bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Field‐grown Cotton Exhibits Seasonal Variation in Photosynthetic Heat Tolerance without Exposure to Heat‐stress or Water‐deficit Conditions
Authors: Snider J. L. , Chastain D. R. , Collins G. D. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThermotolerance acclimation of photosystem II to heat and drought is well documented, but studies demonstrating developmental impacts on heat tolerance in field‐grown plants are limited. Consequently, climatic variables, estimated canopy temperature, predawn leaf water potential (ΨPD), and the temperature responses of maximum quantum yield of photosystem II (Fv/Fm), variable fluorescence (Fv/F0), quantum yield of electron transport (φEο) and efficiency of PSI electron acceptor reduction (REο/ABS) were characterized for Gossypium hirsutum at three sample times during the growing season (21 June, 2 July and 18 July 2013) under well‐watered conditions. The temperature decreasing a given photosynthetic parameter 15% from the optimum is referred to as T15 and served as a standardized measure of heat tolerance. Ambient and estimated canopy temperatures were well within the optimal range for cotton throughout the sample period, and leaves were verified well watered using ΨPD measurements. However, T15 varied with sample date (highest on July 2 for all parameters), being 2 °C (Fv/F0) to 5.5 °C (φEο) higher on July 2 relative to June 21, despite optimal temperature conditions and predawn leaf water potential on all sample dates. These findings suggest that even under optimum temperature conditions and water availability, heat tolerance could be influenced by plant developmental stage.
Characterizing Geomorphic Change from Anthropogenic Disturbances to Inform Restoration in the Upper Cache River, Illinois
Authors: Bouska Kristen L. , Stoebner Timothy J. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractOver the past century, channelization, agricultural tiling, and land use changes have resulted in significant stream channel degradation of the Cache River in southern Illinois. With the increasing interest in restoration of the watershed's bottomland forests and swamps, we sought to characterize geomorphic change over the past 110 years to inform restoration and management. A previously surveyed stretch of river was resurveyed in the fall of 2011, following a record flood in the spring of that year. Results suggest that the slope of the channel in this section of the river has increased 345% between 1903 and 1972 (p < 0.01), but has not changed significantly since (p = 0.12). Within that same time period, bank heights increased between 1 and 7 m and bed elevation decreased between 1 and 5 m. Changes in resurveyed cross sections appear to be primarily due to recent flood scour. It appears as though early 20th Century stream channel modifications had immediate effects on the geomorphology of the channel; however, channel geometry is now at or near equilibrium. This case study of the Cache River watershed demonstrates how and why successful restoration will require integration of geomorphic processes of the system.
Molecular analysis of sunitinib resistant renal cell carcinoma cells after sequential treatment with RAD001 (everolimus) or sorafenib
Authors: Juengel Eva , Kim Dana , Makarević Jasmina , Reiter Michael , Tsaur Igor , Bartsch Georg , Haferkamp Axel , Blaheta Roman A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractSequential application of target drugs is standard procedure after renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients develop resistance. To optimize the sequence, antitumour effects of the mTOR inhibitor RAD001 or the tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) sorafenib on RCC cells with acquired resistance to the TKI sunitinib was evaluated. RCC cells were exposed to 1 μM sunitinib for 24 hrs (as control) and for 8 weeks (to induce resistance) and then switched to RAD001 (5 nM) or sorafenib (5 μM) for a further 8 weeks. Tumour cell growth, cell cycle progression, cell cycle regulating proteins and intracellular signalling were then investigated. Short‐term application of sunitinib (24 hrs) induced cell growth blockade with accumulation in the G2/M phase. RCC cells became resistant to sunitinib after 8 weeks, demonstrated by accelerated cell growth along with enhanced cdk1, cdk2, loss of p27, activation of Akt, Rictor and Raptor. Switching to sorafenib only slightly reduced growth of the sunitinib resistant RCC cells and molecular analysis indicated distinct cross‐resistance. In contrast, full response was achieved when the cancer cells were treated with RAD001. p19 and p27 strongly increased, phosphorylated Akt, Rictor and Raptor decreased and the tumour cells accumulated in G0/G1. It is concluded that an mTOR‐inhibitor for second‐line therapy could be the strategy of choice after first‐line sunitinib failure.
Variation of life‐history parameters of Planococcus ficus (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) in response to grapevine nitrogen fertilization
Authors: Cocco A. , Marras P. M. , Muscas E. , Mura A. , Lentini A. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe effects of different nitrogen fertilization regimes on body size and selected life‐history parameters (development time, survival, fecundity and fertility) of the vine mealybug, Planococcus ficus (Signoret) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), were investigated on potted grapevines under laboratory and screenhouse conditions. In both trials, five groups of four grapevines each were supplied with 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 g/l of ammonium nitrate fertilizer for a month and then artificially infested with 200 first‐instar vine mealybugs (24 h of age). The concentration of nitrogen on grape leaves was measured during both experiments by a SPAD chlorophyll metre, showing statistical differences among treatments. The nitrogen fertilization significantly affected the investigated P. ficus parameters, providing consistent results in both laboratory and screenhouse trials. The vine mealybug females exhibited higher survival and fecundity, larger body size and lower development time on plants supplied with higher nitrogen fertilization rates. Survival, body size and fecundity of P. ficus were positively correlated with the leaf nitrogen concentration, whereas the development time was negatively correlated. Fertility did not vary significantly among treatments. Our results show that high nitrogen regimes increase the reproductive performance of P. ficus on grapevines and point out the importance of implementing balanced fertilization plans in grapevine IPM programs to reduce population densities and prevent insect outbreaks.
CB1‐receptor knockout neonatal mice are protected against ethanol‐induced impairments of DNMT1, DNMT3A, and DNA methylation
Authors: Nagre Nagaraja N. , Subbanna Shivakumar , Shivakumar Madhu , Psychoyos Delphine , Basavarajappa Balapal S. 
Published: December 2014

AbstractThe significant consequences of ethanol use during pregnancy are neurobehavioral abnormalities involving hippocampal and neocortex malfunctions that cause learning and memory deficits collectively named fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying these abnormalities are still poorly understood and therefore warrant systematic research. Here, we document novel epigenetic abnormalities in the mouse model of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder. Ethanol treatment of P7 mice, which induces activation of caspase 3, impaired DNA methylation through reduced DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3A) levels. Inhibition of caspase 3 activity, before ethanol treatment, rescued DNMT1, DNMT3A proteins as well as DNA methylation levels. Blockade of histone methyltransferase (G9a) activity or cannabinoid receptor type‐1 (CB1R), prior to ethanol treatment, which, respectively, inhibits or prevents activation of caspase 3, rescued the DNMT1 and DNMT3A proteins and DNA methylation. No reduction of DNMT1 and DNMT3A proteins and DNA methylation was found in P7 CB1R null mice, which exhibit no ethanol‐induced activation of caspase 3. Together, these data demonstrate that ethanol‐induced activation of caspase 3 impairs DNA methylation through DNMT1 and DNMT3A in the neonatal mouse brain, and such impairments are absent in CB1R null mice. Epigenetic events mediated by DNA methylation may be one of the essential mechanisms of ethanol teratogenesis.
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Schematic mechanism of action by which ethanol impairs DNA methylation. Studies have demonstrated that ethanol has the capacity to bring epigenetic changes to contribute to the development of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). However, the mechanisms are not well studied. P7 ethanol induces the activation of caspase 3 and impairs DNA methylation through reduced DNA methyltransferases (DNMT1 and DNMT3A) proteins (→). The inhibition or genetic ablation of cannabinoid receptor type‐1 or inhibition of histone methyltransferase (G9a) by Bix (‐‐‐‐‐) or inhibition of caspase 3 activation by Q‐ quinoline‐Val‐Asp(Ome)‐CH2‐O‐phenoxy (Q‐VD‐OPh) () rescue loss of DNMT1, DNMT3A as well as DNA methylation. Hence, the putative DNMT1/DNMT3A/DNA methylation mechanism may have a potential regulatory role in FASD.
MRI Texture Analysis and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Chronic Right Hemisphere Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Sikiö Minna , Kölhi Paula , Ryymin Pertti , Eskola Hannu J. , Dastidar Prasun 
Published: December 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUND AND PURPOSEDiffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is shown to reveal changes caused by cerebral infarction. The aim of this study is to reveal those changes also in the conventional magnetic resonance (MR) images using a quantitative image analysis method, texture analysis (TA).METHODSThirty patients who had suffered their first ever infarction located on the right hemisphere underwent DTI and conventional MRI studies in the chronic phase. DTI parameters fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity, as well as four second‐order texture parameters were calculated. Interhemispheric differences and correlations between DTI and TA parameters were evaluated.RESULTSOur DTI findings supported earlier studies as fractional anisotropy values were lowered and mean diffusivity values elevated in the lesion site, and ipsilateral cerebral peduncle, thalamus, and centrum semiovale compared to the unaffected side. Textural homogeneity parameters showed lower and complexity parameters higher values in the lesion site and ipsilateral centrum semiovale compared to the contralateral hemisphere. Correlation between the two methods was found in ipsilateral mesencephalon.CONCLUSIONSIn addition to DTI method, TA could assist in revealing the changes caused by infarction, also outside the lesion site. Damaged areas were found more heterogeneous and random in texture compared to unaffected sites.
Exploring burnout and work‐family facilitation as factors influencing why and when relational demography diminishes employee citizenship
Authors: Luksyte Aleksandra , Avery Derek R. 
Published: December 2014

Considering the increasingly diversified workplace, surprisingly, little is known about the effects of supervisor–subordinate sex dissimilarity on job performance and how such effects might occur. Further, what organizations can do to minimize potentially negative consequences of sex dissimilarity on these processes and outcomes remains unclear. We integrated the relational demography framework and work‐family enrichment theory to explicate an underlying mechanism and boundary condition of the supervisor–subordinate sex dissimilarity–interpersonal citizenship behaviour linkage (ICB). Results from 201 supervisor–subordinate dyads indicated that subordinates in diversified employment relationships perceive a lack of personal accomplishment, which corresponded with less ICB. However, these negative consequences of sex dissimilarity were attenuated when employees perceived greater work‐family facilitation.Practitioner points

Managers should be cognizant of possible biases originating from sex similarity when relating to and motivating their subordinates of the opposite sex.

To promote citizenship work behaviours among their employees, managers should allocate resources to all employees, irrespective of their gender.

The beneficial effects of work‐family facilitation for employees’ health and productivity should be emphasized.
The effects of salivas on occlusal forces
Authors: McCrea E. S. , Katona T. R. , Eckert G. J. 
Published: December 2014

SummaryContacting surfaces of opposing teeth produce friction that, when altered, changes the contact force direction and/or magnitude. As friction can be influenced by several factors, including lubrication and the contacting materials, the aim of this study was to measure the occlusal load alterations experienced by teeth with the introduction of different salivas and dental restorative materials. Pairs of molar teeth were set into occlusion with a weighted maxillary tooth mounted onto a vertical sliding assembly and the mandibular tooth supported by a load cell. The load components on the mandibular tooth were measured with three opposing pairs of dental restorative materials (plastic denture, all‐ceramic and stainless steel), four (human and three artificial) salivas and 16 occlusal configurations. All lateral force component measurements were significantly different (P < 0·0001) from the dry (control) surface regardless of the crown material or occlusal configuration, while the effects of the artificial salivas compared to each other and to human saliva depended on the crown material.
Altered levels of miR‐21, miR‐125b‐2*, miR‐138, miR‐155, miR‐184, and miR‐205 in oral squamous cell carcinoma and association with clinicopathological characteristics
Authors: Manikandan Mayakannan , Deva Magendhra Rao Arunagiri K. , Rajkumar Kottayasamy Seenivasagam , Rajaraman Ramamurthy , Munirajan Arasambattu K. 
Published: December 2014

BackgroundPrevious studies have described the aberrantly expressed microRNAs (miRNAs) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), and we reasoned that studying frequently deregulated candidate miRNAs in OSCC of Indian ethnicity could aid in better understanding of the genetic/environmental impact on the expression statuses of these miRNAs. Therefore, we evaluated the differential expression of six selected miRNAs namely hsa‐miR‐21, hsa‐miR‐125b2*, hsa‐miR‐138, hsa‐miR‐155, hsa‐miR‐184, and hsa‐miR‐205 in OSCC specimens of Indian ethnicity.MethodsTwo‐step Reverse transcriptase quantitative PCR using inventoried TaqMan single miRNA assays was employed to study the expression of the selected miRNAs in 42 OSCC tumors and eight adjacent normal specimens. The expression levels of the miRNAs were tested for any association with clinicopathological parameters.ResultsmiR‐21 was significantly elevated while miR‐125b‐2* was significantly downregulated in tumors compared to controls (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 respectively). miR‐138 and miR‐184 were observed to be predominantly downregulated in the tumor samples. High levels of miR‐155 were associated with the habit of chewing tobacco/betel quid.ConclusionsOur results corroborate the previous findings on the overexpression of mir‐21 and downregulation of miR‐138 in OSCC. As the expression of miR‐184 is controversial in tongue/oral cancer, the downregulation may be specific to tumor anatomical localization. On the other hand, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to show the association of miR‐155 with tobacco chewing and the downregulation of miR‐125b‐2* in OSCC. Computational predictions suggest that miR‐125b‐2* may have a role in alternative splicing.
The Leader Ship Is Sinking: A Temporal Investigation of Narcissistic Leadership
Authors: Ong Chin Wei , Roberts Ross , Arthur Calum A. , Woodman Tim , Akehurst Sally 
Published: December 2014

AbstractIndividuals higher in narcissism have leader emergent tendencies. The characteristics of their personality suggest, however, that their leadership qualities will decrease over time as a function of group acquaintance. We present data from two studies that provide the first empirical support for this theoretical position within a transformational leadership framework. In Study 1 (N = 112), we tested narcissistic leadership qualities in groups of unacquainted individuals over a 12‐week period. In Study 2 (N = 152), we adopted the same protocol with groups of acquainted individuals. In Study 1, narcissism was positively associated with peer‐rated leadership during initial group formation but not later. In Study 2, narcissism was not significantly associated with peer‐rated leadership during initial group formation and was negatively associated with peer‐rated leadership later. In Study 1, transformational leadership mediated the relationship between narcissism and leadership initially but not later on. In Study 2, transformational leadership failed to mediate the relationship between narcissism and leadership throughout the study. Despite enjoying a honeymoon period of leadership, the appeal and attractiveness of the narcissistic leader rapidly wane. This decline is explained in part by their changing transformational leadership qualities.
Characteristics of the bacterial flora in the conjunctival sac of cats from Poland
Authors: Kiełbowicz Z. , Płoneczka‐Janeczko K. , Bania J. , Bierowiec K. , Kiełbowicz M. 
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVESTo assess the bacterial flora of the conjunctival sac in clinically healthy cats and cats with signs of conjunctivitis.METHODSA total of 324 conjunctival swabs were examined between 2011 and 2012 taken from 60 animals, 30 of which were clinically healthy and 30 with signs of chronic conjunctivitis. The samples were taken three times at 4‐week intervals from the clinically healthy cats. The samples from the cats with conjunctivitis were taken before and 4 weeks after cessation of successful therapy. Swabs from both the right and left eye of each cat were subjected to microbiological examination and polymerase chain reaction for the presence of DNA of Chlamydophila felis and Mycoplasma felis.RESULTSThere was no qualitative difference in the eye microflora between the clinically healthy animals and those with signs of conjunctivitis. Staphylococcus epidermidis (21 · 9%) was the most common microorganism isolated and it was more commonly detected in swabs from cats with conjunctivitis (P < 0 · 0001) as was Staphylococcus aureus (P = 0 · 07). The presence of C. felis was significantly correlated with (P < 0 · 0001) signs of conjunctivitis and was detected in 25% of swabs collected from both conjunctival sacs. No DNA of M. felis was detected in any swab. None of the animals had sterile conjunctival sacs in all consecutive bacteriological tests.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEThe conjunctival sac in cats was sterile in over 50% of the clinically healthy cats and 25% of the cats with conjunctivitis. The sterility did not persist for longer than 4 weeks. Positive bacterial cultures occur in cats with and without clinical signs of conjunctivitis.
Acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI) elastography of the spleen in healthy adult cats – a preliminary study
Authors: Feliciano M. A. R. , Maronezi M. C. , Crivellenti L. Z. , Crivellenti S. B. , Simões A. P. R. , Brito M. B. S. , Garcia P. H. S. , Vicente W. R. R. 
Published: December 2014

OBJECTIVESTo evaluate the splenic stiffness of healthy adult cats using acoustic radiation force impulse elastography to determine the quality (greyscale images and tissue deformity) and quantity (shear velocity) standards.METHODSFifteen healthy, adult shorthair cats were selected. The echotexture, echogenicity, size and edges of the spleen were assessed via mode‐B ultrasound. Using qualitative elastography, specific portions of the spleen were evaluated according to homogeneity, presence of deformities and white and dark regions. The shear velocities in different portions of the spleen were quantitatively evaluated.RESULTSThe echotexture, echogenicity, size and edges of the spleen were normal on B‐mode ultrasound in all cats. On qualitative elastography, the evaluated splenic portions were not deformable, and the images presented as homogeneous dark areas. On quantitative elastography, the mean shear velocity values were 1 · 98 m/s for the head portion, 1 · 77 m/s for the body portion and 2 · 03 m/s for the tail portion. These were not significantly different.CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCEQuantitative and qualitative acoustic radiation force impulse elastography of the spleen in healthy adult cats was easily implemented and this study may provide baseline data for this organ to allow the future use of this technique in evaluating cats with splenic disease.
Effect of Aging and Cardiovascular Risk Factors on Receptor Tie1 Expression in Human Erectile Tissue
Authors: Fonseca João , Tomada Nuno , Magalhães Alexandre , Rodrigues Adriana R. , Gouveia Alexandra M. , Neves Delminda 
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Introduction
Erectile dysfunction is highly prevalent in patients with advanced age or cardiovascular disease risk factors (CVDRFs). These conditions interfere on expression of vascular growth factors and respective receptors causing disturbance in endothelial function.

Aim
This study aims to assess the effect of aging and CVDRF on the expression of tyrosine kinase with immunoglobulin-like and EGF-like domains (Tie) 1 in human corpus cavernosum (CC).

Methods
CC fragments obtained from programmed surgeries or organ donors were divided into three groups: young, healthy aged, and aged with CVDRF. Angiopoietin (Ang) 1, Ang2, Tie1, and Tie2 mRNA and protein levels were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively. Dual-immunolabeling of Tie1 with specific markers of endothelium and smooth muscle and Ang1 and Ang2 was performed.

Main Outcome Measures
To characterize the expression of Tie1 in human CC and elucidate its potential inhibitory effect in Ang–Tie2 system.

Results
Analysis of mRNAs demonstrated a decrease in Tie1 expression in CVDRF individuals compared with aged or young healthy individuals. No variation for Tie2, Ang1, or Ang2 expression was observed among the studied groups. In all analyzed CC fragments, a 125 kDa band, Tie1, was detected. This protein presented a significant age-related decrease, specially in individuals with CVDRF. Immunofluorescence study revealed Tie1 expression in the endothelium of samples of all experimental groups.

Conclusions
Employing different methodological approaches, we show for the first time that Tie1 is expressed in human CC endothelium, and its level of expression diminishes in aged individuals, particularly those with CVDRF. This finding reinforces the view that delivery of Ang1 to the CC of erectile dysfunction affected CVDRF patients is able to activate a beneficial Tie2 response.