bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Leaf traits in dominant species from different secondary successional stages of deciduous forest on the Loess Plateau of northern China
Authors: Chai Yongfu , Liu Xiao , Yue Ming , Guo Jiangchao , Wang Mao , Wan Pengcheng , Zhang Xiaofei , Zhang Chenguang 
Published: July 2014

AbstractQuestionsAre leaf traits related to plant growth efficiency different in different stages of forest succession on the Loess Plateau of northern Shaanxi, China? How do plant ecological strategies change with the progress of forest succession? Can a combination of some key leaf traits across species discriminate successional stages?LocationLoess Plateau region of northern Shaanxi, China.MethodsA set of 31 plots was established in the study area. Twenty‐two traits were measured in 31 dominant species representative of six succession stages: three pertaining to morphology, nine to stoichiometry and ten to physiological ecology. Six traits related to photosynthesis were measured in 15 species.ResultsEleven of 22 leaf traits differed significantly along the succession gradient. Early succession species had leaves with higher specific leaf area (SLA), higher leaf phosphorus (P) content (LPC) and lower N/P ratio, which assured higher growth rates and resource acquisition. Species from more advanced stages had a higher leaf dry mass content (LDMC), leaf carbon (C) content (LCC), leaf construction cost (CC) and C/P ratio, indicating improved competiveness through efficient nutrient conservation. None of the traits related to photosynthesis differed significantly among successional stages. Differences between traits among life forms also revealed that changes in traits with succession were due to the turnover of life forms in dominant species along the succession gradient.ConclusionsThe results provide clear evidence of functional links between leaf traits and forest succession in the Loess Plateau ecosystem, confirming trait‐based trade‐off of nutrient acquisition vs conservation during succession. We recommend using a combination of seven key leaf traits across species to discriminate between the succession stages.
Transient receptor potential channel modulators as pharmacological treatments for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS): myth or reality?
Authors: Deruyver Yves , Voets Thomas , De Ridder Dirk , Everaerts Wouter 
Published: July 2014

Transient receptor potential (TRP) channels belong to the most intensely pursued drug targets of the last decade. These ion channels are considered promising targets for the treatment of pain, hypersensitivity disorders and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). The aim of the present review is to discuss to what extent TRP channels have adhered to their promise as new pharmacological targets in the lower urinary tract (LUT) and to outline the challenges that lie ahead.
TRP vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonists have proven their efficacy in the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity (DO), albeit at the expense of prolonged adverse effects as pelvic ‘burning’ pain, sensory urgency and haematuria.
TRPV1 antagonists have been very successful in preclinical studies to treat pain and DO. However, clinical trials with the first generation TRPV1 antagonists were terminated early due to hyperthermia, a serious, on‐target, side‐effect.
TRP vanilloid 4 (TRPV4), TRP ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) and TRP melastatin 8 (TRPM8) have important sensory functions in the LUT. Antagonists of these channels have shown their potential in pre‐clinical studies of LUT dysfunction and are awaiting clinical validation.
The changing reality of urothelial bladder cancer: should non‐squamous variant histology be managed as a distinct clinical entity?
Authors: Monn M. Francesca , Kaimakliotis Hristos Z. , Cary K. Clint , Bihrle Richard , Pedrosa Jose A. , Masterson Timothy A. , Foster Richard S. , Gardner Thomas A. , Cheng Liang , Koch Michael O. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo assess the effect of non‐squamous differentiation (non‐SQD) variant histology on survival in muscle‐invasive bladder urothelial cancer (UC).Patients and MethodsA cohort of 411 radical cystectomy (RC) cases performed with curative intent for muscle‐invasive primary UC was identified between 2008 and June 2013. Survival analysis was evaluated using Kaplan–Meier methodology comparing non‐variant (NV) + SQD histology to non‐SQD variant histology (non‐SQD variants). Multivariable cox proportional hazards regression assessed all‐cause and disease‐specific mortality.ResultsOf the 411 RC cases, 77 (19%) had non‐SQD variant histology. The median overall survival (OS) for non‐SQD variant histology was 28 months, whereas the NV+SQD group had not reached the median OS at 74 months (log‐rank test P < 0.001). After adjusting for sex, age, pathological stage, and any systemic chemotherapy, patients with non‐SQD variant histology at RC had a 1.57‐times increased adjusted risk of all‐cause mortality (P = 0.027) and 1.69‐times increased risk of disease‐specific mortality (P = 0.030) compared with NV+SQD patients.ConclusionsWhile SQD behaves similarly to NV, non‐SQD variant histology portends worse OS and disease‐specific survival regardless of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy and pathological stage. Non‐SQD variants of UC could perhaps be considered a distinct clinical entity in UC with goals for developing new treatment algorithms through novel clinical trials.
Self‐reported physical activity is associated with cognitive function in lean, but not obese individuals
Authors: Galioto Wiedemann R. , Calvo D. , Meister J. , Spitznagel M. B. 
Published: July 2014

SummaryConvergent evidence demonstrates that greater physical activity is associated with better cognitive functioning across many patient and healthy samples. However, this relationship has not been well examined among obese individuals and remains unclear. The present study examined the relationship between performance‐based measures of attention/executive function and self‐reported physical activity, as measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, among lean (n = 36) and obese (n = 36) college students. Lean individuals performed better than obese individuals on measures of attention/executive function. No significant differences in self‐reported physical activity emerged between weight groups. Higher self‐reported physical activity was related to faster reaction time in lean individuals but slower reaction time in obese individuals. Additionally, in lean individuals, higher levels of self‐reported physical activity were related to more errors on a task of speeded inhibitory control. The results are consistent with previous research demonstrating that greater physical activity is associated with faster attention and executive function abilities in healthy samples and highlight the importance of examining reaction time and accuracy indices separately on these measures. The lack of association among obese individuals may be due in part to inaccurate self‐report in the current study. Additionally, the cognitive consequences of obesity may outweigh the benefits of physical activity in this group. Future work should investigate these associations in obese individuals using physical activity interventions, as well as a combination of self‐report and objective measures to investigate discrepancies in reporting.
Error‐monitoring in response to social stimuli in individuals with higher‐functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: McMahon Camilla M. , Henderson Heather A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractError‐monitoring, or the ability to recognize one's mistakes and implement behavioral changes to prevent further mistakes, may be impaired in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Children and adolescents (ages 9–19) with ASD (n = 42) and typical development (n = 42) completed two face processing tasks that required discrimination of either the gender or affect of standardized face stimuli. Post‐error slowing and the difference in Error‐Related Negativity amplitude between correct and incorrect responses (ERNdiff) were used to index error‐monitoring ability. Overall, ERNdiff increased with age. On the Gender Task, individuals with ASD had a smaller ERNdiff than individuals with typical development; however, on the Affect Task, there were no significant diagnostic group differences on ERNdiff. Individuals with ASD may have ERN amplitudes similar to those observed in individuals with typical development in more social contexts compared to less social contexts due to greater consequences for errors, more effortful processing, and/or reduced processing efficiency in these contexts. Across all participants, more post‐error slowing on the Affect Task was associated with better social cognitive skills.
Most appropriate animal models to study the efficacy of statins: a systematic review
Authors: Pecoraro Valentina , Moja Lorenzo , Dall'Olmo Luigi , Cappellini Glauco , Garattini Silvio 
Published: July 2014

AbstractBackgroundIn animal models and clinical trials, statins are reported as effective in reducing cholesterol levels and lowering the risk of cardiovascular diseases. We have aggregated the findings in animal models – mice, rats and rabbits – using the technique of systematic review and meta‐analysis to highlight differences in the efficacy of statins.Materials and methodsWe searched Medline and Embase. After examining all eligible articles, we extracted results about total cholesterol and other blood parameters, blood pressure, myocardial infarction and survival. Weighted and standard mean difference random effects meta‐analysis was used to measure overall efficacy in prespecified species, strains and subgroups.ResultsWe included in systematic review 161 animal studies and we analysed 120 studies, accounting for 2432 animals. Statins lowered the total cholesterol across all species, although with large differences in the effect size: −30% in rabbits, −20% in mice and −10% in rats. The reduction was larger in animals fed on a high‐cholesterol diet. Statins reduced infarct volume but did not consistently reduce the blood pressure or effect the overall survival. Few studies considered strains at high risk of cardiovascular diseases or hard outcomes.ConclusionsAlthough statins showed substantial efficacy in animal models, few preclinical data considered conditions mimicking human pathologies for which the drugs are clinically indicated and utilized. The empirical finding that statins are more effective in lowering cholesterol derived from an external source (i.e. diet) conflicts with statin's supposed primary mechanism of action.
Effect of a denture base acrylic resin containing silver nanoparticles onCandida albicansadhesion and biofilm formation
Authors: Li Zhe , Sun Jing , Lan Jing , Qi Qingguo 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of denture base resin containing silver nanoparticles (nano‐silver) onCandida albicansadhesion and biofilm formation.BackgroundEpidemiological studies report that approximately 70% of removable denture wearers suffer from denture stomatitis.Candida albicansadhesion and biofilm formation are regarded as essential prerequisites for denture stomatitis.Materials and methodsThe bioactivity and biomass ofC. albicansbiofilm, which was incubated in a series of twofold dilutions of nano‐silver suspension at 37°C for 24 h, were determined usingXTTreduction and crystal violet assays, respectively. The denture base resin specimens containing nano‐silver were then used inC. albicansadhesion (37°C; 90 min;n = 9) and biofilm formation assays (37°C; 72 h;n = 9). Confocal laser scanning microscopy was used to evaluate the architectural properties of average thickness and live/dead cell ratio in the different biofilm stages that developed on the specimens.ResultsThe bioactivity and biomass ofC. albicansbiofilm successively decreased with increasing nano‐silver solution concentration. Denture base resin containing nano‐silver had no effect on adhesion at low concentrations, but it exhibited anti‐adhesion activity at a high concentration (5%). For 72 h biofilm formed on the resin specimens, the thickness and live/dead cell ratio were successively reduced with increasing nano‐silver concentrations.ConclusionNano‐silver had antifungal activity and inhibitedC. albicansbiofilm formation. Antifungal activity and an inhibitory effect on adhesion and biofilm formation by denture base resin containing nano‐silver were discovered, especially at a higher concentration.
Questioning the Capetians, 1180–1328
Authors: Field Sean L. , Gaposchkin M. Cecilia 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe sharp ascent of Capetian power between the reigns of Philip II Augustus (r. 1180–1223) and Philip IV the Fair (r. 1285–1314) is an axiom of medieval French history. In the mid‐20th century, French and American institutional historians focused on governmental developments in analyzing the means by which the Capetian kings increased their real authority. But because Capetian power was also understood to have rested as much on ideological claims as on brute force, 20th century historians from Marc Bloch to Joseph Strayer already recognized cultural components as crucial to this story. Consequently, later 20th century turns toward cultural history and post‐structural theory did not so much undermine as open up new possibilities for this established narrative. Most recently, a sophisticated new brand of institutional history has emerged to further invigorate a thriving field, which defines Capetian power in ways that necessitate the inclusion of ideology, art, sanctity, gender, crusade, persecution, and intellectual authority in an overarching conceptualization of the period's political history.
Ethnic Identification and Stereotypes in Western Europe, circa 1100–1300
Authors: Weeda Claire 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe central Middle Ages witnessed a remarkable upsurge in sources containing ethnic stereotypes. Should we interpret the increase in ethnic images as evidence that people identified more strongly with ethnic or national groups from the 12th century onwards? And to which extent was ethnic identity informed by cultural, religious, and medical discourses, as well as forged by political elites as part of a state‐formation process? Addressing these questions from a broad range of perspectives and incorporating a wide body of research, this article offers a review of the scholarship on ethnic identity formation and the relevance of ethnic stereotyping in religious‐eschatological thought, medical science, and political rhetoric from the 12th century. It challenges the notion that ethnic stereotyping reflected random expressions of hatred, or, conversely, expressions of nationalist patriotism in the later Middle Ages.
Potential for nosocomial transmission of Enterococcus faecalis from surfaces in dental operatories
Authors: Vidana R. , Sillerström E. , Ahlquist M. , Lund B. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimTo assess the potential for nosocomial transmission of Enterococcus faecalis during root canal treatment by measuring its occurrence on surfaces in dental operatories in relation to the efficacy of disinfection routines.MethodologyEight dental clinics (two endodontic specialist clinics and six general dentistry clinics) were included. Bacterial sampling was conducted in duplicate after root canal treatment and collected before and after disinfection from four surfaces expected to be frequently disinfected and six surfaces expected to be occasionally disinfected.ResultsA total of 320 samples were collected. Overall, 40.6% (n = 130) exhibited bacterial growth, mostly consisting of environmental bacteria (36.3%) and to a lesser extent of bacteria from salivary contamination (3.4%). Only three surfaces, all of which were probably seldomly disinfected, were positive for E. faecalis (0.9%). Disinfection routines resulted in an increased contamination in the majority of general dentistry clinics: 64% (32/50) of the surfaces were contaminated prior to and 70% (35/50) after disinfection. Conversely, disinfection of surfaces in the specialist clinics reduced contamination levels by 10%.ConclusionsThe origin of E. faecalis in secondary root canal infections remains unclear, as the potential for nosocomial transmission of enterococci from environmental surfaces in dental surgeries appears to be very small. The incorrect or ineffective disinfection procedures in general dentistry clinics needs to be addressed to counteract the risk for bacterial transmission in dental operatories.
Changes in consumer segments and preferences to green labelling
Authors: Whitson Debbora , Ozkaya H. Erkan , Roxas Juanita 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThis paper is a follow‐up on a study conducted in 1996 to determine if there have been changes in market segments and consumer preferences since that time. The specific purpose of this study is to determine whether respondents’ will be influenced by the presence of seals and/or logos certifying that the laundry detergent is environmentally friendly, and whether the customer segments and preferences have changed over time. Respondents were subjected to a stack of 16 cards with different combinations of price, degree of concentration, whether detergent had regular or low suds formulas, the presence of phosphates, and the presence of either a Green Seal, an EPA logo or both. The data yielded three distinct clusters/groupings of respondents (i.e. Green Seal, price and EPA Logo) different from the previous study. This study showed that respondents were not monolithic in their preferences for green labelling techniques. The findings of this study indicate that the customer segments and their preferences have changed over time. Suggestions are made for marketing to each of the respective current segments.
The mediating role of illness perceptions in psychological outcomes in overactive bladder
Authors: Pretorius Sara , Kinsey Debbie , Alexander Tim , Glover Lesley , Kraus Sigurd , Duggan Paul 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTOveractive bladder (OAB) is condition, characterized by urinary urgency, frequency and incontinence, which has the potential to disrupt everyday life considerably. Although there is evidence that antimuscarinic treatment is effective at treating physical symptoms, there is currently no systematic exploration of psychological factors associated with OAB after treatment. This study aimed to examine the quality of life, relationships, sexual functioning, psychological wellbeing and illness perceptions of individuals with OAB after they have received treatment. And to determine whether an individual's psychological wellbeing is directly related to the severity of their symptoms, or whether their illness perceptions mediate this relationship. This study used a cross‐sectional, questionnaire‐based quantitative design with a secondary care outpatient sample who were diagnosed with OAB and had been either previously or currently prescribed drug treatment. Patients reported moderately severe OAB symptoms, with approximately a third reporting moderate/severe anxiety and 12% reporting severe depression. There was no direct relationship between symptom severity and psychological wellbeing (β = −0·03, t(31) = −0·96, p = 0·34; β = −0·02, t(31) = −0·41, p = 0·68) – this relationship was mediated by the patient's sense of personal control over their OAB (β = 0·03 (SE = 0·02), 95% CI [0·004, 0·09]; β = 0·02 (SE = 0·02), 95% CI [0·0008, 0·08]). Including interventions to improve personal control alongside drug treatment may improve treatment adherence and outcomes.
When reduction strategies are put in place and mental health consumers are still secluded: An analysis of clinical and sociodemographic characteristics
Authors: Bullock Rebecca , McKenna Brian , Kelly Teresa , Furness Trentham , Tacey Mark 
Published: July 2014

AbstractInternationally, seclusion practices continue to be the subject of intense clinical health service and academic scrutiny. Despite extensive efforts to reduce and eliminate this controversial practice, seclusion remains a clinical intervention widely used in contemporary mental health service settings. Early identification of people who are at risk for seclusion and the timely application of alternative evidence‐based interventions are critical for reducing incidents of seclusion in real‐world practice settings. This retrospective study aimed to determine the relationship between sociodemographic and clinical characteristics, and the use of seclusion for those mental health consumers for whom evidence‐based seclusion‐reduction initiatives had little impact. A 12‐month centred moving average was fitted to seclusion data from a psychiatric inpatient unit over 2 years to determine stabilization in seclusion reduction. The number of consumers admitted was calculated from the point of stabilization for 1 year (n = 469). In this cohort, univariate analysis sought to compare the characteristics of those who were secluded and those who were not. A multivariate logistic regression model was undertaken to associate future seclusion based on significant independent variables. Of those people admitted, 88 (19%) were secluded. The majority of seclusions occurred in the first 5 days (70/88, 79%). Multivariate logistic regression indicated that three variables maintained their independent associative risk of seclusion: (i) age less than 35 years; (ii) assessment of risk of violence to others; and (iii) a history of seclusion. The implications of these findings for nursing practice are discussed.
Involvement of small GTPases in the regulation of smooth muscle contraction
Authors: PFITZER G. , ARNER A. 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTNeurohumoral stimulation of smooth muscle leads to an increased responsiveness of the myofilaments to Ca2+. This review provides a summary of the data that suggest that the signalling from the membrane‐bound serpentine receptors to the contractile apparatus leading to the increase in Ca2+‐sensitivity requires the activation of the Ras‐related low molecular mass GTPase Rho. In smooth muscle permeabilized with α‐toxin or β‐escin, the increase in force elicited by different agonists at fixed [Ca2+] (Ca2+‐sensitization) can be inhibited by bacterial toxins (EDIN, and exoenzyme C3) which ADP‐ribosylate and inactivate Rho proteins. Moreover, the agonist‐induced increase in Ca2+‐sensitivity can be mimicked by constitutively active recombinant Rho proteins. The physiological relevance of this mechanism is suggested by the fact that toxins that are internalized into intact cells [toxin B from C. difficile and a chimeric toxin (DC3B) consisting of C3 and the (non‐catalytic) B fragment of diphteria toxin (inhibit the tonic phase of an agonist‐induced contraction. Toxin B inhibits contraction without affecting the intracellular Ca2+‐transient determined with fura‐2. However, it inhibits phosphorylation of the regulatory light chains of myosin (MLC). Rho has been suggested to activate a Rho‐associated kinase which in turn phosphorylates the myosin binding subunit of the myosin light chain phosphatase. This would lead to an increase in phosphorylation of MLC and hence of force at constant Ca2+. The Ca2+‐sensitizing effect of agonists is also inhibited by tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This suggests the possibility that in smooth muscle, like in non‐muscle cells, there is a cross‐talk between Rho and tyrosine kinases.