bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Functional constraints on the evolution of long butterfly proboscides: lessons from Neotropical skippers (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae)
Authors: Bauder J. A. S. , Morawetz L. , Warren A. D. , Krenn H. W. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractExtremely long proboscides are rare among butterflies outside of the Hesperiidae, yet representatives of several genera of skipper butterflies possess proboscides longer than 50 mm. Although extremely elongated mouthparts can be regarded as advantageous adaptations to gain access to nectar in deep‐tubed flowers, the scarcity of long‐proboscid butterflies is a phenomenon that has not been adequately accounted for. So far, the scarceness was explained by functional costs arising from increased flower handling times caused by decelerated nectar intake rates. However, insects can compensate for the negative influence of a long proboscis through changes in the morphological configuration of the feeding apparatus. Here, we measured nectar intake rates in 34 species representing 21 Hesperiidae genera from a Costa Rican lowland rainforest area to explore the impact of proboscis length, cross‐sectional area of the food canal and body size on intake rate. Long‐proboscid skippers did not suffer from reduced intake rates due to their large body size and enlarged food canals. In addition, video analyses of the flower‐visiting behaviour revealed that suction times increased with proboscis length, suggesting that long‐proboscid skippers drink a larger amount of nectar from deep‐tubed flowers. Despite these advantages, we showed that functional costs of exaggerated mouthparts exist in terms of longer manipulation times per flower. Finally, we discuss the significance of scaling relationships on the foraging efficiency of butterflies and why some skipper taxa, in particular, have evolved extremely long proboscides.
Preserving Strawberry Quality by Employing Novel Food Preservation and Processing Techniques – Recent Updates and Future Scope – An Overview
Authors: Bhat Rajeev , Stamminger Rainer 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAppropriate use of currently available food processing and preservation techniques in a sustainable way is the need of the hour. Strawberry fruits have gained popularity worldwide for their unique taste, aroma and mouthfeel, and earn huge foreign exchequer for the growing region. Owing to higher perishability and shorter shelf life, freshly harvested strawberries need to be preserved instantaneously. There are many challenges concerning the safety and quality of strawberries which are faced during pre‐ and postharvest stages. In the present review, we are highlighting a few pros and cons of some of the available preservation technologies and how this can be used to preserve and extend the shelf life of freshly harvested strawberries.Practical ApplicationsIt is envisaged that providing details on the available techniques and identifying major gaps (on practical application) of these techniques can benefit the farming community, consumers and the dependent industry.
Moisture Sorption Isotherm and Glass Transition Temperature of Date Powder in Terms of Various Model Systems
Authors: Sadeghi M. , Mehryar E. , Razavi J. , Mireei S.A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractIn this study, water sorption isotherm for date powder of Istameran variety was obtained using static gravimetric method. Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer model was adequately fitted to the whole range of water activities and the model parameters were estimated within a reasonable range. The monolayer moisture contents for Brunauer, Emmett and Teller model and Guggenheim, Anderson and de Boer model were obtained to be 3.97 and 0.147 gwater/gdry solids, respectively. The modeling procedure for predicting Tg was performed using various model systems including water as well as fructose and glucose as the major sugars found in Istameran. Brostow et al.'s model based on WFG with an even ratio of glucose and fructose showed the best prediction. Moreover, for modeling Tg as a function of Aw, Roos model indicated an acceptable fitting. By increasing the water mass fraction from 0.006 to 0.214, Tg of the samples decreased linearly from 21.5 to −65.7C. The use of the multicomponent mixtures and modeling procedure held a rational approach for theoretical determination of Tg of date powder as a function of water mass fraction as well as Aw.Practical ApplicationsThe present study would be economically advantageous as it explains water sorption isotherm and various model systems for predicting and modeling glass transition temperature for Istameran date powder as one of the most important commercial date varieties. The powder is produced from secondary quality dates. The results are applicable by date powder producing industries during processing and storage for controlling the stickiness.
Multiple linked sustainable drainage systems in hydrological modelling for urban drainage and flood risk management
Authors: Hellmers S. , Manojlović N. , Palmaricciotti G. , Kurzbach S. , Fröhle P. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAssessing the performance of future urban drainage management practices requires novel hydrological modelling approaches that can handle a large number of spatially distributed measures, such as sustainable drainage systems (SUDS). This paper presents the implementation of a SUDS modelling approach in a semidistributed hydrological model that enables the simulation of flow among multiple linked SUDS and meso‐scale retention spaces and the application of this model to an urban catchment. The objectives of the implemented model are the representation of SUDS as model elements with water redistribution functionality as well as its possible integration into a flood risk management tool. The model was applied to quantify the impacts of socio‐economic and climate change in an urban catchment in Hamburg, Germany, under different future scenarios and combinations of SUDS. The results demonstrate the potential of SUDS and multipurpose retention spaces for flood risk mitigation.
Role of the fibroblast growth factor receptor axis in cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ang Celina 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAdvanced cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a highly lethal disease with limited therapeutic options beyond cytotoxic chemotherapy. Molecular profiling of CCA has provided insights into the pathogenesis of this disease and identified potential therapeutic targets. The fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) axis is important for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Aberrations in FGFR activity have been implicated in the development and progression of CCA and other malignancies, which has generated significant interest in exploring FGFR's therapeutic potential. FGFR2 fusion events are present in up to 17% of intrahepatic CCAs and appear to predict sensitivity to FGFR inhibitors even after progression on chemotherapy. These observations have led to a clinical trial evaluating FGFR inhibition in patients with CCA enriched for FGFR alterations. This review summarizes current knowledge about the role of the FGFR pathway in cholangiocarcinogenesis and ongoing work in developing FGFR‐directed therapies as an antineoplastic strategy for CCA.
The alteration in the architecture of a T‐DNA insertion rice mutant osmtd1 is caused by up‐regulation of MicroRNA156f
Authors: Liu Qing , Shen Gezhi , Peng Keqin , Huang Zhigang , Tong Jianhua , Kabir Mohammed Humayun , Wang Jianhui , Zhang Jingzhe , Qin Genji , Xiao Langtao 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPlant architecture is an important factor for crop production. Some members of microRNA156 (miR156) and their target genes SQUAMOSA Promoter‐Binding Protein‐Like (SPL) were identified to play essential roles in the establishment of plant architecture. However, the roles and regulation of miR156 is not well understood yet. Here, we identified a T‐DNA insertion mutant Osmtd1 (Oryza sativa multi‐tillering and dwarf mutant). Osmtd1 produced more tillers and displayed short stature phenotype. We determined that the dramatic morphological changes were caused by a single T‐DNA insertion in Osmtd1. Further analysis revealed that the T‐DNA insertion was located in the gene Os08g34258 encoding a putative inhibitor I family protein. Os08g34258 was knocked out and OsmiR156f was significantly upregulated in Osmtd1. Overexpression of Os08g34258 in Osmtd1 complemented the defects of the mutant architecture, while overexpression of OsmiR156f in wild‐type rice phenocopied Osmtd1. We showed that the expression of OsSPL3, OsSPL12, and OsSPL14 were significantly downregulated in Osmtd1 or OsmiR156f overexpressed lines, indicating that OsSPL3, OsSPL12, and OsSPL14 were possibly direct target genes of OsmiR156f. Our results suggested that OsmiR156f controlled plant architecture by mediating plant stature and tiller outgrowth and may be regulated by an unknown protease inhibitor I family protein.
APLP1 and APLP2, members of the APP family of proteins, behave similarly to APP in that they associate with NMDA receptors and enhance NMDA receptor surface expression
Authors: Cousins Sarah L. , Dai Wei , Stephenson F. Anne 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThe function of amyloid precursor protein (APP) is unknown, although the discovery that it contributes to the regulation of surface expression of N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors has afforded new insights into its functional significance. Since APP is a member of a gene family that contains two other members, amyloid precursor‐like proteins 1 and 2 (APLP1 and APLP2), it is important to determine if the related APP proteins possess the same properties as APP with respect to their interactions with NMDA receptors. Following expression in mammalian cells, both APLP1 and APLP2 behaved similarly to APP in that they both co‐immunoprecipitated with the two major NMDA receptor subtypes, GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B, via interaction with the obligatory GluN1 subunit. Immunoprecipitations from detergent extracts of adult mammalian brain showed co‐immunoprecipitation of APLP1 and APLP2 with GluN2A‐ and GluN2B‐containing NMDA receptors. Furthermore, similarly to APP, APLP1 and APLP2 both enhanced GluN1/GluN2A and GluN1/GluN2B cell surface expression. Thus, all the three members of the APP gene family behave similarly in that they each contribute to the regulation of cell surface NMDA receptor homoeostasis.
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Amyloid precursor protein (APP) has been shown to associate with N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate (NMDA) receptors and to enhance their cell surface expression. Here, we show that the other members of the APP family, APLP1 and APLP2, behave similarly to APP in that they both associate with assembled NMDA receptors in the endoplasmic reticulum via their interaction with the NMDA receptor subunit, GluN1 and, they enhance receptor cell surface expression. Alternative scenarios are depicted since it is to be determined if respective associations are direct.
Caveolin‐1 mediates tissue plasminogen activator‐induced MMP‐9 up‐regulation in cultured brain microvascular endothelial cells
Authors: Jin Xinchun , Sun Yanyun , Xu Ji , Liu Wenlan 
Published: February 2015

AbstractThrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) increases matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activity in the ischemic brain, which exacerbates blood‐brain barrier injury and increases the risk of symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage. The mechanism through which tPA enhances MMP‐9 activity is not well understood. Here we report an important role of caveolin‐1 in mediating tPA‐induced MMP‐9 synthesis. Brain microvascular endothelial cell line bEnd3 cells were incubated with 5 or 20 μg/ml tPA for 24 hrs before analyzing MMP‐9 levels in the conditioned media and cellular extracts by gelatin zymography. tPA at a dose of 20 μg/mL tPA, but not 5 μg/mL, significantly increased MMP‐9 level in cultured media while decreasing it in cellular extracts. Concurrently, tPA treatment induced a 2.3‐fold increase of caveolin‐1 protein levels in endothelial cells. Interestingly, knockdown of Cav‐1 with siRNA inhibited tPA‐induced MMP‐9 mRNA up‐regulation and MMP‐9 increase in the conditioned media, but did not affect MMP‐9 decrease in cellular extracts. These results suggest that caveolin‐1 critically contributes to tPA‐mediated MMP‐9 up‐regulation, but may not facilitate MMP‐9 secretion in endothelial cells.
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Thrombolysis with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) increases matrix metalloproteinase‐9 (MMP‐9) activity in the ischemic brain, which exacerbates ischemic blood brain barrier (BBB) injury and increases the risk of symptomatic cerebral hemorrhage. Our results suggest a novel mechanism underlying this tPA‐MMP 9 axis. In response to tPA treatment, caveolin‐1 protein levels increased in endothelial cells, which mediate MMP‐9 mRNA up‐regulation and its secretion into extracellular space. Caveolin‐1 may, however, not facilitate MMP‐9 secretion in endothelial cells. Our data suggest caveolin‐1 as a novel therapeutic target for protecting the BBB against ischemic damage. The schematic outlines tPA‐induced MMP‐9 upreguation.
Gagging Problem Assessment: a re‐evaluation
Authors: van Linden van den Heuvell G. F. E. C. , de Boer B. , ter Pelkwijk B. J. , Bildt M. M. , Stegenga B. 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThe Gagging Problem Assessment (GPA) is an instrument to evaluate dental gagging. Although the GPA seemed to be reliable and valid in a pilot study, a replication study with more subjects was needed. Based on the pilot study, the number of items was reduced, resulting in the revised version of the GPA (GPA‐R). The aims of this study were to replicate the reliability of the GPA‐R and to investigate the correlation between dental gagging and general anxiety. Dental gagging patients (n = 59) were compared with a control group (n = 17) at t0 and 3 weeks later. The ‘gagging group’ also filled in the SCL‐90 anxiety scale. Gagging‐specific homogenous domains and internal consistency were determined. Stability and distinguishing capacity of the GPA‐R were assessed. SCL‐90‐Anxiety scores were compared with standard values in a non‐clinical population. The GPA‐R patient part was able to reliably discriminate between the absence or the presence of dental gagging. However, the reliability of the GPA‐R‐dentist part was insufficient. The GPA‐R seems to be sensitive to subtle differences in acts of the dentists. To overcome these problems, more detailed and explicit instructions on how to use the GPA‐R should be formulated and more specific gagging stimuli should be included. The ‘gagging group’ reported ‘fear of choking’ significantly more often than the control group (P = 0·008). This finding might be important for the treatment of dental gagging. Considering the outcome of our study, development of a new diagnostic gagging tool needs another approach that focuses on gagging severity.
Expression of interleukin‐33 and its receptorST2 in periapical granulomas and radicular cysts
Authors: Velickovic Milena , Pejnovic Nada , Petrovic Renata , Mitrovic Slobodanka , Jeftic Ilija , Kanjevac Tatjana , Lukic Aleksandra 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundInterleukin‐33 (IL‐33) is a recently identified cytokine belonging to theIL‐1 family and ligand for theIL‐1 receptor‐related proteinST2.IL‐33/ST2 signaling plays a critical role in allergy, autoimmunity, and chronic inflammatory disorders, but its role in the pathogenesis of periapical lesions is unknown. We aimed to investigate the expression patterns ofIL‐33 andST2 in human periapical lesions.MethodsPeriapical lesions (n = 36) and healthy periapical tissues (n = 10) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry using antibodies specific for humanIL‐33 andST2. Lesion samples were further analyzed by double immunofluorescence to assessIL‐33/ST2 co‐expression.ResultsThe numbers ofIL‐33‐ andST2‐positive fibroblasts were significantly higher in periapical lesions compared to healthy periapical tissues (bothP < 0.05), while the numbers ofIL‐33‐ andST2‐positive endothelial cells were similar (bothP > 0.05). There were no significant differences in the numbers ofIL‐33‐ andST2‐positive fibroblasts and endothelial cells between periapical granulomas and radicular cysts (allP > 0.05). Similarly, numbers ofST2‐positive mononuclear cells did not differ between periapical granulomas and radicular cysts (P > 0.05). The majority of epithelial cells in radicular cysts wereIL‐33 positive, while the small proportion of epithelial cells wasST2 positive. Double immunofluorescence analysis revealedIL‐33/ST2 co‐expression in fibroblasts and endothelial cells.ConclusionsIL‐33 andST2 are expressed in periapical granulomas and radicular cysts. Increased numbers ofIL‐33‐ andST2‐positive fibroblasts in periapical lesions when compared to healthy periapical tissues suggest thatIL‐33/ST2 signaling may be involved in periapical inflammation and tissue fibrosis.
Influence of Cement Type and Relining Procedure on Push‐Out Bond Strength of Fiber Posts after Cyclic Loading
Authors: Farina Ana Paula , Chiela Henrique , Carlini‐Junior Bruno , Mesquita Marcelo Ferraz , Miyagaki Daniela Cristina , Randi Ferraz Caio Cezar , Vidal Cristina Mattos Pimenta , Cecchin Doglas 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPurposeThe aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of cement type and relining procedure on push‐out bond strength of fiber posts (FPs) after cyclic loading.Materials and MethodsForty bovine incisor roots were divided into four groups: group 1, FP luting with RelyX Unicem; group 2, FP relined with resin composite (FPC) luting with RelyX Unicem; group 3, FP luting with RelyX ARC; group 4, FPC luting with RelyX ARC. Afterwards, half the specimens were exposed to 250,000 cycles in a controlled chewing simulator. With the other half of the specimens in each group, the push‐out test was performed 24 hours after FP luting (immediate groups). All roots were sectioned transversely, producing 1‐mm‐thick slices, and the push‐out test was performed. Statistical analysis was performed using ANOVA and the Tukey test for post hoc comparisons (α = 0.05).ResultsFPC had higher bond strengths than FP (p < 0.05). RelyX Unicem showed higher bond strength than RelyX ARC (p < 0.05). Cyclic loading did not significantly affect the bond strength value (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe relining procedure and the cement type are important factors for the bond strength of FPs to root dentin.
Engagement of undergraduate medical students of paediatrics in special schools for children with disabilities
Authors: Whitehall John , McCulloch Rebecca , Edwards Matthew , McDonald Jenny 
Published: February 2015

AimsOver 200 000 Australian children suffer significant disability. How should medical students be prepared for this challenge? Community engagement has become fundamental to education, but there is little experience with engagement of undergraduates with children with disabilities. This paper reviews such experience in Western Sydney.MethodsSince 2011, UWS paediatric students have been rotated through local special schools for 2 weeks each term. In 2013, feedback was solicited in a questionnaire from the 129 students involved that year with 109 being returned. It had been solicited from school staff and parents in formal and informal communication from the beginning.ResultsFourteen per cent of students reported no prior exposure to disabled children: 55% only chance, 24% regular and 7% extensive. Thirty‐seven per cent reported greatly increased understanding: 39% moderately, 15% somewhat, 7% a little and 2% not. Forty‐three per cent declared understanding of impact on family greatly increased: 40% moderately, 11% somewhat, 5% a little and 1% not. Twenty‐seven per cent declared greatly increased knowledge of services, 43% moderately, 25% somewhat, 4% a little and 1% none. Fifteen per cent declared greatly increased preparation for caring, 44% moderately, 30% somewhat, 6% a little and 5% none. Thirty‐six per cent declared greatly increased understanding of role of schools, 30% moderately, 20% somewhat, 10% a little, and 2% none and 2% cannot recall. School staff and parents reported very favourably. Problems involved professionalism in students and some fatigue in parents.ConclusionThe engagement has been successful. Professionalism has been emphasised, and rotations have been designed to prevent fatigue.
Vitamin D in preterm infants: A prospective observational study
Authors: Pinto Kieran , Collins Carmel T , Gibson Robert A , Andersen Chad C 
Published: February 2015

AimPreterm infants are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency as a result of both maternal deficiency and inadequate supplementation. The quantity and effectiveness of vitamin D supplementation in preterm infants are unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the natural history of vitamin D status in preterm infants and the effectiveness of the hospital's nutritional practices in meeting current supplementation recommendations.MethodsA prospective observational study was undertaken in the Neonatal Unit at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide. Enrolled infants received a standardised nutrition protocol with emphasis on vitamin D supplementation. The main outcome measure was a comparison of the proportion of vitamin D‐deficient infants (25(OH)D < 50 nmol/L) at birth versus 36 weeks post‐menstrual age/discharge.ResultsTwenty‐eight infants born between 30 and 36 weeks gestation were enrolled. The proportion of vitamin D‐deficient infants decreased from initial to final measurement (32.1% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.016), whereas mean (standard deviation) 25(OH)D3 increased over the same period (58.4 (18.4) versus 82.9 (29.2) nmol/L, P < 0.001). Mean vitamin D intake was 643.6 (285.3) IU/day.ConclusionsCurrent nutritional practices are effective in meeting recommendations regarding vitamin D intake and result in a lower proportion of deficient infants at 36 weeks post‐menstrual age/discharge.
Causality in Contemporary American Sociology: An Empirical Assessment and Critique
Authors: Vaidyanathan Brandon , Strand Michael , Choi‐Fitzpatrick Austin , Buschman Thomas , Davis Meghan , Varela Amanda 
Published: February 2015

AbstractUsing a unique data set of causal usage drawn from research articles published between 2006–2008 in the American Journal of Sociology and American Sociological Review, this article offers an empirical assessment of causality in American sociology. Testing various aspects of what we consider the conventional wisdom on causality in the discipline, we find that (1) “variablistic” or “covering law” models are not the dominant way of making causal claims, (2) research methods affect but do not determine causal usage, and (3) the use of explicit causal language and the concept of “mechanisms” to make causal claims is limited. Instead, we find that metaphors and metaphoric reasoning are fundamental for causal claims‐making in the discipline. On this basis, we define three dominant causal types used in sociology today, which we label the Probabilistic, Initiating and Conditioning types. We theorize this outcome as demonstrating the primary role that cognitive models play in providing inference‐rich metaphors that allow sociologists to map causal relationships on to empirical processes.