bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of colour indices for discriminating leaf colours from digital photographs
Authors: Mizunuma Toshie , Mencuccini Maurizio , Wingate Lisa , Ogée Jérôme , Nichol Caroline , Grace John 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Digital images of tree canopies have been analysed to understand how forest phenology responds to climate change. Researchers have used different colour indices to carry out quantitative analyses, but uncertainties over the performance of the various indices are hampering progress in their use.

To compare the various indices under controlled conditions, we carried out experiments using a low‐cost off‐the‐shelf digital camera with a set of standard colour charts as model leaves for different stages: emerging leaves, yellowish green; newly expanded leaves, green; fully mature leaves, dark green; senescent leaves, yellow. Two models of cameras, a compact digital camera and a surveillance ‘live image’ camera were used, and photographs were taken by two cameras for each model under clear or overcast sky conditions with two colour balance settings. The indices were also compared with those derived from spectral reflectance.

Colour indices based on hue distinguished leaf colour samples with only a small influence of camera models, balance setting and sky conditions, while indices based on green were strongly influenced by camera models and were relatively insensitive to leaf colours. The strength of the green channel relative to the total of digital numbers took similar values for the mature and senescent replica leaves, highlighting its poor ability to identify the change of colour in autumn. Spectral‐based hue was also sensitive to the gradation of leaf colours and showed a good correlation with the digital representation of hue regardless of camera models and balance setting. Remarkably, the primitive digital number of red, Nred, also discriminated leaf colours well, with a small influence of the factors investigated here, showing a good correlation with the reflectance of the red band, except from images taken by the surveillance cameras with auto balance.

Hue was a robust index across the image set, while the green‐based indices often used to quantify canopy phenology in previous studies performed poorly. Hue was well correlated with spectral reflectance indices and worked better than all other indices to discriminate leaf colours. We recommend using hue as a colour index for tracking different stages of leaf development.
ENMeval: An R package for conducting spatially independent evaluations and estimating optimal model complexity for Maxent ecological niche models
Authors: Muscarella Robert , Galante Peter J. , Soley‐Guardia Mariano , Boria Robert A. , Kass Jamie M. , Uriarte María , Anderson Robert P. 
Published: September 2014

Summary

Recent studies have demonstrated a need for increased rigour in building and evaluating ecological niche models (ENMs) based on presence‐only occurrence data. Two major goals are to balance goodness‐of‐fit with model complexity (e.g. by ‘tuning’ model settings) and to evaluate models with spatially independent data. These issues are especially critical for data sets suffering from sampling bias, and for studies that require transferring models across space or time (e.g. responses to climate change or spread of invasive species). Efficient implementation of procedures to accomplish these goals, however, requires automation.

We developed ENMeval, an R package that: (i) creates data sets for k‐fold cross‐validation using one of several methods for partitioning occurrence data (including options for spatially independent partitions), (ii) builds a series of candidate models using Maxent with a variety of user‐defined settings and (iii) provides multiple evaluation metrics to aid in selecting optimal model settings. The six methods for partitioning data are n−1 jackknife, random k‐folds ( = bins), user‐specified folds and three methods of masked geographically structured folds. ENMeval quantifies six evaluation metrics: the area under the curve of the receiver‐operating characteristic plot for test localities (AUCTEST), the difference between training and testing AUC (AUCDIFF), two different threshold‐based omission rates for test localities and the Akaike information criterion corrected for small sample sizes (AICc).

We demonstrate ENMeval by tuning model settings for eight tree species of the genus Coccoloba in Puerto Rico based on AICc. Evaluation metrics varied substantially across model settings, and models selected with AICc differed from default ones.

In summary, ENMeval facilitates the production of better ENMs and should promote future methodological research on many outstanding issues.
Locus minimization in breed prediction using artificial neural network approach
Authors: Iquebal M. A. , Ansari M. S. , Sarika  , Dixit S. P. , Verma N. K. , Aggarwal R. A. K. , Jayakumar S. , Rai A. , Kumar D. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryMolecular markers, viz. microsatellites and single nucleotide polymorphisms, have revolutionized breed identification through the use of small samples of biological tissue or germplasm, such as blood, carcass samples, embryos, ova and semen, that show no evident phenotype. Classical tools of molecular data analysis for breed identification have limitations, such as the unavailability of referral breed data, causing increased cost of collection each time, compromised computational accuracy and complexity of the methodology used. We report here the successful use of an artificial neural network (ANN) in background to decrease the cost of genotyping by locus minimization. The webserver is freely accessible (http://nabg.iasri.res.in/bisgoat) to the research community. We demonstrate that the machine learning (ANN) approach for breed identification is capable of multifold advantages such as locus minimization, leading to a drastic reduction in cost, and web availability of reference breed data, alleviating the need for repeated genotyping each time one investigates the identity of an unknown breed. To develop this model web implementation based on ANN, we used 51 850 samples of allelic data of microsatellite‐marker‐based DNA fingerprinting on 25 loci covering 22 registered goat breeds of India for training. Minimizing loci to up to nine loci through the use of a multilayer perceptron model, we achieved 96.63% training accuracy. This server can be an indispensable tool for identification of existing breeds and new synthetic commercial breeds, leading to protection of intellectual property in case of sovereignty and bio‐piracy disputes. This server can be widely used as a model for cost reduction by locus minimization for various other flora and fauna in terms of variety, breed and/or line identification, especially in conservation and improvement programs.
A performance comparison of the paediatric i‐gel™ with other supraglottic airway devices
Authors: Smith P. , Bailey C. R. 
Published: September 2014

SummaryWe performed a review of published literature comparing the i‐gel™ with other supraglottic airway devices in children. Sixty‐two articles were identified following a literature search; we included data from 14 randomised controlled trials and eight observational studies that compared i‐gel sizes 1–2.5 with other commonly used, equivalently‐sized, devices. The primary outcome in most studies was oropharyngeal leak pressure. In the 14 randomised trials the i‐gel performed the same as the comparator device in five trials, significantly better in eight studies (p < 0.05) and significantly worse in one (p < 0.01). Seven studies assessed fibreoptic views of the larynx through the device; two found significantly better views through the i‐gel. Three studies reported a shorter insertion time for the i‐gel, whereas two reported a longer time. Insertion success rate, gastric tube placement and complications were similar for all the devices. Seven of the eight observational studies measured average oropharyngeal leak pressures of 20–27 cmH2O and all had first‐time insertion success rates exceeding 90%. We conclude that the i‐gel is at least equivalent to other supraglottic airway devices currently available for use in children, and may enable a higher oropharyngeal leak pressure and an improved fibreoptic view of the glottis.
Prognostic factors following pathological fractures
Authors: Hill Thomas , D'Alessandro Peter , Murray Kevin , Yates Piers 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBackgroundPathological fractures are a significant and often devastating event in the progression of metastatic bone disease. They are frequently a marker of end‐stage cancer and the end of functional independence. Although several studies look into prognosis following the development of metastatic lesions, few look into the prognosis after the fracture itself. This study investigates the variables affecting prognosis in patients suffering pathological fractures.MethodRetrospective clinical audit of 72 patients from the Orthopaedic Unit at Fremantle Hospital in Western Australia. The variables of interest include primary cancer, fracture site, method of fixation, use of cement augmentation, appendicular metastatic load, spinal metastatic load, presence of visceral metastases, patient co‐morbidities and functional scoring before and after the fracture has occurred.ResultsThe median time between diagnosis of cancer to pathological fracture was 8.3 months, while the median survival post‐fracture was 3.3 months. There is a statistically significant correlation between patient survival and primary cancer type, spinal metastatic burden and functional performance score.ConclusionOverall, the prognosis following pathological fracture is extremely poor. We propose that these variables are scrutinized by the treating orthopaedic team preoperatively to help guide management and provide patients and their families with a realistic expectation of functional outcome and survival time.
The essential role of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 in simvastatin‐induced activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and angiogenesis
Authors: Su K.‐H. , Lin S.‐J. , Wei J. , Lee K.‐I. , Zhao J.‐F. , Shyue S.‐K. , Lee T.‐S. 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAimsWe investigated the role of transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor type 1 (TRPV1) in simvastatin‐mediated activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and angiogenesis.MethodsFluo‐8 NW assay was for Ca2+ detection; Griess's assay was for NO bioavailability; Western blotting and immunoprecipitation were for protein phosphorylation and interaction; tube formation and Matrigel plug assay were for angiogenesis.ResultsIn endothelial cells (ECs), treatment with simvastatin time‐dependently increased intracellular level of Ca2+. Pharmacological inhibition or genetic disruption of TRPV1 abrogated simvastatin‐mediated elevation of intracellular Ca2+ in ECs or TRPV1‐transfected HEK293 cells. Loss of TRPV1 function abolished simvastatin‐induced NO production and phosphorylation of eNOS and calmodulin protein kinase II (CaMKII) in ECs and in aortas of mice. Inhibition of TRPV1 activation prevented the simvastatin‐elicited increase in the formation of TRPV1–Akt–CaMKII–AMPK–eNOS complex. In mice, Matrigel plug assay showed that simvastatin‐evoked angiogenesis was abolished by TRPV1 antagonist and genetic ablation of TRPV1. Additionally, our results demonstrated that TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) is the downstream effector in the simvastatin‐activated TRPV1‐Ca2+ signalling and in the consequent NO production and angiogenesis as evidence by that re‐expression of TRPA1 further augmented simvastatin‐elicited Ca2+ influx in TRPV1‐expressed HEK293 cells and ablation of TRPA1 function profoundly inhibited the simvastatin‐induced increase in the phosphorylation of eNOS and CaMKII, formation of TRPV1–Akt–CaMKII–AMPK–eNOS complex, NO bioavailability, tube formation and angiogenesis in ECs or mice.ConclusionSimvastatin‐induced Ca2+ influx may through the activation of TRPV1–TRPA1 signalling, which leads to phosphorylation of CaMKII, increases in the formation of TRPV1–CaMKII–AMPK–eNOS complex, eNOS activation, NO production and, ultimately, angiogenesis in ECs.
The effects of the dark house system on growth, performance and meat quality of broiler chicken
Authors: Carvalho Rafael Humberto , Soares Adriana Lourenço , Grespan Moisés , Spurio Rafael Sanches , Coró Fábio Augusto Garcia , Oba Alexandre , Shimokomaki Massami 
Published: September 2014

AbstractMeat production with minimum animal suffering is a humanitarian concern. Thus, the objective of this work was to observe the performance of Cobb broiler chickens from 7 to 46 days of age when raised under different installations: dark house system (DHS), conventional yellow system (CYC) and conventional blue system (CBC). The feed conversion ratio for the birds raised on the DHS was 3.8% and 2.7% lower than those for the CYC and CBC systems, respectively. Compared with the CYC and CBC systems, average daily gain under the DHS was 11.4% and 9.3% higher, respectively, and body weight at 46 days was 11.4% and 9.3% higher, respectively (P ≤ 0.05). The birds' welfare was assessed based on their stress by determining the amount of pale, soft and exudative (PSE) meat in the breast fillets. The CYC and CBC birds had 24.3% and 25.3% PSE meat, respectively, whereas the DHS birds had 37.0%. We concluded that the DHS has a greater potential to produce broiler chickens, with superior performance to conventional systems, despite the higher stress faced by the birds during the maneuvers just before slaughter.
Differential expression of genes encoding neurotrophic factors and their receptors along the septal‐temporal axis of the rat hippocampus
Authors: Toyoda Atsushi , Iio Wataru , Goto Tatsuhiko , Koike Hiroaki , Tsukahara Takamitsu 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe hippocampus plays a key role in learning and emotional regulation. The hippocampus’ function varies along its septotemporal axis, with the septal pole being more frequently involved in spatial learning and memory, and the temporal pole playing a greater role in emotional behaviors. In this study, we present findings aimed at checking the expression level of the genes encoding neurotrophins and their receptors, including nerve growth factor (NGF), brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), neurotrophin‐3 (NT‐3), and their receptors (TrkA, TrkB and TrkC) in the hippocampus along the septotemporal axis. Using real‐time PCR, several different expression patterns were observed. Remarkably, the expression of both NT‐3 and TrkA genes in the septal hippocampus was higher than in the middle and temporal hippocampus. Higher expression of NT‐3 and TrkA may implicate active neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus (DG) of the septal hippocampus because more neurogenesis occurs in the septal than the temporal DG of rats. Finally, the results obtained in this study emphasize the importance of choosing the hippocampal portion along its septotemporal axis for any hippocampal molecular and biochemical experimental studies.
Dynamics of lingual antimicrobial peptide, lactoferrin concentrations and lactoperoxidase activity in the milk of cows treated for clinical mastitis
Authors: Kawai Kazuhiro , Korematsu Kiyoshi , Akiyama Kiyoshi , Okita Miki , Yoshimura Yukinori , Isobe Naoki 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to examine changes in innate immune factors in the milk of mastitic dairy cows treated with antibiotics. Cows in the antibiotics group (n = 13) were infused into the mammary gland with cefazolin on the sixth day after mastitis was diagnosed (the day of the mastitis diagnosis = day −6). The control group (n = 12) was not treated. Milk samples were collected once every 2 days from days −6 to 12 and somatic cell count (SCC), lingual antimicrobial peptide (LAP), and lactoferrin (LF) concentrations and lactoperoxidase (LPO) activity were measured. SCC and LF concentrations in the antibiotics group markedly decreased after the antibiotic treatment. When cows in the antibiotics group were divided according to SCC on day 0, LAP concentrations and LPO activity in cows with a lower SCC on day 0 (<5 × 106 cell/mL) were significantly higher and lower than those in cows with a higher SCC, respectively. These results suggest that LF concentration decreased with decrease in SCC after treatment and that LAP concentration and LPO activity differed depending on the severity of mastitis. This is the first report to reveal the dynamics of innate immune factor in milk of cows treated for clinical mastitis.
New lactic acid bacterial strains from traditional Mongolian fermented milk products have altered adhesion to porcine gastric mucin depending on the carbon source
Authors: Kimoto‐Nira Hiromi , Yamasaki Seishi , Sasaki Keisuke , Moriya Naoko , Takenaka Akio , Suzuki Chise 
Published: September 2014

AbstractAttachment of lactic acid bacteria to the mucosal surface of the gastrointestinal tract is a major property of probiotics. Here, we examined the ability of 21 lactic acid bacterial strains isolated from traditional fermented milk products in Mongolia to adhere to porcine gastric mucin in vitro. Higher attachment was observed with Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains 6‐8 and 8‐1 than with Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (positive control). Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris strain 7‐1 adhered to mucin as effectively as did strain GG. Heat inactivation decreased the adhesive ability of strains 6‐8 and 8‐1 but did not affect strain 7‐1. The adhesion of strains 6‐8, 7‐1 and 8‐1 was significantly inhibited when the cells were pretreated with periodate and trypsin, indicating that proteinaceous and carbohydrate‐like cell surface compounds are involved in the adhesion of these strains. The adhesion of strain 7‐1 was affected by the type of carbohydrate present in the growth medium, being higher with fructose than with lactose, galactose or xylose as the carbon source. The sugar content of 7‐1 cells grown on various carbohydrates was negatively correlated with its adhesive ability. We provide new probiotic candidate strains and new information regarding carbohydrate preference that influences lactic acid bacterial adhesion to mucin.
Threonine and tryptophan supplementation enhance porcine respiratory and reproductive syndrome (PRRS) vaccine‐induced immune responses of growing pigs
Authors: Xu Shengyu , Zhao Yingfei , Shen Jie , Lin Yan , Fang Zhengfeng , Che Lianqiang , Wu De 
Published: September 2014

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to investigate influences of threonine and tryptophan supplementation (TTS) on immune response of growing pigs inoculated with modified live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) vaccine. Twenty growing barrows (Landrace × Yorkshire) were randomly assigned to four groups according to the PRRS vaccination and TTS. Serum samples were collected from all pigs at days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 49 post‐vaccination (day 0 defined as the day of vaccination). Pigs were euthanized and samples collected at day 49 post‐vaccination. The results showed that TTS tended to increase weight gain and average daily gain (ADG) of pigs (P < 0.1). PRRS vaccine enhanced serum PRRSV‐specific antibody, serum virus neutralizing (SVN) antibody and interferon‐γ, interleukin (IL)‐10 and IL‐1β concentrations (P < 0.05). The expression of TLR3 and TLR7 mRNA in lymph nodes were higher in TTS than in the control group after PRRS vaccine inoculation (P < 0.05). TTS diet mitigated lung damage which is induced by PRRS vaccination from microscopic evaluation. These results suggest that dietary TTS could improve growth performance of growing pigs, which may be ascribed to the improved immune response and mitigated lung damage.
Is there a right to access innovative surgery?
Authors: Meyerson Denise 
Published: September 2014

AbstractDemands for access to experimental therapies are frequently framed in the language of rights. This article examines the justifiability of such demands in the specific context of surgical innovations, these being promising but non‐validated and potentially risky departures from standard surgical practices. I argue that there is a right to access innovative surgery, drawing analogies with other generally accepted rights in medicine, such as the right not to be forcibly treated, to buy contraceptives, and to choose to have an abortion, including a post‐viability abortion where the mother's life or health is threatened by the pregnancy. I argue that we accept these rights because we believe that people are entitled to try to preserve their lives and health and to make choices of an important and intensely personal kind, and I suggest that a person's choice of medical treatment should be seen in the same light. However, since few rights are absolute, I also consider the circumstances in which it may be justifiable to limit the right to access innovative surgery. In discussing this question, I apply the human rights standard of proportionality, comparing the importance of the reasons for limiting the right with the severity of the invasion on liberty.
Age‐Dependent Effect of β‐Amyloid Toxicity on Basal Forebrain Cholinergic Neurons and Inflammation in the Rat Brain
Authors: Nell Hayley Joy , Whitehead Shawn Narain , Cechetto David Floyd 
Published: September 2014

AbstractBeta‐amyloid (Aβ) accumulation, neuroinflammation, basal forebrain cholinergic loss and hippocampal degeneration are well‐described pathologies associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the role that age plays in the susceptibility of the brain to these AD pathologies and the relationships between them is still not well understood. This study investigated the age‐related response to intracerebroventricular injection of Aβ25–35 in 3‐, 6‐ and 9‐month‐old rats. Aβ toxicity resulted in an age‐related increase in cholinergic loss and microglial activation in the basal forebrain along with neuronal loss in the hippocampal CA3 subfield. Performance in the Morris water maze revealed impairments in long‐term reference memory in 6‐month‐old Aβ administered animals, which was not seen in 3‐month‐old animals. These results support a role of Aβ administration in inducing age‐dependent cholinergic loss and neuroinflammation, and additionally provide evidence for a more age‐appropriate model of adult‐onset Aβ toxicity demonstrating pathological changes that reflect the early stages of AD pathogenesis including neuroinflammation, cholinergic loss and beginning stages of memory impairment.