknown. In this study, we tested the effects of 3 amounts of dew, that is, total natural amount of dew, half amount of natural dew, and no amount of (zero) dew, in order to investigate variations in functional traits and demographic traits in relation to the life history of an ephemeral plant Lappula semiglabra. Results showed that variations in functional traits including plant height, crown area, leaf area, leaf thickness, leaf relative water content, chlorophyll content, and net photosynthetic rate were significantly increased with increasing dew amount. Leaf water potential was significantly decreased, whereas root length and root diameter showed no significant differences among 3 amounts of dew. Demographic traits including survival rate, survival, total age, and mean life expectancy increased with increasing dew amount, whereas the vanish rate percentage, mortality rate, mortality, and fatal number decreased. In combination, our results showed that leaf and stem traits L. semiglabra related to dew absorption increased with increasing of dew amount, and hence, obtained more water, whereas root traits related to uptake of soil water remain unchanged. We conclude that leaves and stem of L. semiglabra can absorb and efficiently utilise dew as a water resource for better suitability in the arid desert region.
Insectivorous birds disrupt biological control of cereal aphids
Authors: Grass Ingo , Lehmann Katrin , Thies Carsten , Tscharntke Teja 
Published: March 2017

AbstractInsect‐feeding birds may interfere with trophic interactions in plant–insect food webs, which may be particularly important in agroecosystems. Here, we studied how Eurasian Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) affect aphids and their predators in cereal fields using bird exclusion experiments. The Tree Sparrows fed their nestlings with aphid antagonists. Hoverflies and ladybird beetles accounted for 77% of the food for the nestlings during peak aphid density. When birds were excluded, densities of hoverfly larvae, which were the most abundant aphid predator group in the cereals, were 4% higher in wheat and 45% higher in oat, while aphid densities were 24% lower in wheat and 26% lower in oat. The demonstrated disruption of biological control by mesopredators through bird predation may be a common phenomenon in cropping systems characterized by small‐sized and abundant pest species. Management of biotic interactions such as biological control needs a broad food‐web perspective, even in simplified agroecosystems.
Provenance‐by‐environment interaction of reproductive traits in the invasion ofSpartina alterniflorain China
Authors: Liu Wenwen , Strong Donald R. , Pennings Steven C. , Zhang Yihui 
Published: March 2017

AbstractEcological invasions are facilitated by pre‐adaptation and phenotypic plasticity, upon which evolution can act. The rapid invasion of the intertidal grassSpartina alterniflorain China during the last 36 yr is a test case for the roles of these mechanisms. A previous study ofS. alterniflorain China found strong latitudinal clines in vegetative and sexual traits and concluded that most of this variation was due to phenotypic plasticity. Recent observations suggested provenance‐by‐environment interactions, and we employed common gardens at multiple latitudes as a test of this idea. Phenotypically, field plant height, which correlates strongly with biomass and other indices of vegetative performance in this species, showed a hump‐shaped relationship across 10 sites, covering 19° of latitude; field seed set increased linearly with latitude. To assess the role of plasticity vs. genetic differentiation in these patterns, we grew plants from the ten field sites in three common gardens at low (20.9° N), mid (28.3° N), and high (38.0° N) latitudes to maturity, at 18 months. Plant height varied among common gardens, with the tallest plants at mid latitude, mirroring the field pattern, consistent with the previous study. Within the gardens, latitude of origin also affected plant height. Seed set varied among the gardens, with the greatest values at high latitudes, again mirroring the field pattern and indicating substantial plasticity. Evidence of evolution was found as increasing seed set with latitude among provenances within common gardens. However, the effect differed among common gardens, with the greatest slope in the high‐latitude garden, lower slope in the mid‐latitude garden, and no relationship in the low‐latitude garden, indicating a provenance‐by‐environment interaction. The number of surviving plants also suggested a provenance‐by‐environment interaction; no relationship with latitude among provenances in the two southern gardens and increasing survival with latitude in the northern garden. Field seedling density was ~200‐fold greater at high than at low latitude sites. The profuse seed germination and recruitment in the north could have created high selection intensity resulting in evolution of reproductive traits at high latitudes with the result that the mechanisms of the invasion differ with latitude.
Qinghai–tibetan plateau peatland sustainable utilization under anthropogenic disturbances and climate change
Authors: Yang Gang , Peng Changhui , Chen Huai , Dong Faqin , Wu Ning , Yang Yanzheng , Zhang Yao , Zhu Dan , He Yixin , Shi Shengwei , Zeng Xiaoyang , Xi Tingting , Meng Qingxiang , Zhu Qiuan 
Published: March 2017

Abstract
Often referred to as the “Third Pole,” China's Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau developed large amounts of peatland owing to its unique alpine environment. As a renewable resource, peat helps to regulate the climate as well as performing other important functions. However, in recent years, intensifying climate change and anthropogenic disturbances have resulted in peatland degradation and consequently made sustainable development of peatland more difficult. This review summarizes peatland ecological and economic functions, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, energy supplies, and ecotourism. It identifies climate change and anthropogenic disturbances as the two key factors attributing to peatland degradation and ecosystem carbon loss. Current problems in environmental degradation and future challenges in peatland management under the effects of global warming are also discussed and highlighted.
Neprilysin inhibition in heart failure: mechanisms and substrates beyond modulating natriuretic peptides
Authors: D'Elia Emilia , Iacovoni Attilio , Vaduganathan Muthiah , Lorini Ferdinando L. , Perlini Stefano , Senni Michele 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe autonomic nervous system, the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, and the natriuretic peptide system represent critical regulatory pathways in heart failure and as such have been the major targets of pharmacological development. The introduction and approval of angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitors (ARNi) have broadened the available drug treatments of patients with chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Neprilysin catalyses the degradation of a number of vasodilator peptides, including the natriuretic peptides, bradykinin, substance P, and adrenomedullin, as well as vasoconstrictor peptides, including endothelin‐1 and angiotensin I and II. We review the multiple, potentially competing, substrates for neprilysin inhibition, and the resultant composite clinical effects of ARNi therapy. A mechanistic understanding of this novel therapeutic class may provide important insights into the expected on‐target and off‐target effects when this agent is more widely prescribed.
Proteasome ubiquitin receptor PSMD4 is an amplification target in breast cancer and may predict sensitivity to PARPi
Authors: Fejzo Marlena S. , Anderson Lee , Chen Hsiao‐Wang , Guandique Enrique , Kalous Ondrej , Conklin Dylan , Slamon Dennis J. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractPoly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is an enzyme involved in DNA repair under investigation as a chemotherapeutic target. Current randomized phase three trials of PARPi in metastatic breast cancer are limited to patients with documented BRCA1/2 mutations and no biomarker of PARPi beyond BRCA status is available. In an effort to identify novel biomarkers for PARP inhibition, we created a cell line (HCC1187/TALRES) resistant to the PARP1 inhibitor talazoparib. Herein we show by array‐CGH that HCC1187/TALRES has a selective loss of the proteasome ubiquitin receptor PSMD4 amplicon resulting in significant down‐regulation of PSMD4. Conversely, we find that breast cancer cell lines that have copy number gain or amplification for PSMD4 are significantly more sensitive to talazoparib. Functional studies reveal that knock‐down of PSMD4 in amplified breast cancer cells and loss of the PSMD4 amplicon result in knock‐down of PARP1 protein. We show that PSMD4 is amplified and overexpressed in breast cancer and its overexpression correlates with poor survival. Knock‐down of PSMD4 results in a significant decrease in cell growth. We provide evidence that PSMD4 is a proteasomal amplification target in breast cancer that PSMD4 amplification confers sensitivity to PARP inhibition, and that PSMD4 amplification is lost in the process of acquiring resistance to PARPi. Finally, this study shows not only that PSMD4 copy number correlates with PARPi sensitivity, but also, that it may be a better predictor of sensitivity to PARPi than BRCA1/2 mutation.
Comparison of a semiautomatic protocol using plastering and three‐dimensional scanning techniques with the direct measurement protocol for hand anthropometry
Authors: Lee Wonsup , Yang Xiaopeng , Yoon Sunghye , Lee Baekhee , Jeon Eunjin , Kim Heeeun , You Heecheon 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study aimed to compare a three‐dimensional (3D) semiautomatic measurement protocol (3D‐SAMP) that measures hand dimensions using a plaster hand and a 3D scanner with the conventional direct measurement protocol (DMP). An experiment was conducted to measure 52 dimensions of one hand by 20 measurers with three repetitions. The locations of landmarks attached to the plaster hand were automatically identified and then measurements of the hand dimensions were automatically extracted in the 3D‐SAMP. Significant measurement differences with a range of 2.1 to 4.4 mm between the 3D‐SAMP and the DMP were observed in 13 out of the 52 dimensions, and the 3D‐SAMP showed better reliability than the DMP in terms of intra‐ and intermeasurer variability. The 3D‐SAMP was found significantly faster and easier in hand measurement than the DMP (11.1 ± 3.5 min for 3D‐SAMP and 17.8 ± 4.5 min for DMP; 5.2 ± 0.8 for 3D‐SAMP and 4.3 ± 0.8 for DMP using a 7‐point scale with 1 for very dissatisfied and 7 for very satisfied for ease of measurement) when fabrication (about 1 hr 10 min) and scanning (3 min) of a plaster hand were not considered. The proposed 3D‐SAMP is applicable only to plaster hands available in hand measurement.
Tumor detection in T1, T2, FLAIR and MPR brain images using a combination of optimization and fuzzy clustering improved by seed‐based region growing algorithm
Authors: Vishnuvarthanan G. , Rajasekaran M. Pallikonda , Vishnuvarthanan N. Anitha , Prasath T. Arun , Kannan M. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTTumor and Edema region present in Magnetic Resonance (MR) brain image can be segmented using Optimization and Clustering merged with seed‐based region growing algorithm. The proposed algorithm shows effectiveness in tumor detection in T1 ‐ w, T2 – w, Fluid Attenuated Inversion Recovery and Multiplanar Reconstruction type MR brain images. After an initial level segmentation exhibited by Modified Particle Swarm Optimization (MPSO) and Fuzzy C – Means (FCM) algorithm, the seed points are initialized using the region growing algorithm and based on these seed points; tumor detection in MR brain images is done. The parameters taken for comparison with the conventional techniques are Mean Square Error, Peak Signal to Noise Ratio, Jaccard (Tanimoto) index, Dice Overlap indices and Computational Time. These parameters prove the efficacy of the proposed algorithm. Heterogeneous type tumor regions present in the input MR brain images are segmented using the proposed algorithm. Furthermore, the algorithm shows augmentation in the process of brain tumor identification. Availability of gold standard images has led to the comparison of the suggested algorithm with MPSO‐based FCM and conventional Region Growing algorithm. Also, the algorithm recommended through this research is capable of producing Similarity Index value of 0.96, Overlap Fraction value of 0.97 and Extra Fraction value of 0.05, which are far better than the values articulated by MPSO‐based FCM and Region Growing algorithm. The proposed algorithm favors the segmentation of contrast enhanced images. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 27, 33–45, 2017
Stochastic Dynamic Programming‐Based Approach for Optimal Irrigation Scheduling under Restricted Water Availability Conditions
Authors: Anvari S. , Mousavi S.J. , Morid S. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThis study presents an optimization approach for irrigation scheduling across the different growth stages of crops and estimates crop yield functions considering evapotranspiration uncertainty and water scarcity. A stochastic dynamic programming (SDP) model is developed in which the restriction on total water availability is explicitly accounted for by an additional state variable. The model is used to derive optimal 10‐day allocation policies and maximize the expected value of annual yield as the objective function. The application of the proposed approach is illustrated in a multi‐crop realistic case downstream of Zayandeh‐Rud Dam, in the central plateau of Iran. Simulation of the derived optimal policies shows the significance of the proposed methodology compared with a deterministic linear programming‐based approach. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of PIV Experiment and Numerical Simulation on the Velocity Distribution of Intermediate Pressure Jets with Different Nozzle Parameters
Authors: Jiang Yue , Li Hong , Xiang Qingjiang , Chen Chao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe need for a reliable research method of the external flow field has increased with the more widespread use of intermediate pressure jets. The experimental method and numerical simulation method were investigated, using the particle image velocimetry (PIV) technique and the volume of fluid‐level set (VOF‐level set) method. Both methods performed well on nozzles with different geometric parameters at distances close to the nozzle and further away from it. With reference to the different measurement windows, the velocities in vertical profiles along the x‐axis, the change of maximum jet velocities and the break‐up length ranges of jet flows were obtained. The two methods authenticate each other, and the results indicate that the maximum velocities of jets decrease and the distribution widths of velocity field also increase with increase in distance away from the nozzles. The PIV and simulation gave similar results at different distances from the nozzle, and the experimental values were slightly higher than the simulation values due to the pressure fluctuation with an error of less than 8%. The break‐up length of jets increases with pressures in situations where the experimental values were lower than the simulation values due to the effect of air. The experimental data from PIV agreed well with the simulation results. Therefore, the accuracy and reliability of the PIV experiment and the CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) result simulation were both validated. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electrospun nerve guide scaffold of poly(ε‐caprolactone)/collagen/nanobioglass: an in vitro study in peripheral nerve tissue engineering
Authors: Mohamadi Forouzan , Ebrahimi‐Barough Somayeh , Reza Nourani Mohammad , Ali Derakhshan Mohammad , Goodarzi Vahabodin , Sadegh Nazockdast Mohammad , Farokhi Mehdi , Tajerian Roksana , Faridi Majidi Reza , Ai Jafar 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAmong various methods, nerve tissue engineering (NTE) is one of the applicable methods to reconstruct damaged nerve tissues. Electrospinning technique and biomaterials are often considered to fabricate fibrous tissue engineered conduits which have great similarity to the extracellular matrix on fiber structure. Polymer blending is one of the most effective methods for the production of new materials with outstanding features. In this study, conduit structures as main part of the peripheral nerve regeneration based on polymer blend nanocomposites poly(ε‐caprolactone)/collagen/nanobioglass (PCL/collagen/NBG) were manufactured by electrospinning technique. Various properties of electrospun mats were investigated by using contact angle, tensile, degradation time, porosity, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), and wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS). The SEM analysis was shown that size range and average pore size of polymer blend nanocomposite nanofibers were about 250–400 nm and 0.7 µm, respectively, with an optimum porosity of 62.5%. The XRD result was shown that synthesized nanoparticles of NBG had amorphous structures. Also, FTIR analysis indicated that good interaction between polymer–polymer macromolecules and polymer particles. The contact angle and tensile tests were indicated that electrospun webs showed good hydrophilicity and toughness properties. According to SEM, MTT assay and DAPI staining technique, the ability to support cell attachment and viability of samples were characterized. In vitro study indicated electrospun collagen/PCL/NBG nanofibrous conduit promoted Human Endometrial Stem cells (hEnSCs) adhesion and proliferation. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1960–1972, 2017.
Cathepsin K Controls Cortical Bone Formation by Degrading Periostin
Authors: Bonnet Nicolas , Brun Julia , Rousseau Jean-Charles , Duong Le T , Ferrari Serge L 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACT

Although inhibitors of bone resorption concomitantly reduce bone formation because of the coupling between osteoclasts and osteoblasts, inhibition or deletion of cathepsin k (CatK) stimulates bone formation despite decreasing resorption. The molecular mechanisms responsible for this increase in bone formation, particularly at periosteal surfaces where osteoclasts are relatively poor, remain unclear. Here we show that CatK pharmacological inhibition or deletion (Ctsk-/- mice) potentiates mechanotransduction signals mediating cortical bone formation. We identify periostin (Postn) as a direct molecular target for degradation by CatK and show that CatK deletion increases Postn and β-catenin expression in vivo, particularly at the periosteum. In turn, Postn deletion selectively abolishes cortical, but not trabecular, bone formation in CatK-deficient mice. Taken together, these data indicate that CatK not only plays a major role in bone remodeling but also modulates modeling-based cortical bone formation by degrading periostin and thereby moderating Wnt-β-catenin signaling. These findings provide novel insights into the role of CatK on bone homeostasis and the mechanisms of increased cortical bone volume with CatK mutations and pharmacological inhibitors. © 2017 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Tumor Suppressor PTPRJ Is a Target of miR‐155 in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Xiao‐Fei , Tu Rongfu , Li Keke , Ye Pengxiang , Cui Xiaofeng 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTPTPRJ is known for its antiproliferative role. Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) of PTPRJ has frequently been observed in various human cancers including colorectal cancer (CRC), lung cancer, and breast cancer. However, the function and mechanism of PTPRJ in CRC are not well understood. At the present study, we show that ectopic expression of PTPRJ inhibits cell growth, migration, and invasiveness in CRC cell line HCT116. Moreover, PTPRJ inhibits the tumorigenecity of HCT116 in a xenograft tumor model. MiR‐155, the well‐known oncomiR in CRC, is identified as an upstream factor of PTPRJ. MiR‐155 directly binds to the 3′ untranslated region of PTPRJ mRNA and suppresses the mRNA and protein levels of PTPRJ. Furthermore, the growth‐promoting and AKT signaling activation effect of miR‐155 was abrogated by PTPRJ overexpression, and vice versa. Our study reveals the crucial role of miR‐155/PTPRJ/AKT axis in proliferation and migration of CRC cells and suggests a therapeutic potential of PTPRJ. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3391–3400, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidant Actions of Copaiba Oil Are Related to Liver Cell Modifications in Arthritic Rats
Authors: Castro Ghizoni Cristiane V. , Arssufi Ames Ana P. , Lameira Osmar A. , Bersani Amado Ciomar A. , Sá Nakanishi Anacharis B. , Bracht Lívia , Marçal Natali Maria R. , Peralta Rosane M. , Bracht Adelar , Comar Jurandir F. 
Published: March 2017

ABSTRACTThe present study investigated the action of copaiba oil (Copaifera reticulata) on the systemic inflammation, oxidative status, and liver cell metabolism of rats with adjuvant‐induced arthritis. The later is an experimental autoimmune pathology that shares many features with the human rheumatoid arthritis. Holtzman rats were distributed into the following groups: control (healthy) rats; control rats treated with copaiba oil at the doses of 0.58 and 1.15 g · kg−1, arthritic rats, and arthritic rats treated with copaiba oil (0.58 and 1.15 g · kg−1). The oil was administrated orally once a day during 18 days after arthritis induction. Both doses of copaiba oil improved the paw edema and the dose of 0.58 mg · kg−1 improved the swollen adrenals and lymph nodes besides decreasing the plasmatic myeloperoxidase activity (−30%) of arthritic rats. Copaiba oil (1.15 g · kg−1) abolished the increases of protein carbonyl groups and reactive oxygen species in the liver and both doses increased the liver GSH content and the catalase activity in arthritic rats. Copaiba oil (1.15 g · kg−1) decreased glycolysis (−65%), glycogenolysis (−58%), and gluconeogenesis (−30%) in the liver of arthritic animals. However, gluconeogenesis was also diminished by the treatment of control rats, which presented lower body weight gain (−45%) and diminished number of hepatocytes per liver area (−20%) associated to higher liver weight (+29%) and increased hepatocyte area (+13%). The results reveal that copaiba oil presented systemic anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant actions in arthritic rats. These beneficial effects, however, were counterbalanced by harmful modifications in the liver cell metabolism and morphology of healthy control rats. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3409–3423, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.