bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pinus ponderosaalters nitrogen dynamics and diminishes the climate footprint in natural ecosystems ofPatagonia
Authors: Hess Laura J. T. , Austin Amy T. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryUnderstanding climate effects on plant–soil interactions in terrestrial ecosystems remains challenging due to the fact that floristic composition covaries with climate, particularly along rainfall gradients. It is difficult to separate effects of precipitationper sefrom those mediated indirectly through changes in species composition. As such, afforestation (the intentional planting of woody species) in terrestrial ecosystems provides an ecological opportunity to assess the relative importance of climate and vegetation controls on ecosystem processes.We investigated the impacts of 35 years of afforestation on ecosystemNdynamics, in ecosystems ranging from arid shrub‐steppe to closed‐canopy forest inPatagonia,Argentina. Sites of natural vegetation and adjacent sites planted with a single exotic species,Pinus ponderosa,were identified in five precipitation regimes along a continuous gradient of 250–2200 mm mean annual precipitation (MAP). We evaluatedCandNparameters of vegetation and soil, as well as natural abundance of13Cand15Nin leaves, roots, ectomycorrhizae (EcM) and soils.In natural vegetation, most leaf traits (%N,C:Nratios, leaf mass per area, δ15Nvalues) demonstrated strong significant relationships withMAP, while these relationships were nearly absent in afforested sites. In addition, theEcMof native southern beech and pine trees were significantly enriched in15Nrelative to leaves at all sites where they were present. While soilCandNpools in both vegetation types increased withMAP, overall pool sizes were significantly reduced in afforested sites.Synthesis. Observed relationships between leaf traits and precipitation in natural vegetation may be driven largely by shifts in species composition and plant–soil interactions, rather than direct effects of precipitation. Our results suggest that a change in the species composition of the dominant vegetation is sufficient to alterCandNcycling independently of climate constraints: pine afforestation homogenizedNdynamics across sites spanning an order of magnitude ofMAP. These results highlight the important control of ectomycorrhizal associations in affectingCandNdynamics. Additionally, they serve to demonstrate that altering natural species composition alone is sufficient to cause large, detectable impacts onNturnover independently of direct climate effects.
A model for non‐equilibrium metapopulation dynamics utilizing data on species occupancy, patch ages and landscape history
Authors: Ruete Alejandro , Fritz Örjan , Snäll Tord 
Published: February 2014

SummaryThe distribution pattern of many species reflects the past rather than the current structure of landscapes. Consequently, species are most often not in equilibrium with the current landscape structure. Yet this is a well‐known fact, there is no appropriate approach to estimate the colonization rate of non‐equilibrium species based on only data on the species occurrence pattern in the landscape.We present an approach to estimate the colonization rate of non‐equilibrium metapopulations. The approach requires only data on species presence/absence among its patches (occurrence pattern), data on patch ages and data on the historic distribution of the patches in the landscape. By estimating the past occurrence patterns and colonization events leading to the current pattern of occupied and non‐occupied patches, we estimate the colonization rate, including the dispersal kernel. We also show how to estimate effects of local patch conditions and how to include an independent estimate of the local extinction rate based on other data. We use nine epiphytic lichen species confined to beech trees to illustrate the method.Five species had restricted dispersal range, between 200 and 4700 m, and their colonization rate decreased with increasing fragmentation. Species colonization rates were related to niche width. Among the demographic parameters, the force of colonization was more important than the dispersal range in explaining the colonization rates. Local patch conditions did not explain the colonization probability of any species. In metapopulation projections that did not account for restricted dispersal range, higher future metapopulation sizes were projected.Synthesis. The presented approach uses data on only species occurrence, patch age and landscape history to estimate the species colonization rate and dispersal kernel. It can also utilize independent data on local extinction rate. Rather than identifying factors explaining the occurrence pattern, the model estimates the rate of change in the occurrence pattern. This dynamic modelling allows testing general and applied questions on the dynamics or viability of metapopulations of sessile species. The approach is applicable for species whose distribution pattern reflects the past rather than the current landscape structure, for example, certain epiphytes and ground‐floor plants.
Analytical Methods for Determining Bioavailability and Bioaccessibility of Bioactive Compounds from Fruits and Vegetables: A Review
Authors: Carbonell‐Capella Juana M. , Buniowska Magdalena , Barba Francisco J. , Esteve María J. , Frígola Ana. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractDetermination of bioactive compounds content directly from foodstuff is not enough for the prediction of potential in vivo effects, as metabolites reaching the blood system may be different from the original compounds found in food, as a result of an intensive metabolism that takes place during absorption. Nutritional efficacy of food products may be ensured by the determination of bioaccessibility, which provides valuable information in order to select the appropriate dosage and source of food matrices. However, between all the methods available, there is a need to establish the best approach for the assessment of specific compounds. Comparison between in vivo and in vitro procedures used to determine bioaccessibility and bioavailability is carried out, taking into account the strengths and limitations of each experimental technique, along with an intensive description of actual approaches applied to assess bioaccessibility of bioactive compounds. Applications of these methods for specific bioactive compound's bioaccessibility or bioavailability are also discussed, considering studies regarding the bioavailability of carotenoids, polyphenolic compounds, glucosinolates, vitamin E, and phytosterols.
Factors Influencing the Freeze‐Thaw Stability of Emulsion‐Based Foods
Authors: Degner Brian M. , Chung Cheryl , Schlegel Vicki , Hutkins Robert , McClements David Julian 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMany of the sauces used in frozen meals are oil‐in‐water emulsions that consist of fat droplets dispersed within an aqueous medium. This type of emulsion must remain physically and chemically stable throughout processing, freezing, storage, and defrosting conditions. Knowledge of the fundamental physicochemical mechanisms responsible for the stability of emulsion‐based sauces is needed to design and fabricate high‐quality sauces with the desired sensory attributes. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of the influence of freezing and thawing on the stability of oil‐in‐water emulsions. In particular, it focuses on the influence of product composition (such as emulsifiers, biopolymers, salts, and cryoprotectants), homogenization conditions, and freezing/thawing conditions on the stability of emulsions. The information contained in this review may be useful for optimizing the design of emulsion‐based sauces for utilization in commercial food products.
Food‐Originating ACE Inhibitors, Including Antihypertensive Peptides, as Preventive Food Components in Blood Pressure Reduction
Authors: Iwaniak Anna , Minkiewicz Piotr , Darewicz Małgorzata 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThis work is a literature overview on angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory/antihypertensive peptides in food protein sources. The following aspects related to peptides with the above‐mentioned bioactivity are discussed: (i) mechanism of action of ACE, (ii) the structural character of ACE inhibitors/antihypertensive peptide sequences determined by different methods, including quantitative structure–activity relationship studies, (iii) their food sources, (iv) absorption of peptides, (v) in vitro and in vivo approaches involved in the production and potential release of peptide ACE inhibitors as well as in silico methods applied in research concerning peptides.
Listeria monocytogenes in Vacuum‐Packed Smoked Fish Products: Occurrence, Routes of Contamination, and Potential Intervention Measures
Authors: Tocmo Restituto , Krizman Katja , Khoo Wei Jie , Phua Li Kai , Kim Minjeong , Yuk Hyun‐Gyun 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready‐to‐eat (RTE) fish products is well documented and represents an important food safety concern. Contamination of this pathogen in vacuum‐packed (VP) smoked fish products at levels greater than the RTE food limit (100 CFU/g) has been traced to factors such as poor sanitary practices, contaminated processing environments, and temperature abuse during prolonged storage in retail outlets. Intervention technologies including physical, biological, and chemical techniques have been studied to control transmission of L. monocytogenes to these products. High‐pressure processing, irradiation, and pulsed UV‐light treatment have shown promising results. Potential antilisterial effects of some sanitizers and combined chemical preservatives have also been demonstrated. Moreover, the concept of biopreservation, use of bioactive packaging, and a combination of different intervention technologies, as in the hurdle concept, are also under consideration. In this review, the prevalence, routes of contamination, and potential intervention technologies to control transmission of L. monocytogenes in VP smoked fish products are discussed.
2013 IFT International Food Nanoscience Conference: Proceedings
Authors: Newsome Rosetta 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThe Institute of Food Technologists convened its 6th Intl. Food Nanoscience Conference in Chicago July 12 to 13, 2013. The objectives were to: (1) serve as a unique forum for exchange of insights into research developments, technology trends and applications, and risk and safety assessments; and (2) facilitate dialogue examining potential policy implications, social issues, consumer perceptions, and risk communication. An inaugural student poster competition was held to engage students who are actively involved in nanoscience‐related research. John DiLoreto presented the first of 2 keynote presentations, providing an overarching big picture of the current utility of nanotechnology in multiple industry sectors. Frans Kampers and Rickey Yada presented the 2nd keynote—a global perspective of applications for the food system and information on research and other trends. Shaun Clancy addressed activities and perspectives outside the United States. Others addressed ultraviolet light as a sustainable means for improving safety and quality of liquid dairy products (Gail Barnes), the sustainable synthesis of nanomaterials (Rajender Varma), safety evaluation of nanomaterials (Michael Adams), developments relating to safety assessment of engineered nanomaterials and the NanoCharacter initiative (Richard Canady), the NanoRelease project (Richard Canady, Steve Roberts, Rickey Yada, Susann Bellmann, and Timothy Duncan), application of a gastrointestinal model for studying the behavior of nanosized layered double hydroxides (Susann Bellmann), capability of nanodelivery systems to improve bioavailability of bioactives (Lacey Simon), potential benefits of applications of nanoscience in food contact materials (Timothy Duncan), food safety implications of nanoscience (Frans Kampers), and consumer perceptions of food nanoscience (Mitchell Cheeseman).
Antidiarrheal Effect of Food Fermented by Various Strains of Lactobacillus
Authors: Shafi Afshan , Farooq Umar , Akram Kashif , Jaskani Mahgul , Siddique Farzana , Tanveer Amna 
Published: February 2014

Abstract Various Lactobacillus species possess antidiarrheal properties due to their probiotic effects and could be utilized in the form of fermented foods for the treatment of diarrheal disease. Diarrhea is the condition of having 3 or more loose or watery bowel movements per day. This disease is a global problem causing several million deaths each year, and the major victims are children. So its prevention and control is crucial. For the treatment of diarrheal disease, antibiotics and oral rehydration solutions are used, but these therapies are not always effective to reduce the duration and frequency of diarrhea and of increase consistency. Recent studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of the natural mode (fermented food) of disease management because of its easy availability, low cost, and efficacy against diarrhea.
Effects of Azilsartan Compared to Other Angiotensin Receptor Blockers on Left Ventricular Hypertrophy and the Sympathetic Nervous System in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Kusuyama Takanori , Ogata Hirohito , Takeshita Hiroaki , Kohno Hiroaki , Shimodozono Shinichi , Iida Hidetaka , Tsukazaki Takashi 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events, and most patients with hypertension are administered antihypertensive drugs. However, not all patients achieve normal blood pressure levels. The new angiotensin receptor blocker azilsartan (Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Osaka, Japan) has been reported to have a strong hypotensive effect. Our study investigated the efficacy of azilsartan compared with other angiotensin receptor blockers. This study included 17 hypertensive patients on HD, who had been administered angiotensin receptor blockers, except for azilsartan, for more than 6 months before enrolling, and after enrollment, they were switched to azilsartan. Blood tests, Holter electrocardiogram, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and echocardiography were performed at baseline and at the 6‐month follow‐up. The blood pressure from baseline to 6 months had significantly decreased (24‐h systolic blood pressure from 150.9 ± 16.2 mm Hg to 131.3 ± 21.7 mm Hg, P = 0.008), awakening time systolic blood pressure from 152.1 ± 16.9 mm Hg to 131.7 ± 23.2 mm Hg, P = 0.01, sleep‐time systolic blood pressure from 148.1 ± 19.7 mm Hg to 130.0 ± 20.1 mm Hg, P = 0.005). There was a significant reduction in serum noradrenaline levels as well as left ventricular mass index after switching to azilsartan (from 550.1 ± 282.9 pg/mL, to 351.7 ± 152.3 pg/mL, P = 0.002; from 117.0 ± 26.4 g/m2 to 111.3 ± 23.9 g/m2, P = 0.01, respectively). Azilsartan had a significantly stronger hypotensive effect than other angiotensin receptor blockers. Thus, the switch to azilsartan might improve prognosis of hemodialysis patients. We suggest that the strong anti‐hypertensive effect of azilsartan originated from a combination of primary angiotensin receptor blocker class‐effect and a stronger suppression of sympathetic nervous system.
New Material of Feilongus (Reptilia: Pterosauria) from the Lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of Western Liaoning
Authors: WANG Xuri , SHEN Caizhi , GAO Chunling , JIN Kemo 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBased on a new nearly naturally preserved skull and four cervical vertebrae of the pterosaur Feilongus sp. from the lower Cretaceous Jiufotang Formation of Beipiao, western Liaoning province, northeastern China, the diagnosis of Feilongus is amended. The revised diagnosis notes long, curved, needle‐shaped teeth that are confined to the jaw far anterior to the nasoantorbital fenestra; posterior teeth that are slightly smaller than the anterior teeth; cervical vertebrae elongated with a ratio of length to width greater than 5; tooth number of about 78; and two cranial sagittal crests.
Tumor response and clinical toxicity associated with second‐line chemotherapy regimens for advanced non‐squamous non‐small cell lung cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hu Chengping , Wang Yan , Chen Jianhua , Wu Shengqi , Li Xiaoling , Wang Yuqin , Yang Yicheng , Rajan Narayan , Papadimitropoulos Manny , Xiao Qiong , Zhan Huan , Chen Wendong 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundPreviously reported superior tumor response of pemetrexed in the second‐line setting for advanced non‐squamous non‐small cell lung cancer (advNS‐NSCLC) has never been confirmed in real‐world studies. Platinum‐based doublet is frequently used in the second‐line setting for advanced NSCLC in China.MethodsA retrospective cohort study was conducted including patients receiving pemetrexed or docetaxel‐based chemotherapy in the second‐line setting for advNS‐NSCLC in four Chinese tertiary care hospitals. Propensity score matched treatment groups were created for head‐to‐head comparisons on best tumor response and clinical toxicity. Multiple regression analyses were performed to rank the impact of the four regimens on the risks of tumor progression and hematological adverse events.ResultsThree hundred and eighty‐four patients were included for creating matched treatment groups for pemetrexed versus platinum/pemetrexed (33 pairs), docetaxel (17 pairs), and platinum/docetaxel (29 pairs), respectively. No significant differences were identified for best tumor response between pemetrexed and the other three regimens. However, pemetrexed was associated with significantly fewer patients experiencing anemia (39.4% vs. 69.7%, P = 0.004) and neutropenia (6.1% vs. 30.3%, P = 0.021) than platinum/pemetrexed. Multiple regression analyses indicated that pemetrexed was associated with significantly slower tumor progression (hazard ratio 0.628, P = 0.040) and a significantly lower risk of neutropenia (odds ratio 0.132, P = 0.019) than docetaxel.ConclusionsPemetrexed was associated with significantly postponed tumor progression and significantly less hematological toxicity than docetaxel in the real‐world second‐line setting for advNS‐NSCLC in Chinese patients. Pemetrexed monotherapy had comparable tumor response, but significantly less hematological toxicity than pemetrexed‐based doublet.
Altered proteome turnover and remodeling by short‐term caloric restriction or rapamycin rejuvenate the aging heart
Authors: Dai Dao‐Fu , Karunadharma Pabalu P. , Chiao Ying A. , Basisty Nathan , Crispin David , Hsieh Edward J. , Chen Tony , Gu Haiwei , Djukovic Danijel , Raftery Daniel , Beyer Richard P. , MacCoss Michael J. , Rabinovitch Peter S. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryChronic caloric restriction (CR) and rapamycin inhibit the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, thereby regulating metabolism and suppressing protein synthesis. Caloric restriction or rapamycin extends murine lifespan and ameliorates many aging‐associated disorders; however, the beneficial effects of shorter treatment on cardiac aging are not as well understood. Using a recently developed deuterated‐leucine labeling method, we investigated the effect of short‐term (10 weeks) CR or rapamycin on the proteomics turnover and remodeling of the aging mouse heart. Functionally, we observed that short‐term CR and rapamycin both reversed the pre‐existing age‐dependent cardiac hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction. There was no significant change in the cardiac global proteome (823 proteins) turnover with age, with a median half‐life 9.1 days in the 5‐month‐old hearts and 8.8 days in the 27‐month‐old hearts. However, proteome half‐lives of old hearts significantly increased after short‐term CR (30%) or rapamycin (12%). This was accompanied by attenuation of age‐dependent protein oxidative damage and ubiquitination. Quantitative proteomics and pathway analysis revealed an age‐dependent decreased abundance of proteins involved in mitochondrial function, electron transport chain, citric acid cycle, and fatty acid metabolism as well as increased abundance of proteins involved in glycolysis and oxidative stress response. This age‐dependent cardiac proteome remodeling was significantly reversed by short‐term CR or rapamycin, demonstrating a concordance with the beneficial effect on cardiac physiology. The metabolic shift induced by rapamycin was confirmed by metabolomic analysis.
Stress Abolishes the Effect of Previous Chronic Ethanol Consumption on Drug Place Preference and on the Mesocorticolimbic Brain Pathway
Authors: Moreira‐Silva Daniel , Morais‐Silva Gessynger , Fernandes‐Santos Juliana , Planeta Cleopatra S. , Marin Marcelo T. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundConditioned place preference (CPP) to ethanol (EtOH) is an important addiction‐related alteration thought to be mediated by changed neurotransmission in the mesocorticolimbic brain pathway. Stress is a factor of major importance for the initiation, maintenance, and reinstatement of drug abuse and modulates the neurochemical outcomes of drugs. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of concomitant exposure to chronic EtOH and stress on CPP to this drug and alterations of dopaminergic and serotonergic neurotransmission in mice.MethodsMale Swiss mice were chronically treated with EtOH via a liquid diet and were exposed to forced swimming stress. After treatment, animals were evaluated for conditioning, extinction, and reinstatement of CPP to EtOH. Also, mice exposed to the same treatment protocol had their prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc), and amygdala dissected for the quantitation of dopamine, serotonin, and their metabolites content.ResultsData showed that previous chronic exposure to EtOH potentiated EtOH conditioning and increased dopaminergic turnover in PFC. Exposure to stress potentiated EtOH conditioning and decreased dopaminergic turnover in the NAc. However, animals exposed to both chronic EtOH and stress did not display alterations of CPP and showed an elevated content of dopamine in amygdala. No treatment yielded serotonergic changes.ConclusionsThe present study indicates that previous EtOH consumption as well as stress exposure induces increased EtOH conditioning, which can be related to dopaminergic alterations in the PFC or NAc. Interestingly, concomitant exposure to both stimuli abolished each other's effect on conditioning and PFC or NAc alterations. This protective outcome can be related to the dopaminergic increase in the amygdala.
Influence of needle gauge used for venipuncture on automated platelet count and coagulation profile in dogs
Authors: Greenwell CM , Epstein SE , Brain PH 
Published: February 2014

ObjectiveTo determine if differing gauge (G) needles used for venipuncture altered the automated platelet count and coagulation profile (prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT)) in clinically healthy dogs.DesignProspective, observational, randomised, clinical study.MethodsWe enrolled 20 clinically healthy dogs. Blood was collected via direct venipuncture of the jugular veins with 21G, 23Gand 25Gneedles in a random order. Automated haematology and automated coagulation times were performed on the blood samples. Values were analysed for differences among the needle gauges and also the order of sample collection.ResultsNo difference was found in the automated platelet count or automated coagulation times for the three needle gauges used or the order in which the samples were collected.ConclusionVenipuncture can be performed with a 21G, 23Gor 25Gneedle to obtain blood from dogs for automated platelet count andPT/aPTTmeasurement without affecting the results.