bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Continuous forest has greater taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic plant diversity than an adjacent naturally fragmented forest
Authors: Munguía-Rosas Miguel A. , Jurado-Dzib Selmy G. , Mezeta-Cob Candy R. , Montiel Salvador , Rojas Armando , Pech-Canché Juan M. 
Published: May 2014

Abstract:Several studies have evaluated the short-term effects of tropical forest fragmentation on plant taxonomic diversity, while only a few have evaluated its effects on functional or phylogenetic diversity. To our knowledge no study has looked at the long-term consequences of tropical forest fragmentation on the three main components of plant diversity simultaneously: taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic diversity. We sampled the vascular flora using belt transects (50 × 4 m) in a continuous tropical semi-evergreen forest (16 transects) and in an adjacent naturally fragmented forest (fragments of 1.7-My-old semi-evergreen forest immersed in a mangrove/sedge matrix) (18 transects), and compared their taxonomic, functional and phylogenetic plant diversity. There were 36 species in the continuous forest and 28 in the fragmented forest. Continuous forest was taxonomically more diverse (25%) than the fragmented forest. All functional diversity metrics were greater (6–33%) in the continuous than in the fragmented forest. Phylogenetic diversity was 19% greater and phylogenetically more overdispersed in the continuous forest than in the fragmented forest. The results suggest that in the fragmented forest not only is taxonomic plant diversity lower, but functional and phylogenetic diversity are as well. The negative effects of forest fragmentation on plant diversity seem to be chronic.
In-situ monitoring of vanadium dioxide formation using high-temperature XRD
Authors: Rodriguez Mark A. , Bell Nelson S. , Griego James J. M. , Edney Cynthia V. , Clem Paul G. 
Published: May 2014

The monoclinic-to-tetragonal phase transition (~70 °C) in vanadium dioxide (VO2) strongly impacts the infrared properties, which enables its use in applications such as smart window devices. Synthesis of VO2 can be challenging due to the variability of vanadium oxide phases that may be formed. We have employed high-temperature X-ray diffraction (HTXRD) to monitor the reaction process of vanadium oxide precursor powders to form the desired tetragonal VO2 phase. Single-phase tetragonal VO2 was formed within 30 min at 420 °C in flowing N2 gas (~50 ppm O2). The monoclinic-to-tetragonal phase transformation was observed via HTXRD at ~70 °C with the typical ~10 °C hysteresis (i.e. approached from above or below the transition).
X-ray powder reference patterns of the Fe(Sb2+xTe1−x) skutterudites for thermoelectric applications
Authors: Wong-Ng W. , Kaduk J.A. , Tan G. , Yan Y. , Tang X. 
Published: May 2014

The crystal structure and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns for three skutterudite samples, Fe(Sb2+xTe1−x),x = 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, have been determined. These compounds crystallize in the cubic space group$Im\bar 3$. Te was found to randomly substitute in the Sb site. Because of the fact the covalent radius of Sb is greater than that of Te, a trend of increasing lattice parameter has been observed as thexvalue in Fe(Sb2+xTe1−x) increases [cell parameters range from 9.10432(4) to 9.11120(3) Å forx = 0.0 to 0.2, respectively]. The Fe–Sb/Te bond distance also increases progressively [from 2.5358(4) to 2.5388(4) Å] as the Te content decreases. While average Sb/Te–Sb/Te distances in the four-membered rings are similar in these three compounds, the average Sb/Te–Sb/Te edge distances in the octahedral framework increase progressively from 3.5845(12) to 3.5900(13) Å. Reference XRD patterns of these three phases have been prepared to be included in the Powder Diffraction File (PDF).
Food insecurity among veterans of the US wars in Iraq and Afghanistan
Authors: Widome Rachel , Jensen Agnes , Bangerter Ann , Fu Steven S 
Published: May 2014

AbstractObjectiveFood insecurity, or lack of access to sufficient food for a healthful lifestyle, has been associated with many aspects of poor health. While the economic struggles among veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been documented, it is unknown how commonly this population struggles to afford food. Our purpose was to document the prevalence and correlates of food insecurity among US veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.DesignA cross-sectional survey.SubjectsUS military veterans who had served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan since October 2001.SettingSubjects responded to a survey mailed to them in summer 2012. Food security was measured by the US Household Food Security Module: Six Item Short Form. Demographic and behavioural health items were also included. Survey data were matched to medical record data from the Department of Veterans Affairs.ResultsOver one in four veterans reported past-year food insecurity with 12 % reporting very low food security. Food-insecure veterans tended to be younger, not married/partnered, living in households with more children, earning lower incomes, had a lower final military pay grade, were more likely to use tobacco, reported more frequent binge drinking and slept less, compared with those who were food secure (P<0·05 for all associations listed).ConclusionsPreviously undocumented, the problem of hunger among our newest veterans deserves attention.
Transcriptional control of ROS homeostasis by KUODA1 regulates cell expansion during leaf development
Authors: Lu Dandan , Wang Ting , Persson Staffan , Mueller-Roeber Bernd , Schippers Jos H.M. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe final size of an organism, or of single organs within an organism, depends on an intricate coordination of cell proliferation and cell expansion. Although organism size is of fundamental importance, the molecular and genetic mechanisms that control it remain far from understood. Here we identify a transcription factor, KUODA1 (KUA1), which specifically controls cell expansion during leaf development inArabidopsis thaliana. We show thatKUA1expression is circadian regulated and depends on an intact clock. Furthermore, KUA1 directly represses the expression of a set of genes encoding for peroxidases that control reactive oxygen species (ROS) homeostasis in the apoplast. Disruption ofKUA1results in increased peroxidase activity and smaller leaf cells. Chemical or genetic interference with the ROS balance or peroxidase activity affects cell size in a manner consistent with the identified KUA1 function. Thus, KUA1 modulates leaf cell expansion and final organ size by controlling ROS homeostasis.
Effect of the guide strand 3′-end structure on the gene-silencing potency of asymmetric siRNA
Authors: Hong Sun Woo , Park June Hyun , Yun Soyeong , Lee Chang Han , Shin Chanseok , Lee Dong-ki 
Published: May 2014

siRNAs are short dsRNAs that mediate efficient target gene silencing in a sequence-specific manner. We previously developed a novel siRNA structure, called asiRNA (asymmetric siRNA), which alleviates the off-target effects associated with conventional siRNA structures without decreasing target gene silencing potency. In the present study, we explored the effect of the guide strand 3′-end structure on the gene silencing potency of asiRNA. Interestingly, asiRNAs with a 21 nt guide strand solely composed of RNA resulted in gene silencing that was more than 6-fold more efficient compared with the corresponding asiRNA guide strand harbouring a dTdT (deoxythymidine dinucleotide) at its 3′-end. We demonstrated that the molecular basis of potency of the asiRNA with a 21 nt guide strand composed solely of RNA was due to the enhanced formation of the RISC (RNA-induced silencing complex) and increased affinity towards hAgo2 (human Argonaute2). Our observations may assist researchers in designing new asiRNAs with high on-target silencing efficiency with low off-target effects, which is critical for applications in both basic research and therapeutic development.
Protective axis of the renin–angiotensin system in the brain
Authors: Gironacci Mariela M. , Cerniello Flavia M. , Longo Carbajosa Nadia A. , Goldstein Jorge , Cerrato Bruno D. 
Published: May 2014

The RAS (renin–angiotensin system) is composed of two arms: the pressor arm containing AngII (angiotensin II)/ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme)/AT1Rs (AngII type 1 receptors), and the depressor arm represented by Ang-(1–7) [angiotensin-(1–7)]/ACE2/Mas receptors. All of the components of the RAS are present in the brain. Within the brain, Ang-(1–7) contributes to the regulation of BP (blood pressure) by acting at regions that control cardiovascular function such that, when Ang-(1–7) is injected into the nucleus of the solitary tract, caudal ventrolateral medulla, paraventricular nucleus or anterior hypothalamic area, a reduction in BP occurs; however, when injected into the rostral ventrolateral medulla, Ang-(1–7) stimulates an increase in BP. In contrast with AngII, Ang-(1–7) improves baroreflex sensitivity and has an inhibitory neuromodulatory role in hypothalamic noradrenergic neurotransmission. Ang-(1–7) not only exerts effects related to BP regulation, but also acts as a cerebroprotective component of the RAS by reducing cerebral infarct size and neuronal apoptosis. In the present review, we provide an overview of effects elicited by Ang-(1–7) in the brain, which suggest a potential role for Ang-(1–7) in controlling the central development of hypertension.
Ultrabroadband infrared nanospectroscopic imaging
Authors: Bechtel Hans A. , Muller Eric A. , Olmon Robert L. , Martin Michael C. , Raschke Markus B. 
Published: May 2014

Significance
Through direct measurement of intrinsic vibrational and electronic modes, infrared spectroscopy provides label-free, chemical characterization of molecules and solids. The long micrometer-sized wavelength of infrared light, however, has limited the application of this widely applied spectroscopic technique to ensemble studies, preventing nanoscale spatially resolved spectroscopy of heterogeneous materials. We overcome this limitation by combining scattering-scanning near-field optical microscopy with broadband infrared synchrotron radiation. Using this synchrotron infrared nanospectroscopy (SINS) technique, we achieve spectroscopic imaging over the entire midinfrared with nanometer spatial resolution and high sensitivity. With a spatial resolution 100–1,000 times better than conventional FTIR microscopy, SINS enables the investigation of nanoscale phenomena in soft matter, even under ambient and environmental conditions that are essentially inaccessible by other techniques.
Antibiotics induce redox-related physiological alterations as part of their lethality
Authors: Dwyer Daniel J. , Belenky Peter A. , Yang Jason H. , MacDonald I. Cody , Martell Jeffrey D. , Takahashi Noriko , Chan Clement T. Y. , Lobritz Michael A. , Braff Dana , Schwarz Eric G. , Ye Jonathan D. , Pati Mekhala , Vercruysse Maarten , Ralifo Paul S. , Allison Kyle R. , Khalil Ahmad S. , Ting Alice Y. , Walker Graham C. , Collins James J. 
Published: May 2014

Significance
Substantial knowledge exists about how antibiotics interfere with core bacterial processes by binding to specific targets. Recently it has become appreciated that blocking these functions alters cellular redox state, and these perturbations may contribute to the lethality of antibiotics. In this work we explore whether antibiotic treatment of bacteria affects cellular oxidative stress and the role of such stress in antibiotic-mediated killing. We find that antibiotics dynamically alter cellular respiration and induce lethal levels of intracellular hydrogen peroxide. Antioxidants, including oxidative stress defense proteins, significantly reduce the killing by antibiotics, which is highly sensitive to the presence of molecular oxygen. These findings underscore the complex nature of antibiotic action and suggest practical approaches to enhancing our current antibiotic arsenal.
Redox status and antioxidant response in professional cyclists during training
Authors: Leonardo‐Mendonça Roberto Carlos , Concepción‐Huertas Melquiades , Guerra‐Hernández Eduardo , Zabala Mikel , Escames Germaine , Acuña‐Castroviejo Darío 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate whether different phases of training affect oxidative stress and antioxidant defences in professional cyclists. Ten professional cyclists, aged 21.8 ± 2.5 years, were enrolled in the study. They were classified into two groups of five athletes each one with similar nutritional intake excepting for the overload of vitamin C (1000 mg day−1) and E (400 mg day−1) supplementation in one of them. The cyclists of both groups performed the same exercise design, consisting of hard, tapering and recovery training periods. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) of the diet, plasma oxygen radical absorption capacity (ORAC), lipid peroxidation (LPO), DNA damage (8‐OHdG) and erythrocyte glutathione disulfide/glutathione ratio (GSSG:GSH−1) were measured. During the intense exercise trainings, the cyclists without vitamin supplements had the TAC of diet significantly lower than the supplemented group. Plasma ORAC, LPO and 8‐OHdG were similar in both groups of athletes. Athletes with supplements had a basal LPO:ORAC−1 ratio lower than that without supplements, but this ratio converged to the same level at the end of the training in both groups of cyclists. Both groups of cyclists showed similar changes in GSSG:GSH−1 ratio and in GSSG and GSH levels along the study. The data suggest that well‐trained athletes with suitable ultra‐endurance training volume and intensity do not require antioxidant vitamin supplements to adapt their endogenous antioxidant defenses to exercise‐induced ROS.
Maintain the Gain: Program to Sustain Performance Improvement in Environmental Cleaning
Authors: Rupp Mark E. , Fitzgerald Theresa , Sholtz Lee , Lyden Elizabeth , Carling Philip 
Published: May 2014

Sustaining performance is a difficult and often overlooked aspect of quality improvement and implementation science. Over a 4-year period, we observed that monthly feedback of performance data in face-to-face meetings with frontline personnel was crucial in maintaining environmental-cleaning effectiveness in adult critical care units.Infect Control Hosp Epidemiol2014;35(7):866–868
Efficiency in Education: Research and Implications
Authors: Grosskopf Shawna , Hayes Kathy J. , Taylor Lori L. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this paper we explore some of the policy issues related to the provision of primary and secondary education in the United States from an economic standpoint. We begin with stylized facts and a brief reference to the uniquely decentralized financing and delivery of public education in the United States, and the resulting issues of equity and quality that arise. As a reference point we review the basic efficiency and equity arguments for public financing and the provision of public goods in general, and education specifically, both of which suggest that current practices are unlikely to be efficient or equitable. These are issues that have motivated a number of policy avenues—the accountability movement, including No Child Left Behind, as well as recent efforts to establish higher and uniform standards for our public schools. We then turn to the sizable body of literature assessing school performance. We include an empirical example of this approach for Texas primary and secondary schools, with a focus on the many challenging issues involved with modeling and assessing educational performance.Our application demonstrates that research findings are highly sensitive to modeling choices, suggesting that a mixed methods approach is most likely to lead to effective education reforms.
Crop Supply Dynamics and the Illusion of Partial Adjustment
Authors: Hendricks Nathan P. , Smith Aaron , Sumner Daniel A. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractWe use field‐level data to estimate the response of corn and soybean acreage to price shocks. Our sample contains more than 8 million observations derived from satellite imagery and includes every cultivated field in Iowa, Illinois, and Indiana. We estimate that aggregate crop acreage responds more to price shocks in the short run than in the long run, and we show theoretically how the benefits of crop rotation generate this response pattern. In essence, farmers who change crops due to a price shock have an incentive to switch back to the previous crop to capture the benefits of crop rotation. Our result contradicts the long‐held belief that agricultural supply responds gradually to price shocks through partial adjustment. We would not have obtained this result had we used county‐level panel data. Standard econometric methods applied to county‐level data produce estimates consistent with partial adjustment. We show that this apparent partial adjustment is illusory, and we demonstrate how it arises from the fact that fields in the same county are more similar to each other than to fields in other counties. This result underscores the importance of using models with appropriate micro‐foundations and cautions against inferring micro‐level rigidities from inertia in aggregate panel data. Our preferred estimate of the own‐price long‐run elasticity of corn acreage is 0.29, and the cross‐price elasticity is −0.22. The corresponding elasticities for soybean acreage are 0.26 and −0.33. Our estimated short‐run elasticities are 37% larger than their long‐run counterparts.
Wiring miRNAs to pathways: a topological approach to integrate miRNA and mRNA expression profiles
Authors: Calura Enrica , Martini Paolo , Sales Gabriele , Beltrame Luca , Chiorino Giovanna , D’Incalci Maurizio , Marchini Sergio , Romualdi Chiara 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe production rate of gene expression data is nothing less than astounding. However, with the benefit of hindsight we can assert that, since we completely ignored the non-coding part of the transcriptome, we spent the last decade to study cell mechanisms having few data in our hands. In this scenario, microRNAs, which are key post-trascriptional regulators, deserve special attention. Given the state of knowledge about their biogenesis, mechanisms of action and the numerous experimentally validated target genes, miRNAs are also gradually appearing in the formal pathway representations such as KEGG and Reactome maps. However, the number of miRNAs annotated in pathway maps are very few and pathway analyses exploiting this new regulatory layer are still lacking. To fill these gaps, we present ‘micrographite’ a new pipeline to perform topological pathway analysis integrating gene and miRNA expression profiles. Here, micrographite is used to study and dissect the epithelial ovarian cancer gene and miRNA transcriptome defining and validating a new regulatory circuit related to ovarian cancer histotype specificity.
Madhyamaka
Authors: Donnelly Paul B. 
Published: May 2014

The Madhyamaka (Middle Way) school, along with the Yogācāra, is one of the two major schools of Indian Mahayana Buddhist thought, which flourished there from the 3rd century ce to the final destruction of Buddhism in India in about the 12th century. It was carried to East Asia and Tibet prior to this time and continues there to this day, surviving in scholastic Tibetan Buddhism, Zen, and even Pure Land, frequently regarded as the cornerstone of Mahayana thought. The name “middle way” refers to a fundamental claim in Buddhism that the teachings of the Buddha constitute a middle way between eternalism and annihilationism; that is, between the doctrine that things have a stable and eternal essence, and the doctrine that things pass utterly out of existence when they cease. “Mādhyamika” is the adjectival form that refers to adherents of the Madhyamaka school. Though central Madhyamaka ideas such as the Two Truths and Emptiness can be found in Nikaya Buddhism and in Mahayana sutras, it is with the treatises of Nāgārjuna (2nd–3rd centuries ce) that we have a fully formed and distinct system of thought that we can call Madhyamaka. In Nāgārjuna’s texts, he subjects all phenomena, including the Abhidharma categories of dharmas and the structure of the Two Truths, to radical analysis, declaring all things, including the Four Noble Truths and the Buddha himself, to be empty of inherent nature. For the Abhidharmikas, dharmas possess their characteristics intrinsically, which make them uniquely what they are, despite accepting the paradigmatic Buddhist position that all things exist dependently. Nāgārjuna and the Mādhyamikas assert that dharmas cannot possess their own nature precisely because they exist dependently. In place of inherent nature, Nāgārjuna asserts that things exist only dependently, at least in conventional terms, and that ultimately, emptiness of inherent nature is the truth and reality of all things. Not surprisingly, numerous interpreters arose to elucidate this difficult philosophy. The question of which commentator is definitive has occupied many generations of Indian, East Asian, and Tibetan Buddhists, and the issue remains very much alive in modern scholarship. Much of the interest in Western scholarship has come, unsurprisingly, from philosophy, but it warrants noting that the intent of Madhyamaka, like all Buddhist thought, is primarily soteriological in nature.
J. L. Austin
Authors: Longworth Guy 
Published: May 2014

John Langshaw Austin (b. 1911–d. 1960) was White’s Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Oxford. He made a number of contributions in various areas of philosophy, including important work on knowledge, perception, action, freedom, truth, language, and the use of language in speech acts. Distinctions that Austin drew in his work on speech acts—in particular his distinction between locutionary, illocutionary, and perlocutionary acts—have assumed something like canonical status in more recent work. His work on knowledge and perception figures centrally in some recent work on these topics, especially with respect to questions about the nature of episodes of seeing and the way they can figure in enabling us to know things about our environments. His work on meaning and truth has played an important role in recent discussions of the extent to which sentence meaning can be accounted for in terms of truth-conditions. His work on action and freedom has played a role in some more recent discussions. However, Austin is often aligned with an approach to philosophical questions that focuses heavily on the way we use ordinary language. Many philosophers who are skeptical about the value of that approach are therefore skeptical about the worth of some of Austin’s work.