bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exotic weeds and fluctuating microclimate can constrain native plant regeneration in urban forest restoration
Authors: Wallace K. J. , Laughlin Daniel C. , Clarkson Bruce D. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRestoring forest structure and composition is an important component of urban land management, but we lack clear understanding of the mechanisms driving restoration success. Here we studied two indicators of restoration success in temperate rainforests: native tree regeneration and epiphyte colonization. We hypothesized that ecosystem properties such as forest canopy openness, abundance of exotic herbaceous weeds, and the microclimate directly affect the density and diversity of native tree seedlings and epiphytes. Relationships between environmental conditions and the plant community were investigated in 27 restored urban forests spanning 3–70 years in age and in unrestored and remnant urban forests. We used structural equation modelling to determine the direct and indirect drivers of native tree regeneration and epiphyte colonization in the restored forests. Compared to remnant forest, unrestored forest had fewer native canopy tree species, significantly more light reaching the forest floor annually, and higher exotic weed cover. Additionally, epiphyte density was lower and native tree regeneration density was marginally lower in the unrestored forests. In restored forests, light availability was reduced to levels found in remnant forests within 20 years of restoration planting, followed shortly thereafter by declines in herbaceous exotic weeds and reduced fluctuation of relative humidity and soil temperatures. Contrary to expectations, canopy openness was only an indirect driver of tree regeneration and epiphyte colonization, but it directly regulated weed cover and microclimatic fluctuations, both of which directly drove the density and richness of regeneration and epiphyte colonization. Epiphyte density and diversity were also positively related to forest basal area, as large trees provide physical habitat for colonization. These results imply that ecosystem properties change predictably after initial restoration plantings, and that reaching critical thresholds in some ecosystem properties makes conditions suitable for the regeneration of late successional species, which is vital for restoration success and long‐term ecosystem sustainability. Abiotic and biotic conditions that promote tree regeneration and epiphyte colonization will likely be present in forests with a basal area ≥27 m2/ha. We recommend that urban forest restoration plantings be designed to promote rapid canopy closure to reduce light availability, suppress herbaceous weeds, and stabilize the microclimate.
The two water worlds hypothesis: Addressing multiple working hypotheses and proposing a way forward
Authors: Berry Z. Carter , Evaristo Jaivime , Moore Georgianne , Poca María , Steppe Kathy , Verrot Lucile , Asbjornsen Heidi , Borma Laura S. , Bretfeld Mario , Hervé‐Fernández Pedro , Seyfried Mark , Schwendenmann Luitgard , Sinacore Katherine , De Wispelaere Lien , McDonnell Jeffrey 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRecent studies using water isotopes have shown that trees and streams appear to return distinct water pools to the hydrosphere. Cryogenically extracted plant and soil water isotopic signatures diverge from the meteoric water lines, suggesting that plants would preferentially use bound soil water, while mobile soil water that infiltrates the soil recharges groundwater and feeds streamflow all plots on meteoric water lines. These findings have been described under the “two water worlds” (TWW) hypothesis. In spite of growing evidence for the TWW hypothesis, several questions remain unsolved within the scope of this framework. Here, we address the TWW as a null hypothesis and further assess the following: (a) the theoretical biophysical feasibility for two distinct water pools to exist, (b) plant and soil processes that could explain the different isotopic composition between the two water pools, and (c) methodological issues that could explain the divergent isotopic signatures. Moreover, we propose a way forward under the framework of the TWW hypothesis, proposing alternative perspectives and explanations, experiments to further test them, and methodological advances that could help illuminate this quest. We further highlight the need to improve our sampling resolution of plants and soils across time and space. We ultimately propose a set of key priorities for future research to improve our understanding of the ecohydrological processes controlling water flows through the soil–plant‐atmosphere continuum.
Ankyrin‐rich membrane spanning protein as a novel modulator of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1‐function in nociceptive neurons
Authors: Peter J. , Kasper C. , Kaufholz M. , Buschow R. , Isensee J. , Hucho T. , Herberg F.W. , Schwede F. , Stein C. , Jordt S.‐E. , Brackmann M. , Spahn V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundThe ion channel TRPV1 is mainly expressed in small diameter dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, which are involved in the sensation of acute noxious thermal and chemical stimuli. Direct modifications of the channel by diverse signalling events have been intensively investigated, but little is known about the composition of modulating macromolecular TRPV1 signalling complexes. Here, we hypothesize that the novel adaptor protein ankyrin‐rich membrane spanning protein/kinase D interacting substrate (ARMS) interacts with TRPV1 and modulates its function in rodent DRG neurons.MethodsWe used immunohistochemistry, electrophysiology, microfluorimetry and immunoprecipitation experiments to investigate TRPV1 and ARMS interactions in DRG neurons and transfected cells.ResultsWe found that TRPV1 and ARMS are co‐expressed in a subpopulation of DRG neurons. ARMS sensitizes TRPV1 towards capsaicin in transfected HEK 293 cells and in mouse DRG neurons in a PKA‐dependent manner. Using a combination of functional imaging and immunocytochemistry, we show that the magnitude of the capsaicin response in DRG neurons depends not only on TRPV1 expression, but on the co‐expression of ARMS alongside TRPV1.ConclusionThese data indicate that ARMS is an important component of the signalling complex regulating the sensitivity of TRPV1.SignificanceThe study identifies ARMS as an important component of the signalling complex regulating the sensitivity of excitatory ion channels (TRPV1) in peripheral sensory neurons (DRG neurons) and transfected cells.
Graphene Oxide Modified Chemically Activated Graphite Electrodes for Detection of microRNA
Authors: Erdem Arzum , Eksin Ece , Isin Deniz , Polat Derya 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn our study, graphene oxide (GO) modified graphite electrodes were used for sensitive and selective impedimetric detection of miRNA. After chemical activation of pencil graphite electrode (PGE) surface using covalent agents (CA), GO modification was performed at the surface of chemically activated PGE. Then, CA‐GO‐PGEs were applied for impedimetric miRNA detection. The microscopic and electrochemical characterization of CA‐GO‐PGEs was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The optimization of experimental conditions; such as GO concentration, DNA probe concentration and miRNA target concentration was performed by using EIS technique. After the hybridization occurred between miRNA‐34a RNA target and its complementary DNA probe, the hybrid was immobilized onto the surface of CA‐GO‐PGEs. Then, the impedimetric detection of miRNA‐DNA hybridization was performed by EIS. The selectivity of our assay was also tested under the optimum experimental conditions.
Undrained behaviour of granular soils conditioned for EPB tunnelling – A new experimental procedure
Authors: Martinelli Daniele , Winderholler Rodrigo , Peila Daniele 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThis paper presents a characterisation campaign carried out on granular soils conditioned for EPB tunnelling using a modified direct shear box. The main objective of soil conditioning is the reduction of its shear strength to control the counterpressure inside the bulk chamber. In order to preserve the pseudo‐fluid characteristics of the conditioned soil mass, the main concerning para meters are their undrained properties. To characterise the un drained behaviour an adopted watertight direct shear apparatus was used. The purpose of this research is to define a simplified testing procedure for conditioned soil, analysing its feasibility and reliability with resources that can be found at any laboratory or job site. A comparison between the results obtained under dry and conditioned conditions is presented for three different cohesionless soils. The choice of the materials studied has been made in order to cover a wide range within sands grain size.
Dealing with natural hazards along federal and state roads in Bavaria
Authors: Zumbrunnen Thomas , Thuro Kurosch , König Sebald 
Published: February 2017

AbstractRoads in the municipal Berchtesgaden are among the traffic infrastructure in Germany most highly endangered by natural hazards. Landslide, avalanche, rockfall and debris flow events led to repeated accidents and road closures. In order to improve the safety of main roads, a three‐stage approach has been introduced by the responsible road authority, especially in the light of finding the most suitable and sustainable solutions quickly. The first stage was a systematic spatial detection and delineation of all risk areas, as well as assessment of the level of risk and the resulting urgency. Based on this assessment, a more detailed investigation was conducted, leading to the development of tailored protection concepts. The main criteria for the entire design phase of any measure have always been the necessary level of protection, reasonable costs and environmental compatibility. Matching all these requirements is critical for rapid construction and therefore a reasonable use of resources. A good example of this approach is the integral protection concept for the B 21 main road with its central structure of a multifunctional protection gallery near Baumgarten. This has been completed recently, and several other projects are currently under construction.
Field Study of Variable Rate Irrigation Management in Humid Climates
Authors: Sui Ruixiu , Yan Haijun 
Published: February 2017

AbstractComparison of variable rate irrigation (VRI) management with uniform rate irrigation (URI) management in soybean and corn crops was studied for 2 years in Stoneville, Mississippi, USA. The experiments were conducted on two 6.7 ha fields. Each of them was equally split into two sectors. VRI management was performed in one sector and URI management in the other. A centre pivot VRI system was used for delivering irrigation water. Soil apparent electrical conductivity (EC) of the fields was used to delineate VRI management zones and create a VRI prescription map. The VRI treatment used 25% less irrigation water and produced 2.8% more yield in soybean and 0.8% more yield in corn than the URI treatment. Irrigation water productivity (WP) of soybean under VRI management was 0.84 kg m−3which is 31.2% higher than URI. The WP of corn under VRI management was 1.69 kg m−3, 27.1% higher than URI. Yield of the rainfed treatment was significantly lower than the VRI and URI treatments for both soybean and corn in the 2015 season (p < 0.05). Results in this study demonstrated that VRI management was superior to URI in terms of water use efficiency. Copyright © 2017. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA. Copyright © 2017. This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Comparison of two double red cell collection settings on Fenwal Alyx apheresis instrument
Authors: Burgstaler Edwin A. , Duffy Kimberly J. , Gandhi Manish J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe Fenwal Alyx for collecting double red cell products has two red cell volume collection settings: fixed collection target of 360 ml (180 ml/unit) and a variable target of collecting either 400 or 360 ml (200 or 180 ml/unit), where the machine aims for the higher possible collection target. We retrospectively compared the two collection targets for the RBC content, donor time, technician time, and collection efficiency. We compared 18 fixed (F) target collections to 40 variable (V) target collections. All collections were performed as per the manufacturer's recommendations on Alyx and donors met the manufacturer's eligibility criteria. There was no significant difference in average whole blood processed (F: 963 ml, V: 1,000 ml); donor time (F: 43 min, V: 45 min) or technician time (F: 64 min, V: 64 min). There was a significant difference in unit volume (F: 283 ml, V: 300 ml); grams Hb/unit (F: 53 g, V: 57 g); ml RBC/unit (F: 157 ml, V: 167 ml); and RBC recovery (F: 87.8%, V: 88.9%). The fixed target had a significantly lower frequency of products with ≥51 g Hb (80.6%) than variable target (96.3%) and ≥153 ml RBC/unit (F: 55.6%, V: 96.3%). In conclusion, the variable target efficiently allows collections of products with higher red cell volume and hemoglobin without a significant increase in collection and processing time.
New advances of TMEM88 in cancer initiation and progression, with special emphasis on Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Ge Yun‐xuan , Wang Chang‐hui , Hu Fu‐yong , Pan Lin‐xin , Min Jie , Niu Kai‐yuan , Zhang Lei , Li Jun , Xu Tao 
Published: February 2017

Transmembrane protein 88 (TMEM88), a newly discovered protein localized on the cell membrane. Recent studies showed that TMEM88 was involved in the regulation of several types of cancer. TMEM88 was expressed at significantly higher levels in breast cancer (BC) cell line than in normal breast cell line with co‐localized with Dishevelled (DVL) in the cytoplasm of BC cell line. TMEM88 silencing in the ovarian cancer cell line CP70 resulted in significant upregulation of Wnt downstream genes (c‐Myc, cyclin‐D1) and other Wnt target genes including JUN, PTIX2, CTNNB1 (β‐catenin), further supporting that TMEM88 inhibits canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt signaling pathway has been known to play important roles in many diseases, especially in cancer. For instance, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become one of the most common tumors harboring mutations in the Wnt signaling pathway. As the inhibitor of Wnt signaling, TMEM88 has been considered to act as an oncogene or a tumor suppressor. Up‐regulated TMEM88 or gene therapy approaches could be an effective therapeutic approach against tumor as TMEM88 inhibits Wnt signaling through direct interaction with DVL. Here, we review the current knowledge on the functional role and potential clinical application of TMEM88 in the control of various cancers.HighlightsWnt signaling displays an important role in several pathogenesis of cancer.Wnt signaling pathway is activated during cancer development.TMEM88 has an impact on cancer by inhibiting canonical Wnt signaling.We discuss the importance and new applications of TMEM88 in cancer therapy.
Resolution and super‐resolution
Authors: Sheppard Colin J. R. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMany papers have claimed the attainment of super‐resolution, i.e. resolution beyond that achieved classically, by measurement of the profile of a feature in the image. We argue that measurement of the contrast of the image of a dark bar on a bright background does not give a measure of resolution, but of detection sensitivity. The width of a bar that gives an intensity at the center of the bar of 0.735 that in the bright region (the same ratio as in the Rayleigh resolution criterion) is
for the coherent case with central illumination. This figure, which compares with
for the Abbe resolution limit with central illumination, holds for the classical case, and so is no indication of super‐resolution. Theoretical images for two points, two lines, arrays of lines, arrays of bars, and grating objects are compared. These results can be used a reference for experimental results, to determine if super‐resolution has indeed been attained. The history of the development of the theory of microscope resolution is outlined.
An organizational ethic of care and employee involvement in sustainability‐related behaviors: A social identity perspective
Authors: Carmeli Abraham , Brammer Stephen , Gomes Emanuel , Tarba Shlomo Y. 
Published: February 2017

SummaryWe expand on the emergent research of an ethic of care (EoC) to theorize why and how an organizational EoC fosters employee involvement in sustainability‐related behaviors at work. Across two studies, we explore the socio‐psychological mechanisms that link an EoC and involvement in sustainability‐related behaviors. The results of Study 1, in which we applied an experimental design, indicate that an EoC is significantly related, through employees' affective reaction towards organizational sustainability, to involvement in sustainability‐related behaviors. In Study 2, in which we used time‐lagged data, we further drew on social identity theory to suggest that an EoC is both directly and indirectly, through enhanced organizational identification, related to employees' satisfaction with organizational sustainability. Through these two mechanisms, we explain the process by which an EoC can drive employee involvement in sustainability‐related behaviors. These theoretical developments and empirical findings help to better understand the micro‐foundations of organizational sustainability by building upon the moral theorizing of care.
Maternal cinnamon extract intake during lactation leads to sex‐specific endocrine modifications in rat offspring
Authors: Bento‐Bernardes Thais , Toste Fernanda P , Pazos‐Moura Carmen C , Oliveira Karen J 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDCinnamon supplementation has been associated with an improvement in glucose disposal and a reduction in fat mass in type 2 diabetes. Maternal nutrition during lactation impacts the health of the offspring throughout life. We hypothesize that cinnamon intake by lactating rats affects maternal physiology, leading to hormonal and metabolic changes in their offspring. To investigate this hypothesis, dams received aqueous cinnamon extract (400 mg cinnamon kg−1 body mass day−1) or water orally, during lactation.RESULTSMaternal cinnamon intake did not affect the body mass gain or food intake of dams or their offspring, although it decreased visceral white adipose tissue mass in dams and in their adult offspring of both sexes. Cinnamon‐treated dams exhibited no differences in serum insulin, adiponectin, leptin or estradiol levels, although they presented higher serum progesterone. At weaning, cinnamon male pups exhibited lower insulinemia, whereas cinnamon female pups exhibited lower glycemia. Interestingly, in adulthood, only the female offspring exhibited an altered hormonal profile, with reduced serum leptin, adiponectin and insulin levels accompanied by lower glycemia.CONCLUSIONThe present study demonstrates that maternal cinnamon intake during lactation promotes mild changes in dams and can trigger sex‐specific metabolic programming in pups that lasts into adulthood. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Anti‐prediabetic effect of rose hip (Rosa canina) extract in spontaneously diabetic Torii rats
Authors: Chen Si Jing , Aikawa Chiwa , Yoshida Risa , Kawaguchi Tomoaki , Matsui Toshiro 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDPrediabetes, a high‐risk state for developing diabetes showing impaired glucose tolerance but a normal fasting blood glucose level, has an increasing prevalence worldwide. However, no study investigating the prevention of impaired glucose tolerance at the prediabetic stage by anti‐diabetic functional foods has been reported. Thus, the present study aimed to evaluate the anti‐prediabetic effect of rose hip in a prediabetic rat model.RESULTSSpontaneously diabetic Torii (SDT) rats were supplemented with hot‐water extract of rose hip at a dose of 100 mg kg–1 body weight day–1 for 12 weeks. The results obtained showed that the supplementation of rose hip extract improved impaired glucose tolerance, promoted insulin secretion, preserved pancreatic beta‐cell function and suppressed plasma advanced glycation end‐products formation of methylglyoxal‐derived hydroimidazolone (MG‐H1) residue and Nϵ‐carboxymethyl‐lysine residues (e.g. MG‐H1, control: 465.5 ± 43.8 versus rose hip: 59.1 ± 13.0 pmol mg protein–1, P < 0.05) in SDT rats at the prediabetic stage (12–20 weeks old).CONCLUSIONThe present study provides the first evidence showing that a hot‐water extract of rose hip could exert an anti‐prediabetic effect in a rat model. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Morphological Similarity of Channels: From Linear Erosional Features (Rill, Gully) to Alpine Rivers
Authors: Sofia Giulia , Di Stefano Costanza , Ferro Vito , Tarolli Paolo 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe geometric characteristics of incised features such as channels, rills, ephemeral gully, gully, represent the erosional transport regime and the fluvial dynamic equilibrium, and thus it is critical for the understanding of the long‐term evolution of natural, agricultural, and anthropogenic landscapes. This paper examines the morphological similarity of channelized erosion in two different environments such as Alpine landscapes and cultivated hillslopes. The first dataset comprises six rivers in the Italian Alps, three in the Carnia region and three in the Dolomites, where erosion is mainly the effect of discharges with high sediment loads or landslides and debris flows. The agricultural areas dataset includes rills, ephemeral gullies, and gullies surveyed in literature. This research highlights that the eroded volume in Alpine rivers is in line with that of agricultural landscapes or badlands around the world. Dolomites rivers of colluvial origin, flowing on soils that are not particularly deep and subject to natural disaggregation, tend to behave similarly to ephemeral gullies. Contrarily, channels that exhibit evident alluvial morphologies and coarse grain sizes are more similar to gully erosion. At different spatial scales, the results demonstrated that length–volume equations calibrated on rills, ephemeral gullies, gullies and badlands, might be feasible also for Alpine channels. The research areas present soils and bedrock lithology that differs from those in literature, thus suggesting that the morphology of linear erosion is independent of the intrinsic soil characteristics. Differences emerged between Dolomites and Carnia rivers: this highlights the importance of taking into account in future analyses other forcing factors (e.g. climate) on land degradation processes. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.