bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An exploratory analysis of vegetation strategies to reduce shallow landslide activity on loess hillslopes, Northeast Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Hu Xia-song , Brierley Gary , Zhu Hai-li , Li Guo-rong , Fu Jiang-tao , Mao Xiao-qing , Yu Qin-qin , Qiao Na 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Heavy summer rainfall induces significant soil erosion and shallow landslide activity on the loess hillslopes of the Xining Basin at the northeast margin of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This study examines the mechanical effects of five native shrubs that can be used to reduce shallow landslide activity. We measured single root tensile resistance and shear resistance, root anatomical structure and direct shear and triaxial shear for soil without roots and five rootsoil composite systems. Results show that Atriplex canescens (Pursh) Nutt. possessed the strongest roots, followed by Caragana korshinskii Kom., Zygophyllum xanthoxylon (Bunge) Maxim., Nitraria tangutorum Bobr. and Lycium chinense Mill. Single root strength and shear resistance relationships with root diameter are characterized by power or exponential relations, consistent with the Mohr-Coulomb law. Root mechanical strength reflects their anatomical structure, especially the percentage of phloem and xylem cells, and the degree and speed of periderm lignifications. The cohesion force of root-soil composite systems is notably higher than that of soil without roots, with increasing amplitudes of cohesion force for A. canescens, C. korshinskii, Z. xanthoxylon, N. tangutorum and L. chinense of 75.9%, 75.1%, 36.2%, 24.6% and 17.0 % respectively. When subjected to shear forces, the soil without root samples show much greater lateral deformation than the root-soil composite systems, reflecting the restraining effects of roots. Findings from this paper indicate that efforts to reduce shallow landslides in this region by enhancing root reinforcement will be achieved most effectively using A. canescens and C. korshinskii.
Woody species diversity and forest structure from lowland to montane forest in Hyrcanian forest ecoregion
Authors: Jafari Seyed Mohammad , Zarre Shahin , Alavipanah Seyed Kazem 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Alborz Mountains host Caspian Hyrcanian forest ecoregion along the northern slopes and forest steppe ecoregion in highlands. Hyrcanian forest covers the southeastern part of Caucasus biodiversity hotspot and is of great biogeographic importance. Altitudinal pattern and correlation between woody species biodiversity (DIV), forest structure ((stem density (DEN), mean basal area (MBA) and mean height class (MHC)) and disturbance (DIS) were explored along 2,400 m altitudinal gradient in Hyrcanian relict forest, Central Alborz Mountains. Vegetation changes from lowland forest (LoF) to midaltitude forest (MiF) and montane forest (MoF) in this area. The altitudinal gradient was divided into twelve 200 m elevational belts. Point centered quarter method (PCQM) with 96 sampling points and 83 vegetation samples by plot method (PM) were used to record field data. Shannon-Wiener index and Pearson coefficient were used for diversity and correlation analysis. The results showed that DEN decreased linearly, MBA and MHC showed relatively hump shaped and DIS showed a reverse hump shaped pattern of change along altitudinal gradient. Woody species diversity decreased non-steadily from LoF to MoF. Transitional vegetations of Carpinus-Fagus and Fagus-Quercus represented higher diversity of woody taxa compared to adjacent homogenous communities. Significant correlation was observed between altitude and all parameters: DEN with MBA, DIS and DIV; MBA with DIS; MHC with DIS along with DIV; and DIS with DIV at the study area scale. Surprisingly, correlation between studied parameters differed within each vegetation type. Altitude probably acts as a proxy for human and environmental driving forces in this area. Stability of warm and wet condition, season length, soil depth along with forest accessibility probably influences the altitudinal pattern of the studied parameters. Disturbance affects forest structure and consequently diversity; especially in lowlands. The obtained results recommend using both forest biodiversity and mensuration data in management process of forest ecosystems.
A pilot study of temsirolimus and body composition
Authors: Veasey-Rodrigues Heloisa , Parsons Henrique A. , Janku Filip , Naing Aung , Wheler Jennifer J. , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Kurzrock Razelle 
Published: July 2013

PurposeBody weight and composition play a role in cancer etiology, prognosis, and treatment response. Therefore, we analyzed the weight, body composition changes, and outcome in patients treated with temsirolimus, an mTor inhibitor that has weight loss as one of its side effects.Patients and methodsSixteen patients with advanced solid tumors treated with temsirolimus were studied; body composition was evaluated utilizing computerized tomography images. Sarcopenia was defined as skeletal muscle index lower than 38.5 cm2/m2 for women and 52.4 cm2/m2 for men.ResultsFive of 16 patients (31 %) were men; median age, 60 years. Forty‐four percent (7/16) of patients were sarcopenic. Fatigue, anemia, hyperglycemia, and hyperlipidemia were common. Baseline sarcopenia and body composition did not correlate with worse toxicity or treatment outcome. However, there was a trend for greater loss of adipose area (p = 0.07), fat mass (p = 0.09), and adipose index (p = 0.07) for patients with grade 3 or 4 toxicities versus those with grade 1 and 2 side effects.ConclusionPatients with higher grade toxicities tended to lose more body fat, suggesting a possible end‐organ metabolic effect of temsirolimus. These observations merit exploration in a larger cohort of patients.
Lower urinary tract symptoms following female genital mutilation
Authors: Amin Magdy M. , Rasheed Salah , Salem Esam 
Published: July 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate the prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) following female genital mutilation (FGM).MethodsA hospital‐based, cross‐sectional study was conducted from January 1, 2009, through January 1, 2012, at the urogynecology clinic of Sohag University Hospital. The participants were 251 women who had undergone different forms of FGM.ResultsA total of 251 women agreed to participate. All had the clitoris amputated, 7.1% had some form of mutilation to the labia majora, 33.8% had adhesions of the labia minora, 19.2% had clitoral retention cysts, and 38.8% reported at least 1 LUTS. Nocturia (38.6%) was the most prevalent LUTS, intermittency (23.5%) was the most prevalent voiding LUTS, and incomplete voiding (22.7%) was the most common post‐micturition LUTS. All 3 types of LUTS were reported by 11.6% of the women. Those with Type II and Type III FGM had a significantly higher risk of having all 3 LUTS than those with Type I.ConclusionWomen with FGM are significantly more likely to have LUTS than women without FGM, and LUTS seem to be more burdensome in those with more extensive FGM.
Increased risk of dementia in people with previous exposure to general anesthesia: A nationwide population‐based case–control study
Authors: Chen Chia‐Wen , Lin Che‐Chen , Chen Kuen‐Bao , Kuo Yu‐Cheng , Li Chi‐Yuan , Chung Chi‐Jung 
Published: July 2013

AbstractBackgroundDementia, which leads to disability, is one of the important diseases occurring among older populations. However, the exact mechanism of the disease remains unknown. The potential risk factor of general anesthesia (GA) in the development of dementia is a controversial topic. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the association between previous exposure to different GA types and the incidence of dementia.MethodsUsing the claims data of 1 million insured residents covered by Taiwan's universal health insurance from 2005 to 2009, 5345 newly diagnosed dementia patients older than 50 years were eligible for the study group. The control group, which consisted of 21,380 individuals without dementia, was matched for age, gender, and index date. GA was categorized into three subtypes: endotracheal tube intubation general anesthesia (ETGA), intravenous injection general anesthesia (IVGA) or intramuscular injection general anesthesia (IMGA), and heavy sedation. The multiple logistic regression model was used for analyses.ResultsIndividuals exposed to surgery under ETGA (odds ratio [OR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25–1.44) and those exposed to surgery under IVGA or IMGA (OR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.14–1.43) were at significantly higher risk of dementia in a dose–response relationship (P < .0001), whereas surgery under heavy sedation was not associated with increased risk of dementia (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.68–1.59). The dementia risk for subjects with diabetes mellitus who received surgery under ETGA (OR, 1.59; 95% CI, 1.42–1.78), hypertension (OR, 1.98; 95% CI, 1.78–2.21), atherosclerosis (OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.22–1.50), or after having experienced a stroke (OR, 3.52; 95% CI, 3.13–3.97), but no interaction was found between surgery under ETGA and depression for the risk of dementia.ConclusionsA history of previous exposure to surgery under GA might be associated with an increased risk of dementia, particularly in subjects who have undergone repeated exposure to GA. In addition, subjects who had received surgery under ETGA with comorbidities such as stroke, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and atherosclerosis could have a potential relationship with dementia risk.
The Risk of Bloodstream Infection Associated with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters Compared with Central Venous Catheters in Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Chopra Vineet , O'Horo John C. , Rogers Mary A. M. , Maki Dennis G. , Safdar Nasia 
Published: July 2013

Background.Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are associated with central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). The magnitude of this risk relative to central venous catheters (CVCs) is unknown.Objective.To compare risk of CLABSI between PICCs and CVCs.MethodsMEDLINE, CinAHL, Scopus, EmBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched. Full-text studies comparing the risk of CLABSI between PICCs and CVCs were included. Studies involving adults 18 years of age or older who underwent insertion of a PICC or a CVC and reported CLABSI were included in our analysis. Studies were evaluated using the Downs and Black scale for risk of bias. Random effects meta-analyses were used to generate summary estimates of CLABSI risk in patients with PICCs versus CVCs.Results.Of 1,185 studies identified, 23 studies involving 57,250 patients met eligibility criteria. Twenty of 23 eligible studies reported the total number of CLABSI episodes in patients with PICCs and CVCs. Pooled meta-analyses of these studies revealed that PICCs were associated with a lower risk of CLABSI than were CVCs (relative risk [RR], 0.62; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.40-0.94). Statistical heterogeneity prompted subgroup analysis, which demonstrated that CLABSI reduction was greatest in outpatients (RR [95% CI], 0.22 [0.18-0.27]) compared with hospitalized patients who received PICCs (RR [95% CI], 0.73 [0.54-0.98]). Thirteen of the included 23 studies reported CLABSI per catheter-day. Within these studies, PICC-related CLABSI occurred as frequently as CLABSI from CVCs (incidence rate ratio [95% CI], 0.91 [0.46-1.79]).Limitations.Only 1 randomized trial met inclusion criteria. CLABSI definition and infection prevention strategies were variably reported. Few studies reported infections by catheter-days.Conclusions.Although PICCs are associated with a lower risk of CLABSI than CVCs in outpatients, hospitalized patients may be just as likely to experience CLABSI with PICCs as with CVCs. Consideration of risks and benefits before PICC use in inpatient settings is warranted.
mpMoRFsDB: a database of molecular recognition features in membrane proteins
Authors: Gypas Foivos , Tsaousis Georgios N. , Hamodrakas Stavros J. 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Summary: Molecular recognition features (MoRFs) are small, intrinsically disordered regions in proteins that undergo a disorder-to-order transition on binding to their partners. MoRFs are involved in protein–protein interactions and may function as the initial step in molecular recognition. The aim of this work was to collect, organize and store all membrane proteins that contain MoRFs. Membrane proteins constitute ∼30% of fully sequenced proteomes and are responsible for a wide variety of cellular functions. MoRFs were classified according to their secondary structure, after interacting with their partners. We identified MoRFs in transmembrane and peripheral membrane proteins. The position of transmembrane protein MoRFs was determined in relation to a protein’s topology. All information was stored in a publicly available mySQL database with a user-friendly web interface. A Jmol applet is integrated for visualization of the structures. mpMoRFsDB provides valuable information related to disorder-based protein–protein interactions in membrane proteins.
Availability: http://bioinformatics.biol.uoa.gr/mpMoRFsDB
Contact: shamodr@biol.uoa.gr
Robotic Guidance for S2-Alar-Iliac Screws in Spinal Deformity Correction
Authors: Bederman S. Samuel , Hahn Peter , Colin Vincent , Kiester P. Douglas , Bhatia Nitin N. 
Published: July 2013

Study Design:
A retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent S2-alar-iliac (S2AI) screw insertion using robotic guidance in long constructs for spinal deformity correction extending to the sacrum performed at a single institution.

Objective:
To assess and evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of robotic guidance for S2AI screw insertion.

Summary of Background Data:
Pelvic fixation has become a common adjunct to long fusions extending to the sacrum. The S2AI method possesses advantages over the traditional Galveston technique. S2AI involves finding a pathway from S2 across the sacral ala and the sacroiliac joint into the ilium. Robotic guidance is a new modality for implant insertion that has shown high accuracy.

Methods:
We identified all patients who underwent robotic-guided S2AI screw insertion in long constructs extending to the sacrum. Cortical breaches and protrusions, assessed on postoperative imaging, and complications were recorded.

Results:
Fourteen patients (31 screws) underwent S2AI screw insertion using robotic guidance and free-hand probing. Average screw length was 80 mm (range, 65–90 mm). All trajectories were confirmed as accurate (no proximal breaches). Screw insertion, performed manually, resulted in 10 protrusions <2 mm, 1 by 2–4 mm, and 6 by ≥4 mm. No screw was intrapelvic or risked any visceral or neurovascular structures and none required removal or revision. Longer screws (>80 mm) were associated with distal protrusion.

Conclusions:
Robotic-guided S2AI screws are accurate and a feasible option. Although no complications from protrusion were identified, larger studies and instrumentation modifications are required to assess the clinical acceptance of robotic guidance in sacropelvic fixation.
The Identification of Two Arabinosyltransferases from Tomato Reveals Functional Equivalency of Xyloglucan Side Chain Substituents
Authors: Schultink Alex , Cheng Kun , Park Yong Bum , Cosgrove Daniel J. , Pauly Markus 
Published: July 2013

Abstract
Xyloglucan (XyG) is the dominant hemicellulose present in the primary cell walls of dicotyledonous plants. Unlike Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) XyG, which contains galactosyl and fucosyl substituents, tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) XyG contains arabinofuranosyl residues. To investigate the biological function of these differing substituents, we used a functional complementation approach. Candidate glycosyltransferases were identified from tomato by using comparative genomics with known XyG galactosyltransferase genes from Arabidopsis. These candidate genes were expressed in an Arabidopsis mutant lacking XyG galactosylation, and two of them resulted in the production of arabinosylated XyG, a structure not previously found in this plant species. These genes may therefore encode XyG arabinofuranosyltransferases. Moreover, the addition of arabinofuranosyl residues to the XyG of this Arabidopsis mutant rescued a growth and cell wall biomechanics phenotype, demonstrating that the function of XyG in plant growth, development, and mechanics has considerable flexibility in terms of the specific residues in the side chains. These experiments also highlight the potential of reengineering the sugar substituents on plant wall polysaccharides without compromising growth or viability.
Aphid performance and population development on their host plants is affected by weed–crop interactions
Authors: Dahlin Iris , Ninkovic Velemir 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Some farming practices, like organic farming, lead to greater numbers of weed plants in crop fields. These fields may give us some insights into any benefits that may be gained from biodiversity (e.g. improved pest control services) and allow us to understand the mechanisms behind crop–weed interactions.

The influence of two common weeds, lamb's‐quarters Chenopodium album and charlock Sinapis arvensis, on performance of the bird cherry‐oat aphid Rhopalosiphum padi in spring‐sown barley Hordeum vulgare is evaluated in three field experiments. Observations in field experiments indicated that the presence of S. arvensis reduced aphid population development in the barley crop significantly, but this effect was not observed in barley grown with C. album.

Observed effects in the field were further studied in laboratory experiments with regard to aphid growth and reproductive performance. Above‐ and below‐ground interactions of S. arvensis and C. album with barley were tested using twin‐exposure cages. Aphid performance was negatively affected when barley plants had root contact with S. arvensis. The results of these laboratory experiments showed a difference in mode of action of the two weeds.

Synthesis and applications. The results support the potential of associated resistance, mediated by neighbouring plants, in minimizing herbivore damage of focal plants and highlighted the mechanism by which herbivores might be affected. Since chemical exchange between plant neighbours can potentially occur in any plant community, increased understanding could be valuable for existing and new agroecosystems, invasion biology and sustainable crop production. To get a balance between herbicide and insecticide control, agricultural production systems need to focus on the thresholds of weed and insect tolerance, taking the associated resistance of biodiversity (here weeds) into account. Agricultural biodiversity may provide many long‐term benefits over monoculture, from reducing pesticide pollution to preventing insecticide resistance. Our study is an important step forward in general understanding of the effects of vegetational diversity on herbivore population dynamics.
Greener pastures? High‐density feeding aggregations of green turtles precipitate species shifts in seagrass meadows
Authors: Kelkar Nachiket , Arthur Rohan , Marbà Núria , Alcoverro Teresa 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Historical declines of marine megaherbivores have led to a view of seagrass communities structured largely by abiotic disturbance and plant competition. There is, however, growing recognition of the significance of top‐down control through herbivory, on seagrass ecosystem processes, raising the question of how meadows functioned under historically high populations of megaherbivores.

We assess the impacts of such intense herbivory on seagrass meadow composition in the Lakshadweep islands (India), where high‐density feeding aggregations of green turtles have persisted for over a decade. We use a series of complementary approaches: (i) natural herbivory exclosures (ii) published data on seagrass composition before and after turtles established (at one atoll: Agatti) and (iii) present species composition along a turtle herbivory gradient over multiple atolls.

Long‐term natural exclosures in Agatti indicated that sustained turtle grazing caused clear shifts in species dominance from the long‐lived, higher‐successional Thalassia hemprichii to the relatively short‐lived, pioneering species Cymodocea rotundata (dominant in grazed areas). T. hemprichii was the dominant species c. 20 years ago but is now restricted to areas within exclosures in Agatti, and to the least grazed meadows (<5%) in other atolls.

We conducted field experiments to identify possible mechanisms by which herbivory mediated direct or apparent competitive interactions between seagrass species. To verify if grazing reduced growth rates of T. hemprichii in comparison with C. rotundata, we conducted clipping experiments in 1m2 plots, simulating turtle herbivory on equal shoot proportions of both species. After 4 months, T. hemprichii shoot density showed major declines in clipped vs. control plots, but C. rotundata shoot density remained relatively unaffected.

To test whether selective grazing on T. hemprichii facilitated C. rotundata, we established paired seagrass preference experiments. Turtles had clear preferences for T. hemprichii (64%), but also grazed on C. rotundata.

Synthesis. Taken together, our results show that high‐impact turtle herbivory changes seagrass composition, precipitating dominance shifts in grazed meadows by mediating direct and apparent competition. Given the crucial role of megaherbivores in seagrass meadow functioning, our results suggest that past meadows may have had natural functional limits to megaherbivore densities that they could sustainably support.
Fine root biomass and dynamics in beech forests across a precipitation gradient – is optimal resource partitioning theory applicable to water‐limited mature trees?
Authors: Hertel Dietrich , Strecker Tanja , Müller‐Haubold Hilmar , Leuschner Christoph 
Published: July 2013

Summary

Optimal resource partitioning theory predicts that plants should increase the ratio between water absorbing and transpiring surfaces under short water supply. An increase in fine root mass and surface area relative to leaf area has frequently been found in herbaceous plants, but supporting evidence from mature trees is scarce and several results are contradictory.

In 12 mature Fagus sylvatica forests across a precipitation gradient (820–540 mm yr−1), we tested several predictions of the theory by analysing the dependence of standing fine root biomass, fine root production and fine root morphology on mean annual precipitation (MAP), the precipitation of the study year, and stand structural and edaphic variables. The water storage capacity of the soil (WSC) was included as a covariable by comparing pairs of stands on sandy (lower WSC) and loam‐richer soils (higher WSC).

Fine root biomass, total fine root surface area, fine root production and the fine root : leaf biomass production ratio markedly increased with reduced MAP and precipitation in the study year, while WSC was only a secondary factor and stand structure had no effect.

The precipitation effect on fine root biomass and production was more pronounced in stands on sandy soil with lower WSC, which had, at equal precipitation, a higher fine root biomass and productivity than stands on loam‐richer soil.

The high degree of allocational plasticity in mature F. sylvatica trees contrasts with a low morphological plasticity of the fine roots. On the more extreme sandy soils, a significant decrease in mean fine root diameter and increase in specific root area with decreasing precipitation were found; a similar effect was absent on the loam‐richer soils.

Synthesis. In support of optimal partitioning theory, mature Fagus sylvatica trees showed a remarkable allocational plasticity as a long‐term response to significant precipitation reduction with a large increase in the size and productivity of the fine root system, while only minor adaptive modifications occurred in root morphology. More severe summer droughts in a future warmer climate may substantially alter the above‐/below‐ground C partitioning of this tree species with major implications for the forest C cycle.