bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interacting effects of grazing and habitat conditions on seedling recruitment and establishment
Authors: Kladivová Anna , Münzbergová Zuzana 
Published: February 2016

AbstractQuestionsWhat is the effect of grazing on seedling recruitment and seedling establishment? To what extent is grazing dependent on local habitat conditions?LocationČeský Kras (Czech Karst), central Bohemia, Czech Republic.MethodsIn 2005, grazing was reintroduced on formerly grazed dry grassland. Twelve blocks of grazed and control plots were established. Seedlings of dicotyledonous plants were observed three times a year for 4 yrs, for a total of ten censuses. We tested the effects of grazing on seedling recruitment (entry of new individuals to the seedling stage) as well as seedling establishment (survival of seedlings for 1 yr after initial emergence). In addition, we explored the effect of soil depth – the most important environmental variable at our study site – on seedling response to grazing. The effects of grazing, soil depth and season on seedling number in plots were tested with generalized mixed effect models with a Poisson distribution. The effect of grazing on species composition was tested with canonical correspondence analysis.ResultsGrazing had a significant positive effect on seedling recruitment. Grazing affected the number of seedlings and species composition and facilitated the presence of dry grassland species. Seedlings of xerophilous species were primarily found in grazed plots, while control plots contained species preferring higher, closed sward. Grazing explained only 1.2% of the total variation in composition of recruited seedlings. We presume that the main factor determining species composition could be dispersal limitation. Grazing increased the number of recruited seedlings by 10.55%. The final number of established seedlings was unaffected by grazing. Furthermore, the interaction of grazing with soil depth had a significant positive effect on seedling recruitment, thus showing that the effect of grazing strongly depends on habitat conditions at the specific microsite within our location.ConclusionsOur results indicate that predicting higher generative reproduction on pastures based on a larger number of seedlings may be misleading if the species are limited by establishment – but not recruitment – as at our study site. Furthermore, our findings show that varying habitat conditions on small spatial scales can modify the impact of management on seedling recruitment and establishment.
Relay Requirement and Traffic Assignment of Electric Vehicles
Authors: Xie Chi , Jiang Nan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractThis article defines, formulates, and solves a new equilibrium traffic assignment problem with side constraints—the traffic assignment problem with relays. The relay requirement arises from the driving situation that the onboard fuel capacity of vehicles is lower than what is needed for accomplishing their trips and the number and distribution of refueling infrastructures over the network are under the expected level. We proposed this problem as a modeling platform for evaluating congested regional transportation networks that serve plug‐in electric vehicles (in addition to internal combustion engine vehicles), where battery‐recharging or battery‐swapping stations are scarce. Specifically, we presented a novel nonlinear integer programming formulation, analyzed its mathematical properties and paradoxical phenomena, and suggested a generalized Benders decomposition framework for its solutions. In the algorithmic framework, a gradient projection algorithm and a labeling algorithm are adopted for, respectively, solving the primal problem and the relaxed master problem—the shortest path problem with relays. The modeling and solution methods are implemented for solving a set of example network problems. The numerical analysis results obtained from the implementation clearly show how the driving range limit and relay station location reshape equilibrium network flows.
Listeria monocytogenes wall teichoic acid decoration in virulence and cell‐to‐cell spread
Authors: Spears Patricia A. , Havell Edward A. , Hamrick Terri S. , Goforth John B. , Levine Alexandra L. , Abraham S. Thomas , Heiss Christian , Azadi Parastoo , Orndorff Paul E. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryWall teichoic acid (WTA) comprises a class of glycopolymers covalently attached to the peptidoglycan of gram positive bacteria. In Listeria monocytogenes, mutations that prevent addition of certain WTA decorating sugars are attenuating. However, the steps required for decoration and the pathogenic process interrupted are not well described. We systematically examined the requirement for WTA galactosylation in a mouse oral‐virulent strain by first creating mutations in four genes whose products conferred resistance to a WTA‐binding bacteriophage. WTA biochemical and structural studies indicated that galactosylated WTA was directly required for bacteriophage adsorption and that mutant WTA lacked appreciable galactose in all except one mutant – which retained a level ca. 7% of the parent. All mutants were profoundly attenuated in orally infected mice and were impaired in cell‐to‐cell spread in vitro. Confocal microscopy of cytosolic mutants revealed that all expressed ActA on their cell surface and formed actin tails with a frequency similar to the parent. However, the mutant tails were significantly shorter – suggesting a defect in actin based motility. Roles for the gene products in WTA galactosylation are proposed. Identification and interruption of WTA decoration pathways may provide a general strategy to discover non‐antibiotic therapeutics for gram positive infections. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Low‐dose paclitaxel ameliorates renal fibrosis by suppressing transforming growth factor‐β1‐induced plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 signaling
Authors: Jung Eun Sook , Lee Jeonghwan , Heo Nam Ju , Kim Sejoong , Kim Dong Ki , Joo Kwon Wook , Han Jin Suk 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo investigate the effect of microtubule stabilization with low‐dose paclitaxel on renal fibrosis, focusing on the transforming growth factor‐β1 (TGF‐β1)‐induced plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1) signaling cascade.MethodsForty‐eight rats were randomly assigned to four groups: sham/vehicle, sham/paclitaxel, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)/vehicle and UUO/paclitaxel. Rats were treated with a 0.3 mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of paclitaxel or vehicle twice per week for 14 days. Half of the rats in each group were sacrificed respectively on day 7 and 14 after operation. Inner medullar collecting duct (IMCD) cells stimulated with TGF‐β1 were incubated with 0, 1 and 2 nM paclitaxel for 24 and 72 hours. Histological changes were assessed using periodic acid‐Schiff and Masson's trichrome. The TGF‐β1‐induced PAI‐1 signaling and status of extracellular matrix proteins were evaluated by western blot analysis.ResultsIn the UUO kidneys, paclitaxel significantly attenuated tubular damage and interstitial collagen deposition, as well as α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), TGF‐β1 and PAI‐1 protein expression. Paclitaxel also inhibited the UUO‐induced activation of Smad2/3 and c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK). However, paclitaxel treatment did not inhibit extracellular signal‐regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) or p38 expression. In TGF‐β1‐treated IMCD cells, treatment with 1 and 2 nM paclitaxel for 72 h reduced fibronectin, α‐SMA and PAI‐1 protein expression. Moreover, a 2 nM dose of paclitaxel for 24 h significantly inhibited the TGF‐β1‐stimulated activation of Smad2/3, JNK and ERK1/2 in IMCD cells.ConclusionPaclitaxel at low non‐cytotoxic doses ameliorates renal fibrosis by inhibiting multiple steps in the TGF‐β1‐induced PAI‐1 signaling including Smads and mitogen‐activated protein kinases.
Characterizing colonic motility in children with chronic intractable constipation: a look beyond high‐amplitude propagating sequences
Authors: Wessel S. , Koppen I. J. N. , Wiklendt L. , Costa M. , Benninga M. A. , Dinning P. G. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundChildren with chronic intractable constipation experience severe and long‐lasting symptoms, which respond poorly to conventional therapeutic strategies. Detailed characterization of colonic motor patterns in such children has not yet been obtained.MethodsIn 18 children with chronic intractable constipation, a high‐resolution water‐perfused manometry catheter (36 sensors at 1.5‐cm intervals) was colonoscopically placed with the tip at the distal transverse colon. Colonic motor patterns were recorded for 2 h prior to and after a meal and then after colonic infusion of bisacodyl. These data were compared with previously published colonic manometry data from 12 healthy adult controls and 14 adults with slow‐transit constipation.Key ResultsThe postprandial number of the retrograde cyclic propagating motor pattern was significantly reduced in these children compared with healthy adults (children, 3.1 ± 4.7/h vs healthy adults, 34.7 ± 45.8/h; p < 0.0001) but not constipated adults (4.5 ± 5.6/h; p = 0.9). The number of preprandial long‐single motor patterns was significantly higher (p = 0.003) in children (8.0 ± 13.2/h) than in healthy adults (0.4 ± 0.9/h) and in constipated adults (0.4 ± 0.7/h). Postprandial high‐amplitude propagating sequences (HAPSs) were rarely observed in children (2/18), but HAPS could be induced by bisacodyl in 16 of 18 children.Conclusions & InferencesChildren with chronic intractable constipation show a similar impaired postprandial colonic response to that seen in adults with slow‐transit constipation. Children may have attenuated extrinsic parasympathetic inputs to the colon associated with an increased incidence of spontaneous long‐single motor patterns.
Colonic content in health and its relation to functional gut symptoms
Authors: Bendezú R. A. , Barba E. , Burri E. , Cisternas D. , Accarino A. , Quiroga S. , Monclus E. , Navazo I. , Malagelada J.‐R. , Azpiroz F. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractBackgroundGut content may be determinant in the generation of digestive symptoms, particularly in patients with impaired gut function and hypersensitivity. Since the relation of intraluminal gas to symptoms is only partial, we hypothesized that non‐gaseous component may play a decisive role.MethodsAbdominal computed tomography scans were evaluated in healthy subjects during fasting and after a meal (n = 15) and in patients with functional gut disorders during basal conditions (when they were feeling well) and during an episode of abdominal distension (n = 15). Colonic content and distribution were measured by an original analysis program.Key ResultsIn healthy subjects both gaseous (87 ± 24 mL) and non‐gaseous colonic content (714 ± 34 mL) were uniformly distributed along the colon. In the early postprandial period gas volume increased (by 46 ± 23 mL), but non‐gaseous content did not, although a partial caudad displacement from the descending to the pelvic colon was observed. No differences in colonic content were detected between patients and healthy subjects. Symptoms were associated with discrete increments in gas volume. However, no consistent differences in non‐gaseous content were detected in patients between asymptomatic periods and during episodes of abdominal distension.Conclusions & InferencesIn patients with functional gut disorders, abdominal distension is not related to changes in non‐gaseous colonic content. Hence, other factors, such as intestinal hypersensitivity and poor tolerance of small increases in luminal gas may be involved.
Epigenetic regulation of subgenome dominance following whole genome triplication in Brassica rapa
Authors: Cheng Feng , Sun Chao , Wu Jian , Schnable James , Woodhouse Margaret R. , Liang Jianli , Cai Chengcheng , Freeling Michael , Wang Xiaowu 
Published: February 2016

Summary

Subgenome dominance is an important phenomenon observed in allopolyploids after whole genome duplication, in which one subgenome retains more genes as well as contributes more to the higher expressing gene copy of paralogous genes.

To dissect the mechanism of subgenome dominance, we systematically investigated the relationships of gene expression, transposable element (TE) distribution and small RNA targeting, relating to the multicopy paralogous genes generated from whole genome triplication in Brassica rapa.

The subgenome dominance was found to be regulated by a relatively stable factor established previously, then inherited by and shared among B. rapa varieties. In addition, we found a biased distribution of TEs between flanking regions of paralogous genes. Furthermore, the 24‐nt small RNAs target TEs and are negatively correlated to the dominant expression of individual paralogous gene pairs. The biased distribution of TEs among subgenomes and the targeting of 24‐nt small RNAs together produce the dominant expression phenomenon at a subgenome scale.

Based on these findings, we propose a bucket hypothesis to illustrate subgenome dominance and hybrid vigor. Our findings and hypothesis are valuable for the evolutionary study of polyploids, and may shed light on studies of hybrid vigor, which is common to most species.
Alleviation of proton toxicity by nitrate uptake specifically depends on nitrate transporter 1.1 in Arabidopsis
Authors: Fang Xian Zhi , Tian Wen Hao , Liu Xing Xing , Lin Xian Yong , Jin Chong Wei , Zheng Shao Jian 
Published: February 2016

Summary

Protons in acid soil are highly rhizotoxic to plants, but the mechanism of tolerance of plants to protons is largely unknown. Nitrate uptake by root cells is accompanied by the uptake of protons. Therefore, nitrate uptake transporters (NRTs) may be involved in plant tolerance to proton toxicity.

We investigated the root nitrate uptake response to proton stress in Arabidopsis and its association with proton tolerance using NRT‐related mutants and pharmacological methods.

Lack of NRT1.1 in knockout nrt1.1 mutants led to impaired proton tolerance in nitrate‐sufficient growth medium, whereas no difference was seen between wild‐type plants and NRT1.2‐, NRT2.1‐, NRT2.2‐, and NRT2.4‐null mutants. Another nrt1.1 point mutant, which is defective in nitrate uptake but has a normal nitrate‐sensing function, also had impaired proton tolerance compared with the wild‐type plant. Furthermore, proton stress induced NRT1.1‐mediated nitrate uptake. These results indicate that NRT1.1‐conferred proton tolerance depends on nitrate uptake activity. In addition, the rooting medium was alkalified by wild‐type plants, but not by knockout nrt1.1 mutants, and in pH‐buffered medium, there were no differences in proton tolerance between wild‐type plants and knockout nrt1.1 mutants.

We conclude that NRT1.1‐mediated nitrate uptake plays a crucial role in plant proton tolerance by alkalifying the rhizosphere.
Communication of information about oral and oropharyngeal cancer: the quality of online resources
Authors: Bánki F. , Thomas S.J. , Main B.G. , Waylen A.E. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractAimTo critically appraise the content, quality and readability of websites that provide online information about oral and oropharyngeal cancer and are accessible by people diagnosed with that condition.Material and methodsThree popular search engines were used to find websites providing information about oral and oropharyngeal cancer, and all links that presented on the first page of the search were analysed. Included sites were assessed for content (intended audience, and evidence of quality assurance). The validated DISCERN tool was used to assess the quality of sites. A readability score was calculated. Descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed.ResultsA total of 162 web sites were examined. The majority (87%) were written for a clinical audience. Most (89%) did not display evidence of quality assurance. The median overall quality (DISCERN) score was 2.0, indicating potentially serious shortcomings. There was a correlation between the DISCERN scores and evidence of quality assurance certification, but this was not seen for readability.ConclusionThe quality of online information that may be accessed by people with oral and oropharyngeal cancer when seeking information online remains poor.
The production of human glucocerebrosidase in glyco‐engineered Nicotiana benthamiana plants
Authors: Limkul Juthamard , Iizuka Sayoko , Sato Yohei , Misaki Ryo , Ohashi Takao , Ohashi Toya , Fujiyama Kazuhito 
Published: February 2016

SummaryFor the production of therapeutic proteins in plants, the presence of β1,2‐xylose and core α1,3‐fucose on plants’ N‐glycan structures has been debated for their antigenic activity. In this study, RNA interference (RNAi) technology was used to down‐regulate the endogenous N‐acetylglucosaminyltransferase I (GNTI) expression in Nicotiana benthamiana. One glyco‐engineered line (NbGNTI‐RNAi) showed a strong reduction of plant‐specific N‐glycans, with the result that as much as 90.9% of the total N‐glycans were of high‐mannose type. Therefore, this NbGNTI‐RNAi would be a promising system for the production of therapeutic glycoproteins in plants. The NbGNTI‐RNAi plant was cross‐pollinated with transgenic N. benthamiana expressing human glucocerebrosidase (GC). The recombinant GC, which has been used for enzyme replacement therapy in patients with Gaucher's disease, requires terminal mannose for its therapeutic efficacy. The N‐glycan structures that were presented on all of the four occupied N‐glycosylation sites of recombinant GC in NbGNTI‐RNAi plants (GCgnt1) showed that the majority (ranging from 73.3% up to 85.5%) of the N‐glycans had mannose‐type structures lacking potential immunogenic β1,2‐xylose and α1,3‐fucose epitopes. Moreover, GCgnt1 could be taken up into the macrophage cells via mannose receptors, and distributed and taken up into the liver and spleen, the target organs in the treatment of Gaucher's disease. Notably, the NbGNTI‐RNAi line, producing GC, was stable and the NbGNTI‐RNAi plants were viable and did not show any obvious phenotype. Therefore, it would provide a robust tool for the production of GC with customized N‐glycan structures.
De Novo Mutation in ABCC9 Causes Hypertrichosis Acromegaloid Facial Features Disorder
Authors: Afifi Hanan H. , Abdel‐Hamid Mohamed S. , Eid Maha M. , Mostafa Inas S. , Abdel‐Salam Ghada M.H. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA 13‐year‐old Egyptian girl with generalized hypertrichosis, gingival hyperplasia, coarse facial appearance, no cardiovascular or skeletal anomalies, keloid formation, and multiple labial frenula was referred to our clinic for counseling. Molecular analysis of the ABCC9 gene showed a de novo missense mutation located in exon 27, which has been described previously with Cantu syndrome. An overlap between Cantu syndrome, acromegaloid facial syndrome, and hypertrichosis acromegaloid facial features disorder is apparent at the phenotypic and molecular levels. The patient reported here gives further evidence that these syndromes are an expression of the ABCC9‐related disorders, ranging from hypertrichosis and acromegaloid facies to the severe end of Cantu syndrome.
Deep procedural sedation by a sedationist team for outpatient pediatric renal biopsies
Authors: Kamat Pradip P. , Ayestaran Frank W. , Gillespie Scott E. , Sanders Rebecca D. , Greenbaum Larry A. , Simon Harold K. , Stockwell Jana A. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractTo date, no study has analyzed the use of deep PS for pediatric renal biopsies by a dedicated sedation team in an outpatient setting. Retrospective analysis of renal biopsies performed at CHOA from 2009 to 2013. Patient demographics, procedure success, and sedation‐related events were analyzed. Logistic regression techniques were applied to identify characteristics associated with procedure safety and success. A total of 174 biopsies from 136 patients, aged 2–21 yr, were reviewed. Of the 174 biopsies, 63 of 174 (36%) were from native, and 111 of 174 (64%) were from transplanted kidneys, respectively. No deaths, allograft losses, or unanticipated hospital admissions occurred. The most commonly utilized interventions during sedation were blow‐by oxygen (29.9%) and CPAP (12.1%). Children receiving the combination of F + P had significantly higher biopsy success rates vs. other drug combinations (96.1% vs. 79%; p = 0.014). There was no difference in complication rates regardless of drug combination or biopsy type (transplanted vs. native). The combination of F + P yields a high procedural success rate for outpatient native and transplanted kidney biopsies. We identified a number of sedation‐related events that can be easily managed by a well‐trained sedationist team.
Codelivery of DNA vaccination encoding LeIF gene and IL‐12 increases protection against Leishmania major infection in BALB/c mice
Authors: Maspi N. , Ghaffarifar F. , Sharifi Z. , Dalimi A. 
Published: February 2016

SummaryPrevious studies have shown that Leishmania elongation initiation factor (LeIF) antigen causes a partial immunity against leishmaniasis. The antigen develops type I immunity by overexpression of inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin‐12 (IL‐12), IFN‐γ and TNF‐α. Therefore, We evaluated immune responses induced by the LeIF gene against Leishmania major infection. Immunization with LeIF gene alone or with IL‐12 induced Th1 response and produced higher IFN‐γ and lower IL‐4 levels by splenocytes than control groups (P < 0·05) and also ratios of IFN‐γ/IL‐4 were 11·68 to 18·53 times more in immunized groups than control groups after challenge. In addition, analysis of humoral immune response revealed that immunized mice had more IgG2a levels than both control groups (P < 0·05). On the other hand, lesion size was less for immunized animals than control groups from 4th week after challenge (P < 0·05). The percentage reduction in lesion size was 29·30% for LeIF and 51·98% for LeIF + IL‐12 than PBS at 12th week post‐infection. Spleen parasite burden decreased in all immunized groups in comparison with control groups (P < 0·05). The results indicated that LeIF gene induced partial immunity against L. major infection in BALB/c mice. However, LeIF plus IL‐12 group showed more potent immunity with smaller lesions than other groups.
To Rural Proof or Not to Rural Proof: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Shortall Sally , Alston Margaret 
Published: February 2016

Rural mainstreaming reviews policies to ensure people in all parts of a country receive comparable policy treatment. Rural proofing is the method used to ensure that rural mainstreaming is correctly carried out. This article offers a critical analysis of rural proofing. It examines English policies in this area and questions how applicable similar policies might be in an Australian context. We argue that while rural proofing intuitively feels like a positive development for a country rich in rural and remote areas, there are many complexities to importing a policy designed for a different social and spatial context. In Australia, this is almost certain to render attempts to implement the English rural proofing concept futile. Indeed, we contend that this concept can potentially lead to the marginalization of rural issues. We conclude by identifying some of the complex questions our argument identifies which should be addressed by Australian policy makers before designing specific policies.Related Articles

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Sharif As‐Saber. 2015. “.” Politics & Policy 3 (): 474‐501. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12121/pdf

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Laura MacDonald. 2011. “.” Politics & Policy 39 (): 45‐67. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2010.00282.x/full
Related Media
. 2014. “Rural Proofing Australia—We All Count!” http://www.nrwc.com.au/Projects/RuralProofing.aspx

. 2015. “Rural Proofing Guidance.” https://www.gov.uk/guidance/rural-proofing-guidance