bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Zinc oxide nanoparticles inhibit expression of manganese superoxide dismutase via amplification of oxidative stress, in murine photoreceptor cells
Authors: Guo Da Dong , Li Qin , Tang Hong Ying , Su Jing , Bi Hong Sheng 
Published: April 2016

AbstractObjectivesAs a parenchymal cell, the photoreceptor is more susceptible to alterations in outer micro‐environmental conditions than other cells. In the present study, we aimed to investigate inhibitory effects of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on expression of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in murine photoreceptor‐derived cells.Materials and methodsWe investigated effects of ZnO nanoparticles on murine photoreceptor cell viability and on expression and activity of MnSOD using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, immunofluorescence analysis, flow cytometry, quantitative real‐time PCR and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).ResultsZnO nanoparticles were found to have higher cytotoxic effects in concentration‐ and time‐dependent manners, to elevate intracellular levels of hydrogen peroxide and hydroxyl radicals, and thus to induce overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, leading to cell damage. Moreover, ZnO nanoparticles also significantly reduced expression of MnSOD at both the mRNA and protein levels, reduced its activity, and further aggravated oxidative stress‐mediated cell damage.ConclusionOverall, ZnO nanoparticle‐induced cytotoxicity was associated with elevated levels of oxidative stress due to overproduction of ROS and reduced expression and activity of MnSOD.
Use of Fluoroscopy–Echocardiography Fusion Imaging in Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement
Authors: Eskandari Mehdi , Dworakowski Rafal , Byrne Jonathan , Wendler Olaf , MacCarthy Philip , Monaghan Mark 
Published: April 2016

Mini‐AbstractCoregistration of real time two‐dimensional and three‐dimensional echocardiography with fluoroscopy providing “hybrid imaging” has recently become commercially available and has been used in a range of structural heart intervention. We present how such a technique can be integrated into the transcatheter aortic valve replacement procedure.
Foraging activity of leaf‐cutting ants changes light availability and plant assemblage in Atlantic forest
Authors: CORRÊA MICHELE M. , SILVA PAULO S. D. , WIRTH RAINER , TABARELLI MARCELO , LEAL INARA R. 
Published: April 2016

1. Leaf‐cutting ants (LCAs) have often been denoted as ecosystem engineers because of their multifarious effects on the vegetation, particularly via nest‐driven environmental changes. However, the non‐trophic impacts of LCAs on forest dynamics via foliage harvesting across sizeable foraging zones (so‐called associated ecosystem engineering) are still poorly investigated.2. Here, light availability and sapling assemblages were assessed within foraging areas and ant‐free control zones of 16 Atta cephalotes colonies located in a large remnant of Atlantic forest in northeastern Brazil.3. Canopy openness and total light transmission were 1.4 and 1.6 times higher in foraging zones than in control areas. In parallel, sapling density and species richness decreased constantly from control to foraging zone plots. Additionally, shade‐tolerant species exhibited reduced abundance across foraging zones. A non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordination based on taxonomic similarity primarily segregated foraging zone and control plots; foraging zone plots converged to be more similar to each other as well. Finally, some plant species emerged as indicators of LCA‐free zones.4. These results suggest that LCA foraging activity in the forest canopy directly increases the light availability and indirectly affects the recruitment and the structure of local plant assemblages.5. Such a biologically significant effect on the light environment and its cascades confirms LCAs as potent ecosystem engineers, particularly as a plant assembly force, which operates beyond the spatial reach of their well‐described nest effects.
Differential effectiveness of selected non‐psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment
Authors: Oláh Attila , Markovics Arnold , Szabó‐Papp Judit , Szabó Pálma Tímea , Stott Colin , Zouboulis Christos C. , Bíró Tamás 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAcne is a common skin disease characterized by elevated sebum production and inflammation of the sebaceous glands. We have previously shown that a non‐psychotropic phytocannabinoid ((–)‐cannabidiol [CBD]) exerted complex anti‐acne effects by normalizing ‘pro‐acne agents’‐induced excessive sebaceous lipid production, reducing proliferation and alleviating inflammation in human SZ95 sebocytes. Therefore, in this study we aimed to explore the putative anti‐acne effects of further non‐psychotropic phytocannabinoids ((–)‐cannabichromene [CBC], (–)‐cannabidivarin [CBDV], (–)‐cannabigerol [CBG], (–)‐cannabigerovarin [CBGV] and (–)‐Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabivarin [THCV]). Viability and proliferation of human SZ95 sebocytes were investigated by MTT and CyQUANT assays; cell death and lipid synthesis were monitored by DilC1(5)‐SYTOX Green labelling and Nile Red staining, respectively. Inflammatory responses were investigated by monitoring expressions of selected cytokines upon lipopolysaccharide treatment (RT‐qPCR, ELISA). Up to 10 μm, the phytocannabinoids only negligibly altered the viability of the sebocytes, whereas high doses (≥50 μm) induced apoptosis. Interestingly, basal sebaceous lipid synthesis was differentially modulated by the substances: CBC and THCV suppressed it, and CBDV had only minor effects, whereas CBG and CBGV increased it. Importantly, CBC, CBDV and THCV significantly reduced arachidonic acid (AA)‐induced ‘acne‐like’ lipogenesis. Moreover, THCV suppressed proliferation, and all phytocannabinoids exerted remarkable anti‐inflammatory actions. Our data suggest that CBG and CBGV may have potential in the treatment of dry‐skin syndrome, whereas CBC, CBDV and especially THCV show promise to become highly efficient, novel anti‐acne agents. Moreover, based on their remarkable anti‐inflammatory actions, phytocannabinoids could be efficient, yet safe novel tools in the management of cutaneous inflammations.
A multi‐basin approach determines variability in host fish suitability for unionids in tributaries of the Laurentian Great Lakes
Authors: Caldwell Mandi L. , Zanatta David T. , Woolnough Daelyn A. 
Published: April 2016

Summary

Freshwater mussel populations have declined, in part, from changes in host communities. However, it is unknown if fish from adjacent catchments could be used to augment mussel populations in the Great Lakes inland rivers, and if so, whether this association would be impacted by known genetic structure in mussels and fish.

This study tested how host fish origin (i.e. catchment) impacts the transformation of the endangered unionid Epioblasma triquetra from larval into juvenile life stages while concurrently considering potentially genetically distinct populations of mussels and hosts.

We quantitatively determined if Percina caprodes and Percina maculata from the Lake Michigan, Erie and Huron basins are laboratory‐successful hosts for E. triquetra. Experiments were performed in autumn and spring to document any seasonal effects on transformation.

Percina caprodes was reconfirmed to be a successful host for E. triquetra, and for the first time, P. maculata was also determined to be a successful host in the Great Lakes region. Results suggest no differences in juvenile transformation with allopatric and sympatric fish and mussel pairings based on Great Lakes basin origin; therefore, transformation success may not parallel differences in genetic structure. In addition, results suggest seasonal differences in the developmental stages of E. triquetra juveniles.

Knowing the most efficient strategy to optimise juvenile transformations can make reintroductions, augmentation and overall conservation efforts of E. triquetra successful. These data will help in developing recovery strategies for E. triquetra in the Laurentian Great Lakes by understanding variation in host use and nuances in this host–parasite relationship.
An Application of Hydraulic Tomography to a Large‐Scale Fractured Granite Site, Mizunami, Japan
Authors: Zha Yuanyuan , Yeh Tian‐Chyi J. , Illman Walter A. , Tanaka Tatsuya , Bruines Patrick , Onoe Hironori , Saegusa Hiromitsu , Mao Deqiang , Takeuchi Shinji , Wen Jet‐Chau 
Published: April 2016

AbstractWhile hydraulic tomography (HT) is a mature aquifer characterization technology, its applications to characterize hydrogeology of kilometer‐scale fault and fracture zones are rare. This paper sequentially analyzes datasets from two new pumping tests as well as those from two previous pumping tests analyzed by Illman et al. (2009) at a fractured granite site in Mizunami, Japan. Results of this analysis show that datasets from two previous pumping tests at one side of a fault zone as used in the previous study led to inaccurate mapping of fracture and fault zones. Inclusion of the datasets from the two new pumping tests (one of which was conducted on the other side of the fault) yields locations of the fault zone consistent with those based on geological mapping. The new datasets also produce a detailed image of the irregular fault zone, which is not available from geological investigation alone and the previous study. As a result, we conclude that if prior knowledge about geological structures at a field site is considered during the design of HT surveys, valuable non‐redundant datasets about the fracture and fault zones can be collected. Only with these non‐redundant data sets, can HT then be a viable and robust tool for delineating fracture and fault distributions over kilometer scales, even when only a limited number of boreholes are available. In essence, this paper proves that HT is a new tool for geologists, geophysicists, and engineers for mapping large‐scale fracture and fault zone distributions.
Protected species and development control: the merits of widespread invertebrate species in the European Habitats Directive and UK legislation
Authors: Hopkins Graham W. , Thacker Jonathan I. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract

Nature conservation legislation affords different degrees of protection to specifically named species, ranging from recognition within the planning system to strict protection from harm and habitat loss. This review considers two groups of species that do not have strict protection but are recognised within ‘development control’ (the process that regulates the planning of land use and new buildings), namely Annex II species of the Habitats Directive (HD) and Species of Principal Importance identified under UK legislation and policy.

A critical point often forgotten by the HD's detractors is that Annex II is not only a list of species that require protection but also a list of species that represent criteria for the designation of protected sites. It is not feasible for all threatened species to be protected due to administrative and legal ramifications, so the subset of species listed need to have wider merit as umbrella species.

The selection of widespread species on Annex II results in the creation of a better network of Special Areas of Conservation than if geographically localised or endemic species are used, and benefits a suite of rare and scarce species beyond those named in Annex II. Species of Principal Importance enable recognition of invertebrates in the UK planning system even though many of them are not directly threatened with national loss.

Given the intense scrutiny to which nature conservation legislation is exposed, it is important for critics to understand the function of legislation and its application in the sociopolitical arena.
Shades of Grey: Guidelines for Working with the Grey Literature in Systematic Reviews for Management and Organizational Studies
Authors: Adams Richard J. , Smart Palie , Huff Anne Sigismund 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis paper suggests how the ‘grey literature’, the diverse and heterogeneous body of material that is made public outside, and not subject to, traditional academic peer‐review processes, can be used to increase the relevance and impact of management and organization studies (MOS). The authors clarify the possibilities by reviewing 140 systematic reviews published in academic and practitioner outlets to answer the following three questions: (i) Why is grey literature excluded from/included in systematic reviews in MOS? (ii) What types of grey material have been included in systematic reviews since guidelines for practice were first established in this discipline? (iii) How is the grey literature treated currently to advance management and organization scholarship and knowledge? This investigation updates previous guidelines for more inclusive systematic reviews that respond to criticisms of current review practices and the needs of evidence‐based management.
Utilizing Zoos Victoria's Connect‐Understand‐Act model to enable social and biological gains in northern Kenya
Authors: Squires B. , Lowry R. , Banks C. 
Published: April 2016

As human populations grow, wildlife across the globe is increasingly threatened. As a zoo‐based conservation organization, Zoos Victoria (ZV) in south‐east Australia is dedicated to fighting wildlife extinction locally and globally. Our international partnerships work with local communities, governments and non‐governmental organizations. The focus of theZVconservation programmes is on alleviating threats to wildlife while addressing the needs of the community. The shared vision of a partnership with the Melako Community Conservancy (MCC) in northern Kenya is to foster sustainable development that allows communities to live in balance with wildlife. In 2011, an opportunity arose to trialZV's Connect‐Understand‐Act (CUA) model for influencing visitor behaviour change, and this led to the first practical application of this model in Kenya. The model utilizes best‐practice conservation, education and social science to shape wildlife‐friendly values and behaviours. The impact of this model is now being trialledin situthrough a conservation‐based sports programme called ‘Kicking Goals for Wildlife’. After conducting a conservation‐needs assessment in 2010, the community identified human–wildlife conflict as an issue negatively impacting species such as the Beisa oryxOryx gazella beisaand Grevy's zebraEquus grevyi. The Kicking Goals for Wildlife programme is targeted at morans (initiated youth ranging from 15 to 30 years of age, and also referred to as warriors), filling their ‘idle time’ with football as an alternative to harming wildlife or engaging in intertribal conflict. The outcomes of the programme will be measured through changes in warrior attitude, knowledge, behavioural efficacy, reduction in biological threat and social change. Preliminary feedback is showing positive progress across all aspects. An additional measure, in an effort to assess the programme's impact on target species, was distance sampling to monitor the changes in flight distance. This paper outlines the theoretical framework underpinning the model, using the Kicking Goals for Wildlife programme in theMCCas a case study for what is involved in planning, designing and implementing a conservation‐education programme in the field.
Discordance between morphological and taxonomic diversity: land snails of oceanic archipelagos
Authors: Triantis Kostas A. , Rigal François , Parent Christine E. , Cameron Robert A. D. , Lenzner Bernd , Parmakelis Aristeidis , Yeung Norine W. , Alonso María R. , Ibáñez Miguel , de Frias Martins António M. , Teixeira Dinarte N. F. , Griffiths Owen L. , Yanes Yurena , Hayes Kenneth A. , Preece Richard C. , Cowie Robert H. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimMorphological and taxonomic diversity are intuitive measures of biological diversity. Previous studies have shown discordance between these measures at large spatial and temporal scales, but the implications of this pattern for the underlying processes are not understood. Using oceanic archipelagos as spatial units, we examine potential links between the morphological and taxonomic diversity of their land snail faunas in a biogeographical framework.LocationEleven major oceanic archipelagos.MethodsFor each archipelago, we assembled lists of indigenous land snail species, classified by family and genus, with shell height and width for each species (1723 species in total). We used biogeographic and climatic variables as potential predictors of diversity patterns. We employed regression analyses to evaluate (1) whether morphological diversity scales with taxonomic diversity at the species, genus or family level, and (2) whether morphological and taxonomic diversity correlate similarly with biogeographic/climatic factors. We also assessed which taxonomic level contributes most to morphological variation within archipelagos.ResultsMorphological diversity across archipelagos was strongly related to genus but not species richness. Within archipelagos, morphological variation reflected differences among genera and families but not species. Species richness was best explained by archipelago area, but morphological diversity was not significantly related to any of the physical features of archipelagos.Main conclusionsAcross archipelagos, species richness and morphological diversity of land snail faunas are decoupled. The relationship between species richness and the available ecological space (captured mainly by area) indicates the prevalence of niche‐based processes while, for morphological diversity, the strong conservatism of morphology at the genus level suggests the presence of diversification‐based limits. Assuming genera effectively reflect diversification, our findings indicate that morphological space on oceanic archipelagos depends primarily on the number of evolutionary units that have colonized and/or diversified through time.
Procedural versus content‐related hints for word problem solving: an exploratory study
Authors: de Kock W.D. , Harskamp E.G. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractFor primary school students, mathematical word problems are often more difficult to solve than straightforward number problems. Word problems require reading and analysis skills, and in order to explain their situational contexts, the proper mathematical knowledge and number operations have to be selected. To improve students' ability in solving word problems, the problem solving process could be supported by procedural and content specific guidance or with only procedural support.. This paper evaluates the effect of two types of hints, procedural only and content‐procedural, provided by a computer programme presented in two versions. Students of grade 6 were randomly assigned to these two versions, which offered five lesson units consisting of eight word problems each. The results indicate that on average the students in the procedural‐content hints group (n = 54) finished about just as many problems in the programme as their counterparts in the procedural‐only condition (n = 51). However, the participants in the first group solved more problems correctly and improved their problem‐solving skills more as indicated by the scores on the problem‐solving post‐test. Apart from presenting our analysis of the findings of this study, also its limitations and its possible implications for future research are discussed in this paper.
Morphology of Nyctotheroides hubeiensis Li et al. 1998 from Frog Hosts with Molecular Phylogenetic Study of Clevelandellid Ciliates (Armophorea, Clevelandellida)
Authors: Li Ming , Sun Zong‐Yi , Grim J. Norman , Ponce‐Gordo Francisco , Wang Gui‐tang , Zou Hong , Li Wen‐xiang , Wu Shan‐gong 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe morphology of Nyctotheroides hubeiensis (Acta Hydrobiol. Sin. 1998, 22(suppl.):187), collected from the rectum of Phelophylax nigromaculatus, is presented in this paper based on detailed morphological information and molecular data. Our phylogenetic analysis showed that N. hubeiensis fell into the Nyctotheroides clade, which was strongly supported as monophyletic and clustered as basal to the genera Nyctotherus and Clevelandella. Also, the monophyly of the Order Clevelandellida and the affinity of parasitic nyctotherids and free‐living metopids were indicated in our work. The origin of clevelandellid ciliates as well as their possible evolutionary history was also discussed here; however, the analysis of more species from other vertebrate hosts (fish, reptiles) should be made before a well‐supported conclusion can be drawn.
Concurrent Osmotic Dehydration and Vacuum Drying of Kiwi Fruit (Actinidia Deliciosa cv. Hayward) Under Far Infrared Radiation: Process Optimization, Kinetics and Quality Assessment
Authors: Chakraborty Rajat , Samanta Ritika 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA novel dehydration protocol for Kiwi fruit (KF) involving simultaneous osmotic dehydration (OD) and vacuum drying (VD) viz. ODVD under far‐infrared (FIR) radiation has been developed. This is the first report for OD of KF using fructose as osmotic solution. The ODVD process had been optimized using Taguchi orthogonal design to obtain KF with minimum moisture content in minimum time. Dehydrated KF with 4.70% (w/w) moisture content was produced in 100 min ODVD time at 50°B, 40°C radiator temperature and 20 mbar chamber pressures. The optimally dehydrated KF demonstrated a significant increase in the ascorbic acid content (16.60%), total phenolic content (13.09%), total flavonoid content (21.01%) and radical scavenging activity (5.85%). At optimal condition, Newton's drying model could best represent the dehydration kinetics. The high moisture diffusivity viz. 9.78 × 10−10 m2/s and low activation energy viz. 10.78 kJ/mol computed through Fick's law in ODVD indicated a fast and energy‐efficient process.Practical ApplicationsKiwi is an important commercial, seasonal and tropical fruit. It is marketed in the forms of marmalade, jam, jellies, etc. which are usually prepared using chemical preservatives. The use of such preservatives may be avoided through effective dehydration of Kiwi by concurrent osmotic‐dehydration (OD) and vacuum drying (VD) [ODVD]. The application of simultaneous ODVD under far‐infrared (FIR) radiation improves the mass and heat transfer rates and thereby hastens the inflow of external solute and outflow of internal moisture facilitating faster dehydration and compositional reforms. The application of FIR radiation reduces the drying time appreciably making the process energy‐efficient and economically sustainable. The evaluated optimal conditions and associated drying kinetics of the novel ODVD process enables design of drying equipment for similar foodstuffs. The qualities of the dehydrated Kiwi fruit viz. ascorbic acid, phenols, flavonoids and antioxidant activity conform to market status.
Annular hymenotomy for imperforate hymen
Authors: Cetin Cihan , Soysal Cenk , Khatib Ghanim , Urunsak Ibrahim Ferhat , Cetin Turan 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAimImperforate hymen is the most common obstructive anomaly of the female genital tract. Conventional surgical treatment for this condition is the cruciate incision made on the hymen. The aim of this study was to evaluate a novel technique that preserves virginity after hymenotomy using electrocautery.MethodsPatients diagnosed with imperforate hymen and treated with annular hymenotomy between 2009 and 2013 were included in this retrospective cohort study. Annular incision was done using electrocautery on the hymen whilst sparing the intact hymenal tissue circumferentially at least 5 mm from the base.ResultsFifteen patients were included in the study. Mean age of patients was 14.2 ± 2.2 years. The median operation time was 5 min (3–9 min). No complications occurred. During the follow‐up examinations, none of the patients had hymenal closure and all had regular menstrual bleeding.ConclusionThis novel technique showed complete success without any observed complication. This technique might be a good alternative for patients seeking to preserve virginity after surgery.